Introduction. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img001 In the earlier part of the history of nations, Mytho

ounded by the Naiades, who dance to the joyous shells of the Tritons. In the highest heaven is seated Jupiter, master and

ff nectar, from a cup presented them by the young and beautiful Hebe. In the middle of the great circle shines, with disti

r winding rivers makes. Some part in earth are swallowed up; the most In ample oceans disembogued, are lost: He shades the

ds and meadows reigned, And western winds immortal spring maintained; In following years the bearded corn ensued, From ear

, and a serpent round his waist; while in his hand he carries a harp. In later times he is represented with a scythe. “Un

now write is the earth, and is easy to distinguish from her daughter. In several temples of the ancients, the statues of C

into a pine-tree. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img013 In the mythology of every country, this Deity is fou

rder, through the skies; Here Jove above the rest conspicuous shined, In valour equal to his strength his mind; Erect and

vigour and the voice of men; To let her first in virgin lustre shine, In form a goddess, with a bloom divine; And next the

oddess, with a bloom divine; And next the sire demands Minerva’s aid, In all her various skill to train the maid Bids her

from beneath their lids; and his chin covered with a majestic beard. In one hand the sceptre, in the other a thunderbolt.

, which they asserted had formed one of the vestments of the Goddess. In the spirit of a high mythology, Juno may be consi

ame or symbol whereby to represent an immutable and unchangeable law. In the antique bas-reliefs he is often to be seen, w

ast, prepared to drink: Then thus, being hindered by the rabble race, In accents mild expostulates the case: ‘Water I only

n cords, while to its harmonious tones were raised the walls of Troy. In vain, however, were the sweet sounds of the lyre

n demanded of him to drive his chariot (that of the sun) for one day. In vain Phœbus represented the impropriety of his re

w wreathed with laurels, and his head surrounded with beams of light. In his right hand ‌he holds a bow and arrows; in the

parkled, her hair stood on end, and a shivering ran through her body. In this convulsive state, she spoke the oracles of t

Diana was daughter of Jupiter and Latona, and twin sister to Apollo. In heaven she bore another name, and conducted the c

for him whose sleep Drank in Elysium on the Latmos steep.” Bulwer. In great horror at this transformation, Calista fled

the Ephesians having decreed that his name should never be mentioned. In one of the temples where Diana was worshipped, th

e who might be ambitious of his office, and reckless of his crime. ‌ In another, she had an altar, whereon they immolated

r dappled shadows at my feet; I will be grateful for that simple boon In many a thoughtful verse, and anthem sweet, And bl

f beholding the king of the Gods, arrayed in all his celestial glory. In vain did Jupiter, when pressed by Semele, implore

nsidered as a tutor from whom Bacchus was likely to derive much good. In spite of the education he received through the me

behold with opened eyes, An herd of spotted panthers round him lies, In glaring forms: the grapy clusters spread, On his

th a continual drunkenness, many of them dying of it as of a disease. In the height of their misery they sought the oracle

e!” ……………………………………………………… Thus Roman youth, derived from ruined Troy, In rude Saturnian rhymes express their joy; With tau

their audience please, Deformed with vizards cut from bark of trees: In jolly hymns they praise the god of wine, Whose ea

n high, in honour of the vine A madness so devout the vineyard fills, In hollow valleys, and on rising hills, On whate’er

f his wife, and fabricated arms even for her illegitimate children. “ In this was every art and every charm, To win the wi

ho presided over love, and by whose influence alone, mankind existed. In her sacrifices, and at the festivals celebrated i

rshipped her under the name of Venus Acræa, of Doris, and of Euploca. In her temple of Euploca, at Cnidos, was the most ad

e less ugly than it is usually described. —————— “His hand was known In heaven, by many a towered structure high, Where s

esidence, And sate as princes; Nor was his name unheard, or unadored, In ancient Greece; and in Ausonian land Men called h

rs of dædal art to know, And all the joys from social life that flow; In search no more of casual seats to roam, But rear

eats to roam, But rear with skilful hand the lasting dome.” Horace. In his labours he was assisted by the Cyclops, who a

y were like unto the gods, Save that a single ball of sight was fixed In their mid forehead. Cyclops was their name, From

h the goddess no sooner sate, than she ‌found herself unable to move. In vain the Gods attempted to deliver her; with Vulc

office plies, And unextinguished laughter shakes the skies.” Homer. In the month of August, the Vulcanalia took place at

ed to win the favour of the goddess, by assisting to fill her basket. In revenge, Cupid changed her into a dove. The beaut

ipped her in the belief that she was Venus, visiting the earth.     “ In her bower she lay, like a snow-wreath flung,     

lull the slumb’ring fair: Yet ever and aye, her soul seemed stirred, In dove-like murmurs, as if the bird     Of dreams s

ple couch sweet Psyche laid, Her radiant lips a downy slumber sealed, In light transparent veil alone arrayed, Her bosom’s

he God had raised for her, though few could be so delightful, when, “ In broad pinions from the realms above, Descending C

nxious to view; and stood half shrinking from the desired sight. —— “ In her spiritual divinity, Young Psyche stood the sl

ent, fear, and ecstacy, She hangs enamoured o’er the deity.” Tighe. In the trembling transport which pervaded her, howev

awaking from her trance, The terrors of her fate stood all confessed, In vain she casts around her timid glance, The rudel

ected him, found his lost love, and reproached her for her curiosity. In addition to this, Venus imposed upon Psyche the m

ting with surprise, Saw two fair creatures, couched side by side,      In deepest grass, beneath the whispering roof     Of

h life all other passions fly,         All others are but vanity;      In heaven ambition cannot dwell     Nor avarice in t

he first-born of spring: Like Indian gold waved the bright curls,      In many a sunny ring. “I heard them hymn his name,

oe,     Of weeping, and despair. “I saw a youthful warrior stand      In his first light of fame, His native city, filled

me: “I saw him hurry from the crowd,     And fling his laurel crown, In weariness, in hopelessness,     In utter misery d

d,     And fling his laurel crown, In weariness, in hopelessness,      In utter misery down. “And what the sorrow, then I

to those of Jupiter. “From Jove’s awful head sprang forth to light, In golden panoply superbly dight; And while the glit

ally with a helmet on her head, and a large plume nodding in the air. In one hand she holds a spear, and in the other, a s

tures, in a sweeter face: Yet above all, her length of hair they own, In golden ringlets waved, and graceful shone. ‌Her,

et with a sphinx in the middle, supported on either side by griffins. In some medals, a chariot drawn by four horses, appe

law, thy fiery temper quells, And all thy mother in thy soul rebels. In vain our threats, in vain our power, we use, She

n old man, his long beard and hair, wet with the vapour of the water. In his hand he holds the trident, which bids the wav

Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From his red and gloomy home. In the centre of the world Where the sinful dead are

l beauty, such as none Of us may wisely look upon.” Barry Cornwall. In vain she called upon her attendants for help, the

playful jaws expands, Fawns round the god, and licks his baby hands; In wondering groups the shadowy nations throng, And

er hands received the child, And on the infant god auspicious smiled. In the thick fur wrapped of a mountain hare, His arm

llowing day, caused Omphale and the hero to seek separate apartments. In the night, Pan introduced himself, and went to th

last Narcissus said, ‘Then let us join,’ replied the ravished maid.” In vain had the wondering youth up to this moment lo

ired a bard of old to sing Narcissus pining o’er the mountain spring? In some delicious ramble, he had found A little spac

e calling upon her, for the pleasure of hearing her voice in reply. “ In thy cavern-hall,     Echo! art thou sleeping? By

n high, Own thy genial presence nigh. Since with each returning year, In thy presence, I appear, With the victim’s votive

d the crumbling mould Acknowledged soon the great transforming power, In weight and substance like a mass of ore. He pluck

kept throwing Bright torrents of hair, that went flowing and flowing In falls to her feet, and the blue waters rolled Dow

then in its sleep Sang dreams in its ears, of its manhood, while deep In a thicket of willows I gazed o’er the brooks That

h kindliness then, That the once love of women, the friendship of men In past sorrow, no kindness, e’er came like a kiss O

race, half men, half beast, Invited came to grace the nuptial feast: In a cool cave’s recess the treat was made, Whose en

o be the Deity of Gardens. “Her name Pomona, from her woodland race, In garden culture none could her excel, Or form the

e examples led, Nor shun for fancied fears, the nuptial bed.” Ovid. In this disguise, Vertumnus recommended himself and

the deep blue sky; From the night bird’s lay thro’ the starry time, ‌ In the groves of the soft Hesperian clime, To the sw

to founts and bowers! O’er the very waters now,                       In their play, Flowers are shedding beauty’s glow —

From the trembling fox-glove bells —                      Come away! In the skies the sapphire blue Now hath won its rich

me away! In the skies the sapphire blue Now hath won its richest hue; In the woods the breath of song                     

away! Darken each thick bed of bloom                      Come away! In the deep heart of the rose Now the crimson love-h

ress and dark yew, Or wearing the long, gloomy winter through          In the smooth holly’s green eternity. The squirrel

withered world looks drearily, Like a dim picture of the drowned past In the hushed mind’s mysterious far away, Doubtful w

ury, that he took Ino for a Lioness, and her two children for whelps. In this fit of madness, he dashed one of them agains

nd from their wastes brought back Each noise of waters that awoke      In the mystery of thy track; The chime of low, soft

    Thou mighty, rushing wind! And thou bearest all their unisons      In one, full swell combined; The restless pines, the

or wings from the Gods, to unite their efforts with those of Ceres.‌ In despair at the uselessness of their search, they

orror in her eyes appears But yet she knows not what it is she fears, In vain she offers from herself to run, And drag’s a

hin the wild flower’s heart, Steal out the thoughts the soul has kept In silence and apart: And voices we have pined to he

come to thee, O Earth! With all my gifts; for every flower, sweet dew In bell, and urn, and chalice, to renew             

ions, though Ovid has placed his palace in the cold Scythia. —————— “ In his dark abode Deep in a cavern dwells the drowsy

en by you     Unto life’s dim faded track. Her soul is far away,      In her childhood’s land, perchance, Where her young

the sea,     A laughing tone of streams; Long may her sojourn be      In the music land of dreams. Each voice of love is t

e dim shades will ne’er report. Come, knot hands, and beat the ground In a light fantastic round.” Milton. Momus, his co

ght his love-delighted hour. There dwelt no joy in Eden’s rosy bower! In vain the viewless seraph lingering there, At star

ss seraph lingering there, At starry midnight charmed the silent air; In vain the wild bird carolled on the steep To hail

carolled on the steep To hail the sun, slow wheeling from the deep; ‌ In vain, to soothe the solitary shade, Aerial notes

love, mysterious law, true source Of human offspring, sole propriety, In paradise of all things common else! By thee adult

the spoils of a leopard, and dressed in the garments of a Magnesian. In his journey he was stopped by the inundation of a

h, however, he was carried by Juno, in the character of an old woman. In crossing the stream, he lost one of his sandals,

ge, with martial fury warmed, And for encounter all completely armed; In rank and file, as they were sowed, they stand Imp

orn brothers fall.     One labour more remains, and, though the last, In danger far surmounting all the past; That enterpr

and insult her charms: Saw her dear babes from fame and empire torn, In foreign realms deserted and forlorn: Her love rej

son is the most surprised to find A happy change in body and in mind, In sense and constitution the same man, As when his

d to restore him to life. Meanwhile Pelias with his guards lay bound In magic sleep, scarce that of death so sound: The d

thee from thy frantic way,     Unholy woman! with thy hands embrued. In thine own children’s gore? Oh! ere they bleed,   

Sun of Heaven! — array’d in glory     Rise, forbid, avert the blow! In the vales of placid gladness     Let no rueful ma

s such, doubtless, many of their actions have been attributed to him. In order to gain the affections of Alcmena, Jupiter

th curses on my head. ‌And to the man, whose former days were passed In happier fortune, mournful is the change; But him,

ntain whence the rivers flow. Thus like Ixions, on the whirling wheel In chains, will be my stake: and this were best, Tha

Eurystheus a wild boar which ravaged the neighbourhood of Erymanthus. In this expedition he ‌destroyed the Centaurs, and c

cording to Diodorus, he hid himself in a brazen vessel for some days. In his fifth labour Hercules was ordered to clean th

birds which ravaged the country near the lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia. In his seventh, he brought alive into Peloponnesus a

onnesus a prodigious wild bull, which laid waste the island of Crete. In his eighth, he was employed in obtaining the mare

r, he was commanded to obtain the girdle of the Queen of the Amazons. In his tenth, he killed the monster Geryon, King of

a slave, and remaining in the most abject servitude for three years. In compliance with the decree, Mercury, by the order

let fly a poisoned arrow at the ravisher, which mortally wounded him. In his anguish, and burning for vengeance on his sla

fearful violence. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img186 In vain did he attempt to pull it off, he only tore

did he attempt to pull it off, he only tore with it masses of flesh. In the midst of his miserable tortures, his groans o

t enlarged, and grew refined: August his visage shone; almighty Jove, In his swift car his honoured offspring drove: High

on the Mount bearing the same name, became a favorite with the Muses. In the meantime young Perseus pursued his flight thr

ly, fly this coast, Nor falsely dare thy acts and race to boast.’      In vain the hero for one night entreats; Threat’ning

her mother, had boasted herself fairer than Juno and the Nereides. “ In me the son of thundering Jove behold, Got in a ki

he palace with a number of armed men, and attempted to carry her off. In vain did the father and mother of Andromeda inter

eaven, thy mercy I implore, For life I sue, the rest to thee I yield: In pity from my sight remove the shield!’     Phineu

e, his burned eyes, Dropped tears which hung upon the stone like ice; In suppliant posture, with uplifted hands And fearfu

eus had usurped the crown which should have fallen upon his children. In vain did Theseus attempt to eject the usurper, th

beauty, stately youths, Were sacrificed to the fierce king! They died In the unfathomable den of want, Or served the Minot

even were it but in thought: And thou above thy compeers raised afar, In that thy name is mated with my father’s, Shouldst

there thou standest with a brow as calm As innocence itself.     Hip. In this I am most innocent! — Nay, interrupt me not,

must vindicate myself or die? Phædra, my mother, and thy wife, avowed In accents shameless as the wish she breathed, A mos

t day; But the falchions made no sound     On his gleaming war array. In the battle’s front he stood,     With his tall an

n to stop my flight I stretch my arms, in vain thou stretchest thine, In vain thou grievest, I in vain repine.’” Virgil.

ods, and all the listening plain: The female Bacchanals devoutly mad, In shaggy skins, like savage creatures clad, Warblin

he bard himself assail, Nor can his song against their wrath prevail; In vain he lifts his suppliant hands, in vain He tri

 Now may the boundless love, that lay     Unfathomed still before      In one consuming burst find way, In one bright flood

lay     Unfathomed still before     In one consuming burst find way, In one bright flood all, all its riches pour.     Th

not near me, lest the gaping earth Swallow you too.’” Sophocles. ‌ In the depth of his anguish he deprived himself of s

he speaks, and shakes The dark crest, streaming o’er his shaded helm In triple wave; whilst dreadful ring around The braz

ves, cease your guilty rage! Ye have descended to the field of battle In our contention, prodigal of life Ours is the stri

uered their land, which he named Peloponnesus, or the isle of Pelops. In the family of the Pelopides murder and assassinat

is son’s sepulchral tomb, Now, with drawn sabre, and impetuous speed, In close pursuit he drives Pandion’s breed; Whose ni

ame to Aulis, Iphigenia saw the bloody preparation for her sacrifice. In vain did she implore the protection of her father

e. Therefore all praised you.                 Proudest men themselves In others praise humility, and most Admire it in the

se waters or fed in the Trojan plain, that Troy would never be taken. In this too they succeeded; for Diomedes and Ulysses

moderate the anger of Minerva, and to obtain from her a happy return. In vain did Laocoon persist in his assertion that da

teeth the envenomed wound. With brow upturned to Heaven the holy sage In silent agony sustains their rage; While each fond

t up Ulysses and his companions in a cavern, where he kept his sheep. In the morning Polyphemus came, took two sailors and

e Lestrigones, who ate human flesh. Two Greeks were devoured by them. In alarm the vessels again put to sea, and they land

once more see him, that all their efforts to influence her were vain. In order to put them off more effectually, she under

self known to Telemachus, and one of the old officers of the kingdom. In the same disguise he introduced himself to Penelo

nd him to leave Africa, to try the destiny which called him to Italy. In vain Dido endeavoured to stop him, she saw in Æne

ce, and Sylla instituted festivals in her honour at the former place. In the temple of Jupiter, on the Capitoline hill, a

sitely developed. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img251 In her hand is a cup of gold, from which a serpent i

weak to grant them faith, and to accord them homage. [Fables.] In concluding the Greek Mythology, however, we must

with blood, and then disappeared, leaving it under the trysting tree. In a short time Pyramus arrived, but found that she,

nized, and concluded that she had been torn to pieces by wild beasts. In his despair he drew his sword and killed himself.

the mulberry tree, but found only the lifeless remains of her lover. In the agony which overcame her, she fell upon the w

a softened dignity displayed; And as she shone superior to the rest, In the sweet bloom of youth and beauty dress’d, Such

he long in expressing his love to the beautiful being who had won it. In the very temple of the goddess, whose priestess s

s, that he resolved never to marry, but to devote himself to his art. In this he became so proficient, that his marble bus

shining!                 Did’st thou indeed sit there                  In languid lone despair? Thy harp neglected by thee

y soft and earnest gaze,                 Watching the lingering rays, In the far west, where Summer-day was dying?        

Fame, to thy breaking heart,                 No comfort could impart, In vain thy brow the laurel wreath was wearing;     

the nymph Egeria, who indeed, according to Ovid, became his wife. ‌ In her name he introduced all his laws and regulatio

witness him finishing the meal, which had followed their destruction. In fierce despair Cadmus attacked, and by the aid of

gon in the plain, upon which armed men rose suddenly from the ground. In his alarm he threw a stone at them, and they inst

an additional four, and by Simonides of Melos, also, the same number. In addition to the alphabet, by which the name of Ca

one thousand four hundred and ninety years before the christian era. In stories so remote, it is difficult to separate th

eaching gave way. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img267 In his old age a melancholy fate awaited him; for fa

four cardinal points, and long beards descending from his four chins. In his four hands he holds the mysterious chain, to

g the human race, while on his head is placed a triple storied crown. In the middle of his side sparkles the magnificent d

on and education. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img272 In ordinary cases he is naked and of a black colour,

morable day             When Parvati presumed to lay,                  In wanton play, Her hands, too venturous goddess, in

eternal round; motion and breath, Time, change, and life, and death, In sudden trance opprest, forgot their powers. A mom

the top of Meru mountain     Which rises o’er the hills of earth,      In light and clouds, it hath its mortal birth:     E

by four of these animals, who are placed at the four cardinal points. In most of their temples one of them is sure to be s

n their destiny. But they did not always sacrifice such mean persons. In great calamities, in oppressive famine, for insta

esitation, as the highest price they could pay for the divine favour. In this manner the first King of Vermland was burned

ison with the works, at least, of the earlier ages of Egyptian power. In the sanctuaries of Palenque, are found sculptured

assical combination, therefore an identification, of both divinities. In the first place he is enthroned on a couch, perfe

r this opinion. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img288 “ In the midst of an enclosure, which does not yield i

ir incident, or excite the imagination by the beauty of their poetry. In parts of Africa, they worship the soul of the dea

Caffre-land, the people are abandoned to the grossest superstitions. In the middle and to south of Africa, the worship of

[Epigraph.] “Ten thousand colours wafted through the air, In magic glances play upon the eye, Combining in the

on.” To Mrs. Martha Bradstreet, of New York. Respected Madam, In dedicating to you a work for which I conceive it

t suited to vulgar apprehension, the refined and liberal may explain. In cases where evident morals are inculcated by Fabl

bestowing divine honours on such as ranked high in the scale of fame. In time they excelled in civilization and refinement

deities, for whom he was taught to entertain the highest veneration. In the infancy of their republic, the deep and exten

hat opinion? Did the Romans improve upon the mythology of the Greeks? In what manner was the worship of the gods conducted

with him his throne. — Italy was anciently called Latium or Saturnia. In return for this kindness, Saturn offered him his

ruled; and there were neither contentions nor wars among the people. In memory of that happy period, the Roman Saturnalia

d in the figure of an old man, holding a scythe in his hand. Obs. 2. In a moral sence, Saturn is the emblem of time. Time

four, to express the four seasons: — hence he was called Quadrifons. In his right hand he held a key, because he invented

various colours, and figured with the images of different creatures. In one hand she holds a sceptre, and in the other a

and that the Corybantes, her priests, took their names from Corybas. In time Cybele was reckoned the mother of the gods.

away Ganymede, and also Asteria, of a bull to convey Europa, &c. In a word he was the father of almost all the gods a

anted Titan his elder brother, and put his father to a violent death. In process of time, Saturn having been dethroned by

acknowledged Saturn for their sovereign, but who afterwards revolted. In order to represent, allegorically, their atrociou

was king of Thessaly, and married to Pyrrha, daughter of Epimetheus. In his age the human race was destroyed by a deluge.

tina, whom some consider the same as Venus, and others as Proserpine. In her temple every thing for funeral purposes was s

stic woman, with yellow hair, and a garland of corn-ears on her head. In one hand she holds a lighted torch, and in the ot

mix with sparkling wine: Let all the choir of clowns attend the show, In long procession, shouting as they go; Invoking he

xalt your rural queen’s immortal praise.” Pitt’s Virgil. Obs. 1. —  In inquiring into the sense of the first of these fa

fadeless blooms of youth are thine. Melodious insect! child of earth! In wisdom mirthful, wise in mirth; Exempt from every

oyed the serpent Python, which Juno had sent to persecute his mother. In conjunction with Diana, he slew the children of N

, who pierc’d my heart. Med’cine is mine; what herbs and simples grow In fields, in forests, all their powers I know, And

usical instruments, himself in a chariot drawn by a lion and a tiger. In his progress, all submitted to him; and he instru

Athenians, who honoured Bacchus by trampling upon the skins of goats. In these rites the Romans daubed their faces with ju

goats besmear’d with oil. Thus Roman youth, deriv’d from ruin’d Troy, In rude Saturnian rhymes express their joy; Deform’d

barks of trees, With taunts and laughter loud their audience please; In jolly hymns they praise the god of wine, Whose ea

n mind elate, Laughing at the farce of state.” Anacreon. Obs. 1. —  In inquiring into the origin of the extraordinary fa

Scriptures ascribe the invention of the art of cultivating the vine. In conclusion, therefore, it may be remarked, that,

placed on the city gates and house-doors; Hippia, “the horse-woman”. In order to give more solemnity to the worship of Mi

t. These presents were called Minervalia, or gifts offered to wisdom. In the Acropolis, that is, the upper city or citadel

of the masterpieces of Phidias. The other temple was called Victory. In it the goddess was represented with a pomegranate

d a helmet in her left, but without wings, which Victory usually had. In general, Minerva appears as a beautiful woman, wi

e skin of a monster, called Ægis, which vomitted whirlwinds of flame. In process of time the goddess engraved on it the he

s with dishevelled hair, and holding in her hands a whip and a torch. In her temple at Rome, the senate gave audience to f

is seen to be carried by a globe, to denote that she rules the earth. In naval victories, she is seen on the prows of ship

ancing and every other exercise. “And mighty Mars, for war renown’d, In adamantine armour frown’d.” Addison. It is said

herself by treating the children of Apollo with unexampled severity. In the war between the Trojans and Greeks, Mars took

rts; sometimes Dione. Venus was represented under a variety of forms. In her most admired statues, she was represented wit

on the dazzled flood, The bright drops rolling from her lifted arms, In slow meanders wander o’er her charms: See round h

the river Selemus. Pyramus and Thisbe were both youths of Bahlon. In age, size, and fortune, they resembled each other

ety. She was, however, at all times, besieged with a train of wooers. In order to get rid of their importunities, she at l

en he goes lame all his life.” “Nor was his name unheard or unadored In ancient Greece: and in Ansonian island Men called

ich it vomits forth, caused it to be regarded as the forge of Vulcan. In like manner the horrible noise of that volcano wa

er actions are attributed to him? What are the attributes of Mercury? In what manner was Mercury represented? Had Mercury

ires their presence. “Good Neptune’s steeds to rest are set up here, In the Aegean gulph, whose fore parts harness bear,

afflicted at this misfortune, punished Aristæus by lulling his bees. In order to repair that loss, his mother Cyrene send

lar god of mortals. He was king of Corinth, and very fond of hunting. In pursuing a stag, he leaped accidentally into the

along the shore, she perceived a floating body, and recognized Ceyx. In the midst of her despair, she threw herself headl

empty space would roll, And heav’n would fly before the driving soul. In fear of this the father of the gods Confined thei

at she might dwell on its surface. She was the first of his children. In like manner he sent forth the three Parcæ, the se

fore the foundation of Rome, in which city Tatius built her a temple. In the season of flowers, when all nature is jocund

ave the likeness of a goat; being clothed with the skin of a leopard. In one hand he holds a sheep-crook, and in the other

s he feeds.” Virgil. “He sighs, his sighs the tossing reeds return In soft small notes, like one that seem’d to mourn.

