have been some omissions, also, to suit the immaturity of the pupils, but none have been made without careful consideration

the prose. As far as it was practicable, the poems are given in full, but a few fragmentary passages of beauty and interest

re, and the ghosts of men who had died, or who had not yet been born. But the gods the Greeks loved most were the gods of t

is bird, and sometimes was seen carrying his thunderbolts. If Jupiter but nodded his head, all creation shook with a mutter

rks. Proserpina. Jupiter was called the father of the gods, but he was not the father of them all. He had a broth

n must work hard and take much care if they will have large harvests, but we are told that in early times this was not so.

nymphs. Pluto hated the light and was blinking his eyes a good deal, but he had no need to see well to make out that Prose

face of Pluto who drove. The nymphs fled and disappeared in the lake; but Proserpina, with her arms full of flowers, stood

d, Proserpina was frightened. She shrieked and called for her mother, but Ceres was far away, in Spain, caring for the crop

like the night, and that it was rich with sparkling gold and jewels. But Proserpina was afraid of his dark face. She kept

it was scarcely light at all. Proserpina could see nothing at first, but Pluto gave a sigh of contentment, for his eyes we

, across the plain, she could see great masses of towers and palaces; but there was not a plant nor a tree in all that land

t beside me on my throne, and wear a crown sparkling with diamonds.” “ But I don’t want to live here in the dark,” cried Pro

tened to hear the music of the water, for that was a sound she loved. But the murmur was not like that of earthly rivers. S

e that Proserpina thought it must be a pack of monsters, all howling; but soon she saw Cerberus himself. He was larger than

three heads, all of which were barking at once. Proserpina shuddered, but Pluto stopped to pat the great beast on its three

Pluto, smiling. “He will harm no one who has the right to pass him.” But Proserpina could not even look at him. So they pa

ne; there were flowers made of jewels, and birds which seemed to fly: but all was dead, and the only sweet live creature in

ied off by some one in a black chariot. The nymphs had all cried out, but there was no help at hand and they had seen their

to find her child and to punish him who had dared to do such a deed. But , although she moved swiftly, she saw no trace of

htened goddess and which was already faded. The world soon grew dark, but Ceres would not rest. She took two great pine tre

, she would stop it and ask, “Have you seen my daughter, Proserpina?” But none of the spirits of night had seen her. Whe

tic eyes, and she would ask, “Have you seen my daughter, Proserpina?” But none of the river-gods had seen her. Once, when s

the god of the animals, came skipping to meet her. He was like a man, but he had hoofs in place of feet, and his ears were

helter-skelter without any other cause. Truly, a wild being was Pan; but when. Ceres called, he hurried to meet her, stamp

d little hoofs, and bounding over the rocks and the streams of water. But though Pan was a great god, he could not tell wha

or help, praying to her to pity the land and care for its vegetation. But Ceres thought only of her lost child, and day by

metimes hear her voice calling, “Proserpina.” Many weeks passed thus, but at last, when the goddess was near to despair, sh

the edge of the water, and Arethusa was far down in the earth below. But at the call of Ceres she came up quickly and rais

ts of the underworld came and bowed before her and were her subjects; but her face was pale, and they say she has never bee

own again at the long table, where they were eating and drinking. Ah, but it was a beautiful sight! A glow of light and joy

Jupiter, father of gods and of men. His face was thoughtful and calm; but whether he smiled or frowned, it was always beaut

ecame earnest, for they saw how the great earth-goddess was grieving. But Ceres spoke aloud to Jupiter and said, “O Jupiter

f Proserpina has eaten anything in the underworld, she cannot return; but if not, Jupiter may right the wrong.” Then Ceres

d sat silent and alone, with covered head, mourning for her daughter. But on Olympus Jupiter sat long in thought. At last h

a part of each year ever after with her grim lover in the underworld. But Ceres always mourns until Proserpina returns. And

f earth have given the evil season a name, and have called it Winter; but Pluto and the other dwellers in the underworld th

world may near the less,    And draw it through her weltering shade, But not one biding trace impress    Of all the darkne

shadow plain to see    On thy fair face, Persephone! Demeter sighs, but sure'tis well    The wife should love her destiny

ld and men can be ready for it. After that men were more comfortable, but up to this time they knew nothing of the uses of

the fire was sacred, and that Jupiter did not wish it to be touched, but Prometheus was a Titan and feared not Jupiter, no

ad stolen fire from heaven, he grew very stern. “Prometheus is brave, but he has done wrong to steal the sacred fire,” said

gle came and fed upon him, and every night his body was healed again, but with great pain, and his suffering was always ter

armor of brass to use against one another. Men were more comfortable, but they were not happier than before, for after that

nd clash of war comes to my ears. Men are strong and brave and proud, but how can they ever be happy?” Then Epimetheus said

elp them. I will go to Jupiter and be friends with him. Not by force, but by gentleness, will I bring down the joy of Olymp

leness, will I bring down the joy of Olympus; and men shall have it.” But Prometheus said, “Do it not. Happiness is for the

Olympus will harm men. Let the world alone.” Epimetheus said no more, but his mind was not changed. Next day he went up the

ly. “Let them have some of the joy of Olympus.” Jupiter thought long, but at last he spoke. “It is an unwise wish, O Epimet

arer to carry it.” Now Vulcan is the workman of the gods. He is lame, but skillful, and with his hands he makes wondrous th

d this box. They are gifts of the gods to Epimetheus, and to mankind; but the box must never be opened. Let them take heed,

d a knock at his door. He knew that it was the messenger of the gods, but he was slow to open, for he thought of what Prome

comed them eagerly, forgetting the danger. So Mercury led Pandora in; but before he left, he warned Pandora and Epimetheus

came from all parts of the earth. Some were young and some were old; but all those who saw Pandora and came near to the wo

uppose can make those strange, sweet sounds we hear in it sometimes?” But Epimetheus answered, sternly, “Do not dare to ope

pen it, Pandora, for the gods have forbidden it!” Pandora was silent, but she could not help thinking, of the box. It was i

nother moment Pandora had hold of the lid and was trying to close it, but it was of no use. The little creatures were stron

ast she sprang upon the cover, with her whole weight. That closed it, but it was too late then. When Epimetheus came hack h

d ask. “It would be better not to live, than to live in this misery.” But as they talked and could find no help, suddenly P

g while hope remained. After that Pandora never opened the box again, but life on earth was not simple or easy. The world w

arrows. Some of his arrows were tipped with gold, and some with lead, but he polished all alike and saw to it that they wer

s to me, who know how to use them. I have slain Python with my darts, but what can you do with yours?” The little god did n

great archer. “I can shoot you, Apollo,” said he, “and I will, too.” But Apollo laughed scornfully. “You had better lay as

reast of Apollo. The god felt the pang and put his hand to his heart, but it was too late: he was madly in love with beauti

adly in love with beautiful Daphne. He called to her,” Stay, Daphne.” But as Daphne turned to see who called, Cupid sent th

world worships me, and you shall have all that the world can give. Do but stop and hear me.” But Daphne would not listen. S

you shall have all that the world can give. Do but stop and hear me.” But Daphne would not listen. She fled only the more s

golden hair. Then he redoubled his, pace and began to gain upon her; but the nearer he came, the more terrified was poor D

t she had yielded. He went quickly to her and caught her in his arms. But even as he touched her, he felt her change. Her b

the tree of all poets among men forever.” Then he turned sadly away, but for a long, long time afterward, the world was fo

ut him as he played the lyre and sang. Thus Orpheus had many friends. But the one who loved him most was the beautiful godd

lit at the wedding of Orpheus and Eurydice, the smoke would not rise, but sank to the ground; then the flames began to sput

rches,” cried Orpheus, for the guests were dismayed at the evil omen. But the other torches burned no better. The guests ta

his grief to the gods of the streams and to the spirits of the trees, but they could not help him. He sang of it to the peo

, but they could not help him. He sang of it to the people of Thrace, but they could only weep with him. He besought with s

could only weep with him. He besought with song the gods of Olympus, but though the gods loved him, they could not control

cave which led down into the underworld. Orpheus knew well that none but Hercules had ever returned along that road, but h

s knew well that none but Hercules had ever returned along that road, but he went in, leaving behind him the world of light

ing behind him the world of light and life. Down and down it led him, but at last it became less steep and, with a turn, le

d to sing. At that sound the creatures grew calm and did him no harm, but listening, followed him down to the edge of the r

coming and pushed his boat far out into the stream. There he stopped. But when he heard the sweet, sad music, he came slowl

The spirits of men who were dead came about Orpheus in great crowds, but no one did him harm, and he passed through them w

, not searching for glory or fame, nor to show his power or strength, but to beg for the spirit of Eurydice, whom the under

to the dark ruler. “She will come back at the end of her life. You do but lend her to me, not lose her. Think, O Pluto, wha

o, what pain you suffer while Proserpina is away from you each year —  but my sorrow is greater, for Eurydice is lost to me

Take her, sweet singer,” said Pluto, “for you have deserved her well; but have a care. If before you reach the upper world

Orpheus turned and went out, and Eurydice followed close behind him, but beside her walked the Olympian god Mercury, witho

. There was not a sound. “Is she really following?” he asked himself, but he dared not turn to see. Yet Eurydice was there,

began the upward climb. The descent into the world of death is easy, but the return — this is the work, this the labor. Or

is the work, this the labor. Orpheus, with all his eagerness, mounted but slowly, and always the doubt tormented him — “Is

e was not a sound. He called, softly, “Eurydice!” There was no reply. But he dared not turn to look. He must not lose her,

ard and her footstep was as yet only the noiseless tread of a spirit. But at last the end was in sight. The light of day be

the cavern. Orpheus stood dazed; then he would have rushed after her, but the god stood in his way. “You can do nothing,” h

is troubles began early, and they never ceased until the day he died, but he was always cheerful and strong. When he was a

nd there might then have been an end of both of its little occupants, but at that moment the children awoke. Iphicles, like

er baby, was terribly frightened and began to cry with all his lungs, but Hercules did not seem in the least afraid. When t

Hercules squeezing the serpents, whose eyes were still flashing fire. But Hercules soon put her fears to rest, for he tight

tle.” “A gentle woman, and a gentle story,” said Hercules to himself; but to her he said, “Pray, what is your name, fair on

“Yes, Hercules, the path of Happiness indeed seems strewn with roses, but in spite of that, 'come with me. You shall know h

know hunger and thirst, pain and sorrow, toil, and the din of battle; but you shall learn to master them all, and you shall

an earthly pleasure. The gifts that Happiness offers you will perish, but my gifts will not perish.” These words filled Her

it the lion with all his might upon the head. It was a crushing blow, but the lion only paused an instant. Then he sprang a

rberus, from the underworld, that Eurystheus might have a look at it. But perhaps the hardest labor of all was to get the g

t a hundred-headed serpent. Little would he care about magic maidens. But where were the gardens of the Hesperides? How sho

o were said to be very wise in such matters. That was a good thought, but the nymphs could not tell him. They advised him t

hold the slippery god. Suddenly Nereus changed himself to a leopard, but Hercules seized him by the neck and choked him as

and choked him as he had the Nemean lion. Then he changed to a bear, but Hercules still held him fast. Then he became a li

bear, but Hercules still held him fast. Then he became a little bird, but before he could flit away, Hercules had his hand

Hercules had his hand about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercules all but crushed him. Then he turned into an eel, but he c

a fly, and Hercules all but crushed him. Then he turned into an eel, but he could not wriggle loose. Then he became a torr

e could not wriggle loose. Then he became a torrent of rushing water, but Hercules would not let it flow away. Then he chan

les almost strangled him. Last of all he became a huge flame of fire, but Hercules still managed to hold him, and even to s

changed back to the form of an old man. He had been handled roughly, but he admired the courage of Hercules, and though he

ns of the Hesperides are, and will help you to get the golden apples; but let me go, I say!” Then Hercules let the old man

as invincible as long as he touched the earth. That was a hard fight, but Hercules finally came off victorious, for he held

ound. Far to the west, over land and sea, Hercules had now to travel, but at last, in the uttermost part of Africa, he foun

to hold the earth and sky apart for thousands and thousands of years; but he was kindly, and was glad to see Hercules, and

ill come back directly.” So Hercules took the sky upon his shoulders, but his task was not half so easy as he had expected.

e back?” he thought. Indeed he was half inclined to let the sky fall, but before a great while he saw Atlas trudging toward

thanked Atlas very heartily, and thought that would be the end of it. But Atlas took a different view of the matter. He fou

h a grin. “Very well,” said Hercules, without a moment’s hesitation; “ but take up the sky just a moment, while I put this l

“Come back here at once, and take the sky again,” shouted the Titan. But the hero only laughed and walked away, for his wo

den fruit. Eurystheus feared and hated him more than ever after this, but Hercules continued to be patient and brave, doing

n rich coral halls; With Naiads have sported    By bright waterfalls. But sportive or tender,    Still sought I around That

e came to the palace of Admetus a stranger. He seemed to be a beggar; but though his clothes were worn and tattered, he was

ing’s shepherd. He would lead out the sheep, not with crook or staff, but with music, and the sheep followed him eagerly. A

s, and there he took part in the games. He returned with many prizes, but he was sad, for he had seen Alcestis, the beautif

if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand; and had been told that he might, but that Alcestis should become the wife of none save

— “Do I not of right despair, for how shall I live without Alcestis? But who can yoke to his chariot a lion and a wild boa

they heard him coming back, and soon he was in sight, still playing. But behind him, as he played, followed a lion and a w

ke leave of him. The king was downcast at the thought of such a loss, but the stranger said: — “Call to me if ever you have

am Apollo.” When Admetus heard this, he would have knelt before him, but already the gentle god of light and song and beau

ompelled him to serve a mortal man for one year to atone for a fault, but now his time upon earth was ended. Thus Apollo de

or Islands of the Blessed could be better than their own native land. But happiness such as this was not to last forever. O

been cut off. Death hearkens not to prayers; he heeds not sacrifices, but unpitying, fulfils his word. No sooner had the go

rry him away. Alcestis stayed by his bedside and nursed him tenderly, but to no avail. The people prayed to the heartless g

people prayed to the heartless god to spare them their beloved king, but Death turned them a deaf ear. Then Admetus, in hi

god of light and song, “you shall be spared.” With that Apollo left, but the word was spread abroad among the people. “Sur

his own life was not sweeter, and so Admetus came very near to death. But Alcestis prayed silently to Apollo in the night,

ss them with his gentle rule. From that moment Admetus grew stronger, but Alcestis began to waste away. Dreadful visions ca

hen Alcestis was on the verge of death, who should come to the palace but Hercules? He was on his way to Thrace, to tame th

s. When Hercules saw the signs of mourning, he asked what they meant; but Admetus kept the truth from him, for he did not w

with needless sorrow. Then Hercules wished to go on his way at once, but Admetus knew how hard was the lot of Hercules, an

wned his head with garlands, and made merry in the house of mourning. But while he was making merry, brave Alcestis died. T

mournful dirges. Of the household of Admetus, not one remained behind but the servant at Hercules’ side. Even he was in sil

nnot kill me!” Then Hercules loosed his great arms and stood panting, but with the joy of victory on his face, while Death

ivory and gold    That clothe her cedar frame Are beautiful, indeed, but cold;    Ah, touch them with thy flame! Oh, bid h

jewels. When the young man came to the palace door, he did not stop, but went boldly on and came into the presence of Heli

t. Ask something else.” Thus Helios advised him with a father’s care, but the words only stirred Phaëton’s heart to greater

to be alarmed. He pulled at the reins and called the horses by name, but they went no slower. Suddenly before them the Sco

east. He hoped to put the chariot once more into his father’s hands. But the steeds did not heed him. They were wild with

ey watched the zigzag course of the chariot. The time wore slowly on, but sunset was as far distant as ever. When the day s

n of one of us.” Now, Jupiter hurls his thunderbolts from the clouds, but in the hot air at this time not a cloud was to be

us the day passed, and the evening    Fell, with vapors cold and dim; But it brought no food nor shelter,    Brought no str

the strange steed had departed    And they knew not when nor where. But they found upon the greensward,    Where his stru

such an humble manner. The enemy of my child wished to kill us both, but Jupiter has brought us here. Help us, therefore,

not unhappily. King Polydectes loved her and would have married her, but all her thoughts were of Argos and she was always

a rich robe, many a golden cup, did King Polydectes receive that day. But Perseus had not been able to bring anything, and

the aged priest of Minerva and asked concerning this monster, Medusa. But the aged priest, though very wise, could not tell

ent out and walked along the seashore, considering what he should do, but discovering no way to accomplish his wish. Sudden

ainst Medusa?” she said. “All who look upon her are turned to stone.” But he answered bravely: — “If with the gods’ help I

Perseus saw that it was no longer an old woman who stood before him, but the goddess Minerva. The light flashed upon her b

gold and her plumed helmet. In her hand she held her terrible spear, but as Perseus looked into her quiet face and her cle

ere Medusa is to be found.” With these words the goddess disappeared, but at his feet Perseus saw the winged sandals and th

ps. Cities and rivers and great forests passed under him all the day, but in the evening he came to the ice cliffs, where t

ut: — “Sisters, a man comes! Give me the tooth, that I may bite him.” But the one who had the tooth cried out: — “Sister, g

back our eye, man!” “Listen,” said Perseus. “I will give you the eye, but tell me first where I shall find the Gorgon Medus

our sister. Give us our eye and go your own way, lest we curse you.” But Perseus thought of Minerva and was not afraid, an

Putting on the helmet of Pluto, which made him invisible, he went in; but he walked backwards, holding up his shining shiel

t wings that shone like gold. These two were crouched upon the floor, but the other Gorgon, Medusa, was walking to and fro,

, was walking to and fro, moaning in pain. She was like a fair woman, but , instead of hair, a mass of writhing snakes cover

in his mantle was the work of a second. Then he started for the door, but the other Gorgons sprang up with a shriek. “He ha

ing their swift wings, they darted after him. They could not see him, but they had the scent of blood-hounds, and as he das

se behind him. Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If they had but touched him, no mortal sword or strength would ha

imes he darted down close to the waves, hoping to elude his pursuers; but their swift golden wings were tireless and their

n the earth. He took off his helmet and prepared to lie down to rest. But a new peril awaited him. This region belonged to

country at once. Perseus did what he could to soothe the big fellow, but Atlas grew more and more enraged. When at last he

l and limbs. The sea was beaten into foam and spray by its struggles. But Perseus with his winged feet was far too quick, a

Ocean, and preparations were made for a great feast of thanksgiving. But Perseus sacrificed to Minerva, and to Venus, the

kingdom.” “Not the half of your kingdom do I wish,” replied Perseus; “ but give me, O King, her whom I have saved — give me

s pleased with this request. He wished even to make Perseus his heir, but this offer the hero could not accept. “I must car

ger, dared do her no harm, for he feared the great goddess of wisdom; but he left soldiers at the door of the temple to sei

ad with passion, Polydectes leveled his spear at the brave fisherman, but at that moment the door opened and Perseus, stron

word he hurled his spear at the young hero. The spear was well aimed, but Perseus stepped aside and it struck deep into the

f the island would have made Perseus king in the place of Polydectes, but he refused. Then the people chose Dictys, the goo

ill “Sweet air, oh come!”    While Echo answered, “Come, sweet Air!” But , hark, what sounds from the thicket rise!    What

Alas, ’twas not the white-horn’d doe    He saw in the rustling grove, But the bridal veil, as pure as snow,    Of his own y

stone and get the sword and sandals, then send him to Athens to me.” “ But , Ægeus,” said Æthra, “can any one but a god lift

hen send him to Athens to me.” “But, Ægeus,” said Æthra, “can any one but a god lift such a great stone?” “He must,” answer

ing the sword and the sandals, that I may know him.” Then Ægeus left, but Æthra brought up the hoy with all a mother’s love

out his father. Theseus did not know even that his father was living. But when he was sixteen years old, Æthra, said to her

day she led Theseus out into the woods. They wandered here and there, but at last they turned in the direction of the great

Theseus, “how long must I stay here idly at my grandfather’s court?” “ But you are still only a boy, Theseus,” replied Æthra

r it, you may go,” she said. Theseus took hold of it and lifted hard, but the stone did not move. Then he braced himself an

e stone did not move. Then he braced himself and tugged still harder, but the stone was firm. Ten ordinary men could hardly

had him go by sea, for the way to Athens by land was full of dangers, but Theseus was eager to try his strength and, if pos

It was here that Theseus had his first fight, and it was a hard one; but in the end the robber, for all his iron club, lay

over the smooth-flowing wave,    To his home in the dear Attic land; But over the mountains craggy and high,    Where the

f they were too short, he stretched them until they were long enough. But when he tried to put Theseus into the bed he foun

ead. Thus the first day passed. The following days were much like it, but at last Theseus reached Athens. His fame had gone

urt of King Ægeus. There the king received him, and honored him much, but never thought that this strong, fair young man, w

ell.” Then Theseus took the wine and, smiling, raised it to his lips. But before he could taste it, King Ægeus suddenly str

and I got it by raising the great stone.” The old king wept for joy. But he would have slain Medea. The enchantress, howev

nd in a moment was gone. In many other lands she did evil after that, but the people of Athens never saw her more. Then beg

e the whole land felt the good rule. Never had it been so prosperous. But all was not yet done. On a certain day, as Theseu

great yearly festival. The young man won many prizes and much honor, but some of his jealous rivals lay in wait for him af

t the mourning people, and a firm purpose came into his mind. “Choose but six young men,” he said to those who drew the lot

e would have commanded him to remain and not risk a life so precious, but he saw that it would be in vain. The heart of the

unarmed, slay the Minotaur?” they said. The people of Athens mourned, but the black sails carried the young men and maidens

e. “Oh, father,” she said, “will you destroy one who is so princely?” But King Minos answered, sternly, — “My son was also

inking of the fight with the Minotaur which must take place next day, but most of all he was thinking of beautiful Ariadne.

now, fair princess,” he said. “All Athens shall thank you for this.” “ But you do not know all the danger,” said Ariadne. “T

ou should meet and slay him, you would starve in the confusing paths. But you shall not, stranger, for I will save you from

abyrinth. Theseus went in boldly, unwinding the thread at every step, but Ariadne stood outside, trembling to think that he

nd eager and strong. Ariadne heard it, and hid her face in her hands. But now the Minotaur began to hunt for Theseus, and T

ought him in sight of the monster. The Minotaur had not yet seen him, but stood turning its head this way and that, sniffin

sniffing the air and listening. Its huge body was like that of a man, but its skin looked thick and hard like leather. Upon

and hard like leather. Upon its great neck it had the head of a bull, but with teeth long and sharp, like the teeth of some

ts head to gore him with its horns. Theseus struck it with his sword, but the sword glanced off harmless from the monster’s

l and as clever as a man. Often did it clutch Theseus with its hands, but he was stronger, and each time tore himself loose

Minotaur gave a roar of triumph, and for a moment was off its guard. But in that moment Theseus sprang at it and plunged t

r hero had won. She was timid now, and wished to flee and escape him, but her strength failed her and she sank fainting to

the fair young couple went back together to the palace of King Minos. But when the king heard that the Minotaur was slain,

h ocean-flowers all garlanded,    Had knelt by our low couch to weep: But softly o’er the brine the breeze did creep.    Be

s, all the gods and goddesses were bidden to the marriage feast — all but the goddess Discord. On the appointed day the pal

ut the goddess Discord. On the appointed day the palace was thronged, but as the guests were feasting and making merry, Dis

d at this time a fair shepherd youth. He was a son of old King Priam, but he had been born under such an evil omen that, fo

compelled to cast the infant forth upon the mountain heights to die. But kind shepherds had found him and taken care of hi

shepherd girl Œnone had seemed to Paris beautiful beyond comparison, but he forgot her altogether when he saw these glorio

and among his flocks, power and wealth seemed magic words and he all but gave Juno the apple without listening to the othe

s and he all but gave Juno the apple without listening to the others. But wise Minerva came forward, and she seemed so stat

ed him to listen. “I will not give you power,” she said, “nor wealth, but wisdom and foresight, courage and strength to end

thought Paris. “Yes, they are beyond all other gifts of gods or men.” But before he could utter the thought that was in his

st beautiful woman in the world. She lives now far across the waters, but she shall be yours.” Then Paris, hearing her v

ng her voice and her promise, forgot power, forgot wisdom, forgot all but lovely golden Venus, and gave her the apple, not

ing aboard ship, put out to sea. Three days they sped over the waves, but on the third day they came to Pylos, where Nestor

god Nereus came up from the deep and chanted a grim warning to Paris. But Paris, careless of the warning, sailed on with He

ow that the fair shepherd was his son who had been cast forth to die, but Cassandra, the prophet-daughter of the king,, kne

he gave no heed to the evil omen under which the youth had been born, but took him to live in his own royal household. Mean

news reached Troy, and the people of Priam were filled with anxiety, but weeks passed into months and no host came. At las

smiled and said, “It was only a rumor, after all. They do not dare.” But one day the watchman spied a mighty fleet far out

e touched the strand. Protesilaus was the first Greek to leap ashore, but scarcely had he set foot on land when Hector, the

rows, and crowded ashore from all the ships. Thus the fighting began. But next day a truce was made. Ulysses, the wise warr

n to her home, and Priam and his people would gladly have let her go, but Paris would not agree to it, and his will prevail

e sea. Many a battle was fought and many a town was taken and burned, but the Trojans would not give up Helen, and the war

war still went on. Now, Agamemnon was the leader of the Grecian army, but the bravest of its warriors was Achilles, son of

chilles, son of the beautiful sea-goddess Thetis. Achilles was young, but very swift and strong and bold. He had come with

