iliar with the chief characters in the mythical play, characters that he will meet again and again in literature and art.

love. He was very beautiful, as indeed almost all the gods were; but he was the fairest of them all. He drove his golden

his golden sun chariot through the heavens every day, and on his lyre he played sweet music. He could heal all kinds of wo

. She had a little son named Cupid, who also was the god of love; and he was sometimes called the god of the bow, because

god of love; and he was sometimes called the god of the bow, because he was never seen without his bow and arrows. You wi

urious arrows they were. Cupid was always young and rosy and dimpled; he never grew up as the other god children did. Nept

y, fleet-footed Mercury. He was called “The Swift” and no wonder; for he had winged sandals, and could fly faster than the

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

as very lonely in his somber palace; and one time, as you shall hear, he came to earth and stole away the daughter of Cere

of the woods. He was a strange creature, half goat and half man. But he was loved by every one, and especially by the she

. But he was loved by every one, and especially by the shepherds; for he guarded their flocks from harm, and played his pi

ho, like his mother, was very fond of hunting. So good a marksman was he that he hardly ever missed his aim, and with his

his mother, was very fond of hunting. So good a marksman was he that he hardly ever missed his aim, and with his faithful

s hound brought the wild deer to bay.” The Chase ( Debay ). One day he took his bow and arrows, and started out alone. H

. He had been hunting a long time, when, in following a deer’s track, he came suddenly into a little cleared space, and sa

startled at coming so suddenly within a few feet of a bear; but soon he became frightened at the animal’s fixed stare. Th

. There was such a strange sadness in the eyes that gazed at him that he felt a terror which he could not explain. Scarcel

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

at he felt a terror which he could not explain. Scarcely knowing what he did, he raised his bow and aimed an arrow at his

lt a terror which he could not explain. Scarcely knowing what he did, he raised his bow and aimed an arrow at his mother.

and arrow from his hands. For Jupiter had always loved Callisto, and he was sorry for the harm his wife had done to one s

arm 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

so good and gentle. To make up as far as he could for Juno’s cruelty, he changed both mother and son into bright, glowing

ing Neptune’s ocean palace. Neptune promised to do as she wished, and he kept his word, for from that day to this, the Gre

the brook that runs to the sea. And look at the broad-faced sun, how he smiles     On the dewy earth that smiles in his r

re very lonely for him with only shadows to talk to. Often and often, he had tried to urge some goddess to come and share

and was driving along in his swift chariot, when, behind some bushes, he heard such merry voices and musical laughter that

ind some bushes, he heard such merry voices and musical laughter that he drew rein, and stepping down, parted the bushes t

pping down, parted the bushes to see who was on the other side. There he saw Proserpine standing in the center of a ring o

felt his heart beat quicker at sight of all these lovely maidens, and he singled out Proserpine, and said to himself, “She

en. That fair face can make even dark Hades light and beautiful.” But he knew it would be useless to ask the girl for her

d be useless to ask the girl for her consent; so, with a bold stride, he stepped into the midst of the happy circle. The y

ing Proserpine’s startled companions far behind. King Pluto knew that he must hasten away with his prize, lest Ceres shoul

e, lest Ceres should discover her loss; and, to keep out of her path, he drove his chariot a roundabout way. He came to a

th, he drove his chariot a roundabout way. He came to a river; but as he neared its banks, it suddenly began to bubble and

o back another way would mean great loss of time; so with his scepter he struck the ground thrice. It opened, and, in an i

or the neglected earth. So all the people cried aloud to Jupiter that he should bring Proserpine back to her mother, for t

by the mother’s sorrow and by the prayers of the people on earth; and he said that Proserpine might return to her home if

mud pond, is certainly not a very attractive or lovable creature. But he has his good qualities, nevertheless, and he impr

or lovable creature. But he has his good qualities, nevertheless, and he improves very much on acquaintance. There was onc

wo helpless little children, who had been treated very cruelly. While he was thinking about them, he came suddenly to a mu

who had been treated very cruelly. While he was thinking about them, he came suddenly to a muddy brook, and in the middle

sides it was the first time the poet had ever seen such creatures. So he turned away from them in disgust, and went home a

is story about the beautiful woman and the two helpless children, and he put something about the frogs into his tale. As h

less children, and he put something about the frogs into his tale. As he had not liked them at all, he made them seem very

thing about the frogs into his tale. As he had not liked them at all, he made them seem very bad and ugly; but that is no

amed Narcissus, who was as beautiful as a sunshiny day in spring, and he was brave and manly as well. Every one who saw hi

he was brave and manly as well. Every one who saw him loved him; but he seemed to have no heart, for he loved no one but

Every one who saw him loved him; but he seemed to have no heart, for he loved no one but himself. One day he was wanderin

he seemed to have no heart, for he loved no one but himself. One day he was wandering through the forest with some comrad

One day he was wandering through the forest with some comrades, when he stopped to pluck a wild flower, and lost sight of

ower, and lost sight of his friends. He turned to take the path which he thought the right one, and in so doing s passed b

and Echo stealing softly behind him, until the boy suddenly saw that he had lost his way and called out, “Is there any on

, ‘Here’.” Echo ( Roberts ). The youth was very much surprised, for he had thought himself alone in the woods. He looked

ed all around, but not seeing any one to whom the voice could belong, he called, “Come!” whereupon Echo likewise called, “

swered in his own words. She did not dare show herself, for fear that he might be angry, but you see she could not help an

in words. But Narcissus hated to have any one show him affection; so he pushed her aside very roughly, and fled from her

sked whether her boy would live to manhood. The prophet answered, “If he never recognizes himself.” At the time, no one un

see what the wise man meant. Narcissus was very fond of hunting, and he often roamed through the woods from morning till

ning till night, with only his bow and arrows for companions. One day he had been tracking the game through the forest for

for many hours, and at last, worn out with the heat and the exercise, he came to a shady spot in the woods, where, hidden

clear as crystal, and Narcissus stooped to drink of it; but suddenly he paused in wonder, for reflected in the smooth sur

der, for reflected in the smooth surface, was the most beautiful face he had ever seen. He looked at it in ever-growing su

had ever seen. He looked at it in ever-growing surprise, and the more he looked, the fairer did the face seem. Narcissus a

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

smiled, and the two starry eyes in the pool smiled back at him. When he beckoned, the loved one beckoned too; and the nea

at him. When he beckoned, the loved one beckoned too; and the nearer he bent to the water, the nearer to its surface did

he water, the nearer to its surface did the beautiful face rise. When he tried to touch it, it disappeared from view. That

e shadow. He lost all desire for food or for sleep, and night and day he lay upon the grass, gazing at his own image refle

scarcely breathe for marveling at the beauty of his own face. Slowly he began to pine away. The red left his cheeks and h

left his cheeks and his body grew thinner and thinner, until at last he died. Echo had seen the poor boy’s madness, and a

l at last he died. Echo had seen the poor boy’s madness, and although he had treated her so cruelly, she felt only sorrow

did not want the waters to dry up until all the people were dead, so he shut fast in their caverns all the winds except t

essenger of his to wander over all the earth. A mighty figure of ruin he was, as he swept along, emptying the clouds as he

his to wander over all the earth. A mighty figure of ruin he was, as he swept along, emptying the clouds as he passed. Hi

ghty figure of ruin he was, as he swept along, emptying the clouds as he passed. His face was covered with a veil like the

Jupiter was sorry to see the earth looking so empty and deserted, so he called home the south wind and set the other wind

; and you may be sure that they made a great ado over Apollo, so that he left the country feeling very proud of himself. A

Apollo, so that he left the country feeling very proud of himself. As he was going along, whom should he meet but the litt

try feeling very proud of himself. As he was going along, whom should he meet but the little god Cupid, armed with his bow

ade of these curious arrows of his. When Apollo met Cupid thus armed, he began to taunt him. “What have you to do with the

s armed, he began to taunt him. “What have you to do with the arrow?” he cried, in a boastful tone. “That is my weapon. I

belongs to me.” Now, Cupid was a very quick-tempered little god, and he cried in a passion, “Though your arrow may pierce

your arrow may pierce all other things, my arrow can wound you.” Then he flew off in a very bad humor, and tried to think

flew 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 bett

uld make Apollo feel which of them was the better marksman. By and by he came to a grove in which a beautiful nymph, Daphn

in which a beautiful nymph, Daphne, was wandering. This was just what he wanted. He shot the arrow of lead into her heart,

tree-tops. Cupid saw him at the same instant, and, quick as a flash, he planted a golden arrow in Apollo’s heart. Then he

, quick as a flash, he planted a golden arrow in Apollo’s heart. Then he flew away, satisfied. The golden arrow did its wo

o sooner had the sun god caught a glimpse of the beautiful nymph than he fell deeply in love with her; and just as quickly

r fear she might hurt herself on the thorns and brambles; and at last he cried, “Do not try to run from me. I love you, an

el tree. When Apollo saw that his beautiful Daphne had become a tree, he wept and threw his arms about the newly formed ba

, and stung the child. Loud and piteous are his cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies. “Oh, mother! I am wounded throug

ng the child. Loud and piteous are his cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies. “Oh, mother! I am wounded through, — I di

A bee it was — for once, I know, I heard a rustic call it so.” Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothin

Once there lived in Greece a wonderful musician named Orpheus. When he played his lyre, the trees were so charmed by his

yre, the trees were so charmed by his music that they followed him as he went along; and the lifeless rocks became living

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

they heard. Now Orpheus had a fair young wife, Eurydice; and much as he loved his music, she was still more dear to him.