Lara, were also inferior gods, who presided over houses and families. In process of time, their power was extended to stre

ds from Phrygia. Jacob carried away those of his father-in-law Laban. In scripture they were called Teraphim. Questions. W

imate that the ashes of the dead could not be molested with impunity. In the sacrifices offered to them, wine, incense, fl

nd every people, that it is useless for mortality to wrestle with it. In all ages, philosophers have consecrated it, and p

quies are terminated, and the bodies of the Egyptians are buried.” “ In funeral ceremonies, they began with designating t

h soporific drugs, that they might gain access to the eternal prison. In this frightful abode is found an eternal increase

olumns raised sublime, are hung The massy gates, impenetrably strong. In vain would men, in vain would gods essay, To hew

to describe hell. Who was Charon? What was the employment of Charon? In passing over the rivers, what monster did the dea

is point, he was, therefore, compelled to have recourse to stratagem. In a fit of rage, he rode through a den in Sicily. H

Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From his red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world, Where the sinful dead ar

eet in air, With serpents, girt alike, and crowned with hissing hair, In heav’n the Dirse called.” The Fates. “Stern Clo

ius. His ambition was, to be accounted the son of Jupiter and Europa. In order to be thus considered, he promised to Neptu

was considered by the ancients as the wisest and best of legislators. In order to celebrate his equity, the poets represen

tilence, he begged of his father that he would re-people his kingdom. In answer to his prayer, Jupiter changed all the ant

nts the morning gale; While thousand melting sounds the breezes bear, In silken dalliance to the dreaming ear, And golden

to the dreaming ear, And golden fruits, ‘mid shadowy blossoms, shine. In fields immortal and in groves divine.” Cliffton.

shine. In fields immortal and in groves divine.” Cliffton. Obs. —  In the Mythology of the ancients, the souls of men a

ing breath expires, And flash for flash returns, and fires for fires; In his right hands as many swords he wields And take

from the fruitful earth; Here his gigantic limbs, with large embrace, In fold nine acres of infernal: A rav’nous vulture i

to the skies.” “Though Tantalus, you’ve heard, does stand chin deep In water, yet he cannot get a sip: At which you smil

rs of Phorcys and Cete. Their names were Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa. In lieu of hair, their heads were covered with viper

t they were warlike women, dwelling in Libya, near the lake Tritonis, In the time of Perseus, they were often at war with

e the king for his father, but resolved to inquire after his parents. In consulting the oracle of Delphi, he was told that

sons, Eteocles and Polynices, and two daughters Ismena and Antigone. In process of time, he found, by clear proof, that h

le of Pax, were deposited the rich spoils of the temple at Jerusalem. In the same temple all who professed the arts, assem

f Silence? How was Pudicitia represented? How was Astrsæ represented? In what way was Fortune represented? How was Opportu

in which this kind of worship commenced, is enveloped in uncertainty. In battles, Fear and Flight mingled in the train of

ould be tedious, as well as useless, to name all the ancient deities. In general, the Romans, and the Greeks before them,

hich they sang their most brilliant exploits, was confined to heroes. In several temples dedicated to Hercules, the people

casioned by the cutting of Medusa’s head, when it fell on the ground. In flying over Mount Helicon, he struck the top of i

he gave in marriage to Theseus. The belt was presented to Eurystheus. In one day, he cleansed the stable of Augeas, king o

hich some good and powerful man had rendered to his fellow creatures. In moralizing those fables, the ancients took Hercul

s causes one to neglect his duties, and give himself up to amusement. In short, our readers may exert their ingenuity in e

ty of youth, although some assert that Æson died before their return. In a little time Jason abandoned her for Creusa, dau

red was their friendship, that the one would have died for the other. In the worship of the goddess Diana Taurica, human v

a calm, which rendered the Grecian fleet, bound for Troy, immovable. In this calamity they were informed by the soothsaye

tion? What did Orpheus do after this? Who was Amphion? Who was Arion? In what adventure was Arion concerned? What followed

m several children, the most renowned of which were Hector and Paris. In ravaging the country around Troy, Hercules, after

enemy, because he was a Trojan. Questions. Give the history of Æneas. In what manner did he exemplify his filial duty? Wha

ned from an oracle, that Achilles was to be killed in the Trojan war. In order, therefore, to protect him, he was secretly

ng the tour of the earth, lodged at the house of Ænopeus, or Hyrieus. In order to receive them with distinguished hospital

ro acquired the highest fame by introducing that science into Greece. In order to take some respite from his toils, Atlas

ion of the Egyptians respecting the formation of the universe, says: “ In the beginning the heaven and the earth had but on

e nothing but hieroglyphics, intended to represent divine attributes. In studying their sacred language, the hieroglyphics

ere characterized by blindness, ignorance, bigotry, and superstition. In these absurdities and mummeries they surpassed al

s. The Scriptures represent Egypt as the sink and centre of idolatry. In different parts of it, magic, divination, augury,

rs to have been the Moses of the Jews, and the Bacchus of the Greeks. In the character of king, he is said to have civiliz

the sun. These circumstances are descriptive of the death of Osiris. In approaching Leo, the sun chases away the malignan

on. He was painted in the figure of a naked boy crowned with a mitre. In his left hand he held a cornucopia. With a finger

inundation of the Nile, as a dog rouses to vigilance by his barking. In a later stage of the Egyptian history, when the s

e.) It divides into six intervals the period of the work of creation. In the sixth, man alone was created, consisting of t

romazes, radiant source of good, Original, immortal, fram’d the globe In fruitfulness and beauty.                        

dance? Who is the supreme creator, so named in the Persian mythology? In what does Oromasdes reside? Did the Persians form

his twofold aspect are but one,                   And changed is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be;           

complete armour, and who, having slain two elephants, sit upon them. In front of this gate stands an octagonal pillar of

emselves upon spikes, until having been religiously fed, they expire. In ancient times, victims both bestial and human, we

na? What do you know of the Avatars? How are the Avatars represented? In what does the religion of the Hindoos abound?

men believe that the Chaldeans gave the name of years to their days. In the Chaldean mythology are related stories respec

e memoirs which had been deposited at Sippara, to proceed to Babylon. In the Phœnician mythology, we are told, by Sanchoni

oes and steps. The interior of the temples was always highly adorned. In them were placed the statues of the gods, which w

temple, makes it one stadium in height, and one stadium on each side. In the time of Herodotus, the only historian among t

by winding stairs without. These eight towers formed so many stories. In them were very large rooms, sustained by pillars.

orned, and the one for which the people had the greatest veneration. “ In it,” says Herodotus, “there were seen a superb be

at two other centuries must be spent in adorning and embellishing it. In one of his odes, Pindar says that this temple was

banks of the Thermodon. Pliny gives the following description of it. In the hope of securing this temple from earthquakes

ry. It was of Doric order, with the exterior surrounded with columns. In the construction of this edifice, there were empl

easures and gifts which the people had appropriated for this purpose. In order to form an idea of the riches which it unit

ight to the age in which he lives, and to perpetuate its remembrance. In the temple of Delphi, all the passions, curiosity

place is sustained by eight others. The Corinthian order was adopted. In the days of Pope Eugene, there was found near thi

d not reply in the name of Apollo, only during one month in the year. In time, this practice was changed; and the god then

in the name of the god; at others, the god himself gave his replies. In some places, they were received during sleep; and

and, upon this murmur, announced futurity to those who consulted her. In time, more artifice was used in the manner of del

time the oracle of Delphi spoke no more but in the name of this god. In the primitive times of this oracle, any one could

birth, smitten with the extreme beauty of the Pythia, stole her away. In order to prevent another such outrage, the people

, her mouth foamed, and a violent trembling seized on her whole body. In this situation, she made efforts to escape from t

ade the temple resound, and filled the bystanders with a holy fright. In fine, unable to resist the god who agitated her,

very bad verses. But sometimes the Pythia made her answers in verse. In time, however, she was satisfied to speak in pros

re formed of white stones, and upon which are raised brazen obelisks. In this inclosure appears a cave, cut out by the han

outh; so that a sad and languid old age succeeded her blooming years. In the time of Æneas, she said she had already lived

l mixture of paganism and Christianity, which deserved no confidence. In it were found the mysteries of redemption, the mi

, his death, the creation of the world, and the terrestrial paradise. In it the Sibyl, after having spoken the language of

great events, and to form youth to the various exercises of the body. In these games, there were five distinguished modes

nt perspiration. 5. The cestus, or fencing with the strokes of fists. In the game of the cestus, they armed their hands wi

after, he passed into Fionia, which immediately became his conquest. In this pleasant island, it is said; he made a long

s; and hence was produced that chaos, known by the name of mythology. In the north, on the contrary, religious opinions we

. By his side stands the spear Gungner. His steed is called Sleipner. In the centre of Asgard, which is in the valley of I

th, of whom he speaks, was the same as the Frea of the Scandinavians. In the old Teutonic language, Frea or Frau, signifie

vians. In the old Teutonic language, Frea or Frau, signifies a woman. In succeeding times, this Frea became the goddess of

he authority of Thor was extended to winds, seasons and thunderbolts. In the primitive system of the religion of the North

an judge for himself of the resemblance it bears to sacred tradition. In the dawn of time, says the poet, there was neithe

e phenomena of nature, which have decked out fables among all people. In considering the style of these fables, in which a

ws him, will vomit upon the waters and in the air, torrents of venom. In this confusion the stars will flee away, the heav

be an abode remote from the sun, with doors turned towards the north. In it poison will rain through a thousand gaps. It w

the just were to rejoice eternally after the renewing of all things. In regard to the places of punishment, two were like

” Gray’s Descent of Odin. Valva. “Hard by the eastern gate of hell In ancient time great Valva fell; And there she lies

, What hand unknown laid Valva dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the spirit dwells; And still if bo

sooth’d by some melodious spell, Slow breathing from the hollow stone In witching notes and solemn tone.” Herbert’s Helga

flood. Dark to dwell in wo repining,     Far beyond the path of day; In that bower where serpents twining,     Loathsome

heir sole riches, bore heavy masses of rocks on to the tops of hills. In some places in Norway, are also found grottoes cu

he rock with wonderful patience, and intended for religious purposes. In proportion as the people of the North formed new

situated, the one in the north, the other in the south of the island. In each of these temples, says an author of that cou

ked of that god, much fighting and success in projected enter-prizes. In early times, their offerings were simple, such as

or by some blemish, and especially to all who had lost their courage. In time of war, they chose their human victims among

f futurity, operated with no less power upon the people of the North. In studying carefully the phenomena of nature, or ra

s behind her, and which all the exertions of self-love cannot efface. In the general view, by which we have attempted to t

o meditation; and the vergobrets or kings seized the whole authority. In the meantime, in order to strengthen their power,

and so extravagantly beautiful, that they still raise our admiration. In reading them, we are almost at a stand concerning

ation of warriors. The soul preserved the same tastes as during life. In the ethereal state of existence, though in a high

tors and friends, and to fancy himself constantly surrounded by them. In spite of all the melancholy which such ideas insp

brought into England the horrible custom of immolating human victims. In farther extending our researches, we might also f

the Gauls in peopling that island carried their mysteries with them. In order to reconcile the two authors, says the Abbé

e Abbé, at first formed but one common family, and had but one creed. In separating from each other, men changed their pri

this worship was joined that of rivers, creeks, fountains, and fire. In the middle of those forests, the Gauls had spaces

hartres. The forests of Marseilles and Toulouse were almost as noted. In the middle of them were held the schools of the D

of sacrifices, and applied themselves to the contemplation of nature. In time, the Druids reserved for themselves alone th

a Gaul, the cause would be brought to the tribunal of Gallic women.” In aftertimes, the Druids stripped them of that auth

t day of the year. Chapter XI. Principal Maxims of the Druids. In giving the principal maxims of the Druids, it mus

ves at once: and often the wife in disguise followed her hero to war. In the brilliant times of chivalry, we find that the

ignorance of ancient theology, and particularly that of the Greeks. “ In the first place, the genuine key to this religion

hat golden chain, of which deity is one extreme, and body the other. “ In the second place, the First Cause, on account of

through impressions produced by the phenomena of the outside world.” In this little work advantage has been taken of mode

that everything had the same kind of life which they had themselves. In this way they came to think that the sun and star

light had come to soothe her son, or her husband, in his dying hour. “ In the same way, the sun was the child of darkness,

n his “Comus.” “Now the gilded car of day His golden axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream, And the slope Sun his

of Chaos, and the parents of Hemera* (the day) and Æther* (the air). In mythology, effects are called children. Gæa then

reaches the east in the morning after having disappeared in the west. In later times poets invented the fiction that when

s, in Caria*. Endymion, sinking into sleep, was once the setting sun. In the ancient poetical language of Greece, people s

his authority, and thus verify the prediction of his father, Uranus. In order, therefore, to render the prophecy impossib

about to wed Sagaris*, daughter of the king of Pessinus, in Phrygia. In the midst of the wedding feast, Rhea suddenly app

ther of gods and men;” his power over both is represented as supreme. In his palace on Olympus, Zeus was supposed to live

. She was the mother of Ares* (Mars), Hephæstus* (Vulcan), and Hebe*. In the union of Zeus with most of his immortal wives

stones moved of their own accord, and took their places in the wall. In sculpture, Amphion is always represented with a l

aid might be invoked either in battle or in the dangers of shipwreck. In this latter character they are lauded by an Homer

icable as it was to the ancients, under the guise of mental disorder. In the south-east — the direction in which Egypt lay

lieved to dwell in the sun, bore to Phœbus Apollo, the lord of light. In addition to his residence on Olympus, Poseidon ha

s of hunger and famine necessarily accompanying a general inundation. In honor of Poseidon, the Greeks maintained the Isth

have had a place in the public worship of the Greeks.” Seemann . “ In the Homeric age it was supposed that when a morta

place where spirits waited for those whose fate had not been decided. In the dominions of Aides were several rivers — Ache

ames of fire, and lit up, with their lurid glare, these awful realms. In the interior sat the judge, Rhadamanthus*, who de

ceased, and a general famine threatened to extinguish the human race. In vain Zeus sent one messenger after another, besee

and some other princes of Eleusis in the solemn rites of her service. In order to spread abroad the blessings which agricu

t vegetation to spring up, only, however, to die again in the autumn. In a somewhat narrower sense, Persephone may be rega

young maiden, or as the grave, severe queen of the world of shadows. In the latter character she may generally be recogni

egarded as the god of pestilence; in Athens, as the god of vengeance. In the Trojan war, Ares espoused the cause of the Tr

claring that Rome should endure as long as this shield was preserved. In order to prevent its abstraction, Numa caused ele

fruits, and libations of wine, water, and oil. Representations. In consequence of the dignity and sanctity of her ch

anal*, which was not really a temple, but merely a covered fireplace. In the Campus Martius, however, was a temple, where

Mylitta*; Egyptian, Athor*; Phœnician, Astarte*; Jewish, Ashtoreth*. In the Iliad, Aphrodite is represented as the daught

mple to Venus Genetrix*, the goddess of wedlock. Representation. In the more ancient temples of this goddess in Cypru

ll winter. The Horæ were also the deities of the fast-fleeting hours. In this capacity they assisted every morning in yoki

os saw the lovely maiden, his own heart was filled with love for her. In obedience to the oracle of Delphi, she was dresse

the midst of her happiness she longed for the society of her sisters. In accordance with her desire, they were conducted b

ng over his shoulder. This contained his magical and unerring arrows. In one hand he bears his golden bow, and in the othe

e bow, is outstretched, and the head is turned in the same direction. In attitude and proportion, the graceful majesty of

divinity is that known as the Diana of Versailles, now in the Louvre. In this statue the goddess appears in the act of res

d offered sacrifices to him and his mother, Maia, on the Ides of May. In later times he was identified with the Greek Herm

part Upon some foolish errand.” Longfellow . Representations. In his statues Hermes is represented as a beardless

ion was then completed by Silenus, who is known as his foster-father. In company with him and the rest of his train, Diony

ded, by Greeks and Romans alike, as the god of wine and of vineyards. In his more extended meaning, he represents the bles

ecember. They were first instituted by Romulus. Representations. In the Medici gallery at Florence is a fine statue o

er of grapes, of which a little satyr is endeavoring to take a taste. In earlier art he was generally depicted as majestic

aste. In earlier art he was generally depicted as majestic and grave. In later art he became more youthful. The statues of

they are sometimes represented on vases holding musical instruments. In early times, too, they appeared only as a chorus,

sented the youthful bloom of nature. Hebe was cup-bearer to the gods. In consequence of having slipped while serving them,

tion of the invincible power exercised by Zeus by means of lightning. In ancient sculpture she is usually represented in c

the Romans was the celebrated Janus*, a deity unknown to the Greeks. In his original character, he was probably a god of

irst day of every month, because he was believed to open every month. In the same way Janus was believed to begin every ne

lso, as the presiding deity over ah gates, entrances, etc., on earth. In this character he was the protecting deity of the

ve, and which he freed at his pleasure or at the command of the gods. In later times the winds were regarded as distinct d

t penetrate the golden bread, fish, fowl, wine, water — all was gold. In despair he acknowledged his error, and prayed to

Public Worship of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Temples. In very early times the Greeks and Romans had no shr

Ionic to Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus; and the Corinthian to Hestia. In the porch of the temple stood a vessel of stone o

ich all those admitted to take part in the sacrifices were sprinkled. In the inmost recess of the sanctuary was the most h

tar; wine and frankincense were poured into it to increase the flame. In very ancient times the victim was laid upon the a

clemency and beneficence, and the gifts conferred by them on mankind. In conclusion, the gods were invoked for a continuan

e oracle was said to have been fulfilled. Soothsayers (Augurs). In addition to the manifestation of the will of the

portion which in all future sacrifices should be set apart for them. In order to secure for man the portion suitable to b

se, and the worship of Prometheus at Athens. Ages of the World. In course of time temples were raised to the differe

o under the name of Leucothea* and Melicertes under that of Palæmon*. In consequence of the misfortunes of his family, Cad

lieving that to be his native place, and took the way towards Thebes. In driving through a narrow pass, he met an old man,

blotted out by the vapors, the light of the sun is quenched in gloom. In other words, Jocasta dies, and Œdipus tears out h

ntains in northern part of Africa.) Perseus then resumed his travels. In passing Ethiopia, he beheld a maiden fastened wit

ndals, the sickle with which he slew Medusa, and the helmet of Aides. In bodily form, as well as in costume, he closely re

, because he was the first to make his habitation on that mountain.” “ In the story of Bellerophon, the reference to the su

had promised them for their assistance in building the walls of Troy. In consequence of his perfidy, Apollo sent a pestile

twelfth and last task was to bring up Cerberus from the lower world. In this undertaking he was assisted by Hermes and At

ra, Heracles lived for three years at the court of his father-in-law. In consequence of an accidental murder, he banished

to appear. He endeavored to tear it off, but the flesh came with it. In his frenzy he seized the herald Lichas*, the bear

killed. Theseus conquered Sinis and inflicted the same fate upon him. In the woody district of Crommyon*, he destroyed a d

into the sea. Theseus overcame him and threw his body over the cliff. In the neighborhood of Eleusis he vanquished the gia

tretcher), who had two iron beds, one being long and the other short. In the short one he placed the tall men, whose limbs

nians obtained his bones from the island of Scyros and interred them. In his honor a temple was erected, which is still st

nus), who gave him three golden apples, and told him how to use them. In the race he threw them on the ground at different

gain, their captors released them and they rejoined their companions. In gratitude for his deliverance, Phineus instructed

troops, numbering a hundred thousand, assembled at Aulis, in Bœotia. In the bay were a thousand ships. The command of thi

and, erected tents, etc., and formed an intrenched camp on the coast. In this war the celestials took part. In favor of th

n intrenched camp on the coast. In this war the celestials took part. In favor of the Greeks were Hera (Juno), Pallas Athe

directed his brothers, the Winds, to convey his body to Paphlagonia. In the evening she came, accompanied by the Hours an

ath of Achilles. The triumph of Achilles was not of long duration. In an assault on the Scæan gate, Achilles was killed

tetes, whose wound was then healed by Machaon*, a son of Æsculapius*. In an engagement which took place soon after, he mor

wooden horse and the stratagem which led to the capture of the city. In the horse, which was built by the sculptor Epeus*

he Trojans urged that it should be taken into the city without delay. In vain did Laocoon*, priest of Apollo, seek to dive

Priam, on the grave of Achilles, prepared to return to their country. In consequence of the acts of desecration and cruelt

ions to select another husband, as they believed Odysseus to be dead. In order to gain time, Penelope had promised to make

arkness. « The ten weary years of the war are the hours of the night. In the tenth the fortress falls, as the dark shades

bright clouds float lazily, as if they would linger there forever.” “ In the legend of Polyphemus, Ulysses encounters the

s Anchises was too old to walk, Æneas carried him upon his shoulders. In the confusion, his wife was lost. They sought ref

sed, as Ishtar* of Babylon, Ishtar of Arbela, Ishtar of Nineveh, etc. In worship, living sacrifices and offerings were mad

world, and creating savage beasts and poisonous reptiles and plants. In consequence of this, evil and good are now mingle

Hindu Mythology. The Hindus, as well as the Persians, were Aryans. In all respects, except color, they resemble the Eur

incident or phenomenon in the course of the outward world.” Cox . In the Veda, Arjuni*, Brisaya*, Dahana*, Ushas*, Sar

they knew as Argynnis*, Briseis*, Daphne*, Eos*, Helen, and Erinnys. In the same way the Vedas spoke of the Panis* as tem

ny, to have first known the path on which our fathers crossed over.” In the Vedic hymns, the Harits are the bright horses

Iceland. The following is from Carlyle’s “Heroes and Hero Worship,” “ In that strange island Iceland, — burst up, the geol

upon their respective abilities, and suitable degrees were conferred. In the earlier period judges were appointed by the W

ar some stream, or under the shadow of a grove or wide-spreading oak. In the centre of the circle stood the Cromlech, or a

raft, for what better divers had they than the beaver and the otter? “ In the midst of their distress, the female muskrat c

hey hastily hauled her on the raft, and examined her paws one by one. In the last one of the four they found a small speck

his wigwam in the far north, on some floe of ice in the Arctic Ocean. In the oldest accounts he was alleged to reside towa

to him the home of the gods of life, light, and wisdom.” Brinton . In the Algonquin legends, four brothers were promine

some animal, she, by magic power, formed dry land on which to reside. In this tradition appear twin brothers, sons of a vi

he far east, on the borders of the great ocean, whence the sun comes. In time he became the father of mankind, and special

ocked the woods with game, and taught his children the use of fire. “ In the Oneida dialect of the Iroquois, Ioskeha means

orld, and lose one's self in the enchanted mazes of primeval fiction. In selecting Mythology I took possession of a field

ed, are I think very few considering the bulk and nature of the work. In this praise however I claim no share ; it all bel

and in his note on it he says, «È detto ad imitazione del Pontano.» In a work named ‘Tales of an Indian Camp,’ which see

seems to have been what the Capitoline temple was to the patricians. In this latter was worshiped a Triad, — Minerva, Jov

vinus, etc., were probably equivalent to Luscus, Græcus, Calvus, etc. In the latter centuries of the republic the preferen

put forth and shed their foliage beneath the care of unseen deities5. In this manner all the parts of external nature woul

mythology ; and some, at least, assigned a period to their duration. In the eyes of their worshipers these gods had each

we would not be understood to mean personifications of these objects. In truth, a personification of the sea or sun is not

ed ; for the present we will content ourselves with a single example. In the island of Samos stood a temple dedicated to t

on the seashore a huge lion approaching him with his mouth wide open. In his terror he uttered a prayer to Dionysos and fl

t this system that we are most anxious to warn and guard our readers. In our eyes it is disgusting from its indelicacy as

llectual powers, and to produce an indifference toward true religion. In fact, if the theory of these men be true, the nec

ts, in their efforts to connect the religions of Greece and India. 2. In like manner the mythes themselves should be consi

d to prevent their attaining to the same power as in those countries. In the Homeric poems, however, by far the earliest p

s by observing that the Homeric gods are the Olympian, and no others. In this however we can only see that, as we shall pr

ned with Asia and Egypt, mysteries came greatly into vogue in Greece. In these it is thought62, but perhaps not with suffi

ceeded his predecessors Uranos and Kronos in the empire of the world. In the midst of the grove already described, and at

of Thebes82, a Titanomachia, an Amazonia, a Danaïs, a Phoronis, etc. In the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt,

heus and his brother84. We are now arrived at the Alexandrian period. In this the mythes were treated in two different way

al point, but probably viewed as such Olympos, the abode of the gods. In after times Delphi became the navel of the earth

the Nile, the latter all between this river and the western ocean99. In the Sea the Greeks appear to have known to the we

one on the eastern, the other on the western margin of the earth108. In later ages, when knowledge of the earth had incre

ts ; because thou hast espoused Helena, and art son-in-law of Zeus. In the time of Hesiod112 the Elysian Plain was becom

val rather than round, its greater diameter running east and west130. In like manner in the time of Pindar131 and Æschylus

angels ; it was of immense magnitude, being …………………………extended wide In circuit undetermined, square or round, With opal

s and the Ionian school of philosophy followed the Homeric cosmogony. In the Timæus of Plato it is said that the offspring

distributed honours and dominion among the associates of his victory. In this theogony order and philosophical consequence

onvincing proof of its being alien from the ancient cosmogonic mythe. In the hands of the logographers and poets, such as

tans, we will commence with an account of her. Νύξ. Nox. Night. In the Theogony Night is the daughter of Chaos, and

ylus, in a grotto-palace ; beneath his stream, as it would appear187. In the ‘Prometheus Bound’ of this poet Oceanos comes

terrify him, but on the hero's bending his bow at him he retired188. In the Ilias189 Oceanos is said to dread the thunder

hining). His office was to give light to men and gods during the day. In the Odyssey, when Helios ends his diurnal career,

Until the air-born Eôs goeth forth : Then Helios mounts another car. In these lines of Mimnermus the god, as described ab

when they are rested the god drives them round the Ocean to the East. In two other passages of his wild poem210 Nonnus pla

lly have supposed Helios to have driven similar steeds along the sky. In the Hymns213 Helios appears in a chariot ; Pindar

ve been brought from the Baltic to Greece in the very earliest times. In the opinion of Welcker233 it is only the Greek ve

d its very natural origin in the contemplation of the horned moon251. In the general and natural mode of representation Se

of the moon and sky personified after the usual manner of the Greeks. In the Homeridian Hymn to Selene she is styled260 :

nged’ Hemera carrying off Tithonos in her golden four-horsed chariot. In another passage of this poet270 we meet the ‘one-

’ Memnôn and Æmathiôn were the children whom Eôs bore to Tithonos280. In the works of the artists Eôs drives a four-horsed

le to rectify the error, if it should be such. Έκάτη. Hecate. In the Theogony291 this goddess is the daughter of P

beings, sometimes nymphs, or other companions of the original deity. In this manner, supposing Artemis to have been an or

th Persephone, of whom the original conception was totally different. In consequence of this confusion Hecate became the p

e,’ Eucrates308, gives a most terrific description of her appearance. In this character she was also sometimes called Empu

dwelt beneath the mild rule of Kronos and his assessor Rhadamanthys. In the ‘Prometheus Loosed’ of Æschylus316 the chorus

ofty Thessalian mountain named Olympos as the dwelling of their gods. In the Odyssey, where the deities are of a character

exactly resembles that of the princes and nobles of the heroic ages. In the palace of Zeus on Olympos they feast at the a

