eemed to pierce through the clouds, up, up into the sky, till the eye could scarcely follow it. None of the people of Greece

ough the heavens every day, and on his lyre he played sweet music. He could heal all kinds of wounds, and could shoot wonderf

is lyre he played sweet music. He could heal all kinds of wounds, and could shoot wonderfully well with his golden arrows.

was called “The Swift” and no wonder; for he had winged sandals, and could fly faster than the lightest bird. He had a winge

besides, and a magic staff wreathed with two serpents, with which he could do all sorts of things. He was the messenger of t

as one who did not love her, and that was Juno. For some reason, Juno could not bear to look at Callisto, and the lovelier an

rush into her heart at once; and she hated Callisto so much that she could no longer bear to see her. So she did a very crue

sadness in the eyes that gazed at him that he felt a terror which he could not explain. Scarcely knowing what he did, he rai

his wife had done to one so good and gentle. To make up as far as he could for Juno’s cruelty, he changed both mother and so

ly. And no wonder, for Proserpine was the sunniest, happiest girl you could imagine. Her face was all white and pink, like ap

s something so young and fair and tender about the maiden that if you could imagine anything so strange as the whole springti

ome and share his gloomy throne; but not the richest jewels or wealth could tempt any one of them to leave the bright sunligh

th endless seeking, and answered that until Proserpine was found, she could think only of her child, and could not care for t

at until Proserpine was found, she could think only of her child, and could not care for the neglected earth. So all the peop

ong of welcome to Latona. In fact, it was as lovely a home as any one could wish for. And here Latona lived for a long, long

at tongue with which she had been too ready. Poor Echo found that she could no longer speak; she could only mimic the last wo

d been too ready. Poor Echo found that she could no longer speak; she could only mimic the last words of others. Now there wa

rough the woods, longing for the power to speak to him. But alas! she could not speak. They went on in this way for some time

woods. He looked all around, but not seeing any one to whom the voice could belong, he called, “Come!” whereupon Echo likewis

me!” whereupon Echo likewise called, “Come!” This was bewildering. He could see no one, and yet every cry of his was answered

t dare show herself, for fear that he might be angry, but you see she could not help answering. At last Narcissus, who was ge

neck, to tell him her love in that way; for, you know, the poor girl could not tell it in words. But Narcissus hated to have

ated her so rudely. She suffered very much and wept night and day and could not touch any food; so that she grew pale and thi

e way. When Narcissus was born, his mother took him to a wise man who could foretell the future, and asked whether her boy wo

s in the water parted as though they were answering him; but no sound could he hear. He smiled, and the two starry eyes in th

ht, when Diana drove her silver car through the heavens, the poor boy could scarcely breathe for marveling at the beauty of h

d upon her from all sides. She became so vain about her work that she could think of nothing but how wonderful she was; and o

aiden at her work, and listened to the girl’s boastful claim that she could outdo Minerva herself in skill. Then the old woma

ng very fast. And such beauty as grew under her skillful fingers! You could almost see the birds fly and hear the lapping of

stories that she pictured were all chosen to show that even the gods could sometimes make mistakes. When she laid down her s

w off in a very bad humor, and tried to think of some way in which he could make Apollo feel which of them was the better mar

ss rocks became living and trembled at the beauty of his song. And he could so charm people that they would forget all their

leaves, a serpent darted out with a loud “hiss,” and before Eurydice could step aside, the snake had bitten her in the foot.

he rocks and the trees were moved to tears for his sorrow. At last he could bear his loneliness no longer, and he determined

he throne where the king and queen were seated in state. Before Pluto could express his wonder at seeing a living being in hi

s had a sudden fear that Eurydice might have lagged behind. Before he could think of what he was doing, he turned his head qu

with only the birds and the trees and the wild animals; for, since he could not have Eurydice, he cared for no other companio

rough manner, to play them some gay music. Now Orpheus, as you know, could think only of sad things since Eurydice had gone

y of sad things since Eurydice had gone from him, and he felt that he could not play merry tunes. But when he refused, the wo

d silent, rooted to the spot. But now he tried to speak, and found he could not utter a word. The angry goddess had changed h

out of the way, for the wicked king knew that if the boy were gone he could easily do what he liked with the mother. At last

. They had beautiful faces, but their bodies were so hideous that one could think of them only as ugly monsters. Instead of s

well say. With one blow of their tails or of their brazen hands, they could have crushed poor Perseus to atoms. But worse tha

ince merely looking at the Gorgon would turn Perseus to stone, and he could not very well cut off her head without looking, t

thought of what would probably happen to him made him so sad that he could not keep the tears from his eyes. Suddenly a voic

gave his sharp, crooked sword and his winged shoes with which Perseus could fly more swiftly than the swiftest bird. All that

that single eye; so that while one of them had the eye, the other two could see nothing at all; and while they were passing t

h much more than any other six eyes put together. With it the sisters could see what was going on in the farthest parts of th

his was a secret with which the sisters would not have parted if they could have helped themselves; but the loss of their pre

y started up to follow Perseus; but on account of Pluto’s helmet they could not see him, and he escaped with the head of snak

o far away that no one but the three sisters with their wonderful eye could tell how to reach it. Perseus told his mother all

en Cassiopeia went sadly home and locked herself in her room; for she could not bear to look her child in the face. Ah, how b

iek; and all the people covered their eyes with their hands, for they could not bear to see what was to happen. All at once s

s you remember, I have told you what a jealous queen she was, and she could not bear to have Jupiter care for any one besides

turning to Jupiter, begged him to give her the cow as a present. What could Jupiter do? He could not refuse his wife such a t

egged him to give her the cow as a present. What could Jupiter do? He could not refuse his wife such a trifle, and so he had

ft unguarded. At night she was tied to a tree, but during the day she could wander about as she pleased. The poor girl did no

oo much for the poor girl, — not to have her own father know her! She could not speak to him, but with her foot she traced he

stant pasture, and seated himself on the top of a hill, from which he could see all that happened. But Jupiter had not forgot

ed. But Jupiter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he could ; so he called his son Mercury, the messenger of t

fled from him in terror. He followed, but she ran so swiftly that he could not overtake her. “At last she came to a stream,

ried with groans and pitiful cries to ask relief of the gods. Jupiter could no longer bear to see her suffering; so he begged

away their tears with her kisses, and she was with them whenever she could steal away from the many things that kept her bus

lled her children greater than the gods, and had boasted that fortune could not harm her. When Diana and Apollo saw their mot

akes, one with each hand, and wrung their necks. The astonished nurse could hardly believe what she saw. You can well underst

ing him unhappy, — she made him a slave to the king of Argos. Nothing could have been harder for Hercules to bear than slaver

set him free if he would perform twelve very difficult tasks. Nothing could have suited Hercules better, for he delighted in

captured, and many bloody battles to be fought, before the brave man could gain his freedom. But at last all the dangers wer

e river god felt equally sure that he would be the victor, because he could disguise himself, at any moment, and take on the

rt, and the two mighty ones fell upon each other. Very soon everybody could see that Hercules was uppermost. Against his migh

of their bodies, but like horses in the lower parts; so of course he could cross a stream when it would have been impossible

rouching behind the rock; he strode up to him, and before the servant could stammer out a word to show his innocence, Hercule

out in the middle of the sea. As for Hercules, when he found that he could not free himself from his torture, he died as he

r from Greece was the island of Crete, ruled by King Minos, a man who could be a very good friend and a very cruel enemy, as

pathway, a path with so many turns and twists that one who entered it could never find his way out again. Perhaps, in another

thought and thought of some means of escaping from the island; but he could not get a boat, though day after day he looked at

depended the safety of the city. The people believed that no stranger could enter their gates, unless he could first secure t

e people believed that no stranger could enter their gates, unless he could first secure the purple lock. When the king’s dau

ained at the thought of the war which made him her enemy. If only she could fly out of the gates and tell him how much she ca

f his head. She did not even feel ashamed of the wicked deed, for she could no longer think of anything but King Minos. Then

t supply of food for his army, and besides, when that was used up, he could readily send his soldiers for more. But the peopl

as you will understand, they had no way of getting any more; for they could not leave the city without falling into the enemy

e city. You remember, I told you in another story, that whereas Minos could be a very good friend, he could also be a very cr

in another story, that whereas Minos could be a very good friend, he could also be a very cruel enemy. What he asked of the

hopeful words; but they had no hope, for they thought no human being could . overcome that monster, and besides, once in the

ld. overcome that monster, and besides, once in the labyrinth, no one could find the way back to the entrance. At last the sh

he other with his left hand. If, then, he should kill the monster, he could easily find his way out again by winding up the t

he felt that he must go; but he promised to return just as soon as he could . The ship was fitted out, and all too soon came t

s and the rumbling of the thunder filled the air, so that the sailors could no longer hear the orders that Ceyx shouted to th

ht be spared, and that he might soon be restored to her. At last Juno could no longer bear to hear these prayers for the safe

was empty and undisturbed. She was so troubled by her dream that she could no longer sleep. She arose and dressed, and, as t

y, and weeping, cried, “O my beloved, my dream was but too true!” She could not bear to think of her lonely life without Ceyx

ry wonderful piece of wood, as you will agree when I tell you that it could speak. Many a time during the long voyage, when J

uno had not forgotten her promise to help Jason, and the only way she could do it was by making Medea love him so much that s

e field, the two bulls came snorting and bellowing toward him. If you could have seen the creatures, you would have believed,

s, but the king looked angry and sullen. He knew very well that Jason could not have succeeded except by the aid of magic, an

that he should rest until the morrow. But in the evening, Medea, who could see that her father suspected her, told Jason he

woods, seeking the shady nooks and the little streams, where the stag could see his beautiful antlers reflected and could dri

streams, where the stag could see his beautiful antlers reflected and could drink the clear water. The boy would weave garlan

soft forehead over and over again, and moaned aloud. He felt that he could not live without his dear playfellow, and was rea

led their discs into the air, the object of the game being to see who could throw the quoits the farthest. Apollo and his com

he was almost as pale as the wounded Hyacinthus. When he saw that he could not stop the wound from bleeding, he quickly gath

r, and like a flower he faded away. Apollo’s grief was sad to see. He could not believe, at first, that the boy he loved so d

r him, and he did not care to live without him; but you know the gods could never die. He lay on the ground by the side of hi

tting sun fell around the statue of the loveliest young girl that you could imagine. It did not seem like an image; the rosy

l hand, it seemed to him that the statue was beginning to breathe. He could no longer sing at his work; in fact, he could no

eginning to breathe. He could no longer sing at his work; in fact, he could no longer work, for he loved that fair image so d

enus, the great goddess of love, would take pity on him; and since he could never care for any other woman, that she who coul

him; and since he could never care for any other woman, that she who could work such wonders would change his marble statue

trange and beautiful picture it must have been, and I wish all of you could have been there to see it. Pan was the first to p

something in his music that belonged to the woods and the rivers; you could almost hear the gurgling of the brooks and the si

joy. Even Pan threw down his flute before this wonderful singer, who could move people to laughter or to tears by touching t

hastened from the palace. But his secret preyed on his mind until he could neither eat nor sleep for thinking of it; and yet

hinking of it; and yet he dared not confide it to any one. At last he could stand it no longer. One midnight, when every one

how Apollo had punished their king for his stupid judgment. But Midas could not have blamed the barber, even if he had known

y glare that it frightened you much more than a hundred ordinary eyes could have done. Indeed, it was said that when the Cycl

Yet I am going to tell you a story which will prove that the Cyclops could love after all, although there was something roug

ing. Even the old Earth was not dead. The earthquakes proved that she could move, if she would. Down under the earth, where t

heroes, hail!    Land of gods and godlike men, Thine were hearts that could not quail, —    Earth was glorious then; Thine we

flowers, stood looking with wonder at the approaching god. Before she could even turn, the chariot was beside her. Without dr

t they had was so faint that it was scarcely light at all. Proserpina could see nothing at first, but Pluto gave a sigh of co

be queen of this awful kingdom, began to see better. High above, she could make out something like a cloudy sky arched over

rworld, and there are no stars there. Far away, across the plain, she could see great masses of towers and palaces; but there

eam a boat. It was laden down with the souls of men. In the stern she could make out Charon, the grim ferryman, with his long

. “He will harm no one who has the right to pass him.” But Proserpina could not even look at him. So they passed on. All the

h, Proserpina thought was sad. All the jewels and riches of the world could not make this little goddess happy without sunshi

Altogether it was a strange, uncanny sound, and when Pan shouted, he could make a whole army of brave men run helter-skelter

he rocks and the streams of water. But though Pan was a great god, he could not tell what had become of Proserpina. A day pas

me of Proserpina. A day passed, and another, and another; still Ceres could not find her child. She traveled over the earth f

within doors, and shivered and waited. Sometimes, in the nights, they could see in the sky the glow of her great torch, where

dess wandered alone, searching; and, when the storms were worst, they could sometimes hear her voice calling, “Proserpina.” M

he very bottom of the earth, and Arethusa, the nymph who lived in it, could go down when she pleased and look into the underw

hat the dark god was Pluto, the ruler of the underworld, and that she could do nothing against his mighty power. At last, she

the reign of happiness began again over all the earth. Yet Proserpina could not stay with her mother always. While she was in

aw men suffer in the winter months, he at once began to consider what could be done for them. First he taught them to build h

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

e should raise the lid just a little — just enough to look in — there could be no great harm done. She wanted only a glimpse.

nted only a glimpse. She would close it again so quickly that nothing could escape. At last, one day, the charm was too great

kneeling upon the lid of the box and weeping. It was long before she could tell what had happened. Then, for many hours, the

ened. Then, for many hours, they sat without a word to say. What good could come of talking? The evil was done. Next day it w

ter not to live, than to live in this misery.” But as they talked and could find no help, suddenly Pandora gave a cry of joy.

t felt that life was good after all, for with all their troubles they could be brave and strong while hope remained. After th

sten. She fled only the more swiftly, and Apollo, with all his speed, could hardly keep in sight of her fair swift feet and h

he seemed to hear in them the very voices of the gods. And he himself could sing. Apollo, god of light and song, loved him an

sank to the ground; then the flames began to sputter and go out, nor could the torches by any effort be made to burn well. “

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 people of Thra

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

ht with song the gods of Olympus, but though the gods loved him, they could not control the grim god Death, nor make him send

to see. Yet Eurydice was there, and by her walked Mercury, who alone could lead her out. Then began the upward climb. The de

ollowing? Is it possible that they intend to give her back to me?” He could not believe that it was true. He listened to hear

e her, after all. Yet Eurydice was always following, though her voice could not be heard and her footstep was as yet only the

ve it. Then, suddenly, he heard her. That was her step behind him. He could hear her gentle breathing. The joy and delight ma

the aged seer Tiresias, and asked him what it all meant, for Tiresias could tell future events. “Alcmena,” said the seer, “yo

his time, he spent his days and nights inventing the hardest tasks he could for Hercules. The truth is that he was jealous of

be very wise in such matters. That was a good thought, but the nymphs could not tell him. They advised him to seek out Nereus

. They advised him to seek out Nereus, the old man of the sea, for he could surely tell where the gardens were. Then Hercules

th his long white beard and hair. Hercules drew near as quietly as he could and clasped him tightly about the waist, for Nere

the sea-creatures shuffled and slid off to the water as fast as they could , leaving Nereus to take care of himself. Then

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

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

t Prometheus free, and Prometheus, in gratitude, told him where Atlas could be found. Far to the west, over land and sea, Her

o easy as he had expected. He wondered how so airy a thing as the sky could be so heavy. He wished he had gone after the appl

ile he saw Atlas trudging toward him, and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that he had in his hand a branch with the bea

nder that they thought not even the longed-for Islands of the Blessed could be better than their own native land. But happine

wooed her, and married her. Their only son was named Phaëton. Helios could not come down often to the earth. Every morning h

their mad course across the astonished skies, His father’s steeds he could not safely guide, And in the glorious enterprise

for whoever looks on the Gorgon is changed at once to stone. No enemy could stand against him who had it.” Then Perseus said:

ncerning this monster, Medusa. But the aged priest, though very wise, could not tell him where she could be found. So Perseus