In this great city, protected by its walls, there was a strong army, but it dared not venture outside the gate, for fear o

hryseis had fallen to the lot of Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks. But upon a certain day the father of the maiden came

pollo was thus angry at the Grecian host. The priest feared to speak, but Achilles rose and said to him, “Speak freely and

her home, with sacrifices and gifts, that the plague might be stayed. But his heart was hot with rage at the loss of his sh

would have slain Agamemnon, even in the midst of the Grecian chiefs, but Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, came behind him a

sword into its sheath and allowed Agamemnon to send and take Briseis, but after that he sat in his tent with his friend Pat

yful and confident. They no longer remained within the walls of Troy, but came out upon the plain before the gates and foug

rior, and Ajax, the mighty, did wonders and slew many of the Trojans; but Hector, the great Trojan warrior, with brave. Æne

d many wounded, and Hector has driven them back almost to the ships.” But the heart of Achilles was full of grief and rage

s, and the ships began to burn. The Greeks were fighting desperately, but it was all in vain against the valor of mighty He

eir ships. Again Patroclus went to Achilles and besought him. “Let me but save them from utter ruin,” he said. “Hector is i

jans are setting fire to our fleet.” Then, at last, Achilles yielded, but his heart was still bitter, and he said: — “Fight

put it on, and mount my chariot and lead the Myrmidons, my followers, but remember my words.” So Patroclus armed himself in

to the battle. At the sight of him the courage of the Greeks revived, but the Trojans were struck with dismay and began to

e struck with dismay and began to yield ground. The ships were saved. But Patroclus forgot the words of Achilles and follow

onderful deeds of valor. There in the plain he met the mighty Hector, but his power left him, for the god Apollo confused h

hidden beneath the dead. In the end, Hector gained the shining armor, but the Greeks saved the dead body of their brave com

deeds, so that the Greeks were driven back again toward their ships. But while they fought, Antilochus hastened from the f

ther, and the Greeks have paid dearly for the wrong Agamemnon did me; but what is it all worth to me? Patroclus, whom I lov

h thing in the world as wrath, for at first it is sweeter than honey, but in the end it is a burning and torturing fire. I

illes arose and went forth upon the field of battle. He had no armor, but the goddess Minerva threw a golden light about hi

sun, and the friends of Achilles had to turn away their eyes from it. But the hero, when he saw it, felt the courage in his

earth, of men and of gods. Finally he took up his spear, which no one but he could wield, and set out for the Grecian camp

es, for the goddess of strife clouded my eyes, that I should not see; but now let there be peace between us forever.” Then

h to battle against the Trojans. Many a brave deed was done that day, but wherever Achilles went with his shining armor and

moved along the line, looking for Hector. Once they met for a moment, but the god Apollo, who loved Hector, came and snatch

owded within the walls. Hector came last of all, and would not go in, but stood and waited for Achilles. His father, King P

father, King Priam, besought him in vain, for Hector said, “Who knows but that I may slay him, though he is so great? And f

his heart bounded with joy and he hastened toward him with all speed. But when he came near, Hector avoided him and dared n

ro in his flaming, heavenly armor. Achilles followed close after him, but as often as he came near, Hector avoided the comb

ords. “You were always the best of my brothers, Deiphobus,” he said, “ but from this time I shall honor you more than ever b

y came near, he hurled his mighty spear with all his force at Hector, but the Trojan hero dodged it and it sank into the gr

led his spear against Achilles. Full on the shining shield it struck, but no human weapon could pierce that shield, and the

fell to the ground. “Quick, Deiphobus! another spear!” cried Hector; but when he turned, Deiphobus was not there. Minerva

great sword and rushed with desperate courage upon the Grecian hero. But as he came near, Achilles hurled his mighty spear

warriors came near and gazed upon him and wondered at his great body, but the heart of Achilles was still sore with grief f

n honor of Patroclus, and his body was burned on a high funeral pyre, but the body of mighty Hector lay face downward upon

it seemed that the city must yield, for the Trojans had lost courage; but upon a certain day, as Achilles was fighting befo

was slain, and that might have been an occasion to end the struggle, but even then the Trojans would not give up Helen. Th

s long as it remained within the walls, the city should not be taken. But one dark night in the tenth year of the siege, wi

d out like bees, and wandered with delight through the deserted camp. But near the shore a curious thing was found — a giga

ll others advised that it be pulled to pieces to see what was inside. But one man said, “Let us haul it into the town and k

into the town and keep it as a trophy.” This plan pleased the people, but at that moment Laocoön, the priest of Neptune, ca

hey had left a number of their greatest warriors in the wooden horse. But as the spear of Laocoön stood trembling in the si

e Greeks have not gone for good. It is true they have gone to Greece, but they will return in a few weeks. This great woode

as it entered; three times the clash of arms sounded from within it; but the people’s ears were deaf, and they would not h

riam, knew the danger. She stood upon the wall weeping and lamenting, but no one paid any attention to her. When the horse

their armor and rejoiced with the rest, for the war seemed at an end. But beautiful Queen Helen came with the Trojan Deipho

t voice with its Grecian tones, they started and would have answered, but the wise warrior Ulysses saw the danger and bade

s walking about the streets, and was praised and honored by everyone. But when night came on and the happy city was fast as

t Ida, where, long before, Paris had given the golden apple to Venus. But now Paris was dead. And the most beautiful woman

Sparta. Her heart was sad for all the grief and death she had caused. But up in the glorious halls of Olympus, Juno, the qu

sweet desire. Cassandra heard the loving plea,    And gladly heard —  but in it all Heard only “Come beyond the sea! Come,

ell with me. Immortal pleasures wait for thee. Come, come!” She heard but that one call,    Not “Troy must fall.” He wooed

e    Dear Troy must fall?” “Then thou wilt die?” “Yea let me die.     But if the truth I boldly speak? If from the city hei

then she stood up fair and brave    And answered “Death I can endure, But not keep back the word to save    My country from

n the wall. The past and future were as one,    Since Troy must fall But sweet Cassandra, ever true,    Spake day by day a

re tall, Queenly and grieving — saw her pain    That Troy must fall. But after, when in flames and smoke    The city’s glo

ourney home Before a fair breeze he would soon have ended his voyage, but as his ships were rounding Cape Melea, the southe

dren, and wished to dwell among the Lotus-eaters and never to return. But Ulysses took them by force to the ships and bound

plant. After that, the fleet sailed on steadily through unknown seas; but one night the keel of the first ship suddenly gra

there should be need. There was no one in the cave when they entered, but they found, all around, pails of milk and baskets

he milked the ewes, and curdled some of the milk and stored it away, but he put aside the most of it in bowls for his supp

e you come from?” Their hearts sank at the sound of that great voice, but Ulysses answered’: “We are Greeks. For ten years

g his flocks. “Shall I draw my sword and kill him?” thought Ulysses. “ But if I do, who will take the huge rock from the mou

losed the door with the great rock. At this, the men were in despair, but the wise warrior Ulysses was thinking out a plan

all be eaten last. That shall be his gift,” said Polyphemus savagely; but be bad hardly finished eating and drinking when h

had cut it to use as a staff, and had left it in the cave to season, but during the day Ulysses and his men had sharpened

gods; remember that, and be patient.” Thus they spoke, and went away, but Polyphemus groped about the cave until he came to

as they came out. And as he sat there, he roared with pain and rage. But Ulysses was cautious. He hound the rams of the fl

out. As they passed him, Polyphemus felt over their backs and sides, but he did not think to feel beneath them. When all w

aid Polyphemus, and he cast another rock, larger even than the first, but this time the great mass fell behind the ship and

d Ulysses grew so eager that he would let no one else touch the helm, but held it himself, day and night, to avoid every ch

for the day, and a deep sleep came upon Ulysses, worn with watching. But the sailors had not forgotten the ox-hide bag, wh

p and back to the floating island of King Æolus. Æolus had been kind, but now he refused to do anything more for them, and

nians, where the sun never sets. It was a beautiful and fertile land, but it brought terrible woe to Ulysses, for the peopl

royed. Ulysses and his crew alone escaped. They sailed away in haste, but at last came to a little island with a good harbo

acious hospitality, prepared for them what seemed a refreshing drink. But when they, had all drunk of it, she touched each

s, where they wallowed in the mire, not contentedly, like real swine, but in misery, for they still had the minds of men. E

y still had the minds of men. Eurylochus waited long for his friends, but at last returned to the ship alone and told Ulyss

hare their fate. Then, indeed, it might have gone hard with the hero,  but that upon the way the god Mercury met him. He war

y. It has a black root and a white blossom, and is very hard to find, but he who has it can never be bewitched. Ulysses soo

ith her wand, and said, “Go to the sty and grovel with your friends.” But neither the drink nor the wand had its effect. In

es fell from them and they rose up and became once more Ulysses’ men, but younger and fairer and taller than before. Ulysse

the island of Circe. The enchantress would have had them stay always, but when she saw that Ulysses’ thoughts were only of

ild, she let them go. She gave Ulysses much advice about the voyage. “ But above all,” she said, “beware that your men do no

who sit at the edge of the sea and sing sweetly to passing voyagers; but whoever hears the song turns his boat to the shor

them. He struggled hard to get loose, when he heard the sweet voices, but his men bound him only the more firmly until the

xen, we are ruined.” Storms delayed them on the island a whole month, but no one touched the oxen, though their provisions

l of them. A few days later the weather was fair and the ship sailed. But alas! the wind soon rose and became a hurricane;

lung to a log and escaped their fate. For nine days he drifted about, but on the tenth he was washed ashore on the Island o

forget his home. She even promised to make him immortal, if he would but be content with her. But every day he went down t

n promised to make him immortal, if he would but be content with her. But every day he went down to the shore and sat looki

go, and Calypso dared not disobey. There were no ships on the island, but she helped Ulysses build a raft, and brought him

yphemus, his son, and he shipwrecked Ulysses on the coast of Phæacia; but the Phæacians, when they knew him, received him l

s were not going well at his home in Ithaca. His son, Telemachus, was but a child, and the rule of the island fell upon Que

, for in those days a strong arm was needed at the head of the state. But year after year went by and Ulysses did not retur

of their offers of marriage. “Ulysses will return,” she would answer. But the suitors grew impatient, and at last Antinoüs,

r we all shall remain in the palace until you make the choice.” “Wait but until I finish this robe which I am weaving for L

which I am weaving for Laertes,” said Penelope; “then I will choose.” But she did not believe that Ulysses was really dead,

evil men who reveled in her halls. Every day she worked at the robe, but at night she unraveled all that she had woven. Th

Ulysses might return before the work was done, and all would be well. But though she worked slowly, and with many delays, t

him harm. When Ulysses awoke, he did not at first know where he was, but soon the mist cleared, and with joy he recognized

Penelope, against her will,” said Minerva. “Now you must punish them. But in order that you may make your plans in safety,

s your master?” asked Ulysses. “Ulysses was my master,” said Eumæus; “ but , alas, he will never return.” “He will return thi

even now the suitors are lying in wait to kill him as he comes back.” But at dawn next day, as Ulysses awoke in the swinehe

xt day, as Ulysses awoke in the swineherd’s house, who should come in but Telemachus himself. The suitors had missed him. W

you openly. I shall come a little later, in the disguise of a beggar; but watch me well, that we may act together.” Next mo

ed. The suitors were beside themselves with rage at the sight of him, but they spoke to him with smooth words, and hid the

zed a heavy stool and flung it at him. It struck him on the shoulder, but though it would almost have felled an ox, Ulysses

Ulysses was not moved by it. He walked quietly on, shaking his head, but curbing his wrath until the proper time should co

elieve he is not far from here.” He was eager to tell her who he was, but he wished even more to punish the men who had mad

ppeared, they taunted and insulted him, as it was their nature to do. But before the morning was far spent, Penelope carrie

an arrow through all twelve rings, him I will marry.” Thus she spoke, but she knew that none of them could bend it. “But if

arry.” Thus she spoke, but she knew that none of them could bend it. “ But if I shall bend it and shoot through the rings,”

in, to bend the bow and stretch the cord upon it. Leiodes tried next, but could not bend it in the least. Then Antinoüs had

he melted some lard with which he rubbed the bow, to make it limber, but even then he could not bend it, nor could any of

?” “Let him take it,” said Penelope. “He did not come here to woo me, but if he bend the bow, he shall have a rich prize.”

e of the suitors, scornfully, as he watched Ulysses handling the bow. But Ulysses stretched the string as easily as a minst

e was a great uproar. The suitors set upon Ulysses with their swords, but Telemachus rushed to his aid, and the two held th

le Ulysses smote them with the swift arrows, sparing none in the room but Phemius, the gentle minstrel, and Medon, the hera

chanted stem, Laden with flower and fruit, whereof they gave To each, but whose did receive of them, And taste, to him the

sweet it was to dream of Father-land, Of child, and wife, and slave; but evermore Most weary seem’d the sea, weary the oar

a chariot drawn by a lion and a wild boar, 100; was called by Death, but spared, 102-104, Alcestis dying in his stead, 106

Recognized Paris, 178. Loved of Apollo, she received prophetic power, but refusing his love, he decreed that she should not

Son of Venus, 64; god of love, 57. Cy΄c lops (si΄klops.) Giants with but one eye. The most famous is Polyphemus, 220. Dan

by Orpheus, 69, who had an opportunity to bring her back to life, f3, but failed, 76. Eury l΄ochus (u-ril΄o-kus.) Companio

f the Gorgons, 131; three old crones, divinities of the sea; they had but one eye and one tooth, which they used in turn, 1

n went down into Hades, 69, and induced Pluto to let Eurydice go, 73, but finally lost her, 76. Ox΄en of the Sun, 230. (Se

f the island of Seriphus, who for a time cared for Danaë and Perseus, but afterward persecuted Danaë, and intrigued against

man, 42; stole fire from heaven, 43, and was punished by Jupiter, 44, but was freed by Hercules, 91. Proser΄pina, (pro-ser

. Preface. If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that which helps to enlarge our possessions or to

r station in society, then Mythology has no claim to the appellation. But if that which tends to make us happier and better

illustrations more vivid and striking than the pencil could furnish, but which are lost to the reader ignorant of mytholog

ear persons by no means illiterate say that they cannot enjoy Milton. But were these persons to add to their more solid acq

ith instances. In Macaulay's article on Milton there are twenty such. But how is mythology to be taught to one who does not

at little can be spared for set treatises on a science of mere fancy. But may not the requisite knowledge of the subject be

ory of Ceyx and Halcyone, which fills a chapter in our book, occupies but eight lines in the best ( Smith's) Classical Dict

ognize the reference. Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study; to give our work the

stories as are offensive to pure taste and good morals are not given. But such stories are not often referred to, and if th

not for the learned, nor for the theologian, nor for the philosopher, but for the reader of English literature, of either s

all these hare vanished; They live no longer in the faith of reason; But still the heart doth need a language; still Doth

among living men. They belong now not to the department of theology, but to those of literature and taste. There they stil

receive them on their return. The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned, repaired to the palace of Jup

the gods, which never storms Disturb, rains drench, or snow invades, but calm The expanse and cloudless shines with purest

Childe Harold,” alludes to the birth of Minerva thus: — “Can tyrants but by tyrants conquered be, And Freedom find no cham

er and Semele. He represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but its social and beneficent influences likewise, so

tes of the principal one were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only once between the reign of Num

nates of his own house. The Lares, or Lars, were also household gods, but differed from the Penates in being regarded as th

to be sounded. Thus Cybele and Penates are words of three syllables. But Proserpine and Thebes are exceptions, and to be p

ch we give the name of Chaos — a confused and shapeless mass, nothing but dead weight, in which, however, slumbered the see

ion of the sea, birds of the air, and four-footed beasts of the land. But a nobler animal was wanted, and Man was made. It

y; wings to one, claws to another, a shelly covering to a third, etc. But when man came to be provided for, who was to be s

attered themselves far and wide. Pandora hastened to replace the lid; but , alas! the whole contents of the jar had escaped,

from the oaks. Then succeeded the Silver Age, inferior to the golden, but better than that of brass. Jupiter shortened the

o possessions. Men were not satisfied with what the surface produced, but must dig into its bowels, and draw forth from the

, and was about to launch it at the world, and destroy it by burning; but recollecting the danger that such a conflagration

the anchor is let down into a garden. Where the graceful lambs played but now, unwieldy sea calves gambol. The wolf swims a

faithful worshipper of the gods. Jupiter, when he saw none left alive but this pair, and remembered their harmless lives an

ancestor Prometheus, and could renew the race as he at first made it! But as we cannot, let us seek yonder temple, and inqu

incensed against them, and who taught them civilization and the arts. But as, in so doing, he transgressed the will of Jupi

would have revealed it, he might have been at once taken into favor. But that he disdained to do. He has therefore become

im with his arrows — weapons which he had not before used against any but feeble animals, hares, wild goats, and such game.

Daphne was Apollo’s first love. It was not brought about by accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo saw the boy playin

, child, and kindle up your flames, as you call them, where you will, but presume not to meddle with my weapons.” Venus’s b

words, and rejoined, “Your arrows may strike all things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike you.” So saying, he took his st

odland sports and in the spoils of the chase. Many lovers sought her, but she spurned them all, ranging the woods, and taki

favor, that I may always remain unmarried, like Diana.” He consented, but at the same time said, “Your own face will forbid

e. I am the god of song and the lyre. My arrows fly true to the mark; but , alas! an arrow more fatal than mine has pierced

ot; her face, became a tree-top, retaining nothing of its former self but its beauty. Apollo stood amazed. He touched the s

o should be the god both of music and poetry will not appear strange, but that medicine should also be assigned to his prov

n his immortal strain, Though unsuccessful, was not sung in vain. All but the nymph that should redress his wrong, Attend h

, and acquaintance ripened into love. They would gladly have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, they c

caused by some fault in the structure. No one had remarked it before, but the lovers discovered it. What will not love disc

d mingle. “Cruel wall,” they said, “why do you keep two lovers apart? But we will not be ungrateful. We owe you, we confess

e on the face of the still water when a sudden breeze sweeps over it. But as soon as she recognized her lover, she screamed

Through whose small holes this dangerous pair     May see each other, but not kiss.” In Mickle’s translation of the Lusiad

en she first looked forth, fell in love with him, and stole him away. But Cephalus was just married to a charming wife whom

track, the dog close upon him, with open jaws, snapping at his heels, but biting only the air. Cephalus was about to use hi

; do not marry that odious Breeze!” This disclosed the whole mystery: but alas! what advantage to disclose it now! She died

whole mystery: but alas! what advantage to disclose it now! She died; but her face wore a calm expression, and she looked p

k. She would have stretched out her arms to implore freedom of Argus, but she had no arms to stretch out, and her voice was

longed to make herself known to him, and would have uttered her wish; but , alas! words were wanting. At length she bethough

his most soothing strains, hoping to lull the watchful eyes to sleep, but all in vain; for Argus still contrived to keep so

s Syrinx, who was much beloved by the satyrs and spirits of the wood; but she would have none of them, but was a faithful w

the satyrs and spirits of the wood; but she would have none of them, but was a faithful worshipper of Diana, and followed

ornaments on the tail of her peacock, where they remain to this day. But the vengeance of Juno was not yet satiated. She s

er beauty. At first she was afraid to speak, for fear she should low, but gradually she recovered her confidence and was re

fearful dread. Poor nymph — poor Pan — how he did weep to find Nought but a lovely sighing of the wind Along the reedy stre

in heaven — my place is given to another. You will hardly believe me; but look when night darkens the world, and you shall

I permitted Io to do. Perhaps he means to marry her, and put me away! But you, my foster-parents, if you feel for me, and s

llations of the Great and Little Bear move round and round in heaven, but never sink, as the other stars do, beneath the oc

ana. In the extremity of the valley was a cave, not adorned with art, but nature had counterfeited art in its construction,

creamed and rushed towards the goddess to hide her with their bodies. But she was taller than the rest and overtopped them

ook the place of his former boldness, and the hero fled. He could not but admire his own speed; but when he saw his horns i

r boldness, and the hero fled. He could not but admire his own speed; but when he saw his horns in the water, “Ah, wretched

he saw his horns in the water, “Ah, wretched me!” he would have said, but no sound followed the effort. He groaned, and tea

huntsmen. He longed to cry out, “I am Actæon; recognize your master!” but the words came not at his will. The air resounded

was. He would have been well pleased to see the exploits of his dogs, but to feel them was too much. They were all around h

is story: “Some countrymen of Lycia once insulted the goddess Latona, but not with impunity. When I was young, my father, w

untry people replied, ‘No mountain or river god possesses this altar, but she whom royal Juno in her jealousy drove from la

kneeling on the bank would have slaked her thirst in the cool stream, but the rustics forbade her. ‘Why do you refuse me wa

I have no intention of washing my limbs in it, weary though they be, but only to quench my thirst. My mouth is so dry that

Who would not have been moved with these gentle words of the goddess? But these clowns persisted in their rudeness; they ev

she ceased to mind her thirst. She no longer supplicated the clowns, but lifting her hands to heaven exclaimed, ‘May they

ifting her hands to heaven exclaimed, ‘May they never quit that pool, but pass their lives there!’ and it came to pass acco

e surface or swimming upon it. Sometimes they come out upon the bank, but soon leap back again into the water. They still u

etraction which followed upon his writing certain treatises.” “I did but prompt the age to quit their clogs     By the kno

besought all the islands of the Ægean to afford her a place of rest, but all feared too much the potent queen of heaven to

e birthplace of the future deities. Delos was then a floating island; but when Latona arrived there, Jupiter fastened it wi

th. If I speak falsely, let this be the last time I behold his light. But it needs not much labor to go and inquire for you

eir sea-green hair. Their faces were not all alike, nor yet unlike, —  but such as sisters’ ought to be. 5 The earth had its

he halls of his disputed father. He approached the paternal presence, but stopped at a distance, for the light was more tha

ll be yours. I call to witness that dreadful lake, which I never saw, but which we gods swear by in our most solemn engagem

you aspire to do that which not even the gods themselves may do. None but myself may drive the flaming car of day. Not even

d fear no refusal. This only I pray you not to urge. It is not honor, but destruction you seek. Why do you hang round my ne

shall have it if you persist, — the oath is sworn and must be kept, — but I beg you to choose more wisely.” He ended; but t

n and must be kept, — but I beg you to choose more wisely.” He ended; but the youth rejected all admonition and held to his

are not to take the straight road directly between the five circles, but turn off to the left. Keep within the limit of th

out of the western gates and we can delay no longer. Take the reins; but if at last your heart fails you, and you will ben

prayers. What shall he do? Much of the heavenly road is left behind, but more remains before. He turns his eyes from one d

her, the trees with their leafy branches burn, the harvest is ablaze! But these are small things. Great cities perished, wi

os and Taurus and Tmolus and Œte; Ida, once celebrated for fountains, but now all dry; the Muses’ mountain Helicon, and Hæm

age for cattle, and fruits for men, and frankincense for your altars? But if I am unworthy of regard, what has my brother O

e he diffuses clouds over the earth, and hurls the forked lightnings. But at that time not a cloud was to be found to inter

t a morsel to his lips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat like melted gold. In co

divest himself of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. But all in vain; starvation seemed to await him. He r

y, Tmolus at once awarded the victory to the god of the lyre, and all but Midas acquiesced in the judgment. He dissented, a

uffer such a depraved pair of ears any longer to wear the human form, but caused them to increase in length, grow hairy, wi

n of those of an ass. Mortified enough was King Midas at this mishap; but he consoled himself with the thought that it was

, which he attempted to do by means of an ample turban or head-dress. But his hair-dresser of course knew the secret. He wa

on it, and threatened with dire punishment if he presumed to disobey. But he found it too much for his discretion to keep s

rayer of the secret. “This Midas knew, and durst communicate To none but to his wife his ears of state.” Midas was king o

should untie should become lord of all Asia. Many tried to untie it, but none succeeded, till Alexander the Great, in his

wall. Not far from the spot is a marsh, formerly good habitable land, but now indented with pools, the resort of fen-birds

elves, as weary travellers, at many a door, seeking rest and shelter, but found all closed, for it was late, and the inhosp

stuffed with sea-weed; and a cloth, only produced on great occasions, but ancient and coarse enough, was spread over that.

with trembling hand set the table. One leg was shorter than the rest, but a piece of slate put under restored the level. Wh

es and wild honey; and over and above all, friendly faces, and simple but hearty welcome. Now while the repast proceeded, t

hey bethought them to make this a sacrifice in honor of their guests. But the goose, too nimble, with the aid of feet and w