The Titans, as we have seen, were twelve in number, six of each sex. In like manner we find twelve Olympians, similarly d

s, but they were not exactly the same with those above enumerated373. In later times it became a common practise to raise

egerents, and are distinguished by epithets derived from his name382. In his palace on Olympos Zeus lives after the fashio

his children, he occasionally menaces or treats them with rigour384. In the Odyssey the character of this god is, agreeab

a practise of which as we proceed we shall meet with other instances. In the Theogony the celestial progeny of Zeus are en

the latter Zeus decided that they should hold the dominion in common. In like manner Poseidôn is said to have contended wi

thing that might abridge its period, than the ancient Greeks were472. In process of time, when communication with Egypt an

rink previous to their returning to animate other bodies on earth479. In the sixth book of Virgil’s Æneïs will be found th

er-world would present, to console and reconcile its future mistress. In reading the ‘portentous lies’ (as they have well

er to an office of Hades, which was afterwards transferred to Hermes. In the original conception of the god of the under-w

who comes to fetch away the heroine, Orcus, the Latin name of Pluto. In this drama we meet the first mention of a very re

e ‘receiving fat,’ and to be honoured in all the temples of the gods. In the Prytaneion of every Grecian city stood the he

ed. Henceforth the hill Thronax was named Coccygion (Cuckoo-hill)504. In the Ilias (for she does not appear in the Odyssey

e ; she was also said to have given origin to the monster Typhaôn508. In the mythic cycles of Dionysos and Heracles Hera a

the heroes of them, who were the offspring of Zeus by mortal mothers. In like manner, as the goddess of Argos, she is acti

he is active in the cause of the Achæans in the war of ‘Troy divine’. In the Argonautic cycle she was the protecting deity

g in which Hera, the legend said, renewed each year her virginity516. In the temple of this goddess near Mycenæ (in which

teriôn519. At Argos there was a temple of Hera, Antheia (Flowery)520. In all these usages and circumstances the idea of th

f cakes were set before it, and it was brought back to the temple524. In this ceremony also may be discerned a reference t

h the confarreatio of the Romans526, or our own usage of bride-cakes. In the temple there was a statue of the goddess in t

place in the temple, and hence it was said arose the annual ceremony. In the name Admeta, it will be observed, we have her

(to whom he gives a different spouse) he seems to have known nothing. In the Ilias we may observe that Ares and Aphrodite

es577. That framed by him for Achilleus in the Ilias is all of metal. In the Ilias578 the wife of Hephæstos is named Chari

pos, and the armour is fashioned by the artist-god with his own hand. In the Augustan age, Venus prevails on her husband,

e cutting sedge and rushes, refused to allow her to slake her thirst. In vain the goddess entreated, representing that wat

back the joyful cry ; and Delos, as before, becomes invested in gold. In the Homeridian hymn to the Pythian Apollo, the ma

f his servitude was expired he was permitted to return to Olympos637. In this mythic tale of Apollo serving Admetos, Mülle

(which is apparently a temple-legend of Delphi,) was known to Homer. In the Catalogue642 the mares of Eumelos Pheretiades

Delphi could be as old as the age to which Homer is usually referred. In another of the latter books of the Ilias it is sa

y bow and arrows, and begins To lead the dance ; her body all arrayed In raiment fair. They, pouring forth their voice Div

here she was changed into a fountain, and Alpheios became a river691. In proof of the truth of this fable, it was asserted

r the bright goddess, and Upis or Opis as her whose eye was over all. In the isle of Delos however were shown the tombs of

sis. We will now briefly state the principal arguments on both sides. In favour of the theory of Apollo and Artemis being

Chapter IX. DIONE : — APHRODITE, EROS. Διώνη. Dione. In the Ilias732 Dione is a wife of Zeus, and mother

o make her invisible, and they in pity changed her into a myrrh-tree. In ten months afterwards the tree opened, and the yo

hariot drawn by swans, and Sappho757 in one whose team were sparrows. In one of the odes ascribed to Anacreon a dove annou

hûs ; and also at Cnidos, Miletos, Côs, Corinth, Athens, Sparta, etc. In the more ancient temples of this goddess in Cypru

ny765 he is one of the first of beings, and produced without parents. In the Orphic poems he was the son of Kronos766. Sap

ring, the season in which they most prevail, is also that of love772. In the bucolic and some of the Latin poets the Loves

rudent Psyche falls to the ground in a deep slumber from its effects. In this state she is found by Cupid, who had escaped

ld ever hope to arrive at is a view of the general sense and meaning. In truth many a tale seems to be allegorical which w

n one place784 it seems to be intimated that she had no other parent. In the Theogony Zeus swallows Metis, and the ‘blue-e

r her protection, assuming a human form to be his guide and director. In like manner Cadmos, Heracles, Perseus, and other

cast The fringed ægis dire, which all about Was compassed with fear. In it was Strife, In it was Strength, and in it chil

ægis dire, which all about Was compassed with fear. In it was Strife, In it was Strength, and in it chill Pursuit ; In it

fear. In it was Strife, In it was Strength, and in it chill Pursuit ; In it the Gorgon-head, the portent dire, — Dire and

that he is the son of a wealthy man named Polyctôr (Much-possessing). In the Odyssey Hermeias takes the place of Iris, who

a bore to Zeus the ‘illustrious Hermes, the herald of the Immortals.’ In another place837 he speaks of him very explicitly

to procure admission for her and himself to the assembly of the gods. In the morning Apollo missed his kine : he set out i

tain good-humoured roguery was at all times a trait in his character. In the pleasing tale of Ares and Aphrodite already n

ith his petasus or winged hat, and the talaria or wings at his heels. In his hand he bears his caduceus 851 or staff, with

lways a recreation of the shepherds in the warm regions of the south. In like manner as the shepherd-lads amuse themselves

fleeced ram to save her children from their malignant step-mother867. In the poems of the Greek Anthology Hermes is usuall

f the Greek Anthology Hermes is usually represented as a rural deity. In one place868 the offering to him is milk and hone

ried bitterly, finding himself in the hands of such unskilful nurses. In the morning the wonders of the night were narrate

ch is in all probability the oldest account of this celebrated event. In progress of time it underwent various alterations

scene was as usual changed, and circumstances were added or modified. In the beautiful versions of it given by the above-m

ate in the garden of Hades and put seven of the seeds into her mouth. In this, as in other legends, the fancy of poets and

as the daughter of Mother Earth, and a personification of the corn ? In the latter case critics consider her name to sign

ed that principle of their religion from their Pelasgian forefathers. In such case the spouse of the invisible god might v

ous for fuller information to his valuable work entitled Aglaophamus. In the very early ages of Greece and Italy, and prob

EILEITHYIÆ, FATES, KERES, FURIES. Mούσαι926. Camenæ. Muses. In the early ages of the world, when the principle o

(Peace), who, he adds, watch over (ὠρεύουσι) the works of mortal men. In another place960 he says, that Dike is a virgin r

births of mankind, are in the Ilias987 called the daughters of Hera. In the Odyssey988 and in Hesiod989 their number is r

hymn was sung in her honour ascribed to the ancient Lycian poet Olên. In this she was said to be the mother of Love992. Ei

esided over the birth of children. Μοιραι. Parcæ, Fata. Fates. In the Ilias, with the exception of one passage997,

esses, to three, and gives them Zeus and Themis for their parents998. In an interpolated passage of the Theogony999 they a

ffice of theirs is however noticed both in the Ilias and the Odyssey. In the former it is said1002 by Hera of Achilleus, t

’ a character under which they are also represented by Sophocles1013. In the Theogony these goddesses are the daughters of

s are frequently named by Homer, but he says nothing of their origin. In the Theogony they spring from the blood of Uranos

nd the Orphie Hymns assign them the rulers of Erebos for parents1020. In the time of the Alexandrians, the Erinnyes, like

if any one polluted with crime dared to enter he lost his reason1022. In the poets we find the Erinnyes styled1023, 1. Hat

as it were, and displeased with mankind, and this is Demeter-Erinnys. In the Arcadian legends of this goddess, and in the

2, and, according to Aristophanes, he likens her to a trembling dove. In the Birds1043 of that poet Epops says But how sh

o convey to Lycia, there to be interred by his relatives and friends. In the same poem, when Hera1051 resolves by her arts

er of Law and Persuasion, and daughter of Forethought (Προμηθία)1065. In her temple at Thebes1066 Fortune held Wealth (Πλο

rejected by Aristarchus and several of the best critics of antiquity. In this the god says that ‘Semele bore him Dionysos,

nly passages in the Ilias in which there is any allusion to Dionysos. In the Odyssey1086 it is said that Artemis slew Aria

and ought to satisfy any one, that the line in question is spurious. In the last book of this poem1087 Thetis is said to

mphs followed him, and the wood was filled with their joyous clamour. In these poems the mention of the ivy, and the epith

atter palmed on their unsuspecting auditors the most incredible lies. In reading the Euterpe of Herodotus, one might fancy

his Theban birth — as roaming through the greater part of the earth. In the Bacchæ of Euripides the god describes himself

was prematurely expelled from her womb, and sewed it up in his thigh. In due time it came to the birth, and Zeus then nami

arries a crook or a thyrse, and a panther generally lies at his feet. In some monuments Dionysos appears bearded, in other

he was styled Of-the-Marsh (Λιμνɑȋος), and Marsh-sprung (Λιμνηγενὴς). In some places he was called the Rainer (Ὕης)1125 ;

mpossible that the real root of his mother’s name may be ϭέλɑς. 1129. In favour of this god’s presiding over cattle is all

on in which poets began to philosophise and philosophers to poetise. “ In these four centuries, therefore, which elapsed be

ference between the religion of the Achæans and that of the Asiatics. In the case of the Trojans, who are regarded (and we

the Latins made her one with their Ops, the goddess of the earth1143. In works of art Cybele exhibits the matronly air and

ee which still existed, brought forth these deities, were with them.” In like manner the people of Tegyra in Bœotia approp

ing mountain-nymphs Move quick their feet, by the dark-watered spring In the soft mead, where crocus, hyacinths, Fragrant

th the skin of a lynx on his back, and delighted with the sweet song. In after times the care of Pan was held to extend be

92 that led the flock. Æschylus calls a Satyr Buck-goat (τράγος)1193. In all views of the Satyrs they appear to be a rough

attire pursued the deer over the mountains in the company of Artemis. In the Fairy Mythology1230, a work, for which, as ou

artiality, we thus expressed ourselves on the subject of the Nymphs. “ In the Homeric poems, the most ancient portion of Gr

portion of Grecian literature, we meet the various classes of Nymphs. In the Odyssey, they are the attendants of Calypso,

g them of the numerous sacrifices which Odysseus had offered to them. In another part of the poem1233 their sacred cave is

a lovely cave, Dusky and sacred to the Nymphs, whom men Call Naiades. In it large craters lie, And two-eared pitchers, all

two-eared pitchers, all of stone ; and there Bees build their combs. In it, too, are long looms Of stone, and there the N

adryades, those personifications of the vegetable life of plants1234. In the Homeridian hymn to Aphrodite, we find the fol

hose who prolonged or abridged the existence of their associate-tree. In the Argonautics of Apollonius Rhodius, Phineus th

day, the Hamadryades carried her away and concealed her in the wood. In her stead they caused a poplar to grow up, and a

east and belly, like those of the porpoise.” Πρωτεύς. Proteus. In the fourth book of the Odyssey Homer introduces t

elaos1267, and telling them what had happened, or what was to happen. In later times sailors were continually making repor

heaven, and they had charge of the trees that bore the golden fruit. In this task they were aided by a serpent named Ladô

the stream of Ocean1311. Virgil names one of the Harpies Celæno1312. In the Argonautic cycle the Harpies appear as the to

he prayer of Achilleus that they would inflame the pyre of Patroclos. In the Odyssey1315, the winds are not directed by se

actual earth. We shall first direct our attention to the latter1325. In the Ilias the only places noticed out of Greece t

and each without regard to others governed his own wife and children. In front of a harbour of their land lay a well-woode

no man even if he had twenty hands and as many feet could ascend it. In the middle of this cliff, she says, is a cave fac

a man in a ship passing under it could not shoot up to it with a bow. In this den dwells Scylla (Bitch), whose voice sound

with us : but this is some unfortunate wanderer who has come hither.” In another place, when noticing the occasion for sca

Astræa left the earth, and Zeus destroyed them by a deluge of water. In all these accounts it is to be observed that it i

sea, and keeps the long pillars which hold heaven and earth asunder.’ In the Theogony1454 he is said to support the heaven

e Atlas of Homer and Hesiod is not the personification of a mountain. In the days however when the true sense of the vener

imetheus are personified the intellectual vigour and weakness of man. In this mythe however there is great confusion, for

he consented to Heracles’ slaying the eagle and freeing the sufferer. In this narrative there is a combination of a local

his wife. The evil effects of this imprudent act were speedily felt. In the house of these first men stood a closed jar,

e evils hitherto unknown to man poured out and spread over the earth. In terror at the sight of these monsters, she clappe

is ancient mythe. We will now make a few observations on the subject. In the first place, as Buttmann and many others have

the Alexandrians ; Apollodorus merely calls Pandora the first woman. In fact, with the exception of a dubious passage in

ned accounts of the two great events of the Creation and Fall of man. In like manner the important event of the Deluge has

rticular people, but which were gradually communicated to others1521. In short, it would appear, that the religion, manner

er a chronology of its own, and may be divided into distinct periods. In the mythic history of Greece, for instance, we fi

ther Perses : she restored him, and deprived the usurper of life1542. In narrating the adventures of Iasôn and Medeia we h

of Athens. We will now give the more trustworthy accounts of others. In the Theogony Medeia is classed with the goddesses

them to be of a mingled form, as they were subsequently represented. In the fight of the Centaurs and Lapiths on the shie

which was the occasion of ‘strife between the Centaurs and men’1588. In the Catalogue it is said that Hippodameia bore Po

calm and free from storm, and these are called the Halcyôn-days1606. In this last legend and in all (except the preceding

tale of the Calydonian Hunt is probably a legend of great antiquity. In the Ilias1617, when Phœnix joins his entreaties t

ns of Calydôn and the Curetes of Pleurôn alone took part in the hunt. In aftertimes, when the vanity of the different stat

civilisation and the arts. We will therefore here briefly examine it. In the Ilias, though the Cadmeians are spoken of mor

which they were now settled under their auspices and protection1654. In no place were there more of these traditions than

had suckled the infant Dionysos, was afterwards seized with madness. In his phrensy he shot his son Learchos with an arro

y slew. We shall find another form of it among the mythes of Attica. In this history also there are great variations, cau

lourishing-one (Tantalos), and the mother of the Green-one (Chloris). In her then we may view the young, verdant, fruitful

s said1682, of Cadmos the priest-king, against the warlike Phlegyans. In fine this writer would seem to view in ancient Th

and left to him many woes, such as the Erinnyes of a mother produce.” In the Ilias1689 the funeral games are mentioned whi

and terminate her life by the sword1694. Τϵιρϵσίας. Tiresias. In all the unhappy history of the Labdacids at Thebe

t Cithærôn, killed the female, and was suddenly changed into a woman. In this state he continued seven years ; at the end

ion of the spoil to Delphi, according to the vow which they had made. In obedience to the command of the oracle, Manto aft

the temple of Apollo at Delphi1712, and a treasury for king Hyrieus. In the wall of this last they placed a stone in such

s ; fire flashed from his eyes : his arrow and his dart never missed. In his eighteenth year, while he was still with his

whom he imposed a tribute the double of what the Thebans used to pay. In this battle Amphitryôn fell valiantly fighting. C

again into madness, he precipitated Iphitos from the walls of Tiryns. In order to be purified of this murder he went to Ne

ng to Delphi to seek relief, he was refused a response by the Pythia. In his rage at her denial he went to plunder the tem

but when it warmed the venom of the hydra began to consume his flesh. In his fury he caught Lichas, the ill-fated bearer o

but it adhered closely to his skin, and the flesh came away with it. In this wretched state he got on shipboard and retur

der-world, and dragging Cerberos to light, as a proof of his victory. In the old mythe he was made to engage with and woun

nd that of localising some of the legends, such as that of Geryoneus. In the Homeric poems there is, as we have seen, freq

oneus, his release of Prometheus and marriage with Hebe, are noticed. In the Eoiæ the conquest of Pylos and other events w

n general, to have had a body composed of those of a man and a snake. In his time the gods began to choose cities for them

tratus and Phanodemus maintained that Saïs was colonised from Athens. In the time of the Ptolemies it became the fashion t

Πανδίων. Pandion. Pandiôn succeeded his father in the kingdom. In his reign Demeter and Dionysos came to Attica. Th

having the supremacy1827. Νîσος καὶ Σκύλλα. Nisus et Scylla. In the war waged by Minôs king of Crete against the

Homer and Hesiod tell of the latter what others relate of the former. In fact Erechtheus is only the abbreviated form of t

esponding with the more active military character of the Ionian race. In proof of Theseus being of this race, we may obser

ay perceive that he is almost the only hero whom she does not assist. In the mythology of Theseus we only meet the Ionian

courge of the evil-doer, and the author of wise and good regulations. In the spirit of casting splendour on actual politic

finite terms, and not assigned any earthly locality or parentage1874. In the legendary history however we find him placed

s, this steed forms an essential part of the mythe of Bellerophontes. In the Theogony it is said of the Chimæra that she w

common lovetale were introduced to assign a cause for the adventures. In this mythe too we find that mysterious connexion

ed in others1918. He had three sons, Palamedes, Oïax, and Nausimedôn. In this celebrated legend we have a very heterogeneo

egard the tale of an Egyptian colony at Argos as somewhat suspicious. In fact there was no part of Greece more thoroughly

nspired kind of dance chase the maidens from the mountains to Sicyôn. In the chase Iphinoe, the eldest of the Prœtides, di

t, and it has every appearance of being a part of the original mythe. In such case the legend of the Prœtides would have s

casion to the legends of wolves, of which there were many in Arcadia. In this case Lycaôn would be only another name for Z

the circumstances. Some say it was the form of Apollo that Zeus took. In some versions it is Zeus who turns Callisto into

the other hand, called Helena the daughter of Oceanos and Tethys2002. In the Ilias Helena is termed ‘begotten of Zeus2003,

and Polydeukes her ‘own-brothers whom one mother bore with her2004.’ In the Odyssey2005 these are expressly called the so

es, and carried them off. Idas and his brother pursued the ravishers. In the conflict Castôr fell by the spear of Idas ; a

elation of the name Iamos to the violet. Ἐνδυμίων. Endymion. In the legendary annals of Elis, Endymiôn was the so

their fifty daughters, will perhaps furnish a key to his true nature. In these daughters Boeckh2039 sees the fifty lunar m

the fifty lunar months which formed the Olympic cycle of four years. In such case Endymiôn would probably be the sun, who

e always asleep2040. Κτέατος καὶ Εὕρυτος. Cteatus et Eurytus. In the Ilias2041 Nestôr mentions two Epeian youths,

through. Thirteen had already lost their lives when Pelops came2061. In the dead of the night, says Pindar, Pelops went d

his chariot, or as others said to put in waxen ones instead of iron. In the race therefore, the chariot of Œnomaos broke

e and Lysidice, who married Sthenelos and Mestôr the sons of Perseus. In this mythe also there is much obscurity. We will

in his days. Hesiod2071 probably related the winning of Hippodameia. In the Cypria it was said, that from the summit of T

ot be known, sprang from his lurkingplace, and forcibly embraced her. In the struggle she drew his sword from the sheath,

s reason however did not entirely depart, and he had lucid intervals. In consequence of this calamity, instead of going ho

intoxication fell on the Calydonians, of which many of them perished. In their distress, they had recourse to the oracle o

, and reared her sons2092 . He was succeeded in his kingdom by Minôs. In the Ilias2093 Zeus says that the daughter of ‘far

gs, from which egress was almost impossible for those who entered it. In this he placed the Minotaur, where he preyed on t

ale of her love for her step-son Hippolytos has been already related. In the Theogony2105 it is said that The gold-haired

ly, gold-seated’ Artemis slew him with her ‘gentle darts’ in Ortygia. In another place his size and beauty are praised2121

ere also named the ‘Bunch’2143) might easily have suggested the idea. In like manner we think it probable that the true si

na, built for him a fifty-oared galley, called from himself the Argo. In her keel Athena set a piece of timber, cut from t

the country, or with fictions of the inhabitants of the colonies2167. In the ancient ante-Homeric Argonautics it is probab

advice put her to death. He was immediately assailed by her Erinnys. In phrenzy he roamed through Arcadia, came first to

nsecrated at Delphi, and then went to Epeiros, and founded Acarnania. In the preceding narrative we have probably the cont

captured and sold for a slave Lycaôn, another of the sons of Priamos. In the division of the spoil a maiden named Briseïs

, and flesh are in the utmost abundance, for king and shepherd alike. In these various countries he collected much wealth 

said of the heroes, And now with minds free from all care they dwell In the Islands of the Blest, by Ocean’s deep- Eddyin

left to conjecture the state of the ancient inhabitants of Italy2247. In the times of the early history of Rome, three pri

nd to Varro, Gellius, Macrobius, and the Latin Fathers of the Church. In all of them we discern the influence of the princ

urnus and Ops, Saturnus and Lua, Mars and Neriene, Quirinus and Hora. In some cases the name of the goddess is only the fe

ree and open, and whose house and temple this whole world should be.” In the ‘Council of the Gods’ of the old satirist Luc

ovis Pater became Jupiter, answering to the Ζϵὺς πατὴρ of the Greeks. In the more ancient monuments of the Roman religion

us was so named, as we are told, from the following circumstance2276. In the time of Numa there occurred great thunder-sto

wned with violets went about with cakes strung round their necks2306. In the Forum at Rome there was a statue of the Stata

however be connected with fructus, and refer to her rural character. In the Circus stood a chapel of Venus Murtia, so nam

a servant. 2. Μûθοι. The word μûθοѕ is in Homer equivalent to λόγοѕ. In the time of Pindar it had acquired the significat

ntidote the Antisymbolik of Voss, and the Aglaophamus of Lobeck. 46. In the author's ‘Tales and Popular Fictions,’ chap.

occaccio's Genealogia Deorum, written in the fourteenth century. 80. In the former edition of this work we entered at som

e commencement of the Shield. 82. The Thebaïs was ascribed to Homer. In the opinion of Pausanias (ix. 9. 3.) it was next

cs are right in assigning a later age to that part of the poem. 135. In reading the Paradise Lost one is apt to be struck

(Völcker, ut sup.). Others understand by them Ash-nymphs, from μϵλία. In this last case they might denote the production o

54. Kronos and Iapetos are joined together by Homer (Il. viii. 479.). In the hymn to Apollo, vv. 336, 337. we read Τιτῆυέ

ótt, Nat, Scandinav. 183. Theog. 337. seq. 184. Il. xiv. 201. 302. In v. 246. he is called the origin of all (πάντϵσσι)

lowing lines : ……… The gilded car of day His glowing axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream ; And the slope sun his

25. Sympos. iii. 10, 3. 259. «Roscida Luna.» Virg. Geor. iii. 335. In the Icaromenippus (13.) of the witty Lucian Emped

this poet, but we may be certain that he had Greek authority for it. In another place (Fasti, iv. 943.) he calls her Tita

that they are heavy as if laden with passengers, but they see no one. In one pull (ῥοπῇ) they reach the isle of Britannia,

. 938 396. It is curious to mark the apparent progress of this tale. In the text we have followed Callimachus (Hymn iv. 3

s titled them the Sons of God. See Heyne on Apollod. i. 7. 5. 398. In the Ilias, when Hector is routing the Greeks, Pos

sertatio de Sodoma, &c.’ in his ‘Mosis Prophetæ V Libri, &c.’ In the Fairy Mythology (ii. 97.) will be found a Swi

h. der Jap. 133. seq.) an excellent discussion of this subject. 441. In the ‘Tales and Popular Fictions’, 79. seq. will b

plant, whose name sounds like theirs, becomes as it were their arms. In the department of figures this has been long sinc

ceive, in the Ilias, and it is the only love-tale of Apollo in Homer. In the Hindoo poem of Nalas, the heroine Damayanti a

Os. 70. 755. Il. xiv. 214. 756. Carm. iii. 28. 15. iv. 1. 10. 757. In the ode preserved by Dion. Hal. De compos. verbor

Akin to the Latin nubo and nubes. 1246. Il. iii. 130. Od. iv. 743. In this last place it is used of Penelope, who was n

orth-west point of the island. 1360. Hor. Carm. iii. 16, 34 ; 17, 1. In this last we cannot help regarding with Buttmann

the Ilias to the serpent, the boar, and the lion, and signifies grim. In the Odyssey it is an epithet of Atlas, Minôs and

Pandora, whom the gods Endowed with all their gifts, and Oh, too like In sad event, when to the unwiser son Of Japhet brou

. seq. Sch. Aristoph. Frogs, 1236. Diod. iv. 34. Hygin. 181-5. 1620. In the ‘Meleagros’ of Euripides there was a long des

ascribe to a Pelasgian sage. Milton in his youth had a similar idea. In his Hymn on the Nativity he calls the sun Nature'

symbolical statues placed before the temples of that land of mystery. In the pragmatising days it was said (Paus. Ix. 26.)

from ΩθΩ, ὠθέω, to push ; Ἐϕιάλτης from ἐπὶ and ὶάλλ to put. 1727. In compliance with established usage we place this h

nd foals, was slain by him in violation of the rights of hospitality. In the Catalogue (II. ii. 730.) the Thessalian Œchal

f the governor of the castle of Abydos thus betrayed it to the Turks. In the Shâh-Nâmeh, Meliketh (Princess), daughter of

. 1885. See above, p. 253. 1886. Or Entreater, from ἀντιάω. 1887. In the Theogony, ver. 282, it is said, Τῳ μὲν ἐπώνυ

to Theocritus (Idyll. xiii.), the hero proceeded on foot to Colchis. In the poem named ‘The Wedding of Ceÿx,’ Heracles is

er de Cyclo, p. 87. 2208. This name does not occur in Homer. 2209. In the Ilias (xxiv. 765.) Helena says that she had b

ycle the narrative was continued by the Telegonia of Eugammôn. 2239. In our remarks on the story of Soohrâb in the ‘Tales

hich we may observe had no deity answering to the Erôs of the Grecks. In our observations above we include all the religio

llude to the Hellenic, not the Pelasgian form, of the Grecian mythes. In their original and true sense they were, as we ha

ue sense they were, as we have seen, perfectly pure and moral. 2249. In like manner Spain is much richer in romances of c

hts and habits of the beauty-loving people with whom they originated. In this little book I have gathered together some of

ing of them.” And they called these mighty people gods and goddesses. In the central part of Greece, there stood a lofty m

very cruel thing, — she raised her hand and spoke a few magic words. In an instant Callisto’s slender, white hands had ch

o lived lonely and sad in the forest. Her joy in nature was all gone. In vain the brooks gurgled as they sped merrily by;

l it was too late to hide, and then she turned to see who was coming. In an instant, in spite of the many years since she