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

s for his sorrow. At last he could bear his loneliness no longer, and he determined to go to the Lower World to seek Euryd

Hades; and hither Orpheus went to seek her. Taking his lyre with him, he went along, full of hope, until he came to the bl

eek her. Taking his lyre with him, he went along, full of hope, until he came to the black River of Death. Charon at first

ul music that the dog crouched down at his feet, and licked the hands he had been ready to bite. So Orpheus passed through

ul and touching that both Pluto and Proserpine wept to hear him. When he had finished, Pluto granted his prayer and gave h

To this Orpheus gladly agreed, and so, after many kind parting words, he started to return through those gloomy passages,

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

that Eurydice might have lagged behind. Before he could think of what he was doing, he turned his head quickly to see whet

might have lagged behind. Before he could think of what he was doing, he turned his head quickly to see whether she was st

ed his head quickly to see whether she was still following. But alas! he caught only a glimpse of her, as, with her arms s

river, without touching food of any kind or sleeping for an instant, he sadly returned to the green earth. He went up on

returned to the green earth. He went up on a high mountain, and there he lived with only the birds and the trees and the w

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

he trees and the wild animals; for, since he could not have Eurydice, he cared for no other companions. But the birds and

ved him dearly, and tried to show their gratitude for the sweet music he made for them. They did, indeed, comfort him, and

the sweet music he made for them. They did, indeed, comfort him, and he lived for a long time in this sorrowful quiet. So

ime passed on, until one day, as Orpheus was walking on the mountain, he met a band of dancing women who were singing gay

could think only of sad things since Eurydice had gone from him, and he felt that he could not play merry tunes. But when

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

ne from him, and he felt that he could not play merry tunes. But when he refused, the women flew into a rage, and fell upo

They cast the singer’s body into the weeping river, His last words as he floated down the stream were, “Eurydice! Eurydice

ing. At the entrance gate stood Eurydice, waiting to welcome him; and he rushed forward to meet his dear wife and put his

ade trees, And the mountain tops that freeze,     Bow themselves when he did sing; To his music, plants and flowers Ever s

on was a youth who also was very fond of hunting. More than all else, he loved to follow the deer; and he had a fine pack

fond of hunting. More than all else, he loved to follow the deer; and he had a fine pack of hounds that never failed to tr

on had been out hunting for many hours. He was tired and thirsty, and he looked about for some spot in which to rest. Sudd

thirsty, and he looked about for some spot in which to rest. Suddenly he heard the sound of running water, and, eager to q

rted the branches and stepped into an open space beyond. But what did he see? Lying about on the grass were all the fair h

been so bewildered, at sight of Diana’s beauty and at her anger, that he had stood motionless and silent, rooted to the sp

that he had stood motionless and silent, rooted to the spot. But now he tried to speak, and found he could not utter a wo

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

ry goddess had changed his form into that of a deer, the animal which he and his faithful hounds had so often hunted. In t

he and his faithful hounds had so often hunted. In terror and dismay, he looked at his new body, which was so strange and

body, which was so strange and yet so familiar to him. At that moment he heard, in the distance, the baying of his own dog

in the distance, the baying of his own dogs, coming to join him. Ah! he must hide from them, for they would not know thei

ees and bushes and held him back. At last, tired out by the struggle, he sank to the ground. An instant later the pack fel

e hunter good What’s the gully deep or. the roaring flood? Right over he bounds, as the wild stag bounds, At the heels of

ome reason hated Danaë and Perseus, and wished to get rid of them. So he planned some means of getting Perseus out of the

us 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

he wicked king knew that if the boy were gone he could easily do what he liked with the mother. At last he thought of an a

y were gone he could easily do what he liked with the mother. At last he thought of an adventure that would please Perseus

lease Perseus, and, at the same time, be so dangerous that the youth, he felt sure, would never come back to his home. On

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

ty safe in thinking that Perseus would never return to the island. So he sent for the boy, and when he stood before him, b

us would never return to the island. So he sent for the boy, and when he stood before him, began to praise his boldness an

stood before him, began to praise his boldness and courage, of which, he said, he had heard so much. Perseus, of course, w

ore him, began to praise his boldness and courage, of which, he said, he had heard so much. Perseus, of course, was flatte

kled over the success of his plot! In seeming to do the boy an honor, he thought he was really sending him to his death. N

he success of his plot! In seeming to do the boy an honor, he thought he was really sending him to his death. Now after po

lly sending him to his death. Now after poor Perseus left the palace, he began to think over his promise, and somehow the

somehow the plan did not seem nearly so pleasant nor so easy as when he was talking with the king. The more he thought of

o pleasant nor so easy as when he was talking with the king. The more he thought of it, the less he liked the idea. In the

hen he was talking with the king. The more he thought of it, the less he liked the idea. In the excitement of the moment,

t of it, the less he liked the idea. In the excitement of the moment, he had promised to do something that would surely co

ad promised to do something that would surely cost him his life. When he had passed the gates of the city, he sat down und

d surely cost him his life. When he had passed the gates of the city, he sat down under a tree by the roadside and began t

a tree by the roadside and began to think very soberly; but the more he thought, the more hopeless did his task seem. Per

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

strange, winged shoes, and a staff, wreathed with serpents, on which he leaned as he spoke. It was no other than the swif

ged shoes, and a staff, wreathed with serpents, on which he leaned as he spoke. It was no other than the swift-footed god

ch the queer-looking stranger asked the question, that, almost before he knew it, Perseus was telling him the whole story.

most before he knew it, Perseus was telling him the whole story. When he had finished, Mercury sat silent for a few moment

Perseus promised, and in the next story you will hear whether or not he succeeded. ——— Lullaby Sweet and low, sweet and

see some one behind that thick bush.” When Perseus heard these words, he trembled in his winged shoes. However, he need no

Perseus heard these words, he trembled in his winged shoes. However, he need not have been afraid, for the sisters fell t

how it all would have ended, had not Perseus spoken. “My good women,” he said, “do not be frightened. The eye is safe. I h

he voice came. But Perseus was too quick for them. On his winged feet he rose high in the air, and then, from a safe dista

terrible to think of. So, after a few minutes, they told Perseus all he wanted to know, and he set their hearts at rest b

So, after a few minutes, they told Perseus all he wanted to know, and he set their hearts at rest by clapping the eye into

e eye into her forehead.” Perseus and the Graeae (Burne-Jones). Then he flew back swiftly to the grove where Mercury was

ed out on his errand. He flew over many lands and seas, until at last he came to the island where the terrible Gorgons liv

But Minerva’s bright shield served as a mirror, and, reflected in it, he saw the three monsters lying fast asleep on the s

crooked sword, and, fixing his eyes on Medusa’s image in the shield, he darted down. With one thrust, he cut off the head

yes on Medusa’s image in the shield, he darted down. With one thrust, he cut off the head of the sleeping Gorgon, and then

Perseus; but on account of Pluto’s helmet they could not see him, and he escaped with the head of snaky-locked Medusa. Bac

escaped with the head of snaky-locked Medusa. Back over land and sea he flew, and he had many strange adventures by the w

the head of snaky-locked Medusa. Back over land and sea he flew, and he had many strange adventures by the way. When he r

and sea he flew, and he had many strange adventures by the way. When he reached the island where his mother lived, he wen

ntures by the way. When he reached the island where his mother lived, he went straight to their little cottage. He laid as

She was overjoyed to see her son, for she had long since decided that he must be dead. You see, it had taken a long, long

eus told his mother all that had happened to him, and, above all, how he had met fair Andromeda, which is the story I am g

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

y the king had treated Danaë during her son’s absence; and vowed that he would take revenge. The next morning he went to t

son’s absence; and vowed that he would take revenge. The next morning he went to the palace. The king was more surprised t

palace. The king was more surprised than pleased to see Perseus, for he , too, had thought him dead. “Aha, Perseus!” he cr

ed to see Perseus, for he, too, had thought him dead. “Aha, Perseus!” he cried, “so you have come back without doing what

by showing us the head,” said the king, with a sneer; for, of course, he did not believe Perseus. “Since your majesty insi

ld the head!” Perseus cried; and drawing it from the bag at his side, he held it aloft in all its horrid beauty. The king

them, under whom they lived in peace and happiness. Perseus knew that he owed his success to the help which Mercury and th

ccess to the help which Mercury and the other gods had given him, and he never forgot the debt he owed them. The head of M

ercury and the other gods had given him, and he never forgot the debt he owed them. The head of Medusa he gave to Minerva.

en him, and he never forgot the debt he owed them. The head of Medusa he gave to Minerva. She was much pleased with the gi

ll you next. It all happened after Perseus had slain Medusa, and when he was hurrying back to his island home. In an islan

e nymphs sent a sea serpent to the island where Cassiopeia lived, and he did so much harm that everybody was in despair. A

em the gods spoke to human beings. If any one was in doubt as to what he should do in time of trouble, or wanted to know s

rouble, or wanted to know something that was to happen in the future, he would go to one of these oracles, and offer up a

the hideous creature raising itself to attack her. Quick as a flash, he had darted down, and was now fighting a fierce ba

ides! The hero became Cassiopeia’s guest, and, after a few days, when he had seen that the rescued girl was as good and lo

d seen that the rescued girl was as good and lovable as she was fair, he asked for her hand in marriage. As for Andromeda,

of whom Andromeda’s parents were very much afraid. Some time before, he had asked for their daughter as his wife, and the

to Perseus in terror. Her husband laid his right hand on a bag which he wore at his side and said, “The one you call your

can take her from me.” “We shall see,” was the old man’s answer; and he started toward Perseus. But in the middle of the

answer; and he started toward Perseus. But in the middle of the room he came to a sudden stop, and stood there motionless

Gorgon’s head, and instantly the old man was turned to stone, just as he stood. When his followers saw what had happened t

of her father’s stream. One day, when Jupiter had come down to earth, he met Io in the woods and began to talk to her. And

e down to earth, he met Io in the woods and began to talk to her. And he found her so lovable that he came again and again

the woods and began to talk to her. And he found her so lovable that he came again and again, and spent many a pleasant h

r along the banks of the stream. Io did not know who Jupiter was, for he came disguised as a boy; and she thought him only

ar to have Jupiter care for any one besides herself. So one day, when he had been away from home for many hours, she sudde

denly made up her mind to go down to earth and see the maiden of whom he was so fond. Her heart was filled with bitter fee

ove; and fearing that she might harm his companion, quick as a flash, he changed Io into a white heifer. When Juno came to

could Jupiter do? He could not refuse his wife such a trifle, and so he had to say yes, although it was much against his

ts, Argus, to watch the cow. And a very good watchman Argus made; for he had a hundred eyes, and no matter how tired he wa

tchman Argus made; for he had a hundred eyes, and no matter how tired he was, he never closed more than half of them at on

rgus made; for he had a hundred eyes, and no matter how tired he was, he never closed more than half of them at one time.

peak to him, but with her foot she traced her story in the sand. When he read the sad tale, her father wept aloud, and, th

ween father and daughter. He now thought it time to separate them, so he led his charge away to a distant pasture, and sea

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

he could see all that happened. But Jupiter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he could; so he called his

pened. But Jupiter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he could; so he called his son Mercury, the messenge

piter had not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he could; so he called his son Mercury, the messenger of the gods

the dress of a shepherd boy, using his wonderful wand as a staff. As he went along, he gathered the stray sheep that cros

shepherd boy, using his wonderful wand as a staff. As he went along, he gathered the stray sheep that crossed his path, a

nt along, he gathered the stray sheep that crossed his path, and when he came near to the hill where Argus was watching, h

his path, and when he came near to the hill where Argus was watching, he began to play on a pipe of reeds. When Argus hear

ay on a pipe of reeds. When Argus heard the sweet sounds of the pipe, he was pleased, and called to Mercury, “Hail strange

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

where she had vanished. When Pan stretched out his arm toward Syrinx, he found himself grasping, instead, the reeds that g

self grasping, instead, the reeds that grew on the marshy banks. Then he gave a deep sigh, and his breath among the reeds

rmuring sound, like music. Pan was so charmed by the sweet tone, that he fastened some of the hollow reeds together with w

e hollow reeds together with wax, and thus made a musical pipe, which he named Syrinx, in memory of the vanished nymph.” W

memory of the vanished nymph.” When Mercury finished his tale, which he had told at great length and in a sleepy tone, he

hed his tale, which he had told at great length and in a sleepy tone, he saw, to his delight, that at last Argus was sound

rgus was sound asleep, with all his eyes closed. With his magic wand, he made the slumber sounder, and then cut off the he

ef of the gods. Jupiter could no longer bear to see her suffering; so he begged Juno to take pity on Io, and promised neve

nor and his name That defends our flocks from blame. He is great and he is just, He is ever good and must Thus be honored

let fly an arrow which pierced the eldest through the heart; and then he shot another and another, until the seven boys la

grew up to be the strongest and most wonderful man of his time. When he was but a few weeks old, Juno, who hated his moth

m woke the baby, Hercules, from his sleep. Starting up in his cradle, he seized the snakes, one with each hand, and wrung

kill fierce monsters, and, in short, risk his life all the time. But he was so brave that he feared nothing, and so stron

, and, in short, risk his life all the time. But he was so brave that he feared nothing, and so strong that he overcame al

time. But he was so brave that he feared nothing, and so strong that he overcame all the dangers Juno placed in his path.