. But the aged priest, though very wise, could not tell him where she could be found. So Perseus went out and walked along th

y cried, and spreading their swift wings, they darted after him. They could not see him, but they had the scent of blood-houn

He ordered Perseus to leave the country at once. Perseus did what he could to soothe the big fellow, but Atlas grew more and

es. But Perseus with his winged feet was far too quick, and though he could not at once kill the creature, he plunged his swo

rd into it again and again. At last his wings became so wet that they could hardly support him. He was forced to alight on a

est. He wished even to make Perseus his heir, but this offer the hero could not accept. “I must carry the Gorgon’s head to Po

with its sigh. While mute lay even the wild bee’s hum,    Nor breath could stir the aspen’s hair, His song was still “Sweet

elf and tugged still harder, but the stone was firm. Ten ordinary men could hardly have moved it. He made a third trial. The

seus took the wine and, smiling, raised it to his lips. But before he could taste it, King Ægeus suddenly struck the goblet f

saw him among the victims, and Ariadne gazed at him long; indeed she could not take her eyes from his fair, noble face. “Oh,

e him with its horns, and Theseus with all his quickness and strength could hardly avoid it, and when, in return, he struck w

va, and Venus, the goddess of love, all claimed the prize, and no one could or would decide to whom it rightly belonged. Thus

s it happened that when the strife between Juno and Minerva and Venus could not be decided, some one said, “Paris, the shephe

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

ers. All seemed lost, for the Greeks had only the sea behind them and could not even escape without their ships. Again Patroc

st the Trojans and against mighty Hector.” Vulcan was pleased that he could do this thing for Thetis. He hobbled away willing

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 and the a

t Achilles. Full on the shining shield it struck, but no human weapon could pierce that shield, and the spear of Hector fell

ere unable to capture the city by storming the walls, and the Trojans could not drive the Greeks away. The siege lasted ten y

s were going, and that the war was at an end? Night came on, and they could still hear the Greeks at work. Then all was still

in the reeds by the shore. He was trembling with fright, and at first could not speak for fear. When at last he found his voi

e to the city gate. The guards, deep in sleep, were slain before they could utter a sound. Then the gates were opened wide. B

and when they were all in, lifted a huge door-stone which twenty oxen could not have moved, and set it against the entrance.

ne. On the tenth night the shores of Ithaca came in sight and the men could see fires upon the hillsides. It was their home.

they treated her palace as though it were their own. Every day there could be heard from her halls a great tumult of revelry

alls a great tumult of revelry and feasting and drunkenness. Penelope could do nothing against all this, and Telemachus was s

gs, him I will marry.” Thus she spoke, but she knew that none of them could bend it. “But if I shall bend it and shoot throug

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

ard with which he rubbed the bow, to make it limber, but even then he could not bend it, nor could any of the other suitors.

d the bow, to make it limber, but even then he could not bend it, nor could any of the other suitors. “Let me take the bow,”

sses, seated by a pillar. Penelope looked at him long in silence. She could not believe that it was he. “Son,” said Ulysses,

ith our subject illustrations more vivid and striking than the pencil could furnish, but which are lost to the reader ignoran

eory. As they looked about them for some clue to serve as guide, they could not help but observe and admire the wonders of na

lusion that a hand mighty enough to call all these wonders into life, could also have created the beautiful earth whereon the

mass reigned a careless deity called Chaos, whose personal appearance could not be described, as there was no light by which

appearance could not be described, as there was no light by which he could be seen. He shared his throne with his wife, the

condescended to share their feasts and games. A people thus favoured could not fail to be happy, and many were the songs in

rs, the Titanides (Ilia, Rhea, Themis, Thetis, Mnemosyne, and Phœbe), could not easily escape from its cavernous depths. The

mediately tried to devise some plan to get rid of him; but, before he could put it into execution, he found himself attacked

had now conquered all his foes, asserted his fight to the throne, and could at last reign over the world undisturbed; but he

fire of the Immortals.” Longfellow. Fire alone, in his estimation, could effect this; but fire was the special possession

y the prospect of long years of unremitting pain, Prometheus at times could not refrain from pitiful complaints; but generati

dora, who prided herself specially on her deft fingers, felt sure she could unfasten it, and, reasoning that it would not be

he human race. But the modes of destruction were manifold, and, as he could not decide which would eventually prove most effi

sing by the great river Styx — the most binding and solemn oath a god could utter — to grant their request. Contrary to the c

moreover, changed their humble abode into a superb temple, where they could offer daily sacrifices on his altars. “Their lit

ck, calling to her companions to follow her example; but, before they could do as she wished, the bull had risen to his feet,

nly to be married. The way was long and dusty: so the aged woman, who could no longer walk such a distance, bade her sons, Cl

o do her bidding; but, although they searched diligently, the heifers could not be found. Rather than disappoint their aged m

them the manifold uses to which wood, fruit, foliage, twigs, &c., could be applied, and explained that the olive was the

re desirable than the horse, the emblem of war and wretchedness, they could but acknowledge her gift the most serviceable, an

n. Arachne. Moreau. Arachne, in her conceit, fancied that no one could equal the work done by her deft fingers, so she b

Rinehart. The Story of Coronis Apollo, having attained manhood, could not avoid the usual lot of the gods, as well as o

blushing rose.” — Saxe. Although so cleverly managed, these trysts could not escape the bright eyes of Apollo’s favourite

e upon the Cyclopes, the authors of the fatal thunderbolt; but ere he could execute his purpose, Jupiter interfered, and, to

ied to approach her gently, so as not to frighten her; but, before he could reach her side, she fled, and he, forgetful of al

tstretched arms, clasped nothing but a rugged tree trunk. At first he could not realise that the fair maiden had vanished fro

with its sigh. While mute lay ev’n the wild bee’s hum,     Nor breath could stir the aspen’s hair, His song was still, ‘Sweet

pity, changed her into a sunflower. Even in this altered guise Clytie could not forget the object of her love; and now, a fit

the magic strain was renewed. No recollection of his pastoral duties could avail to tear Marsyas away from his new-found tre

skill increase, that he became insufferably conceited, and boasted he could rival Apollo, whom he actually challenged to a mu

ed much deserved praise, and then bade Apollo surpass his rival if he could . No second command was necessary. The god seized

t asses’ ears upon the judge; A goodly pair, erect and wide, Which he could neither gild nor hide.” Swift. Greatly dismayed

e relented,         And gave him back the fair.             Thus song could prevail             O’er death and o’er hell, A c

plaint even in that second Death Against her lord she uttered, — how could Love Too anxious be upbraided? — but one last And

ursting heart. At times it seemed to his half-delirious fancy that he could discern Eurydice wandering about in the dim dista

so they might indulge in a dance. But poor Orpheus, dazed with grief, could not comply with their demands; and the sad notes

d not comply with their demands; and the sad notes which alone he now could draw from his instrument so enraged the merrymake

eam, the pallid lips still murmured, “Eurydice!” for even in death he could not forget his wife; and, as his spirit drifted o

whate’er you desire!’” Saxe. This oath was the most solemn any god could utter, and in case of perjury he was obliged to d

rd this presumptuous request, he started back in dismay, for he alone could control the four fiery steeds which drew the gold

er. How had a beardless youth dared to mount the sun chariot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In his anger he vowe

oracles purporting to have come from the god. The ancients everywhere could not fail to recognise the sun’s kindly influence

Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. Diana, fully as enamoured as he, could not bear to pass him by without a caress, and inv

nt his giving any sign of consciousness. Time passed thus. Diana, who could not bear to think of the youth’s beauty being mar

re by Apollo, from whose piercing glance nothing that occurred by day could be hidden, and he resolved to put an end to his s

hollow palm, flung it in his face, and bade him go and declare, if he could , that he had seen Diana disrobed. The glittering

en she suddenly appeared to take possession of it, the assembled gods could not restrain a rapturous murmur of admiration. He

watchman and of the guilty lovers. As fast as his fleet-footed steeds could carry him, Apollo hastened to Vulcan, to whom he

g the net over both sleepers, who were caught in its fine meshes, and could not escape; and there he kept them imprisoned, in

t in Hades. To allow Beauty to desert the earth was not possible, nor could he resist her pleading: so he finally decreed tha

his departure.             “But even in death, so strong is Love, I could not wholly die; and year by year, When the bright

m across the Hellespont when the shades of night had fallen, and none could see his goal, and pay her a visit in her lonely t

caped their threatening depths, and rose up on their foamy crests, he could catch a glimpse of the torch burning brightly, an

n claim her attention But separation by day was all these fond lovers could endure, and night after night, as soon as the fir

more ominously as the darkness came on again; but none of these signs could deter Leander from visiting Hero.     “There cam

s glance over the waters to Abydus. No one was in sight as far as she could see. She was about to descend to pursue her daily

te, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see,     Untouch’d, a victim of your beauty b

louds aloft and tides below, With signs and sounds, forbade to go, He could not see, he would not hear, Or sound or sign fore

s, a crack was discovered in the party wall, through which the lovers could peep at each other, converse, and even, it is sai

nd time and again the nymph eluded his touch; but the enamoured youth could not tear himself away from the spot haunted by th

tly, like him, a victim to love and despair. Even the shades of night could not drive Narcissus away from his post, and, when

d from home with the firm intention of putting an end to the life she could no longer enjoy in peace. To achieve this purpose

ging to see and converse with her sisters once more. The ardent lover could not refuse to grant this request, yet Psyche noti

over, they were envious, and resolved to mar the happiness which they could not enjoy. They therefore did all in their power

bringing Cupid, usually so welcome, and Psyche, tortured with doubt, could with difficulty conceal her agitation. After repe

strictly faithful spouse, and, in spite of his wife’s remonstrances, could not refrain from indulging his caprice for every

gan to search for some clue to their hiding-place or to the thief. He could , however, discover nothing but some broken twigs

uno begged her husband to give her his new creation, which request he could not refuse, but granted most reluctantly, thus ad

the guardian priests, the Salii, who kept continual watch over them, could detect the original from the facsimiles. During t

Jupiter’s weapons, the dread thunderbolts, whose frightful power none could withstand, and Cupid’s love-inspiring darts.

for the success of his undertaking, his plot was discovered before he could put it into execution, and Jupiter, in punishment

until finally the lot fell upon Hesione, the king’s only daughter. He could not bear the thought of the terrible fate awaitin

his kingdom, over which he ruled with resistless sway. By one word he could stir up or calm the wildest storm, and cause the

fountains, lakes, and seas were not only subject to his rule, but he could also cause terrible earthquakes at will, and, whe

tarted in pursuit of them. In spite of the most strenuous efforts, he could not overtake the fleeing pair, and in his anger p

o earth, and an imperious voice was heard to declare that the quarrel could be settled by Marpessa only, and that she should

rapidity, and, unless they clung to him through all his changes, they could obtain no answer to their questions.     “Shouti

ades, was very difficult of access. According to Roman traditions, it could only be entered at Avernus, but the Greeks assert

The current of this river was so swift that even the boldest swimmer could not pass over; and, as there was no bridge, all t

to distance from the shore.” Virgil ( Dryden’s tr.). All those who could not produce the required obolus were obliged to w

on, to be rid of his importunities, slew him. Such an act of violence could not be overlooked by the gods: so Jupiter summone

eautiful of flowers, and provided with every charm that nature or art could supply. No storms or wintry winds ever came to ro

nly with the greatest difficulty that Jupiter, disguised as a mortal, could urge his love suit. When he had at last obtained

s, and, as usual, she spared no pains to discover what powerful charm could draw him from her side. After a few days she knew

odified his costume as much as possible, dimmed his glory wherever he could , and chose the feeblest of all his bolts, for wel

chose the feeblest of all his bolts, for well he knew no mere mortal could endure the shock of his full glory. Then, mounted

than usual, this apparition was more than poor Semele’s human nerves could bear, and she dropped to the floor in a swoon at

sed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could not avail to screen him from the effects of Juno’

ill; and, when they leaned over the sides to ascertain why their oars could no longer propel it onward, they saw a vine grow

y turn. One glance sufficed to identify the intruder, for none but he could boast of such a dark, lowering countenance; and a

rpose was only momentary, for catching her in his brawny arms ere she could make and attempt to escape, he bore her off to hi

of prayers and struggles, and drove away as fast as his fleet steeds could carry him. He was soon out of hearing of the wild

her own dwelling, sought for the missing Proserpina, of whom no trace could be found except the scattered flowers. Hither and

er the mother wandered, calling her daughter, and wondering where she could be, and why she did not come bounding to meet her

child, they entreated her to come to the palace, and, knowing nothing could so well soothe a breaking heart, offered her the

Alpheus The goddess was not mistaken; for a few minutes later she could distinguish words, and heard the fountain entreat

re the sand on the bottom was fine and even, and where no mortal eyes could see her as she threw aside her sandals and outer

as enveloped in a thick mist and transformed into a fountain. Alpheus could no longer see her, but wandered about, bewailing

of Proserpina on her sable throne, beside the stern-browed Pluto. She could not, however, pause to inquire how she came there

ueen had partaken of some pomegranate seeds that very day. Proserpina could not refute the charge, and Jupiter decreed that f

hat Proserpina was condemned to spend one half the year in Hades, and could linger on the bright earth only for six months at

ina’s departure, she again returned to her cave, whence no entreaties could draw her. As for the merry, happy-natured Proserp

ght and day. The wretch, tortured by a hunger which no amount of food could allay, disposed of all his property to obtain the

ous for her beauty as well as for her extreme loquacity, which no one could check. Tradition relates that this fair maiden ta

he roofs off the houses, — in short, to do all the harm they possibly could . “Now rising all at once and unconfin’d, From ev

off Orithyia, who always fled at his approach. But all her fleetness could not save her: she was overtaken, and borne away t

, King of Troy, became the father of twelve steeds so swift that none could overtake them. Chapter XIX: Hercules Her

who informed him that he must accomplish twelve great labours ere he could again be free. The Nemean Lion Eager to beg

les was obliged to pursue this animal for many a weary mile before he could overtake him; and he only managed the capture by

ather a river, the Alpheus. Hercules, with one glance, saw the use he could make of this rushing stream, which he dammed and

this wish to Eurystheus, who, delighted to gratify her as long as he could do so without taking any personal risk or trouble

ts foot to guard their treasures night and day. Unfortunately, no one could tell Hercules in what part of Africa the garden o

brother Atlas, telling him he would be sure to know where the apples could be found. Hercules wended his way to Africa, wher

ntively to all Hercules had to say, declared he knew where the apples could be found, and promised to get them if the hero wo

But his steps became slower and slower; and as he neared the hero, he could not help thinking with horror of the burden he mu

detained Atlas for a moment, asking him to hold the heavens until he could place a cushion on his shoulders. Good-natured, a

re finished; the time of bondage was ended; and Hercules, a free man, could wander at his own sweet will, and enjoy the happi

ausing to allow his fair burden to dismount, he set off as fast as he could run. A loud shriek from Deianeira attracted Hercu

and if she ever found her husband’s love waning, he assured her that, could she but induce him to put it on, all his early af

poison ate its way into his flesh, until the pain was greater than he could bear. In his rage at the trick which had been pla

e on the mountain peak; but they, in tears, refused to obey, for they could not bear the thought of parting with their belove

ould no longer consider her beautiful if they but once beheld Medusa, could have prompted this denial. This presumptuous rema

was this hero who was to slay the Gorgon; and he thought that, if he could but once gaze upon her stony face, he would be fr

ld not depart until Andromeda was sacrificed to his fury; and Perseus could even now perceive the receding procession which h

coils was scathless.” Lewis Morris. Of course, this fierce struggle could have but one conclusion; and when Perseus had sla

t onslaught, Theseus plunged his sword deep into his huge side ere he could renew the attack, and brought him lifeless to the

carus This labyrinth was so very intricate, that those who entered could not find their way out; and even Dædalus and his

even Dædalus and his son Icarus, after many days’ attempt, found they could not leave it. Rather than remain imprisoned for e

d feathers and a cunning set of springs, By means of which the wearer could ascend to any height, And sail about among the cl

ger and his father’s caution, and rose up higher and higher, until he could bask in the direct rays of the ardent sun. The he

y and the wise measures he introduced for the happiness of his people could not divert his mind from this terrible catastroph

vered by Pluto, who set the first on an enchanted rock, from which he could not descend unassisted, and bound the second to t