The kettle to the top was hoist. And there stood fastened to a joist, But with the upside down, to show Its inclination for

ops its course; Doomed ever in suspense to dwell, ’Tis now no kettle, but a bell. A wooden jack, which had almost Lost by d

ough’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce could see’t; But slackened by some secret power, Now hardly moves

de: The chimney to a steeple grown, The jack would not be left alone; But up against the steeple reared, Became a clock, an

led out the stars in the evening, found her still busy in the search. But it was all unavailing. At length, weary and sad,

n cruel in your fondness to your son. I would have made him immortal, but you have frustrated my attempt. Nevertheless, he

s. The river nymph would have told the goddess all she had witnessed, but dared not, for fear of Pluto; so she only venture

f the mother. Ceres, seeing this, was no longer in doubt of her loss, but she did not yet know the cause, and laid the blam

a woodland nymph, and delighted in the chase. They praised my beauty, but I cared nothing for it, and rather boasted of my

god of this stream.’ I ran, he pursued; he was not more swift than I, but he was stronger, and gained upon me, as my streng

ver god looked now this way and now that, and twice came close to me, but could not find me. ‘Arethusa! Arethusa!’ he cried

In short, in less time than it takes to tell it I became a fountain. But in this form Alpheus knew me and attempted to min

ugh the lower parts of the earth, I saw your Proserpine. She was sad, but no longer showing alarm in her countenance. Her l

by Spring, to demand Proserpine of Pluto. The wily monarch consented; but , alas! the maiden had taken a pomegranate which P

a few of the seeds. This was enough to prevent her complete release; but a compromise was made, by which she was to pass h

eyes of light. While see! among the clouds, their eldest brother,      But just flown up, tells with a smile of bliss, This

abited, and not used for pasturage of cattle, nor ever visited by any but himself. On a sudden, the fishes, which had been

a longing desire for the water. He could no longer restrain himself, but bidding farewell to earth, he plunged into the st

elf against a rock, said, “Maiden, I am no monster, nor a sea animal, but a god; and neither Proteus nor Triton ranks highe

igher than I. Once I was a mortal, and followed the sea for a living; but now I belong wholly to it.” Then he told the stor

sis, and how he had been promoted to his present dignity, and added, “ But what avails all this if it fails to move your hea

this if it fails to move your heart?” He was going on in this strain, but Scylla turned and hastened away. Glaucus was in d

strain, but Scylla turned and hastened away. Glaucus was in despair, but it occurred to him to consult the enchantress Cir

re prevailing, not to cure me of my love, — for that I do not wish, — but to make her share it and yield me a like return.”

will cease to love Scylla, and her alone.” The goddess was indignant, but she could not punish him, neither did she wish to

part of herself, and tried to run from them, and to drive them away; but as she ran she carried them with her, and when sh

isgusted with her treachery and cruelty, he tries to escape from her, but is taken and brought back, when with reproaches s

there finds the body of Scylla, whom the goddess has not transformed but drowned. Glaucus learns that his destiny is that,

days in sheer astonishment; Forgetful utterly of self-intent, Moving but with the mighty ebb and flow. Then like a new-fle

ve me, I pray you, for my wife” — he dared not say “my ivory virgin,” but said instead — “one like my ivory virgin.” Venus,

erceived what she had done, would gladly have hastened from the spot, but found her feet rooted to the ground. She tried to

but found her feet rooted to the ground. She tried to pull them away, but moved nothing but her upper limbs. The woodiness

rooted to the ground. She tried to pull them away, but moved nothing but her upper limbs. The woodiness crept upward, and

degrees invested her body. In anguish she attempted to tear her hair, but found her hands filled with leaves. The infant fe

ered their kisses on its leaves. Now there was nothing left of Dryope but her face. Her tears still flowed and fell on her

other, and to say with sadness, ‘My mother lies hid under this bark.’ But bid him be careful of river banks, and beware how

ithout your aid.” Then the lips ceased to move, and life was extinct; but the branches retained for some time longer the vi

Cupid, wounded her bosom with one of his arrows. She pushed him away, but the wound was deeper than she thought. Before it

m company. She who used to love to recline in the shade, with no care but to cultivate her charms, now rambles through the

s, and chases hares and stags, or other game that it is safe to hunt, but keeps clear of the wolves and bears, reeking with

e mounted her chariot drawn by swans, and drove away through the air. But Adonis was too noble to heed such counsels. The d

he weapon with his jaws, and rushed after Adonis, who turned and ran; but the boar overtook him, and buried his tusks in hi

tore her hair. Reproaching the Fates, she said, “Yet theirs shall be but a partial triumph; memorials of my grief shall en

there sprang up a flower of bloody hue like that of the pomegranate. But it is short-lived. It is said the wind blows the

d tried all his art to stanch the wound and retain the flitting life, but all in vain; the hurt was past the power of medic

ne is the suffering, mine the crime. Would that I could die for thee! But since that may not be, thou shalt live with me in

had flowed on the ground and stained the herbage ceased to be blood; but a flower of hue more beautiful than the Tyrian sp

s purple and that silvery white.7 And this was not enough for Phœbus; but to confer still greater honor, he marked the peta

to make a voyage to Carlos in Ionia, to consult the oracle of Apollo. But as soon as he disclosed his intention to his wife

ther,” said she, “with such fury that fire flashes from the conflict. But if you must go,” she added, “dear husband, let me

wise I shall suffer not only the real evils which you must encounter, but those also which my fears suggest.” These words w

Ceyx, and it was no less his own wish than hers to take her with him, but he could not bear to expose her to the dangers of

nd then fell senseless to the ground. Ceyx would still have lingered, but now the young men grasped their oars and pulled v

e east wind to blow a gale. The master gave the word to take in sail, but the storm forbade obedience, for such is the roar

eft at home, comes over their minds. Ceyx thinks of Halcyone. No name but hers is on his lips, and while he yearns for her,

g for help, — alas, in vain, — upon his father and his father-in-law. But oftenest on his lips was the name of Halcyone. To

ll wear when he arrives. To all the gods she offers frequent incense, but more than all to Juno. For her husband, who was n

not, in his absence, see any one that he would love better than her. But of all these prayers, the last was the only one d

nd of human conversation, breaks the stillness. Silence reigns there; but from the bottom of the rock the River Lethe flows

is no gate to the mansion, to creak on its hinges, nor any watchman; but in the midst a couch of black ebony, adorned with

speaking, even the clothes and attitudes most characteristic of each. But he only imitates men, leaving it to another to pe

laying aside his wings, he assumed the form of Ceyx. Under that form, but pale like a dead man, naked, he stood before the

nd stretched out her arms in her sleep, striving to embrace his body, but grasping only the air. “Stay!” she cried; “whithe

e her breast and rent her garments. She cares not to unbind her hair, but tears it wildly. Her nurse asks what is the cause

retched out my hands to seize him and detain him. His shade vanished, but it was the true shade of my husband. Not with the

. Not with the accustomed features, not with the beauty that was his, but pale, naked, and with his hair wet with sea-water

endure, I should be more cruel to myself than the sea has been to me. But I will not struggle, I will not be separated from

object floating in the water. At first she was in doubt what it was, but by degrees the waves bore it nearer, and it was p

her it was only the action of the waves, those who looked on doubted, but the body seemed to raise its head. But indeed he

, those who looked on doubted, but the body seemed to raise its head. But indeed he did feel it, and by the pitying gods bo

s Hymn to the Nativity, thus alludes to the fable of the Halcyon: — “ But peaceful was the night Wherein the Prince of ligh

arden and the culture of fruit. She cared not for forests and rivers, but loved the cultivated country, and trees that bear

r delicious apples. Her right hand bore for its weapon not a javelin, but a pruning-knife. Armed with this, she busied hers

s years, and Pan, who wears a garland of pine leaves around his head. But Vertumnus loved her best of all; yet he sped no b

lling grapes. She praised the tree and its associated vine, equally. “ But ,” said she, “if the tree stood alone, and had no

no vine clinging to it, it would have nothing to attract or offer us but its useless leaves. And equally the vine, if it w

rural deities and others of every kind that frequent these mountains. But if you are prudent and want to make a good allian

I know him as well as he knows himself. He is not a wandering deity, but belongs to these mountains. Nor is he like too ma

u do, delights in gardening, and handles your apples with admiration. But now he cares nothing for fruits nor flowers, nor

But now he cares nothing for fruits nor flowers, nor any thing else, but only yourself. Take pity on him, and fancy him sp

of the ancient family of Teucer. He struggled long with his passion, but when he found he could not subdue it, he came a s

you to praise me; and thus shall I prove that the love of you left me but with life. Nor will I leave it to rumor to tell y

Yet, O ye gods, who look down on mortal woes, observe my fate! I ask but this: let me be remembered in coming ages, and ad

e sun bursting through a cloud. He would have renewed his entreaties, but there was no need; his arguments and the sight of

e sight of his true form prevailed, and the Nymph no longer resisted, but owned a mutual flame.   Pomona was the especial p

hyme-unfettered verse, With British freedom, sing the British song.” But Pomona was also regarded as presiding over other

d three daughters. The charms of the two elder were more than common, but the beauty of the youngest was so wonderful that

ve me the palm of beauty over my illustrious rivals, Pallas and Juno. But she shall not so quietly usurp my honors. I will

l eyes were cast eagerly upon her, and every mouth spoke her praises; but neither king, royal youth, nor plebeian presented

rs of moderate charms had now long been married to two royal princes; but Psyche, in her lonely apartment, deplored her sol

he people with dismay, and her parents abandoned themselves to grief. But Psyche said, “Why, my dear parents, do you now la

ont impressed the spectator that it was not the work of mortal hands, but the happy retreat of some god. Drawn by admiratio

me only in the hours of darkness and fled before the dawn of morning, but his accents were full of love, and inspired a lik

passion in her. She often begged him to stay and let her behold him, but he would not consent. On the contrary he charged

ratified? If you saw me, perhaps you would fear me, perhaps adore me, but all I ask of you is to love me. I would rather yo

Psyche for a time, and while the novelty lasted she felt quite happy. But at length the thought of her parents, left in ign

ituation, preyed on her mind and made her begin to feel her palace as but a splendid prison. When her husband came one nigh

our liberty.” Psyche resisted these persuasions as well as she could, but they did not fail to have their effect on her min

e silently rose and uncovering her lamp beheld not a hideous monster, but the most beautiful and charming of the gods, with

nd made you my wife, will you think me a monster and cut off my head? But go; return to your sisters, whose advice you seem

hen she had recovered some degree of composure she looked around her, but the palace and gardens had vanished, and she foun

place and kind, believing that she ought to neglect none of the gods, but endeavor by her piety to engage them all in her b

t done before evening.” Then Venus departed and left her to her task. But Psyche, in a perfect consternation at the enormou

the task done, she exclaimed, “This is no work of yours, wicked one, but his, whom to your own and his misfortune you have

nt to the river side, prepared to do her best to execute the command. But the river god inspired the reeds with harmonious

a cruel rage to destroy mortals with their sharp horns or rude teeth. But when the noontide sun has driven the cattle to th

s she soon returned to Venus with her arms full of the golden fleece; but she received not the approbation of her implacabl

not satisfied yet that you have any capacity to make yourself useful. But I have another task for you. Here, take this box

rself headlong, thus to descend the shortest way to the shades below. But a voice from the tower said to her, “Why, poor un

erryman, to take her across the black river and bring her back again. But the voice added, “When Proserpine has given you t

ccepting the delicate seat or delicious banquet that was offered her, but contented with coarse bread for her food, she del

e came, and glad was she to come out once more into the light of day. But having got so far successfully through her danger

in the eyes of my beloved husband!” So she carefully opened the box, but found nothing there of any beauty at all, but an

refully opened the box, but found nothing there of any beauty at all, but an infernal and truly Stygian sleep, which being

wn in the midst of the road, a sleepy corpse without sense or motion. But Cupid, being now recovered from his wound, and no

. “Again,” said he, “hast thou almost perished by the same curiosity. But now perform exactly the task imposed on you by my

l; nor shall Cupid ever break away from the knot in which he is tied, but these nuptials shall be perpetual.” Thus Psyche b

the voice of Love,     And found his footsteps’ traces every where. “ But never more they met since doubts and fears,     T

turn without her. Cadmus went and sought long and far for his sister, but could not find her, and not daring to return unsu

t the serpent. Such a block would have shaken the wall of a fortress, but it made no impression on the monster. Cadmus next

view the wound, and attempted to draw out the weapon with his mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point rankling in

templating its vast size, a voice was heard (from whence he knew not, but he heard it distinctly) commanding him to take th

f armed warriors. Cadmus, alarmed, prepared to encounter a new enemy, but one of them said to him, “Meddle not with our civ

bride with a necklace of surpassing brilliancy, his own workmanship. But a fatality hung over the family of Cadmus in cons

Enchelians, who received them with honor and made Cadmus their king. But the misfortunes of their children still weighed u

let her share his fate. Both became serpents. They live in the woods, but mindful of their origin, they neither avoid the p

owers of a political chief are called by that name, down to this day. But the origin of the Myrmidons would not give one th

he Myrmidons would not give one the idea of a fierce and bloody race, but rather of a laborious and peaceful one. Cephalus,

natural causes we resisted it, as we best might, by natural remedies; but it soon appeared that the pestilence was too powe

ay. The horse, once foremost in the race, contested the palm no more, but groaned at his stall and died an inglorious death

ds; the air was poisoned by them, I tell you what is hardly credible, but neither dogs nor birds would touch them, nor star

the air. Men could not bear the heat of their clothes or their beds, but preferred to lie on the bare ground; and the grou

referred to lie on the bare ground; and the ground did not cool them, but , on the contrary, they heated the spot where they

t quenching thirst. Many had not strength to get away from the water, but died in the midst of the stream, and others would

e drew his bow Apollo himself could not have done it more gracefully. But when he laid aside his helmet, and in his purple

rejoice or grieve at this sad war. I grieve that Minos is our enemy; but I rejoice at any cause that brings him to my sigh

light in his camp, and tell him that we yield ourselves to his mercy. But then, to betray my father! No! rather would I nev

elf to him, with my country as a dowry, and so put an end to the war. But how? The gates are guarded, and my father keeps t

y stands in my way. O that it might please the gods to take him away! But why ask the gods to do it? Another woman, loving

dare more than I? I would encounter fire and sword to gain my object; but here there is no need of fire and sword. I only n

I surrender to you my country and my father’s house. I ask no reward but yourself; for love of you I have done it. See her

r you parent and country! I am guilty, I confess, and deserve to die, but not by your hand.” As the ships left the shore, s

. In terror she let go the ship and would have fallen into the water, but some pitying deity changed her into a bird. The s

d sports. She was a favorite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one failing; she was fond of talking, an

rpose you are so fond of — reply. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first.” This nymph saw Narcissu

onged to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse! but it was not in her power. She waited with impatien

d aloud, “Who’s here?” Echo replied, “Here.” Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one called out, “Come.” Echo answered,

ff! I would rather die than you should have me!” “Have me,” said she; but it was all in vain. He left her, and she went to

. Her bones were changed into rocks and there was nothing left of her but her voice. With that she is still ready to reply

of the forest; neither was it defaced with fallen leaves or branches; but the grass grew fresh around it, and the rocks she

nged his arms in to embrace the beloved object. It fled at the touch, but returned again after a moment and renewed the fas

rs also. They prepared a funeral pile and would have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found; but in its place a fl

pile and would have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found; but in its place a flower, purple within, and surroun

thou have         Hid them in some flowery cave,             Tell me but where,     Sweet queen of parly, daughter of the

eam appeared, Bending to look on me. I started back; It started back; but pleased I soon returned, Pleased it returned as s

will shun; The cowslip is a country wench,     The violet is a nun; — But I will woo the dainty rose,     The queen of ever

Moore uses it: — “The heart that has truly loved never forgets,      But as truly loves on to the close; As the sunflower

used to swim the strait nightly to enjoy the company of his mistress. But one night a tempest arose and the sea was rough;

Archipelago. Since Byron’s time the feat has been achieved by others; but it yet remains a test of strength and skill in th

not see, he would not hear Or sound or sight foreboding fear. His eye but saw that light of love, The only star it hailed a

ye but saw that light of love, The only star it hailed above; His ear but rang with Hero’s song, ’Ye waves, divide not love

th Hero’s song, ’Ye waves, divide not lovers long.’ That tale is old, but love anew May nerve young hearts to prove as true

 spinning, weaving, and needle-work. She was also a warlike divinity; but it was defensive war only that she patronized, an

e and gaze upon her work. It was not only beautiful when it was done, but beautiful also in the doing. To watch her, as she

her needle, one would have said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not bear to be thought

ll not despise my counsel. Challenge your fellow-mortals as you will, but do not compete with a goddess. On the contrary, I

ushed, indeed; a sudden color dyed her cheek, and then she grew pale. But she stood to her resolve, and with a foolish conc

d from the shower,8 in which, where the colors meet they seem as one, but at a little distance from the point of contact ar

r, Danaë, in the brazen tower in which her father had imprisoned her, but where the god effected his entrance in the form o

achne filled her canvas with similar subjects, wonderfully well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety. Min

Arachne in his Muiopotmos, adhering very closely to his master Ovid, but improving upon him in the conclusion of the story

l presumptuous mortals not to compare themselves with the divinities. But one, and she a matron too, failed to learn the le

t was Niobe, the queen of Thebes. She had indeed much to be proud of; but it was not her husband’s fame, nor her own beauty

altogether unless you protect me.” She was proceeding in this strain, but Apollo interrupted her. “Say no more,” said he; “

t all needed not his intercessions; and Apollo would have spared him, but the arrow had already left the string, and it was

sed to relate to this statue: — “To stone the gods have changed her, but in vain; The sculptor’s art has made her breathe

ntry. She was once a beautiful maiden whose hair was her chief glory, but as she dared to vie in beauty with Minerva, the g

Medusa while she slept, and taking care not to look directly at her, but guided by her image reflected in the bright shiel

nconquered virgin, Wherewith she freezed her foes to congealed stone, But rigid looks of chaste austerity, And noble grace

n flocks and herds and had no neighbor or rival to dispute his state. But his chief pride was in his gardens, whose fruit w

hty deeds, I plead the conquest of the Gorgon. I seek rest and food.” But Atlas remembered that an ancient prophecy had war

he hovered over her he said, “O virgin, undeserving of those chains, but rather of such as bind fond lovers together, tell

m modesty, and, if she could, would have hid her face with her hands; but when he repeated his questions, for fear she migh

he father and mother who had now arrived at the scene, wretched both, but the mother more justly so, stood by, not able to

t the mother more justly so, stood by, not able to afford protection, but only to pour forth lamentations and to embrace th

own as the slayer of the Gorgon might make me acceptable as a suitor; but I will try to win her by services rendered, if th

e, to our weaker view O’erlaid with black, staid Wisdom’s hue. Black, but such as in esteem Prince Memnon’s sister might be

, where a banquet was spread for them, and all was joy and festivity. But suddenly a noise was heard of warlike clamor, and

engagements, as death itself would have done.” Phineus made no reply, but hurled his javelin at Perseus, but it missed its

have done.” Phineus made no reply, but hurled his javelin at Perseus, but it missed its mark and fell harmless. Perseus wou

ed its mark and fell harmless. Perseus would have thrown his in turn, but the cowardly assailant ran and took shelter behin

rn, but the cowardly assailant ran and took shelter behind the altar. But his act was a signal for an onset by his band upo

Perseus and his friends maintained for some time the unequal contest; but the numbers of the assailants were too great for

Ampyx was about to plunge his sword into the body of a prostrate foe, but his arm stiffened and he could neither thrust for

her, in the midst of a vociferous challenge, stopped, his mouth open, but no sound issuing. One of Perseus’s friends, Acont

rgon and stiffened like the rest. Astyages struck him with his sword, but instead of wounding, it recoiled with a ringing n

just aggression, and felt confounded. He called aloud to his friends, but got no answer; he touched them and found them sto

stone. Falling on his knees and stretching out his hands to Perseus, but turning his head away he begged for mercy. “Take

ning his head away he begged for mercy. “Take all,” said he, “give me but my life.” “Base coward,” said Perseus, “thus much

bright face on his shield Looked into stone the raging fray; so rose, But with no magic arms, wearing alone Th’ appalling a

ioned to human beings, for they mingled in love and strife with them. But the superhuman giants, who warred with the gods,

itted the child to the care of a herdsman with orders to destroy him; but the herdsman, moved with pity, yet not daring ent

e, with the condition that those who could solve it should pass safe, but those who failed should be killed. Not one had ye

ll had been slain. Œdipus was not daunted by these alarming accounts, but boldly advanced to the trial. The Sphinx asked hi

commending Bellerophon in the warmest terms as an unconquerable hero, but added at the close a request to his father-in-law

rophon to combat with the Chimæra. Bellerophon accepted the proposal, but before proceeding to the combat consulted the soo

phon was exposed to further trials and labors by his unfriendly host, but by the aid of Pegasus he triumphed in them all, t

is said he even attempted to fly up into heaven on his winged steed, but Jupiter sent a gadfly which stung Pegasus and mad

for such service, and his clownish master could make nothing of him. But a youth stepped forth and asked leave to try him

ntaurs, a favorite subject with the sculptors and poets of antiquity. But not all the Centaurs were like the rude guests of

is request, struck the bold physician with lightning, and killed him, but after his death received him into the number of t

e preparations to attack him, as if they were about to attack a city. But the hero, awaking, laughed at the little warriors

the crown from his uncle, Pelias pretended to be willing to yield it, but at the same time suggested to the young man the g

Argo to Neptune. What became of the fleece afterwards we do not know, but perhaps it was found after all, like many other g

to my father’s.” Medea replied, “Not at such a cost shall it be done, but if my art avails me, his life shall be lengthened

ays, forty years before. Medea used her arts here for a good purpose, but not so in another instance, where she made them t

and appointed a time for their father to undergo the same operation. But Medea prepared her caldron for him in a very diff

y Medea. The daughters stood by the bedside with their weapons drawn, but hesitated to strike, till Medea chid their irreso

r?” Their hearts failed them and their weapons fell from their hands, but Medea struck him a fatal blow, and prevented his

y, or their vengeance would have been terrible. She escaped, however, but had little enjoyment of the fruits of her crime.

reaching the place found these sorrowful traces of his murdered son; but while he tarried to collect the scattered fragmen

n wild confusion by the slaughtering foe. All common aid seemed vain; but Meleager called on the heroes of Greece to join i

father of Achilles, Telamon the father of Ajax, Nestor, then a youth, but who in his age bore arms with Achilles and Ajax i

beauty with the best graces of martial youth. Meleager saw and loved. But now already they were near the monster’s lair. Th

ana for success; and the favoring goddess allows the weapon to touch, but not to wound, removing the steel point of the spe

seeks and finds safety in the branches of a tree. Telamon rushes on, but stumbling at a projecting root, falls prone. But

. Telamon rushes on, but stumbling at a projecting root, falls prone. But an arrow from Atalanta at length for the first ti

for the first time tastes the monster’s blood. It is a slight wound, but Meleager sees and joyfully proclaims it. Anceus,

own valor, and defies alike the boar and the goddess who had sent it; but as he rushes on, the infuriated beast lays him lo

ted beast lays him low with a mortal wound. Theseus throws his lance, but it is turned aside by a projecting bough. The dar

of Jason misses its object, and kills instead one of their own dogs. But Meleager, after one unsuccessful stroke, drives h

r the head and the rough hide which were the trophies of his success. But at this, envy excited the rest to strife. Plexipp

nd hastens to change the garments of rejoicing for those of mourning. But when the author of the deed is known, grief gives

osite by the tide, the mind of Althea hangs suspended in uncertainty. But now the sister prevails above the mother, and she

s rejoice in his victor son, while the house of Thestius is desolate? But , alas! to what deed am I borne along? Brothers fo

ers forgive a mother’s weakness! my hand fails me. He deserves death, but not that I should destroy him. But shall he then

hand fails me. He deserves death, but not that I should destroy him. But shall he then live, and triumph, and reign over C

the flames. O that thou hadst then died! Alas! evil is the conquest; but , brothers, ye have conquered.” And, turning away

ions, — “I will be the prize of him who shall conquer me in the race; but death must be the penalty of all who try and fail

ble that any will be so rash as to risk so much for a wife?” said he. But when he saw her lay aside her robe for the race,

w himself away? I pity him, not for his beauty (yet he is beautiful,) but for his youth. I wish he would give up the race,

the youth or the maiden heard these cries with the greater pleasure. But his breath began to fail him, his throat was dry,

s, and soon overtook him. Again he threw an apple. She stopped again, but again came up with him. The goal was near; one ch

it. She did so, and was vanquished. The youth carried off his prize. But the lovers were so full of their own happiness th

birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he lay in his cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them with his own

with his hands. He returned carrying the dead lion on his shoulders; but Eurystheus was so frightened at the sight of it a

middle one was immortal. Hercules struck off its heads with his club, but in the place of the head knocked off, two new one

he queen, received him kindly, and consented to yield him her girdle, but Juno, taking the form of an Amazon, went and pers