Nothing could have been harder for Hercules to bear than slavery; for he had a restless spirit, which made him chafe night

hains that bound him. The king at last took pity on him, and told him he would set him free if he would perform twelve ver

king at last took pity on him, and told him he would set him free if he would perform twelve very difficult tasks. Nothin

very difficult tasks. Nothing could have suited Hercules better, for he delighted in danger and deeds of valor. And that

rs were overcome, and Hercules was set free. Then with a light heart, he started forth on his own wanderings. He had not g

rt, he started forth on his own wanderings. He had not gone far, when he came to a country ruled by a king who had a very

r in marriage to a great river god. The king was undecided as to what he should do; but at length it was agreed that Hercu

range to us, but it pleased both the suitors. Hercules felt sure that he would win because he was so strong; and the river

leased both the suitors. Hercules felt sure that he would win because he was so strong; and the river god felt equally sur

in because he was so strong; and the river god felt equally sure that he would be the victor, because he could disguise hi

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

rm of a serpent, glided from his grasp. “Aha,” laughed Hercules, when he saw what had happened, “you think you will escape

w serpents thrice your size when I was but a baby in the cradle.” And he sprang upon the serpent, and in an instant would

ules was afraid to trust himself in them with his precious burden. As he was standing on the bank, in doubt what to do, a

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

ssus was a long time in working his way to the opposite shore. Before he reached it, he had planned to run away with Deïan

time in working his way to the opposite shore. Before he reached it, he had planned to run away with Deïanira, and take h

ave, to be his wife. So no sooner had his hoofs touched dry land than he galloped away, with the frightened girl clinging

y arrow is swifter than the fleetest horse.” Then, choosing an arrow, he took careful aim, and the next instant the centau

pain; then dipping his shirt in the blood that flowed from his wound, he handed it to the maiden, saying, “Take this, fair

dying centaur, and it will bring his love back to you.” Scarcely had he finished speaking when he fell back — dead. Now t

l bring his love back to you.” Scarcely had he finished speaking when he fell back — dead. Now the arrow which killed Ness

began to grow restless. He was tired of that quiet life at home, and he often thought of his early adventures, until at l

nds and to do other great deeds became too strong for him. So one day he started on his journeys. His wife missed him very

loved him so well that she had not the heart to call him back, since he seemed to be happier in his wanderings. Hercules

his wanderings. Hercules had traveled a great distance, when at last he came to a city by the sea. There he saw the king’

ed a great distance, when at last he came to a city by the sea. There he saw the king’s daughter, and grew to love her as

by the sea. There he saw the king’s daughter, and grew to love her as he had once loved Deïanira. He forgot all about his

He forgot all about his wife awaiting him at home, and day after day he lingered in the palace of the princess. Of course

n its work, and Hercules was racked with strange pains. In his agony, he tried to tear off the fatal shirt, but it stuck f

behind a rock. Suddenly Hercules spied him crouching behind the rock; he strode up to him, and before the servant could st

nd flung him far out into the sea. The gods took pity on him, and, as he was falling, changed him into a rock resembling a

still stands far out in the middle of the sea. As for Hercules, when he found that he could not free himself from his tor

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

cules, when he found that he could not free himself from his torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. With his own h

he found that he could not free himself from his torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. With his own hands he tor

his torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. With his own hands he tore up great trees and bushes, and built of them

shes, and built of them his own funeral pile; then, lying down on it, he wrapped his poisoned shirt about him, and, orderi

of the city. He made beautiful statues and carvings of all kinds, and he was, besides, a most skillful builder. The most w

was, besides, a most skillful builder. The most wonderful thing that he had ever built was a strange winding path, called

is uncle famous. Daedalus became the boy’s teacher. He taught him all he knew and was pleased to find such an apt pupil; b

when the boy gave signs of becoming greater than his master. Young as he was, he had already invented the saw and the comp

boy gave signs of becoming greater than his master. Young as he was, he had already invented the saw and the compass. Ath

ass. Athens rang with praises of the clever lad, and it was said that he would some day be far greater than his uncle. Thu

e. Thus all the uncle’s love for his nephew was turned to hatred, and he was anxious to get rid of the boy who was so much

s uncle’s gloomy face, was talking happily about all the great things he meant to do by and by, when suddenly Daedalus gra

cliff into the sea below. Perdix would surely have been drowned, had he not been rescued by Minerva, the goddess of wisdo

been rescued by Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, who loved him because he was so skillful. She changed him into a partridge

him because he was so skillful. She changed him into a partridge, and he flew off across the waters. 14. “Minerva, the G

they learned of his crime. So taking with him his young son, Icarus, he left Athens in the night and fled to the island o

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

ng from the island; but he could not get a boat, though day after day he looked at the white-sailed vessels on the water,

then down at the sea which was covered with sail boats, when suddenly he said, “Oh, father, the vessels look like great, w

make wings for himself and his son, and fly from this island in which he had so long been an unwilling prisoner. The same

in which he had so long been an unwilling prisoner. The same evening, he set to work to make two pair of wings. He joined

deft fingers, shaped them like birds’ wings. When they were finished he fastened them with soft wax to his son’s shoulder

to his son’s shoulders and to his own. Then, with a trembling voice, he said, “Icarus, my boy, watch me all the time, and

a while Icarus followed where Daedalus led the way. But after a time he began to feel bold; and when his father was not l

to reach the sky which looked so blue above him. But alas! The higher he flew, the more fiercely the sun beat down upon hi

shoulders. Poor Icarus now had nothing to hold him up in the air, and he began to fall down, down, down. In his fright he

m up in the air, and he began to fall down, down, down. In his fright he cried aloud to his father. Daedalus turned just i

gs floated on the surface. The poor father flew toward the spot where he had seen his son sink, lifted the lifeless body,

ith it to the shore of the nearest island. There, with a heavy heart, he dug a grave and buried Icarus. While he was thus

d. There, with a heavy heart, he dug a grave and buried Icarus. While he was thus engaged, he heard a strange cry overhead

y heart, he dug a grave and buried Icarus. While he was thus engaged, he heard a strange cry overhead, and looking up, saw

ooking up, saw a partridge wheeling its flight above him. Immediately he thought of Perdix, whom he had so cruelly killed,

wheeling its flight above him. Immediately he thought of Perdix, whom he had so cruelly killed, and he felt that the death

Immediately he thought of Perdix, whom he had so cruelly killed, and he felt that the death of his own son was his punish

Aegeus, king of the famous old city of Athens, was still a young man, he was one day passing through a village, where he s

as still a young man, he was one day passing through a village, where he saw a beautiful maiden with whom he fell in love.

passing through a village, where he saw a beautiful maiden with whom he fell in love. Soon afterwards he married her, and

he saw a beautiful maiden with whom he fell in love. Soon afterwards he married her, and they had one child, a boy, whom

few months old, Aegeus had to go back to Athens; but, before leaving, he buried in the ground his sword and sandals, and c

dals, and covered them with a heavy stone. Then, turning to his wife, he said, “When our boy is old and strong enough to l

I will make him heir to my throne.” Then, kissing his wife and baby, he started on his journey. Now about the same time t

ous games. When the prince of Crete had grown up, his father told him he might take part in the festival, and so he went t

wn up, his father told him he might take part in the festival, and so he went to Athens. Before long almost every one in A

Athens. Before long almost every one in Athens grew to like him, for he was a frank, generous youth, and most skillful in

a frank, generous youth, and most skillful in all the games in which he took part. Only Aegeus, the king of Athens, did n

and one night, as the boy was traveling back to the island of Crete, he sent some men after him to kill him on the road.

nder it the sword and the sandals. Then, bidding his mother farewell, he started for Athens, The journey to Athens was ver

weary and footsore, yet looking like a king’s son, every inch of him, he came to the gates of his father’s palace. Aegeus

ted day after day for the return of his son. But alas! cruelly slain, he lay dead in a wood outside of Athens. At last som

en King Minos saw his murdered son, and heard the story of his death, he wept for many a day, and vowed that he would take

heard the story of his death, he wept for many a day, and vowed that he would take vengeance on the cruel king of Athens.

elings, started to march against Athens with a great army. On his way he had to pass through a large city, in order to rea

in order to reach the bay that lay on the other side of it; but, when he came to the gates, he found them locked, and the

bay that lay on the other side of it; but, when he came to the gates, he found them locked, and the people within refused

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

an it was followed by another. “Perhaps if I opened the gates for him he would love me; but I will not, for that would mea

my city, but to my own father.” The girl loved her father dearly, for he was very kind to her, and would do anything to. g

it, with my love.” But Minos stepped back from her in horror. “What!” he cried, “would you risk the life of your father, a

e nothing to do with you or your evil deeds.” Morning was breaking as he spoke; and, waking his men, he marched into the c

r evil deeds.” Morning was breaking as he spoke; and, waking his men, he marched into the city and conquered it by his own

and arms, without so much as looking at the lock of purple hair. When he had reached the bay at the other end of the town,

urple hair. When he had reached the bay at the other end of the town, he ordered his men to seize the ships that were lyin

ithout further adventures, King Minos reached Athens, and, of course, he found the gates of the city closed and well-guard

of course, he found the gates of the city closed and well-guarded. So he pitched his tents outside the walls, to wait ther

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

essenger was thereupon sent to the king of Crete to ask on what terms he would leave the city. You remember, I told you in

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

ould be a very good friend, he could also be a very cruel enemy. What he asked of the people of Athens was very hard indee

Athens must send to Crete seven youths and seven young maidens. These he would give as food to that terrible monster, the

ute, as this sacrifice was called, young Prince Theseus declared that he would go as one of the seven, either to free his

d king tried to make him change his mind, the brave prince vowed that he would either free Athens of this unbearable yoke,

to the black-flagged ship, in which the doomed ones were to sail. How he repented that cruel deed of long ago, in return f

ail. How he repented that cruel deed of long ago, in return for which he was now to lose his own son! Theseus tried to com

was now to lose his own son! Theseus tried to comfort him. “Father,” he said, “I am young and strong, and I overcame many

— I will kill the Minotaur, and come back to you in triumph.” And so he went on his way. During the journey Theseus tried

art might have softened. But whenever King Minos felt the least pity, he closed his eyes and seemed to see the body of his

of them. Suddenly the king beheld Theseus, and his eyes sparkled, as he said, “Is not the young prince of Athens standing

e said, “Is not the young prince of Athens standing among you?” “I am he , your majesty,” answered Theseus proudly, “and I

te, and to keep tight hold of the other with his left hand. If, then, he should kill the monster, he could easily find his