, but that all the rest of the human race were entitled to any aid he could bestow. Jason listened respectfully to his tutor’

woman not far from him, gazing in helpless despair at the waters she could not cross. Naturally kind-hearted and helpful, an

ho were also in the Argo, begged permission to drive them away. Jason could not refuse their request; and the two youths, wit

h to part with his golden treasure, Æetes declared that, before Jason could obtain the fleece, he must catch and harness two

Jason, now the proud possessor of the renowned golden fleece. Ere he could take measures to maintain his usurped authority,

ep her freedom, had decreed that she should marry only the suitor who could beat her in a foot-race. It was decreed, moreover

tray By the golden illusions he flings on her way.” Moore. Atalanta could now no longer refuse to marry, and her nuptials w

appointed task, but all sighed with relief to think that the prophecy could never be accomplished. The child, however, was no

Sought out the Pythian oracle; in vain; Touching my parents, nothing could I learn; But dreadful were the mis’ries it denoun

ilessly devoured by the terrible Sphinx, which no one dared attack or could drive away. While listening to these tidings, Œdi

elligence, by any manner of means, and soon concluded that the animal could only be man, who in infancy, when too weak to sta

hoarse cry of disappointment and rage as it turned to fly; but ere it could effect its purpose, it was stayed by Œdipus, who

ut, and found her lifeless. This sight was more than the poor monarch could bear, and in his despair he blinded himself with

ver would see his crimes or mis’ries more, Or those whom guiltless he could ne’er behold, Or those to whom he now must sue fo

a deep reverie. He did not like to take a stranger’s life, and still could not refuse to comply with Prœtus’ urgent request;

for his bride one so beautiful and gifted. “No nymph of all Œchalia could compare, For beauteous form, with Dryope the fair

ful cry of compassion on her pale lips, but, to her astonishment, she could not leave the spot: her feet seemed rooted to the

ted to the ground. She cast a rapid glance downward to ascertain what could so impede her progress, and noticed the rough bar

ce murmur, ‘Rhœcus!’ close at hand: Whereat he looked around him, but could see Naught but the deepening glooms beneath the o

the river!), ‘The only way since gods began To make sweet music they could succeed.’ Then, dropping his mouth to a hole in t

plunge into the sea, —  a desire which soon became so intense that he could no longer resist it, but dived down into the wate

an important step, deemed it prudent to consult the Fates, who alone could inform him whether this union would be for his ha

but the guests, one and all, refused to act as umpires, for the apple could be given to but one, and the two others would be

rophecy. For some reason the god’s suit had not prospered; and, as he could not take back the power conferred, he annulled it

somewhat veiled and ambiguous manner, they received answer that Troy could never be taken without the aid of the son of Pele

, were it but for a moment. Her appeal was so touching, that the gods could not refuse to hear it, and bade Mercury conduct h

one to the Scæan Gate, where he now drove as fast as his noble steeds could draw him. There, at the gate, took place the part

Philoctetes The oracles, silent so long, now announced that Troy could never be taken without the poisoned arrows of Her

s foot, which had become so offensive that none of the ship’s company could endure his presence on board. Ten long years had

’s tr.). Incensed by the Greeks’ former cruel desertion, no entreaty could now induce Philoctetes to accompany the messenger

f the Greeks, who now heard another prophecy, to the effect that Troy could never be taken as long as the Palladium — a sacre

He at last consulted Proteus, who revealed how the wrath of the gods could best be allayed, and how favourable winds could b

the wrath of the gods could best be allayed, and how favourable winds could be secured to waft him home. As for Agamemnon, le

to kill him, when he suddenly recollected that neither he nor his men could move the rock at the cave’s mouth, and that they

came, in sight of the beautiful palace home of Circe. From afar they could hear her sweet voice raised in song, as she wove

anded. Then, walking straight before him, he came to a spot whence he could hear the roar of the Phlegethon as it joined the

execute these orders, he stopped their ears with melted wax, so they could not hear a sound, for he alone could hear the Sir

ir ears with melted wax, so they could not hear a sound, for he alone could hear the Sirens’ song and live. The men then boun

their course, they kept steadily on until no sound of the magic song could reach them, when they once more set their leader

mpty skins moved and crawled as if alive. All these sounds and sights could not, however, deter the sailors from their feast,

lors from their feast, which they kept up for seven days, ere Ulysses could make them leave the Trinacrian shores. In the mea

indly and most hospitably entertained during eight long years; but he could not depart, as he had no vessel or crew to bear h

nied by his tutor Mentor, had set out in search of the father whom he could not believe to be dead. Mentor, none other than M

brought Ulysses’ bow, and announced that she would marry the man who could bend it and send an arrow through twelve rings wh

other, —  and for a moment he determined to take her life; but ere he could do so, Venus, his mother, stayed his hand, and ba

family and followers, to some safe place without the city, whence he could embark, and sail away to a more fortunate land; a

’s tr.). Almost despairing, Æneas now prayed for assistance; for how could he find a tiny golden sprig in the midst of the d

is promising young prince, Æneas’ heart was filled with grief, for he could imagine the sorrow of the aged Evander when he sa

aid of the leech lapis; but, in spite of his ministrations, the barb could not be removed nor the wound dressed, until Venus

eek had forgotten that Zeus (Jupiter) meant ‘the bright sky,’ that he could make him king” over a company of manlike deities

for she had been carried away by Pluto to the underworld, whence she could only emerge at the command of Jupiter. During the

Cupid. He was the god who made young people love whom he pleased. He could make a pretty young girl love the most ill-lookin

d.” It seems by this that Venus was a malignant spiteful goddess, who could please herself by making human creatures foolish

her. She might, perhaps, employ some other minister of her will, who could not feel the same kindness for Psyche that he did

ditation, or thought without speaking, what was the wisest conduct he could pursue; and when he was covered with a veil, he o

oceeding to the palace, entered it. She walked from room to room, but could see no living being. A slight refreshment of frui

to ask of you. My time is mostly spent in a sad and lonely way; if I could sometimes be indulged with the society of my sist

ld be grateful to you for it” This request was very reasonable. Cupid could not refuse Psyche the pleasure of seeing her sist

ck with admiration as she saw revealed to her this lovely object. She could hardly believe her own eyes; but in her delightfu

found, return to the skies, and inform her where the audacious mortal could be found. Poor Psyche, when she had quite come to

band: she confessed she had been guilty of that unworthy design — she could not excuse herself — she was sincerely sorry, but

er: none pitied nor would relieve her. She might be very happy if she could reconcile a goddess who, she knew, was the most b

d favour from her. Venus was inflexible; all the contrition of Psyche could not move her purpose to afflict her; and she was

r mind that no hope remained to her; that if gods persecuted, mortals could not save her; when Venus again appeared. She stru

ueen of love. ——— One further trial was all that the relentless Venus could think of inflicting upon her. “Behold me, child o

m was the realm of the dead, and she believed she must die before she could be admitted to the land of ghosts; so she climbed

sses. He next informed all the gods that his son had declared that he could not enjoy heaven itself if he were there to be de

uld be united. Venus was not much pleased with this decision, but she could not dispute the fiat of Jove, and so she was forc

by the kingly crown which he wore, and his magnificent appearance, it could be no other than the lord of the world below. She

aps she was quite covered over, or encrusted with salt. Ann. But how could Cyane be changed to a fountain? Mother. I think

is true, always. I once beard of a man who did not believe that water could be changed to ice. Ann. But the man might have s

. Ann. But the man might have seen it himself. Mother. No; that man could not have seen it. He lived in a very hot country,

er before, and the veil of Proserpine lay beside it; this was all she could learn of what had happened. Night came, and no Pr

and its neighbourhood, would go in bands, and carry off whatever they could seize, and they would kill those who tried to hin

nd told him the distress of his people. Tereus promised to do what he could to relieve Pandion and his subjects; and he came

o Thrace on a visit to her sister. Pandion loved Philomela dearly; he could not bear to be separated from her; and he only sh

red of Progne, and when he saw Philomela, he preferred her; though he could not have her for a wife while her sister lived. T

acticed embroidery, and made pictures that represented facts. As they could not write, they conveyed messages and recorded hi

e poor young creature, alone and route as she was, and thought if she could have something to employ herself about, she would

Bacchantes, in their sacred character, to protect them both till they could reach her house; and the Bacchantes, touched with

in one hand and Baucis by the other, away they went, as fast as they could travel, nor ever stopped till they had nearly rea

of very fine houses which were in Greece and Rome. Those fine houses could not have been very comfortable without glass wind

was fine, as the climate was agreeable in Greece and in Italy, people could sit with open windows; but when the weather was d

ld sit with open windows; but when the weather was disagreeable, they could not enjoy the light of day. Ann. I think Baucis

rmour which dazzled every beholder. Envy, as she advanced toward her, could not bear the sight of this noble form. But she ar

ars were on her sunken cheeks. Minerva, who was all goodness herself, could not converse without pain with so spiteful a bein

s rays;8 and these were expected to see her safe home again. Aglauria could not sleep quietly; she dreamed that she saw her s

took her way to the garden, which was near the house. She thought she could meditate there without interruption, upon some pl

ch, calls up absent or dead persons, and does other wonders, which he could not do without it Mercury’s caduceus, when he tou

d come to him for advice; and he would tell them what to do when they could not determine for themselves, and make peace betw

er and Juno, who you know was the god’s wife, had a dispute; and they could not settle it, so they went to Tiresias, and said

till more to mitigate his misfortune, gave him a staff, with which he could walk every where as securely as the most dear-sig

sias, the prophet told her that Narcissus would live to be old, if he could be kept from seeing himself; and, then, that was

t mortified the poor nymph so much, that she pined away, till nothing could be found of her but her voice. She still inhabits

ry much grieved, and he sent his son Cadmus to search for her. Cadmus could not find Europa, and he did not like to return to

m with the sharp point of his lance. But Cadmus was now alone; and he could not build a city alone, nor find inhabitants for

, fiery eyes, and a body covered with scales, which swords and spears could not penetrate. Ann. Did the stories of dragons m

em. Perhaps, when he was asleep, they tied Acteon’s hands, so that he could not defend himself, and then fastened upon him a

nd sympathy and pity make us happy, even when we are in trouble. Juno could think of no way to make them miserable, but to te

ligious worship is serious and solemn, and that noise and drunkenness could not be acceptable to a god. Pentheus should have

city of such conduct; she beat her breast, and tore her hair, but she could not restore life to the dead. Cadmus grieved bitt

ld kill him. Acrisius thought if his daughter were never married, she could have no son to kill him, and therefore he shut up

, and therefore he shut up the princess in a high tower, where no man could see her, nor visit her. Jupiter loved and pitied

nd pitied the poor young prisoner, and metamorphosed himself for gods could take what shape they pleased, into a shower of go

t; in driving a chariot, he won the race; and, in aiming an arrow, he could bring down a bird, or hit a mark, without missing

guests would bring a fine horse, and present it to the king. Perseus could not procure such a horse; but he thought of anoth

luded by saying, “The monster will come hither at noon, and then” She could not say more, but burst into tears. Perseus tried

mised the king of Seriphus, to bring him the head of Medusa, though I could not have travelled to her dwelling, but for the w

ne. What was Minerva’s Ægis? Mother. It was a shield which no weapon could penetrate. It means that the truly wise have a de

t in the pleasant valley of Tempe, though, like other goddesses, they could go wherever they liked, were it ever so distant f

o came to see them. Poets used to pray to them; and they fancied they could not make good verses, unless one of the Muses wou

or me to explain to you folly the term, or word association, before I could make you understand that many associations belong

poet, the finest musician, and he who outran his competitors, or who could throw down an antagonist, received a prize. Ann.

Ann. I should like first to know the true story of the Python, if I could . Mother. The Python is supposed to have been som

treme dislike to him, and, turning from him, fled away as fast as she could . Apollo was beautiful and eloquent, but neither h

you to understand pictures, and statues, and poetry, better than you could have done without reading them. But, at present,

the world, and which mortal vision, save the eye of the mighty eagle could not meet undazzled. Phæton, thus encouraged, appr

ursers of such power and spirit, that no hand, except that of Apollo, could restrain them. “Audacious young man,” replied the

th our subject, illustrations more vivid and striking than the pencil could furnish, but which are lost to the reader ignoran

his workmanship self-motion, so that the tripods (chairs and tables) could move of themselves in and out of the celestial ha

nly excepted. This story seems more probable than the former; for how could hope, so precious a jewel as it is, have been kep

-in-law and fathers-in-law, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, could not trust one another. Sons wished their fathers

er, would that we possessed the power of our ancestor Prometheus, and could renew the race as he at first made it! But as we

and repulse     Of thine impenetrable spirit, Which earth and heaven could not convulse,     A mighty lesson we inherit.”

dly have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, they could not forbid — that love should glow with equal ard

pressed their lips upon the wall, she on her side, he on his, as they could come no nearer. Next morning, when Aurora had put

ollow thee in death, for I have been the cause; and death which alone could part us shall not prevent my joining thee. And ye

orite of Diana, the goddess of hunting, who had given her a dog which could outrun every rival, and a javelin which would nev

great strength to capture it. Their efforts were all in vain; no dog could run it down; and at last they came to Cephalus to

oner was the dog let loose than he darted off, quicker than their eye could follow him. If they had not seen his footprints i

with its sigh While mute lay even the wild bee’s hum,     Nor breath could stir the aspen’s hair, His song was still, ‘Sweet

fresh creation from the earth. Juno asked to have it as a gift. What could Jupiter do? He was loath to give his mistress to

his wife; yet how refuse so trifling a present as a simple heifer? He could not, without exciting suspicion; so he consented.

and drove her away, and took his seat on a high bank, from whence he could see all around in every direction. Jupiter was tr

ual groaning, she bemoaned her fate, and stood upright as well as she could , lifting up her paws to beg for mercy, and felt t

her paws to beg for mercy, and felt that Jove was unkind, though she could not tell him so. Ah, how often, afraid to stay in

de. Fear took the place of his former boldness, and the hero fled. He could not but admire his own speed; but when he saw his

l presence, but stopped at a distance, for the light was more than he could bear. Phœbus, arrayed in a purple vesture, sat on

e you a proof in my fears for you. Look at my face — I would that you could look into my breast, you would there see all a fa

admonition and held to his demand. So, having resisted as long as he could , Phœbus at last led the way to where stood the lo

s awful moment!” Thus spoke Earth, and overcome with heat and thirst, could say no more. Then Jupiter omnipotent, calling to

ariot Phaëton, Struck by Jove’s thunder, rests beneath this stone. He could not rule his father’s car of fire, Yet was it muc

g in his new-acquired power, which he hastened to put to the test. He could scarce believe his eyes when he found a twig of a

own over their heads, while exchanging parting words, as long as they could speak. “Farewell, dear spouse,” they said, togeth

The flier, though’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce could see’t; But slackened by some secret power, Now ha

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

hen he found himself agitated with a longing desire for the water. He could no longer restrain himself, but bidding farewell

se to love Scylla, and her alone.” The goddess was indignant, but she could not punish him, neither did she wish to do so, fo

brood of serpents and barking monsters surrounding her! At first she could not imagine they were a part of herself, and trie

nd upon it as if to assure himself whether it were living or not, and could not even then believe that it was only ivory. He

fe, and put her head upon a pillow of the softest feathers, as if she could enjoy their softness. The festival of Venus was a

milk cease to flow. Iole looked on at the sad fate of her sister, and could render no assistance. She embraced the growing tr

er face. Her tears still flowed and fell on her leaves, and while she could she spoke. “I am not guilty. I deserve not this f

thy youth by me. Thine is the suffering, mine the crime. Would that I could die for thee! But since that may not be, thou sha

s house, — Æolus being the god of the winds, and having as much as he could do to restrain them. “They rush together,” said s

nd 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 the sea.