. William C. Bryant . A Story of the Springtime Part I In the blue Mediterranean Sea, which washes the sout

ning sky. Her long, golden curls reminded you of the bright sunlight. In fact, there was something so young and fair and t

arth resounds with the joy of waves. Felicia Hemans. Part II In the evening Ceres returned to her home; but her d

ss the little island, and seemed to sing a song of welcome to Latona. In fact, it was as lovely a home as any one could wi

he fern,     To bicker down a valley. I chatter over stony ways,      In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying

t is true, any day when you walk in the woods or go through a tunnel. In fact, I should not wonder if most of you have alr

o every call. ——— Invitation to Echo Two of us among the daisies      In the meadow bright and still, You, alone among the

o carry him to his bier, but the body of the dead youth had vanished. In its stead there stood a beautiful flower, with a

et pools, gazing at its image in the water. A Web and a Spider In an ancient city of Greece, there lived a young gi

roup in the back of the room watched, breathless with wonder and awe. In the center of Minerva’s loom there soon appeared

a thread, and all your race shall bear the same punishment forever.” In an instant Arachne’s hair fell off, and her face

so Mingle shades of joy and woe, Hope and fear and peace and strife, In the thread of human life. Passions wild and foll

vain, Pleasures soon exchanged for pain; Doubt and jealousy and fear, In the magic dance appear. Now they wax and now the

ich his love and his wonderful gift of music had so nearly saved her. In vain Orpheus tried to get back into Hades; and af

en the billows of the sea,     Hung their heads, and then lay by.      In sweet music is such art;     Killing care and gri

eer, the animal which he and his faithful hounds had so often hunted. In terror and dismay, he looked at his new body, whi

alace. Oh, how the wicked king chuckled over the success of his plot! In seeming to do the boy an honor, he thought he was

with the king. The more he thought of it, the less he liked the idea. In the excitement of the moment, he had promised to

d met fair Andromeda, which is the story I am going to tell you next. In return, he heard how cruelly the king had treated

s had slain Medusa, and when he was hurrying back to his island home. In an island near Greece, there lived a beautiful wo

sult the oracle. This was an old custom among the people of long ago. In many cities there were beautiful temples built to

ife to his Island Home.” Perseus ( Canova ). The Story of Io In a certain part of Greece, there was a beautiful g

s and bowers, All ye virtues and ye powers That inhabit in the lakes, In the pleasant springs or brakes,         Move your

ere thoughts are singing swallows     And the brooks of morning run. In your hearts are the birds and the sunshine.     I

s of morning run. In your hearts are the birds and the sunshine.      In your thoughts the brooklet’s flow, But in mine is

   And whisper in my ear What the birds and the winds are singing      In your sunny atmosphere. For what are all our cont

his claim. So Hercules gained the king’s fair daughter for his bride. In that last fierce struggle, one of the bull’s horn

e shirt, with Deïanira’s message; and Hercules straightway put it on. In a short time, the deadly poison began its work, a

ly poison began its work, and Hercules was racked with strange pains. In his agony, he tried to tear off the fatal shirt,

company of gods in high Olympus. The Artisan’s Wonderful Wings In ancient Athens there once lived a man named Daeda

ing to hold him up in the air, and he began to fall down, down, down. In his fright he cried aloud to his father. Daedalus

easant the life of a bird must be, Flitting about in each leafy tree; In the leafy trees, so broad and tall, Like a green

ch man has some part to play; The past and the future are nothing      In the face of the stern to-day. Rise! from your dr

e his city of this terrible yearly burden, or to die with his people. In vain the old king tried to make him change his mi

leep in the courtyard to-night, and let me enter the labyrinth alone. In the morning the others may follow.” “The prince w

s wanderers, and to share with them the best fare they have to offer. In olden times people thought even more of this virt

n, there stood a little, modest-looking cottage, thatched with straw. In it dwelt an old couple, Philemon and his wife Bau

strange plants, — poppies and other herbs that send mortals to sleep. In the center of the cavern, on a great couch of bla

hair wet and dripping, his garments covered with seaweeds and shells. In a sad voice he told the story of the shipwreck, a

ere all as happy as the day is long. Only one thing marred their joy. In the hot summer days, when the sky was cloudless a

illing to help in killing the children for the sake of a little gold. In due time, they came back to the king with their f

its fleece on a tree in a wood, and set a fierce dragon to guard it. In time Phryxus died and a new king ruled in Colchis

seas and the streams; I bear light shade for the leaves when laid      In their noonday dreams. From my wings are shaken t

rowd to the field where Jason was to meet his death, as they thought. In the midst of them sat the king himself, with Mede

the midst of them sat the king himself, with Medea at his right hand. In all that vast crowd, she was the only one who dar

r, for each one thought it was his neighbor who had thrown the stone. In a few minutes, they were all fighting and struggl

his ship, where Medea and his companions were anxiously awaiting him. In a very short time, the anchor was lifted, and wit

n at last Circe saw that she must at least pretend to grant his wish. In her heart she hated Scylla, and she had made up h

rld their worth. Fitz-Greene Halleck . A Wonderful Sculptor In the blue Mediterranean Sea, which washes the sout

e satyrs, and all who were eager to be present at the coming contest. In front of the judge stood Apollo with his golden c

pid use of his ears, Apollo changed them to long, furry asses’- ears. In great excitement the king locked himself in his r

r to make him a wig of such shape that it would hide the ugly things. In a short time, the wig was on his majesty’s head,

walked to an open meadow which was far away from any dwelling place. In the center of it he dug a deep hole, and then, pu

om, Sang of beauty, love, and longing; Sang of death and life undying In the land of the Hereafter. Henry Wadsworth Long

mething rough and shaggy about the love, as well as about the lovers. In the cave of a mountain which overhung the blue se

e more frequently recurrent than the situations and agencies of myth. In view of this consideration, the Academic Council

ch held accountable for liberties that have been taken with his work. In the Classic Myths in English Literature, Chaps. X

ents of perennial freshness, of æsthetic potency, and of ideal worth. In the matter of illustrative English and American p

egard has been had to the æsthetic value of the poem or the citation. In the search for suitable examples I have derived v

of the Nineteenth Century (Bowdoin College, Library Bulletin, N°. I). In the Commentary four things have been attempted: f

tinized forms of Greek names, have been, so far as possible retained. In the chapters, however, on the attributes of the G

n appellations, or designations common to both Greek and Roman usage. In the transliteration of Greek names I have followe

gos, Aglauros, Pandrosos, have been transferred without modification. In short, the practice aimed at has been not that of

only accented, but, when there is possibility of error, syllabicated. In the preparation of the Text and Commentary more o

avings of works of art that, otherwise, might have escaped my notice. In conclusion, I would acknowledge gratefully my obl

e Belvedere. [Supplemented by the Ægis: Roscher 3: 438.] 12. Apollo. [ In the Museum of Basle: Roscher 3: 465.] 13. Diana (

d from such a study of the Classic Myths are general and specific. 1. In general, and in the first place, classic mytholog

the form as well as the mental, moral, and social attributes of men.” In these deities of the sun, the moon, and the dawn,

of youth, “preside over the institutions and occupations of mankind.” In none of these presumptive stages of mythologic ph

cannot quaff Massic and Falernian, they do well to scent the bouquet. In time, a sense of flavor may, perchance, be stimul

desire for nearer acquaintance with the literatures that we inherit. In respect of the plastic arts, a similar indirect i

ers that in most children the memory has grown too soft for saddling. In our apprehension lest pupils may turn out parrots

ught with the fire of imagination, kindles the present from the past. In this new world of ours, shall slopes and mountain

nture and character, blood and breath of probability and imagination. In historic myths the dependence of gods, heroes, an

en with a view to displaying or developing the character of the hero. In such myths, circumstances are not so important as

ct, and in feeling, — his responsibility, are the centre of interest. In romantic myths like the Odyssey this sense of fre

e imaginative and the moral sense aspects fraught with contradiction. In certain myths the gods display themselves as beau

n symbols of the moon, of the swift-winged wind, of the ravening sea. In our metonymies we use the sign for the thing sign

e, the savage invests them with free-will and personality like man’s. In proportion, however, as their size is grander or

rnatural events are distortions of natural but wonderful occurrences. In fact, it attributes to our forefathers a disease

ves. Professor Max Müller calls this affection a disease of language. In ancient languages every such word as day, night,

he dawn. The word for sun was masculine; the word for dawn, feminine. In time the sentence came to mean Apollo the god of

ust terminate in correspondingly dissimilar and unconvincing results. In fine, the philological explanation assumes as its

cendants becoming stupid, knowledge as well as wit deserted the race. In some cases the myth was, without doubt, from the

hrist, suggested the allegorical theory and method of interpretation. In modern times he has been supported by Lord Bacon,

s and silly and cruel to the descendants of our contemporary savages. In like manner, “as the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, a

h invisible inhabitants and powers. In Greece, says Wordsworth:12 — “ In that fair clime the lonely herdsman, stretched On

ves and twigs by hoary age, From depth of shaggy covert peeping forth In the low vale, or on steep mountain side; And some

hropological, or “survivalist,” explanation of the elements of myth. “ In the long history of mankind,” says Mr. Andrew La

at the hands of the greatest lyric poet of Greece, Pindar (522 b.c.). In his hymns and songs of praise to gods and in his

ion against Thebes, the sufferings of Prometheus — benefactor of men. In the tragedies of Sophocles (495 b.c.) we have a f

re read with pleasure by the young and old of every civilized land.” In an incidental manner, Horace, the prince of Roman

us Olafsson (1574-1636), is much better known than the original work. In 1642, Bishop Bryniolf Sveinsson discovered a manu

suit himself, strung them together on a thread of his own invention. In fine, the materials of the poem would persuade us

hundred-handed monsters, or Hecatonchires, were also three in number. In them, probably, the Greeks imaged the sea with it

f Heaven and Earth. He is, from the beginning, of incalculable years. In works of art his head is veiled, to typify his cu

f their existence and their captivity. § 19. The War of the Titans. — In the war which ensued Iapetus and all the Titans,

ed dignity hereafter to be set forth. § 20. The Division of Empire. — In the council of the gods that succeeded, Jupiter w

s, and Enceladus, and Porphyrion the fire-king, — leader of the crew. In the war against them, Juno and Minerva, divinitie

cording to certain records, her proud designation of Pallas-Athene.57 In due course, like the Titans and Typhon, the Giant

father Iapetus had, with Cronus, opposed the sovereignty of Jupiter. In that conflict, Prometheus, gifted with prophetic

ware of Jupiter and all his ways. And the caution was not groundless. In the hand of Pandora had been placed by the immort

he stability of Jove’s throne. But to reveal his secret he disdained. In this steadfastness he was supported by the knowle

d. But, baffled as thou wert from high, Still, in thy patient energy, In the endurance and repulse Of thine impenetrable s

Who with grief have been acquainted, Making nations nobler, freer. “ In their feverish exultations, In their triumph and

inted, Making nations nobler, freer. “In their feverish exultations, In their triumph and their yearning, In their passio

“In their feverish exultations, In their triumph and their yearning, In their passionate pulsations, In their words among

In their triumph and their yearning, In their passionate pulsations, In their words among the nations, The Promethean fir

tion, With the rapture of creating! “Ah, Prometheus! heaven-scaling! In such hours of exultation Even the faintest heart,

ities whose usual abode was the earth, the waters, or the underworld. In the great hall of the Olympian king the gods feas

me ruler of the universe, wisest of the divinities and most glorious. In the Iliad he informs the other gods that their un

es in without hesitation, without question as to which side is right. In battle-array, he is resplendent, — on his head th

ot drawn by four horses — the offspring of the North Wind and a Fury. In the fray his sons attend him — Terror, Trembling,

ifying the chances of war, Mars is, of course, not always successful. In the battles before Troy, Minerva and Juno bring h

gods.76 His loved one and mistress is the goddess of beauty herself. In her arms the warrior finds repose. Their daughter

d against any but feeble animals, — hares, wild goats, and such game. In commemoration of this illustrious conquest, he in

Victory and praise in their own right belong.” Fig. 12. Apollo. [ In the Museum of Basle: Roscher 3: 465.] § 39. Diana

rows with which she sends upon womankind a speedy and painless death. In her prerogative of moon-goddess she is frequently

slumberous vales, pleasant with spring and vernal breezes, are hers. In her broidered girdle lurk “love and desire, and l

Lie bare the soft hill-slopes, the while Her thrilling voice is heard In song of wind and wave, and every flitting bird. N

ubble field she turns to ruddy gold; The empty distance she will fold In purple gauze; the warm glow she has kissed Along

l thought within the breast The inner beauty of the world hath moved; In starlight that the dome of evening fills; On endl

l on its central hearth there glowed coals from her ancestral hearth. In her temple at Rome a sacred fire, tended by six v

World. — The Greek poets believed the earth to be flat and circular. In their opinion, their own country occupied the mid

e mentioned in § 54. (3) The Satyrs, deities of the woods and fields. In early art, they appear as bearded creatures with

eaves nor vernal, Nor days nor things diurnal: Only the sleep eternal In an eternal night.97 With the ghosts of Hades, t

f storm-driven mariners who had caught a glimpse of occidental lands. In these Islands of the Blest, the Titans, released

m fell the sovereignty of the lower world and the shades of the dead. In his character of Hades, the viewless, he is hard

r husband, is cruel, unyielding, inimical to youth and life and hope. In the story of her descent to Hades will be found a

ile dolphins and other monsters of the deep gambolled about his path. In his honor black and white bulls, white boars, and

by Jupiter, he fled to Italy, where he reigned during the Golden Age. In memory of his dominion, the feast of Saturnalia w

y represented as facing both ways. His temples at Rome were numerous. In war time the gates of the principal ones were alw

merous. In war time the gates of the principal ones were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only o

of Apollo and Diana. The ire of Juno against her was never appeased. In consequence of it, numerous trials were visited u

her any further attention, Juno consented to restore her to her form. In a poem dedicated to Leigh Hunt, by Keats, the fol

ords escaped, and he could neither unsay his promise nor her request. In deep distress, he left her, and returned to the u

a joist, But with the upside down, to show Its inclination for below; In vain, for a superior force, Applied at bottom, st

the prize of a peaceful contest with Neptune, who also aspired to it. In the reign of Cecrops, the first king of Athens, t

nerva’s contest with Neptune. [Vase picture: Baumeister.] Arachne. — In another contest, a mortal dared to come into comp

eaking, presents him in no very favorable light. Mars and Diomede. — In the war of the Greeks and the Trojans,129 the cau

cared for him, while he plied his trade and gained proficiency in it. In order to revenge himself upon the mother who had

ong all nations synonymous with jubilation, praise, and thanksgiving. In his conflict with another monster of darkness and

beauty such as thine? Deserv’d they death because thy grace appear’d In ever modest motion? ’twas thy gift, The richest g

s told in the story of Linus, a beautiful son of Apollo and Psamathe. In fear of her father the king, Psamathe exposed the

enough, And yet he used them so, That what in other mouths was rough In his seemed musical and low. Men called him but a

In his seemed musical and low. Men called him but a shiftless youth, In whom no good they saw; And yet, unwittingly, in t

upposed him dead. When — but can it be? — … Ay, he it was advancing! In he strode, And took his stand before Admetos, — t

Parnassian laurel, while his robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In his left hand he held the lyre, and with his righ

playing the lyre (Citharædus). [Statue in the Vatican: Roscher 463.] In the following “Hymn,”156 Pan taunts Apollo as he

sometimes remarked; “When I last saw my love, she was fairly embarked In a laurel, as she thought — but (ah, how Fate mock

bark is worse than ten times her old bite.”163 § 86. Clytie. 164 — In the story of Clytie the conditions are reversed.

ce became a flower, turning on its stem to follow the journeying sun. In the following lines, Thomas Moore uses the flower

ith symbols of Apollo. [Relief: Hirt.] 6. Myths of Diana. § 87. In company with her radiant brother, we find Diana s

od still sought the trembling maiden. But a cold sweat came over her. In less time than it takes to tell, she had become a

ssionate river-god. Fig. 47. Head of Arethusa. [Coin: Baumeister.] In the following version of the pursuit,168 Arethusa

iver when Alpheüs espied her. Arethusa arose From her couch of snows In the Acroceraunian mountains, — From cloud and fro

the western gleams: And gliding and springing She went, ever singing, In murmurs as soft as sleep; The Earth seemed to lov

glacier cold, With his trident the mountain strook And opened a chasm In the rocks; — with the spasm All Erymanthus shook.

ply their watery tasks. At sunrise they leap From their cradles steep In the cave of the shelving hill; At noontide they f

the woods below And the meadows of Asphodel: And at night they sleep In the rocking deep Beneath the Ortygian shore; — Li

the rocking deep Beneath the Ortygian shore; — Like spirits that lie In the azure sky When they love but live no more.

lub. Sirius, his dog, follows him, and the Pleiads fly before him.171 In the beginning of winter, all through the night, O

vens; but with dawn he sinks toward the waters of his father Neptune. In the beginning of summer, he may be seen with dayb

Orion saw them in Bœotia, became enamoured of them, and gave pursuit. In their distress they prayed to the gods to change

as such that the poverty of language is unable to express its praise. In fact, Venus found her altars deserted, while men

Love’s worshipper, — To seek on earth for him whose home was heaven! In the full city, — by the haunted fount, — Through

les, on the moonlit mount, Where silence sits to listen to the stars; In the deep glade where dwells the brooding dove, Th

fainting with surprise, Saw two fair creatures, couched side by side In deepest grass, beneath the whispering roof Of lea

uthed prophet dreaming. “Yes, I will be thy priest, and build a fane In some untrodden region of my mind, Where branched

in the race; but death must be the penalty of all who try and fail.” In spite of this hard condition some would try. Of o

Hero and Leander. 185 — On Hellespont, guilty of true love’s blood, In view and opposite two cities stood, Sea-borderers

es fell but in such guise As he had wrought them, now was she arrayed In that fair garment that the priests had laid Upon

glances, and the fire burned the more intensely that it was covered. In the wall between the two houses there was a crack

s sharpest and truest arrow, and sped it right to the heart of Pluto. In the vale of Enna is a lake embowered in woods, wh

st recovery, — she restored the child to life and health with a kiss. In grateful happiness the family spread the table, a

ppy omens with him. His torch smoked and brought tears into the eyes. In coincidence with such prognostics, Eurydice, shor

Aristseus, who was struck with her beauty, and made advances to her. In flying she trod upon a snake in the grass, was bi

, he sang his petition for his wife. Without her he would not return. In such tender strains he sang that the very ghosts

to make a voyage to Claros in Ionia, to consult the oracle of Apollo. In spite of his wife’s entreaties (for as daughter o

the sight of Halcyone, and that it might receive burial at her hands. In the meanwhile Halcyone counted the days till her

ned earth. There is no gate to creak on its hinges, nor any watchman. In the midst, on a couch of black ebony, adorned wit

waves. As it floated nearer, she recognized the body of her husband. In despair, leaping from the mole, she was changed i

r palace, lived on ambrosial food, and was clad in celestial raiment. In time he lost the power of using his limbs; and th

light into flakes of fire. “Lo! ever thus thou growest beautiful In silence, then before thine answer given Departe

scare me with thy tears, And make me tremble lest a saying learnt In days far-off, on that dark earth, be true? ‘The

nnot recall their gifts.’ “Ay me! ay me! with what another heart In days far-off, and with what other eyes I used t

Winds, to convey his body to the banks of the river Æsepus, in Mysia. In the evening, Aurora, accompanied by the House and

ryst With Naïs at the Brooklyn Ferry. A one-eyed Cyclops halted long In tatter’d cloak of army pattern, And Galatea joine

Silenus grips My ears and strides On my shaggy hips, And up and down In an ivy crown Tipsily rides; And when in doze His

ater cool, And — bubble! trouble! Seeing double I! I stumble and gasp In some igy pool!” Fig. 69. Young Satyr. [Wall p

pile, and would have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found. In its place had sprung up a flower, purple within a

ys like silvery waters fall; But it is sweetest, sweetest far of all, In the calm summer night, When the tree-tops look wh

he slept, enfolded him with her wings, and breathed herself into him. In his dreams, the caitiff craved food; and when he

l into a monster hideously fashioned of serpents and barking dogs.245 In this shape Scylla, there after, infested the shor

d by sailors. Palæmon was usually represented as riding on a dolphin. In his honor the Isthmian games were celebrated. By

sten where thou art sitting Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave. In twisted braids of lilies knitting The loose train

ddess of the silver lake, Listen and save. “Listen and appear to us In name of great Oceanus. By th’ earth-shaking Neptu

s. 269— The daughter of Acrisius was Danaë, of surpassing loveliness. In consequence of an oracle which had prophesied tha

hite gown; While o’er their backs their straight white hair hung down In long thin locks; dreadful their faces were, Carve

oned a dreary song, Complaining that their lives should last so long, In that sad place that no one came anear, In that wa

lives should last so long, In that sad place that no one came anear, In that wan place desert of hope and fear; And singi

hield and Mercury his knife, Perseus sped to the hall of the Gorgons. In silence sat two of the sisters, — But a third wo

erly been betrothed to the bride, burst in demanding her for his own. In vain, Cepheus remonstrated that all such engageme

his cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them with his hands. In his youth he passed for the son of his step-fathe

ry pride of his manhood, he was driven insane by the implacable Juno. In his madness he slew his children, and would have

to the upper air, provided he could do it without the use of weapons. In spite of the monster’s struggling, he seized him,

lden fleece, and he captured the thievish gnomes, called Cercopes.288 In the Argonautic adventure he was attended by a lad

d blooming parsley, and deer-grass spreading through the marshy land. In the midst of the water the nymphs were arranging

became warm on the body of Hercules, the poison penetrated his limbs. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him

ines, And Lichas from the top of Œta threw Into the Euboic Sea.”293 In this state he embarked on board a ship, and was c

ations, to the stars, to Hecate, to Tellus, the goddess of the earth. In a chariot borne aloft by dragons, she traversed t

ereon to burn. Meanwhile the caldron with its contents was preparing. In it she put magic herbs, with seeds and flowers of

on awakening, found himself forty years younger. § 147. Pelias. 304 — In another instance, Medea made her arts the instrum

a new and singular way. She put in only water and a few simple herbs. In the night she persuaded the daughters of Pelias t

gests that of the witches in Macbeth: — “Round about the caldron go; In the poisoned entrails throw. — Toad, that under c

ng got, Boil thou first i’ the charmed pot. … Fillet of a fenny snake In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of

o which she wove her story, informed Philomela of the horrible truth. In revenge upon Tereus, the sisters killed Itylus, a

tted it; if they were longer than the bed, he lopped off their limbs. In the course of time, Theseus reached Athens; but h

of mortals, — Goddess of Golgi, thou, frequenter of coverts Idalian, In what wildering seas ye tossed the impassionate ma

father, was placed in Italy under the protection of the nymph Egeria. In his old age, Theseus, losing the favor of his peo

to expose him to the elements on Mount Cithæron. § 159. Œdipus. 335 — In this plight the infant was given to a tender-hear

Laïus was then driving to Delphi, accompanied only by one attendant. In a narrow road he met Œdipus, also in a chariot. O

t herself down from the rock and perished. § 160. Œdipus, the King. — In gratitude for their deliverance, the Thebans’ mad

ng fearful. But, if I had left My mother’s son unburied on his death, In that I should have suffered; but in this I suffer

nt. And those that stand beside him say: — Man’s highest blessedness In wisdom chiefly stands; And in the things that tou

, the Centaur, Peleus succeeded in winning the goddess for his bride. In this marriage to be productive of momentous resul

ble! — haughty their array, Yet of their number no one dares to die?’ In soul I swept the indignity away: Old frailties th

the indignity away: Old frailties then recurred: — but lofty thought In act embodied, my deliverance wrought.”… … Upon

mnon, king of men, called a council of his wisest and bravest chiefs. In the debate that ensued, Nestor advised that an em

falling into the hands of the enemy, could see no suitable messenger. In desperation, he exclaimed: — “Father of heaven a

d Paris was the first victim of the fatal arrows. Paris and Œnone. — In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in h

songs and triumphal acclamations, and the day closed with festivity. In the night the armed men who were enclosed in the

life by sending him secretly to his uncle Strophius, king of Phocis. In the palace of Strophius, Orestes grew up with the

menides seized upon Orestes, and drove him frantic from land to land. In these wanderings Pylades accompanied him, and wat

ins in the sea. Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind, In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined On

m arose that broke his mast, and threatened to rend the raft asunder. In this crisis he was seen by a compassionate sea-ny

ships. Without the court a spacious garden lay, four acres in extent. In it grew many a lofty tree, pomegranate, pear, app

ess is he, centred in the sphere Of common duties, decent not to fail In offices of tenderness, and pay Meet adoration to

them, and the fields, that they had planted, failed to yield a crop. In this gloomy aspect of affairs, Æneas was warned i

t Paris had put upon her, in awarding the prize of beauty to another. In heavenly minds can such resentment dwell!381 Acco

neas thought he descried the form of Dido, with a wound still recent. In the dim light he was for a moment uncertain, but

were as far beneath their feet as heaven was high above their heads. In the bottom of this pit, the Titan race, who warre

These concluding words of the Sibyl alluded to her prophetic power. In her cave she was accustomed to inscribe on leaves

rms by Tarchon and his countrymen. Turnus attacks the Trojan Camp. — In the meanwhile, Turnus had collected his bands, an

ched themselves on the field and slept secure. Nisus and Euryalus. — In the camp of the Trojans things were far otherwise

the other matrons in Acestes’ city.” Euryalus replied, “Say no more. In vain dost thou seek arguments to dissuade me. I a

they passed, such of the enemy as they could without exciting alarm. In one tent Euryalus made prize of a helmet brillian

uck him in the back and stretched him on the plain with a death-blow. In the midst of their amazement another weapon flew

sation of arms for some days to allow both armies to bury their dead. In this interval Æneas challenged Turnus to decide t

s were sufficiently high and massive to render the place impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer, t

at the idea of bestowing her charms on the king of the Frost giants. In this emergency, Loki persuaded Thor to dress hims

nd calling a young man named Hugi, bade him run a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his com

e of similar illusions in the contests ye have had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself, devoured all

s ties, not only thy desire. Yet dreary, Nanna, is the life they lead In that dim world, in Hela’s mouldering realm; And d

inglorious; I attend the course Of ages, and my late return to light, In times less alien to a spirit mild, In new re-cove

s, and my late return to light, In times less alien to a spirit mild, In new re-covered seats, the happier day.” He spake

rd was to wed with another than Brynhild. And it befell in this wise. In the land of the Niblungs (Nibelungs, Nibelungen)

Gudrun, giving her the fatal ring that he had regained from Brynhild. In ten days came Brynhild by agreement to the Hall o

Wail not, O child of the Niblungs! I am smitten, but thou shalt live, In remembrance of our glory, mid the gifts the gods

done many deeds in my life-days, and all these, and my love, they lie In the hollow hand of Odin till the day of the world

wound, and was burned on the funeral pyre beside Sigurd the Volsung. In time Gudrun became the queen of Atli, the Budlung

all into whose hands they fell. § 186. The Lay of the Nibelungs.395 — In the German version of this story — called the Nib

ad been led to regard as a vassal, to Gunther, his reputed overlord. In her heart this thought she fostered, deep in its

nguage, Literature, etc., of the Parsis, by E. W. West, Boston: 1879. In illustration should be read Moore’s Fire-Worshipp

ce lift aloft her scale”; and Milton’s Hymn to the Nativity, 14, 15. In P. L. 4: 998, et seq., is a different conception

ants of Deucalion and Hellen, see § 132 (5) of this commentary. § 31. In the following genealogical table (A), the names o

called by the Romans Juno Lucina, the special goddess of childbirth. In her honor wives held the festival of the Matronal