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

e told him, and entered the gate. Through many dark, winding passages he passed, keeping firm hold of the precious thread;

ages he passed, keeping firm hold of the precious thread; and at last he came into the open court. There lay the Minotaur,

he came into the open court. There lay the Minotaur, fast asleep, for he expected no food until the next morning. Stealthi

behind him, and with his sharp sword cut off the monster’s head. Then he started back, carefully winding up the thread as

winding up the thread as Ariadne had directed. It seemed to him that he would never come out of those dark, gloomy passag

k, gloomy passages. Had the thread broken from its fastening, and had he , after all, lost his way? But still he followed i

en from its fastening, and had he, after all, lost his way? But still he followed it up anxiously, and at last came to the

the entrance of the cave, and saw the starry heavens once more. Then he sank to the ground, worn out with his struggle an

him. Indeed, at times his feet seemed hardly to touch the ground, as he almost flew along. He wore a curious cap, too, an

e almost flew along. He wore a curious cap, too, and in his left hand he carried a staff wreathed with two snakes. 15. “

’s face, the two simple people trembled, they scarcely knew why. Then he spoke. “My good people,” he said, “know that the

le trembled, they scarcely knew why. Then he spoke. “My good people,” he said, “know that the two strangers whom you have

turned with a smile to the astonished couple. “My good people,” said he , “you alone of all the village have been saved, a

r wish shall be granted,” said Jupiter in a kind voice; and thereupon he and his companion, Mercury — whose name I am sure

e dangers of the storm-beaten waves. But at last, when she found that he was bent on going, she begged him to take her wit

Halcyone into such danger, and, although it grieved him to leave her, he felt that he must go; but he promised to return j

such danger, and, although it grieved him to leave her, he felt that he must go; but he promised to return just as soon a

d, although it grieved him to leave her, he felt that he must go; but he promised to return just as soon as he could. The

r, 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

ing of his dear wife, and praying that no harm might befall her while he was away. For a time all went well; but on the fi

g waters. Ceyx alone clung to a spar and escaped death for a time. As he drifted along, now rising on the top of a high wa

on the top of a high wave, now sinking into the foaming depths below, he seemed to see before him, on the water, the face

loved wife Halcyone. At last a large, green wave rose before him, and he had time only to cry, in sad farewell, “Halcyone!

e had time only to cry, in sad farewell, “Halcyone! Halcyone!” before he sank beneath the mass of water. Meanwhile Halcyon

of Juno and prayed that her husband’s life might be spared, and that he might soon be restored to her. At last Juno could

of Ceyx and visit Halcyone in the night. With swift, noiseless wings he sped through the air till he came to the palace o

n the night. With swift, noiseless wings he sped through the air till he came to the palace of the queen. He entered, and

ipping, his garments covered with seaweeds and shells. In a sad voice he told the story of the shipwreck, and ended with t

ck, and ended with these words: “Weep no more for the absent one; for he is dead, and can never come back to his beloved H

who made the king forget all about his wife Nephele, and before long he married the dark-eyed girl. Now Ino hated Phryxus

g at last sent messengers to an oracle in a distant city, asking what he must do to bring back food and health to his peop

comfort come back to the land. The king was so bewitched by Ino that he felt no grief at this answer, but ordered that th

t time the wisest person in the world was a centaur named Chiron, and he might be called only half a person; for, you reme

nd. But at last Jason grew to be a man, and then Chiron told him that he was the son of King Aeson, who had been robbed of

as the son of King Aeson, who had been robbed of his throne; and that he must go and reclaim his father’s kingdom. When th

ind to all who need your help.” So Jason started on his journey. When he had gone some distance, he came to a stream much

lp.” So Jason started on his journey. When he had gone some distance, he came to a stream much swollen by the spring rains

nd entered the stream. The water dashed against him with great force; he had to struggle with all his might, and was out o

ce; he had to struggle with all his might, and was out of breath when he landed his companion safely on the other shore. B

hore. But what was Jason’s surprise to see, in place of the old woman he had carried across, the stately form of Juno, que

nished. When Jason recovered from his surprise, and started to go on, he saw, to his dismay, that one of his sandals had b

ismay, that one of his sandals had been lost in the rushing water; so he had to walk the rest of the way with only one sho

ories of brave men who had lived long ago. “Ah, those days are past,” he sighed. “Such heroes do not live in our times.” “

great deeds.” At this the king laughed aloud. “Is it possible,” said he , “that you have never heard the story of the Gold

ther, for it would add greatly to our wealth and happiness.” And then he told the story of Phryxus and Helle, and of the G

the Golden Fleece in the woods, guarded by the sleepless dragon. When he had finished, Jason sprang to his feet and cried,

the attempt.” The king was very much pleased; for this was just what he wanted, — to send Jason off on a journey so full

would be very little chance of his ever coming back. But, of course, he did not show how pleased he was. Jason built a go

of his ever coming back. But, of course, he did not show how pleased he was. Jason built a good, strong ship, which he ca

d not show how pleased he was. Jason built a good, strong ship, which he called the “Argo,” because Argo means “the swift.

g voyage, when Jason was in great danger and did not know what to do, he consulted that figurehead and he always received

danger and did not know what to do, he consulted that figurehead and he always received good advice. When the ship was fi

e palace of the king. The king had two children, a little boy of whom he was very fond, and a dark-eyed, dark-haired maide

before him. Jason was asked what his errand in Colchis was; and when he answered that he had come to take the Golden Flee

n was asked what his errand in Colchis was; and when he answered that he had come to take the Golden Fleece back to Greece

ghed aloud, and said, “You have come on a very bold mission, for only he who performs aright the three tasks I have set ca

Fleece.” And the tone in which the king gave this answer showed that he was not afraid of losing the Golden Fleece. But J

the Golden Fleece. But Jason was not to be so easily discouraged, and he asked the king to tell him what the three tasks w

d then dismissed Jason. Although Jason would not let the king see it, he was just a little discouraged when he heard what

would not let the king see it, he was just a little discouraged when he heard what the tasks were. He walked away from th

om the palace, down toward the shore where his boat was anchored, and he thought of Juno’s promise and wished that she wou

hought of Juno’s promise and wished that she would help him now. When he came to the ship, he found that there was help aw

ise and wished that she would help him now. When he came to the ship, he found that there was help awaiting him. For Medea

would help him to do the things that seemed impossible, if in return he would make her his wife and take her back with hi

im proof against harm from fire or sword, and then told him just what he must do to overcome the fierce bulls and the arme

o to overcome the fierce bulls and the armed men. After she left him, he paced up and down the seashore for a long time, t

horns, dashed their heads together until the bulls were stunned. Then he quickly slipped the yoke over their heads. The bu

c drug into its eyes.” Jason and the Dragon ( Salvator Rosa ). Next he sowed the dragon’s teeth in the soil he had just

agon ( Salvator Rosa ). Next he sowed the dragon’s teeth in the soil he had just turned up, and in less time than it take

diers, who all turned upon Jason at once. Remembering Medea’s advice, he seized a large stone and hurled it into the midst

l that Jason could not have succeeded except by the aid of magic, and he suspected that in some way Medea had helped the h

Jason asked for leave to begin his third task, the king answered that he had done enough for one day, and that he should r

task, the king answered that he had done enough for one day, and that he should rest until the morrow. But in the evening,

ening, Medea, who could see that her father suspected her, told Jason he must kill the dragon that night and sail for home

home; for she had noticed her father’s angry look and she feared that he meant some harm to the Argonauts. Again she gave

ason made his way alone into the dark wood. He had not gone far, when he noticed a golden light among the forest trees, an

gone far, when he noticed a golden light among the forest trees, and he knew that he must be near the treasure he was see

en he noticed a golden light among the forest trees, and he knew that he must be near the treasure he was seeking. So he w

among the forest trees, and he knew that he must be near the treasure he was seeking. So he went along carefully, and when

ees, and he knew that he must be near the treasure he was seeking. So he went along carefully, and when he came within a f

ear the treasure he was seeking. So he went along carefully, and when he came within a few feet of the dragon, he threw th

nt along carefully, and when he came within a few feet of the dragon, he threw the magic drug into its eyes; and after a f

making the forest bright as though the sun were shining upon it; then he hastened back to his ship, where Medea and his co

s uncle from the kingdom, and set his father back on the throne. Thus he fulfilled his vow, and King Aeson, grown young ag

d -the youth, in turn, was very fond of Apollo. He liked to hunt, and he loved the woods and the brooks and all the shy, w

l the shy, wild creatures that lived in the forests. All these things he loved, but dearer to him than anything else was a

er to him than anything else was a stag that lived in the grove where he hunted. The stag was a beautiful creature, with g

pet of all the people who lived near that place, and was so tame that he would go around from door to door and offer his g

for the stag’s neck; or, springing lightly on his playfellow’s back, he would speed through the woods more swiftly than t

pair in the forest, and laughed and played with them, just as though he , too, were a child. One hot summer’s day, Cyparis

ttle way off, practicing with his bow and arrow. Just how it happened he never knew; but suddenly, as he was fitting the a

s bow and arrow. Just how it happened he never knew; but suddenly, as he was fitting the arrow to the bow, his foot slippe

back on the grass — dead. Poor Cyparissus! He had killed the creature he loved most in all the world, and his grief was sa

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

riend’s voice weeping in the forest, came hastening to the spot. When he saw what had happened, he tried to console Cypari

he forest, came hastening to the spot. When he saw what had happened, he tried to console Cyparissus, telling him that he

w what had happened, he tried to console Cyparissus, telling him that he must not blame himself for what had been a mere a

must not blame himself for what had been a mere accident; and at last he induced him to give up the arrow with which he ha

accident; and at last he induced him to give up the arrow with which he had meant to kill himself. But the poor boy wept

he poor boy wept and mourned, and would not be comforted, and at last he died of grief. Apollo grieved much over his littl

ied of grief. Apollo grieved much over his little friend’s sad death; he wept over the lifeless body, and loosed the boy’s

and death.” Then Apollo changed Cyparissus into a cypress tree, that he might continue to live in the green forests, with

continue to live in the green forests, with the birds and the flowers he loved so dearly. And to this day the cypress tree

sherman named Glaucus, who earned his daily bread by selling the fish he caught. One day his net felt very heavy, and when

selling the fish he caught. One day his net felt very heavy, and when he drew it in, he saw that he had caught a great num

h he caught. One day his net felt very heavy, and when he drew it in, he saw that he had caught a great number of fine fis

One day his net felt very heavy, and when he drew it in, he saw that he had caught a great number of fine fish. He emptie

y his side, and then prepared his net for another throw. But the fish he had caught began flapping about and nibbling at t

im away! “Why, what wonderful grass that must be!” cried Glaucus, and he took up a handful and began to chew it. As soon a

blood, a strange feeling of restlessness came over him; and at length he had such a mad longing to throw himself into the

mad longing to throw himself into the clear water, that almost before he knew what he was doing, he plunged into the sea.