. The oxen were guarded by the giant Eurytion and his two-headed dog, but Hercules killed the giant and his dog and brought

ought might, if any one could, find the apples and bring them to him. But how to send Atlas away from his post, or bear up

rried travellers for a stated fee. Hercules himself forded the river, but gave Dejanira to Nessus to be carried across. Nes

o Nessus to be carried across. Nessus attempted to run away with her, but Hercules heard her cries and shot an arrow into t

Nessus. We are to suppose she took care to wash out all traces of it, but the magic power remained, and as soon as the garm

fatal robe, and hurled him into the sea. He wrenched off the garment, but it stuck to his flesh, and with it he tore away w

t troubled at seeing the champion of the earth so brought to his end. But Jupiter with cheerful countenance thus addressed

arises from his noble deeds, yet it is not the less gratifying to me. But now I say to you, Fear not. He who conquered all

ory is that she resigned her office on becoming the wife of Hercules. But there is another statement which our countryman C

y to take the shorter and safer way to his father’s country — by sea; but the youth, feeling in himself the spirit and the

terror of his violence. When he saw Theseus approach he assailed him, but speedily fell beneath the blows of the young hero

f the young stranger, and induced him to present him a cup of poison; but at the moment when Theseus stepped forward to tak

spouse a daughter of Jupiter. Theseus fixed his choice on Helen, then but a child, afterwards so celebrated as the cause of

r, accompanied the ambitious lover in his descent to the under-world. But Pluto seized and set them on an enchanted rock at

of his father, and of an age corresponding to her own. She loved him, but he repulsed her advances, and her love was change

hey ran away and dashed the chariot to pieces. Hippolytus was killed, but by Diana’s assistance Æsculapius restored him to

court of Lycomedes, king of Scyros, who at first received him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him. In a later age

in its course to the sea. Dædalus built the labyrinth for King Minos, but afterwards lost the favor of the king, and was sh

shut up in a tower. He contrived to make his escape from his prison, but could not leave the island by sea, as the king ke

efully searched. “Minos may control the land and sea,” said Dædalus, “ but not the regions of the air. I will try that way.”

the feathers together, and they came off. He fluttered with his arms, but no feathers remained to hold the air. While his m

ey were together one day on the top of a high tower, to push him off. But Minerva, who favors ingenuity, saw him falling, a

is bird does not build his nest in the trees, nor take lofty flights, but nestles in the hedges, and mindful of his fall, a

me as a lover. Heaving a sigh, she said, “I hope it will turn out so, but I can’t help being afraid. People are not always

made known her request. The god would have stopped her as she spake, but she was too quick for him. The words escaped, and

ors, not putting on all his terrors, as when he overthrew the giants, but what is known among the gods as his lesser panopl

he culture of the vine and the mode of extracting its precious juice; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth

urning in triumph, he undertook to introduce his worship into Greece, but was opposed by some princes, who dreaded its intr

ad no respect for the new worship, forbade its rites to be performed. But when it was known that Bacchus was advancing, men

med. But when it was known that Bacchus was advancing, men and women, but chiefly the latter, young and old, poured forth t

ot to oppose the god. Their remonstrances only made him more violent. But now the attendants returned whom he had despatche

atched to seize Bacchus. They had been driven away by the Bacchanals, but had succeeded in taking one of them prisoner, who

speedily be put to death, that your fate may be a warning to others; but though I grudge the delay of your punishment, spe

my parents were poor people, who had no fields or flocks to leave me, but they left me their fishing rods and nets and thei

said to my men, ‘What god there is concealed in that form I know not, but some one there certainly is. Pardon us, gentle de

ch impiety,’ said I. ‘I have a greater share in her than any of you.’ But Lycabas, a turbulent fellow, seized me by the thr

mall glory you will gain by cheating a poor boy.’ I wept to hear him, but the crew laughed at both of us, and sped the vess

rs, and spread more sail, trying to make progress by the aid of both, but all in vain. Ivy twined round the oars and hinder

the oar, felt his hands shrink up and presently to be no longer hands but fins; another, trying to raise his arms to a rope

y.” Acetes was led away by the attendants and shut up fast in prison; but while they were getting ready the instruments of

d for him he was nowhere to be found. Pentheus would take no warning, but instead of sending others, determined to go himse

, on waking and finding herself deserted, abandoned herself to grief. But Venus took pity on her, and consoled her with the

r different names. The wood-nymphs, Pan’s partners in the dance, were but one class of nymphs. There were beside them the N

tos, and the Nereids, sea-nymphs. The three last named were immortal, but the wood-nymphs, called Dryads or Hamadryads, wer

                “In shadier bower, More sacred or sequestered, though but feigned, Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor Nymph N

cies Sung beside her in her youth; And those debonaire romances Sound but dull beside the truth. Phœbus’ chariot course is

, and it overtopped the other trees as they overtopped the shrubbery. But for all that, Erisichthon saw no reason why he sh

t alarmed at the distance,” (for Famine dwells very far from Ceres,) “ but take my chariot. The dragons are fleet and obey t

perty rapidly diminished under the unceasing demands of his appetite, but his hunger continued unabated. At length he had s

herself inquired of about herself. She replied, “Pardon me, stranger, but I have been so intent upon my line that I have se

but I have been so intent upon my line that I have seen nothing else; but I wish I may never catch another fish if I believ

d the money too that he got by the sale of her; so he sold her again. But she was changed by the favor of Neptune as often

and came home. By this base method the starving father procured food; but not enough for his wants, and at last hunger comp

Doris, was so beautiful that Jupiter himself sought her in marriage; but having learned from Prometheus the Titan that The

th.” The Camenæ. By this name the Latins designated the Muses, but included under it also some other deities, princi

Boreas loved the nymph Orithyia, and tried to play the lover’s part, but met with poor success. It was hard for him to bre

by the overflow of his waters. Having finished his story, he added, “ But why should I tell of other persons’ transformatio

es a bull, with horns on my head. Or I should say I once could do so; but now I have but one horn, having lost one.” And he

horns on my head. Or I should say I once could do so; but now I have but one horn, having lost one.” And here he groaned a

s that flow through your land. I am no stranger from a foreign shore, but belong to the country, a part of your realm. Let

etter than my tongue,’ said he. ‘I yield to you the victory in words, but trust my cause to the strife of deeds.’ With that

nting and reeking with perspiration. He gave me no chance to recover, but seized my throat. My knees were on the earth and

nd cut off his horn. Finally, the lands formerly subject to overflow, but now redeemed, became very fertile, and this is me

is divine herdsman, and was made happy in the possession of Alcestis. But Admetus fell ill, and being near to death, Apollo

rs and dependents fancied that it would be easy to find a substitute. But it was not so. Brave warriors, who would willingl

ike them the call to rescue the life they gave from an untimely end?” But the parents, distressed though they were at the t

e was of life, would not have submitted to receive it at such a cost; but there was no remedy. The condition imposed by the

that event the first introduction of poetry to men. “Men called him but a shiftless youth,     In whom no good they saw,

art that no one of the leaders except Adrastus would live to return. But Amphiaraus, on his marriage to Eriphyle, the king

us went to his certain fate. He bore his part bravely in the contest, but could not avert his destiny. Pursued by the enemy

detail all the acts of heroism or atrocity which marked the contest; but we must not omit to record the fidelity of Evadne

spite of Jove himself. Placing a ladder against the wall he mounted, but Jupiter, offended at his impious language, struck

Minerva bathing. The goddess in her wrath deprived him of his sight, but afterwards relenting gave him in compensation the

w become king, caused Eteocles to be buried with distinguished honor, but suffered the body of Polynices to lie where it fe

ose of the dead. Unmoved by the dissuading counsel of an affectionate but timid sister, and unable to procure assistance, s

Penelope her choice, to stay or go with him. Penelope made no reply, but dropped her veil over her face. Icarius urged her

ly, but dropped her veil over her face. Icarius urged her no further, but when she was gone erected a statue to Modesty on

was importuned by numerous suitors, from whom there seemed no refuge but in choosing one of them for her husband. Penelope

rs when the robe was finished. During the day she worked at the robe, but in the night she undid the work of the day. This

d as a proverbial expression for any thing which is perpetually doing but never done. The rest of Penelope’s history will b

g could withstand the charm of his music. Not only his fellow-mortals but wild beasts were softened by his strains, and gat

led to bless with his presence the nuptials of Orpheus with Eurydice; but though he attended, he brought no happy omens wit

, when she shall have filled her term of life, will rightly be yours. But till then grant her to me, I beseech you. If you

and besought permission to return and try once more for her release; but the stern ferryman repulsed him and refused passa

ad mischance. The Thracian maidens tried their best to captivate him, but he repulsed their advances. They bore with him as

he repulsed their advances. They bore with him as long as they could; but finding him insensible one day, excited by the ri

harmless at his feet. So did also the stones that they threw at him. But the women raised a scream and drowned the voice o

a’s Day The following stanza relates the conclusion of the story: — “ But soon, too soon the lover turns his eyes; Again sh

he cause of the mortality among your bees, and how you may remedy it. But he will not do it voluntarily, however you may en

es at noon to take his midday repose. Then you may easily secure him. But when he finds himself captured, his resort is to

so as to tempt you to let go the chain, when he will make his escape. But you have only to keep him fast bound, and at last

fire, then a flood, then a horrible wild beast, in rapid succession. But finding all would not do, he at last resumed his

en thou wouldst build, no quarry sent its stores T’ enrich thy walls; but thou didst hew the floods And make thy marble of

is story. Linus. Linus was the instructor of Hercules in music, but having one day reproved his pupil rather harshly,

ute, and played upon it to the delight of all the celestial auditors; but the mischievous urchin Cupid having dared to laug

ining a serpent’s nest. The old serpents were killed by the servants, but Melampus took care of the young ones and fed them

Milton couples his name with that of Orpheus in his Il Penseroso: — “ But O, sad virgin, that thy power Might raise Musæus

loud dimmed the firmament. He had not trusted too much to the ocean —  but he had to man. He overheard the seamen exchanging

you would have a grave on shore, yield yourself to die on this spot; but if otherwise, cast yourself into the sea.” “Will

if otherwise, cast yourself into the sea.” “Will nothing satisfy you but my life?” said he. “Take my gold, and welcome. I

hers, would have been unheeded, — they thought only of their booty, —  but to hear so famous a musician, that moved their ru

ed like a dream, how didst thou hate the cheerful light! I must away, but I will not fear. The gods look down upon us. Ye w

on their way, fancying themselves safe from all danger of detection. But the strains of his music had drawn round him the

rewell, thou faithful, friendly fish! Would that I could reward thee; but thou canst not wend with me, nor I with thee. Com

. “The talent which a god bestowed has been the delight of thousands, but false knaves have stripped me of my well-earned t

two robbers stepped forth and barred his way. He must yield or fight. But his hand, accustomed to the lyre, and not to the

e strife of arms, sank powerless. He called for help on men and gods, but his cry reached no defender’s ear. “Then here mus

nes overhead. “Take up my cause, ye cranes,” he said, “since no voice but yours answers to my cry.” So saying he closed his

d demanded vengeance on the murderers and expiation with their blood. But what trace or mark shall point out the perpetrato

Him we avengers touch not; he treads the path of life secure from us. But woe! woe! to him who has done the deed of secret

to whom he spoke!” The culprit would gladly have recalled his words, but it was too late. The faces of the murderers, pale

Simonides was one of the most prolific of the early poets of Greece, but only a few fragments of his compositions have des

ose whose exploits he celebrated. This employment was not derogatory, but closely resembles that of the earliest bards, suc

tal might have been content to share the praises of the sons of Leda. But vanity is exacting; and as Scopas sat at his fest

n Simonides approached to receive the promised reward Scopas bestowed but half the expected sum, saying, “Here is payment f

iting without and anxious to see him. Simonides hastened to the door, but looked in vain for the visitors. Scarcely, howeve

ery early age of Greek literature. Of her works few fragments remain, but they are enough to establish her claim to eminent

etual youth united with perpetual sleep. Of one so gifted we can have but few adventures to record. Diana, it was said, too

asts, and brought the spoils of the chase as presents to his beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred his consent, Orion

t to marry him. Her brother was highly displeased and often chid her, but to no purpose. One day, observing Orion wading th

at his feet. His mighty club no longer beat The forehead of the bull; but he Reeled as of yore beside the sea, When blinded

he stole him away, and prevailed on Jupiter to grant him immortality; but , forgetting to have youth joined in the gift, aft

was growing old. When his hair was quite white she left his society; but he still had the range of her palace, lived on am

virgin of Sicily, a favorite of the Sea-Nymphs. She had many suitors, but repelled them all, and would go to the grotto of

re of the not ungentle race of men, whom, if you will, you can repel; but I, the daughter of Nereus, and protected by such

ch a band of sisters, found no escape from the passion of the Cyclops but in the depths of the sea;” and tears stopped her

he son of Faunus and a Naiad. His father and mother loved him dearly, but their love was not equal to mine. For the beautif

ther, the river-god. The purple blood flowed out from under the rock, but by degrees grew paler and looked like the stream

Chapter XXVII. The Trojan War. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, but on one occasion she did a very foolish thing; she

him in his efforts to recover his wife. They generally came forward, but Ulysses, who had married Penelope, and was very h

arrior. After him ranked Ajax, gigantic in size and of great courage, but dull of intellect; Diomede, second only to Achill

f the Grecian chiefs, and one to whom they all looked up for counsel. But Troy was no feeble enemy. Priam, the king, was no

counsel. But Troy was no feeble enemy. Priam, the king, was now old, but he had been a wise prince and had strengthened hi

by good government at home and numerous alliances with his neighbors. But the principal stay and support of his throne was

. He felt, from the first, a presentiment of the fall of his country, but still persevered in his heroic resistance, yet by

peased by the sacrifice of a virgin on her altar, and that none other but the daughter of the offender would be acceptable.

se fountains, flowers; My new planned cities and unfinished towers. “ But should suspense permit the foe to cry,     ‘Behol

    In soul I swept the indignity away: Old frailties then recurred: but lofty thought In act imbodied my deliverance wrou

ng Chryseis. Agamemnon, enraged, consented to relinquish his captive, but demanded that Achilles should yield to him in her

to Achilles’ share in the division of the spoil. Achilles submitted, but forthwith declared that he would take no further

cause favored them. Venus enlisted her admirer Mars on the same side, but Neptune favored the Greeks. Apollo was neutral, s

to carry to Achilles the penitent message. They performed that duty, but Achilles was deaf to their entreaties. He positiv

s of state, he thought only of her and let the battle go as it would. But this absorption did not continue long, and when,

er the field, saw the chariot of Nestor and recognized the old chief, but could not discern who the wounded chief was. So c

ed, and having told the cause of his coming would have hastened away, but Nestor detained him, to tell him the extent of th

If the gods so please, thou mayest win him back to the common cause; but if not let him at least send his soldiers to the

ted the chariot of Achilles, and led forth the men ardent for battle. But before he went, Achilles strictly charged him tha

upon him and would have snatched him from the fate which awaited him, but Juno hinted that if he did so it would induce all

e endangered; to which reason Jove yielded. Sarpedon threw his spear, but missed Patroclus, but Patroclus threw his with be

reason Jove yielded. Sarpedon threw his spear, but missed Patroclus, but Patroclus threw his with better success. It pierc

the corpse. The Greeks succeeded and stripped Sarpedon of his armor; but Jove would not allow the remains of his son to be

is utmost wish in repelling the Trojans and relieving his countrymen, but now came a change of fortune. Hector, borne in hi

ed him. Patroclus threw a vast stone at Hector, which missed its aim, but smote Cebriones, the charioteer, and knocked him

wounded. Then arose a tremendous conflict for the body of Patroclus, but his armor was at once taken possession of by Hect

Give day; and, since thy sovereign will is such, Destruction with it; but , O, give us day.” —  Cowper. Or, as rendered by

to see and Ajax asks no more; If Greece must perish we thy will obey, But let us perish in the face of day.” Jupiter heard

is resentment so far, and suffered his friend to fall a victim to it. But his only consolation was the hope of revenge. He

was the hope of revenge. He would fly instantly in search of Hector. But his mother reminded him that he was now without a

nded him that he was now without armor, and promised him, if he would but wait till the morrow, she would procure for him a

re him or fell by his lance. Hector, cautioned by Apollo, kept aloof; but the god, assuming the form of one of Priam’s sons

rass, two of tin, and one of gold. The spear pierced two thicknesses, but was stopped in the third. Achilles threw his with

hrew his with better success. It pierced through the shield of Æneas, but glanced near his shoulder and made no wound. Then

d acknowledging the prodigy, turned his arms against other champions. But none dared stand before him, and Priam looking do

the Trojans should have passed, lest the enemy should enter likewise. But Achilles was so close in pursuit that that would

and Achilles, perceiving how he had been deluded, gave up the chase. But when the rest had escaped into the town Hector st

encounter. His mother, Hecuba, also besought him to the same effect, but all in vain. “How can I,” said he to himself, “by

ere so many have fallen, seek safety for myself against a single foe? But what if I offer him to yield up Helen and all her

wn beside? Ah, no! it is too late. He would not even hear me through, but slay me while I spoke.” While he thus ruminated.

chilles intercepted him and forced him to keep out in a wider circle. But Apollo sustained Hector’s strength and would not

ounded back. He turned to receive another from the hand of Deiphobus, but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector understood his do

las! it is plain this is my hour to die! I thought Deiphobus at hand, but Pallas deceived me, and he is still in Troy. But

t Deiphobus at hand, but Pallas deceived me, and he is still in Troy. But I will not fall inglorious.” So saying he drew hi

here presented, she would have thrown herself headlong from the wall, but fainted and fell into the arms of her maidens. Re

hiefs sat down to the funeral banquet and after that retired to rest. But Achilles neither partook of the feast nor of slee

d the tomb of Patroclus, leaving him at length stretched in the dust. But Apollo would not permit the body to be torn or di

uld not permit the body to be torn or disfigured with all this abuse, but preserved it free from all taint or defilement. W

een, and all his friends, who lamented him as going to certain death. But Jupiter, beholding with compassion the venerable

s he still rejoices, hoping that one day he shall see thy face again. But no comfort cheers me, whose bravest sons, so late

her heroes. After the death of Hector, Troy did not immediately fall, but receiving aid from new allies still continued its

fect of their war cry. Penthesilea slew many of the bravest warriors, but was at last slain by Achilles. But when the hero

slew many of the bravest warriors, but was at last slain by Achilles. But when the hero bent over his fallen foe, and conte

  Ajax’s Larkspur. It was now discovered that Troy could not be taken but by the aid of the arrows of Hercules. They were i

ral pyre. Philoctetes had joined the Grecian expedition against Troy, but had accidentally wounded his foot with one of the

d died. Œnone quickly repented, and hastened after him with remedies, but came too late, and in her grief hung herself.17

obtaining the Palladium, which they carried off to the Grecian camp. But Troy still held out, and the Greeks began to desp

ich they gave out was intended as a propitiatory offering to Minerva, but in fact was filled with armed men. The remaining

taken his advice and destroyed the fatal horse and all its contents; but just at that moment a group of people appeared, d

and involved in the serpents’ coils. He struggles to tear them away, but they overpower all his efforts and strangle him a

ty. He had armed himself and was about to mingle with the combatants, but was prevailed on by Hecuba, his aged queen, to ta

andra had been loved by Apollo, and he gave her the gift of prophecy; but afterwards offended with her, he rendered the gif

n. Our readers will be anxious to know the fate of Helen, the fair but guilty occasion of so much slaughter. On the fall

disguise to carry off the Palladium. She saw and recognized Ulysses, but kept the secret and even assisted them in obtaini

re among the first to leave the shores of Troy for their native land. But having incurred the displeasure of the gods they

estes also, a lad not yet old enough to be an object of apprehension, but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, t

iends were seized and carried bound to the temple to be made victims. But the priestess of Diana was no other than Iphigeni

their escape with the statue of the goddess, and returned to Mycenae. But Orestes was not yet relieved from the vengeance o

de them howl and hiss, For that unnatural retribution, — just, Had it but been from hands less near, — in this, Thy former

nswers to the description given by Homer and the ancient geographers, but no other evidence of the former existence of a gr

e means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that placed in the middle of the for

is hospitality in the name of the gods. Polyphemus deigned no answer, but reaching out his hand seized two of the Greeks, w

d to seize the opportunity and plunge his sword into him as he slept, but recollected that it would only expose them all to

ng the Cyclops rolled away the stone to let his flock out to pasture, but planted himself in the door of the cave to feel o

they went out, that Ulysses and his men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had made his men harness the rams of the

side. As they passed, the giant felt of the animals’ backs and sides, but never thought of their bellies; so the men all pa

fficulty pulled off shore, Ulysses was about to hail the giant again, but his friends besought him not to do so. He could n

r, however, letting the giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited till they had reached a safer distance tha

ed a safer distance than before. The giant answered them with curses, but Ulysses and his friends plied their oars vigorous

Ulysses’ own ship, which had remained outside, and finding no safety but in flight, he exhorted his men to ply their oars

found themselves surrounded by lions, tigers, and wolves, not fierce, but tamed by Circe’s art, for she was a powerful magi

her wand, saying, “Hence, seek the sty and wallow with thy friends.” But he, instead of obeying, drew his sword and rushed

et loose, and by cries and signs to his people begged to be released; but they, obedient to his previous orders, sprang for

f the waters as Charybdis ingulphed them, gave warning at a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses

s would willingly have passed the island of the Sun without stopping, but his companions so urgently pleaded for the rest a

ey would not touch one of the animals of the sacred flocks and herds, but content themselves with what provision they yet h

t on board. So long as this supply lasted the people kept their oath, but contrary winds detained them at the island for a

him, and wished to retain him forever, conferring on him immortality. But he persisted in his resolution to return to his c

to keep him with her, and offered to share her immortality with him. But Minerva, who in the shape of Mentor accompanied h

o this leap of Telemachus and Mentor in the following stanza: —     “ But not in silence pass Calypso’s isles,     The sist

shore. The surf beat high on the rocks and seemed to forbid approach; but at length finding calm water at the mouth of a ge

ry of the Phæacians. These people dwelt originally near the Cyclopes; but being oppressed by that savage race, they migrate

ng her that her wedding-day was not far distant, and that it would be but a prudent preparation for that event to have a ge

s to tell them what was on her mind; not alluding to her wedding-day, but finding other reasons equally good. Her father re

with a game of ball, the princess singing to them while they played. But when they had refolded the apparel and were about

und. Now we must picture to ourselves Ulysses, a shipwrecked mariner, but a few hours escaped from the waves, and utterly d

ir deportment and attire, he discovered to be not mere peasant girls, but of a higher class. Sadly needing help, how could

following herself and train so far as the way lay through the fields; but when they should approach the city she desired th

ve. Neither winter’s cold nor summer’s drought arrested their growth, but they flourished in constant succession, some budd

Ulysses being challenged to show what he could do, at first declined, but being taunted by one of the youths, seized a quoi

e Muse, Who yet appointed him both good and ill, Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine.” He took for his theme

rrors and the exploits of that eventful time that all were delighted, but Ulysses was moved to tears. Observing which, Alci

with astonishment, and at first thought he must be more than mortal. But Ulysses announced himself as his father, and acco

rain his indignation at seeing his father so treated in his own hall, but remembering his father’s injunctions, said no mor

he bow in order to attach the string. Telemachus endeavored to do it, but found all his efforts fruitless; and modestly con

it up. Another tried it and another; they rubbed the bow with tallow, but all to no purpose; it would not bend. Then spoke

erision, and commanded to turn him out of the hall for his insolence. But Telemachus spoke up for him, and, merely to grati

he side of Ulysses. The suitors, in amazement, looked round for arms, but found none, neither was there any way of escape,

sses represents the old hero, after his dangers past and nothing left but to stay at home and be happy, growing tired of in

wed by his wife, he made the best of his way out of the burning city; but , in the confusion, his wife was swept away and lo

the neighboring shores of Thrace, and were preparing to build a city, but Æneas was deterred by a prodigy. Preparing to off

solved to steer. They arrived at Crete and began to build their city, but sickness broke out among them, and the fields tha

the plain. They slew as many as they wished and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves at the table

anions drew their swords and dealt vigorous blows among the monsters, but to no purpose, for they were so nimble it was alm

with them as he had no means of sustaining his existence where he was but wild berries and roots, and lived in constant fea

. Knowing the hostility of Juno, he was at no loss to account for it, but his anger was not the less at this interference i

ther on the throne. Her husband was Sichæus, a man of immense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted his treasures, caused him

continued to grasp the helm and to keep his eyes fixed on the stars. But Somnus waved over him a branch moistened with Let

ite of all his efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he fell; but keeping his hold upon the helm, it came away with

ouraging words which have become proverbial: “Yield not to disasters, but press onward the more bravely.” 25 Æneas replied

ied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He had but one request to make. Having been directed in a dr

cent to Avernus is easy: the gate of Pluto stands open night and day; but to retrace one’s steps and return to the upper ai

was propitious it would yield to the hand and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force could rend it away. If torn aw