Vatican); the Athene of Velletri in the Louvre. (See § 35, figure 2.) In modern sculpture, especially excellent are Thorwa

a and Prometheus, and Cellini’s Minerva (on the base of his Perseus). In modern painting, Tintoretto’s Minerva defeating M

nce represents Ares bearded and with the armor of an Homeric warrior. In the art of the second half of the fifth century b

he was regarded either as the protector or as the destroyer of mice. In the Troad mice were fed in his temple; elsewhere

he bow is outstretched, and the head is turned in the same direction. In attitude and proportion the graceful majesty of t

ompt the age to quit their clogs,” for allusion to Latona. In Art. — In the shrine of Latona in Delos there was, in the d

lton, Hymn to Nativity; H. K. White, Ode to Contemplation. In Art. — In art the goddess is represented high-girt for the

f Diana who assisted in transferring the statue from Crete to Sparta. In modern painting, noteworthy are the Diana and her

eles, in Olympia, are especially fine specimens of ancient sculpture. In modern sculpture: Cellini’s Mercury (base of Pers

ercury (base of Perseus); Giov. di Bologna’s Flying Mercury (bronze). In modern painting: Tintoretto’s Mercury and the Gra

nciad 4: 308; Moral Essays 4: 111; Windsor Forest, — on Lord Surrey, “ In the same shades the Cupids tuned his lyre To the

c War, 203 b.c., her image was fetched from the latter place to Rome. In 191 b.c. the Megalensian Games were first celebra

also called Cybele, Berecyntia, and Dindymene. The Cybele of Art. — In works of art, Cybele exhibits the matronly air wh

years, grave, dignified, crowned with a diadem and robed to the feet. In modern sculpture note especially the Drunken Bacc

. For Danaë, see § 134; for Alcmene, § 139; for Leda, § 165 c. § 59. In the following general table of the Race of Inachu

f the fertile soil in spring, which brings forth the productive vine. In the irrational part of the myth, Jove takes the c

ica. The worship of Athene was introduced into Athens by this family. In sacrifices the goddess was clad in the skin of th

le two vultures devoured his liver (§ 21). Interpretative. — Python: In many savage myths, a serpent, a frog, or a lizard

the Pelias who was killed at the instigation of Medea (§ 145, etc.). In that affair Alcestis took no part. For her family

P. R. 2: 187; Lord de Tabley (Wm. Lancaster), Daphne, “All day long, In devious forest, Grove, and fountain side, The god

ver, ran Through caverns measureless to man, Down to a sunless sea.” In one of Moore’s juvenile poems he alludes to the p

pious spring.” § 89. See genealogical table, E, (§ 61 C) for Actæon. In this myth Preller finds another allegory of the b

the same subject; Byron, “Like the lost Pleiad seen no more below.” In modern sculpture, The Lost Pleiad of Randolph Rog

boy Endymion,” etc. Young’s Night Thoughts, “So Cynthia, poets feign. In shadows veiled,… Her shepherd cheered.” Spenser,

on, goddess sometimes of the moon, sometimes of the star of Love. (3) In midsummer he dies, and during autumn and winter i

roses, Where young Adonis oft reposes, Waxing well of his deep wound In slumber soft, and on the ground Sadly sits th’ As

tion must be made between the Festivals and the Mysteries of Eleusis, In the festivals all classes might participate. Thos

a,” etc.; Hood, Ode to Melancholy: — “Forgive if somewhile I forget, In woe to come the present bliss; As frighted Proser

f each. The name itself implies turning; or change. § 125. Textual. — In order to understand the story of Ibycus, it is ne

known night-enveloped ocean and the misty horizon whence storms come. In that case, the Grææ will be the gray clouds, and

“he who appears in the clouds,” or “he who slays the cloudy monster.” In either sense we have another sun-myth and sun-her

hen she falls under the sword of the sun, is Pegasus, the rain-cloud. In his contest with the Chimæra we have a repetition

and thither, now hiding, now revealing the mangled body of the sun.” In this way Cox, and other interpreters of myth, wou

ral tribes of Attica into one state, of which Athens was the capital. In commemoration of this important event, he institu

an. Penelope: Poems by R. Buchanan, E. C. Stedman, and W. S. Landor. In ancient sculpture, the Penelope in the Vatican. M

pture, the Penelope in the Vatican. Modern painting by C. F. Marchal. In crayons by D. G. Rossetti. Circe: M. Arnold, The

he Sibyl. The following legend of the Sibyl is fixed at a later date. In the reign of one of the Tarquins there appeared b

“From harmony, from heavenly harmony, This everlasting frame began.” In the centre of the universe (as Pythagoras taught)

: Rhine-Gold, Siegfried, The Valkyrias, and The Twilight of the Gods. In painting, especially famous are Schnorr von Carol

493 and 526 a.d., ruled from Italy what had been the Western Empire. In these poems, however, his earlier illustrious car

bards were likely to recall and utilize, it is not of material worth. In the Norse version, the name Niblung is interchang

first ascertain whether the second last syllable of the word is long. In general, a syllable is long in quantity: (1) If i

a). — Sometimes two vowels come together without forming a diphthong. In such cases the diæresis is, in this volume, used

′-te; or on the third last syllable (antepenult): Am-phit′-ry-on. (a) In words of two syllables, it falls on the penult: C

. (a) In words of two syllables, it falls on the penult: Cir′-ce. (b) In words of more than two syllables, it falls on the

accent apply to those preceding syllables: Cas 2-sĭ-o-pē′-a. Note. — In the Index of this work, when the penult of a word

d with the vivifying power of the sun, and of the waters of the Nile. In general, the most human and most beneficent of th

son of Dardanus, died without issue. (2) Son of Tros; Com. § 165 (5). In ′achus, son of Oceanus, ancestor of the Argive and

or Fauna, or for the daughter of Faunus and wife of the Roman Vulcan. In either case called Bona Dea. Man, origin of, Gree

7-170. 130. Iliad 5: 850, etc. Translation, Lang, Leaf, and Myers. In accordance with the system of nomenclature adopte

[Frontispiece.] Preface. In poetry and works of elegant literature allusions

troduction to Pagan Mythology was intended to obviate this difficult; In the successive editions of this work which the ap

rom them it passed into Asia Minor, Greece, and the adjacent islands. In the time of Moses, the illustrious Hebrew lawgive

with Janus, king of that country, by whom he was hospitably received. In gratitude for the kind reception he met with, Sat

iter Belus, mentioned by Herodotus, was the Jupiter of the Assyrians. In short, almost every nation had its own Jupiter. T

t of Trophonius, and that of Ammon, in Lybia. What was his character? In their extreme blindness, the heathens, though asc

d, in his character, many shameful vices and weaknesses of mortality. In his real history, as an earthly monarch, he would

essively addicted to pleasure, and indulgent to his vicious passions. In what manner was Jupiter represented? Jupiter was

a throne, under the figure of a majestic man, with a venerable beard. In his right-hand, holding the thunder; in his left,

inbow. Near her was generally placed her favourite bird, the peacock. In her temple at Argos, was her statue of gold and i

sacred to her. Of plants, the dittany and poppy were offered to her. In her sacrifices, an ewe lamb was the ordinary vict

ctive of misery instead of happiness. What is the history of Phaeton? In order to prove that he was really the child of th

having sworn to grant whatever Phaeton should ask, could not refuse. In vain did he give to the rash youth, the most prud

youth with lifted hand Full at his head he hurl’d the flaming brand, In awful thunderings  — At once from life and from t

ilence of the night. These once were men; But Circe’s charms confine, In brutal shapes, the human form divine. Pitt’s Vir

.” A number of other stories, equally ridiculous, are told of Apollo. In what manner was the Priestess of Apollo represent

e. Urania, or the heavenly, was esteemed the inventress of astronomy. In her hand she holds a globe, which sometimes appea

offices? She was the goddess of chastity, of the chace, and of woods. In heaven, she was supposed to enlighten by her rays

istory of this goddess? It is full of absurdities not worth noticing. In her, is allegorised the moon, and by the silver c

ss’s ears, the fatal gift of turning everything he touched into gold. In consequence of this, Midas being almost starved t

rning Sirius rise, Choke the parch’d earth and blacken all the skies; In such a cloud the God from combat driv’n High o’er

was supposed to be her favourite residence. Her worship was various. In some places, only incense was consumed upon her a

ven. He fell upon the island of Lemnos, and was crippled by his fall. In the caves of that isle, and in the immense subter

able form. Who was Neptune? The son of Saturn, brother of Jupiter. In the division of their father’s kingdom, the empir

m the Grecian walls. Mars, hovering o’er his Troy, his terror shrouds In gloomy tempests, and a night of clouds. Now, thro

’ring in the skies, They call us, and with outstretch’d arms implore, In vain they call; those arms are stretch’d no more.

’d arms implore, In vain they call; those arms are stretch’d no more. In the wide dungeon, she devours her food, And the f

cean, and the tow’rs of heaven. But Jove, the mighty ruin to prevent, In gloomy caves th’ aerial captives pent; O’er thei

lly venerated by the Arcadians, as the head of all the rural Deities. In the month of February, the Romans celebrated his

pass the hours away. Those raise the song divine, and these advance, In measur’d steps, to form the solemn dance. Others,

a nation of warlike women, and took prisoner Hippolyte, their queen. In one day, by turning a river through it, he cleans

while his doctrine will remain in splendour for five thousand years. In process of time, another Buddha is to appear upon

orth Pole, allegorically represented as a mountain of gold and gems. In the mid garden tower’d a giant tree, Rock-rooted

, And pour upon the breeze Their thousand voices; far away, the roar, In modulations of delightful sound, Half-heard and e

of flowing light, Openings of heaven, and streams that flash at night In fitful splendour, through the northern sky. Sout

e will; And these his twofold aspects are but one; And change is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be, The immuta

ious manner, and diffusing a lustre scarcely endurable by the sight.” In the Hindû work, called the Ayeen Akbery, is anoth

letely armed, who, having killed two elephants, are seated upon them. In front of that gate is an octagonal pillar of blac

se mantles of golden tissue, or coloured silk, with embroidered hems. In their hands are placed the sacred shell; elliptic

ical rings, and maces, or battle-axes. What are the Hindû sacrifices? In ancient times, not only sacrifices of beasts were

he inundation of the Nile, as a dog awakens vigilance by his barking. In the festivals of the gods, his image was the lead

as coiled round a figure with the heads of a dog, a lion, and a wolf. In the left hand was a cubit measure, intended to so

storal life. Her shepherds were true heroes; her kings, philosophers. In the midst of a brilliant constellation of learned

y and theology; and invented, or compiled, their system of Mythology. In the second age of Egyptian history, when the shep

etic messengers of the annual approach of the inundation of the Nile. In the vegetable kingdom, — the Lotus, that species

ws; but to celebrate the funeral of a dog, the whole head was shaved. In the extremity of famine, when they were driven by

of Ahriman and the prevalence of evil; and supplicating a deliverer. In the mean time, a universal opposition to the will

romazes, radiant source of good, Original, immortal, fram’d the globe In fruitfulness and beauty; how with stars, By him,

the two systems was one operating cause of the dispersion of mankind. In process of time the Mythology of the Scythians be

m, or cloak. The sacred groves were surrounded by a ditch or a mound. In their centre was a circular area, inclosed with o

e people. The religion of the ancient Scythians was extremely simple. In its primeval purity, it taught the being of a sup

ere often esteemed substitutes for warriors, or princes about to die, In times of great danger, or public calamity, even t

of Odin are represented by the Scandinavian poets as most marvellous. In battle he slaughtered thousands at a blow. Odin i

s abode. Virgins of high birth consecrated themselves to her service. In the temple at Upsal was seen her image reclining

d, What hand unknown laid Vala dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spirit dwells; And still if bo

sooth’d by some melodious spell, Slow breathing from the hollow stone In witching notes and solemn tone. Herbert’s Helga.

her body was of the colour of putrid, and the other of living, flesh. In this region of horrors roamed the wolf Fenris, a

to the shore, will inundate the air and water, with floods of venom. In the midst of this confusion, the heaven will open

lood. Dark to dwell in woe repining,     Far beyond the path of day, In that bower, where serpents twining,     Loathsome

His altar green with moss. The northern chiefs Cast not their captive In the dungeon now To the viper brood, nor to the ea

ry. The temple consisted of eight towers, raised one above the other. In an apartment of one of them was placed a magnific

his head was a rich plume of feathers, covered on the top with gold. In his left hand was a white target; and in his righ

cuously placed upon a lofty altar. Before him was a veil, or curtain. In conjunction with Vitzliputzli, the Mexicans worsh

vain. Questions. What was the origin of the Grecian Mythology? In which class of the first order of Deities were Sa

hat order did Pan, Pomona, Flora, and the other rural deities belong? In what order were the personified virtues and vices

h of the Muses presided over history, and whence is her name derived? In what order were placed Hercules, Esculapius, Cast

taught the art of tilling the earth, raising corn, and making bread? In what city was Juno principally worshiped? What is

in which traditions from Sacred History may be traced. Who was Hebe? In what countries are the Brahminical and Buddhic sy

ties was he identified? How has the allegory of Horus been explained? In what part of Egypt was the uncreated God alone wo

honour of the God of War; and what sacrifices did they offer to him? In what situations did the Druids perform their reli

hat were its nature and its sacrifices? What was the Celtic religion? In what countries did the Celtic Mythology prevail,

olumns rais’d sublime, are hung The massy gates, impenetrably strong. In vain would men, in vain would Gods essay, To hew

dication] TO MY LITTLE FRIENDS, JANE SEDGWICK AND FRANCES BRYANT. In the hope that it may be useful, this book of Myth

as the first month of the year was called in honour of him, January. In some of his temples, the statue of Janus was surr

figure of a majestic man, with a venerable beard, seated on a throne. In his right hand he held a thunderbolt, and in his

ts of divination and archery, or the management of the bow and arrow. In hymns addressed to Apollo as the god of health, h

nor benevolent. Mars was dreaded upon earth, and detested in heaven. In the Iliad, Jupiter addresses him thus: Of all th

cred to Mars, and were held in superstitious reverence by the Romans. In the early ages of Rome, a shield was found, of a

lew; And puffing loud the roaring bellows blew.” [Translator : Pope] In the book of Genesis it is said that Tubalcain, on

forged Jupiter’s thunderbolts. Nor was his name unheard or unadorned In ancient Greece: and in Ausonian land Men called h

scriptures was the first metallurgist? What is the history of Vulcan? In what verses is Venus described as visiting Vulcan

olitary place, on account of his generous services to his fellow-men. In modern history many distinguished benefactors of

omans had a mild Juno, who had a benevolent and gracious countenance. In general, Juno appears as a queen, seated upon a t

cocks, and attended by Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. Iris. In the Hebrew Scriptures the rainbow is the symbol o

n her head was a golden helmet, and her breastplate was also of gold. In her right hand Minerva bore a beaming lance, and

ield of Minerva, he had placed likenesses of himself and of Pericles. In consequence, this capricious people banished Phid

ose fields, and to mark out the limits of each individual’s property. In the first ages of society, men fed upon wild frui

and what was she called by the Egyptians? How was Ceres represented? In what verses is her worship described? What honour

Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From his red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world, Where the sinful dead ar

he dazzled flood.     The bright drops rolling from her lifted arras, In slow meanders wander o’er her charms, See round h

world; those of Paphos, Cythera, and Idalia were the most celebrated. In some places incense only was offered to this godd

s, and the sweetest and most odorous of plants, were sacred to Venus. In ancient times the Greeks regarded fine hair as th

shines and charms with renovated bloom. Botanic Garden, Canto II. In what verses are Venus and Cupid described? What d

ribed? What did Venus personify? What were the appellations of Venus? In what verses is her rising from the sea described?

Greek ladies sometimes make of a mirror? What is the story of Adonis? In what verses is Adonis described? Cupid. C

ecate. Diana was the goddess of chastity, of the chase, and of woods. In heaven, she was supposed to enlighten by her rays

e. Urania, or the heavenly, was esteemed the inventress of astronomy. In her hands she holds a globe, which sometimes appe

ides, who were the attendants on Neptune were esteemed very handsome. In ancient monuments the Nereides are represented so

d they appear? Neptune. Neptune was the brother of Jupiter. In the division of their father’s kingdom the empire

e coast of Sicily; their names were Parthenope, Ligeia, and Leucosia. In the neighbourhood of the Sirens lived the enchant

emselves with seal skins, and appeared to Proteus to be of his flock. In that way they succeeded in securing him, though h

n deep tides, by thee, the foaming vintage flow. Pitt’s Virgil . In the Medici gallery, at Florence, is a fine statue

lly venerated by the Arcadians, as the head of all the rural deities. In the month of February, the Romans celebrated his

less blooms of youth are thine.     Melodious insect! child of earth! In wisdom mirthful, wise in mirth; Exempt from every

f Phlegethon; and further distant, was the stagnant marsh of Cocytus. In this forlorn region were the river Styx, whose wa

olumns raised sublime, are hung The massy gates, impenetrably strong. In vain would men, in vain would gods essay. To hew

men with obvious compassion, they were called Eumenides, or the Mild. In this case they were supposed to be appeased by Mi

im describe the infernal regions, “the severe punishment of Tantalus. In a lake whose waters approached to his lips, he st

god granted their prayer, and conducted Narcissus to a fountain side. In the fountain, Narcissus beheld the reflection of

rship to heroes, or men who had rendered eminent services to society. In what manner they were led to this worship is told

recorded principally by the poets of Greece and Rome. Hercules. In an early stage of society, that is when men, in s

, Apollo caused him to be sold as a slave to Omphale, Queen of Lydia. In the service of Omphale, it is said, that Hercules

to be given for that of another, which has been treacherously taken. In the Hebrew law, it is said, “An eye for an eye, a

next field, and take from it the corn, and not expect to be punished. In peaceable and prosperous society, every man must

y banished him to the island of Scyros, where he died and was buried. In time, the Athenians forgot the follies of Theseus

parties began to fight, and soon Laius and his attendant were killed. In that rude age it does not appear that people set

isit the court of Priam? Who discovered Paris to be the son of Priam? In what enterprise did Paris engage? How did Paris r

other princes at length persuaded him to yield to the will of Diana. In obedience to this suggestion, the King of Mycenæ

urhood, and pillaged the towns and domains of the adjacent territory. In the tenth year of the siege, the army of the Gree

stes might become the messenger of Iphigenia, and himself the victim. In the midst of this generous strife, the letters of

ssess his armour, and because it was given to Ulysses, Ajax went mad. In his phrensy, he slew a flock of sheep, supposing

ved Ulysses? How was Ulysses treated by the king and queen of Phocia? In what character did Ulysses go to his palace? Who

n hopes to establish himself in some country more favoured than Troy. In his voyage, Eneas stopped at Delos, the Strophade

t Carthage, and to marry him, but he refused, and left her for Italy. In consequence of her grief for the departure of Ene

because her sorrow and despair are described in an affecting manner. In the passage from Carthage to Sicily, Eneas was dr

metimes travelled in search of knowledge from one country to another. In the age of Thales, the Greek cities of Asia Minor

enians, Pittacus defended his countrymen and defeated their invaders. In gratitude for his services, the people of Mytilen

r. They described the creation as Moses does in the book of Genesis. “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the ear

hese his twofold aspects are but one;              And change is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be,           

ading offices of life. What is the religious condition of Hindustan? In what books are the doctrines of the Hindus contai

letely armed, who, having killed two elephants, are seated upon them. In front of that gate is an octagonal pillar of blac

se mantles of golden tissue, or coloured silk, with embroidered hems. In their hands are placed the sacred shell, elliptic

placed the sacred shell, elliptical rings, and maces, or battle-axes. In ancient times, not only sacrifices of beasts were

rticular individual from endeavouring to improve his fellow-citizens. In the history of modern Europe, and of America, the

of Odin are represented by the Scandinavian poets as most marvellous. In battle he slaughtered thousands at a blow. Odin i

ceive those who died with arms in their hands. What was Scandinavia? In what books is the religion of Scandinavia describ

s abode. Virgins of high birth consecrated themselves to her service. In a temple at Upsal was seen her image reclining on

d, What hand unknown laid Vala dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spirit dwells, And still if bo

soothed by some melodious spell. Slow breathing from the hollow stone In witching notes and solemn tone. Herbert’sHelga .

din, Eyes that glow, and fangs that grin. Gray’s Descent of Odin . In the Scandinavian Hell was the principal abode of

her body was of the colour of putrid, and the other of living flesh. In this region of horrors roamed the wolf Fenris, a

flood. Dark to dwell in wo repining.     Far beyond the path of day. In that bower, where serpents twining,     Loathsome

orning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” In the same way the Scandinavian mythology makes bir

their worship. The sacred groves were surrounded by a ditch or mound. In their centre was a circular area, inclosed with o

romazes, radiant source of good. Original, immortal, framed the globe In fruitfulness and beauty.                         

men worship the things which are made, instead of him who made them. In time they give names to these false gods, add sto

h golden rings, and the breast covered with plates of the same metal. In the left hand, this image held a golden fan, high

world was once involved in night, though men existed in the darkness. In this state, while some of the desolate inhabitant

s wise and beneficent government, the Mexicans became rich and happy. In the midst of this prosperity of the Mexicans, Tez

ted the apotheosis of heroes, and were more tolerant than the Greeks. In the latter ages of Rome, after the conquest of Gr

happened the religion of Italy to be the same as that of the Greeks? In what respects might the religion of Greece and Ro

ct. The principal were the Delphic, the Erythrean, and Cumea, Sibyls. In the Roman history, frequent mention is made of th

s best to be done The fabulous origin of the Sibylline books is this. In the reign of Tarquin II., a woman came to Rome, a

e erected where some extraordinary mercy or deliverance had occurred. In the twenty-eighth chapter of Genesis, it is relat

worshipped at the place which Jacob had called “the gate of heaven.” In a similar manner. Catholic Christians sometimes e

ed in it as a church, and that Mohammedans have used it for a mosque. In 1687, the Venetians besieged the Acropolis, and t

ing the immense masses of marble up the acclivity of the Acropolis. “ In all that relates to harmony, elegance, execution,

enon one of the most beautiful specimens of the ancient architecture? In what manner does the Parthenon exhibit the Grecia

n offering. Washing the whole person was an expression of innocency. In the xxxvi. chapter of Ezekiel, in which the proph

ollecting of the tithes or taxes was called the gathering of tribute. In the xiv. chapter of Genesis, Abraham is represent

epeated the same act as a salutation to the guardians of the country. In a strange place, the Greeks worshipped the local

informed of any of the facts which are recorded in the Old Testament? In what book are the religious services of the Hebre

Ark. The Ark was a box or coffer of wood, overlaid with gold. In the ark were kept the Tables of the Law, these we

eferred to, consented that the work should be prepared for the press. In carrying out the plan, the subject matter was car

ed, we may mention Calmet, Anthon, Tooke, Bulfinch, Huc and Schlegel. In preparing the article on Druidism, Martin’s “Hist

o great a diversity, is the province of comparative mythology. Ques. In what important point do all these systems agree?

ogy. Ques. In what important point do all these systems agree? Ans. In the rite of sacrifice. We meet everywhere the sam

he early Greek poets which show clearly a belief in the unity of God. In the verses attributed to the mythic poet Orpheus,

, Titan made Saturn promise farther to destroy all his male children. In fulfillment of this engagement, Saturn devoured t

ed that there was something more than mortal about the captive youth. In the meantime Bacchus, for it was he, awaking from

le, and never sink, like the other stars, beneath the waves of Ocean. In the fables of Bacchus and Hercules, Juno displays

ible attractions on the wearer. Ques. Where had Venus temples? Ans. In many places. The most celebrated were at Paphos,

on ancient monuments, as a large and beautiful woman, wearing a veil. In paintings, the veil is always black; in cutting g

besieged, Memnon came with an army to aid the kindred of his father. In the first engagements he slew Antilochus [Antil′o

. They were solemnities instituted by Tullus Hostilius, king of Rome. In early times the festival lasted one day, but afte

omitian. Ques. What were the privileges of the Vestal Virgins? Ans. In recompense for these severe laws, the Vestals wer

ored mantle, on which are represented the figures of various animals. In her right hand she holds a sceptre, and in her le

th the clashing of cymbals, the sound of pipes and other instruments. In their frenzy, they cut their flesh with knives, a

ix with sparkling wine; Let all the choir of clowns attend this show, In long procession, shouting as they go; Invoking he

was identified with the moon, as her brother Apollo was with the sun. In hell, she was called Hecate [Hec′ate], and as spi

ng were gathering, and Alpheus pressed close upon her fainting steps. In this extremity, Arethusa prayed to Diana for reli

d of Ortygia, in Sicily, still followed by the stream of the Alpheus. In proof of this fable, and of the Grecian origin of

horse-races. Ques. Why was he supposed to preside over horses? Ans. In memory of his contest with Minerva, when he produ

as the son of Saturn and Ops, and the brother of Jupiter and Neptune. In the division of his father’s kingdom, the inferna

s [Sis′yphus]? Ans. He was a famous robber who was slain by Theseus. In hell, he was obliged to roll a huge stone up a st

which he served up the flesh of his son Pelops to try their divinity. In hell he is tormented by continual hunger and thir

ave his Lar, or familiar genius, who watched over him from his birth. In early times, children were sacrificed to the godd

yes bandaged, her feet winged, and her right hand resting on a wheel. In the temple of Fortune at Thebes, the goddess held

r arms. The goddess Salus, or Health, was much honored by the Romans. In ancient times, certain days in the year were set

es, but it does not appear that their intention was to do them honor. In some instances, they strove to propitiate the pow

, which clung to his flesh and consumed even the marrow of his bones. In his fury he caught the youth who had brought him

k sails in the distance. He believed from this that his son was dead. In his despair he cast himself into the sea, which w

s forgot this in his eagerness, and Eurydice vanished from his sight. In his despair, he now shunned all intercourse with

by precept and example, they subdued the ferocity of their subjects. In this manner they softened those who before were h

r the waters, beheld the body of Ceyx borne towards her by the waves. In her despair, she cast herself into the sea, but t

ds, he rushed forth, trampling down and slaying the nearest huntsmen. In vain Jason threw his spear, praying that Diana mi

e city was taken, refused to permit Scylla to accompany him to Crete. In despair, she clung to the prow of his ship; but N

he craved food, but the more he consumed, the more his hunger raged. In vain the unhappy man spent all his substance to o

s greatest work, when he was surprised by the sentence of banishment. In a fit of impatience and despair, he threw it into

troubles that resulted, form the principal subject of Homer’s Iliad. In the division of captives, after the taking of Tro

whole appearance that it was impossible for any one to recognize him. In this character he was kindly received by Eumæus,

red his parentage, and the crimes which he had unknowingly committed. In his despair, he put out his eyes, and went into e

ebrated by three Greek tragedians: Æschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. In the tragedy of Sophocles which bears her name, th

ks had departed, after which they constructed a fleet of twenty sail. In the second year after the destruction of Troy, th

ed to pass through many perils before landing on the shores of Italy. In the seventh year of their wanderings, the Trojans

unted to Æneas the glorious deeds which they were one day to perform. In this passage, Virgil takes occasion to gratify th

of omen was obtained by observing the cries and the flight of birds. In the third class we may place the appetite of the

ley now called Joannina, but the exact site has not been ascertained. In the earlier times Jupiter gave answers to his vot