o throw himself into the clear water, that almost before he knew what he was doing, he plunged into the sea. Neptune, the

f into the clear water, that almost before he knew what he was doing, he plunged into the sea. Neptune, the god of the oce

n, saw all that was passing; and as Glaucus sank beneath the surface, he caught him in his arms, and, taking him into his

d of the sea. Glaucus now lived entirely in the water that very water he had loved so dearly when he was a fisherman. His

ved entirely in the water that very water he had loved so dearly when he was a fisherman. His beard grew long, and of the

of the fishermen; and, remembering his own struggles in former days, he sent many a poor fisherman home with a full net a

, until one day, as the sea god was floating on the top of the waves, he saw a beautiful maiden walking along the shore. S

looked so modest and gentle that Glaucus’ heart was deeply moved, and he followed her until she came to a low hill. She cl

s sighed and slowly swam back to his home under the sea. The next day he came again to the spot, and as before, the nymph,

mph, whose name was Scylla, was walking by the side of the sea. Again he followed her, watching her until she disappeared

went on, day after day, and the more Glaucus saw of Scylla, the more he loved her. At last, one evening, as Scylla was ab

en Glaucus related his whole story, and ended by telling her how much he loved her. But Scylla did not care for this stran

he turned away from him, and left him sad and hopeless. For many days he came in vain to the spot where he had so often se

him sad and hopeless. For many days he came in vain to the spot where he had so often seen Scylla, but the maiden no longe

; so she told him that Scylla was not worthy of his love, and that if he would stay in her palace, she would make him happ

e, and finding the spring where Scylla usually took her evening bath, he emptied the little flask, which he thought so pre

lla usually took her evening bath, he emptied the little flask, which he thought so precious, and then went away with a ha

wide world. Perhaps that is why Apollo loved him so much; or perhaps he reminded him of that other boy who had died long

fore; or perhaps it was just because Apollo had to love somebody, and he might just as well choose this merry little hunte

ebody, and he might just as well choose this merry little hunter whom he met so often in the woods. But whatever the reaso

content to wander in the woods by the side of his little friend; and he was happy to carry his hunting nets, or hold his

The Discobolus (Vatican, Rome). Then Hyacinthus, eager to show that he was as good a player as his friend, hurried forwa

de, and kneeling down, tried to stanch the wound with his hand, while he tenderly caressed the lad. He was so frightened t

s hand, while he tenderly caressed the lad. He was so frightened that he was almost as pale as the wounded Hyacinthus. Whe

frightened that he was almost as pale as the wounded Hyacinthus. When he saw that he could not stop the wound from bleedin

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

acinthus. When he saw that he could not stop the wound from bleeding, he quickly gathered some herbs and pressed their jui

t sinking, his head drooping like a bruised flower, and like a flower he faded away. Apollo’s grief was sad to see. He cou

’s grief was sad to see. He could not believe, at first, that the boy he loved so dearly was really dead, and he called hi

lieve, at first, that the boy he loved so dearly was really dead, and he called him by name again and again. He would glad

d him by name again and again. He would gladly have died for him, and he did not care to live without him; but you know th

it would have made you cry, too, if you had seen him. Then, at last, he seized his lyre, for now that Hyacinthus was gone

Then, at last, he seized his lyre, for now that Hyacinthus was gone, he turned to this old friend for comfort. And he san

at Hyacinthus was gone, he turned to this old friend for comfort. And he sang a song of love and mourning for the boy, so

, and even the wind in the tree tops seemed to sigh in sympathy. When he had finished, he stooped down and tenderly touche

nd in the tree tops seemed to sigh in sympathy. When he had finished, he stooped down and tenderly touched the boy’s foreh

d us of the story of the great god of the sun and the little lad whom he loved so dearly. ——— To a Friend Green be the t

from shapeless blocks of marble. His work was all in all to him, and he took no interest in the outside world. Many women

of beautiful things, but Pygmalion cared for none of them. The women he created in marble seemed to him far more lovely t

marble seemed to him far more lovely than any of the living ones. So he passed his time singing at his work, and perfectl

eart beat fast, and his face became flushed with excitement. The more he looked, the more restless he grew, and it was har

became flushed with excitement. The more he looked, the more restless he grew, and it was hard to tear himself away from t

himself away from the marble image. He named his statue Galatea, for he felt almost as though it were a real woman. The n

, for he felt almost as though it were a real woman. The next morning he was up early and again standing before the statue

ay. Pygmalion had fallen in love with his own work; and sometimes, as he kissed the beautiful lips or caressed the gracefu

s beginning to breathe. He could no longer sing at his work; in fact, he could no longer work, for he loved that fair imag

uld no longer sing at his work; in fact, he could no longer work, for he loved that fair image so dearly that he spent all

he could no longer work, for he loved that fair image so dearly that he spent all his time kneeling before it, and marvel

he spent all his time kneeling before it, and marveling at the beauty he had wrought. So the days passed on, until the tim

ung men and at last stood before the altar in the temple of Venus. As he stood there, he began to pray. He prayed that Ven

ast stood before the altar in the temple of Venus. As he stood there, he began to pray. He prayed that Venus, the great go

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

wonders would change his marble statue into a real, living maiden. As he finished his prayer, the little flame on the alta

e marble girl gleamed from her pedestal. Throwing his arm around her, he gave her a loving kiss, and, just as the sleeping

return the sculptor’s great love. Pygmalion was very happy, and when he had given thanks to Venus for her great kindness

and when he had given thanks to Venus for her great kindness to him, he and Galatea were married in the temple of the god

happy life; but though Pygmalion carved many more beautiful statues, he never again wrought anything so lovely as the mai

he wonderful story of King Midas and the Golden Touch, how everything he laid his hands on was turned to shining, yellow m

ch, also shows that King Midas was sometimes not so wise a monarch as he should have been. You remember reading in another

of the woods, also, loved to hear Pan play on his flute, and at last he became so used to hearing his praises sung that h

flute, and at last he became so used to hearing his praises sung that he , too, thought himself the greatest musician in th

too, thought himself the greatest musician in the world; and one day he went so far as to ask the great god Apollo to ent

to see it. Pan was the first to play, and, amid a breathless silence, he lifted his pipe of reeds to his lips. There was s

ugly things. In a short time, the wig was on his majesty’s head, and he sent away the barber with the threat that he woul

his majesty’s head, and he sent away the barber with the threat that he would kill him if he told any one the secret. The

and he sent away the barber with the threat that he would kill him if he told any one the secret. The barber, full of fear

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

mind until he could neither eat nor sleep for thinking of it; and yet he dared not confide it to any one. At last he could

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

uld stand it no longer. One midnight, when every one was fast asleep, he took a spade, and walked to an open meadow which

eadow which was far away from any dwelling place. In the center of it he dug a deep hole, and then, putting his mouth clos

he dug a deep hole, and then, putting his mouth close to the ground, he whispered, “King Midas wears great asses ears.” T

stupid judgment. But Midas could not have blamed the barber, even if he had known about his midnight errand; for in truth

usicians, He the sweetest of all singers, Beautiful and childlike was he , Brave as man is, soft as woman, Pliant as a wand

ant as a wand of willow, Stately as a deer with antlers.         When he sang the village listened; All the women came to

hen he sang the village listened; All the women came to hear him; Now he stirred their souls to passion, Now he melted the

he women came to hear him; Now he stirred their souls to passion, Now he melted them to pity.         From the hollow reed

to passion, Now he melted them to pity.         From the hollow reeds he fashioned Flutes so musical and mellow, That the

; All the hearts of men were softened By the pathos of his music; For he sang of peace and freedom, Sang of beauty, love,

there lived one of these Cyclops whose name was Polyphemus. Every day he sat upon the rocks, watching his flocks graze, an

, and making a great deal of noise on his hundred-reeded pipe. And as he sat there, he watched the sea nymphs sporting in

great deal of noise on his hundred-reeded pipe. And as he sat there, he watched the sea nymphs sporting in the water. The

Polyphemus she seemed just like a bit of sunshine and clear sky, and he fell very deeply in love with her. He forgot to l

at his side. He was anxious to look pleasing to the fair Galatea; so he combed out his tangled locks with a rake, and cut

with a scythe, and then gazed into the clear, still water to see how he looked. It seemed to him that he looked very well

to the clear, still water to see how he looked. It seemed to him that he looked very well indeed, for, of course, hugeness

sea nymphs hid themselves in their green caves. And this is the song he sang: “O Galatea, you are fairer than the petals

ut Galatea was only frightened at the great, shaggy monster, for such he seemed to her, and at the roar of his awful voice

the banks of a stream that flowed into the sea. But Polyphemus,, when he found that the lovely Galatea fled from him in sp

, when he found that the lovely Galatea fled from him in spite of all he offered her, became very angry indeed. His voice

step, and the little birds stopped singing, in their fright. At last he came to the spot where the shepherd and Galatea w

were sitting lovingly together. Then his heart burned with wrath, and he seized a large rock and hurled it at the lovers.

happy. The king and father of the gods of the sky was Jupiter. It was he who gave fair weather and foul. It was he who cam

the sky was Jupiter. It was he who gave fair weather and foul. It was he who came in the thundercloud and hurled the light

s head, all creation shook with a muttering of thunder; yet, great as he was, he would sometimes come down from the sky an

all creation shook with a muttering of thunder; yet, great as he was, he would sometimes come down from the sky and walk o

n. He wished to see and enjoy things himself. At any moment, however, he might disappear to return to Olympus, where the g

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

king of the underworld, came up to see what damage had been done; for he feared that the earth might have been so harmed t

been so harmed that the sun would shine through into his kingdom. As he drove along the earth in his black chariot, he pa

h into his kingdom. As he drove along the earth in his black chariot, he passed the valley of Enna and saw Proserpina play

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

slowly down the valley toward her. The maidens did not see him until he was near. Then one of the nymphs glanced up and g

bow down before her, and that no one should treat her unkindly, since he loved her. He told her that the underworld was bl

an ado about the darkness. To his mind, sunlight was unbearable, and he felt sure that it was very bad, indeed, for the e

long, white beard and hair, and in his hand the great oar with which he was rowing the boat across. It was a sad sight, a

when Pluto said: — “Come, now we shall see Cerberus, my dog.” Even as he spoke, they heard a barking that seemed to echo t

but soon she saw Cerberus himself. He was larger than any horse, and he had three heads, all of which were barking at onc

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

in place of feet, and his ears were pointed and furry. Besides that, he had two little stubby horns upon his forehead. Wh

Besides that, he had two little stubby horns upon his forehead. When he spoke, his voice was like the whinny of a horse,

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

any other cause. Truly, a wild being was Pan; but when. Ceres called, he hurried to meet her, stamping with his hard littl

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

her of gods and of men. His face was thoughtful and calm; but whether he smiled or frowned, it was always beautiful and ma

Men, grant me justice! Compel Pluto to give me my daughter again, for he took her from me by force.” Then Jupiter bowed hi

for her daughter. But on Olympus Jupiter sat long in thought. At last he called his messenger, the god Mercury, who is qui

ury, who is quickest and cleverest among the dwellers of Olympus. Him he sent down to the underworld with messages to Plut

ry has winged sandals on his feet and a winged cap upon his head, and he sails through the air more swiftly than any bird.