. Æneas shuddered at the sight, drew his sword and would have struck, but the Sibyl restrained him. They then came to the b

iver Cocytus, where they found the ferryman, Charon, old and squalid, but strong and vigorous, who was receiving passengers

stood pressing for a passage and longing to touch the opposite shore. But the stern ferryman took in only such as he chose,

thers who have remained unburied are not permitted to pass the flood, but wander a hundred years, and flit to and fro about

extend to him his hand and take him in company to the opposite shore. But the Sibyl rebuked him for the wish thus to transg

Sibyl rebuked him for the wish thus to transgress the laws of Pluto; but consoled him by informing him that the people of

ey now endure poverty, labor, and any other infliction, if they might but return to life! Next were situated the regions of

a wound still recent. In the dim light he was for a moment uncertain, but approaching, perceived it was indeed herself. Tea

ed the cause of his coming, and plied him with innumerable questions. But the Greeks, at the sight of his armor glittering

ains of Troy. Æneas would have lingered long with his Trojan friends, but the Sibyl hurried him away. They next came to a p

; and Sisyphus, whose task was to roll a huge stone up to a hill-top, but when the steep was well-nigh gained, the rock, re

n. Again he toiled at it, while the sweat bathed all his weary limbs, but all to no effect. There was Tantalus, who stood i

d their heads to him, pears, pomegranates, apples, and luscious figs; but when with a sudden grasp he tried to seize them w

nd guard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold his father in his embrace, but his arms enclosed only an unsubstantial image. Æn

tes that he is one, are admitted at once to Elysium, there to remain. But the rest, after the impurities of earth are purge

o destroy the life even of the most insignificant animal, not knowing but it may be one of their relations in an altered fo

earth, and assigns it for a residence to the spirits of the blessed. But in Homer Elysium forms no part of the realms of t

island Atlantis. This blissful region may have been wholly imaginary, but possibly may have sprung from the reports of some

uth. This also he would have granted, could I have accepted his love, but offended at my refusal, he allowed me to grow old

shrinks up as years increase, and in time, I shall be lost to sight, but my voice will remain, and future ages will respec

ged in order within the cave, and might be consulted by her votaries. But if perchance at the opening of the door the wind

same price she had asked for the nine. The king again rejected them; but when the woman, after burning three books more, r

d interpreted their oracles to the people. There were various Sibyls; but the Cumaean Sibyl, of whom Ovid and Virgil write,

Saturn, ruled the country. He was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming daughter, Lavinia, who was sough

nus, king of the Rutulians, was favored by the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been warned in a dream by his father

rive the strangers from the country. He resisted as long as he could, but , finding his opposition unavailing, finally gave

red. His people now urged the old king to perform that solemn office, but he refused to do so. While they contested, Juno h

y was in a flame. The people rushed from every side breathing nothing but war. Turnus was recognized by all as leader; othe

ned as allies, chief of whom was Mezentius, a brave and able soldier, but of detestable cruelty. He had been the chief of o

able cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neighboring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was joined his

s maiden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff or the loom, but had learned to endure the toils of war, and in sp

ar flew across the roaring water. His pursuers were already upon him, but he plunged into the river and swam across, and fo

ss was a tiger’s skin. Many mothers sought her for a daughter-in-law, but she continued faithful to Diana and repelled the

h the wood, they were alarmed at the sight, and rose from the tables. But Pallas forbade the solemnities to be interrupted,

raise a harvest, nor provide from present abundance for future want; but browsed like beasts upon the leafy boughs, or fed

enty ensued that men ever since have called his reign the golden age; but by degrees far other times succeeded, and the thi

n joining them, the old king spoke thus: — “Illustrious Trojan, it is but little we can do in so great a cause. Our state i

e, hemmed in on one side by the river, on the other by the Rutulians. But I propose to ally you with a people numerous and

punishment, and would ere now have attempted to enforce their demand; but their priests restrain them, telling them that it

der must come from across the sea. They have offered the crown to me, but I am too old to undertake such great affairs, and

rth and time of life, and fame in arms, pointed out by the gods, have but to appear to be hailed at once as their leader. W

Æneas and surprise the Trojan camp. Accordingly the attempt was made, but the Trojans were found on their guard, and having

in comparison with honor.” Nisus replied, “I doubt it not, my friend; but you know the uncertain event of such an undertaki

us, assuring him of his lasting friendship. Euryalus replied, “I have but one boon to ask. My aged mother is with me in the

of her. I could not bear her tears nor set at nought her entreaties. But do thou, I beseech you, comfort her in her distre

nto the midst of the enemy. They found no watch, no sentinels posted, but , all about, the sleeping soldiers strewn on the g

. They had passed through the enemy’s ranks without being discovered, but now suddenly appeared a troop directly in front o

the two, and demanded who and whence they were. They made no answer, but plunged into the wood. The horsemen scattered in

tercept their flight. Nisus had eluded pursuit and was out of danger, but Euryalus being missing he turned back to seek him

war began in good earnest. We cannot find space for all the details, but must simply record the fate of the principal char

wounded him in the thigh. Lausus, his son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward and interposed himself, while the

ay. Æneas held his sword suspended over Lausus and delayed to strike, but the furious youth pressed on and he was compelled

rthy of your praise? Keep those arms in which you glory, and fear not but that your body shall be restored to your friends,

le a shout from both armies rent the skies. Mezentius asked no mercy, but only that his body might be spared the insults of

unequally matched could not be doubtful. Pallas bore himself bravely, but fell by the lance of Turnus. The victor almost re

erval Æneas challenged Turnus to decide the contest by single combat, but Turnus evaded the challenge. Another battle ensue

She fell and breathed her last in the arms of her attendant maidens. But Diana, who beheld her fate, suffered not her slau

red not her slaughter to be unavenged. Aruns, as he stole away, glad, but frightened, was struck by a secret arrow, launche

Æneas and Turnus. Turnus had avoided the contest as long as he could, but at last, impelled by the ill success of his arms

orbidden by Jupiter to assist him any longer. Turnus threw his lance, but it recoiled harmless from the shield of Æneas. Th

him and he begged for mercy; and Æneas would have given him his life, but at the instant his eye fell on the belt of Pallas

e hundred and forty years B. C.) was a native of the island of Samos, but passed the chief portion of his life at Crotona i

ciples. The inhabitants were notorious for luxury and licentiousness, but the good effects of his influence were soon visib

Pythagoras addressing his disciples in these words: “Souls never die, but always on quitting one abode pass to another. I m

tens of bright gold! There’s not the smallest orb that thou behold’st But in his motion like an angel sings, Still quiring

uiring to the young-eyed cherubim; Such harmony is in immortal souls! But whilst this muddy vesture of decay Doth grossly c

see the heavenly bodies which they contain and carry round with them. But as these spheres cannot move on one another witho

rtially split open by wood-cutters, and attempted to rend it further; but the wood closed upon his hands and held him fast,

ngs upon the rest of the world. He conquered the nations every where, but not with weapons, only with music and eloquence.

d with envy and malice sought during his absence to usurp his throne. But Isis, who held the reins of government, frustrate

precious wood to whosoever could get into it. The rest tried in vain, but no sooner was Osiris in it than Typhon and his co

elled, and erected as a column in the palace of the king of Phœnicia. But at length by the aid of Anubis and the sacred bir

ized and returned with it, and concealed it in the depth of a forest, but Typhon discovered it, and cutting the body into f

e Nativity, alludes to the Egyptian deities, not as imaginary beings, but as real demons, put to flight by the coming of Ch

        Nor can he be at rest         Within his sacred chest; Nought but profoundest hell can be his shroud.         In va

similar command there. Another account is, that they were not doves, but priestesses, who were carried off from Thebes in

es rustling in the wind, the sounds being interpreted by the priests. But the most celebrated of the Grecian oracles was th

usly attributed to the goddess Earth, to Neptune, Themis, and others, but it was at length assigned to Apollo, and to him a

od at Delphi to seek aid of Trophonius at Lebadea. They came thither, but could find no oracle. One of them, however, happe

night. The person returned from the cave by the same narrow passage, but walking backwards. He appeared melancholy and dej

Oracle of Æsculapius. There were numerous oracles of Æsculapius, but the most celebrated one was at Epidaurus. Here th

red trees Oracular, I would not curious ask The future, best unknown, but at thy mouth Inquisitive, the less ambiguous past

st Heaven.” There are doubtless many curious coincidences like these, but the theory cannot without extravagance be pushed

hilosophical truth or historical fact, under the form of an allegory, but came in process of time to be understood literall

are a part of them. Both the Jupiter and Minerva of Phidias are lost, but there is good ground to believe that we have, in

ds it to be the work of Cleomenes, an Athenian sculptor of 200 B. C., but the authenticity of the inscription is doubtful.

the framework and much of the structure of the poems belong to Homer, but that there are numerous interpolations and additi

e Epic. Virgil is far inferior to Homer in originality and invention, but superior to him in correctness and elegance. To c

ucated for public life and held some offices of considerable dignity, but poetry was his delight, and he early resolved to

by Christianity. They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have

of the Phœnix as follows. “Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

e Assyrians call it the Phœnix. It does not live on fruit or flowers, but on frankincense and odoriferous gums. When it has

es an account of the bird, not varying materially from the preceding, but adding some details. “The first care of the young

ble to trust to his wings, is to perform the obsequies of his father. But this duty is not undertaken rashly. He collects a

oes not impel his body, like other serpents, by a multiplied flexion, but advances lofty and upright. He kills the shrubs,

advances lofty and upright. He kills the shrubs, not only by contact, but by breathing on them, and splits the rocks, such

of the poison conducted through the weapon killed not only the rider, but the horse also. To this Lucan alludes in these li

by a kind of poetical justice slew the basilisk with his own weapon. But what was to attack this terrible and unapproachab

re the weasel. The basilisk might look daggers, the weasel cared not, but advanced boldly to the conflict. When bitten, the

ader will, we apprehend, by this time have had enough of absurdities, but still we can imagine his anxiety to know what a c

dread risk,         Aghast she pass from the earth’s disk. Fear not, but gaze, — for freemen mightier grow, And slaves mor

pon it, and then quietly march off not a whit the worse for its fall. But it seems they found out how to circumvent the poo

is exhibited in the bony protuberance on the forehead of the giraffe; but this also is short and blunt, and is not the only

this also is short and blunt, and is not the only horn of the animal, but a third horn, standing in front of the two others

child, I do not give you that blow for any fault you have committed, but that you may recollect that the little creature y

the salamander. According to them, the animal not only resists fire, but extinguishes it, and when he sees the flame charg

the religion which preceded him. The time when he lived is doubtful, but it is certain that his system became the dominant

been considerably corrupted by the introduction of foreign opinions, but they afterwards recovered their ascendency. Zoroa

uzd created man and supplied him with all the materials of happiness; but Ahriman marred this happiness by introducing evil

evil — the adherents of Ormuzd and Ahriman — carry on incessant war. But this state of things will not last forever. The t

and the sun as emblems of Ormuzd, the source of all light and purity, but did not regard them as independent deities. The r

anctity, and state that Brahma himself composed them at the creation. But the present arrangement of the Vedas is attribute

ily forms, which descents are called Avatars. They are very numerous, but ten are more particularly specified. The first Av

ed to gain his subsistence by any laborious or productive occupation. But as all the Brahmans could not be maintained by th

to servile attendance on the higher classes, especially the Brahmans, but they may follow mechanical occupations and practi

even than the Sudras, for it is not one of the original pure classes, but springs from an unauthorized union of individuals

o without pollution. They are not only considered unclean themselves, but they render unclean every thing they touch. They

are not allowed to visit the pagodas or temples of the other castes, but have their own pagodas and religious exercises. T

der no restrictions in regard to food, which last is not a privilege, but a mark of ignominy, as if they were so degraded t

the use of flesh. The fourth is allowed to use all kinds except beef, but only the lowest caste is allowed every kind of fo

er. At first some who heard him doubted of the soundness of his mind; but his doctrines soon gained credit, and were propag

as useless by others, and to discover the medicinal power of plants. But in Ceylon three orders of priests are recognized;

on, and to have been carried to Ceylon, and to the eastern peninsula. But afterwards it had to endure in India a long-conti

ect of entirely abolishing it in the country where it had originated, but to scatter it widely over adjacent countries. Bud

consequence of frailties and sins committed during former existences. But they hold that some few individuals have appeared

from time to time, not under the necessity of terrestrial existence, but who voluntarily descended to the earth to promote

in search of him, as did also Louis IX. of France, some years later, but both missions were unsuccessful, though the small

d our attention thus far relate to the mythology of southern regions. But there is another branch of ancient superstitions

ording to the Eddas there was once no heaven above nor earth beneath, but only a bottomless deep, and a world of mist in wh

orld they walked by the side of the sea, pleased with their new work, but found that it was still incomplete, for it was wi

he Jotunheim side is Ymir’s well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden, but that of Niffleheim feeds the adder Nidhogge, (dar

ard consists of golden and silver palaces, the dwellings of the gods, but the most beautiful of these is Valhalla, the resi

rth day of the week. Odin is frequently called Alfadur, (All-father,) but this name is sometimes used in a way that shows t

and fight until they cut each other in pieces. This is their pastime; but when meal time comes they recover from their woun

l fraud and mischief. His name is Loki. He is handsome and well made, but of a very fickle mood and most evil disposition.

very fickle mood and most evil disposition. He is of the giant race, but forced himself into the company of the gods, and

ew the serpent into that deep ocean by which the earth is surrounded. But the monster has grown to such an enormous size th

of birds. When finished it was as smooth and soft as a silken string. But when the gods asked the wolf to suffer himself to

again. Tyr (the god of battles) alone had courage enough to do this. But when the wolf found that he could not break his f

m the incursions of the Frost giants and the giants of the mountains. But he demanded for his reward the goddess Freya, tog

without any one’s assistance, and all within the space of one winter. But if any thing remained unfinished on the first day

and massive to render the place impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to summer, the only part that remained

giant to carry away the sun and the moon. They all agreed that no one but Loki, the author of so many evil deeds, could hav

under the rocks of Jotunheim. Thor sent Loki to negotiate with Thrym, but he could only prevail so far as to get the giant’

o be his bride. Loki returned and reported the result of his mission, but the goddess of love was quite horrified at the id

him to Jotunheim. Thrym received his veiled bride with due courtesy, but was greatly surprised at seeing her eat for her s

im. Thrym had at length the curiosity to peep under his bride’s veil, but started back in affright and demanded why Freya’s

h carnage whenever the owner desired it. Frey parted with this sword, but was less fortunate than Thor and never recovered

s errand, Frey exclaimed: — “Long is one night, Long are two nights, But how shall I hold out three? Shorter hath seemed A

o Frey obtained Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for his wife, but he lost his sword.   This story, entitled Skirnir

hole breadth of one end of the building. Here they lay down to sleep, but towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake wh

right they found an adjoining chamber, into which the others entered, but Thor remained at the doorway with his mallet in h

f with simply asking his name. “My name is Skrymir,” said the giant, “ but I need not ask thy name, for I know that thou art

“but I need not ask thy name, for I know that thou art the god Thor. But what has become of my glove?” Thor then perceived

a large oak tree. Skrymir then told them he would lie down to sleep. “ But take ye the wallet,” he added, “and prepare your

e your supper.” Skrymir soon fell asleep and began to snore strongly; but when Thor tried to open the wallet, he found the

o sleep, and so saying went and laid himself down under another tree. But sleep came not that night to Thor, and when Skrym

oss from the branches fall on my head. How fares it with thee, Thor?” But Thor went away hastily, saying that he had just t

lence that it forced its way into the giant’s skull up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and stroking his cheek said, “An

ake, Thor? Me thinks it is time for us to get up and dress ourselves; but you have not now a long way before you to the cit

ou whispering to one another that I am not a man of small dimensions; but if you come to Utgard you will see there many men

eat as fast as he could, until they met in the middle of the trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh,

m. The king observed that skill in running was something to boast of, but if the youth would win the match he must display

far from the starting place. Then they ran a second and a third time, but Thialfi met with no better success. Utgard-Loki t

empty that horn at a single draught, though most men make two of it, but the most puny drinker can do it in three.” Thor l

e could, that he might not be obliged to make a second draught of it; but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could

ished. After taking breath, Thor went to it again with all his might, but when he took the horn from his mouth, it seemed t

wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and did his best to empty it; but on looking in found the liquor was only a little

r was only a little lower, so he resolved to make no further attempt, but gave back the horn to the cup-bearer. “I now see

id Utgard-Loki, “that thou art not quite so stout as we thought thee: but wilt thou try any other feat, though methinks tho

trifling game here,” answered Utgard-Loki, “in which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely lifting my cat fr

under the cat’s belly and did his utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending his back, had, notwithstanding a

t,” said Utgard-Loki, “just as I imagined it would. The cat is large, but Thor is little in comparison to our men.” “Little

h any men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought great shame on himself. “And

irst, though the least, would have ended my days had it fallen on me, but I slipped aside and thy blows fell on the mountai

irst, Loki, like hunger itself, devoured all that was set before him, but Logi was in reality nothing else than Fire, and t

ity nothing else than Fire, and therefore consumed not only the meat, but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thialfi

r one end of that horn reached the sea, which thou wast not aware of, but when thou comest to the shore thou wilt perceive

Old Age, for such in fact was Elli, will not sooner or later lay low. But now, as we are going to part, let me tell thee th

in a rage laid hold of his mallet and would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and when Thor would

have returned to the city to destroy it, he found nothing around him but a verdant plain. Chapter XL. The Death of Bal

e king of men with speed And saddled straight his coal-black steed.” But the other gods, feeling that what Frigga had done

orite pastime with them and was regarded as an honor shown to Baldur. But when Loki beheld the scene he was sorely vexed th

, and all were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they were obliged to delay their vengeance out of

ad ridden over the bridge, and did not shake it as much as he alone. “ But ,” she added, “thou hast not death’s hue on thee;

ught Hela to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods. Hel

both living and lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to life; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to w

Thaukt sitting in a cavern, and begged her to weep Baldur out of Hel. But she answered, — “Thaukt will wail With dry tears

le fully caparisoned and consumed in the same flames with his master. But Loki did not escape his deserved punishment. When

net to catch the fishes, such as fishermen have used since his time. But Odin found out his hiding-place and the gods asse

ged himself into a salmon, and lay hid among the stones of the brook. But the gods took his net and dragged the brook, and

ook, and Loki, finding he must be caught, tried to leap over the net; but Thor caught him by the tail and compressed it, so

Siguna sits by his side and catches the drops as they fall, in a cup; but when she carries it away to empty it, the venom f

. The Edda mentions another class of beings, inferior to the gods, but still possessed of great power; these were called

ould contain all the deities with their war and household implements, but so skillfully was it wrought that when folded tog

er Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, which breaks under the horses’ hoofs. But they, disregarding its fall, direct their course

ntest. The gods advance, led on by Odin, who engages the wolf Fenris, but falls a victim to the monster, who is, however, s

, Odin’s son. Thor gains great renown by killing the Midgard serpent, but recoils and falls dead, suffocated with the venom

s without labor or care. Wickedness and misery will no more be known, but the gods and men will live happily together. R

se in Iceland. The inscriptions may therefore be read with certainty, but hitherto very few have been found which throw the

t the Druids offered sacrifices to their deity there can be no doubt. But there is some uncertainty as to what they offered

writers to shake the testimony of the Roman historians to this fact, but without success. The Druids observed two festival

ted, though the probability is strong that they were, to some extent. But it is certain that they committed nothing of thei

a word may be used in such a case) was preserved solely by tradition. But the Roman writers admit that “they paid much atte

thood in its other departments became extinct. At these meetings none but Bards of merit were suffered to rehearse their pi

otland, and such was the reverence paid him that though not a bishop, but merely a presbyter and monk, the entire province

. Their institution was called a monastery and the superior an abbot, but the system had little in common with the monastic

orship. On entering the order certain vows were taken by the members, but they were not those which were usually imposed by

heir wives were not permitted to reside with them at the institution, but they had a residence assigned to them in an adjac

legend of St. Senanus and the lady who sought shelter on the island, but was repulsed: — “O, haste and leave this sacred

of clay! Thy humble powers that stately shrine Tasked high and hard —  but witness mine!” Proverbial Expressions

se sororum. —  Ovid . Their faces were not all alike, nor yet unlike, but such as those of sisters ought to be. No. 3.

cent of Avernus is easy; the gate of Pluto stands open night and day; but to retrace one’s steps and return to the upper ai

is, sod contra audentior ito. —  Virgil. Yield thou not to adversity, but press on the more bravely. No. 17. Page 376.

able? 17. Tennyson has chosen Œnone as the subject of a short poem; but he has omitted the most poetical part of the stor

in which Osiris was placed. 31. Cowper’s version is less elegant, but truer to the original. — “He ceased, and under h

not merely to introduce the children to some of our greatest authors, but also to cultivate a taste for what is purest and

arth. Once in a great, great while they came in their own true forms; but far oftener they took on the shape of animals or

that they would be punished by sickness or death or some other evil; but if they did what was right, the mighty people wou

of the gods was Jupiter, who ruled not only the people of the earth, but the mightier people of the heavens. He it was who

d of love. He was very beautiful, as indeed almost all the gods were; but he was the fairest of them all. He drove his gold

and of the woods. He was a strange creature, half goat and half man. But he was loved by every one, and especially by the

’s slender, white hands had changed into great, hairy paws; and where but a moment before a fair young woman had stood, the

o had grown to be such a tall, fine-looking boy. She longed to speak; but of course her growling would have frightened Arca

was only startled at coming so suddenly within a few feet of a bear; but soon he became frightened at the animal’s fixed s

ied to show her hatred toward Callisto by taking away her human form, but now Jupiter had made her and her son far greater

all its loveliness, changed into a human being, you would have looked but an instant at Proserpine and said, “She is the Sp

e had tried to urge some goddess to come and share his gloomy throne; but not the richest jewels or wealth could tempt any

queen. That fair face can make even dark Hades light and beautiful.” But he knew it would be useless to ask the girl for h

ng girls, frightened at his dark, stern face, fled to right and left. But Pluto grasped Proserpine by the arm and carried h

her path, he drove his chariot a roundabout way. He came to a river; but as he neared its banks, it suddenly began to bubb

n instant, horses, chariot, and all, plunged into the darkness below. But Proserpine knew that the nymph of the stream had

ia Hemans. Part II In the evening Ceres returned to her home; but her daughter, who usually came running to meet he

her, was nowhere to be seen. Ceres searched for her in all the rooms, but they were empty. Then she lighted a great torch f

There I saw your daughter seated on a throne at the dark king’s side. But in spite of her splendor, her cheeks were pale an

ile in Pluto’s kingdom. So the happy mother hastened down into Hades. But alas! that very day Proserpine had eaten six pome

and that while she is with us all the earth seems fair and beautiful. But when the time comes for Proserpine to rejoin King

f a mud pond, is certainly not a very attractive or lovable creature. But he has his good qualities, nevertheless, and he i

As he had not liked them at all, he made them seem very bad and ugly; but that is no reason why we need dislike the little

ter with her lips, for both her arms were burdened with the children. But she started up again, when the men, in a very rud

ooked so cool and inviting that Latona once more bent to drink of it. But the men only renewed their rude talk and threaten

y fingers, as though to beg these hard-hearted men to be more gentle. But they were very hard-hearted indeed, and for answe

    To join the brimming river, For men may come, and men may go,      But I go on forever. I wind about, and in and out,  

    To join the brimming river, For men may come, and men may go,      But I go on forever. I steal by lawns and grassy plo

    To join the brimming river, For men may come, and men may go,      But I go on forever. Alfred Tennyson. Echo and N

es delight in mockingly answering back. Poor Echo! Now she is nothing but a voice, but there was a time when she danced and

mockingly answering back. Poor Echo! Now she is nothing but a voice, but there was a time when she danced and sang in the

come down to earth and listen by the hour to Echo’s delightful tales. But one day she found out that Echo amused her in thi

and he was brave and manly as well. Every one who saw him loved him; but he seemed to have no heart, for he loved no one b

aw him loved him; but he seemed to have no heart, for he loved no one but himself. One day he was wandering through the for

ollowed him through the woods, longing for the power to speak to him. But alas! she could not speak. They went on in this w

for he had thought himself alone in the woods. He looked all around, but not seeing any one to whom the voice could belong

ords. She did not dare show herself, for fear that he might be angry, but you see she could not help answering. At last Nar

in that way; for, you know, the poor girl could not tell it in words. But Narcissus hated to have any one show him affectio

s people say, until at last her body vanished altogether, and nothing but her voice remained. Since that time she lies hidd

e has ever seen so much as a gleam of her white arms in the branches; but her voice is still heard among the hills, answeri

l?                                         (Ah, Will!) ’Tis my name, but much I wonder     That you, in your hiding place,

        Come near, playmate; Are these fancies true, or naught at all but dreams?                                         (

or naught at all but dreams?                                         ( But dreams!) Then come down and let us see you;     

es himself.” At the time, no one understood the meaning of the words; but when you have read this story, I think you will s