The oracle is said to have been discovered on the following occasion: In a time of severe drought the Bœotians consulted A

rried downwards with great force, as by the current of a rapid river. In the mysterious depths of the lower cave, the futu

of goats with rams’ heads, are found in a good state of preservation. In a beautiful grove of palms, towards the centre of

dered it necessary, these buildings were concealed by painted scenes. In the greater number of tragedies, however, the who

ded to Olympus, and were hidden at length from view by scenic clouds. In the Prometheus of Æschylus, Oceanus passes throug

nd a choir of fifteen ocean nymphs is introduced in a flying chariot. In another piece, Aurora descends and carries off th

. It was a choir of singers, varying in number from fifteen to fifty. In the intervals between the acts of the drama, the

quick and lively. The dress of the chorus varied in the same manner. In certain tragedies, these singers personated the E

tors was such that many fainted, and several children died of fright. In this connection we have an interesting story. Iby

popularity of this god among the Phœnicians and Carthaginians? Ans. In their proper names; as among the former, Ethbaal,

annual wound in Lebanon allured The Syrian damsels to lament his fate In amorous ditties all a summer’s day; While smooth

men sitting by the north gate of the temple, who mourned for Adonis. ( In the Hebrew, Thammuz.) Oannes. Ques. Who wa

name? Ans. No; they were only crossing the borders of India. Ques. In what form are the Vedas written? Ans. In poetry.

he borders of India. Ques. In what form are the Vedas written? Ans. In poetry. The principal Veda contains ten thousand

race, from a universal deluge. Ques. What is the ninth Avatar? Ans. In the ninth Avatar, Vishnu appeared in the form of

, whose descendants constitute the only hereditary nobility in China. In the seventeenth century, they numbered eleven tho

e Mosaic law. Ques. What did Lao-tze teach with regard to God? Ans. In his writings he declares plainly that the world w

which represent the divinity in the past, the present and the future. In this temple is a hall dedicated to the Goddess of

the prejudices and passions of men against the progress of the faith. In ancient Rome, where the idols and superstitions o

lly from the more mystical superstitions of the Persians and Hindoos. In warm and fertile regions, the temper, even of the

ed misfortune; some were medicinal, others employed to win love, etc. In later times, the runes were used for inscriptions

are; perpetual spring will reign, and sin and misery will be unknown. In this blissful abode, gods and men are to dwell to

ose who speak of or for God. Ques. Where did Druidism prevail? Ans. In some parts of Germany, in Gaul, and in ancient Br

erses,) he “wrote upon stone the arts and the sciences of the world.” In his more beneficent character, the name Gwyon was

offered in sacrifice, and the rest of the day was spent in rejoicing. In like manner, the samolus, or marsh-wort, possesse

e moon,) and watched the perpetual fire which burned on their altars. In one of the civil wars so common in the island, a

of Leinster. Ques. What sacrifices were offered by the Druids? Ans. In time of peace, fruits and cattle; in war, human s

Ans. They were generally captives taken in war, slaves or criminals. In some cases, warriors and others devoted themselve

in a huge frame of wicker work in which they were consumed together. In offerings to other gods, different rites were obs

e manner the spot on which he had been favored by a celestial vision. In certain places on the Scandinavian peninsula, ext

t of Europe, the most extensive series is that of Carnac in Brittany. In the midst of a wide heath, stand rude blocks of g

t are estimated to weigh ten or twelve, and the largest seventy tons. In the centre of the work is a massive slab of fine

f stone are sometimes found; but circular earthworks are more common. In this country, as in Brittany, many popular supers

of the Greeks and Romans, was reserved for their warriors and heroes. In this class were included those who were offered i

collected in a funeral urn, were placed in the house of the deceased. In this mode of burial, we may notice a certain rese

could only be propitiated by the blood of young children and infants. In seasons of drought, these innocent victims, decke

uman life, which, joyous at first, terminates in sorrow and in death. In speaking of human sacrifices, we have yet to ment

s observances of the Peruvians and those of the ancient Romans? Ans. In the mode of procuring the sacred fire, the obtain

er for the common boon of sleep enjoyed by the meanest of his slaves. In vain the physicians exercised their skill; narcot

he portion which treats of animals possesses now but little interest. In many instances, the description is so vague as to

d Greek writers speak of him as the first who wrote verses for money. In this connection, we have a story which would show

poet returned to his place amid the jeers and laughter of the guests. In a little while, a slave brought him word that two

Was the second in order of time of the great tragic poets of Greece. In true dramatic excellence, he is generally conside

d song the erection of the trophy in honor of the victory at Salamis. In his twenty-fifth year, he carried off the tragic

Gæa (Ge, Tellus, Terra), as the Earth was first called, were created. In the beginning the Earth did not present the beaut

egg, from which Eros, the god of love, emerged to create the Earth. In the dreary chaotical closet Of Erebus old, was a

o make the darkness hideous with their incessant clamour for freedom. In due time their number was increased by the three

acious Cronus—a personification of Time, who creates only to destroy. In vain the bereaved mother besought the life of one

concluded that reinforcements to his party would not be superfluous. In haste, therefore, he released the Cyclopes from T

ling the high seat of Jove, Heaved Pelion upon Ossa’s shoulders broad In vain emprise.” Lowell. Saturn, or Cronus, the l

gods, in terror, fled from Mount Olympus and sought refuge in Egypt. In mortal fear lest this terror-inspiring monster wo

and bound with adamantine chains in a burning cave under Mount Ætna. In early times, before he had become accustomed to h

t further opposition would be useless, grew reconciled to their fate. In the days of their prosperity, the Titans had inte

to speculate with feminine curiosity upon the contents of the chest. In a whisper she begged Epimetheus to ask Mercury wh

ole survivors, viewed the universal desolation with tear-dimmed eyes. In spite of the general depravity, the lives of this

rees, even after he supplanted his father and began to rule over all. In common with all other Greek and Roman divinities,

and settle where she rests.” The Delphic Sibyl. Michael Angelo. In deep perplexity he left the temple, and, from for

it had been thrown by his neighbour, began fighting among themselves. In a few minutes the number of giants was reduced to

long afterward that he discovered her and her little bear son Areas. In pity for all they had suffered, he transferred th

was annoyed, and left her seat in high Olympus to punish the maiden. In the guise of an old crone, she entered Arachne’s

he entered Arachne’s house, seated herself, and began a conversation. In a few minutes the maiden had resumed her usual st

ject her contest with Neptune; and Arachne, the kidnapping of Europa. In silence the fair weavers worked, and their webs g

obler spirits flown. Bright, as of old, the sunbeams o’er thee sleep. In all their beauty still — and thine is gone! Empir

tues, which retained all the spirited action of the living creatures. In the warm season, when the sun became oppressive,

proved so distasteful, that she fled from him as quickly as possible. In her haste she accidentally trod upon a venomous s

s tr.). All was now over. He had tried and failed. No hope remained. In despair, the lonely musician retreated to the for

heavens, where they form a constellation. The Story of Phaeton In the sunny plains of Greece there once dwelt Clyme

him graciously, called him his son, and bade him speak without fear. In a few minutes the youth impetuously poured out th

became very reckless, drove faster and faster, and soon lost his way. In finding it again he drove so close to the earth,

to mount the sun chariot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In his anger he vowed he would make the rash mortal

ly collected his charred remains, and gave them an honourable burial. In his grief he continually haunted the scene of his

e ever ready to worship Apollo. “I marvel not, O sun! that unto thee In adoration man should bow the knee,     And pour h

e grove, When, as chaste Dian, here thou deign’st to rove.’” Byron. In works of art this goddess is generally represente

fourteen children, — seven manly sons and seven beautiful daughters. In her pride she called aloud to Latona, and taunted

the coming woe And shudders; one in terror crouches low.” Meleager. In vain the poor girls sought to escape the flying a

Meleager. In vain the poor girls sought to escape the flying arrows. In vain Niobe sought to protect them, and called upo

aught one glimpse of his sleek sides, and were after him in full cry. In vain poor Actæon strained every muscle. His limbs

d Themis, who oracularly replied, “Love cannot grow without Passion.” In vain the goddess strove to catch the concealed me

hose rash pursuit of dangerous game caused Venus many anxious alarms. In vain she besought him to forego the pleasures of

h, providing he spent the remaining six months in the Elysian Fields. In early spring, therefore, Adonis left the Lower Wo

ng it into her own bosom, fell beside him lifeless.                 “ In her bosom plunged the sword, All warm and reeking

ce is still living immortal, —     The same you have frequently heard In your rambles in valleys and forests,     Repeatin

a prolonged chase, he hurried to a lonely pool to slake his thirst. “ In some delicious ramble, he had found A little spac

nd, reassured by his kindly glances, the nymph’s whole head appeared. In gentle tones the youth now addressed her; and her

d moved as if she were answering, though not a sound came to his ear. In his excitement he began to gesticulate, whereupon

bject of his affections became his happy wife. Cupid and Psyche In those same remote ages of “sweet mythology” there

in covered the earth, Cupid appeared in search of his beloved Psyche. In the perfumed dusk he confessed his love, and tend

Epaphus was born, to be the first king and the founder of Memphis. “ In coming time that hollow of the sea Shall bear the

tly slipped the chains out of the rings, and restored him to freedom. In revenge for the cruel treatment inflicted by Otus

anship, proudly seated herself upon it, and found herself a prisoner. In vain she strove to escape; in vain the gods all g

beguiled into renewing his potations, until he was quite intoxicated. In this condition, Bacchus led him passive to Olympu

sovereignty of Trœzene with Minerva, and that of Corinth with Apollo. In the latter instance, the disputants having chosen

father, Evenus, perceiving their escape, started in pursuit of them. In spite of the most strenuous efforts, he could not

, lakes, rivers, fountains, &tc., confided to their special care. In harmony with their occupations, these divinities

to leave his great herds of sea calves to bask on the sunny shores. “ In ages past old Proteus, with his droves Of sea cal

droves Of sea calves sought the mountains and the groves.” Cowper. In common with all the other gods, Proteus enjoyed t

columns rais’d sublime are hung The massy gates, impenetrably strong. In vain would men, in vain would gods essay, To hew

Mingle shades of joy and woe, Hope, and fear, and peace, and strife, In the thread of human life.” Scott. Atropos, the

hich the father of the gods Kept over his head suspended. Thus he sat In continual dread of its downfall, And lost to ever

y household by sending the Fury Tisiphone to goad Athamas to madness. In a fit of deluded frenzy, he pursued his wife and

nd chanting the praises of their god and of his favourite beverage. “ In chorus we sing of wine, sweet wine, Its power ben

d the crumbling mould Acknowledged soon the great transforming power, In weight and substance like a mass of ore. He pluck

e, Starving in all his various plenty lies.” Ovid ( Croxall’s tr.). In the midst of plenty, the gnawing pangs of hunger

Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From his red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world, Where the sinful dead ar

to the unbounded astonishment of the royal family and all the court. In the night, while Ceres sat alone with her charge,

ethuse,         Beneath Sicilian skies.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). In spite of her previous efforts to escape him, Aret

, with her permission, as long as her daughter was detained in Hades. In despair at this frightful state of affairs, the p

hamber, fashioned for this express purpose by Numa Pompilius’s order. In turn, each of the priestesses watched the fire, r

s given power to carry water in a sieve from the Tiber to the temple. In return for the signal services the Vestals render

e of pure white linen, with a purple border and a wide purple mantle. In time of war or danger they were answerable for th

fire Whose sacred embers ne’er expire.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). In public processions the Vestals had the privilege

which opens the day at its rising, and closes the day at its setting. In some statues he is represented with one whitehair

the four seasons, and the windows of the twelve months, of the year. In times of war the temple gates were opened wide, f

bers, each one darker and more silent than the one which preceded it. In one of the inner rooms, which was all draped with

ivering the oppressed, defending the weak, and redressing all wrongs. In reward for these good actions he received the han

interrupt its even course drove the hero mad. Hercules’ Madness In a fit of delirium he threw his offspring into the

row and remorse for the terrible crimes he had unwittingly committed. In his grief he withdrew to the mountain solitudes,

es, the king, kept some fine coursers, which were fed on human flesh. In order to obtain a sufficient supply of fresh meat

, and resolved to continue her never entirely forgotten persecutions. In the guise of an Amazon, she mingled among the wom

to arms, and surrounded their queen. “The Amazons array their ranks, In painted arms of radiant sheen Around Hippolyte th

rwent in the vain hope of frightening his would-be interlocutor away. In answer to Hercules’ question, he finally very rel

de him seek Prometheus, who alone would be able to direct him aright. In obedience to this advice, Hercules went to the Ca

forth and do all the good in his power. Hercules and Deianeira In the course of his wanderings, Hercules next met D

ts way into his flesh, until the pain was greater than he could bear. In his rage at the trick which had been played upon

to manhood, and here made his first appearance in games and combats. In the meanwhile Polydectes had fallen in love with

And from life’s blood its warmth to steal, To petrify the mortal clay In its first gleam of wild dismay, Is a dread gift t

ish by the same cruel death which he had dealt out to so many others. In one place the Isthmus of Corinth was exceedingly

y out again should the sword enable him to kill the dreaded Minotaur. In token of gratitude for this timely assistance, Th

us in the eyes of gods and men, was doomed to suffer just punishment. In his preoccupation he entirely forgot his promise

tuous youth, who utterly refused to listen to her proposals to elope. In her anger at finding her advances scorned, Phædra

he youth, who was even then riding in his chariot close by the shore. In answer to this prayer, a great wave suddenly aros

J. Poynter, P. R. A. By Permission of the Fine Art Society, Limited. In spite of these barbarous terms, a few youths had

now no longer refuse to marry, and her nuptials were soon celebrated. In his happiness at having won such a peerless bride

ebes, in Bœotia, were greatly delighted at the birth of a little son. In their joy they sent for the priests of Apollo, an

to the earth below.              “Bold Bellerophon (so Jove decreed In wrath) fell headlong from the fields of air.” Wo

spite of her frantic attempts to tear it away from her shapely limbs. In despair she raised her trembling hands and arms t

                “Crowds of nymphs, Soft voiced, and young, and gay, In woven baskets bringing ears of corn, Roses and pi

and town and haven large, Mast-throng’d beneath her shadowing citadel In glassy bays among her tallest towers.’” Tennyson

mly, — and obtain from them a fleet in which he might sail to Greece. In obedience to these instructions, Paris ruthlessly

gin Helen in our eyes, With full voluptuous limbs, and towering size: In shape, in height, in stately presence fair, Strai

ish than to linger by her side and admire his infant son, Telemachus. In the presence of the messenger Palamedes, Ulysses

racle, to ascertain whether their expedition was destined to succeed. In a somewhat veiled and ambiguous manner, they rece

ected and embodied, here we sit Inactive, and from Aulis wish to sail In vain.” Euripides ( Potter’s tr.). The Sacrif

Troy. Lord Leighton. By Permission of Henry Graves & Co., Ltd. In consequence of a treacherous dream purposely sent

nd dear mother now to me, And brother and my youthful spouse besides. In pity keep within the fortress here, Nor make thy

                        “No wish Have I to live, or to concern myself In men’s affairs, save this: that Hector first, Pier

auty,” and the Fates had almost finished spinning his thread of life. In an early skirmish, while in close pursuit of the

riors to bite the dust. “Thus great Achilles, who had shown his zeal In healing wounds, died of a wounded heel.” O. W. H

s, King of Phocis, whose son, Pylades, became his inseparable friend. In fact, their devotion to each other was so great t

awake, And music in his ears his beating heart did make.” Tennyson. In peremptory tones Ulysses quickly forbade his men

e race of one-eyed giants.         “A single ball of sight was fix’d In their mid-forehead: hence the Cyclops’ name: For

hence the Cyclops’ name: For that one circular eye was broad enfix’d In the mid-forehead: — strength was theirs, and forc

ipwrecked mariners, and that they would fain receive his hospitality. In answer to this statement, the Cyclops stretched f

       “Then instantly She touched them with a wand, and shut them up In sties, transformed to swine in head and voice, Br

seven days, ere Ulysses could make them leave the Trinacrian shores. In the meantime, Lampetia had hastened to her father

to her father to apprise him of the crime committed by Ulysses’ men. In anger Apollo appeared before the assembled gods a

ow on until they came to Epirus, where they again effected a landing. In this country they met the sorrowing Andromache, H

sprig in the midst of the dense forest foliage without the gods’ aid? In answer to this appeal, Venus, ever mindful of her

s to reserve his daughter for a foreign prince, who had now appeared. In spite of all the years which had elapsed since Pa

 Camilla fair, the Volscian maid, A troop of horsemen in her wake      In pomp of gleaming steel arrayed; Stern warrior que

eached unharmed, while her father plunged into the waves to join her. In his gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicated h

h by slaying Turnus, and immediately hastened forth to keep his word. In the meantime, Juno, suspecting what his purpose w

hero, whose woes were now over, was united in marriage with Lavinia. In concert with Latinus, he ruled the Latins, and fo

t I can, but I cannot interpret all that I should like.” —  Grimm. In attempting an analysis of the foregoing myths, an

me that it became ridiculous, and the inevitable reaction took place. In the course of time, however, the germ of truth it

s also a noun dyu in that language which means either “sky” or “day.” In early times the name was applied to the one God,

, which in some form or other inevitably appears in every solar myth. In the story of Daphne, a name derived from Dahana,

e dew,’ ‘ the morning loves the sun,’ and ‘ the sun kills the dew.’” In the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, while some myth

the expiring wind, or the setting of the sun in blood-tinged clouds. In the story of Phaeton, whose name means “the brigh

Endymion must have been a young lad loved by a young maiden, Selene. In the story of Adonis some mythologists find anothe

e dawn or twilight (Venus), who utterly refuses to exist without him. In the story of Tantalus (the sun), who in time of d

and men exclaimed, “Tantalus is slaying and roasting his own child!” In the same way the stone which Sisyphus painfully f

ring of Celeus and Cassiopeia, who also represent night and darkness. In company with Andromeda, Perseus, whose name also

hecy by slaying Acrisius (the darkness), whence he originally sprang. In the Athenian solar myth, Theseus is the sun, born

is, however, forced to abandon shortly after on the Island of Naxos. In his subsequent career we find him the involuntary

m of the sun, which often seems to plunge into the waves at eventide. In the story of the Argonautic expedition we have At

who casts into the flames the brand upon which his existence depends. In the Theban solar myth, Laius (derived from the sa

d hurry him down into darkness to inflict horrible torments upon him. In the story of Bellerophon, although the name origi

he sun sometimes seems to travel sullenly and alone to his setting.” In the story of the Trojan war there are several sun

his destiny, and cause, though indirectly, the death of his parents. In this myth, Helen (the beautiful dawn or twilight)

dentify with the Hindoo Panis (or “night demons”) instead of the sun. In this character he entices away the fickle twiligh

tion as Phaeton to Helios,” and, like him, meets with an early death. In the story of Ulysses we find a reproduction of th

s, the same as the Greek menos and the English mind. Moon Myths In the moon myths the most important personification

s wanderings represent its journeys across the sky. Earth Myths In the earth myths, beside those already mentioned i

ike Alpine ranges”), the cloud and mountain myths are often the same. In the story of Niobe we have one of the cloud myths

their ponderous tread causes the very earth beneath them to tremble. In this group we also find Prometheus, whose name ha

o the hearth placed in the centre of the universe.” Wind Myths In the myths of the wind, Mercury (or Hermes) was on

-um. Same as Troy, whence comes the Iliad’s name, 282, 322, 325, 331 In ′a-chus. River god (father of Io), in, 113 In′dia

me, 282, 322, 325, 331 In′a-chus. River god (father of Io), in, 113 In ′dia. Bacchus’ visit to, 151 Infernal Regions. Ju

. III., is intended as a child’s introduction to classical mythology. In writing it, two points were kept constantly in mi

will require little more mental labor than that of the mere reading. In the telling, an attempt has been made to approach

that land the happiest and brightest nation that the world has known. In those days men did not think of things as we do.

on the torpid stream a boat. It was laden down with the souls of men. In the stern she could make out Charon, the grim fer

a was carried off, the world began to be less happy than it had been. In the winter men shivered and froze, and even the s

st days men were busy saving stores for the winter which was to come. In those days there lived in the world a race of gre

and a cloud of black and golden creatures came swarming out and away. In another moment Pandora had hold of the lid and wa

called Python, which laid waste, the land and slew the people of it. In vain did heroes fight against Python. All were de

to plead his cause. He struck upon the strings of his lyre and began. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and

g,” said Proserpina; and Pluto, nodding, said: — “Let her be called.” In a few moments Eurydice came in, tall and fair ari

en the billows of the sea,         Hung their heads, and then lay by. In sweet music is such art, Killing care and grief o

heus. These twelve tasks were called the “Twelve Labors of Hercules.” In most of them he had to conquer some fierce beast.

e they were watched by three beautiful maidens, daughters of Evening. In the gardens, too, was a hundred-headed serpent, a

weeping,    Its tears I have caught. “The sea-nymph I’ve courted     In rich coral halls; With Naiads have sported    By

ight afar; — The pearl I’ve been seeking    There floats like a star! In the deep Indian Ocean    I see the gem shine, And

e put on dark robes of mourning, and every sign of gladness vanished. In the midst of their sorrow, when Alcestis was on t

had buried her, there was Death carrying away his victim in his arms. In a flash the mighty arms of Hercules were round th

sun. Alcestis was saved. She lay upon the ground, breathing and warm. In a few moments she was able to rise, and Hercules

even I grow sick and dizzy if I look down upon the earth beneath me. In the afternoon the way is so steep that the horses

. The steeds started. The great car began to move. The day had begun. In a few moments Phaëton found himself driving up th

rved these words: — Here he who drove the sun’s bright chariot lies. In their mad course across the astonished skies, His

nd. Once unto a quiet tillage,    Without haste and without heed, In the golden prime of morning,    Strayed the Poet’

The light flashed upon her breastplate of gold and her plumed helmet. In her hand she held her terrible spear, but as Pers

seus drew from his mantle the terrible head of Medusa and held it up. In a moment Atlas stood immovable — cry and covered

re, coming toward them through the waves, was the long black monster. In another moment Perseus was darting toward it. Bef

covered heads, and all sounds of music and of merriment were hushed. In a few moments what a change! The king and queen n

But Perseus sacrificed to Minerva, and to Venus, the goddess of love. In the midst of the feast which followed, King Cephe

, by her magic arts, called in a whirlwind, and in a moment was gone. In many other lands she did evil after that, but the

King Minos waged war upon us and the gods sent us famine and plagues. In the end we had to yield to the king, and we must

g the clew of the thread, and he was glowing with the joy of victory. In a moment Ariadne arose, and the fair young couple

 To the lonely isle returning, And the King’s deserted daughter.     “ In vain I in vain! The seventh bright day Is breakin

ary sea from strand to strand,    To mark his sail against the spray. In vain I in vain! The morning ray    Shows not his

apple to Mercury and sent him to seek out Paris in his mountain home. In a twinkling, Mercury, with his winged shoes and c

cious than wealth; and they shall be yours, if you give me the prize. In time of trouble, I shall be by your side and guid

rojan towns were captured one by one, and at last only Troy remained. In this great city, protected by its walls, there wa

a Trojan were slain there, and the body was hidden beneath the dead. In the end, Hector gained the shining armor, but the

had no mind to let her go after all they had endured on her account. In the city of Troy, there was a statue of Minerva w

bore it away, through the sleeping guards, out into the Grecian camp. In the .morning the loss was known and fear came upo

hey went straight to the place where Laocoön stood with his two sons. In a moment they coiled about the sons, and when Lao

ng quietly back. Sinon hastened to the great wooden horse and called. In a moment the horse opened on one side, a rope was

our homes, we have been driven from our course and lost on the ocean. In the name of Jupiter, help us.” “What think you th

ise warrior Ulysses was thinking out a plan of punishment and escape. In the evening, Polyphemus returned with his flocks.

s within your gates, Jupiter has made you pay well for your cruelty.” In his rage Polyphemus tore the whole top from the h

ceived them kindly, and, when they left, gave Ulysses an ox-hide bag. In this he had imprisoned all the winds of heaven, e

The swine were brought in and she anointed each with a powerful drug. In an instant, the bristles fell from them and they

Meantime, Queen Penelope had heard of the wandering beggar’s arrival. In the evening, after the suitors had gone to their

to her room, and in her sleep she dreamed that Ulysses had returned. In the morning, the suitors thronged back to the pal

other mark,” and he sped an arrow at Antinoüs, killing him instantly. In a moment there was a great uproar. The suitors se

ed toward the land, “This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.” In the afternoon they came unto a land, In which it

will roll us shoreward soon.” In the afternoon they came unto a land, In which it seemed always afternoon. All round the c

(and Cassandra, 212); took vengeance on the Greeks before Troy, 184. In art, represented as young and handsome, and eithe

5. Calli΄ope (cal-li΄o-pe). One of the Muses. Mother of Orpheus, 65. In art, represented with a writing-tablet and pencil

r of Phaëton, 112; owner of cattle slain by Ulysses’ companions, 231. In late traditions, sometimes partially confounded w

carried her off by force, 17, thus incurring the wrath of Ceres, 24. In the end, Pluto was compelled to allow Proserpina

designa quel che si dice o si narra intorno a un soggetto qualsiasi. In fondo lo stesso significato ha la voce leggenda,

uzer è abbastanza lunga la schiera dei seguaci di questa dottrina. —  In ultimo son da ricordare i nobili studi e i notevo

il sopravvento ed estendere il loro culto, altre rimaner soccombenti? In tal caso le deità vinte generalmente passavano in

ena luce che su pochi fra i principali miti dell’ antichità classica. In conseguenza noi ci contenteremo di aver dato ques

izione che segue ci atterremo senz’ altro alla forma tradizionale. 5. In origine eran cosa affatto diversa la Mitologia gr

avano le forze distruttrici della natura, il terremoto e le tempeste. In unione col Ponto Gea genero diverse divinità mari

’ Olimpo. 5. Qual Dio corrisponde a Crono nella mitologia dei Romani? In origine i Romani non conoscevano alcun Dio come p