ad, and he sails through the air more swiftly than any bird. Besides, he has a magic wand with two snakes twisted about it

has a magic wand with two snakes twisted about it, and with this wand he can control even the ghosts of the underworld. Wh

ts of the underworld. When Mercury had received the order of Jupiter, he hurried out of Olympus and came swiftly down to e

he gates of Hades set her free;    “She will return full soon,” saith he  —    “My wife, my wife Persephone.” Low laughs t

, Epimetheus. Prometheus was the braver and stronger of the two. When he saw men suffer in the winter months, he at once b

and stronger of the two. When he saw men suffer in the winter months, he at once began to consider what could be done for

nths, he at once began to consider what could be done for them. First he taught them to build houses and barns, and to sto

to store up grain for their own use and fodder for their flocks. Then he taught them to watch the stars, for by the stars

ing in the great hall of Olympus, where the gods of heaven dwell, and he knew how it cheers and warms those who have it. H

gods, and slipped three burning coals of the fire into a hollow reed he had brought with him. Then he strode out, laughin

ng coals of the fire into a hollow reed he had brought with him. Then he strode out, laughing and stamping his feet in def

rough chants in honor of Prometheus, who had stolen fire from heaven, he grew very stern. “Prometheus is brave, but he has

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

, but he has done wrong to steal the sacred fire,” said Jupiter, “and he must be punished.” Then Jupiter sent two monstrou

in, and his suffering was always terrible. He saw, too, that the fire he had stolen was not entirely a blessing. Though it

and it grieved him deeply. At last, one day, an idea came to him and he went to the cliff where Prometheus hung. “Listen,

im and he went to the cliff where Prometheus hung. “Listen, brother,” he said to the great suffering Titan. “For all your

one.” Epimetheus said no more, but his mind was not changed. Next day he went up the star-road and into the great hall of

e hall with happy daylight. Epimetheus was dazzled for a moment. Then he went forward and knelt at the feet of Jupiter. “O

rward and knelt at the feet of Jupiter. “O King of Gods and. of Men,” he said, “let there be peace between the Titans and

m have some of the joy of Olympus.” Jupiter thought long, but at last he spoke. “It is an unwise wish, O Epimetheus! And y

the workman of the gods. He is lame, but skillful, and with his hands he makes wondrous things. So when Jupiter had said t

had said these words, the lame god hobbled away to his workshop. Soon he came back with a rich and wonderful box, as Jupit

er had ordered; and when each god of heaven had put within it a gift, he closed the lid and shut the rare blessings safely

a gift, he closed the lid and shut the rare blessings safely in. Then he took clay and formed of it a woman, warm and aliv

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

w that it was the messenger of the gods, but he was slow to open, for he thought of what Prometheus had said of the danger

of the danger. He almost made up his mind not to take the gift; then he opened the door. There stood Pandora, more beauti

was the music and fragrance and light of heaven come to his door, and he welcomed them eagerly, forgetting the danger. So

eagerly, forgetting the danger. So Mercury led Pandora in; but before he left, he warned Pandora and Epimetheus not to ope

forgetting the danger. So Mercury led Pandora in; but before he left, he warned Pandora and Epimetheus not to open the sac

the sacred box. “The gifts of heaven must not be set free on earth,” he said, “for men are not strong enough to receive t

wave of his snake-wand and a whir of the wings on his feet and head, he disappeared. Then came happy days. Epimetheus inv

. That closed it, but it was too late then. When Epimetheus came hack he found her there, kneeling upon the lid of the box

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

saw to it that they were neatly winged with white dove-feathers. Then he put them back into his quiver, taking care not to

the god of light and song, came by. He was just from the earth, where he had done a great service to mankind. For the swam

is mighty and terrible bow and with his arrows slew the beast. Now as he was returning, he saw Cupid polishing and prepari

ible bow and with his arrows slew the beast. Now as he was returning, he saw Cupid polishing and preparing his tiny arms.

le god with contempt. “Are bows and arrows fit weapons for children?” he said. “Leave such weapons to me, who know how to

t like the words of the great archer. “I can shoot you, Apollo,” said he , “and I will, too.” But Apollo laughed scornfully

, with which you fry the hearts of foolish mortals.” With these words he walked away, leaving Cupid almost in tears with r

ge. Next day, as Apollo was wandering through the forests of Arcadia, he chanced to see the beautiful nymph Daphne, who wa

eer. As Apollo saw her moving gracefully and swiftly among the trees, he said to himself that he had never seen a lighter

oving gracefully and swiftly among the trees, he said to himself that he had never seen a lighter step or a more winning f

arrows from his quiver, one tipped with gold and one with lead. First he drew the golden arrow to its head; the bow gave a

god felt the pang and put his hand to his heart, but it was too late: he was madly in love with beautiful Daphne. He calle

o soothe her with gentle pleading. “Why do you flee from me, Daphne?” he called. “Am I a wild beast — a lion or fierce tig

ft feet and her shining white shoulders and flowing golden hair. Then he redoubled his, pace and began to gain upon her; b

hen he redoubled his, pace and began to gain upon her; but the nearer he came, the more terrified was poor Daphne. It was

im I hate. Change my form, or let the earth swallow me up. Quick, for he is here.” Apollo also had seen the river, and he

ow me up. Quick, for he is here.” Apollo also had seen the river, and he thought, “Now I have her. She can flee no further

ver, and he thought, “Now I have her. She can flee no further.” As he came out upon the river bank, there stood Daphne,

As he came out upon the river bank, there stood Daphne, so quiet that he thought she had yielded. He went quickly to her a

elded. He went quickly to her and caught her in his arms. But even as he touched her, he felt her change. Her body grew ha

uickly to her and caught her in his arms. But even as he touched her, he felt her change. Her body grew hard and fixed and

draw back from his touch. “Though you would not be my bride, Daphne,” he said, “you shall be my tree, and the tree of all

shall be my tree, and the tree of all poets among men forever.” Then he turned sadly away, but for a long, long time afte

id, we do not hear that Apollo ever again treated him with scorn, for he had felt his power. Cupid and the Bee. Cupi

, and stung the child. Loud and piteous are his cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies; “Oh mother I — I am wounded throu

ng the child. Loud and piteous are his cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies; “Oh mother I — I am wounded through — I di

 — A bee it was — for once, I know I heard a rustic call it so.” Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothin

he storms roared and winds shrieked and thunders muttered and rolled, he seemed to hear in them the very voices of the god

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

which the Greeks called a lyre. Upon this lyre Orpheus would play as he sang. Never since Apollo tended the flocks of Kin

ld come from their hiding places and lie down peacefully about him as he played the lyre and sang. Thus Orpheus had many f

back Eurydice. Then Orpheus said, “I will seek her where she is,” and he rose and went to the promontory of Tænarus. Here

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

p and, with a turn, led him out into the kingdom of Pluto. The moment he appeared, a host of monsters made a rush at him.

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

d pushed his boat far out into the stream. There he stopped. But when he heard the sweet, sad music, he came slowly toward

the stream. There he stopped. But when he heard the sweet, sad music, he came slowly toward the shore and let the grieving

on. On the farther side of Styx stood Cerberus, barking savagely. Yet he , too, let Orpheus pass unharmed and forgot his fi

dead came about Orpheus in great crowds, but no one did him harm, and he passed through them without stopping, his thought

rough them without stopping, his thoughts being all of Eurydice. Thus he reached the great palace of Pluto, passed through

cause. He struck upon the strings of his lyre and began. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she him, how

ruck upon the strings of his lyre and began. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she him, how they were ha

without cause, she had been snatched from him in an hour. He told how he had tried to endure her loss, and how he had felt

him in an hour. He told how he had tried to endure her loss, and how he had felt it more and more until at last he had be

o endure her loss, and how he had felt it more and more until at last he had been driven to come down into the underworld,

d never miss from its hosts of inhabitants. “I pray you, let her go,” he sang to the dark ruler. “She will come back at th

light and life.” So sweet had been the music of Orpheus that when he ended, dark Pluto was moved and Proserpina’s chee

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

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

eve that it was true. He listened to hear her step — her breath — for he himself was breathing hard. There was not a sound

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

derworld really let her go?” He dared not believe it. Then, suddenly, he heard her. That was her step behind him. He could

he joy and delight made him forget all else. “It is true, after all,” he cried. “They have really given you back, O my Eur

all,” he cried. “They have really given you back, O my Eurydice!” and he turned round. There stood Eurydice in the faint l

efore him in the faint light of the cavern. Orpheus stood dazed; then he would have rushed after her, but the god stood in

rushed after her, but the god stood in his way. “You can do nothing,” he said. And Orpheus, stupid with grief at his secon

ore the god Death came at last to take him down to his Eurydice. When he died, Jupiter put the lyre which had so charmed g

rees, And the mountain-tops that freeze,         Bow themselves, when he did sing: To his music, plants and flowers Ever s

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

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

ed until the day he died, but he was always cheerful and strong. When he was a mere babe of a few months, he met his first

always cheerful and strong. When he was a mere babe of a few months, he met his first great danger. His mother, Alcmena,

did not seem in the least afraid. When the snakes came close to him, he seized them both about the necks and squeezed the

ere still flashing fire. But Hercules soon put her fears to rest, for he tightened his grip, and laughing as if it were al

r he tightened his grip, and laughing as if it were all a great joke, he held up the snakes and dropped them dead to the f

is more than human. He will be a great sufferer and a great hero, for he will pass his whole life ridding the world of pla

ss his whole life ridding the world of plagues and monsters. Yes, and he will be more than a hero, for I foresee that when

nsters. Yes, and he will be more than a hero, for I foresee that when he comes to die, Jupiter will take him up to Olympus

nly reared. Linus, son of the god Apollo, taught him his letters, and he had other teachers such as mortals seldom have. H

le fare, to endure heat and cold, and to face danger without fear. So he grew strong and wise and brave. Now when Hercules

strong and wise and brave. Now when Hercules came to be a young man, he had to meet a great temptation and make a very se

o meet a great temptation and make a very serious choice. One day, as he was walking along a quiet woodland path, he saw t

rious choice. One day, as he was walking along a quiet woodland path, he saw two beautiful goddesses sitting beside the wa

ntle woman, and a gentle story,” said Hercules to himself; but to her he said, “Pray, what is your name, fair one?” And sh

ill not perish.” These words filled Hercules’ heart with sadness, yet he found a deep delight in them. He looked up, and a

h sadness, yet he found a deep delight in them. He looked up, and all he said was, “Fair one, what do men call you?” And s

said, for his mother, Alcmena, had told him. Then, lifting his head, he chose the path of the fair, stern goddess who is

s said to be the most ignoble ruler in all the world. From this time, he spent his days and nights inventing the hardest t

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

inventing the hardest tasks he could for Hercules. The truth is that he was jealous of the hero, and very much afraid of

n feared that Hercules might try to take his kingdom from him, though he knew, as everybody did, that the oracle in the te

temple at Delphi had commanded Hercules to submit to his service, and he knew that Hercules was not the sort of man to dis

another, hoping each time that Hercules would not return alive. First he sent him to slay the Nemean lion, a fierce beast

and far and wide. Armed with his bow and arrows, and with a club that he himself had made of a wild olive tree which he to