The water was clear as crystal, and Narcissus stooped to drink of it; but suddenly he paused in wonder, for reflected in th

d, the fairer did the face seem. Narcissus at last had fallen in love but it was with his own reflection. He spoke to the b

d the red lips in the water parted as though they were answering him; but no sound could he hear. He smiled, and the two st

e, when the water was rippled by his touch, the image became blurred. But when the water was still, the face was again seen

When all was ready, they went with garlands to carry him to his bier, but the body of the dead youth had vanished. In its s

es. She became so vain about her work that she could think of nothing but how wonderful she was; and one day she boasted th

Minerva. Minerva, you remember, was the goddess of wisdom and of war; but in her spare moments she amused herself by doing

rience in life. Be content to reign as queen of your art among women, but do not compare yourself with the gods. Ask pardon

ords you have just spoken. I promise you that Minerva will grant it.” But the young girl only looked cross and ugly, as she

like splendor. The bystanders fell upon the ground and worshiped her. But Arachne, foolish Arachne, held her head high, and

s who had opposed the gods. These were meant as a warning to Arachne. But Arachne worked on at her loom, with the color glo

waves on the shore, and the clouds seemed floating through real air. But the stories that she pictured were all chosen to

irl’s boldness, was forced to admit that Arachne had won the contest. But this only made her wrath the greater; and when Ar

the floor, and would have hung herself, to end her shame and sorrow. But Minerva held her back and cried, “Nay, you shall

t Minerva held her back and cried, “Nay, you shall live, wicked girl; but henceforth you shall hang from a thread, and all

that Jupiter sent a new race of better men and women to live upon it. But , strange to say, the water had brought forth many

ing very proud of himself. As he was going along, whom should he meet but the little god Cupid, armed with his bow and arro

and whoever was pierced by one of these at once fell deeply in love. But the other arrows were blunt and made of dull lead

“I am the great sun god Apollo.” Apollo Belvedere (Vatican, Rome). But Daphne was only the more terrified at these words

r home to Orpheus, who did all in his power to restore his dear wife; but , after a few hours of suffering, she died. Orpheu

ied. Orpheus’ grief was terrible to see. He took up his beloved lyre, but its charm for him was gone. He drew from it such

he black River of Death. Charon at first refused to carry him across; but Orpheus played for him so sweetly that the stern

ted to tears, and at last agreed to take the player across the river. But at the entrance to Hades, there was a fierce, hor

and started to spring upon this unbidden visitor to the Lower World. But , quick as a flash, Orpheus seized his lyre and dr

g, he turned his head quickly to see whether she was still following. But alas! he caught only a glimpse of her, as, with h

, since he could not have Eurydice, he cared for no other companions. But the birds and the wild beasts and the flowers lov

ght of such careless mirth was very painful, would have turned aside; but as soon as the women saw his lyre, they came up t

ce had gone from him, and he felt that he could not play merry tunes. But when he refused, the women flew into a rage, and

apture to his music, grew pale and thin with grieving over his death. But Orpheus himself, with a happy heart, crossed the

sun chariot, she arose and guided her silver car across the heavens. But when the dawn came, and Apollo began his daily jo

s followed by a train of young girls, who hunted and rested with her. But only the fairest and best maidens were thought wo

is thirst, parted the branches and stepped into an open space beyond. But what did he see? Lying about on the grass were al

r anger, that he had stood motionless and silent, rooted to the spot. But now he tried to speak, and found he could not utt

t know their master hidden in that body of a stag. He turned to flee, but it was too late. One of the hounds had caught sig

of eager creatures was at his back. Poor Actaeon! He fled in terror, but although his swift feet carried him along like th

hen swept over the little boat. She thought that they both would die; but somehow the frail little bark did not upset, and

there for many years, until Perseus was no longer a little baby boy, but a brave, fearless, young man. Now the king of the

ons. They were half women and half dragons. They had beautiful faces, but their bodies were so hideous that one could think

stead of skin, they had large scales; their hands were made of brass; but most horrible of all, in place of hair on their h

of their brazen hands, they could have crushed poor Perseus to atoms. But worse than that, worse even than the deadly bite

at down under a tree by the roadside and began to think very soberly; but the more he thought, the more hopeless did his ta

the more hopeless did his task seem. Perseus was a very brave youth; but the bravest person in the world would rather be a

eaned as he spoke. It was no other than the swift-footed god Mercury, but this Perseus did not know. Still there was someth

u have undertaken a dangerous task, yet with my help you may succeed. But first of all, you must promise to do in all thing

as that instead of having two eyes each, as you and I have, there was but one eye for all three of them. They took turns in

e from one to another, all three sisters were, for the moment, blind. But such an eye as that one was! — worth much more th

re happening in countries far away. They were interested for a while; but at length, one of them grew impatient and said, “

the three sisters darted in the direction from which the voice came. But Perseus was too quick for them. On his winged fee

e sisters would not have parted if they could have helped themselves; but the loss of their precious eye was a thing too te

ot look down, even for an instant, for fear of being turned to stone. But Minerva’s bright shield served as a mirror, and,

head awakened her two sisters, and they started up to follow Perseus; but on account of Pluto’s helmet they could not see h

ach the island where Medusa lived; for it was so far away that no one but the three sisters with their wonderful eye could

ne will show you Cassiopeia’s Chair, brightly shining in the heavens. But at the time of my story, she still lived on earth

that Andromeda must be given as a peace offering to the sea serpent. But the oracle repeated only the same heartless answe

pretended to be very brave, so as to lessen her poor mother’s grief; but in truth she was much frightened, and she shudder

heir daughter as his wife, and the parents had been afraid to say no. But the girl hated this old man, and that was another

y she loved Perseus, who had saved her not only from the sea serpent, but from the man whom she dreaded quite as much. The

shall see,” was the old man’s answer; and he started toward Perseus. But in the middle of the room he came to a sudden sto

s a boy; and she thought him only a pleasant companion for her walks. But Juno hated Io; for, as you remember, I have told

n his own true form and the white cow nibbling the grass at his side. But she knew that it was Io, and she went up to her s

for a moment was Io left unguarded. At night she was tied to a tree, but during the day she could wander about as she plea

her father only patted her neck and plucked some fresh grass for her. But that was too much for the poor girl, — not to hav

l, — not to have her own father know her! She could not speak to him, but with her foot she traced her story in the sand. W

self on the top of a hill, from which he could see all that happened. But Jupiter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to he

de, and tried to put Argus to sleep by ceaseless talking and playing; but the watchman never closed more than half his eyes

ay, as she was passing through the grove. He came up to speak to her, but she was frightened at his goat’s legs and his que

and his queer, furry ears, and fled from him in terror. He followed, but she ran so swiftly that he could not overtake her

her own bird, the peacock, where they shine in splendor to this day. But alas! the queen blamed Io for all her trouble, an

ch to make her happy, — wealth, power, beautiful things of all kinds; but her greatest happiness was in her children. How s

ons for the king and queen to decide, if they wished to rule it well. But no matter how perplexed or tired the queen was wi

and power? Am I not far greater than Latona? I am a queen, and she is but a humble woman. She has only two children, and I

saw the awful sight, she fell upon the ground with cries of anguish. But her pride was not yet humbled, for, raising her a

lmost sorry for their deed, and thought she had been punished enough. But when she spoke these words of scorn against their

ed the youngest and tried to hide her in her cloak, crying, “Leave me but this one, ye gods, spare me this last and younges

Leave me but this one, ye gods, spare me this last and youngest one!” But the fatal arrow had already been loosed, and as t

r day, and never moved nor spoke. Her grief was hardening her, slowly but surely. The color left her cheeks, her eyes grew

the birds and the sunshine.     In your thoughts the brooklet’s flow, But in mine is the wind of autumn     And the first f

p to be the strongest and most wonderful man of his time. When he was but a few weeks old, Juno, who hated his mother and t

and kill fierce monsters, and, in short, risk his life all the time. But he was so brave that he feared nothing, and so st

dy battles to be fought, before the brave man could gain his freedom. But at last all the dangers were overcome, and Hercul

es had asked her to be his wife. The girl would have said yes gladly, but she knew that her father had half promised her in

to a great river god. The king was undecided as to what he should do; but at length it was agreed that Hercules and the riv

hter. Such a way of settling the dispute may seem very strange to us, but it pleased both the suitors. Hercules felt sure t

permost. Against his mighty strength, the river god was like a child. But just as the hero was clasping his great arms abou

escape me that way? Why, I slew serpents thrice your size when I was but a baby in the cradle.” And he sprang upon the ser

of the fight. The angry bull dashed at Hercules with terrible force; but the hero was ready for the attack, and, seizing h

crossed their path. Usually it was hardly more than a little stream, but it was now swollen with the spring rains, and the

ey were called, who were like men in the upper parts of their bodies, but like horses in the lower parts; so of course he c

us, you rely on your swift horse’s feet to carry you beyond my reach, but my arrow is swifter than the fleetest horse.” The

hat Deïanira had almost forgotten about the poisoned shirt of Nessus. But after some time, Hercules began to grow restless.

So one day he started on his journeys. His wife missed him very much, but she loved him so well that she had not the heart

th strange pains. In his agony, he tried to tear off the fatal shirt, but it stuck fast to his skin. Then the great hero be

something more about this labyrinth and the Minotaur who lived in it. But now let us go back to Athens for a while. Daedalu

He taught him all he knew and was pleased to find such an apt pupil; but his pleasure changed to jealousy and anger when t

ed to the island of Crete, where King Minos received him very kindly. But before long, Daedalus got himself into trouble by

e, and thought and thought of some means of escaping from the island; but he could not get a boat, though day after day he

ng in safety. For a while Icarus followed where Daedalus led the way. But after a time he began to feel bold; and when his

r and higher, trying to reach the sky which looked so blue above him. But alas! The higher he flew, the more fiercely the s

When this baby was a few months old, Aegeus had to go back to Athens; but , before leaving, he buried in the ground his swor

rests on either side of the highway were filled with fierce monsters. But Theseus killed all the robbers; by his cunning ou

King Minos, in Crete, waited day after day for the return of his son. But alas! cruelly slain, he lay dead in a wood outsid

ld. Your future has deeds of glory,     Of honor (God grant it may!), But your arm will never be stronger,     Or the need

rge city, in order to reach the bay that lay on the other side of it; but , when he came to the gates, he found them locked,

to the city. Now, the king of the city was an old, white-haired man, but , strange to say, hanging right over the middle of

by another. “Perhaps if I opened the gates for him he would love me; but I will not, for that would mean being a traitor,

I will not, for that would mean being a traitor, not only to my city, but to my own father.” The girl loved her father dear

ashamed of the wicked deed, for she could no longer think of anything but King Minos. Then she slipped out into the night,

k, which will enable you to conquer the city. Take it, with my love.” But Minos stepped back from her in horror. “What!” he

ly from the boat, and she felt herself sinking, sinking in the waves; but suddenly her body grew light as air she had been

to the people in the streets, and, above all, to see her dear father; but the nearest she ever came to his palace, was when

, when that was used up, he could readily send his soldiers for more. But the people in the besieged city had soon eaten up

el enemy. What he asked of the people of Athens was very hard indeed; but you must not forget how the poor father’s heart w

people felt that it would be impossible to do what the king demanded, but then they remembered the words of their oracle, a

rror at the cruelty of the demand, they dared not disobey King Minos. But when the time came for paying the fourth tribute,

g the journey Theseus tried to cheer his companions by hopeful words; but they had no hope, for they thought no human being

mely boys and fair, trembling maidens, any heart might have softened. But whenever King Minos felt the least pity, he close

swered, “Fair princess, my arm is strong enough to slay any creature; but they tell me that even if I kill the Minotaur, I

hread broken from its fastening, and had he, after all, lost his way? But still he followed it up anxiously, and at last ca

llow them through the streets, jeering and making ugly faces at them, but the grown people were even worse than the childre

ce was known for its lack of hospitality. Hospitality is a long word, but it has such a beautiful meaning that we can forgi

elt an old couple, Philemon and his wife Baucis. They were very poor; but , in spite of their poverty, they were contented a

came to, and asked for a night’s shelter. Not only was this refused, but harsh words were given in answer to the simple re

mple request. The strangers went on to the next cottage and the next; but nowhere did they receive a welcome. Moreover, a c

iends,” said old Philemon, “our cottage is small and our fare humble, but if you will share it with us, we shall feel honor

pitcher must soon be empty, and there was no more milk in the house. But what was her surprise, when, looking into the pit

ucis looked, and rubbed their eyes, and looked again in wonder. Where but a few moments since had stood a village with its

nlight. The wicked people and their dwellings had all been destroyed. But most wonderful of all, in place of their own litt

vor you choose, and it shall be granted.” Philemon and Baucis thought but an instant and then answered with one accord, “Le

of the terrors of the sea, and the dangers of the storm-beaten waves. But at last, when she found that he was bent on going

, and, although it grieved him to leave her, he felt that he must go; but he promised to return just as soon as he could. T

no harm might befall her while he was away. For a time all went well; but on the fifth day, toward evening, dark clouds gat

ion had been so real that she looked for wet footprints on the floor; but shadows leave no signs, and the room was empty an

nees beside the body, and weeping, cried, “O my beloved, my dream was but too true!” She could not bear to think of her lon

ounted a little rising knoll near the shore, and sprang into the sea. But she was not drowned. The gods so pitied the lovin

Follow her with tender eyes, Look so lovingly that she Cannot choose but think of me:           Watch her kindly, stars!

he king was so bewitched by Ino that he felt no grief at this answer, but ordered that the oracle should be obeyed. Everyth

Sky; I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores;     I change, but I cannot die. Percy Bysshe Shelley . II. Th

s had died, there lived in a certain country a king and queen who had but one child, a boy named Jason. The king, Aeson, wa

ed as king, while the rightful king lived far away, poor and unknown. But in spite of his poverty and friendlessness, King

and the javelin, and, what was still better, to be truthful and kind. But at last Jason grew to be a man, and then Chiron t

out of breath when he landed his companion safely on the other shore. But what was Jason’s surprise to see, in place of the

ring only one sandal, and one of Jason’s feet, as you know, was bare. But the crafty king pretended to be very glad indeed

anger that there would be very little chance of his ever coming back. But , of course, he did not show how pleased he was. J

his answer showed that he was not afraid of losing the Golden Fleece. But Jason was not to be so easily discouraged, and he

h this stranger. Indeed, the girl herself hardly knew why she did it; but the truth was that Juno had not forgotten her pro

their nostrils, so that the fields and the whole air seemed on fire. But Jason did not feel the heat of the flames, thanks

just as the little leaves pierce through the soil in the springtime. But , whereas the leaves are followed by pretty blosso

’s teeth. Of course, the people were all rejoiced at Jason’s success, but the king looked angry and sullen. He knew very we

ad done enough for one day, and that he should rest until the morrow. But in the evening, Medea, who could see that her fat

wild creatures that lived in the forests. All these things he loved, but dearer to him than anything else was a stag that

racticing with his bow and arrow. Just how it happened he never knew; but suddenly, as he was fitting the arrow to the bow,

hed to his companion’s side and drew the cruel steel from his breast. But it was too late the arrow had done its work only

ready to pierce himself with the same arrow that had slain the stag. But Apollo, who heard his friend’s voice weeping in t

ced him to give up the arrow with which he had meant to kill himself. But the poor boy wept and mourned, and would not be c

heir hiding places, and wonder that you no longer come to greet them. But I will mourn for you forever, Cyparissus, and you

n the grass by his side, and then prepared his net for another throw. But the fish he had caught began flapping about and n

turned to give a parting look at the sea, which she loved very much; but she did not notice the dark face watching her so

ated his whole story, and ended by telling her how much he loved her. But Scylla did not care for this strange-looking crea

y days he came in vain to the spot where he had so often seen Scylla, but the maiden no longer walked there. Then Glaucus t

tay in her palace, she would make him happy all the rest of his life. But Glaucus answered, “Sooner shall seaweed grow on t

f her robe, slipped into the clear water to enjoy its cool freshness. But the mixture Circe had given Glaucus was most horr

eadlong into the foaming waves of the sea. She was changed to a rock, but ever after, that part of the sea was dangerous to

h Its Pearls The sea hath its pearls,     The heaven hath its stars; But my heart, my heart,     My heart hath its love.

ll choose this merry little hunter whom he met so often in the woods. But whatever the reason was, it is certain that Apoll

he was as good a player as his friend, hurried forward to pick it up. But the disc had struck the ground with such force th

ered some herbs and pressed their juice between the dying boy’s lips. But it was of no use — Hyacinthus was fast sinking, h

ld gladly have died for him, and he did not care to live without him; but you know the gods could never die. He lay on the

be the turf above thee,     Friend of my better days! None knew thee but to love thee,     Nor named thee but to praise.

f my better days! None knew thee but to love thee,     Nor named thee but to praise. Tears fell, when thou wert dying,    

Cyprus would have been glad to marry this maker of beautiful things, but Pygmalion cared for none of them. The women he cr

re Pygmalion first offered up his prayer. They led a very happy life; but though Pygmalion carved many more beautiful statu

everything he laid his hands on was turned to shining, yellow metal. But there is another story about him, which, though n

se and thanks, and crowned him with his own laurel wreath of victory. But Midas, foolish King Midas, said that to his taste

y one the secret. The barber, full of fear, hastened from the palace. But his secret preyed on his mind until he could neit

they knew how Apollo had punished their king for his stupid judgment. But Midas could not have blamed the barber, even if h

se strange beings, instead of having two eyes, as you and I have? had but a single large one; and that one gleamed from the

fell very deeply in love with her. He forgot to look after his sheep, but let them wander at their own sweet will. His huge

ol; so too, a beard and shaggy hair are becoming to a Cyclops. I have but one eye in the middle of my forehead, yet the gre

ead, yet the great sun in heaven, which sees all things, likewise has but one eye. “My father rules over the blue sea in wh

whitest nymph, come unto me who long for you.” Thus sang Polyphemus. But Galatea was only frightened at the great, shaggy

to join her lover by the banks of a stream that flowed into the sea. But Polyphemus,, when he found that the lovely Galate

it at the lovers. Galatea slipped beneath the waters and so escaped, but the shepherd was crushed under the heavy weight.

forth from under the rock. At first it was red and looked like blood, but as it flowed on, it became clearer and clearer, u

od king and queen who had three daughters. The elder two were pretty, but not amiable, so that they had an ill-natured look

d the pretty Psyche, because goodness and beauty are lovely, and none but the envious and malignant hate the good and beaut

, and none but the envious and malignant hate the good and beautiful; but the sisters of Psyche did hate, and often tried t

er. Psyche’s parents were wrong to compare their daughter with Venus, but Psyche was perfectly innocent, and did not deserv

to what I shall tell you, for I must employ you to afflict Psyche.” “ But why, dear mother, said Cupid, interrupting his mo

rable time, he snatched up the bow and arrows, and flew away unseen.” But now he thought more of earth than of heaven, and

is desire to possess her himself. Harpocrates did not speak in reply, but he descended from his throne, and covered Cupid e

er. Some persons call such planning and concealment prudent forecast, but it is cunning, and is often detected and punished

er and marry her. The parents of Psyche dared not disobey the oracle, but they were thrown into great affliction at the tho

would have been: she said, “The gods command me to leave my parents, but the gods are good, they cannot intend to hurt me.

ear father and mother, all my friends will be sorry for my departure; but I will go, and trust the gods that they will take

I will prepare myself to see the most frightful monster in the world; but that which is ugly may be good. I will endeavour

d proceeding to the palace, entered it. She walked from room to room, but could see no living being. A slight refreshment o

I am come according to the decree of the oracle to make thee my wife; but you must never see me. We must always meet under

he the pleasure of seeing her sisters, without appearing very unkind; but he was sorry that she had made the request, becau

some way or other. He hesitated a moment when Psyche ceased to speak, but after a short pause, he replied: “If you desire i

he replied: “If you desire it, my dear Psyche, receive your sisters; but beware of taking any advice they may give you. I

led to her this lovely object. She could hardly believe her own eyes; but in her delightful surprise, the hand which held t

ed by the smart and the noise, started up; and, what should he behold but the blushing and affrighted Psyche, with a lamp i

m. The wretched culprit caught one of his feet, hoping to detain him, but she was drawn after him into the open air, and in

My mother commanded me to find a monster, and force you to marry him; but instead of obeying her, I gave you myself! To rew

he upheld her. She became senseless when the waters closed round her, but the river god bore her in his arms to a flowery b

e which sometimes wrapped his waist. He fled away from her inquiries, but she sought him, and urged him to tell her the tru

ed him to tell her the truth. At first Cupid would not open his lips, but when his mother importuned him, he told her the w

listened to wicked advice, and forgot her duty to one who loved her; but being sorry for her folly, may entreat mercy from

ance that she seemed to rejoice in the happiness which she witnessed, but the soft tread of Psyche’s way-worn feet drew her

petition. Willingly would I afford thee protection, unhappy fugitive, but thou knowest that I can do nothing in opposition

herefore leave thee to be dealt with as thy persecutor wills. I pity, but I cannot relieve thee.” ——— Repulsed by Ceres, Ps

reject thy prayer. I know that Venus is wrong, thus to afflict thee; but she is my daughter-in-law. I cannot make a quarre

Psyche heard this refusal, she felt as if she should die of despair; but after a moment she indulged a hope, that Venus he

rthy design — she could not excuse herself — she was sincerely sorry, but she begged to be forgiven. She begged to be resto

fere with my commands. You have been assisted in the task I gave you, but I shall assign you another, in which you may find

e in her hand, and with fear and trembling proceeded to the fountain; but scarcely had she come in sight of it, when an eag

he heart is at ease, health and pleasure make the countenance lovely; but sorrow withers the flower of beauty. My vexation

ht throw herself down, and thence be conveyed to the land of spirits. But as she stood on the verge of the tower, the stone

ul odour she fancied it might exhale, and she incautiously opened it. But instead of a delicious odour, a noxious vapour ar

ed objections to matching the sons of gods with the daughters of men; but Cupid declared that Psyche was worthy of a place

ation, and not only gave consent to the marriage of Cupid and Psyche, but declared it should be celebrated in the presence

they should be united. Venus was not much pleased with this decision, but she could not dispute the fiat of Jove, and so sh

ieved that there were such gods as you have been reading about. Ann. But there never were such gods. Who believed that the

s were very wise people. Mother. They were very wise in many things, but not wise in their religion. Ann. Do the people o

was one true God. Ann. were these gods whom they worshipped nothing but images of wood and stone? Mother. Most likely th

ily. It is a beautiful country. Once the people of Sicily had nothing but chestnuts and acorns to eat; but Ceres taught the

nce the people of Sicily had nothing but chestnuts and acorns to eat; but Ceres taught them agriculture, and gave them frui

Proserpine, so young and fair, would make an admirable queen for him, but he knew that her fond mother would never consent

s lily is fair, like Cyane; take it, it will become thy white bosom — but nay, not this for thee; I will give this to Cythe

at suits thee, my friend? Cowslip and yellow primrose faded in April, but here is heart’s-ease for thee;” and Leontia took

coming towards them. In it was seated a majestic figure, of a stern, but not frightful countenance; his bright keen eyes w

d she stood, not knowing whether to fly or to await the awful deity. “ But he is my father’s brother,” said she, “and shall

upon hers, “I am come hither, fairest of Sicilian maids, not to harm, but to bless thee — to make thee my queen. Thou art l

art — leave me!” she cried. “Virgins, my friends, do you forsake me?” But Pluto heeded not; nor was Proserpine unwilling to

lt. Perhaps she was quite covered over, or encrusted with salt. Ann. But how could Cyane be changed to a fountain? Mother

f a man who did not believe that water could be changed to ice. Ann. But the man might have seen it himself. Mother. No;

turned to her home, expecting to be received by her beloved daughter; but no daughter awaited her. Where to look for her, t

torch at its flames, resolved to search all night for the lost one — but her search was vain. The next day she found, by a

and spent my time in the woods, hunting or sporting among the trees; but going one day to bathe in the river Alpheus, the

our pleasure, then,” replied the goddess, “was death and destruction, but mine is to bestow comfort and happiness. Oh that

r supplication, “if she has not tasted food, in the kingdom of Pluto; but if she has, she cannot be restored to you. But wh

the kingdom of Pluto; but if she has, she cannot be restored to you. But why do you wish to recover her? She is wedded to

e all the past generations of men. The whole worlds of living men are but one generation. Pluto’s subjects are the guilty a

subjects are the guilty and the good of all ages, and all countries. But your daughter is in Elysium, where the virtuous a

the truth to her mother or to Pluto; she hoped she had not been seen, but one Ascalaphus saw her eating the pomegranate, an

o burst into tears, and reached out her hands to catch up the lizard; but the little animal was become shy, like the rest o

ads. All this threatened misfortune to the couple about to be united. But notwithstanding these sad portents, Tereus and Pr

replied to this request, “I would indulge you in this matter gladly, but you know it is a long and dangerous voyage to Ath

la. Tereus went, as he had proposed, and Pandion received him kindly; but the old king wept because Tereus had not brought

the reason why she staid behind, and the old man was then satisfied. But Pandion wept afresh when Tereus said he had come

ister. You cannot leave the kingdom; your subjects require your care, but I have no subjects that need me. My good Zanthea,

ela,” answered the fond old man, smiling upon her through his tears. “ But , my child, do not forget me. Recollect your promi

that you do not walk by his side, nor sit with him at his table. Go; but haste thee home again.” All things having been pr

es. The winds were propitious, and the voyage to Thrace was not long; but in the course of it, the wicked Tereus formed a p

r sister lived. Tereus did not exactly know how to get rid of Progne, but he thought he would shut up Philomela in a lonely