ngers of the sea. He answered, therefore, consoling her as well as he could , and finished with these words: “I promise, by th

. She answered his signal till the vessel had receded so far that she could no longer distinguish his form from the rest. Whe

no longer distinguish his form from the rest. When the vessel itself could no more be seen, she strained her eyes to catch t

whelm him, and he sinks. The Day-star looked dim that night. Since it could not leave the heavens, it shrouded its face with

last was the only one destined to be granted. The goddess, at length, could not bear any longer to be pleaded with for one al

f the wreck.” Having delivered her message, Iris hasted away, for she could not longer endure the stagnant air, and as she fe

nant of life to spend without thee, nor a separate death to die. If I could bear to live and struggle to endure, I should be

olent ingress. She leaped upon this barrier and (it was wonderful she could do so) she flew, and striking the air with wings

y of Teucer. He struggled long with his passion, but when he found he could not subdue it, he came a suppliant to her mansion

ungentle treatment, and gave not the slightest gleam of hope. “Iphis could not any longer endure the torments of hopeless lo

d in her body to become cold. Endeavoring to step back, she found she could not move her feet; trying to turn away her face,

cover your liberty.” Psyche resisted these persuasions as well as she could , but they did not fail to have their effect on he

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

so as to overtop the tallest trees, and while the Tyrians from terror could neither fight nor fly, slew some with his fangs,

mouth stood open with its veins enlarged and gasped for the air. Men could not bear the heat of their clothes or their beds,

them, but, on the contrary, they heated the spot where they lay. Nor could the physicians help, for the disease attacked the

their abode. Some were seen tottering along the road, as long as they could stand, while others sank on the earth, and turned

mbined with force in the discharge; if he drew his bow Apollo himself could not have done it more gracefully. But when he lai

he weapon that he grasped, the reins that he held. She felt as if she could , if it were possible, go to him through the hosti

o grant us peace, and receive me as a hostage. I would fly down, if I could , and alight in his camp, and tell him that we yie

ch, but returned again after a moment and renewed the fascination. He could not tear himself away; he lost all thought of foo

clouds aloft and tides below, With signs and sounds forbade to go, He could not see, he would not hear Or sound or sight fore

ve said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not bear to be thought a pupil even of a goddess.

well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety. Minerva could not forbear to admire, yet felt indignant at the

ed the forehead of Arachne and made her feel her guilt and shame. She could not endure it and went and hanged herself. Minerv

attendants soon made Niobe acquainted with what had taken place. She could hardly think it possible; she was indignant that

became a cruel monster of so frightful an aspect that no living thing could behold her without being turned into stone. All a

ou are thus bound.” At first she was silent from modesty, and, if she could , would have hid her face with her hands; but when

y my valor, I demand that she be my reward.” The parents consent (how could they hesitate?) and promise a royal dowry with he

sword into the body of a prostrate foe, but his arm stiffened and he could neither thrust forward nor withdraw it. Another,

hat way proposing to them a riddle, with the condition that those who could solve it should pass safe, but those who failed s

the plough. He was not fit for such service, and his clownish master could make nothing of him. But a youth stepped forth an

he was a potent sorceress, he was furnished with a charm, by which he could encounter safely the breath of the fire-breathing

nd Medea accompanying, hastened to their vessel before Æetes the king could arrest their departure, and made the best of thei

, would that your arts, whose power I have seen so mighty for my aid, could do me one further service, take some years from m

the father of the Hesperides, and Hercules thought might, if any one could , find the apples and bring them to him. But how t

permission from Pluto to carry Cerberus to the upper air, provided he could do it without the use of weapons; and in spite of

the dead. All the torments, every toil of earth Juno’s hatred on him could impose, Well he bore them, from his fated birth T

ted by Dædalus, so artfully contrived that whoever was enclosed in it could by no means, find his way out unassisted. Here th

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

atched them, astonished at the sight, and thinking they were gods who could thus cleave the air. They passed Samos and Del

offering to the god. Dædalus was so proud of his achievements that he could not bear the idea of a rival. His sister had plac

s she spake, but she was too quick for him. The words escaped, and he could neither unsay his promise nor her request. In dee

. Arrayed in this, he entered the chamber of Semele. Her mortal frame could not endure the splendors of the immortal radiance

a punishment so dire that one would pity him, if such a culprit as he could be pitied, — to deliver him over to Famine. As Ce

he could be pitied, — to deliver him over to Famine. As Ceres herself could not approach Famine, for the Fates have ordained

ped as short a time as possible, and kept her distance as well as she could , yet she began to feel hungry, and turned the dra

elieved him from the vengeance of Ceres. Rhœcus. The Hamadryads could appreciate services as well as punish injuries. T

, and sometimes 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 o

d Polynices had taken it with him on his flight from Thebes. Eriphyle could not resist so tempting a bribe, and by her decisi

ent to his certain fate. He bore his part bravely in the contest, but could not avert his destiny. Pursued by the enemy, he f

taught to play upon it, which he did to such perfection that nothing could withstand the charm of his music. Not only his fe

it is said, the cheeks of the Furies were wet with tears. Proserpine could not resist, and Pluto himself gave way. Eurydice

m, but he repulsed their advances. They bore with him as long as they could ; but finding him insensible one day, excited by t

o; we cannot spare you. Your life would be too dangerous to us. Where could we go to escape from Periander, if he should know

us? Your gold would be of little use to us, if on returning home, we could never more be free from fear.” “Grant me, then,”

rth his thanks: “Farewell, thou faithful, friendly fish! Would that I could reward thee; but thou canst not wend with me, nor

ticularly excelled. His genius was inclined to the pathetic, and none could touch with truer effect the chords of human sympa

yet forgot, The lover’s refuge and the Lesbian’s grave. Dark Sappho! could not verse immortal save That breast imbued with s

he water, Apollo pointed it out to his sister and maintained that she could not hit that black thing on the sea. The archer-g

r love-meetings.’ His voice was a roar such as an angry Cyclops alone could utter. Ætna trembled at the sound. I, overcome wi

e plough aside, showing plainly that he was no madman, and after that could no longer refuse to fulfil his promise. Being now

e soothsayer thereupon announced that the wrath of the virgin goddess could only be appeased by the sacrifice of a virgin on

e to speak; my voice was thick with sighs,     As in a dream. Dimly I could descry The stern black-bearded kings, with wolfis

he field, saw the chariot of Nestor and recognized the old chief, but could not discern who the wounded chief was. So calling

e enclosure, leaving his men entangled in the fosse to escape as they could . Patroclus drove them before him, slaying many, n

inent danger that his remains would fall into the hands of the enemy, could see no suitable messenger. It was then that he ex

no wound. Then Æneas seized a stone, such as two men of modern times could hardly lift, and was about to throw it, and Achil

ll the grief of King Priam and Queen Hecuba at this sight! His people could scarce restrain the old king from rushing forth.

Delphinium Ajacis —  Ajax’s Larkspur. It was now discovered that Troy could not be taken but by the aid of the arrows of Herc

was said to have fallen from heaven, and the belief was that the city could not be taken so long as this statue remained with

e great horse was the chief object of curiosity. All wondered what it could be for. Some recommended to take it into the city

 The tombs, sole relics of his reign, All — save immortal dreams that could beguile The blind old man of Scio’s rocky isle.”

tering, rolled to the cave’s mouth an enormous rock, that twenty oxen could not draw. Next he sat down and milked his ewes, p

o hail the giant again, but his friends besought him not to do so. He could not forbear, however, letting the giant know that

tide was rushing in must inevitably be ingulphed; not Neptune himself could save it. On approaching the haunt of the dread mo

s as Charybdis ingulphed them, gave warning at a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and his men w

f provisions, they were forced to rely upon the birds and fishes they could catch. Famine pressed them, and at length one day

ts, made him repel her allurements, and when no other means of escape could be found, the two friends leaped from a cliff int

ot mere peasant girls, but of a higher class. Sadly needing help, how could he yet venture, naked as he was, to discover hims

ter all had done their best, Ulysses being challenged to show what he could do, at first declined, but being taunted by one o

island: — “The sites explain the Odyssey. The temple of the sea-god could not have been more fitly placed, upon a grassy pl

heir destined shore, felt her old grudge against them revive, for she could not forget the slight that Paris had put upon her

heir future home, they asked of the natives only so much land as they could enclose with a bull’s hide. When this was readily

d yield to the hand and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force could rend it away. If torn away, another would succeed

from you was reluctant, and in obedience to the commands of Jove; nor could I believe that my absence would cost you so dear.

of Grecian and Trojan warriors. The Trojans thronged around him, and could not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the c

byl; “I have no claim to sacrifice or offering. I am mortal; yet if I could have accepted the love of Apollo I might have bee

I forgot to ask for enduring youth. This also he would have granted, could I have accepted his love, but offended at my refu

ng to drive the strangers from the country. He resisted as long as he could , but, finding his opposition unavailing, finally

e was taught to use the bow and throw the javelin. With her sling she could bring down the crane or the wild swan. Her dress

trons at the city of Acestes. I go now without taking leave of her. I could not bear her tears nor set at nought her entreati

, and the two Trojans slew, as they passed, such of the enemy as they could without exciting alarm. In one tent Euryalus made

e shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Lausus, his son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward and interp

e youthful Pallas. The contest between champions so unequally matched could not be doubtful. Pallas bore himself bravely, but

etween Æneas and Turnus. Turnus had avoided the contest as long as he could , but at last, impelled by the ill success of his

y the murmurs of his followers, he braced himself to the conflict. It could not be doubtful. On the side of Æneas were the ex

declared that he would give that chest of precious wood to whosoever could get into it. The rest tried in vain, but no soone

he wall of the treasury they placed a stone, in such a manner that it could be taken out; and by this means, from time to tim

t Delphi to seek aid of Trophonius at Lebadea. They came thither, but could find no oracle. One of them, however, happening t

iminaries, he descended into the cave by a narrow passage. This place could be entered only in the night. The person returned

ear A distant strain far sweeter than the sounds Which his poor skill could make, his fancy fetched Even from the blazing cha

le beauty, and to aid him in his task the most perfect forms the city could supply were furnished him for models. It is this

his arises from the difficulty of believing that poems of such length could have been committed to writing at so early an age

uced into use. On the other hand it is asked how poems of such length could have been handed down from age to age by means of

surpassed, The next in majesty, in both the last. The force of nature could no further go; To make a third she joined the oth

and given to them that appearance of reality which only a master hand could impart. His pictures of nature are striking and t

marks, “I would scarcely believe that it kills with its look, for who could have seen it and lived to tell the story?” The wo

for a moment to eat some rue, which was the only plant the basilisks could not wither, returned with renewed strength and so

short, with which no hunter who was not exceedingly cunning in fence could have a chance. Others maintained that all the ani

ed into the flames and saw a little animal resembling a lizard, which could live in the hottest part of that element. Instant

which he well knows how to vanquish. That the skin of an animal which could resist the action of fire should be considered pr

seen it, acknowledge that it got out of the fire as fast as its legs could carry it; indeed, too fast for them ever to make

were inviolable; and though they committed the greatest crimes, they could only be banished from the kingdom. They were to b

ce by any laborious or productive occupation. But as all the Brahmans could not be maintained by the working classes of the c

ege, but a mark of ignominy, as if they were so degraded that nothing could pollute them. The three higher castes are prohibi

alone had courage enough to do this. But when the wolf found that he could not break his fetters, and that the gods would no

nd entered into consultation, inquiring of one another who among them could have advised to give Freya away, or to plunge the

ey all agreed that no one but Loki, the author of so many evil deeds, could have given such bad counsel, and that he should b

he rocks of Jotunheim. Thor sent Loki to negotiate with Thrym, but he could only prevail so far as to get the giant’s promise

he was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch that from that moment he could neither sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skir

ied to open the wallet, he found the giant had tied it up so tight he could not untie a single knot. At last Thor became wrot

d, and Logi at the other, and each of them began to eat as fast as he could , until they met in the middle of the trough. But

. Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor could perform. Thialfi answered that he would run a rac

lips, and without drawing breath, pulled as long and as deeply as he could , that he might not be obliged to make a second dr

second draught of it; but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely perceive that the liquor was diminished.

d to him that he had drunk rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried without spilling. “How now, Thor?”

he had met with any men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought great shame on h

th their swords and battle-axes; for do what they would, none of them could harm him. And this became a favorite pastime with

ne days and as many nights he rode through deep glens so dark that he could not discern any thing, until he arrived at the ri

e mountain, and there built himself a hut with four doors, so that he could see every approaching danger. He invented a net t

Skidbladnir, which they gave to Freyr, and which was so large that it could contain all the deities with their war and househ

ements, but so skillfully was it wrought that when folded together it could be put into a side pocket. Ragnarok, the Twili

Sir James Mackintosh says of this, “Do you think that even a Chinese could paint the gay colors of a butterfly with more min

is not found in Homer, and is inconsistent with his account. For how could Achilles require the aid of celestial armor if he

ajestic, noble, muscular, or powerful, or whatever excellence the eye could discover in the figure of man, was displayed in t

s, was subject to his decrees. He had his kind of worship; but, as he could not be comprehended by the human understanding, t

was written out. All the gods were to consult that book, because they could change none of its decrees. It was only by readin

ould change none of its decrees. It was only by reading it, that they could foresee futurity; and to that circumstance the ob

and to that circumstance the obscurity of the oracles, whose replies could be interpreted in a thousand different ways, is t

a tree, which was cut down, and the nymph perished. Atys, in despair, could not restrain his fury. His phrensy drove him to t

berty those Titans whom his father had shut up in Tartarus, and if he could engage them to fight with him. Accordingly he und

ss an attempt to account for the cause of that wonderful truth, which could not escape the observation even of the ancient he

persecution of Juno, Jupiter metamorphosed her into a cow. The trick could not deceive the goddess. She imperiously demanded

the guard of Argus, who had one hundred eyes. This spy of the goddess could not be surprised, because fifty of his eyes remai

s this plague was ascribed to an extreme heat, which the night itself could not abate, the fable of their death was imagined.

s intellectual powers, who considered himself a poet, but whose works could not survive him. Such was his poetic, or, rather,

war. Minerva was the only divinity that seemed equal to Jupiter. She could prolong the lives of men, or hurl the thunderbolt

it. By the oracle of Apollo, the Trojans were informed that no enemy could succeed against them, if it remained in their cit

her most admired statues, she was represented with every quality that could render her person and gait graceful, her countena

were once walking together in a flowery field, Cupid boasted that he could gather more flowers than his mother. Venus accept

n her for her son, and all master-pieces which the arts and the poets could produce, were consecrated to her. Obs. 5. — Cupi

s which they expressed. When clad in sensibility’s fairest robe, they could not be examined without emotion. No haughtiness,

her manner, by her countenance, by her person and carriage. Pygmalion could not help falling in love with his own workmanship

n surround The monstrous body, stretch’d along the ground; Each as he could approach him, lends a hand To bore his eyeball wi

e too numerous to be mentioned here. Neptune was a powerful deity. He could cause earthquakes, and raise islands from the bot

tune. Triton was the son of Neptune, and trumpeter to his father. He could calm the ocean and abate storms at pleasure. He i

ime duty was to take care of sea-calves, and other marine animals. He could convert himself into any shape he pleased, and ha

t of her tongue no other use was found, Than now she has; which never could be more, Than to repeat what she had heard before

o much plenty has confirm’d me poor. O that I from my much loved self could go! A strange request, yet would to God’t were so

nts and passions. Though his pride was great, he acknowledged that he could not command the elements, and that, having unceas

d hands in the waters of her fountain. Those who were inspired by her could walk barefoot over burning coals without injury.