Vis consili expers mole ruit sua: Vim temperatam Di quoque provehunt, In maius; idem odere vires Omne nefas animo movente

marmorei di un altare di Giove in Pergamo, ora nel Museo di Berlino. In uno si vede Giove coll’ aquila nella sinistra, e

erò l’ autorità suprema su tutti gli Dei e n’ è il capo riconosciuto. In lui risiede la sapienza; egli è potente e, solo f

, doveva essere naturalmente la fonte più alta di divine rivelazioni. In vario modo credevasi manifestasse la sua volontà,

primaverile del cielo e della terra, che dà origine alla vegetazione. In secondo luogo ciascuna località ove Zeus era ogge

rrebbe penzoloni; tanto io sono più forte degli Dei e degli uomini ». In senso elevato cantaron di Zeus i grandi poeti lir

n altri Musei trovansi belle statue di Giove o in marino o in bronzo. In tutte si nota la ricca chioma, la barba folta e r

madre di Ilitia (Ilithyia) era venerata quale dea della maternità. 3. In origine il culto di Era non era molto diffuso. La

ssa, avesse tremato la terra, il sole avesse interrotto il suo corso. In conseguenza Atena era deità bellicosa, come quell

, per fissarla nel centro della sua egida, a terrore de’ nemici suoi. In fondo tutto ciò rappresenta la nube temporalesca

i cocchi in battaglia; essa invento la tromba di guerra e il flauto. In tempo di pace, Atena è la dea protettrice delle c

o Capita, ossia l’ ingegnosa, essendo la testa sede dell’ intelletto. In onor di Minerva si celebravano a Roma feste in Ma

erali, oratori, artisti, medici, soprattutto i maestri e gli scolari. In que’ giorni si faceva vacanza, e si pagava ai mae

festa dei musici, e soprattutto dei suonatori di flauto (tibicines). In occasione dei Quinquatrus maggiori si davano per

esa di S. Maria sopra Minerva a Roma e conservata nel Museo Vaticano. In tutti questi monumenti la figura di Atena appar c

tranquilli laghi. Ivi i tempietti a lei dedicati erano numerosissimi. In alcuni luoghi, per es., a Braurone nell’ Attica e

i poi portata con sè nella Tauride per farne là una sua sacerdotessa. In seguito Ifigenia aiutata dal suo fratello Oreste

appunto la Deita italità con cui si identificò l’ Artemide dei Greci. In origine Diana era il femminile di Ianus, una pote

clamore di nove o diecimila uomini in procinto di attaccar battaglia. In connessione con questo carattere selvaggio di Are

ola di Lenno; i cui abitanti, i Sintii lo curarono finchè fu guarito. In questi racconti della caduta di Vulcano, è facile

o) ispirò pure una bella pagina ad Ovidio (Metamorfosi 4,170 e segg.) In rapporto con Venere e le Grazie Vulcano ci è pres

araldo di Zeus coll’ ali ai piedi e sul petaso e in mano il caduceo. In origine lo si figurava come un uomo nel pieno vig

re e dell’ essere amato, poi anche Dimo e Fobo, il timore e la paura. In altre leggende Afrodite è messa in rapporto con D

a visitarlo e a pascersi della sua bellezza e a baciarlo dormente. —  In tempi posteriori Selene fu identificata con Artem

quando questi sono adunati nell’ alto palazzo di Zeus sull’ Olimpo. —  In origine le Muse erano ninfe delle sorgenti. Dalle

si figuravano con mani e braccia a vicenda graziosamente intrecciate. In antico le Grazie si rappresentavano vestite; tali

trasse l’ ispirazione pel suo celebre quadro. c) Temi e le Ore. In intima connessione colle Cariti sono le Ore, dett

se nubi circondandolo, or di nuovo le riaprono disperdendo le nuvole. In altri termini esse presiedono al corso delle stag

osì immaginata coll’ idea che non potesse mai più abbandonare Atene). In genere poi Niche divenne fra i Greci simbolo di o

tessalo Flegias, ed era il Dio delle guarigioni, il Dio della salute. In altri termini la buona salute attribuivasi alla b

i fulmini di Zeus, e sdegnato abbandonò per qualche tempo il Cielo. —  In altri miti parlavasi della famiglia di Asclepio.

s Nemesis reposcat a te. Est vemens de a; laedere hanc caveto 29 . In arte si rappresentava Nemesi in modo affatto simi

di Fineo, il cieco indo vino Trace, a cui insozzano e rubano il cibo. In altre leggende appariscono come genii della rapid

oce Amphitrite, la prendono in senso di « mare » ( Ovid. Met. 1, 14). In arte, soleva Anfitrite essere rappresentata come

Giugno, giorno della festa detta Matralia in onore di Mater Matuta. —  In arte Palemone era rappresentato come un bellissim

venne identificata con altri, ad es. con Rea, Estia, Demeter e Temis. In alcuni luoghi della Grecia Gea ottenne uno specia

mpronio, e sorgeva sulla piazza dov’ era prima la casa di Sp. Cassio. In onore di Tellus e di Cerere si celebravano solenn

o, e quanta fosse la potenza di Dioniso, è quella dei pirati Tirreni. In occasione d’ un viaggio dall’ isola di Icaria a q

iso e rifiutarsi di celebrarne le feste, furon mutate in pipistrelli. In altro ordine d’ idee, merita un cenno la leggenda

ompa. Durava più giorni e attirava una grande folla dai paesi vicini. In una grandiosa processione portavasi dal Leneo a u

e di bellezza; dapprima era stato preso per un’ Arianna, ma a torto. In tutte queste statue e in altre molte apparisce Di

pelle ferina a tra verso il petto; in molti casi l’ unico vestimento. In mano il tirso e una coppa. Si figurano anche dell

ninfe erano distinte nolle seguenti categorie: 1º Ninfe dell’ acque. In largo senso comprenderebbero anche le Oceanine e

ra sembrava manifestarsi nelle forme più mirabili della sua attività. In certi punti si eressero Ninfei, o tempietti speci

sa. Secondo alcuni, Apollo stesso avrebbe imparato la mantica da lui. In rapporto con Apollo fu pensato anche per via dell

ai poeti, tra altri Dei della campagna, come Pane, Priapo e le ninfe. In arte lo rappresentavano come un vecchio con una c

condo il racconto di Virgilio nel settimo dell’ Eneide (vv. 79-95). —  In processo di tempo al concetto di un unico Faunus

l re degli Aborigeni, Fauno, si diceva avesse consacrato al dio Pane. In questo santuario si cominciava la festa sacrifica

e in genere il Dio della più rigogliosa fertilità in tutta la Natura. In origine il culto di questa divinità era ristretto

Saturno era quella dei Saturnali. Aveva luogo dal 17 al 19 Dicembre. In quei giorni una sfrenata allegria dominava in tut

dro informa Enea dei primi re ed abitatori d’ Italia (v. 314 e sgg.). In arte Saturno è sempre rappresentato come un vecch

di un bell’ episodio nel decimoquarto delle Metamorfosi (623 e sgg.). In arte Vertunno era rappresentato come un giardinie

o carattere e spiega come siano nate le leste celebrate in suo onore. In arte soleva costei rappresentarsi come una giovan

ura sarà la sua gloria perchè ha riposato sulle ginocchia d’ una dea. In così dire svela a Metanira e a Celeo l’ essere su

sebbene in genere con un’ intonazione alquanto retorica ed esagerata. In arte si soleva figurar Demetra-Cerere con un’ esp

nelle preghiere comuni, e in far ciò si batteva colle mani in terra. In sacrifizio non gli si offerivano che bestie nere

ate. 1. Secondo Esiodo, era figlia del titano Perseo e di Asteria. In origine non designava altro che un aspetto della

o simbolo della nuova luna. XVI. Sonno e Morte — I sogni. 1. In diversi modi fu dagli antichi personificata la mo

ni di que’ Penati che la tradizione diceva portati da Enea in Italia. In onor di essi il Pontefice Massimo offriva gli ste

di mezzo furono obbligati a seppellirlo sotto una catasta di alberi. In leggende posteriori i Centauri figurano meno selv

enne da Admeto e stette un intiero anno al suo servizio come pastore. In questo tempo strinsero tra loro un’ intima amiciz

rico. Un dramma satirico su questo soggetto scrisse anche Euripide. —  In mano ad altri poeti popolari, Sisifo diventò l’ e

nto dopochè la Grecia era entrata in rapporti colla regione del Nilo. In ogni modo il mito nel suo insieme già leggesi in

anali. Anche avrebb’ egli introdotto il culto di Apollo e di Demetra. In seguito favoleggiasi che i cinquanta figli di Egi

tolo « le Danaidi » e Teodette un’ altra che si intitolava da Linceo. In pitture vascolari e murali si rappresentò pure qu

contro Fineo fratello del re a cui la ragazza già era stata promessa. In questa guerra molto giovò a Perseo il capo di Med

sse mortale e figlio di Tindareo, Polluce immortale e figlio di Zeus. In alcuni racconti si parla di un uovo deposto da Le

dra di giovenchi, per la divisione del quale non rimasero d’ accordo. In ogni modo questa lotta fu fatale ad entrambe le f

re, i dominatori) e celebrata la loro festa con delle corse equestri. In genere le gare equestri erano messe sotto la loro

titudine ai Dioscuri per essere stato da loro salvato da certa morte. In una poesia scritta in onor di Scopa, della famigl

a quale nella stagione asciutta molto deve la prosperità della terra. In letteratura e in arte Cecrope mantiene la sua dop

inori, trassero ispirazione da qualche punto della leggenda di Teseo. In genere egli era figurato come un Eracle, ma più s

ppò colla lira il suo maestro Lino che gli aveva inflitto un castigo. In punizione, Anfitrione lo mandò sul Citerone a pas

ero Tebe dal tributo ma obbligo quei di Orcomeno a un tributo doppio. In quella guerra morì Anfitrione. Creonte grato ad E

se amico di Eracle e questi lo avesse ucciso in un accesso di follia. In ogni modo, versato questo sangue, occorreva esser

usurpato il regno. Eracle lo vinse e restituì la signoria a Tindareo. In questa occasione ebbe aiuto da Cefeo re di Tegea,

s. in Atene a lui era particolarmente dedicato il Ginnasio Cinosarge. In secondo luogo lo si venero come salvatore e benef

di guadagno, offrissero la decima parte ad Ercole per ringraziamento. In nome d’ Ercole giuravano specialmente gli uomini,

anza le battaglie della vita, si rende degno d’ una gloria immortale. In tal senso Orazio parla di lui quando descrive l’

Stazio e ammirò come parvus (Hercules) videri sentirique ingens 51. In una grandiosa composizione Lisippo rappresentò an

peggio e videro ben presto la loro città cinta d’ assedio dai nemici. In questa distretta gli anziani e i sacerdoti di Cal

osò anche ivi Calchiope, figlia del re di quella terra Eeta (Aietes). In conseguenza di tutto ciò, riportare dall’ estero

re il suo prediletto Ila (Hylas) che le ninfe fontane avevano rapito. In tutto gli Argonauti si facevano salire a cinquant

e la gara ed Enomao o rimase morto o si uccise da sè vedendosi vinto. In questo modo Pelope ottenne Ippodamia e la signori

te ai giochi funebri istituiti da Acasto in onore di suo padre Pelia. In quest’ occasione Astidamia ( Omero la chiama Ippo

e presa la città coll’ aiuto dei Dioscuri, uccise Acasto e Astidamia. In ricompensa poi della sua castità gli diedero in m

si in aiuto di quello da lei prescelto, quando questi fosse assalito. In breve si raccolse nel portò beotico di Aulide una

o aver fatto soccombere tanta gente, era venuta l’ ora anche per lui. In un assalto alla porta Scea, una delle principali

che durante l’ assenza di lui aveva goduti i favori di Clitennestra. In quella congiuntura perdette la vita anche la prof

suoi sul vicino monte Ida portando a spalle il vecchio padre Anchise. In questa fuga egli perdette la moglie Creusa ma sal

ievo furono scoperti un venti anni fa per cura del governo germanico. In mezzo s’ erge maestosa la figura di Zeus, a sinis

da una parte e dall’ altra le quadrighe e altre figure secondarie. —  In secondo luogo va ricordato il celebre gruppo di L

s’ apre a mandar non un grido, ma un sospiro, un gemito da moribondo. In quel volto lo spavento, l’ angoscia, il dolore, m

to dal più terribile dolore, e questo contrasto dà grande bellezza. —  In terzo luogo menzioniamo l’ ammirato gruppo denomi

troclo, o ad Aiace che salva dal furor nemico il cadavere di Achille. In ogni modo il bel corpo giovanile dell’ eroe morto

scoperti nel 1811 e conservati ora nella gliptoteca di Monaco. In ultimo riproduciamo alla fig. 90 un noto gruppo d

fin le pietre. Pensò di scendere all’ inferno per veder di riaverla. In fatti il suo dolce canto faceva spuntar le lagrim

nte Vucano va a visitare le gravi officine de’ suoi Ciclopi. » 12. «  In questa statua in piedi e vestita, leggermente tra

l traendo, co’ diti supini Il gian formando, poi, chinato il pollice, In vorticoso giro il ben librato Fuso volgean, lo st

i biocchi che sporgean poc’ anzi Dal tenue filo, avanti a’ piedi loro In viminee cestelle eran raccolti Morbidi velli di c

gni altro in ver delle cavalle Passa i segni il furor. Venere istessa In loro il suscitò quando di Glauco Preser col denti

o would read with intelligence the elegant literature of his own day. In order to understand these stories, it will be nec

n his “Comus.” “Now the gilded car of day His golden axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream, And the slope Sun his

led to Italy, where he reigned during what was called the Golden Age. In memory of his beneficent dominion, the feast of S

because every door looks two ways. His temples at Rome were numerous. In war time the gates of the principal one were alwa

umerous. In war time the gates of the principal one were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only o

ine and Thebes are exceptions, and to be pronounced as English words. In the Index at the close of the volume, we shall ma

rodigal of his resources that he had nothing left to bestow upon him. In his perplexity he resorted to his brother Prometh

ron Age. Crime burst in like a flood; modesty, truth, and honor fled. In their places came fraud and cunning, violence, an

Pandora, whom the gods Endowed with all their gifts; and O, too like In sad event, when to the unwiser son Of Japhet brou

And, baffled as thou wert from high,     Still, in thy patient energy In the endurance and repulse     Of thine impenetrab

sed against any but feeble animals, hares, wild goats, and such game. In commemoration of this illustrious conquest he ins

and glances, and the fire burned more intensely for being covered up. In the wall that parted the two houses there was a c

ribing the Island of Love. “ —— here each gift Pomona’s hand bestows In cultured garden, free uncultured flows, The flavo

owers who had given both were not willing that either should conquer. In the very attitude of life and action they were tu

ecovered her confidence and was restored to her father and sisters.   In a poem dedicated to Leigh Hunt, by Keats, the fol

closed with cypresses and pines, sacred to the huntress queen, Diana. In the extremity of the valley was a cave, not adorn

Vulcan had represented earth, sea, and skies, with their inhabitants. In the sea were the nymphs, some sporting in the wav

gth. Your lot is mortal, and you ask what is beyond a mortal’s power. In your ignorance you aspire to do that which not ev

ast extent beneath him, he grew pale and his knees shook with terror. In spite of the glare all around him, the sight of h

now the sister trees their amber tears O’er Phaëton untimely dead.” In the beautiful lines of Walter Savage Landor, desc

uous shells of pearly hue Within, and things that lustre have imbibed In the sun’s palace porch, where when unyoked His ch

took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat like melted gold. In consternation at the unprecedented affliction, he

Parnassian laurel, while his robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In his left hand he held the lyre, and with his righ

a joist, But with the upside down, to show Its inclination for below; In vain, for a superior force, Applied at bottom, st

, shot the arrow with its barbed point right into the heart of Pluto. In the vale of Enna there is a lake embowered in woo

my hair flowed down in streams; where my foot stood there was a pool. In short, in less time than it takes to tell it I be

me allusion very beautifully: — “Forgive, if somewhile I forget,      In woe to come the present bliss; As frighted Proser

ran Through caverns measureless to man,     Down to a sunless sea.” In one of Moore’s juvenile poems he thus alludes to

limbs. The woodiness crept upward, and by degrees invested her body. In anguish she attempted to tear her hair, but found

te from which there pulsing came A lively prelude, fashioning the way In which her voice should wander. ’Twas a lay More s

d roses Where young Adonis oft reposes, Waxing well of his deep wound In slumber soft, and on the ground Sadly sits th’ As

nce it could not leave the heavens, it shrouded its face with clouds. In the meanwhile Halcyone, ignorant of all these hor

thee, unhappy husband. This time, at least, I will keep thee company. In death, if one tomb may not include us, one epitap

harged soldier, and again he bore a fishing-rod, as if going to fish. In this way he gained admission to her again and aga

amazement, paying her that homage which is due only to Venus herself. In fact Venus found her altars deserted, while men t

e exclaimed, “Am I then to be eclipsed in my honors by a mortal girl? In vain then did that royal shepherd, whose judgment

s, and is thus prepared for the enjoyment of true and pure happiness. In works of art Psyche is represented as a maiden wi

s worshipper, —     To seek on earth for him whose home was heaven! “ In the full city, — by the haunted fount, —     Thro

on the moon-lit mount,     Where silence sits to listen to the stars; In the deep glade where dwells the brooding dove,   

low arch, from beneath which burst forth a fountain of purest water. In the cave lurked a horrid serpent with a crested h

g her, pounced down upon her, and struck her with his beak and claws. In terror she let go the ship and would have fallen

ble, till Lord Byron proved its possibility by performing it himself. In the Bride of Abydos he says, — “These limbs that

s who may dare to make the attempt and succeed in accomplishing it.   In the beginning of the second canto of the same poe

drooped a crocus, one hand grasped     The mild bull’s golden horn.” In his Princess there is this allusion to Danaë: —

p the child by the feet and left him hanging to the branch of a tree. In this condition the infant was found by a peasant,

apter XVII. The Golden Fleece — Medea. The Golden Fleece. In very ancient times there lived in Thessaly a king

ereon to burn. Meanwhile the caldron with its contents was got ready. In it she put magic herbs, with seeds and flowers of

n a very different way. She put in only water and a few simple herbs. In the night she with the sisters entered the bed ch

rikingly to recall the ancient model: — “Round about the caldron go; In the poisoned entrails throw.       * * * * * Fill

the poisoned entrails throw.       * * * * * Fillet of a fenny snake In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of

ern poets have been accustomed to attribute every degree of atrocity. In her flight from Colchis she had taken her young b

and bestow upon them an honorable interment, the Argonauts escaped.   In the poems of Campbell will be found a translation

in the race; but death must be the penalty of all who try and fail.” In spite of this hard condition some would try. Hipp

p me, Venus, for you have led me on.” Venus heard and was propitious. In the garden of her temple, in her own island of Cy

e Greeks Rhea and Ops. She was the wife of Cronos and mother of Zeus. In works of art she exhibits the matronly air which

penetrated into all his limbs and caused him the most intense agony. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him

tuck to his flesh, and with it he tore away whole pieces of his body. In this state he embarked on board a ship and was co

at first received him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him. In a later age the Athenian general Cimon discovered

a was then possessed into one state, of which Athens was the capital. In commemoration of this important event, he institu

ords escaped, and he could neither unsay his promise nor her request. In deep distress he left her and returned to the upp

ses his crime and implores pardon, they press upon him and wound him. In vain he cries to his aunts to protect him from hi

describing Eve’s abode: —                                           “ In shadier bower, More sacred or sequestered, though

ng the goddess for his bride and their son was the renowned Achilles. In our chapter on the Trojan war it will appear that

mus: —                       “Sabrina fair, Listen and appear to us, In name of great Oceanus; By the earth-shaking Neptu

duction of poetry to men. “Men called him but a shiftless youth,      In whom no good they saw, And yet unwittingly, in tr

ns with him. His very torch smoked and brought tears into their eyes. In coincidence with such prognostics, Eurydice, shor

but thou didst hew the floods And make thy marble of the glassy wave. In such a palace Aristæus found Cyrene, when he bore

where thou art sitting Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave        In twisted braids of lilies knitting The loose train

ives of the “Age of Fable,” that is, of the poets who have told them. In their present form, the first two are translated

tless as if on shore they still were free to rove.” Ibycus . In order to understand the story of Ibycus which fol

ns have descended to us. He wrote hymns, triumphal odes, and elegies. In the last species of composition he particularly e

re a poem in celebration of his exploits, to be recited at a banquet. In order to diversify his theme, Simonides, who was

to his seat amidst the laughter which followed the great man’s jest. In a little time he received a message that two youn

ke lovers’ secret sighs, While others slept. So Cynthia, poets feign, In shadows veiled, soft, sliding from her sphere, He

train. One day Orion saw them and became enamoured and pursued them. In their distress they prayed to the gods to change

, to convey his body to the banks of the river Esepus in Paphlagonia. In the evening Aurora came, accompanied by the Hours

e! haughty their array, Yet of their number no one dares to die?’      In soul I swept the indignity away: Old frailties th

pt the indignity away: Old frailties then recurred: but lofty thought In act imbodied my deliverance wrought.’            

wound by Machaon, and Paris was the first victim of the fatal arrows. In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in h

songs and triumphal acclamations, and the day closed with festivity. In the night the armed men who were enclosed in the

by sending him secretly away to his uncle Strophius, King of Phocis. In the palace of Strophius Orestes grew up with the

rough the brains of the victims of Circe, after their transformation. In his Endymion he represents one of them, a monarch

m arose that broke his mast, and threatened to rend the raft asunder. In this crisis he was seen by a compassionate sea-ny

ships. Without the court a spacious garden lay, four acres in extent. In it grew many a lofty tree, pomegranate, pear, app

udding while others were maturing. The vineyard was equally prolific. In one quarter you might see the vines, some in blos

rs of all hues bloomed all the year round, arranged with neatest art. In the midst two fountains poured forth their waters

those regions boast? So shalt thou quickly reach the realm assigned, In wondrous ships, self-moved, instinct with mind; N

ng them, and the fields that they had planted failed to yield a crop. In this gloomy aspect of affairs Æneas was warned in

t Paris had put upon her, in awarding the prize of beauty to another. In heavenly minds can such resentments dwell. 22 Acc

in Elegant Extracts: — From the Latin. “Unhappy, Dido, was thy fate In first and second married state! One husband cause

neas thought he descried the form of Dido, with a wound still recent. In the dim light he was for a moment uncertain, but

were as far beneath their feet as heaven was high above their heads. In the bottom of this pit, the Titan race, who warre

” These concluding words of the Sibyl alluded to her prophetic power. In her cave she was accustomed to inscribe on leaves

bly lost. The following legend of the Sibyl is fixed at a later date. In the reign of one of the Tarquins there appeared b

ose half-human birds had threatened the Trojans with dire sufferings. In particular she predicted that before their wander

th open arms by Tarchon and his countrymen. Nisus and Euryalus. In the meanwhile Turnus had collected his bands and

lves, and finally stretched themselves on the field and slept secure. In the camp of the Trojans things were far otherwise

the other matrons in Acestes’ city.” Euryalus replied, “Say no more. In vain you seek arguments to dissuade me. I am fixe

they passed, such of the enemy as they could without exciting alarm. In one tent Euryalus made prize of a helmet brillian

uck him in the back and stretched him on the plain with a death-blow. In the midst of their amazement another weapon flew

sation of arms for some days to allow both armies to bury their dead. In this interval Æneas challenged Turnus to decide t

the compass of the notes it ran, The Diapason closing full in Man.” In the centre of the universe (he taught) there was

assy fabrics arranged over one another like a nest of bowls reversed. In the substance of each sphere one or more of the h

olden cuirassed bee Feels a more summer-like, warm ravishment          In the white lily’s breezy tent (His conquered Sybar

Lotus flower, with his finger on his lips, as the god of Silence. In one of Moore’s “Irish Melodies” is an allusion to

eating her breast, she sought diligently for the body of her husband. In this search she was materially assisted by Anubis

sacred chest; Nought but profoundest hell can be his shroud.          In vain with timbrel’d anthems dark The sable-stoled

uilt the temple of Apollo at Delphi, and a treasury for King Hyrieus. In the wall of the treasury they placed a stone, in

th Than bard has honored beech or lime,     On that Thessalian growth In which the swarthy ring-dove sat     And mystic se

moon Riding near her highest noon, Like one that had been led astray In the heaven’s wide, pathless way.” Il Penseroso.

xcursion, has beautifully developed this view of Grecian mythology. “ In that fair clime the lonely herdsman, stretched On

ves and twigs by hoary age, From depth of shaggy covert peeping forth In the low vale, or on steep mountain side; And some

or temple of Minerva at Athens. The goddess was represented standing. In one hand she held a spear, in the other a statue

e bow, is outstretched, and the head is turned in the same direction. In attitude and proportion the graceful majesty of t

tself a nest in the branches of an oak, or on the top of a palm tree. In this it collects cinnamon, and spikenard, and myr

poet. Now let us see that of a philosophic historian. Tacitus says, “ In the consulship of Paulus Fabius, (A. D. 34) the m

ice, or Basilisk. This animal was called the king of the serpents. In confirmation of his royalty, he was said to be en

h much that is valuable a large proportion of fables and inutilities. In particular he is so ample on the subject of the c

of the animal, but a third horn, standing in front of the two others. In fine, though it would be presumptuous to deny the

world, and creating savage beasts and poisonous reptiles and plants. In consequence of this, evil and good are now mingle

ippers and the extension of his worship, before either of the others. In the Puranas (the scriptures of the modern Hindu r

Lamas of Thibet, China, and other countries where Buddhism prevails. In consequence of the victories of Gengis Khan and h

s were sufficiently high and massive to render the place impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer, t

at the idea of bestowing her charms on the king of the Frost giants. In this emergency Loki persuaded Thor to dress himse

nd calling a young man named Hugi, bade him run a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his com

of similar illusions in the contests you have had with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself, devoured all

ed misfortune. Some were medicinal, others employed to win love, etc. In later times they were frequently used for inscrip

ast it for a moment with Greece, the parent of classical mythology. “ In that strange island, Iceland, — burst up, the geo

ar some stream, or under the shadow of a grove or wide-spreading oak. In the centre of the circle stood the Cromlech or al

constituted part of the poetry as well as the history of the Druids. In the poems of Ossian we have, if not the actual pr

e on their respective abilities, and suitable degrees were conferred. In the earlier period the judges were appointed by t

rmurs round, There thronged the inspired of yore! on plain or height, In the sun’s face, beneath the eye of light, And bar

wer, And Reullura, beauty’s star,     Was the partner of his bower.” In one of his Irish Melodies, Moore gives the legend

I have sworn this sainted sod Shall ne’er by woman’s foot be trod.” In these respects and in others the Culdees departed

hon, or whose piety would not grow warmer amid the ruins of Iona.”   In the Lord of the Isles, Scott beautifully contrast

still between each awful pause, From the high vault an answer draws, In varied tone, prolonged and high, That mocks the o