, when she left the vessel, did not know any thing of this vile plan, but cheerfully followed Tereus whither he led her, pr

ouse, which was surrounded by a high wall. Philomela saw nobody there but an old woman, and she felt a strange alarm at her

weep, lovely Philomela; no harm is intended you. I must quit you now, but I will soon return. This woman will give you what

nt, without being able to inform her sister of her unhappy condition; but at last she devised an expedient that might commu

ody, he drew his sword, and would have murdered Progne and Philomela, but an invisible power restrained his hand, and all t

d as Tereus, or any women so wicked as Progne and Philomela. Mother. But there were many people as bad when they lived. A

la. Mother. But there were many people as bad when they lived. Ann. But why were they so bad then? Mother. As I have tol

Greeks shock you, and they are revolting accounts of uncivilized men, but they were not worse than the Hebrews in many resp

erers, and liars. The early history of all men exhibits such conduct, but now the respectable part of society abhors and av

not much more than two hundred miles, in what is called an air-line; but then the vessels in use were not like ours; and s

lands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.” But Paul and Barnabas told them, “We are men.” Acts

looked about them for supper and lodging. They knocked at many doors, but were refused at all. One man said, “My friends ar

lived Baucis and Philemon, an aged and a happy pair. They were poor, but they did not desire to be rich. They had no serva

er dwellings and to sojourn in mine. You will find indifferent cheer, but you shall be welcome;” and waving his hand for th

as comfortable as an embroidered divan‌.5 The little room was warm, but the air abroad was chilly, and the fire half exti

orts into a pot. It took a good while to boil this bacon and cabbage, but the guests in the mean lime sat before the fire a

gs and fowls. The old woman was too busy to join in the conversation. But , without saying a word, she took down from certai

upper which even their godships relished, though it was not ambrosia. But eggs and bacon, and cabbage, and olives, did not

ouse door, which stood a little open, and the old couple pursued her; but she entered the cottage, and took refuge between

d protection. “Such churlish conduct the good gods detest and punish, but benevolence like yours deserves recompense. Ascen

he summit. It is my will to bring destruction upon an impious people, but you shall not be involved in their punishment. Tr

ey dwelt in the precincts of his temple, and assisted in his worship. But one day, as they stood at the gate discoursing wi

nn. Mother. How do you like Baucis and Philemon? Ann. Very much. But I should like to know why they had no glass windo

ill the fire blazed. Mother. Glass was known two thousand years ago, but glass windows have not been in fashion in Europe

agreeable in Greece and in Italy, people could sit with open windows; but when the weather was disagreeable, they could not

ients? Ann. Because they did not wear stockings, nor properly shoes, but sandals, which were only a sole laced on the foot

tatues of her, she was not drawn in her military costume, or apparel, but in the dress of a female, having a distaff in her

ll go to the apartment of the ladies of our house. We have no mother, but our good nurse, Euryclea, is our friend and compa

she advanced toward her, could not bear the sight of this noble form. But she arose, drew her ragged mantle over her shrunk

ul light of day. Envy cast a scowling look upon her, as she departed, but the office of punishment suited her malignant hea

cidentally dropped her veil. One of her maiden stopped to pick it up, but the wind took it, and a beautiful youth, rushing

She beheld the same youth, who had presented the veil to her sister, but she now distinctly saw his winged cap and the fol

ate there without interruption, upon some plan to disappoint Mercury. But as she stood at the door, about to descend into t

d unexpectedly appeared before her, and would have entered the house, but Aglauria placed herself in the way, and stopped h

e them. Ann. Why not? Mother. Because every body loves truth. Ann. But we love stories, or fictions, also. Mother. That

Did he call it Athens? Mother. No. It was called for him, Cecropia; but the name was altered afterwards in honour of the

rry and have families. They lived almost like flocks of wild animals; but Cecrops taught them to live in families, to separ

sion. Juno, who was of a vengeful disposition, struck Tiresias blind; but the father of the gods pitied him, and made him a

little Narcissus might be kept there from looking at his pretty face. But Lyriope sent her son to a beautiful island, where

is rosy cheeks, often invited him to join in their sports and dances, but he always refused to partake of their diversions.

s. Among those who admired Narcissus, was a young maiden, named Echo. But Narcissus would take no notice of her; and that n

ymph so much, that she pined away, till nothing could be found of her but her voice. She still inhabits woods and solitary

nd supplicated the image to come out. Then he plunged into the water, but the image disappeared, and he emerged disappointe

him lying on the bank, as they had seen him, he was no longer there, but in his place the pretty flower which hears his na

e to return to his father without her; therefore he went into Greece, but he did not know where to fix himself till he had

g near, to Mars. They had said it belonged to that god, and that none but his worshippers should have any of it. and it was

as guarded by a dragon, which then was gone into a neighbouring wood; but just as the followers of Cadmus were about to bea

scaly coat, and he soon killed him with the sharp point of his lance. But Cadmus was now alone; and he could not build a ci

eased, or made friends of the armed men who had killed his followers. But they fought among themselves, and after some were

girls bathing in the fountain. Acteon would have escaped unobserved, but Diana saw him, and was greatly incensed that a ma

ergone. He was soon met by one of his own dogs, who did not know him, but at sight of him set up a violent barking. This ro

he did not know to be safe. We cannot always know where we are safe, but we can almost always think before we act, and thu

we are in trouble. Juno could think of no way to make them miserable, but to tempt them to some wicked act, or to deprive t

: them, who enter there, With tail and bended ear he fawning soothes: But suffers not that they with backward step Repass.

inhabits a luxurious house, and is surrounded with delightful things. But envy not his happiness; his enjoyments are of sho

; soon will the hand of death compel them to this dreary world below. But the just judges of the dead will recompense Atham

at you and the foul Tisiphone can bring upon him.” Juno answered not, but followed her guides to a dark nook beyond Tartaru

struck with sudden horror, and tried to escape through an open door, but Tisiphone intercepted them. Lightnings dazzled th

reece. Athamas went mad. His insanity was such as afflicts other men; but the people of that age did not consider it a dise

commend a man very much, they would say, he is not the son of a man, but of a god, as they said that Perseus was the son o

n talk of what they intended to do, and he commanded them to forbear, but they disobeyed him, and, in spite of his remonstr

aving Naxos, entreated the mariners to return with him to the island, but they took no notice of his supplications. Finding

on went ashore. Bacchus then commenced what are called his conquests, but more properly his travels. He went over different

improper, and have tried to persuade them to a more orderly conduct; but he offended, without reforming them. Instead of t

the atrocity of such conduct; she beat her breast, and tore her hair, but she could not restore life to the dead. Cadmus gr

Ann. It is a sad story, and describes vary shocking conduct. Mother. But the shocking conduct is not all it describes. Doe

not very prudent to hide himself where the Menades held their orgies; but though he was imprudent, he was otherwise a good

ng any impropriety. The same worship was called the Brumalia at Rome; but the Roman people, like the early Greeks, got drun

se the turbulence. Ann. This is much like the procession of Bacchus, but there is no Silenus in it. Mother. Nor any leopa

lptures, represented Bacchus in a car drawn by panthers, or leopards. But this, I think, was only meant to show that civili

birth of his grandson, he thought. This is the boy who will kill me; but I will take care to prevent that: I will get rid

n concerning poor Danæ, tossed about upon the billows with her child. But Neptune, who was the god of the sea, had compassi

be thrown into the waves, and some merciful god has saved our lives. But where am I? in what strange land? Who will protec

e good Aglauria, the fisherman’s wife; she was expecting her husband, but was much surprised at the sight of Danæ, for she

strange lady, and then at her husband, as she saw them approach near, but did not speak a word. Dictys put the babe into he

her to a bed of clean rushes, which was the best the poor woman had, but there, after all her fatigue, she found rest and

issing. They loved him, because he was manly, and generous, and kind. But Polydectes, though he had been very kind to Dana;

phus, who thought beauty and strength very fine qualities for a king: but Polydectes was weak, and old, and ill-natured. He

ill kill me, I fear; or perhaps he will, that he may be king himself. But I will be too cunning for him. If I should kill h

, and present it to the king. Perseus could not procure such a horse; but he thought of another present, more rare and curi

show that Medusa was destined to die, therefore she might be killed; but her sisters were immortal. Medusa had been very b

illed; but her sisters were immortal. Medusa had been very beautiful, but she once behaved improperly in Minerva’s temple.

their habitation. Medusa happened to be asleep when Perseus arrived; but he was afraid to look at her, on account of the p

rror, should not kill him as well as the sight of the gorgon herself; but it seems it did not. Taking advantage of her slee

en pursue my journey.” Perseus expected a cordial welcome from Atlas; but , to his surprise, no such welcome was offered him

y, and seemed shocked and terrified; he tried, it appeared, to speak, but in spite of himself he hesitated, and shuddered “

meant. It was caused by a prediction which had been made long before, but which Atlas now recollected. An oracle had declar

thrust thee out with my own hands.” Atlas did not wait to be obeyed, but immediately aimed at Perseus a violent blow of hi

urn it; he only uncovered the fatal head, and Atlas stood, not a man, but a rock. An accumulation of earth, says the fable,

to commence their daily labour had arrived. Perseus still slumbered, but Aurora unbarred the gates of day, and roused him

ds, and looked upward, as if to implore the gods to take pity on her, but her eyes met those of Perseus, whom she imagined

chain attached to the rock. “Beautiful lady,” said he, “I am no god, but the good gods aid me. They know that I desire to

selves. I trust them; I know they will afford me help to deliver you: but tell me how came you to be in this sad condition?

e monster will come hither at noon, and then” She could not say more, but burst into tears. Perseus tried to comfort her, t

s. Perseus tried to comfort her, told her he must leave her a moment, but he would return soon, and remove her in safety. T

s by the monster, who dashed through the water with a terrific noise; but when he would have seized her, Perseus presented

he head of Medusa, though I could not have travelled to her dwelling, but for the wings which Mercury lent me. When I reach

gardless of their own promise, they did not wait for me to claim her, but have bestowed her upon you. Restore her to me; el

n related to Perseus the cruelty of her father to herself and to him; but they had both forgiven him. They knew that believ

xpel the usurper, and reinstate his grandfather. He had nothing to do but to exhibit the Medusa, and Phætus became a statue

oman, might go to a temple, as a refuge from injury, or to save life, but no one dared to follow him or her thither, lest h

ing, Perseus got ready to return, with his mother and wife, to Argos; but he first restored the loans of the gods to their

head as an offering. That head was afterward attached to the shield, but Minerva did not always carry it about; only when

uttered before he came into the world. Perseus was now king of Argos, but he chose, rather than reign there, to found a new

is called Envy. When we wish to imitate the good, that is emulation; but if another’s beauty, or accomplishments, make the

It cannot be seen, like a woman or child, though you may think of it. But poets, and writers of fables, imagine that envy i

er. If I should draw a figure like hers, and not call it by her name, but should call it Truth, I should make a person of t

ening, just after sunset, then she is Vesper and Hesperus, in poetry, but we commonly say the Evening Star, and a beautiful

n her hand, a helmet on her head, and her terrible shield on one arm; but this day, at Mount Helicon, she put off her warli

f Macedonia. The princesses had delightful voices; they sung sweetly, but they were so vain as to match their voices with o

ere worthy of crowns and thrones. Nor did the gods dare to meet them; but , veiling their glorious forms, they took those of

ce of his sheep. “All the Muses, and all the Pierides, sung by turns; but the nymphs decided that the daughters of Memory (

those conceited women, never more to enter into competition with any but the children of earth. “And did they not heed you

If they drink much of the water, they will make fine verses, perhaps; but if they just taste, and expect a single draught t

, and expect a single draught to inspire them, they become conceited, but they produce nothing fine. The chariot of day beg

pose to receive her. Terra (the earth) had refused to protect Latona, but Neptune metamorphosed her to a quail, and she fle

of his mother. With a quiver full of arrows, he attacked the Python, but he did not kill him till he had shot away every o

. This thinking of things together is the association of ideas. Ann. But how does this relate to Apollo? Mother. It was n

ther. In that story he was described as a young man, and was unarmed; but in almost all fables, he is represented as a boy,

he thought her very beautiful, and he looked at her with admiration; but she felt an extreme dislike to him, and, turning

m, fled away as fast as she could. Apollo was beautiful and eloquent, but neither his beauty nor his eloquence pleased Daph

cause you do not know who I am. I am not a shepherd of the mountains, but the son of Jupiter, the god of light. The inhabit

god of music and of healing; stay, and listen my lyre.” Daphne heard, but would not be detained. Fleet as the fearful fawn,

father to hear her prayer. “O, father!” she cried, “I detest Apollo, but still he pursues me. Rather than be his, I would

radiant forehead, exclaimed, “O, Daphne, thou canst not be my bride, but thou shalt be my favourite tree. My temples, my l

plucked from thy branches. Time and age shall not wither thy foliage, but thy verdure shall be at once the emblem of glory

hakspeare was a great poet. He lived more than two hundred years ago; but every reader admires and praises Shakspeare. That

sary things; the making of shoes, and weaving cloth, are useful arts, but making statues belongs to the fine arts. Ann. I

from among some ruins in Antium, near Rome. It was dreadfully broken, but the fragments were found, and put ingeniously tog

ll allow you to read to me another day some few more Classical Tales; but when they shall have been finished, you must retu

es, and poetry, better than you could have done without reading them. But , at present, you can afford no more time to ficti

with fright, at this strange appearance, Io uttered piercing shrieks, but she was relieved by the gentlest accents. “Fear n

chus threw his arms around the neck of the heifer, and wept over her, but Argus saw this tender interview, and instantly dr

who was a great favourite in Arcadia. Pan accosted the modest Syrinx, but she did not reply to him; she only ran away. Pan

Pan ran after her, and, when he overtook her, seized her by the arm; but instead of clasping the youthful Syrinx, he only

e only held a bundle of reeds. Pan was grieved at this metamorphosis, but he converted the reeds to a flute of seven pipes,

hers for the importance and dignity of their relations and ancestors: but we are not more worthy on account of our good for

goodness, knowledge, and amiable manners, alone entitle us to praise, but not to self-praise, only to the approbation and e

s.” “I do not,” retorted Epaphus, “dispute the perfections of Apollo; but perhaps he is not your father. Did he acknowledge

eavenly bodies in constant and contrary motion.” Phæton heard Apollo, but he was not moved by his remonstrances. “Remember

y taught from their own experience, expostulated no more with Phæton, but conducted him to the car. The car of Apollo was t

ed conductor, from pole to pole. Phæton now repented of his rashness, but it was too late; already the burning axles had se

around him, entreated that he would not leave the earth in darkness. But Apollo only answered, that Jupiter ought himself

e offspring of Latona command your homage of their mother? — they are but two! But the progeny of the royal house of Thebes

ng of Latona command your homage of their mother? — they are but two! But the progeny of the royal house of Thebes; the pri

uthful sports; in running, and wrestling, and in managing the horse —  but , without warning, they fell, struck by the fatal

reating with bitter cries, that one of her offspring might be spared; but her supplications were vain; the last-born of thi

be my guide. “During our journey, we met with nothing extraordinary; but a few days after our arrival in Lydia, as we were

Delos from the Egean Sea, and that there were born Apollo and Diana; but the unrelenting Juno hound means to drive her fro

ighest class, at Athens, was not assigned to domestic slaves usually, but to the middle class property; to the meties, or r

the schools of the state has attested the wisdom of the requirement; but the demand for some text-book adapted to the need

by the edition which bears the name of the Rev. Edward Everett Hale. But , after a year’s work, I find that half my materia

of English imaginative thought; third, the necessity of excluding all but the unquestionably classic. The term Classic, how

tic. From the extreme Classical to the extreme Romantic is a far cry; but as human life knows no divorce of necessity from

shment of the subject, or suggest the spirit and mien of ancient art. But in each case regard has been had to the æsthetic

So Ἀτρείδης becomes Atrīdes; Ποσειδῶν, Posīdon; Ιφιμέδεια, Iphimedīa. But , on the other hand, Κυθέρεια becomes Cytherēa; Πη

a name Φειδίας as would be anglicized not Pheidias, nor even Phīdias, but — Phĭdias. A few names of islands, towns, persons

rt, the practice aimed at has been not that of scientific uniformity, but of acknowledged poetic usage. For the benefit of

Mythological Subjects and their Sources names are not only accented, but , when there is possibility of error, syllabicated

rs of our youth were at home even among the Greek and Latin classics. But for various reasons, — some valid, as, for instan

of physical environment, history, social and intellectual tradition. But in dealing with the purely imaginative products o

those products be reproduced, so far as possible, not in the prosaic but in the poetic atmosphere, and in the imaginative

to thrid the labyrinth of art: not merely with the clue of tradition, but with a thread of surer knowledge whose surest str

toward artistic output, or patriotic devotion, or domestic altruism, but as a restraining influence, a chastener of æsthet

nd wonder of it, the naïveté and the romance, of Eddie lore, — cannot but graciously temper our modern estimate of artistic

sophy, and the other statement that an ancient philosophy never dies, but by process of internal growth, of modification, a

without admixture; no later stage is without trace of earlier creed; but in every stage a power is manifest making for rig

thology, and particularly of the classic myths, are not only general, but specific. For, the study, when illustrated by mas

the Classical Dictionary, — a mass of information bolted, as it were, but by no means digested. When, however, these storie

the student nowadays trusts to meagre and disjointed textbook notes, but a potentiality that should render the general rea

of old is the best incentive to an æsthetic estimate not only of art, but of nature to-day; but if our American pupils and

entive to an æsthetic estimate not only of art, but of nature to-day; but if our American pupils and many of their teachers

fully studied. The maps accompanying this volume will be serviceable; but there should be in the class-room one of Kiepert’

f each myth. The myths should provide not only nutriment for thought, but material for memory. Our youth in the push for sc

lusions already explained without recalling verses that contain them. But , above all things, should be cultivated, by means

ession may all be furnished or developed by other educative agencies; but what stimulus to fancy, to poetic sensitiveness a

tes should be studied by older pupils in connection with each lesson. But they should not be suffered to spoil the interest

a people. They owe their features not to any one historic individual, but to the imaginative efforts of generations of stor

are in the memories and mouths of savage races at this time existent. But the stories here narrated are no longer believed

of the creation, of the gods, and of the heroes — forefathers of men, but magnified, because unfamiliar, mysterious, and re

drum of actuality. They furnish information that may not be practical but is delightful; they elicit emotion — sympathy, te

er — for characters and events remote from our commonplace experience but close to the heart of things, and near and signif

of freedom does not impel the poet to capricious use of his material. But lesser bards than Homer have permitted their hero

ot only children and simple-minded men, like sailors or mountaineers, but cultivated men of ordinary poetic sensibility, be

use the poetic illusion; we talk not perhaps of the arrows of Apollo, but of a sun-stroke; our poetry abounds in symbols of

es with superlatives, they dignified theirs with divinity. Belief. — But this resemblance in habits of imagination, while

time or other, believed in these personifications. We do not believe. But their belief is easier to comprehend when we reme

ence of myths, and his acceptance of them. § 6. Unreasonable Myths. — But he would maintain this attitude of acceptance onl

-men, heroes; and that supernatural events are distortions of natural but wonderful occurrences. In fact, it attributes to

ly true that the method explains the origin and growth of some myths. But it accounts rather for the reasonable than the se

ts accordingly became in the process of generations not only persons, but male and female. As, also, the phrases expressing

ate and often incongruous narratives, no longer about natural events, but about persons. Ancient language may, for instance

llo the god of the sun chases Daphne, the maiden of the glowing dawn. But the word, Daphne, meant also a laurel that burned

nd of the bearer of the name and on its origin and first home.” ‌ 7 But unfortunately there is very often no agreement am

x Müller grants that mythology does not always create its own heroes, but sometimes lays hold of real history. He insists t

alysis, for the simple reason that their origin was not etymological, but historical. (3) The Allegorical Interpretation is

philosophical truth. The stories would at first exist as allegories, but in process of time would come to be understood li

icient in physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc. and clever in allegory; but that, for some unknown reason, their descendants

n some cases the myth was, without doubt, from the first an allegory; but where the myth was consciously fashioned as an al

st heaven.” There are doubtless many curious coincidences like these, but the theory cannot, without extravagance, be pushe

ds and in the social condition of the savages who invented the myths. But since we cannot put ourselves back in history tho

ica, and other worse than barbaric people of the nineteenth century.” But what are the characteristics of the mental state

he perversion of some ancient purer form of moral or religious truth. But , in general, the root of myth-making is to be fou

ing yet involved in great, though attractive and penetrable, mystery. But the stars and hills and storms are with us now, a

y of a real person — not only a parallel imagery of moral principle — but an underlying worship of natural phenomena, out o

rue.” Myth, in fine, “is not to be regarded as mere error and folly, but as an interesting product of the human mind. It i

history, the fictitious narrative of events that never happened.” 14 But that is not the full statement of the case. Myth

various guises, in lands remote one from another, have been advanced; but none of them fully unveils the mystery. The diffi

similar in various countries, or inherited from some mother country. But , although some historical myths may have descende

er, and as actual history, in Asia Minor, Ithaca, Persia, and Norway. But we find myths containing such incidents in all th

, American Indians, and other peoples whose myths resemble the Aryan, but are not traceable to the same original germ. The

s, the Australians, the Eskimo, the natives of the South Sea Islands. But while the possibility of the diffusion of myths b

very of racial families and of family traditions narrows the problem, but does not solve it. The existence of the same stor

“borrowing” and of “similar historic tradition,” while plausible, are but unsubstantiated contributions. And until we posse

taining a serpent’s nest. The old serpents were killed by the slaves, but Melampus saved the young ones. One day when he wa

creeping things.22 At one time his enemies seized and imprisoned him. But Melampus in the silence of the night heard from t

uths concerning the origin of things and the immortality of the soul. But the fragments of Orphic Hymns which are attribute

poems and oracles. Milton couples his name with that of Orpheus: — “ But O, sad virgin, that thy power Might raise Musæus

ythology. He is thought by some to have been a contemporary of Homer, but concerning the relative dates of the two poets th

ic legendary adventures. Of the works of Sappho few fragments remain, but they establish her claim to eminent poetical geni

Simonides was one of the most prolific of the early poets of Greece, but only a few fragments of his compositions have des

eceived from earlier writers, he has here fused into a literary epic. But what the Æneid lacks of epic simplicity, it makes

cated for public life, and held some offices of considerable dignity; but poetry was his delight, and he early resolved to

, the teacher of Nero, is best known for his philosophical treatises; but he wrote, also, tragedies, the materials of which

e origin of Skaldic poetry is lost in mythic or prehistoric darkness, but the Skalds of Iceland continued to play a most im

rived from Odde, the home of the reputed collector of the Elder Edda. But , of recent years, scholars have looked with most

ets of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries do not speak of Snorri, but they refer continually to the “rules of Edda,” an

that contradict the national character of both Germans and Norsemen; but the Sagas have their roots in Norse civilization,

ed the form preserved in the latest of the three great manuscripts.49 But the theory advanced by Lachmann is still of great

ould persuade us not only of its origin in very ancient popular lays, but of their fusion and improvement by the imaginativ

m. The Great Feud of the Bhâratas is, indeed, assigned to an author — but his name, Vyasa, means simply the Arranger. The R

has inclined some scholars to derive the Indian from the Greek epic. But , until the relative antiquity of the poems is est

ndia lack the artistic spirit and grace of the Iliad and the Odyssey, but they display a keener sympathy with nature and a

heory, attributed to Orpheus, asserts that Time was in the beginning, but had himself no beginning; that from him proceeded

e centre of the egg proceeded Eros (Love) and other wondrous beings. But the most consistent account of the origin of the

Earth, and beautiful Love who should rule the hearts of gods and men. But from Chaos itself issued Erebus,53 the mysterious

d strife. Homer mentions specially two of them, Iapetus and Cronus ; but Hesiod enumerates thirteen. Of these the more imp

memento of the means by which he brought his father’s tyranny to end, but as symbol of the new period of growth and golden

dethroned by one of his own children, conceived the well-intentioned but ill-considered device of swallowing each as it wa

the son of Iapetus, was doomed to bear the heavens on his shoulders. But a more famous son of the same Titan, Prometheus,

ce of the gods themselves. Against Heaven this horror lifted himself; but quailing before the thunderbolt of Jove, he too d

gacity; wings to one, claws to another, a shelly covering to a third. But Prometheus himself made a nobler animal than thes

he seed, and the ox to draw the plough. This was a race of manly men, but insolent and impious. And when they died, Jupiter

ious. And when they died, Jupiter made them ghosts of the underworld, but withheld the privilege of immortal life. § 25. Pr

ble parts in the skin, cunningly surmounted with uninviting entrails; but the bones he garnished with a plausible mass of f

insult as an excuse for punishing mankind, deprived the race of fire. But Prometheus regained the treasure, stealing it fro

oman. How the race had persisted hitherto without woman is a mystery; but that it had done so, with no slight degree of hap

attered themselves far and wide. Pandora hastened to replace the lid; but one thing only remained in the casket, and that w

he possessed a secret which involved the stability of Jove’s throne. But to reveal his secret he disdained. In this steadf

he agony they do not show, The suffocating sense of woe, Which speaks but in its loneliness, And then is jealous lest the s