ig. 35. Pomona. Vertumnus was the god of orchards and of spring. He could change himself into whatever forms he chose, but

e and learned philosopher. Being asked, “What was the best thing that could befall man,” he deliberately replied, “It is best

and over funeral inscriptions, to intimate that the ashes of the dead could not be molested with impunity. In the sacrifices

ble walls, and an iron tower. It had gates of adamant, which no power could demolish. It had five rivers at its entrance. Ach

ients always placed this coin under the tongues of the deceased. They could not enter the boat without a regular burial, for

een of hell, and wife of Pluto. She presided over death, so that none could die; unless the goddess, or Atropos her minister,

e tribunal was held was called the Field of Truth. Lies and calumnies could not approach it. Pluto appointed Rhadamanthus to

t, sleeping, winged youth, holding a bunch of poppies in his hand. He could turn himself into any form. Mors, the goddess of

o temples were erected to her, because neither prayers nor sacrifices could move or pacify her. She is depicted with a skelet

imitate lightning; and many who were struck by them, expired. Jupiter could not endure this open impiety, and therefore preci

he sun is said to have turned his course back to the east, because he could not look upon such horrible diet. — See Fig. 48.

r queen. That hero fought them, and killed Medusa; but Hercules alone could destroy them all. Some represent the Gorgons as f

Thebes, proposing enigmas to the inhabitants, and devouring those who could not solve them; but the Thebans were informed by

t he would give a crown and his sister Jocasta in marriage to him who could explain it. This was successfully done by Œdipus,

tained of eternity. All the genealogies of their gods prove that they could not conceive a divinity without beginning or end.

and Honour. He consulted the pontiffs, who declared, that one temple could not contain two deities so great. He therefore co

in order to arrive at that of Honour. This was to teach men that they could not attain to true honour, but by the practice of

54. Fidelity. A people as idolatrous of their Liberty as the Romans, could not fail to make her a divinity. She had several

d by the development and progress of events, the causes of which they could not penetrate, blind and bigoted man proceeded to

red virtues, passions, vices, and even unlooked-for events. Every one could create some new god at pleasure. When travellers,

merely observed that it was not on wheels, so that, if necessary, it could be moved from a bad neighbourhood. Finding no fau

poets make them employ darts, which the ordinary strength of four men could not have thrown. The Egyptians, as has been menti

a worship as splendid and extensive as their renown. Private persons could raise to their relatives nothing but simple tombs

guardian’s pow’r: But gentle Venus smil’d, and amorous love. Knew he could soon unlock the door, And by his art successful p

Procur’d by Juno’s and Euristheus’ hate. Thy hands, unconquer’d hero! could subdue The cloud-born Centaurs, and the monster c

llowing him or not; but at the same time she stopped also; so that he could not hear her footsteps. He therefore looked round

ompose the walls of the city of Thebes. “Amphion too, as story goes, could call Obedient stones to make the Theban wall. He

the request of her parents, nor the smiles and frowns of her lovers, could induce her to marry another man, and violate the

ne sees that they generally believed an inanimate and confused nature could not be the origin of all things. They believed th

sembling the crescent of the moon. Were it not for these marks, no ox could be used as Apis. The festival of this god lasted

e, previous to his entering Memphis, during which time none but women could appear before him. This ceremony they performed w

ne,                   And changed is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be;                   The immutable is he.”

ry, and taught them to sow and gather fruits, and, in short, all that could contribute to polish them, and elevate their mora

the earth, and arranged the universe. Having destroyed animals, which could not sustain the brightness of the light, and seei

n, Aeon. It was she who found that the fruits of trees were good, and could serve as nourishment to man. Their children, call

difice was finished, it was consecrated with many ceremonies. Nothing could equal the respect which the ancients had for thei

was chiefly observed; and, however improved mechanism may now be, it could not probably succeed in raising so high such heav

y succeed in raising so high such heavy masses. Ctesiphon and his son could not finish this magnificent work. Other architect

ent or modern. They were elevated from the pavement to the arch. They could not be viewed without astonishment and admiration

presents sent to it from every part. None of its ornaments, however, could be compared with the throne and statue of Jupiter

cle, the people expected to acquire a knowledge of futurity; but they could obtain no reply, until they had made a considerab

e was intended to give some idea of divine majesty. All that the arts could unite in sublimity was employed; and the master g

sition of a demon in the predictions which all efforts of incredulity could not attribute to mere cheat. Without searching in

ey had the gift of speech. Herodotus has sought after the event that could have given rise to this fiction. Two priestesses

the name of this god. In the primitive times of this oracle, any one could be inspired. The vapour of the cave acted on all

eference to attain to this dignity. Suffice it to say that the Pythia could repeat what the god dictated to her. The custom o

which were collected with as much care as the oracles of the Pythian, could not have been translated into Greek. However, we

published a sibylline oracle, by which it was said that the Parthians could not be subdued except by a king. The Roman people

s places, Samos, Erythræa, Greece, and Asia, in order to collect what could be found from the Sibylline verses. The new books

The sixteenth Olympiad was then celebrated; and from that time ladies could participate in the games. Before Cynisca’s victor

present Odin as one of the most persuasive of men. Nothing, say they, could resist the power of his discourses. Sometimes he

od, was the belief that he excelled in magic. It was believed that he could run over the universe in the twinkling of an eye;

ng of an eye; that he ruled the air and disposed of tempests; that he could raise the dead to life, predict future events, an

an extraordinary magnificence, a masterly address, and rare talents, could easily pass for a god in a country where nobody e

. Hence, the former, compelled to remain spectators of their worship, could hardly seize the spirit of it. Yet, by gathering

bade the representation of this divinity under any corporeal form. He could not be suitably regarded and adored but in the he

. As those degenerate people began to think that one individual being could not watch over all parts of the universe, they co

ans, as the god of war: than which rank, according to them, no honour could be more worthy of his attention, or better calcul

prejudice, namely; they believed that the limit of the life of a man could be put forward if some one should die for him. Wh

n early times, their offerings were simple, such as a pastoral people could afford. The first fruits of crops, and the most b

ere offered fattened horses and oxen; to Frigga, the largest hog that could be found; and to Odin, horses, dogs, and sometime

viners had familiar spirits, which did’not leave them, and which they could consult, under the form of small idols. It was al

s the inventor of these characters, asserted that, by their means, he could raise the dead to life. There were Runic letters

and tempests; but that their power was not extended over men. A hero could never enter into the palace of his fathers, unles

on the four sides, which marked the extent of the tomb. A bard alone could open the gates of the ethereal palace, by singing

nistry so consolatory and so necessary. It was not thought that death could break the bonds of blood and friendship. The shad

owlings at its aspect. The most natural effects which their ignorance could not comprehend were attributed to the agency of s

sacred among them, that it was not permitted to cut them down. No one could approach them but with a religious respect, thoug

gh for the purpose of adorning them with flowers and trophies. People could not employ for ordinary purposes, certain trees,

and idea that they had divinity; and they were persuaded that temples could not include it, nor statues represent it. The Gau

so that the inferior orders were entirely subject to their will, and could not even remain in their presence, unless they ha

as so astonished at their manner of living and their science, that he could not withhold from them his esteem. The Druids for

f way down the legs. This dress designated priesthood, to which women could never be admitted. The authority of the Druids wa

ate; decided upon peace and war at pleasure; punished the guilty; and could depose magistrates and even kings, when they did

elonged the right of appointing those who were to govern cities. They could raise one of those magistrates even to the dignit

of vergobret, which equalled that of a king; but this pretended king could do nothing without the advice of the Druids. They

eir maxims on religion and political economy. Anciently, Gallic women could be admitted to the rank of Druidesses, and enjoy

l things. They believed in the doctrine of metempsychosis, which they could not have learned from Pythagoras, since they taug

m. The doctrine of the Druids, says Julius Cæsar, was mysterious, and could be known to nobody. The Druids also cultivated th

se they were persuaded that they knew the influence of the stars, and could see into futurity. Those sages, so highly respect

irtue, and healed all diseases; and if one rubbed himself with it, he could obtain all he wished. It had power to conciliate

great personage. The Druids delighted in making it believed that they could change into any form at will, and cause themselve

rstitions, was that of immolating human victims. This barbarous usage could not be abolished but by the extinction of druidis

and painful searches, they discovered a certain quantity of it. They could not collect that plant except in the month of Dec

red their women as equals, and companions whose esteem and tenderness could not be acquired but by tender regard and generous

romances, into which was infused all the fire and ardour that heroism could produce. We have no doubt of the existence of tha

l at their feet, and no human being was above their power. How, then, could they delight in filling with terror their female

hey delight in filling with terror their female companions, who alone could give charms to their solitude; or those children

uel maxim, therefore, if it did exist among the Druids and the Gauls, could not have belonged to them, but at the time of the

in magic. The people of Gaul and England generally believed that they could raise storms and tempests at pleasure. The restle

uaded the people that they understood the influence of the stars, and could read future events, abandoned almost entirely to

truly ineffable and unknown. But it is impossible that such a nature could produce this visible world without media; since,

arded their fables in the same poetical light as ourselves; that they could not possibly put faith in Jupiter, Neptune, and P

ns, of the necessity of a supreme being; and a feeling, of which they could not dispossess themselves, that a divine being wa

them down to us, nothing great and exalted, according to my opinion, could be expected from such an origin; but if any one w

by his power he threw them down an abyss, into which the light of day could never penetrate. This tyranny, however, only ripe

end. He slew his father, because, the world and time once created, he could exist no longer; he devoured his infants because

knees embraced: ‘If e’er, O father of the Gods!’ she said, ‘My words could please thee, or my actions aid; Some marks of hon

to eat a few of its seeds. This was sufficient; and the utmost Ceres could obtain, was that she should pass six months of th

e, were superior even to the will of Jupiter, as the King of the Gods could not restore Proserpine to her mother, Destiny hav

s indignation, who had forged the thunderbolt. But so insolent an act could not remain unpunished, and Jupiter exiled him fro

the river Styx. Scarcely had he uttered the oath, than the gods, who could not absolve him from it, rallied him on his folly

this court, Marsyas, the Phrygian, declared that, with his flute, he could surpass the melody of the God’s divine lyre, and

olly, riding on an ass, crowned with flowers, and always intoxicated, could scarcely be considered as a tutor from whom Bacch

er gazing on the green expanse, That swallowed up his track; oh! what could mate her Even in the cloudy summit of her woe, Wh

mity would not cease, until Callirhoe was sacrificed, unless some one could be found to pay the penalty for her. Insérer imag

r head; Dumbly she passions, frantickly she doteth,     She thinks he could not die, he is not dead; Her voice is stopped, he

te, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see Untouched, a victim of your beauty bright

esigama, because she presided over marriage; Verticordia, because she could turn the hearts of women to cultivate chastity; B

ith horror, and Juno overwhelmed her with supplications; but as these could not subdue the ugliness of the suitor, she implor

, in a playful mood, the youthful deity challenged Venus to see which could gather the greatest number in the least time. Cup

nded Cupid to make her fall deeply in love, with the ugliest being he could find. With the intention of fulfilling this commi

anted place which the power of the God had raised for her, though few could be so delightful, when, “In broad pinions from t

gh to her he had no name save that fond one of husband, yet still she could talk of the beauties of her magic palace, of the

nd Psyche, when she heard the thrilling tones of her husband’s voice, could scarcely keep her secret. Dreading the anger of h

rd them hymn his name, his power,     I heard them, and I smiled: How could they say the earth was ruled,     By but a sleepi

of the Gods decided the dispute by promising preference to whichever could produce the most useful and necessary present to

oduction of Arachne was, which recorded the intrigues of Jove, yet it could not compete with that of Minerva, who by her divi

only the oceans, rivers, and fountains, were subjected to him, but he could also cause earthquakes at pleasure, and raise isl

e hand he sought in marriage, and who looked for a gayer life than he could offer them, they all refused to become the sharer

in vain. If any living person presented himself to cross the lake, he could not be admitted before he showed Charon a golden

the remainder of the gods; though the story of Orpheus shews that he could be occasionally less severe. ‌ “When ill-fated

et pursues His desperate love, and burns for what he views.” Nothing could win the self-enamoured boy from his devoted passi

d his wish: but yet the god repined, To think the fool no better wish could find. But the brave king departed from the place,

d from the place, With smiles of gladness, sparkling in his face: Nor could contain, but, as he took his way, Impatient longs

ned to a spot I had startled for ever; Tho’ I oft longed to know, but could ask it of none, Was the mother still fair, and ho

ns. “Her name Pomona, from her woodland race, In garden culture none could her excel, Or form the pliant souls of plants so

trongly, prevented her escaping from his grasp. When Thetis found she could not elude the vigilance of Peleus, she consented

her slumbering where she lay, And urged his suit, with all that love could say: The nymph o’erpowered, to art for succour fl

hou saw’st Ceyx borne a corse to land?                           O, I could weep with thee, And sit whole tides upon the pebb

ate, his love-knots selling, Called at many a maiden’s dwelling; None could doubt, who saw, or knew them, Hymen’s call was we

n’s tying; Dames, who long had sat to watch him Passing by, but ne’er could catch him,         ‘Who’ll buy my love-knots?    

was uncommon, and he received from her whatever instruments and herbs could protect him against the coming dangers. “She the

by her grandfather’s prophetic skill By everything that doubting love could press, His present danger and desired success. Sh

rform the bloody part. Yet, though to act the butchery betrayed, They could not bear to see the wounds they made, ‌With ster

on was born Hercules, who was brought up at Tirynthus; Juno, however, could not look upon him with pleasure, and before he wa

him, ordered him to perform the most terrible and dangerous deeds he could imagine, which are now generally known as the twe

the insult offered to the sacred edifice, the oracle declared that it could only be wiped away by the hero becoming a slave,

ide.” Ovid. Ceyx received them both with great favour, but Hercules could not forget that he had been refused the hand of I

able to procure the present which the wealth of the remaining guests could enable them to offer. To a high spirited man this

ng he storms, and next adds force to threats. By strength not Perseus could himself defend, For who in strength with Atlas co

ngth not Perseus could himself defend, For who in strength with Atlas could contend? — ‘But since short rest to me thou wilt

to appease which, the oracle of Jupiter Ammon had declared, ‌nothing could avail, excepting the exposure of the maiden to it

y honest cause was to defend my wife, First pledged to me; what crime could I suppose To arm my friends, and vindicate my spo

e annual tribute of seven of the noblest youth of Athens, and Theseus could not fail of being ranked among them, to be devour

ised in defiance! I have often looked ‌Upon the marble, wondering it could give Such truth to life and majesty.     Leonarde

I will fall upon my knees adoring thee!     Hip. Madam, I would not, could not wrong my father; And thou, how canst thou mee

thee, Hath with a shameless love, and wanton’s insolence, Deemed she could win me to her bed — Woman, I tell thee — ‌    Ph

serpine; they consented to restore him to the arms of Eurydice, if he could forbear to look behind him before he reached the

il. ‌He returned to the upper world, where the only solace which he could find, was to soothe his grief with the tones of h

sacred lips, whose thrilling sound Fierce tigers and insensate rocks could wound, Ah Gods! how moving was the mournful sight

boar, when Pelias promised his daughter in marriage to him only, who could bring him a chariot drawn by a lion and wild boar

er then laying waste the country around Thebes, and devouring all who could not expound the enigma it proposed, which was — “

Euriphyle to the vengeance of his dead sire. But so execrable a crime could not pass unpunished, and he was tortured by the F

that she should only wed the man who would run on foot as fast as he could proceed in his chariot. This difficulty was overc

: And such the nature of the hallowed rite, The wife her husband only could invite, The slaves must all withdraw, and be deba

hing less than the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, could suffice, as the latter had excited the wrath of D

ow? do tears Spring in these meadows? Iphig. No, sweet father, no. I could have answered that; why ask the Gods? Aga. Iphig

ike what you have ever been (Except in sorrow!) I might well forget I could not win you as I used to do. It was the first emb