, and with a club that he himself had made of a wild olive tree which he tore up by the roots at the foot of the sacred mo

ad. It was a crushing blow, but the lion only paused an instant. Then he sprang at the young hero. There was no use for we

y the neck, and though the struggle was long and terrible, in the end he served him as he had served the snakes in his bab

hough the struggle was long and terrible, in the end he served him as he had served the snakes in his baby days, for he sq

e end he served him as he had served the snakes in his baby days, for he squeezed the life quite out of the beast. Ever af

es wore the lion’s skin and carried with him the terrible club. After he had killed the lion, Hercules had to perform elev

ve tasks were called the “Twelve Labors of Hercules.” In most of them he had to conquer some fierce beast. He had even to

ttle would Hercules care about a hundred-headed serpent. Little would he care about magic maidens. But where were the gard

gic maidens. But where were the gardens of the Hesperides? How should he get to them? These were the questions which puzzl

d he get to them? These were the questions which puzzled him. Finally he bethought him to go to consult the river-nymphs o

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

ding him, when, one day, as the hero was walking along the sea beach, he came upon him whom he sought. There, asleep on th

y, as the hero was walking along the sea beach, he came upon him whom he sought. There, asleep on the warm sand, lay hosts

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

sped him tightly about the waist, for Nereus must be conquered before he will talk. The aged god awoke with a cry, and, at

f to a leopard, but Hercules seized him by the neck and choked him as he had the Nemean lion. Then he changed to a bear, b

seized him by the neck and choked him as he had the Nemean lion. Then he changed to a bear, but Hercules still held him fa

on. Then he changed to a bear, but Hercules still held him fast. Then he became a little bird, but before he could flit aw

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

but before he could flit away, Hercules had his hand about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercules all but crushed him. Then

about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercules all but crushed him. Then he turned into an eel, but he could not wriggle loos

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

him. Then he turned into an eel, but he could not wriggle loose. Then he became a torrent of rushing water, but Hercules w

rrent of rushing water, but Hercules would not let it flow away. Then he changed to a snake, and Hercules almost strangled

he changed to a snake, and Hercules almost strangled him. Last of all he became a huge flame of fire, but Hercules still m

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

n handled roughly, but he admired the courage of Hercules, and though he grumbled, he was secretly glad that it was in his

ghly, but he admired the courage of Hercules, and though he grumbled, he was secretly glad that it was in his power to hel

retly glad that it was in his power to help the hero. “Insolent man,” he cried out, in seeming rage, “let me go! Seek the

ong and hard, and Hercules met with many strange adventures. In Libya he fought with the cruel giant Antæus, whose strengt

with the cruel giant Antæus, whose strength was invincible as long as he touched the earth. That was a hard fight, but Her

That was a hard fight, but Hercules finally came off victorious, for he held Antæus high in the air, and so strangled him

. Then Hercules wandered through Egypt, and then far northward, until he came to Mount Caucasus. There he found Prometheus

Egypt, and then far northward, until he came to Mount Caucasus. There he found Prometheus, bound to a cliff, as he had bee

me to Mount Caucasus. There he found Prometheus, bound to a cliff, as he had been for ages, exposed to wind and snow and r

o wind and snow and rain, and to the blazing heat of the sun, because he had stolen fire from heaven. Hercules boldly set

ules had now to travel, but at last, in the uttermost part of Africa, he found the Titan, standing enormous and supporting

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

took the sky upon his shoulders, but his task was not half so easy as he had expected. He wondered how so airy a thing as

wondered how so airy a thing as the sky could be so heavy. He wished he had gone after the apples himself. As for Atlas,

heavy. He wished he had gone after the apples himself. As for Atlas, he was glad to be rid of his burden, even for a litt

gan to seem very long to Hercules. “Will that fellow ever come back?” he thought. Indeed he was half inclined to let the s

ng to Hercules. “Will that fellow ever come back?” he thought. Indeed he was half inclined to let the sky fall, but before

ed he was half inclined to let the sky fall, but before a great while he saw Atlas trudging toward him, and as he came nea

ll, but before a great while he saw Atlas trudging toward him, and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that he had in hi

s trudging toward him, and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that he had in his hand a branch with the beautiful apple

s wasted no time in questions. He saw that Atlas had the apples. What he wished now was to get the sky off his shoulders a

easant to be able to move about and swing his arms and bend over when he pleased. He did not in the least fancy taking up

his burden again. “Suppose you let me take the apples to Eurystheus,” he said to Hercules with a grin. “Very well,” said H

p the sky. Hercules found his home journey easy. Without an adventure he reached the court and delivered up the golden fru

er, who loves heroes, took him up to Olympus and made him divine, and he became the special protector and helper of heroic

ghtning,    The hero-god flew, His sunny looks bright’ning    The air he went through. And sweet was the duty,    And hall

seemed to be a beggar; but though his clothes were worn and tattered, he was fairer to look upon than any mortal man. He a

look upon than any mortal man. He asked for shelter, and begged that he might tend the king’s flocks. Admetus received hi

but with music, and the sheep followed him eagerly. As they browsed, he played sweet melodies, and the dappled fawn came

o attend a festival at the court of Pelias, king of Iolcus, and there he took part in the games. He returned with many pri

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

part in the games. He returned with many prizes, but he was sad, for he had seen Alcestis, the beautiful daughter of Peli

lias, and had loved her deeply at first sight. He had asked Pelias if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand; and had been told t

ked Pelias if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand; and had been told that he might, but that Alcestis should become the wife o

tal men. Now when the shepherd-stranger saw the sad face of the king, he said: — “Why do you despair, O King Admetus? What

hepherd went out into the depth of the forest, playing sweet music as he went. Sometimes the king and his courtiers heard

nt. Sometimes the king and his courtiers heard him stop playing; then he would begin once more. After a while they heard h

d begin once more. After a while they heard him coming back, and soon he was in sight, still playing. But behind him, as h

ing back, and soon he was in sight, still playing. But behind him, as he played, followed a lion and a wild boar, as tame

ed, followed a lion and a wild boar, as tame as kittens. Now and then he would pause to stroke them with his hand. When he

ttens. Now and then he would pause to stroke them with his hand. When he came to the gate, he harnessed them to the chario

e would pause to stroke them with his hand. When he came to the gate, he harnessed them to the chariot and gave the reins

ut the least difficulty. Thus it was that Admetus won his bride. When he returned with her to Thessaly, the people feasted

d, for I will hear you always. I am Apollo.” When Admetus heard this, he would have knelt before him, but already the gent

ger seized him and cut from his forehead a lock of hair, and told him he must die. Then Admetus knew that the stranger was

Admetus knew that the stranger was none other than the god Death, and he felt that his day of doom was come, for against D

ce that lock of hair has been cut off. Death hearkens not to prayers; he heeds not sacrifices, but unpitying, fulfils his

k and began to waste away. Hope left him. Every hour and every minute he expected to see dark Death coming again to carry

etus, in his despair, remembered the promise of the shepherd-god, and he called to him in supplication. Apollo heard him a

life for his. She vowed that she would rather die than be spared, if he were taken from her. She thought of his people, t

ent with his friend Admetus. When Hercules saw the signs of mourning, he asked what they meant; but Admetus kept the truth

g, he asked what they meant; but Admetus kept the truth from him, for he did not wish to burden him with needless sorrow.

s, and would not hear of that. Hercules yielded and stayed, though he saw that the shadow of Death was over Admetus’ ho

Admetus’ house. The truth is, Hercules had faced death so often that he hardly noticed it. Admetus led him to a far part

ead with garlands, and made merry in the house of mourning. But while he was making merry, brave Alcestis died. Then the f

etus, not one remained behind but the servant at Hercules’ side. Even he was in silent prayer and sorrow, and it is no won

and sorrow, and it is no wonder if grief was written on his face. Yet he strove to hide his feelings, for Admetus had bidd

, noticed how sad the poor servant was, and how silent. “Ho, fellow!” he cried out, “why this solemn, moody look? Servants

Ah, this is no time nor place for merrymaking,” said the servant, for he was beside himself with grief now, and was no lon

as no longer able to keep silence. “This is no time for merrymaking!” he cried. “It is Alcestis who is dead.” Thus the who

truth came out. Hercules was a changed man in an instant. One moment he stayed to ask the servant where Alcestis was to b

nt he stayed to ask the servant where Alcestis was to be buried, then he was gone. He came just in time, for when he reach

is was to be buried, then he was gone. He came just in time, for when he reached the place where they had buried her, ther

till hovered over her. “Take this captive of mine,” said Hercules, as he led her to the king, “and keep her, Admetus, unti

palace, now that Alcestis is dead.” Then, at last, the hero told what he had done, rebuking Admetus because of his treatme

treatment. “Friends should share griefs with friends, not hide them,” he said; and taking off the veil, he showed Alcestis

riefs with friends, not hide them,” he said; and taking off the veil, he showed Alcestis, brave and gracious and beautiful

is said to have made an image of a maiden which was so beautiful that he fell deeply in love with it. He prayed to Venus (

god of the sun, was once driving his flaming chariot across the sky, he saw beautiful Clymene walking in the meadows belo

Phaëton. Helios could not come down often to the earth. Every morning he had to drive the sun-chariot out from the great p

ve the sun-chariot out from the great palace in the east, and all day he had to control the fire-breathing horses as he dr

the east, and all day he had to control the fire-breathing horses as he drove them up the hard road to midday and down th

up the hard road to midday and down the steep to sunset. Every night he had to drive the chariot round from the west to t

r sunrise. Phaëton was very proud of his divine origin and one day as he was quarreling with Epaphus, a youth of his own a

nd one day as he was quarreling with Epaphus, a youth of his own age, he boasted of it. “And is Helios proud of such a son

ud of such a son?” said Epaphus, with scorn. “I suppose, rather, that he often blushes at the thought.” These words hurt P

often blushes at the thought.” These words hurt Phaëton deeply. When he returned home he told them to Clymene, and all th

the thought.” These words hurt Phaëton deeply. When he returned home he told them to Clymene, and all that night the prou

er son was grieving, and said to him, “Go to your father. See whether he is ashamed of you. He will prove to you before th

e is ashamed of you. He will prove to you before the whole world that he is not.” Phaëton heard these words with joy, and

gold and flaming jewels. When the young man came to the palace door, he did not stop, but went boldly on and came into th

me some proof that you are not ashamed of your child.” And Helios, as he looked at him, was pleased with his courage and p

leased with his courage and pride. “Indeed, I am not ashamed of you,” he said. “What proof do you wish? — for you shall su

se, cried:“ Father, let me drive the sun’s chariot for one day.” When he heard this, Helios was sorry he had promised. “As

the sun’s chariot for one day.” When he heard this, Helios was sorry he had promised. “Ask some other proof,” he urged. “

heard this, Helios was sorry he had promised. “Ask some other proof,” he urged. “No one, even of the other gods, dares to

ly stirred Phaëton’s heart to greater desire. He did not believe that he was really too weak to control the horses and he

did not believe that he was really too weak to control the horses and he burned to be able to say that he had made the diz

y too weak to control the horses and he burned to be able to say that he had made the dizzy ride. At last Helios led him t