The sum of human wretchedness, And strengthen man with his own mind. But , baffled as thou wert from high, Still, in thy pa

he vulture, — the despairing Cry of pain on crags Caucasian. “All is but a symbol painted Of the Poet, Prophet, Seer; Only

ature’s priests and Corybantes, By affliction touched and saddened. “ But the glories so transcendent That around their mem

designations, or Latinized forms of Greek names, have been retained; but , for the poetic conception of all these stories,

ined in Sections 55, 56, 98 and 124, we are indebted not to the Roman but the Greek imagination. Chapter V. Attributes o

receive them on their return. The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned, repaired to the palace of Jup

the gods, which never storms Disturb, rains drench, or snow invades, but calm The expanse and cloudless shines with purest

a similar command. According to another account these were not doves, but priestesses, who, carried off from Thebes by the

d with numerous other love affairs, not only in respect of goddesses, but of mortals, is, in part, explained by the fact th

las 9: 8; Roscher 13: 2123.] She was the daughter of Cronus and Rhea, but was brought up by Oceanus and Tethys, in their dw

anic eruption, incendiary flame, the glow of the forge or the hearth. But as the fires of earth are derived from that of he

furnished not only with anvils and all other implements of the trade, but with automatic handmaidens of silver and gold, fa

e Iliad and Hesiod’s Theogony, is Aglaia, the youngest of the Graces; but in the Odyssey, it is Venus. He is a glorious, go

when he chose, the cause of “inextinguishable laughter” to the gods, but he was by no means a fool. The famous god of the

im to Delphi to inculcate righteousness and justice among the Greeks; but the golden god Apollo chose first to spend a year

rflowed their bounds, and mankind made grateful offerings to the god. But his advent was not altogether peaceful. An enormo

apons which the god of the silver bow had not before used against any but feeble animals, — hares, wild goats, and such gam

of beech-leaves. Apollo brought not only the warm spring and summer, but also the blessings of the harvest. He warded off

, requiring clean hands and pure hearts of those that worshipped him. But though a god of life and peace, the far-darter di

fter another, the islands of the Ægean to afford her a place of rest; but they feared too much the potent queen of heaven.

lace of the future deities. This isle was then floating and unstable; but on Latona’s arrival, Jupiter fastened it with ada

hill, valley, forest, and plain. She was, however, not only huntress, but guardian, of wild beasts, — mistress withal of ho

goddesses themselves thronged the rites of the chorus-leading queen. But ordinarily a woodland chapel or a rustic altar su

the more ancient Greek conception, a daughter of Jupiter and Dione82; but Hesiod says that she arose from the foam of the s

tive form and fascination. To a few, indeed, her favor is a blessing; but to many her gifts are treacherous, destructive of

e sweet-toned and powerful, he added the persuasiveness of eloquence. But his skill was not confined to speech: he was, als

s of Heaven the most worthy or mention are: — (1) Cupid (Eros), small but mighty god of love, the son of Venus, and her con

d vegetation. He represented not only the intoxicating power of wine, but its social and beneficent influences, and was loo

with the chase, led the dances of the Dryads, and made love to them. But his suit was frequently of no avail, for though g

lin.] (2) The Nymphs. — Pan’s partners in the dance, the Dryads, were but one of several classes of nymphs. There were, bes

rding to the Iliad, this realm lay deep in the bowels of the Earth 93 but in the Odyssey, it is in the far west on a low-ly

of Mercury to conduct the spirits of the dead to this realm of Pluto; but in later poems we read that Charon, a grim boatma

serpent-tailed dog, lay on guard, — friendly to the spirits entering, but inimical to those who would depart. The palace it

steer; They drive adrift, and whither They wot not who make thither; But no such winds blow hither, And no such things gro

grow here. No growth of moor or coppice, No heather-flower or vine, But bloomless buds of poppies, Green grapes of Proser

stoops to no man’s lure; And love, grown faint and fretful, With lips but half regretful Sighs, and with eyes forgetful Wee

l In an eternal night.97 With the ghosts of Hades, the living might but rarely communicate, and only through certain orac

, were doomed to languish in the gulf of Tartarus immeasurably below. But the souls of the guiltless passed to the Elysian

then located in the far north, where the sun neither rises nor sets. But Homer’s Elysium of the western seas is a happy la

e western seas is a happy land, not tried by sun, nor cold, nor rain, but always fanned by the gentle breezes of Zephyrus.

d, The dwellers there wax never old, Nor wither with the waning time, But each man keeps that age he had When first he won

The night falls never from on high, Nor ever burns the heat of noon; But such soft light eternally Shines, as in silver da

wever, lord not only of all that descends to the bowels of the earth, but of all that proceeds from the earth; and in the l

when he carried off Proserpina; occasionally he journeyed to Olympus; but otherwise he ignored occurrences in the upper wor

lowing with flowers, and revisits the earth in duly recurring season. But when she is goddess of death, sitting beside Plut

s. Neptune’s palace was in the depths of the sea, near Ægæ in Euboea; but he made his home on Olympus when he chose. The sy

s the vault of heaven. He was once regarded as a divinity of the sea, but later as a mountain. He was the son of Iapetus, a

es of the principal ones were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only once between the reign of Num

tes of his own house. The Lares, or Lars, were also tutelary deities, but they differed from the Penates since they were re

more particularly divinities presiding over the household or family; but there were also public Lares, or guardian spirits

feeding the eagle. [Relief: Sepolcri.] § 58. Not only with immortals but with mortals were Jupiter’s relations sometimes o

k. She would have stretched out her arms to implore freedom of Argus, but that she had no arms to stretch out, and her voic

his most soothing strains, hoping to lull the watchful eyes to sleep, but in vain; for Argus still contrived to keep some o

ill contrived to keep some of his eyes open, though he shut the rest. But among other stories, Mercury told him how the ins

d by the satyrs and spirits of the wood. She would have none of them, but was a faithful worshipper of Diana, and followed

Diana of the silver bow. Without stopping to hear him, she ran away. But on the bank of the river he overtook her. She cal

ornaments on the tail of her peacock, where they remain to this day. But the vengeance of Juno was not yet satiated. She s

fearful dread. Poor nymph — poor Pan — how he did weep to find Nought but a lovely sighing of the wind Along the reedy stre

d, raised his hunting-spear, and was on the point of transfixing her, but Jupiter arrested the crime, and snatching away bo

to do. Perhaps my husband means to take her to wife, and put me away! But you, my foster-parents, if you feel for me, and s

and Little Bear move round and round in the neighborhood of the pole, but never sink, as do the other stars, beneath the Oc

nd kept saying how she was her mother, and herself had nursed Europa. But that other with mighty hands, and forcefully, kep

he will of ægis-bearing Jupiter, Europa was destined to be her prize. But Europa leaped forth from her strown bed in terror

, were emulously gathering the fragrant tresses of the yellow crocus; but in the midst of them all the princess culled with

ulls! A mind as honest as a man’s possesses him, and he lacks nothing but speech.” So she spake, and smiling, she sat down

own on the back of the bull, and the others were about to follow her. But the bull leaped up immediately, now he had gotten

lled again and again to her dear playmates, stretching out her hands, but they could not reach her. The strand he gained, a

ike the sail of a ship, and lightly still did waft the maiden onward. But when she was now far off from her own country, an

ntry, and neither sea-beat headland nor steep hill could now be seen, but above, the air, and beneath, the limitless deep,

sea? The sea is a path meet for swift ships that traverse the brine, but bulls dread the salt sea-ways. What drink is swee

form of a bull, for I can put on the semblance of what thing I will. But ‘tis love of thee that has compelled me to measur

peared, and had paid court in unostentatious manner and simple guise. But Juno, to gratify her resentment against this new

me as a lover. Heaving a sigh, she said, “I hope it will turn out so, but I can’t help being afraid. People are not always

made known her request. The god would have stopped her as she spake, but she was too quick for him. The words escaped, and

ors, not putting on all his terrors, as when he overthrew the giants, but what is known among the gods as his lesser panopl

a change: a glory fell to me. No more ’twas Semele, the lonely girl, But Jupiter’s Beloved, Semele. With human arms the go

med music, and the heart Went crooning a low song it could not learn, But wandered over it, as one who gropes For a forgott

as one who gropes For a forgotten chord upon a lyre. “Yea, Jupiter! But why this mortal guise, Wooing as if he were a mil

an maidens think, and laugh, Saying, ‘She had her wish, that Semele!’ But sitting here upon Olympus’ height, I look down, t

the air. Men could not bear the heat of their clothes or their beds, but preferred to lie on the bare ground. Nor could th

the Odyssey, another daughter of Asopus, therefore a sister of Ægina. But later poets make this darling of Jove daughter of

hey had been ordered to execute the cruel sentence upon their mother. But with a band of their fellow-herdsmen, they attack

mselves as weary travellers at many a door, seeking rest and shelter, but found all closed; for it was late, and the inhosp

with trembling hand set the table. One leg was shorter than the rest, but a piece of slate put under restored the level. Wh

hey bethought them to make this a sacrifice in honor of their guests. But the goose, too nimble for the old folks, with the

The kettle to the top was hoist, And there stood fastened to a joist, But with the upside down, to show Its inclination for

ops its course; Doomed ever in suspense to dwell, ’Tis now no kettle, but a bell. A wooden jack, which had almost Lost by d

ough’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce could see’t; But slackened by some secret power, Now hardly moves

de. The chimney to a steeple grown, The jack would not be left alone; But up against the steeple reared, Became a clock, an

r ran from cloud to cloud In Heaven, and the vast company was hushed. But when they sought for Cleobis, behold, He lay ther

spinning, weaving, and needle-work. She was also a warlike divinity, but favored only defensive warfare. With Mars’ savage

e and gaze upon her work. It was not only beautiful when it was done, but beautiful also in the doing. To watch her one wou

To watch her one would have said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not bear to be thought

and kindly advised her to challenge her fellow-mortals if she would, but at once to ask forgiveness of the goddess. Arachn

s unterrified. A sudden color dyed her cheek, and then she grew pale; but she stood to her resolve, and rushed on her fate.

from the shower,126 in which, where the colors meet they seem as one, but at a little distance from the point of contact ar

m Minerva to her rival to give up the contest before it was too late. But Arachne did not yield. She filled her web with su

With such subjects Arachne filled her canvas, wonderfully well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety. Min

orthwith Arachne hanged herself. “Live, guilty woman,” said Minerva, “ but that thou mayest preserve the memory of this less

and horses’ reins with spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed goddess Minerva with her hand sei

ct every one; only her thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on, because this pestilent one is thi

in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to me thy mother bare thee. But wert thou born of any other god unto this violenc

Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that is liquid but curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swif

sad experience to avoid measuring arms with the ægis-bearing Minerva. But he renewed the contest at a later period in the f

can overcome — thereon smote blood-stained Mars with his long spear. But she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone

Jove. This fact, not only Cadmus, who slew a serpent sacred to Mars, but all the family of Cadmus found out to their cost.

low arch, from beneath which burst forth a fountain of purest water. But in the cave lurked a serpent with crested head an

ntrails. The monster attempted to draw out the weapon with his mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point rankling in

templating its vast size, a voice was heard (from whence he knew not, but it was Minerva’s) commanding him to take the drag

harvest of armed warriors. Cadmus prepared to encounter a new enemy, but one of them said to him, “Meddle not with our civ

th, and in like manner the whole crowd dealt with each other till all but five fell slain. These five joined with Cadmus in

mele,132 Ino,133 Autonoë,134 and Agave,135 and one son, Polydorus.136 But in spite of the atonement made by Cadmus, a fatal

Enchelians, who received them with honor, and made Cadmus their king. But the misfortunes of their children still weighing

, they neither avoid the presence of man, nor do they injure any one. But the curse appears not to have, passed from their

t to bring Vulcan to Heaven by force that he might undo his trickery; but before the flames of the fire-god, the impetuous

kneeling on the bank would have slaked her thirst in the cool stream, but the rustics forbade her. “Why do you refuse me wa

I have no intention of washing my limbs in it, weary though they be, but only of quenching my thirst. A draught of water w

your pity, who stretch out their little arms as if to plead for me.” But the clowns persisted in their rudeness; they adde

nfit to drink. Enraged, the goddess no longer supplicated the clowns, but lifting her hands to heaven exclaimed, “May they

ifting her hands to heaven exclaimed, “May they never quit that pool, but pass their lives there!” And it came to pass acco

the surface or swimming upon it; sometimes coming out upon the bank, but soon leaping back again into the water. Their voi

ho not only had obstructed the peaceful ways to the oracle of Delphi, but had ventured to insult the mother of the twin dei

and dethrone the immortals. It is reported that not Apollo and Diana, but Jupiter himself with his lightning slew them. The

sport and eager to make his throw, ran forward to seize the missile; but it bounded from the earth, and struck him in the

d tried all his art to stanch the wound and retain the flitting life, but in vain. As when one has broken the stem of a lil

Phœbus, “robbed of thy youth by me. Would that I could die for thee! But since that may not be, my lyre shall celebrate th

d at last the palace of the Sun. He approached his father’s presence, but stopped at a distance, for the light was more tha

dissuade the boy by telling him the perils of the undertaking. “None but myself,” he said, “may drive the flaming car of d

of a fatal gift; recall the request while yet thou canst.” He ended; but the youth rejected admonition, and held to his de

ht the reins; not to take the straight road between the five circles, but to turn off to the left; to keep within the limit

d the reins with delight, pouring out thanks to his reluctant parent. But the steeds soon perceived that the load they drew

ght the reins or throw them loose; he forgot the names of the horses. But when he beheld the monstrous forms scattered over

ging of the silver bow. First did he assail the mules and fleet dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his piercing dart, h

ho had been received at the table of the gods by his father, Jupiter. But there was a strain of ingratitude and conceit in

r and daughter. The father not only betrayed the secrets of the gods, but , to ridicule their reputed omniscience, attempted

altogether unless you protect me.” She was proceeding in this strain, but Apollo interrupted her. “Say no more,” said he; “

lphenor, an elder brother, hastened to the spot to render assistance, but fell in the act of brotherly duty. One only was l

at all needed not his supplication; and Apollo would have spared him, but the arrow had already left the string, and it was

. Her husband, Amphion, overwhelmed with the blow, destroyed himself. But the mother knelt over the lifeless bodies, and ki

nd of the Argives a monster that for a season destroyed the children, but at last was slain by a noble youth named Corœbus.

est, Jupiter struck the bold physician with lightning and killed him, but after his death received him into the number of t

other mouths was rough In his seemed musical and low. Men called him but a shiftless youth, In whom no good they saw; And

found a healing power profuse. Men granted that his speech was wise, But , when a glance they caught Of his slim grace and

is divine herdsman, and was made happy in the possession of Alcestis. But Admetus fell ill, and being near to death, Apollo

s and dependents, fancied that it would be easy to find a substitute. But it was not so. Brave warriors, who would willingl

ike them the call to rescue the life they gave from an untimely end?” But the parents, distressed though they were at the t

e was of life, would not have submitted to receive it at such a cost; but there was no remedy. The condition imposed by the

o shall pull him out from me, Rib-mauled, before he let the woman go! But even say I miss the booty, — say, Death comes not

and mourned. As for Herakles, no doubt they supposed him dead. When — but can it be? — … Ay, he it was advancing! In he st

e, “take and keep this woman, my captive, till I come thy way again.” But Admetus would admit no woman into the hall that A

riend, if she look not somewhat like that wife thou hast lost.” Ah, but the tears come, find the words at fault! There is

rue eye, true body of the true live wife? … And Herakles said little, but enough — How he engaged in combat with that king

ng from ambuscade, Captured Death, caught him in that pair of hands. But all the time, Alkestis moved not once Out of the

strings. Tmolus at once awarded the victory to the lyric god, and all but Midas acquiesced in the judgment. He dissented, a

an ass. King Midas tried to hide his misfortune under an ample turban But his hair-dresser found it too much for his discre

e ground, and, stooping down, whispered the story, and covered it up. But a thick bed of reeds springing up in the meadow b

Venus had rejoined, “Thine arrows may strike all things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike thee.” So saying, he took his

ugh the heart. Forthwith the god was seized with love for the maiden, but she, more than ever, abhorred the thought of lovi

her that she might remain always unmarried, like Diana. He consented, but , at the same time, warned her that her beauty wou

e. I am the god of song and the lyre. My arrows fly true to the mark; but alas! an arrow more fatal than mine has pierced m

.” The nymph continues her flight, and leaves his plea half uttered. But even as she flies she charms him. The wind catche

st saw my love, she was fairly embarked In a laurel, as she thought — but (ah, how Fate mocks!) She has found it by this ti

es all taking their leaves; Those charms beyond speech, so enchanting but now, As they left me forever, each making its bou

emblem of constancy: — The heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close; As the sunflower

nymph of Elis was this Arethusa; she delighted not in her comeliness, but in the joys of the chase. One day, returning from

u might count the pebbles on the bottom. She laid aside her garments; but while she sported in the water, she heard an indi

ck cloud. Perplexed, the river-god still sought the trembling maiden. But a cold sweat came over her. In less time than it

me a fountain. Alpheüs attempted then to mingle his stream with hers. But the Cynthian queen cleft the ground; and Arethusa

tygian shore; — Like spirits that lie In the azure sky When they love but live no more. Fig. 48. Young River-god. [Bron

creamed and rushed towards the goddess to hide her with their bodies. But she was taller than the rest, and overtopped them

heard them regret that he should be away. He earnestly wished he was. But Diana had no pity for him, nor was her anger appe

asts, and brought the spoils of the chase as presents to his beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred his consent, Orion

d that she loved him. Her brother, highly displeased, often chid her, but to no purpose. One day, therefore, observing Orio

r, all through the night, Orion follows the chase across the heavens; but with dawn he sinks toward the waters of his fathe

ect on her sisters that they blanched, and have been pale ever since. But Electra became a comet; her hair floating wildly

she watched over him while he slept. She visited him again and again. But her secret could not long be hidden from the comp

bore him company. She who loved to recline in the shade, with no care but to cultivate her charms, now rambled through the

, girt like the huntress Diana. She chased game that is safe to hunt, but kept clear of the wolves and bears. She charged A

e mounted her chariot drawn by swans, and drove away through the air. But Adonis was too noble to heed such counsels. The d

r sacred beauty. Fair was the form of Cypris while Adonis was living, but her beauty has died with Adonis! Woe, woe for Cyp

hyself art stronger than I, and all lovely things drift down to thee. But I am ill-fated, inconsolable is my anguish; and I

d three daughters. The charms of the two elder were more than common, but the beauty of the youngest was such that the pove

done. He poured, at once, the waters of joy over her silken ringlets. But Psyche, henceforth frowned upon by Venus, derived

m her charms. Her two elder sisters had long been married to princes; but Psyche’s beauty failed to awaken love. Consequent

.” This dreadful decree of the oracle filled the people with dismay; but , at Psyche’s request, preparations for her fate w

e whose august front showed that it was not the work of mortal hands, but the happy retreat of some god. She approached the

e came in the hours of darkness, and fled before the dawn of morning; but his accents were full of love, and inspired a lik

passion in her. Often, she begged him to stay and let her behold him, but he would not consent. “Having looked upon me,” he

ooked upon me,” he said, “mayhap thou wouldst fear, mayhap adore, me; but all I ask of thee is love. I would rather thou sh

dore me as a god.” This reasoning somewhat quieted Psyche for a time. But the thought of her parents and of her sisters, le

ng, departed. These persuasions Psyche resisted as well as she could, but they did not fail to have their effect on her min

d for love, And she began to sob, and tears fell fast Upon the bed. — But as she turned at last To quench the lamp, there h

window. Psyche, in vain endeavoring to follow, fell to the earth. For but an instant Cupid, staying, reproached her with di

e evening.” This said, Venus departed, and left the girl to her task. But Psyche, in perfect consternation at the enormous

done, she promptly exclaimed, “This is no work of thine, wicked one, but his, whom to thine own and his misfortune thou ha

nt to the river-side, prepared to do her best to execute the command. But the god of that stream inspired the reeds with ha

ging, and returned to Venus with her arms full of the shining fleece. But , far from commending her, that implacable mistres

ourney by precipitating herself, at once, from the summit of a tower. But a voice from the tower, restraining her from this

to her; and glad was she to come out once more into the light of day. But having got so far successfully through her danger

the wayside did she sit And turned the box round, long regarding it; But at the last, with trembling hands, undid The clas

th trembling hands, undid The clasp, and fearfully raised up the lid; But what was there she saw not, for her head Fell bac

Ill dreams; so that for fear and great distress She would have cried, but in her helplessness Could open not her mouth, or

t in her helplessness Could open not her mouth, or frame a word.180 But Cupid, now recovered from his wound, slipped thro

arrow. “Again,” said he, “hast thou almost perished by thy curiosity. But now perform the task imposed upon thee by my moth

es of the voice of Love, And found his footsteps’ traces everywhere. But never more they met! since doubts and fears, Thos

Their arms embraced, and their pinions, too; Their lips touched not, but had not bade adieu, As if disjointed by soft-hand

outnumber At tender eye-dawn of Aurorean love: The winged boy I knew: But who wast thou, O happy, happy dove? His Psyche tr

r: “I will be the prize of him only who shall conquer me in the race; but death must be the penalty of all who try and fail

his thought, at first, that these suitors risked too much for a wife. But when he saw Atalanta lay aside her robe for the r

only one breath, too late. Hippomenes had toucht the maple goal With but two fingers, leaning pronely forth. She stood in

atifies the nuptial vow.” She would have wept to see her father weep; But some God pitied her, and purple wings (What God’s

and purple wings (What God’s were they?) hovered and interposed.184 But the oracle was yet to be fulfilled. The lovers, f

he fairest Cupid pin’d, And, looking in her face, was strooken blind. But this is true: so like was one the other, As he im

slight: Who ever lov’d, that lov’d not at first sight? He kneel’d; but unto her devoutly prayed: Chaste Hero to herself

re; Wherewith she yielded, that was won before. Hero’s looks yielded, but her words made war: Women are won when they begin

them for the orator.’ With that Leander stoop’d to have embrac’d her, But from his spreading arms away she cast her, And th

a touch, Did she uphold to Venus, and again Vow’d spotless chastity; but all in vain; Cupid beats down her prayers with hi

s wont of nights to swim the strait, that he might enjoy her company. But one night a tempest arose, and the sea was rough;

the ivory and gold That clothe her cedar frame Are beautiful, indeed, but cold; Ah, touch them with thy flame! Oh, bid her

to another version of the story, he said not, “bid mine image live,” but “one like my ivory virgin.” At any rate, with suc

Her very lips, were such as he had made, And though her tresses fell but in such guise As he had wrought them, now was she

morn, Dyed like the setting sun upon the corn. Speechless he stood, but she now drew anear, Simple and sweet as she was w

“as yet I am not wise, Or stored with words aright the tale to tell, But listen: when I opened first mine eyes I stood wit

g there fell Carved like these flowers, nor could I see things clear, But with a strange, confused noise could hear. “At l

onfused noise could hear. “At last mine eyes could see a woman fair, But awful as this round white moon o’erhead, So that

, and acquaintance ripened into love. They would gladly have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, parent

dy. “O, hapless girl,” cried he, “I have been the cause of thy death; but I follow thee!” So saying, he drew his sword and

d. “I, too, can be brave for once, and my love is as strong as thine. But ye, unhappy parents of us both, deny us not our u

h Mercury responded that he was, on the contrary, a veracious person, but that his brother Apollo was a coward to bully a h

he culture of the vine and the mode of extracting its precious juice; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth

urning in triumph, he undertook to introduce his worship into Greece, but was opposed by certain princes who dreaded the di

espect for the new worship, and forbade its rites to be performed.197 But when it was known that Bacchus was advancing, men

oble youth, they thought to detain him in the hope of liberal ransom. But Acetes suspected that some god was concealed unde

ake me there, and ye shall be well rewarded.” They promised so to do; but , preventing the pilot from steering toward Naxos,

glory ye shall gain by cheating a poor boy.” Acetes wept to hear him; but the crew laughed at both of them, and sped the ve

und. The men, astonished, pulled at their oars, and spread more sail, but all in vain. Ivy twined round the oars and clung

narrative, when Pentheus, interrupting, ordered him off to his death. But from this fate the pilot, rendered invisible by h

s of the past disclose, And deathless praises to the vine-god sing. … But oh! within the heart of this great flight, Whose