Priam and his brave sons though they received the enemy with vigour, could not prevent them from landing, and the siege comm

destiny had dictated the conditions to be fulfilled, ere its capture could be accomplished. An ancient oracle had foretold t

ng he took two more. Ulysses, horrified at his danger, thought how he could avoid it. He amused the Cyclop by his recitals; a

nions to follow his example, they escaped the rage of the Cyclop, who could only indulge his wrath by throwing at random larg

ty; and, consequently the loss which took place when it was consumed, could scarcely be estimated. Insérer image anonyme_heat

not sacrificed upon her altar, because she was deemed inflexible, and could not yield to prayers, however urgent. Two hands,

evils, yet they have frequently celebrated them in their verses; nor could more important engines in the mischiefs which aro

found in their mutual and deep affection, a happiness, which nothing could overwhelm. ———————— “There Had lived long marrie

of their hearts. The Gods were pleased with their entertainment; but could not forget the inhospitality with which they had

andering in the dark, They both agree to fix upon a mark; A mark that could not their designs expose: The tomb of Venus was t

on nymph, and thou, my slave. Earth born and base, thou — thou whom I could shake To atoms, as the tempest scatters abroad Th

air, Remained of all his beauty.” Galatea was in despair, and as she could not restore him to life, she changed him into a r

him to life, she changed him into a river, on the banks of which, she could still sport at even time, and sing to her beautif

place of abode over the broad Hellespont, which he must cross, ere he could enjoy her society, and pointed out the spot to wh

uds aloft, and tides below, With sighs, and sounds, forbade to go; He could not see, he would not hear, Or sound or sign fore

those on which a blushing cheek reposes, Violets as fresh as violets could be; Stars over head, with each a history Of love

           Vain was thy beauty’s spell — Vain all the praise thy song could still inspire,                 Though many a happ

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

senators to be their sovereign, it was with great difficulty that he could be persuaded to undertake the onerous task, which

e anxious to pay their testimony of reverence to a monarch, whom they could not help respecting no less for his abilities, th

hich dies as it was born, in sighing, Share with immortal transports? could thine art Make them indeed immortal, and impart T

t the existence of a god, whose power was of a double nature, and who could destroy and produce at the same time. Siva is dra

ng, they sacrificed him without hesitation, as the highest price they could pay for the divine favour. In this manner the fir

f life, sacrificed the lives of nine of his offspring; examples which could not fail to produce an effect upon their people.

ffering to him the highest honour for a space of forty days; all that could tend to allure the mind to earth, or render life

d about one hundred and seventy in height. Of all the offerings which could be given to their god, human sacrifices were cons

then the commandments were engraved on tables of stone, and God’s law could be read to the people. Long before this time, all

vestal virgins had neglected her duty, or violated her vows, nothing could save her from the dreadful death of being buried

fixed purpose of the gods, — a determination of the divine mind which could not be altered. When Jove nodded, or inclined his

e sun. Apollo’s chariot was drawn by horses which no hand but his own could control. Many absurd and immoral actions are impu

from the world by death, that his life should be spared, provided he could find another person who would die in his place. A

he chariot of the sun for one day. Apollo in vain assured him that he could not govern the horses; but Phaeton, notwithstandi

lo instructed the Pythia in what he wished mortals to do; and all who could , repaired to the temple of Apollo to inquire at t

th wings for his feet called talaria. He had also a small sword which could render him invisible, which he lent to Perseus. M

assistance against their enemies, or through fear of his power. They could not feel love and trust in a being who was neithe

little thought we instantly perceive that without the use of iron we could not cultivate the earth, prepare our food by the

nces are related of beautiful ladies who had grown old, and no longer could take pleasure in the reflection of their own face

the god of ships and of all maritime affairs, and his supreme command could raise the stormy waves, or calm the wildest fury

eir tribunal in a place called the Field of Truth, where no falsehood could be heard, and no misrepresentations deceive. The

hed with wings, a helm, and a chariot wheel, to signify that no place could secure the guilty from her pursuit. As a daughter

l. Those of the heathens who believed in the immortality of the soul, could not believe that the good and the bad could assoc

immortality of the soul, could not believe that the good and the bad could associate together in another world, so they conc

beautiful image — it was but a shadow — he died of grief, because he could not obtain the reality of so charming a injure.

elling her, that if her husband should ever cease to love her, if she could contrive to put that garment upon him, it would r

ow foot-path along the sea-side, and having robbed the passenger, who could not escape, afterwards precipitated him into the

ect Dædalus. The Labyrinth was so artfully constructed that no person could get in and out again without a guide; but the dau

r. When Theseus became King of Attica, he perceived that his subjects could not improve nor be happy, because they were alway

so successful in improving the condition of his subjects as Theseus, could not have spent his whole life so honourably and u

o release Theseus, and at length he returned to Athens. The Athenians could no longer respect Theseus, because he had abandon

a king, and in what condition was Attica when he began to reign? Why could not the people of Attica be happy? What is a stat

as Jocasta had a son, Laius commanded her to kill him; but no mother could be so cruel, so she gave the infant to her servan

Peribœa did not herself know, but she comforted Œdipus as well as she could . Afterwards the poor young man, in order to learn

ease, prevailed at Thebes, and the Thebans inquired of an oracle what could be done to put a stop to the fatal plague. The or

ly with Antigone’s request. Antigone, who was pious and affectionate, could not refrain from this duty, and in despite of the

Proserpine. Orpheus in his grief at the loss of Eurydice, thought he could persuade Pluto to restore her to him, and with hi

her to Achilles. Clytemnestra gladly obeyed this summons, but nothing could exceed her grief and indignation when she was inf

his arrows. A soothsayer at that time told the Greeks that Troy never could be taken without the arrows of Hercules, and Ulys

wever cruel the provocation, Orestes was tormented by the Furies, and could not be happy anywhere. To be tormented by the Fur

restes, and she resolved to spare the life of one of them, though she could not so far disobey the king as to save both. She

rsons of amiable manners, and generous dispositions, and did all they could to divert the unfortunate stranger; exhibiting to

ner in whom the Greeks placed implicit confidence, declared that Troy could not be taken without the assistance of Achilles.

ws of war required that he should be obeyed. Even the fierce Achilles could not refuse submission to “the king of men,” as Ag

rds went to the tent of Achilles, and begged his son’s body. Achilles could not resist the supplications of the old man, and

store his mangled form. Achilles, implacable as he had shown himself, could not refuse a request so reasonable, and when he g

t before the time of Solon, had established laws, which the Athenians could not endure. These laws pretended to punish every

but one;              And change is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be,              The immutable is He. Parvat

tering just and irrevocable decrees. Into his palace no impure person could enter; and upon its columns were engraven those R

they worshipped him after his death as their benefactor. The Mexicans could never have heard of Saturn: but people honour the

l, and invisible. He was infinitely deserving of love and praise, and could be represented by no image. The god held nexi in

us ceremonies, which the Cholulans ever after observed. The Cholulans could give no account of their benefactor’s death, but

with him the charge of that useful element, without which animal life could not be for a moment sustained. Centeot, or she w

nsidering the worship of the gods as the highest honour to which they could aspire. Mexican Priests. See plate, page 22

mples were the holy and the profane. Into the former the priests only could enter at all times. Besides these, was the treasu

rced to pay for the information they sought; so that rich people only could be benefited by them. One of the most celebrated

of, as was convenient. Poor people made such humble offerings as they could afford. One mode of supporting the public worship

. The blessing was supposed sometimes to express the will of God, and could not be recalled. When Isaac had blessed Jacob, an

en Isaac had blessed Jacob, and given him the inheritance of Esau, he could not withdraw the blessing, and give his property

mple which was called the most holy place, into which no other person could enter, and to oversee all the public worship. He

d curtains, kept together by fastenings of gold and silver, and which could be taken to pieces, and removed from one place to

called the show-bread. This consecrated bread, according to the law, could only be eaten by the priests. The Candlestick was

he nations of antiquity, were required to be of the best quality that could be procured. Things of the greatest value being t

o have the same passions, both good and evil. They were immortal, yet could suffer pain and receive wounds. Instead of blood

exceptions, of majestic stature and shone with celestial beauty. They could render themselves invisible at will, and were oth

some cruel transformation, no other deity, not even Jupiter himself, could undo the spell. Ques. Into what classes were the

er killed him with a thunderbolt. Apollo was much grieved, and, as he could not take revenge on Jupiter, he killed the Cyclop

, and struck the unhappy maiden on the face with her shuttle. Arachne could not endure this insult, and hung herself from a b

st care, “giving him ambrosial food and fair garments.” When Tithonus could no longer move his aged limbs, and his feeble voi

ants might, at this time, say what they pleased to their masters, who could not take offence; also, in memory of the freedom

approach to it was guarded by dogs, whose scent was so keen that they could discover whether the persons coming to the temple

Ques. Who was Æolus [Æ′olus]? Ans. He was the god of the winds; he could imprison them in a dark cave, or, by setting them

a long time before they happened; hence the ignorant believed that he could bring high winds and tempests whenever he pleased

ow. He found fault with Minerva’s house, because it was immovable and could not be carried away if it were placed among bad n

window in the man’s breast so that his thoughts might be seen. No god could escape the censure of Momus. When he could find n

ghts might be seen. No god could escape the censure of Momus. When he could find nothing to criticise in the person of Venus,

he world. She holds a poppy, because when she was so grieved that she could neither rest nor sleep, Jupiter gave her a poppy

ess by her talkativeness. She was so far deprived of speech, that she could only repeat the last words of every sentence whic

d Avernus; this was overhung with such poisonous vapors that no birds could fly over it. The ferryman, Charon, was always wai

er for a hundred years by the gloomy waters of Avernus, before Charon could carry them to the other side. This superstition m

t to consult the oracle of Apollo. An answer was given that no remedy could be found until some one should solve the riddle t

is divinity, and another, adjoining, to Honor. As the temple of Honor could only be reached by passing through that dedicated

her that if Hercules ever gave her cause to doubt his affection, she could secure his constancy by making him wear a garment

s, that no one who was conducted a certain distance into the edifice, could find the entrance again. Theseus resolved to deli

o their cupidity, if they would but spare his life. The only favor he could obtain was the choice of a grave. If he desired t

ding to one legend, Orion was a famous hunter; having boasted that he could subdue the wildest and fiercest animals, the eart

to the oracle of Jupiter Ammon, but the god declared that the country could not be freed from this calamity, unless Andromeda

at its heat melted the wax which united the feathers of his wings. He could no longer sustain himself, and was drowned in tha

Calchas, the soothsayer, was consulted; he declared that the goddess could only be appeased by the sacrifice of Iphigenia [I

nd Achilles remained subject to death. Calchas had declared that Troy could not be taken without his aid, and Thetis, who was

ring himself wronged, he withdrew from the contest, and no entreaties could induce him to return to the field. The death of h

after to obstruct the mouth of their harbor. The arrival of the hero could not have occurred more opportunely for the delive

the end of which time the suitors became so importunate that Penelope could no longer resist. She promised, therefore, that s

ra, and the express command of the gods, was abhorrent to nature, and could not pass unavenged. Orestes was pursued by the Fu

was destined to fall before the walls of his native city, and that he could at best only postpone the ruin of his country for

priestesses who were appointed to explain the responses of the oracle could attach whatever meaning they pleased to these ina

third Pythia to answer those who came to consult the god. The Pythia could not prophesy until she had become intoxicated by

t say what empire, whether his own or that of his enemies, the oracle could not fail of being fulfilled. There is no doubt th

r quoit, etc. All persons were admitted to contend in these games who could prove that they were free, of pure Hellenic blood

d the tribunals and demanded vengeance on the murderers, but no trace could be found which might lead to their discovery. The

ever. The idea seems to be that they are so vile that no kind of food could pollute them. Ques. Are the castes ancient? Ans

y three Norns, who correspond to the Fates of Greek mythology. Asgard could only be entered by crossing the bridge Bifrost, (

ll required less sleep than a bird, and his sight was so keen that he could distinguish the smallest object, for a thousand l

the darkest night. His quickness of hearing was equally wonderful; he could hear the wool growing on the sheep’s backs, and t

of cobwebs. Finally, the mountain spirits fashioned a chain which he could not break. It was fabricated of the roots of ston

therefore, mounted on Odin’s horse Sleipnir, which had eight legs and could outstrip the wind. For nine days, and as many nig

as many nights, the hero rode through darksome glens where no object could be discerned in the gloom. On the tenth, he came

to carry all the deities with their war and household implements, it could be folded together so small as to be carried in t

d painful course of oral instruction was necessary before a candidate could be admitted to take his place in this influential

fertility of the soil that a single ear of corn was as much as a man could carry. The dyer’s art was not needed, for the cot

were occasionally offered in sacrifice, but Tlaloc, the god of rain, could only be propitiated by the blood of young childre

historian and a naturalist. It is not easy to understand how one man could have followed so many different avocations, fille

an equal subject of wonder, how one who read such a number of books, could find time to compose so many volumes; and how he

to compose so many volumes; and how he who composed so many volumes, could have found leisure to peruse such a variety of bo

ons that have in recent years been proposed for one and the same myth could not all, at any one time, have been entertained b

ood and beneficent gods and of righteous or reasonable myths. For how could a human being believe of the god whom he worshipp

eousness of the same god, we must conclude that, since the worshipper could not believe both sets of attributes, he preserved

empted to make reasonable the divine and heroic narratives which they could not otherwise justify, and of whose existence the

ear A distant strain far sweeter than the sounds Which his poor skill could make, his fancy fetched Even from the blazing cha

, in part, from the difficulty of believing that poems of such length could have been committed to writing in the age usually

t yet in use. On the other hand, it is asked how poems of such length could have been handed down from age to age by means of

particularly excelled. His genius was inclined to the pathetic; none could touch with truer effect the chords of human sympa

and given to them that appearance of reality which only a master-hand could impart. His pictures of nature are striking and t

hearsing, with such accompaniments of poetry and music as their skill could afford, the exploits of heroes living or dead. Su

eration, the greater part of the songs and Sagas of genuine antiquity could hardly have reached us. The Skaldic diction which

ance and repulse Of thine impenetrable spirit, Which earth and heaven could not convulse, A mighty lesson we inherit.”61 §

their united strength would not budge him: that, on the contrary, he could draw them, and earth, and the seas to himself, an

iot that Hebe made ready, and that the Hours set aside. Fearful, too, could be her wrath. For she was of a jealous dispositio

ods, but he was by no means a fool. The famous god of the strong arms could be cunning, even vengeful, when the emergency dem

ons of war. When presumption was to be punished, or wrong righted, he could bend his bow, and slay with the arrows of his sun

ce in athletic pursuits. His cunning rendered him a dangerous foe; he could well play the trickster and the thief, as Apollo

ernus, so foul in its exhalations that, as its name portends, no bird could fly across it.98 Before the judges of the lower w

l of his power was the trident, or three-pronged spear, with which he could shatter rocks, call forth or subdue storms, and s

t was a fresh creation from the earth. Juno begged it as a gift. What could the king of gods and men do? He was loath to surr

art to his wife; yet how refuse so trifling a present as a heifer? He could not, without exciting suspicion; and he, therefor

bserving, drove her away, and took his seat on a bank, from whence he could see in every direction. Fig. 34. Mercury kills A

n and again to her dear playmates, stretching out her hands, but they could not reach her. The strand he gained, and forward

ff from her own country, and neither sea-beat headland nor steep hill could now be seen, but above, the air, and beneath, the

s she spake, but she was too quick for him. The words escaped, and he could neither unsay his promise nor her request. In dee

ers and lightnings he entered the chamber of Semele. Her mortal frame could not endure the splendors of the immortal radiance

ing me: New life streamed from his presence; and a voice, That scarce could curb itself to the smooth Greek, Now and anon swe

eeping Earth dreamed music, and the heart Went crooning a low song it could not learn, But wandered over it, as one who grope

outh stood open, with its veins enlarged, and gasped for the air. Men could not bear the heat of their clothes or their beds,

r clothes or their beds, but preferred to lie on the bare ground. Nor could the physicians help, for the disease attacked the