No. 11. Page 350. Tantæne animis ecclestibus iræ? —  Virgil . In heavenly minds can such resentments dwell? No

, cioè l’Epiro, ch’è la parte inferiore della Grecia, toccò in sorte. In questa partizione del mondo fatta da’ figliuoli d

ue giorni detti da Catullo (4) i migliori fra tutti quelli dell’anno. In essi gli amici si davan regali a vicenda ; non vi

rivano, e fu da’ pagani introdotto ne’ primi secoli dell’era volgare. In esso s’immolava un toro ; o un ariete, ed allora

resentava la terra che credevan gli antichi della forma di una sfera. In esso non era alcun simulacro ; ma l’ immagine di

per dinotare che i tempi sono oscuri e coperti di un velo densissimo. In un dipinto Pompeiano vi è una figura di Satùrno,

ardere, perchè conservano le tracce di un antico incendio vulcanico. In generale, i Giganti erano uomini di grandissima r

ò della necessità di perdere il genere umano sì stranamente malvagio. In conferma di che raccontò l’empio fatto di Licaone

il diro Gorgonio capo, orribile prodigio Dell’Egioco Signore. Monti. In questo luogo di Omero, dice Mad. Dacier, l’egida

se Frange conteste di finissim’oro, E valea cento tauri ogni gherone. In quest’arme la Diva folgorando Concitava gli Achiv

a stata una regina di Egitto che mostrò a quel popolo l’uso del lino. In quanto ad Epafo, appena nato fu rapito da’ Cureti

il simulacro del nume formato di smeraldi e di altre preziose gemme. In quest’oracolo le risposte si davano non già colle

nsultare l’oracolo di Giove a Dodona. XXIII. Giuochi Olimpici. In onore di Giove Olimpico si celebravano i giuochi

n le braccia aperte e spenzolate, in atto di versare copiosa pioggia. In un intonaco Pompeiano vi è Giove barbato, con cor

adorato. Si vede pure Giove Serapide con la testa fregiata di raggi. In una medaglia di Alessandria vi è Giove Serapide c

Giove Serapide col modio circondato da’sette pianeti e dallo zodiaco. In una corniola del gabinetto del Re di Francia, l’O

cce minacciano il supremo Nume, che vibra contro di loro ì fulmini ». In una statua di Giove in terra cotta rinvenuta in u

e di Creta, ch’ebbe un tal nome dalla ninfa Ditte, che vi si adorava. In un antro di quel monte fu nudrito Giove(3). Iupi

chissimo costume era il giurare per Iovem Lapidem. Iupiter Latialis. In onore di lui si celebravano sul monte Albano le f

la nave degli avvenimenti umani, o perchè presedeva alla navigazione. In una statua la Fortuna tiene nelle mani un cornuco

cui fu chiamata boope, e la sublime nobiltà de’ lineamenti del volto. In un intonaco di Pompei, oltre lo sfendone, lo scet

ne la Regina, ed era coperta di un gran velo nel rimanente del corpo. In una moneta de’ tempi di Gordiano vedesi Giunone S

nza i grandi nomini, ne’ fortunosi accidenti scorge a gloriosa meta. In segno della sua potenza davasi a Minerva anche il

amato, non è agevole a definirsi ; ma l’ultima cosa è più verisimile. In quell’arazzo erano istoriate le più belle imprese

isistrato(3) ; ed alcuni vecchi e vecchie portavan de’ rami di ulivo. In dette feste, fra gli altri giuochi, celebravansi

perchè duravano cinque giorni(1) ; e vi eran le maggiori e le minori. In questo tempo molti pregavano Minerva pel buon suc

urri, di alta statura, coll’egida al petto, e con elmo, asta e scudo. In una gemma si rappresenta con armi ed elmo di oro

n un serpe sull’elmo, perchè questo rettile è simbolo della prudenza. In una sardonica della collezione di Stosch, Minerva

co le dà l’elmo di oro ; ed Euripide, lo scudo e l’asta anche di oro. In un antico dipinto di Pompei, Minerva ha l’elmo cr

randi prodezze, percui Luciano la chiama Dea ucciditrice de’ giganti. In un monumento riferito da Gorleo vedesi la Dea vin

επλεγμενη, che vuol dire che ha i capelli messi in trecce e legati. » In un antico monumento vedesi Pallade coll’elmo, e c

sul nome da darsi alla città ; essa ha fatto nascere allora l’ulivo. In una moneta de’ Magnesii vi è Minerva Pacifera, co

adre degli Dei tutta armata, non respirava che battaglie e stragi ». In un niccolo antico pubblicato da Pietro Vivenzio,

a di Giove e di Corifa, secondo Cicerone. Δεσποινα, regina o signora. In generale a tutti gli Dei davasi l’aggiunto di sig

di sua natura pugnacissimo ; percui conveniva alla Dea della guerra. In quanto poi alla civetta, è noto il proverbio « no

geva qual giovane donna, superbamente vestita e co’ coturni a’ piedi. In una mano tiene scettri e corone, e nell’altra, un

piedi. In una mano tiene scettri e corone, e nell’altra, un pugnale. In una pittura di Ercolano si rappresenta vestita di

(ab ουρανος, coelum), quasi celeste, perchè presiede all’astronomia. In una statua del Museo Pio Clementino, tiene in una

sposte dal sacro tripode ch’era posto sull’apertura di quella grotta. In questo tempio scrissero gli antichi a lettere d’o

si appellavanosandalia leptoschide, sandali di sottili strisce ec. » In questa statua chi ravvisa Apollo cacciatore, chi

ndati da uno strofio o cordone, ornamento proprio degli Dei e de’ Re. In un’agata presso il Sig. De la Chausse si rapprese

per tre giorni al terminare di ogni secolo dalla fondazione di Roma. In essi uno scelto coro di giovanetti e di donzelle

io presso i letterati sino a che si gusterà al mondo fiore di poesia. In esso si cantano le lodi de’due figliuoli di Laton

a presso Baia e Pozzuoli, che abitava negli antri di quella contrada. In un antro dei Cimmerii Ovidio alloga la reggia del

Di cui la fronte l’edera seguace Tutta aggirando va con storto passo. In questo albergo il grave Sonno giace, L’ozio da un

loro colla destra la strada che debbono battere nell’ aereo sentiero. In un antico monumento Diana Lucifera o la Luna si d

Continuazione. Bacco fanciullo rapito da’corsari. Acete. Penteo. In molte pietre incise, dice Millin, si rappresenta

ercurio che porta Bacco a Nisa e l’accoglimento fattogli dalle ninfe. In un vaso dello Spon si vede Mercurio nell’atto di

gri e di pantere ; e gli uomini eran coronati di ellera e di pampini. In una gemma vedesi Bacco su di un cocchio tirato da

n il terrore delle armi, ma l’insegnamento della coltura della terra. In questa spedizione egli toccò col tirso l’Oronte e

rso, dando all’esercito di Bacco di poterli passare a piedi asciutti. In ciò si scorge copiato il prodigioso passaggio di

iso gioconda, o piuttosto beffarda ; e se gli dà d’ordinario la coda. In un cammeo del Museo Borbon. Vedesi un Sileno caud

nte il vecchio Sileno ubbriaco sul suo asino che il conduce a stento. In memoria de’tre anni che il nostro nume impiegò in

an conto che da’ Baccanali o feste Dionisiache si contavano gli anni. In onore di Bacco si celebravano pure le feste antes

occhi, e coronato di edera, come Euripide il dipinge nelle Baccanti. In una statua del Museo Borbon. vedesi Bacco nel fio

si dipingono le Baccanti coronate di pampini, di edera e di serpenti. In un antico dipinto Pompeiano vi è un Bacco, « il q

enaeus pater, da λυαιος, torchio da vino, di cui credevasi inventore. In onore di Bacco inventore del torchio si celebrava

 ; ma Laso, maestro di Pindaro, le ridusse ad una forma più regolare. In esse, volendosi in certo modo imitare la sregolat

tte bianche. Adonie erano feste che si celebravano in onore di Adone. In esse tutta la città vestivasi a lutto, e non si u

diede luogo ad Ippomene di giungere prima di lei alla designata meta. In premio della vittoria sposò egli Atalanta ; ma Ve

neficii debbono essere puri e senza sordida speranza di retribuzione. In detta città eran quelle Dee con ispecial culto ve

Nausicaa, fig. di Alcinoo, ricevevano dalle Grazie la loro bellezza. In somma, dice Banier, nel gran numero delle Divinit

che questa voce si adopera spesso a significare le stesse nozze (2). In un inno di Omero insieme con Venere e colle Grazi

animali. Gnido, città della Caria, era puro tutta propria di Venere. In essa un bellissimo bosco di gradevoli piante e sp

padre (Marspiter), e Venere con quello di genitrice (Venus genitrix). In mezzo al foro Giulio era il tempio di Venere Geni

a per rappresentare le arti medesime in acconcia ed elegante maniera. In una pittura del Museo Borbonico si veggono i Geni

que, di cui nè pastore, nè armento avea mai intorbidato la chiarezza. In esso inchinatosi per bere e veggendo nello specch

mpassione delle ninfe cangiato in un bel fiore che tiene il suo nome. In un dipinto di Pompei rappresentasi Narciso in for

itano, dopo che il suo educatore ne avea fatto un perfetto danzatore. In premio di ciò Giunone diede a Priapo la decima de

to, il Timor, l’Insidie e l’Ire, Del bellicoso Iddio seguaci eterni ; In così fiera e spaventosa vista Se ne gia Turno la

che Quintiliano afferma, appena intendersi dagli stessi sacerdoti(3). In mezzo al foro era in Roma un tempio di grande mag

. Caro. Ed altrove(1) rassomiglia Camilla alle Amazzoni dicendo : «  In tal sembianza Termodoonte il bellicoso stuolo De

’eroina, una donna guerriera e capace di ardite e pericolose imprese. In quanto poi a Pentesilea, essa, combattendo nell’a

devasi dipinto nell’atteggiamento di un uomo che marcia a gran passi. In una parola, gli antichi monumenti, dice Millin, r

e’ Latini sono senza dubbio l’ Ermete tanto celebrato dagli Egiziani. In quanto poi all’origine della voce Mercurius, pare

dex, i.e. lapis Lydius) e porta nel nome l’infamia della sua origine. In un monte della Messenia vedevasi un sasso che ave

glie a suo talento il sonno, Nella destra si reca e scioglie il volo. In un batter di ciglio all’Ellesponto Giunge e al ca

ire in linguaggio poetico che Mercurio avesse addormentato i custodi. In somma a Mercurio si attribuiva tutto ciò in che s

conciliare e di togliere il sonno, detto perciò sonnifero da Ovidio. In un antico candelabro del Museo Borbonico vedesi M

rappresentato Mercurio che porta una testa di montone in un piatto ». In alcuni antichi monumenti(4) si vede rappresentato

ecinto fatto di pietre bianche, su cui si alzavano obelischi di rame. In questo recinto era una caverna a foggia di un for

n forno, fatta a scalpello. Quivi aprivasi un pertugio assai stretto. In cui scendevasi non per gradini, ma per picciole s

’occhio rotondo, dinota solo ch’essi aveano due grandi occhi rotondi. In alcuni antichi monumenti Polifemo si rappresenta

Giunone, delle doune, percui gli uomini solamente gli sacrificavano. In un marmo (2) si vede un Silvano che ha in mano il

degli uomini, nè possonsi prendere che quando sono infermi o vecchi. In un ninfeo, luogo sacro presso la città di Apollon

ltrove : A’sospiri di Zeffiro soavi E per li campi se ne va succinta In verdissima gonna ogni Napee. Le Driadi (a δρυς,

me (6). Tibullo(1) lo pone nell’Olimpo, sebbene fosse nume campestre. In una statua vedesi Vertunno tutto vestito, colla b

bile trasformazione. Cicerone(1) così descrive la fontana Aretusa : «  In una isoletta ch’è l’ultima parte della città di S

ed Atene, così detta da Eleusi, fig. di Ogige e maestro di Mercurio. In questa città celebravansi le feste eleusine istit

ata da Cerere ne pose una di avorio. IX. Iconologia di Cerere. In un affresco di Pompei vedesi Cerere in maestosa a

uasi rossiccia le chiome, accesa il volto e con de’ papaveri in mano. In un’antica moneta vedesi Cerere coronata di molte

nevano una corona di spighe avanti la porta del tempio di quella Dea. In un dipinto di Pompei essa siede sopra un trono di

ra, che presentò agli Dei coperta di velo e con aurea corona in capo. In breve, Vulcano si diceva inventore dell’arte di l

a tirar l’arco, amava i boschi ed i monti e feriva i cervi al corso. In breve, la caccia era la sua passione, ed ella era

e ombrosa chiamata Gargafia con un limpidissimo fonte detto Partenio. In esso Diana, stanca per la lunga caccia, in un bel

maestà di esso venerata dall’Asia tutta, anzi da tutto il mondo (2). In quella città adunque era il tempio di Diana Efesi

stato sulla terra, noverato perciò fra le sette maraviglie del mondo. In esso l’ordine Gionico fu posto per la prima volta

il trono di oro ; ma sembra più proprio di Diana il trono di Argento. In un’antica medaglia di Perga, in Panfilia, la Dea

di bronzo (2), per dinotare la robustezza e velocità de’ suoi piedi. In quarto luogo portò vivo sulle spalle il cinghiale

Questi uccelli, perchè pugnacissimi, si disse ch’eran nati da Marte. In settimo luogo gli fu ingiunto di prendere il famo

ne, ove, dopo averlo mostrato ad Euristeo, il ricondusse all’inferno. In non pochi monumenti si osservano rappresentati i

La Tessaglia era un paese assai celebre ne’tempi favolosi ed eroici. In essa era l’Olimpo, monte tanto famoso presso i po

valli. Da’poeti si dicono fig. d’Issione, re de’ Lapiti, e di Nefele. In un trapezoforo o sia piede di mensa, del Museo Bo

spedizione ; secondo Omero erano 1186 ; ed al dir di Tucidide, 1200. In questa guerra erano impegnate tutte le forze de’G

fig. di Panopeo, atleta, architetto e guerriero all’assedio di Troia. In esso rinchiudono buon drappello di scelti guerrie

ove pochi giunsero dopo varie e molte sciagure nel viaggio sofferte. In quanto a’Troiani, quelli ch’ebbero la sorte di ca

no, fig. di Priamo, andò in Macedonia, e vi fabbricò la città d’Ilio. In quanto ad Enea, principe troiano, fig. di Venere

figura, che serve di ornamento all’architettura ed in certi dipinti. In un calcedonio(4) vedesi Venere per le onde portat

le porte della tartarea prigione chiuse con chiavistelli di diamante. In simil guisa Tibullo(1) con elegantissimi versi de

li, oggidì ve li trae per l’abbondanza del nutrimento che loro offre. In alcuni siti ha 180 piedi di profondità, ma non ha

ammesso da Giove alla sua mensa osò di oltraggiare la stessa Giunone. In pena della quale arroganza ed ingratitudine Giove

cer dovea, essendo noto che quelle nozze si celebrarono in Tessaglia. In questo luogo con inimitabile eleganza descrive le

irg. Aen. II, v. 15. (1). Iam seges est, ubi Troia fuit. Ovid. (2). In epist : Num Aeneas unquam ec. Durante (1). De N

tore Romolo creduto, come si è detto, figlio di Marte. Suo ritratte. In atteggiamento assai terribile convenevole però al

si per amore del lor fondatore, che per timore delle loro battaglie. In suo onore invero aveano essi costruiti due tempii

di quella Città il difensore contro gl’insulti d’ogni esterno nemico. In suo ossequio similmente leggiamo e le feste istit

mihi perfide prodis ? Me mihi prodis ait ? Periuraque pectora vertit In duram silicem, qui nunc quoque dicitur index :

moso tempio d’ Augusto a questo Dio dedicato. Suo ritratto, e culto. In modo veramente grazioso fù dipinto un tal Nume. M

conosconsi le tre grazie Aglaia, Eufrofia, e Talìa(1). Suo ritratto. In varie guise, e sotto aspetti diversi secondo la d

i del mondo, come ricavasi da molti monumenti degl’antichi scrittori. In questi fù costume immolarsi per man di Sacerdoti

ato vecchio in fiero trono assiso, Da cui pendono ognor mille catene, In cui stretto dell’uom gl’eventi tiene Con atto gra

che egli vuol tutto, è preciso. Libro eterno sostien con mano ardita, In cui scritto a carattere Divino Sta quel che fia d

ura di produrre questo, e quell’altro evento di tale, e tanta durata. In tal senso infatti è da intendersi quel di Virg. Æ

passi mosse verso l’Italia per provar quivi qualche novella fortuna. In umile atteggiamento presentossi al Re Giano, ed i

rebbero al certo mai più acquistata la antica lor pace. Chi fù Genio. In terra poi disceso questo velenoso germoglio di Ve

ri spesso nel dolor caduto, E co’ mugiti il cielo e il mondo assorda. In svelar il suo duol non è mai muto, Apre la bocca

or ardito, or forte, or fiacco Sprezzator di tesoro, e di ricchezza. In danzc, e in feste non divien mai stracco Egli acc

e ella sola del cuor di quello unicamente l’obbietto. Suo ritratto. In diversa forma fù effigiata questa Dea. La rappres

 : Imperitat furiis, et dictat iura Megera. Prud. Aur. Suo culto. In più nazioni diffuso era il culto di questa Dea. I

o II. Innocenza Sonetto T enero lanciullino, ed impotente In largo pian cinto dall’erbe, e fiori, Presso un or

trar d’amor l’opra più bella Al vecchio, che per fame è fatto un gelo In bocca dà la filïal mammella. Lo toglie a morte co

olui, che nel suo sen ricetta Questa ad opre di sdegno ognor conversa In odio al mondo, e al Ciel crudel vendetta. Ann

ammata alza di tanto in tanto, Dagli urli, e dal clamor gioia riceve, In ferreo vaso il proprio sangue beve, Il flagello,

si danni, e rari beni apporta. Sorda, cruda, spietata, e senza legge, In pace, e in guerra d’atterrar non resta, tien sogg

da sua man sembran distrutti, Crescon per esso i fiumicelli asciutti In atto di danzar col crin discinto Mille turbe dive

gio, il pin non è l’istesso, Il nemico dell’uomo ecco l’Inverno. In lode della cristiana religione Canto.

da esempio tal sprezzar la morte, Trono innalzò sù quel felice monte, In cui seppe cangiar dell’ uom la sorte. E da colà s

gomento, mentre per questo ufficio appunto essa richiede grand’ arte. In essa gli animi debbon ricevere le ultime scosse p

a. Con esso perchè più esteso può facilmente formarsi qualche lavoro. In questo metro (lo chè si avvera ancora degli altri

lor Sento d’ ardir Dice tradita Mi trasse a forza Dolente io sono In empia colpa Non vò perdono Non val discolpa N

d’accentarsi sulla quinta, come nel senario semplice, ed un quinario. In esso sogliono rimare il primo col terzo, ed il se

Temistocle provò. Alfin di Persia il regge Si vede in un momento In corte lo raccoglie Ridotto a orrendo stato Cang

il più comune però abbraccia due sdruccioli, e due settenarii rimati. In tal metro una particolar attenzione è da mettersi

suol s’appressa. Non son più che trecento. Minaccia di distruggere, In quel sentier strettissimo E sparger sangue a fi

ti al nemico vanno, Le squadre d’Oriente. E appena ch’essi arrivano In mar di sangue corrono A macellar si danno. Fra

a speranza il popolo Le mura, e poscia l’ordine Nel suo dolor gemea In squadre appien distende ; Non sanno a chi rivol

’armi al genitore Ed invan parlò natura Di quel gallo già atterrato In quel cor da legge armato Resta il padre provoca

calare obbligato. Andromaca, che piange sul corpo di Astianatte. In cenere combusta Senza fallir dannato Era l’affl

rbai ? Così l’altrui vendetta Come non moro ancor Il misero pagò. In si fatal dolor ? La madre desolata Perchè spiet

ultima mia speranza, Che più soffrir degg’io Non hò chi più m’aiuta In sorte sì dogliosa Che va la mia costanza ? Null

al profano, all’eroico, al bernesco, all’epistolare, e a tutt’altro. In questo metro infatti ha scritto l’immortale Dante

Orazia, che piange sulle spoglie del Curiazio ucciso dal fratello. In mezzo a lieto stuol di più guerrieri Ritorna Oraz

e de’Greci, e de’Latini è uno de’più belli, e famosi lavori italiani. In esso si distinsero il Petrarca, l’Ariosto, il Tas

il fulmin fatal strisciava intorno Attese senza orror l’ultimo fato. In faccia all’armi, e la baldanza rea Mai non piegò

e altri sonetti, e mille altri autori, che per brevità io tralascio ? In questi, come in tanti esemplari specchiar si deve

del detto Titolato. Cap. III. Della diversita’ delle strofe. In quest’ultimo capitolo del ristretto della poesia

li spogliavano delle loro sostanze : secundum veritatem , così Serv. In 5. ÆN. meretrices fuerunt, quae transeuntes quoni

impositis incudibus antrum. Illi inter se se multa vi brachia tollunt In numerum, versanique tenaci forcipe ferrum. Sue

è mio pensiere sviluppare quel, che deve sentirsi circa gl’ oracoli. In molti padri della Chiesa, ed in molti profani scr

lo stesso argomento dicendo : Apre l’ uomo infelice allor che nasce In questa valle di miserie piena Pria che al sol gli

ica, egli potrebbe trionfare di tutte le calunnie dei suoi avversarj. In tanta discordia di opinioni, non posso che riport

di triplicati nodi. Lezione terza. Dei Templi e dei sacrifizj. In mezzo ai campi, nel maestoso silenzio delle selve

locando la loro sede nel più elevato sito, sembravano signoreggiarle. In mezzo alla frequenza dei cittadini sorgevano le m

ttere la più piccola diligenza credevasi esser principio d’infortunj. In alcune città, per sacrificare a certi numi, solo

, e tutti Piangean mirando dell’ettoreo figlio L’innocente alterezza. In core acheo Breve è pietà: che già ripete Ulisse L

in atto pudico il corpo esangue Compose, e i lini. Del cadere onesto In te la cura trionfò di morte, Magnanima donzella:

cro bosco Ed ai floridi prati ove dei Greci Son le schiere accampate. In mezzo a noi Stavasi Ifigenia; la vide il padre: G

givo Ver me s’appressi, che sicura al ferro Offro il collo animoso. —  In questi detti Figlia di re conosce ognuno. In mezz

ffro il collo animoso. — In questi detti Figlia di re conosce ognuno. In mezzo Taltibio stava, e all’affollate schiere Vot

fecero credere che la loro mitologia veniva interamente dall’ Egitto. In questa diversità di statura data ai numi furono s

lo stesso silenzio, e l’ombre di divinità ignota e terribile ripiene. In questi luoghi si celebrarono i primi misteri del

i, col sangue umano aspersero gli alberi ove credeano chiusi gli Dei. In principio l’orrore solo rendeva sacrosante le sel

e la terra: la funesta reggia Sembra, ondeggiando, dubitar. Si cangia In sangue il vino che libò l’ iniquo Re, cui cadon l

rando che fra le cure dei vincitori non fu mai la riverenza dei numi. In qualunque maniera succedesse la divisione dell’un

ano? e come Avrai qui cibo? sei tu forse un dio? Ma non opri da nume. In mare il toro Non cammina, nè può sopra la terra F

ganni e nuovi furti pavé; Onde die il don, che sì l’accora e infesta. In guardia ad un ch’avea cent’ occhi in testa. Argo

suo sangue i fiori e l’erba. Argo, tu giaci, e 1 gran lume che avevi In tanti lumi un sol colpo ti fura; Tanti occhi, ond

lla, commendandolo sopra le altre opere di Leocrate insigne scultore. In alcune medaglie del nominato imperatore vi è l’is

ai posteri attesti che col tuo presente soccorso hai Roma salvata. —  In alcune antiche medaglie, specialmente in quelle d

azio non tardo, i vigilanti cani Occupa colla spada: è tutto al sonno In preda. Giove, per la tua vendetta Vegli tu solo:

l’Oceano dice che nelle loro case già fu da essi beatamente nutrita. In questa diversità di nutrici e di patria, la fortu

ublime Lieta s’avanza, ed improvvisa al guardo S’appresenta di Giove. In lei s’affisa Muto il gran Nume, e nel suo volto a

he paventi: e giurò l’acque di Stige, Pallor dei numi, Allor risposi: In questo Orto, portato dagli Olenii campi Sorge il

ati cavalli. Cento Nereidi posate sopra i delfini gii facevan corona. In due medaglie, una di Vespasiano, l’altra di Adria

Qui venuto, i veloci oro-criniti. Eripedi cavalli al cocchio aggioga. In aura vesta si ravvolge tutta La divina persona; e

Atlante e di Pleione, appropria la Mitologia ogni vanto degli altri. In tanta varietà doveva necessariamente dubitarsi da

e delle Muse, gioia delle amabili danze, decoro dei gloriosi giuochi. In ricompensa concesse a Mercurio la cura della 2:re

omano l’ imminente Campidoglio colle sue fabbriche e coi suoi templi. In questo piano adunque, oltre le colonne che adorna

, il cui dorso E per nevi e per gel canuto e curvo E da fiumi rigato. In questo monte. Che fu padre di Maia, avo di lui, P

gittò sopra l’onde, e lungi al lito Di Libia se n’andò l’aure secando In quella guisa che marino augello D’un’ altra ripa,

le case e le ville de’ grandi, i luoghi pubblici e i templi di Roma. In questa elegantissima statua siamo sicuri di ravvi

ta fra l’Ismenie madri, Niobe, se altera della propria sorte Non eri. In mezzo alle tebane vie, Ripiena il petto di furor

mura Del marito la cetra unì: rimiro Ampli tesori delle regie stanze In ogni parte: a questo aggiungi un volto Degno di d

I mortali anteporre: e me chiamava Priva di prole: dell’altero detto In lei cada l’ingiuria, in lei che il fasto Paterno

da: Del dolor nostro, o Latona, Pasciti, e sazia il tuo feroce petto: In sette figli io moro. Esulta, o fera Vincitrice, t

n stridore orrendo L’arco scoccò: tremano tutti: audace E Niobe sola. In nere vesti avvolte Stavano intorno del funereo le

i rami. Siccome membra abbraccia, e bacia il legno Che fugge i baci. In questi accenti il nume Sciolse la voce alfin: Se

Fin qui Winkelmann nella sua insigne istoria dell’arti del disegno. In un’altra operetta sull’Allegoria, non tradotta, p

ulla cetra celeste le soavi modulazioni della sacra favella de’ vati. In osservare questa bella statua attorniata dalle al