The flier, though’t had leaden feet, Turned round so quick you scarce could see’t; But slackened by some secret power, Now ha

ve said that Minerva herself had taught her. But this she denied, and could not bear to be thought a pupil even of a goddess.

well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety. Minerva could not forbear to admire, yet was indignant at the i

d of Arachne, she made her realize her guilt. It was more than mortal could bear; and forthwith Arachne hanged herself. “Live

ce gathered he his spirit back to him.131 § 70. Toward mortals Mars could show himself, on occasion, as vindictive as his f

chains and fetters wound and clasped themselves about her so that she could not rise. The assistance of the gods was of no av

st, Hyacinth,” spake Phœbus, “robbed of thy youth by me. Would that I could die for thee! But since that may not be, my lyre

s presence, but stopped at a distance, for the light was more than he could bear. Phœbus Apollo, arrayed in purple, sat on a

st fall if they were destroyed. Earth, overcome with heat and thirst, could say no more. Then Jupiter, calling the gods to wi

riot, Phaëton, Struck by Jove’s thunder, rests beneath this stone. He could not rule’ his father’s car of fire, Yet was it mu

live and die. Beside, when he found speech, you guess the speech. He could not think he saw his wife again: It was some mock

be left? — who can flatter or kiss trees? And, for mercy’s sake, how could one keep up a dialogue With a dull wooden thing t

o pointed out the black object to his sister, and maintained that she could not hit it. The archer-goddess discharged a shaft

r him while he slept. She visited him again and again. But her secret could not long be hidden from the company of Olympus. F

so saying, departed. These persuasions Psyche resisted as well as she could , but they did not fail to have their effect on he

and bells, and stars without a name, With all the gardener Fancy e’er could feign, Who breeding flowers, will never breed the

te, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see, Untouch’d, a victim of your beauty brigh

nd upon it as if to assure himself whether it were living or not, and could not even then believe that it was only ivory. The

from my hand a heavy thing there fell Carved like these flowers, nor could I see things clear, But with a strange, confused

ers, nor could I see things clear, But with a strange, confused noise could hear. “At last mine eyes could see a woman fair,

r, But with a strange, confused noise could hear. “At last mine eyes could see a woman fair, But awful as this round white m

have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, parents could not forbid (for Venus and Cupid favored the match

it is said, the cheeks of the Furies were wet with tears. Proserpine could not resist, and Pluto himself gave way. Eurydice

madness seized The incautious lover; pardonable fault, If they below could pardon: on the verge Of light he stood, and on Eu

Now would not row him o’er the lake again, His wife twice lost, what could he? whither go? What chant, what wailing, move th

g of Elis and son of Mars, — a girl of whom it was reported that none could win her save by worsting the father in a chariot

ed frequent incense, but more than all to Juno. The goddess, at last, could not bear to be further pleaded with for one alrea

wills, And beat me down and marr’d- and wasted me, And tho’ they could not end me, left me maim’d To dwell in presence

ewy-warm With kisses balmier than half-opening buds Of April, and could hear the lips that kiss’d Whispering I knew not

t grace Carved for all ages on some Attic frieze.236 The Hamadryads could appreciate services as well as punish injuries. R

as he walked, The clear, broad sky looked bluer than its wont, And he could scarce believe he had not wings, Such sunshine se

ce murmur, “Rhœcus!” close at hand: Whereat he looked around him, but could see Naught but the deepening glooms beneath the o

ons, unwearied, wooed her in as many guises as his seasons themselves could assume. Now as a reaper, now as haymaker, now as

omona in his proper person, — a comely youth. Such wooing, of course, could not but win its just reward. § 125. The Cranes of

ay, these are summer’s flowers, and those are flowers of winter, so I could not have brought thee them all at one time. “Now,

roteus, who dwelt in the sea, and pastured the sea-calves of Neptune, could explain the cause of the mortality among the bees

. She became a monster of so frightful an aspect that no living thing could behold her without being turned into stone. All a

er, then eluded its furious attack by means of his wings. Wherever he could find a passage for his sword, he plunged it betwe

permission from Pluto to carry Cerberus to the upper air, provided he could do it without the use of weapons. In spite of the

his right hand. Thrice he shouted ‘Hylas!’ as loud as his deep throat could call, and thrice again the boy heard him, and thr

the dead. All the torments, every toil of earth, Juno’s hatred on him could impose, Well he bore them, from his fated birth T

y scalding him to death while he was bathing. It is said that Dædalus could not bear the idea of a rival. His sister had plac

Carelessly homeward bearest, with baleful ballast of curses? Never, could never a plea forefend thy cruelly minded Counsel?

t way, propounded to them a riddle, with the condition that those who could solve it should pass safe, but those who failed s

lthough alone, the burden of these toils, For love in larger store ye could not have From any than from him who standeth here

een still fraught with the curse of the house of Cadmus. But Eriphyle could not resist so tempting a bribe. By her decision t

went to his fate. He bore his part bravely in the contest, but still could not avert his destiny. While, pursued by the enem

Calchas the soothsayer announced that the wrath of the virgin goddess could only be appeased by the sacrifice of a virgin, an

trove to speak: my voice was thick with sighs, As in a dream. Dimly I could descry The stern black-bearded kings, with wolfis

battle, saw the chariot of Nestor, and recognized the old chief, but could not discern who the wounded warrior was. Calling

enclosure, leaving his men encumbered in the fosse to escape as they could . Patroclus drove all before him, slaying many; no

e imminent danger of his remains falling into the hands of the enemy, could see no suitable messenger. In desperation, he exc

o wound. Then Æneas, seizing a stone, such as two men of modern times could hardly lift, was about to throw it, — and Achille

ords can tell the grief of Priam and Hecuba at this sight. His people could scarce restrain the aged king from rushing forth.

i, the Greek interjection of woe.360 It was now discovered that Troy could not be taken but by the aid of the arrows of Herc

was said to have fallen from heaven, and the belief was that the city could not be taken so long as this statue remained with

tering, rolled to the cave’s mouth an enormous rock, that twenty oxen could not draw. Next, he sat down and milked his ewes,

o hail the giant again, but his friends besought him not to do so. He could not forbear, however, letting the giant know that

tide was rushing in must inevitably be ingulfed; not Neptune himself could save it. On approaching the haunt of the dread mo

rs as Charybdis ingulfed them, gave warning at a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and his men w

f provisions, they were forced to rely upon the birds and fishes they could catch. Famine pressed them, and, at last, in the

ter all had done their best, Ulysses being challenged to show what he could do, at first declined, but being taunted by one o

heir destined shore, felt her old grudge against them revive, for she could not forget the slight that Paris had put upon her

heir future home, they asked of the natives only so much land as they could enclose with a bull’s hide. When this was readily

d yield to the hand and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force could rend it away. If torn away another would succeed.

rom thee was reluctant, and in obedience to the commands of Jove; nor could I believe that my absence would have cost thee so

of Grecian and Trojan warriors. The Trojans thronged around him, and could not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the c

Sibyl; “I have no claims to sacrifice or offering. I am mortal, yet, could I but have accepted the love of Apollo, I might h

I forgot to ask for enduring youth. This also he would have granted, could I have accepted his love, but offended at my refu

ng to drive the strangers from the country. He resisted as long as he could , but finding his opposition unavailing, finally g

e was taught to use the bow and throw the javelin. With her sling she could bring down the crane or the wild swan. Her dress

trons at the city of Acestes. I go now without taking leave of her. I could not bear her tears nor set at nought her entreati

, and the two Trojans slew, as they passed, such of the enemy as they could without exciting alarm. In one tent Euryalus made

e shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Lausus, his son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward and interp

e youthful Pallas. The contest between champions so unequally matched could not be doubtful. Pallas bore himself bravely, but

etween Æneas and Turnus. Turnus had avoided the contest as long as he could ; but at last impelled by the ill success of his a

murs of his followers, he braced himself to the conflict. The outcome could not be doubtful. On the side of Æneas were the ex

alone had courage enough to do this. But when the wolf found that he could not break his fetters, and that the gods would no

nd entered into consultation, inquiring of one another who among them could have advised the rest to surrender Freya, or to p

ey all agreed that no one but Loki, the author of so many evil deeds, could have given such counsel, and that he should be pu

he rocks of Jötunheim. Thor sent Loki to negotiate with Thrym, but he could only prevail so far as to get the giant’s promise

ied to open the wallet, he found the giant had tied it up so tight he could not untie a single knot. At last Thor became wrot

nd and Logi at the other, and each of them began to eat as fast as he could , until they met in the middle of the trough. But

. Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accompanied Thor could perform. Thialfi answered that he would run a rac

lips, and without drawing breath, pulled as long and as deeply as he could , that he might not be obliged to make a second dr

second draught of it; but when he set the horn down and looked in, he could scarcely perceive that the liquor was diminished.

d to him that he had drank rather less than before, although the horn could now be carried without spilling. “How now, Thor,

he had met with any men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought great shame on h

he was struck with sudden sadness, insomuch that from that moment he could neither sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skir

ith their swords and battle-axes; for do what they would none of them could harm him. And this became a favorite pastime with

Höder returning cityward met Hermod, swiftest of the gods, — Nor yet could Hermod see his brother’s face, For it grew dark;

ne days and as many nights he rode through deep glens so dark that he could not discern anything, until he arrived at the riv

e mountain, and there built himself a hut with four doors, so that he could see every approaching danger. He invented a net t

Skidbladnir, which they gave to Freyr, and which was so large that it could contain all the deities with their war and househ

lements, but so skilfully was it wrought that when folded together it could be put into a side pocket. § 184. Ragnarok, the T

what were I, to save them in that hour? If strength might save them, could not Odin save, My father, and his pride, the warr

ow, To other gods it were, is my enforced Absence from fields where I could nothing aid; For I am long since weary of your st

for the hand of Brynhild herself. But Brynhild would have no one that could not ride through the flames drawn up around her h

ge. She loved Sigurd still, and he, since he had regained his memory, could not overcome his love for her. But the insult fro

but Sigurd, throwing Gram at the assassin, cut him in twain before he could escape. Woe me! how the house of the Niblungs by

Poetical Astronomy, have been attributed. The works, as we have them, could not have been written by a friend of the cultivat

auty, and that to aid him in his task the most perfect forms the city could supply were furnished him for models. Note Thomso

611), there were six sons and six daughters. After their death no one could bury them, since all who looked on them were turn

is hardly necessary to point out that a river Arethusa arising there, could not possibly be approached by an Alpheüs of the P

The tombs, sole relics of his reign, All — save immortal dreams that could beguile The blind old man of Scio’s rocky isle.”

made him repel her allurements. Finally when no other means of escape could be found, the two friends leaped from a cliff int

island: — “The sites explain the Odyssey. The temple of the sea-god could not have been more fitly placed, upon a grassy pl

randisher [of the Lance]. 58. Consequently the creation of these men could not be assigned to Prometheus, — unless they were

ay they came to think that the sun and stars, the rivers and streams, could see, and feel, and think, and that they shone, or

apable of death, but they might be wounded or otherwise injured. They could make themselves visible or invisible to men as th

of Thessaly, had an uncontrollable power over the moon, and that they could draw her down from heaven at pleasure by the mere

e, but all in a state of semi-consciousness, from which the intellect could be roused to full activity only by drinking of th

rated was in Italy, near Lake Avernus, over which it was said no bird could fly, so noxious were its exhalations. Old Age, Di

(dread). The last was said to encompass these realms nine times, and could be crossed only by the aid of Charon*, the ferrym

condemned to pour water continually into a cask full of holes, which could never be filled. “The story of Tantalus means th

Persephone to Pluto. When Demeter missed her darling child, and none could tell her where she had gone, she kindled torches,

ins of Attica there was a moon as well as an owl and olive branch. It could scarcely have been from any other cause than that

of skill in weaving. Arachne’s work was so perfect, that even Athene could find no fault with it; but she tore it in pieces.

n his way to execution, they had the power to pardon him, provided it could be proved that the meeting was accidental. The Ve

and to aid him in his task, the most perfect forms the city (Athens) could supply were furnished him for models. It is to th

Chiron*. He became a celebrated physician, and was so skilful that he could restore the dead to life. Aides complained to Zeu

ke those of an ass. Midas endeavored to conceal the deformity, but he could not hide the secret from his barber, whom he boun

cted did not please Momus because it was not movable, and, therefore, could not be taken from a bad neighborhood. Momus tried

raw, through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that they could thus purify themselves from their sins. Manes*

ls, or sea calves. He had the power of foretelling future events, and could assume any form at pleasure, changing himself int

corn, they vaved in golden lustre. When he sat down to eat, his teeth could not penetrate the golden bread, fish, fowl, wine,

ed by their mother, Telephassa*, and Thasos*, a son of Poseidon. They could obtain no intelligence of Europa, and fearing to

of Perseus to furnish the requisite gift, but he told the king, as he could not bring a horse, he would bring him the head of

d one tooth, which they shared in common. They were the only ones who could direct him to the abode of the Nymphs, who had ch

which devoured men and beasts. The oracle of Ammon declared the land could be saved only by the sacrifice of the king’s daug

sisters represent the absolute darkness which it was supposed the sun could not penetrate. “The Grææ* represent the twilight

as called the son of Poseidon, who was sometimes called Glaucus. None could appreciate this genealogy better than the Corinth

rom his wound, assuring her that it would act as a charm by which she could always retain the love of her husband. Heracles h

of the legendary period. He was so proud of his achievements that he could not endure the thought of having a rival. His nep

e prison, but, as the king kept strict watch on all the vessels, they could not leave the island by sea; so Dædalus made wing

oracle was consulted, Ino bribed the messengers to say that the evil could be removed only by sacrificing Phryxus and Helle

h had been given her by Hermes, and which, like the celestial steeds, could run through the air, she directed them to flee to

in the hope of obtaining her as a wife. Tyndareus feared that, as she could be given to but one of the suitors, the pretended

which she held him. Calchas*, the soothsayer, had declared that Troy could not be taken without the aid of Achilles. Thetis,

his untimely fate in such mournful melodies that neither gods nor men could refrain from tears. The death of the bravest of t

Helenus*, a son of Priam, and extorted from him the secret that Troy could not be taken without the arrows of Heracles, the

ing the prediction of the oracle, that only his deserted wife, Œnone, could cure him if wounded, Paris caused himself to be t

ng the cave, he rolled to its mouth an enormous rock that twenty oxen could not have drawn. Having kindled a fire, he discern

visions were all consumed, and they lived on what fish and birds they could catch. One day, in the absence of Odysseus, they

sed in former times, and declared that she would marry the suitor who could bend this bow and send an arrow through twelve ri

had built the walls of the chamber. Knowing, therefore, that the bed could not be moved, he exclaimed that the errand was us

ved, he exclaimed that the errand was useless, for that no mortal man could stir it from its place. Then Penelope knew that i

lous journeys in the under-world. Instructions were given by which it could vanquish the frightful monsters that constantly a

strange land, exposed to the malice of a host of unseen foes, whom he could subdue only by charms and exorcisms. The Assyrian

the parents of the human race. Asgard* was the abode of the gods. It could be entered only by crossing the bridge Bifrost* (

him, his strength was doubled. Whenever he put on his iron gloves, he could use his hammer efliciently. From Thor’s name was

imdall required less sleep than a bird; his sight was so keen that he could distinguish the smallest object for a thousand le

est night. As related in the Eddas, “His hearing was so quick that he could hear the wool growing on the sheep’s backs and th

nd that Brynhild should become the wife of his son Gunnar. But Gunnar could not ride through the flame, and by magic arts Sig

by brute force, or buys her from her relatives as he would buy a cow, could never have originated legends in which maidens ar

icient to appease the god of the lower world. If the body of a friend could not be found, as in shipwreck, an empty tomb was

ry one must have observed. Further, it was written at such hours as I could withdraw from other literary avocations, and with

that it appeared during the very height of the Reform fever, when few could think of the calm pursuit of literature, it may b

m pursuit of literature, it may be said to have had more success than could have been reasonably anticipated. The praises whi

pilations of Goldsmith were wanting in our schools, and I felt that I could supply the deficiency. The event has more than ju

ted me to write another work, likely to be as popular, they said they could not afford to give more than 150l. ! I mention th

ôn and Niobe, is one pretty generally diffused. Page 359. — Though we could not perhaps satisfactorily prove it, we have a st

e tales, and narrated them with all the embellishments a lively fancy could bestow ; and thus at a period long anterior to th

case when they found traditions of other kings of the gods whom they could not reconcile with their own Zeus, and of queens

whom they could not reconcile with their own Zeus, and of queens who could not be brought to agree with their Hera. But a ne

ith their Hera. But a new difficulty here presented itself ; for they could not assume several kings and queens reigning at o

ly ages. The cause, however, was a simple one. Uranos being masculine could not produce of himself, and Earth was the only fe

ould not produce of himself, and Earth was the only female being that could be united with him. The Cyclopes, that is the Whi

re dismissed, to remain inactive in Tartaros. The Titan-war therefore could have formed no part of the original mythe. It had

pupils music as well as other accomplishments, a more suitable mother could not be assigned him than the nymph Lyreloving324.

most be doubted if the poet who drew the following picture of Olympos could have conceived it to be no more than the summit o

them. They were believed to have power over the thoughts of men, and could imperceptibly suggest such as they pleased350. Th

Apollo was of unstained purity357. Of the goddesses, Aphrodite alone could be charged with breach of chastity358; Artemis, P

c power ; his statues were endowed with intelligence360 ; his tripods could move of themselves ; he made the golden shoes, or

fe. These chariots were drawn by horses of celestial breed366, which could whirl them to and fro between heaven and earth th

Demeter, Hestia, Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis369. This arrangement could hardly have been known to Homer, who never mentio

who became a god. By Io he had a son named Epaphos. Many other heroes could also boast of being the sons of Zeus by different

n for this, founded on physical or moral grounds, or on both. Nothing could be more natural than to assign the oak402, the mo

placed on a car drawn by kine. When this reached the ears of Hera she could not contain herself, but coming down in a rage fr

-Athene in marriage of Zeus, who gave him permission to win her if he could . Hephæstos was a rough wooer, and attempted to of

roughout all Thessaly ; thence went to Eubœa, Attica, and Bœotia, but could find no place to his mind. The situation of Tilph

nded with a fatal termination, and that none of these heroic families could claim him as the head of their genealogy. «The fi

Calliope, of which the fruit was Orpheus630. No parents more suitable could be assigned to the poet, whose strains could move

No parents more suitable could be assigned to the poet, whose strains could move the woods and rocks, than the god of poetry

s most dubious. It may also be doubted if the temple-legend of Delphi could be as old as the age to which Homer is usually re

cæa, the erection of which was ascribed to Hippolytos, but the guides could give Pausanias no account of the unusual title Ly

dered Night ; and the origin of the sun and moon, and their affinity, could not be more appropriately described. Apollo is re

ve already narrated ; and Hermes, Dionysos, and Poseidôn, it is said, could also boast of her favours. Among mortals, Anchise

nity, he was amazed at her beauty and the splendour of her attire. He could not avoid regarding her as something more than hu

e, that is, not to learn the joys of desire ; just as Adam, though he could see, did not see that he was naked until he had e

l flame was maintained in her temples at Athens and Alalcomenæ815. It could hardly have been from any other cause than that o

ired tidings of her lost daughter, but neither gods nor men nor birds could give her intelligence. Nine days she wandered ove

r once entered the bath. On the tenth morning Hecate met her, but she could not tell her who it was had carried away Persepho

Metaneira, who had a young son in the cradle, of whom if the stranger could obtain the nursing her fortune would be made. The

r and mother ; whereas if but one morsel had passed her lips, nothing could save her from spending onethird of the year with

trates ; whence it follows as a necessary consequence, that the rites could have contained nothing that was grossly immoral o

ss and importance of all that he beheld, conceived that nothing there could be without some mysterious meaning. What this mig

eloponnese), as he was returning from Œchalia. He had boasted that he could excel them in singing ; and enraged at his presum

1005 makes even Zeus himself subject to the Fates, whose decrees none could escape. The poets styled the Fates1006, 1. Unerri

to offend. Hera, by urging that the affection of Zeus for the Trojans could not be supposed equal to that for his own son, an

was odious to all the immortal gods.” Language more unsuitable surely could not be put into the mouth of Diomedes ; and we ma

d its produce, with which the ‘sons of the Achæans’ were so familiar, could have been without a presiding god,) he may have b

sness of this Dionysiac religion, that it is quite evident the latter could not have been known in Greece during the Achæan p

and Artemis Bubastes, and an island in the Nile, said (for Herodotus could not perceive it to move) to be a floating one, De

uch distinction. So late as the days of the Ptolemies, Theocritus1174 could thus allude to the treatment which he sometimes t

th the nymph Echo, by whom he had a daughter named Iambe1180 ; but he could not gain the love of Syrinx, another of the nymph

led Panic terrors were ascribed to Pan ; for loud noises, whose cause could not easily be traced, were not unfrequently heard

lessed the bed’ of heroes ; and many a warrior who fought before Troy could boast descent from a Nais or a Nereïs. “One of th

to gaze on them ; and, ignorant of their quality, declared that they could dance better themselves. The nymphs were offended

further, i. e. westwards1336, and came to that of the Cyclopes, which could not have been very far distant, or the poet would

le, abundantly stocked with goats. But the Cyclopes, having no ships, could not derive any advantage from it. Odysseus, leavi

uge rock, — one which the teams of two-and-twenty fourwheeled waggons could not move, — with which he had closed the door, he

Greeks who were hiding in his cave : the teams of twenty-two waggons could not move the rock with which he closed his door :

isle of Ææa, which we shall show to be near the extremity of the Sea, could not have been considerable, as the length of time

ed in clouds, and no man even if he had twenty hands and as many feet could ascend it. In the middle of this cliff, she says,

ve facing the west, but so high that a man in a ship passing under it could not shoot up to it with a bow. In this den dwells

The opposite rock, the goddess informs him, is much lower, for a man could shoot over it. A wild fig-tree grows on it, stret

provisions were exhausted, they lived on such birds and fish as they could catch. At length, while Odysseus was sleeping, Eu

t Odysseus and his men were in it they did not meet with any one, and could procure no food but birds and fish ; that it is c

so have conceived it to lie much more to the west than Sicily, for it could not have been more than the third day after leavi

orcyra ; and that if the Cyclopes were on the coast of Libya, Corcyra could not have been Scheria. The firm persuasion of the

na were so well known to the poet as they seem to have been, he never could have described the Phæacians, supposing Corcyra t

aven that might contribute to its perfection. Prometheus said that he could not tell what there might be in heaven to his pur

ould not tell what there might be in heaven to his purpose, unless he could go thither and judge for himself. The goddess the

als. The latter recognised the power of the former, who on their part could not well dispense with the gifts and respect of m

ood deal of forethought in their actions, to get every advantage they could in their dealings with the gods. This is intimate

be gods. From the remote period in which the legends placed them they could only be regarded as Titans, and accordingly by He

with her from heaven by Pandora. It is rather strange how this notion could have prevailed, when the species of vessel was so

ῶμa), a phrase that does not at all accord with such a box as Pandora could have carried with her. Further it is said that ‘H

her honour1559. Acastos believed the charge, but not thinking that he could lawfully put to death one whom he had purified, i

ce. As long as Meleagros fought, the Curetes had the worst of it, and could not keep the field ; but when, enraged at his mot

Thasos a son of Poseidôn. Their long search was to no purpose : they could get no intelligence of their sister ; and fearing

n the neighbourhood ; and nothing but superior wealth and naval power could have induced them to admit the distant Orchomenos

In the wall of this last they placed a stone in such a manner that it could be taken out, and by this means from time to time

Delphi to seek aid of Trophonios in Lebadeia. They came thither, but could find no oracle : one of them however happening to

the body of one of them, while he was wondering how so small a thing could destroy such large beings, it dropped out of his

s. When Heracles arrived, Minôs gave him permission to take him if he could . The hero succeeded, and brought and showed him t

racles went to Eumolpos at Eleusis, desirous to be initiated ; but he could not be admitted, as he had not been purified of t

asked Pluto to give him Cerberos ; and the god consented, provided he could take him without using his weapons. He found him

n inevitable dart, and a dog named Lælaps (Whirlwind), which no beast could escape. She then cut her hair short, and attiring

went to Thebes, which was at that time ravaged by a fox which nothing could overtake, and joined Amphitryôn in the chase of i

e of uniformity another daughter was added, whose name shows that she could not have belonged to the original mythe. It is, w

ed wresting it from his feeble grasp. Thinking however that his death could not be very remote, they resolved to wait for tha

opylæ, and were united for a common political and religious object, —  could not have been a real person, much less a king of

he exposure of Andromeda, the daughter of Cassiopeia, to the monster, could the evil be averted. The reluctance of Cepheus wa

anded, and ravaged their islands ; but so long as Pterolaos lived, he could accomplish nothing. At length Comætho, the daught

uld be only another name for Zeus, to whom he raised an altar, and he could not therefore have been described as impious in t

aid themselves in ambush in a hollow tree ; but Lynceus, whose vision could penetrate the trees and the rocks, ascended the t

ce detained, and had them guarded by a dog whom neither man nor beast could venture to approach. Bias, relying on the aid of

n a lake that reached up to his chin. Like one athirst he seemed, but could not drink ; For when the old man stooped to drink

was honoured by the dwellers of Olympos it was Tantalos ; but that he could not digest his happiness. They admitted him, he a

corrupted Atreus’ wife Aërope, had gotten the lamb ; and when Atreus could not exhibit it as he promised, the people thinkin

version of the maiden to her lover. When neither gifts nor entreaties could avail to win her love, the priest in despair turn

g to die in her stead. It was resolved to obey the oracle. Callirrhoe could find no one possessed of sufficient affection for

r the death of Asteriôn, to prove his claim to it he asserted that he could obtain whatever he prayed for. Then sacrificing t

them. When the Argo approached Crete, Medeia persuaded Talôs that she could make him immortal : he suffered her to pull out t

child, a mouse, fell into a jar of honey, and was smothered. When he could not be found, his father sent to inquire of the o

was, that there was a three-coloured cow in his herd, and that he who could best tell what she was like could restore his son

ed cow in his herd, and that he who could best tell what she was like could restore his son to life. The soothsayers were all

the waters, he pointed it out to his sister, and maintained that she could not hit that black thing on the sea. The archer-g

e greater portion of it, and so defiled what they left that no mortal could endure to eat it2157. The Argonauts coming to con

ing him to give him the Golden Fleece. The king assented, provided he could yoke the brassfooted bulls. These were the gifts

named Peisander2169. The geographer Scymnus however showed that this could not be, as the Ister flowed directly from the Alp

horse, and by them had twelve foals, which like the celestial steeds could run on the ears of corn or the waves of the sea21

se winds to detain the fleet. Calchos having announced that her wrath could only be appeased by the sacrifice of Iphigeneia,

it being the palpable exaggeration of national and local vanity. Who could believe, for example, that Athens, in a quarrel n

c usage was transferred by the poets to the mythic ages of Hellas. We could make many more objections than these, but we will

poet, when he would raise a hymn to accompany the sacrifice to a god, could only, like a Christian bard, extol his goodness a

e counsel of the nymph Egeria. She informed him that Faunus and Picus could instruct him in the mode of appeasing Jupiter, bu

Lesbos, Acarnania and Laconia. (Polyb. ii. 65 ; v. 24.) 125. Yet how could the poet, who (Od. xi. 312-15.) describes the Alo

όγυιος. 600. See above, p. 64. 601. II. xxi. 499. 602. Hesiod also could have known nothing of this enmity, as (Th. 918.)

sion to it — long continued. While it was absent no sentence of death could be executed in Athens ; because, as it was said,

ame time told him to come to her if ever he was wounded, as she alone could cure him. He did so now, but offended at his dese

2246. Works, 170. seq. The inventors of the mythic legends however could hardly have believed them to be true. Anaxagoras

ging us one day or one minute nearer to their close. Suppose that one could fix upon the terminal point, we would still fancy

is return from Troy he gave him, tied up in a bag, all the winds that could prevent his voyage from being prosperous. The com

make the walls of the city of Thebes. “Amphion, too, as story goes, could call Obedient stones to make the Theban wall.” H

ania, in Italy. Averrun′cus Deus [Averruncus Deus], a Roman god, who could divert people from evil-doing. Axe, see Dædalus.

It was this princess who bought a piece of land in Africa as large as could be encompassed by a bullock’s hide, and when the

ation turned on the subject of punning, when Porson observing that he could pun on any subject, a person present defied him t

and he put it on, but his doing so brought on an illness of which he could not be cured. In a fit of desperation he cast him

ing of Thebes, father of Phryxus and Helle. Ino had two children, who could not ascend the throne while Phryxus and Helle wer

ve for not having made a window in man’s breast, so that his thoughts could be seen. His bitter jests occasioned his being dr

ion of himself which he saw in the placid water of a fountain that he could not help loving it, imagining that it must be som

eeds of various lengths, which he invented himself, and from which he could produce music which charmed even the gods. These

reduced to three, Juno, Pallas (Minerva), and Venus; but Jove himself could not make these three agree, and it was decided th

] was the name of the spear of Achilles, which was so large that none could wield it but the hero himself. Pe′lion [Pelion].

n the infernal regions. It was the picture of desolation, for nothing could grow on its parched and withered banks. Also call

of natural reproduction, was the son of Venus and Bacchus. “Priapus could not half describe the grace (Though god of garden

back the fair.” F. Lewis. Pro′teus [Proteus]. A marine deity, who could foretell events and convert himself at will into

his companions, thinking that the bags contained treasure which they could rob him of when they got to Ithaca, cut the bags,

name is Nike (Nicē). See Nicephorus. Vidor. A Scandinavian god, who could walk on the water and in the air. The god of sile

of her sons, and had him privately educated; but all her precautions could not prevent Titan, the elder brother, from being

Vestal virgins had neglected her duty, or violated her vows, nothing could save her from the dreadful death of being buried

r one day. The Sun having sworn to grant whatever Phaeton should ask, could not refuse. In vain did he give to the rash youth

with disheveled hair and torches, or thyrsi, in their hands. Nothing could be more absurd, impious, and licentious, than the

the God of ships and of all maritime affairs, and his supreme command could raise the stormy waves, or calm the wildest fury

ood in a place called the Field of Truth, which falsehood and calumny could never approach. Who were the Furies? They were th

ished with wings, a helm, and a chariot wheel, to signify thano place could secure the guilty from her pursuit. As a daughter

with terror fill’d the realms of hell. Nor Lerna’s fiend thy courage could confound, With all her hundred heads that hiss’d

an edifice so curiously constructed, that a person once placed in it, could not find his way out again. This was called the l

enigmas to passengers, and tearing to pieces the unhappy wretches who could not answer them. Œdipus answering her riddles, sh

so that a large ship, under sail, might pass between its legs. A man could not grasp its thumb with his two arms. After havi

ce was sixty miles, and whose breadth was so great, that six chariots could drive upon them abreast. Sixth. The pyramids of E

ence, of what appeared, to limited human capacity, good and evil, men could not believe that the same being was the author of

d aspects are but one; And change is none In him; for change in Yamen could not be, The immutable is he. Bhaváni, or Parvati

heir entering upon some hazardous war. It was imagined that whosoever could celebrate this sacrifical rite, one hundred times

enovator and preserver of nature, who overcame, for a time, though he could not actually destroy, Typhon; and who restored th

belt, inspiring strength and valour; his gauntlets, without which he could not grasp the formidable club. Prayers were addre

tering just and irrevocable decrees. Into his palace no impure person could enter; and upon its columns were engraven those R