Another such chariot was not to be found in all the universe, and as he gazed at the glorious car, Phaëton’s desire to dr

l was ready. When Helios saw that Phaëton was still firm in his wish, he wet the forehead of the youth with a divine ointm

ish, he wet the forehead of the youth with a divine ointment, so that he might better endure the fierce light and heat; th

tment, so that he might better endure the fierce light and heat; then he put upon him the blazing crown which the sun’s dr

him the blazing crown which the sun’s driver must wear. Last of all, he said: — “Hold the horses in; they will go fast en

he beaten track, keeping rather to the south. Here are the reins.” As he spoke, the wide silver doors of morning opened. P

Phaëton found himself driving up the steep road of heaven. Below him he heard the chorus of birds singing to greet the ri

en going to their labor. Little by little all this grew fainter. Soon he was too high to hear anything more. All this time

They were wild with fright. Then Phaëton looked down. Far beneath him he saw the earth spread out like a great map. The he

t and spoke to Helios and to the other gods of Olympus. “I must act,” he said, “even though Phaëton be the son of one of u

monument was set above him. Upon it were carved these words: — Here he who drove the sun’s bright chariot lies. In their

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

er’s steeds he could not safely guide, And in the glorious enterprise he died. Pegasus in Pound. Once unto a quiet

ithering leaves. There upon the village common    By the school-boys he was found — And the wise men, in their wisdom,   

straw nor stall, for him. Patiently, and still expectant,    Looked he through the wooden bars, Saw the moon rise o’er t

from his iron chain And unfolding far his pinions,    To those stars he soared again. On the morrow, When the village   

man of the island of Seriphus, was going along the beach to his boat, he saw a strange sight. Upon the sand sat a woman in

nd came to greet her. “By what name shall I call you, fair princess?” he asked. “My name is Danaë,” she replied, “and I am

the goddess of wisdom, loved him. Of all the children of the island, he was the swiftest runner, the strongest wrestler,

anaë to marry him, and took away all the riches that she had. Finally he decided to compel her to give her consent. This,

she had. Finally he decided to compel her to give her consent. This, he thought, would he easy if she were without her so

he decided to compel her to give her consent. This, he thought, would he easy if she were without her son Perseus, so the

e to bring anything, and the others mocked him because of it, so that he was much ashamed. Then the king, who had noticed

Perseus said: “If I live, O King, you shall have Medusa’s head,” and he arose and went quietly out. While the king and hi

. So Perseus went out and walked along the seashore, considering what he should do, but discovering no way to accomplish h

he should do, but discovering no way to accomplish his wish. Suddenly he saw before him a woman, very old and much bent wi

t Medusa?” she said. “All who look upon her are turned to stone.” But he answered bravely: — “If with the gods’ help I fin

r, but as Perseus looked into her quiet face and her clear gray eyes, he saw that she was smiling, and he felt no fear. “I

quiet face and her clear gray eyes, he saw that she was smiling, and he felt no fear. “I will be with you, Perseus,” she

seus saw the winged sandals and the magic helmet. Next day at sunrise he was gone, and King Polydectes was glad at heart t

he was gone, and King Polydectes was glad at heart to think that now he should have his way. He sent a messenger to Danaë

ent to the marriage, threatening that after ten days, if she refused, he would come with his soldiers to get her. All day

d sandals of Mercury. Sometimes be sailed above the clouds, sometimes he sped along just above the hilltops. Cities and ri

rs and great forests passed under him all the day, but in the evening he came to the ice cliffs, where the North Wind has

thought of Minerva and was not afraid, and when the crones found that he was not to be moved, they told him. “Go on,” they

ome of the Gorgons.” Then Perseus set out toward the west. Three days he flew. He passed the palaces of sunset and went on

riot of the sun is never seen. At last, in this ghostly, gloomy land, he found the palace of the Gorgons. Putting on the h

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

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

he walked backwards, holding up his shining shield as a mirror. Thus he might see the Gorgons without looking at them. Wh

orror to her and she was pale and terror-stricken because of them. As he looked at her in his shield, Perseus felt his blo

looked at her in his shield, Perseus felt his blood grow chill. “Will he never come?” Medusa was saying. She knew that som

At that very moment Perseus was by her side. Looking into his shield, he raised his sword and with one blow cut off her di

misery. To wrap the head in his mantle was the work of a second. Then he started for the door, but the other Gorgons spran

hey could not see him, but they had the scent of blood-hounds, and as he dashed out of the door, their brazen hands and te

of Mercury and the endurance of Perseus were tested to the utmost. On he dashed, with the furious monsters close behind hi

he dashed, with the furious monsters close behind him. Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If they had but touched

, no mortal sword or strength would have been of any avail. Sometimes he rose high in the air, sometimes he darted down cl

have been of any avail. Sometimes he rose high in the air, sometimes he darted down close to the waves, hoping to elude h

wo days and nights they followed him close. Only on the third day did he begin to draw away from them, and in the evening

won. Far away Perseus saw the hills of Africa. Panting and exhausted, he directed his flight toward them, and there he set

Panting and exhausted, he directed his flight toward them, and there he set his tired foot once more upon the earth. He t

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

he the big fellow, but Atlas grew more and more enraged. When at last he made a move toward the hero and would have crushe

oment Perseus was darting toward it. Before the monster even saw him, he had plunged his sword into it up to the hilt. The

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

was far too quick, and though he could not at once kill the creature, he plunged his sword into it again and again. At las

lmost exhausted. Its great hulk drifted to the hero and with one blow he put an end to its life. Then Perseus flew back to

ero could not accept. “I must carry the Gorgon’s head to Polydectes,” he said, “and take my mother back to her home in Arg

temple of Minerva. When the king came with his soldiers to seek her, he found her there, sitting beside the altar. The ki

ide the altar. The king, for all his anger, dared do her no harm, for he feared the great goddess of wisdom; but he left s

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

temple, and when they hesitated, fearing the great; goddess Minerva, he stepped forward himself to do the impious deed. T

and Perseus, strong and calm as a young god, came in. “What is this?” he cried, coming forward. “On, soldiers!” shrieked P

soldiers!” shrieked Polydectes. “Kill him!” and without another word he hurled his spear at the young hero. The spear was

he gift you wished. Here is the head of the Gorgon Medusa.” With that he drew the head from under his mantle and held it u

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

st for Argos and Greece, where his own kingdom awaited him, and there he gave back the winged shoes to the god Mercury, an

nce in that grove reclined,    To shun the noon’s bright eye, And oft he wooed the wandering wind,    To cool his brow wit

es,    “I have sought since break of day.” Quick o’er the sunny glade he springs,    The arrow flies from his sounding bow

rings,    The arrow flies from his sounding bow, “Hilliho — hilliho!” he gaily sings,    While Echo sighs forth “Hilliho!”

dded love. And, ah, too sure that arrow sped,    For pale at his feet he sees her lie; — “I die, I die,” was all she said,

er father’s palace. Now when Ægeus at length had to return to Athens, he led Æthra out into the forest to a great stone wh

the forest to a great stone which lay there. “Under this stone,” said he , “I have put a sword and a pair of sandals. I mus

o-day, and you must care for our child alone. Keep him with you until he is able to lift the stone and get the sword and s

t a god lift such a great stone?” “He must,” answered the king, “else he will not be safe at Athens. Let him bring the swo

hoy with all a mother’s love. He was taught to be brave and generous, he learned to wrestle and box, to shoot with the bow

lendid horses; and often, in the evenings, sitting in the great hall, he listened while strangers told of the deeds Hercul

ather. Theseus did not know even that his father was living. But when he was sixteen years old, Æthra, said to herself, “T

eus took hold of it and lifted hard, but the stone did not move. Then he braced himself and tugged still harder, but the s

Procrustes received Theseus kindly and gave him a generous meal. Then he led him to the bedroom. Now, Procrustes had only

m to the bedroom. Now, Procrustes had only one bed for strangers, and he made them all fit it. If they were too long to li

ers, and he made them all fit it. If they were too long to lie in it, he would chop off part of their heads or feet; if th

e would chop off part of their heads or feet; if they were too short, he stretched them until they were long enough. But w

re too short, he stretched them until they were long enough. But when he tried to put Theseus into the bed he found it no

they were long enough. But when he tried to put Theseus into the bed he found it no easy matter. Indeed, the result of th

re him. The people of the city welcomed him with great rejoicing, and he was taken at once to the court of King Ægeus. The

giants, was his own son. There was one person, however, who knew who he was — that was the enchantress Medea. This beauti

magic arts she recognized Theseus, she resolved to destroy him, lest he should make her power less. One day she said to t

ple should thus love this wise and beautiful stranger? Truly, I think he is already almost king in Athens.” Then Ægeus, wh

ns.” Then Ægeus, who was old, trembled with fear. “What shall we do?” he asked. “Let him dine with us, O King,” said Medea

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

ch the young hero was wearing. “Where got you that sword, young man?” he cried out. “Speak! Whose is it?” Then Theseus kne

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

nd him each year seven youths and seven beautiful maidens. With these he feeds the Minotaur, a fierce and evil monster, ha

e, and a firm purpose came into his mind. “Choose but six young men,” he said to those who drew the lots, “for I will sail

this Minotaur.” When King Ægeus heard what his son had chosen to do, he was stricken with grief. He would have commanded

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

r, Ariadne. The king wondered at the strength and size of Theseus, as he saw him among the victims, and Ariadne gazed at h

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

ook it with joy. “Surely, I shall slay the beast now, fair princess,” he said. “All Athens shall thank you for this.” “But

ead at every step, but Ariadne stood outside, trembling to think that he might never come out alive. The hero had gone har

ht never come out alive. The hero had gone hardly twenty yards before he was all confused. The way parted in many directio

in many directions at every few steps, and it grew worse and worse as he went on. Sometimes a hall led him deep down into

went on. Sometimes a hall led him deep down into the earth. Sometimes he had steep flights of stairs to climb. He seemed t

r the same path again and again, and to be arriving nowhere. Suddenly he heard a great bellow. It sounded like the voice o

the same time human. It was a terrible cry, and Theseus started when he heard it. Then all the splendid courage of the he

en all the splendid courage of the hero surged through his limbs, and he shouted in return. That was a warrior’s shout, fi

now the Minotaur began to hunt for Theseus, and Theseus, as often as he heard the awful bellow, turned fiercely and haste

eseus, and as it looked at him with its fierce, cunning, hungry eyes, he hated it, for it was like a beast, and was yet mo

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

is quickness and strength could hardly avoid it, and when, in return, he struck with his sword, the monster caught the blo

heseus pretended to give way. He sprang back several steps, as though he were about to flee. The Minotaur gave a roar of t

side. He had come out quickly, following the clew of the thread, and he was glowing with the joy of victory. In a moment

e of King Minos. But when the king heard that the Minotaur was slain, he was filled with rage. “They shall all be put to d

was slain, he was filled with rage. “They shall all be put to death,” he said furiously, “and Ariadne with them, since she

an waters. From the trunk with trenchant glaive    The monster’s head he severed, The mazes of the darksome cave    With p

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

eir flocks, and made the wild creatures of the glens his friends, and he was so beautiful that even the gods on Olympus lo

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

Paris beautiful beyond comparison, but he forgot her altogether when he saw these glorious beings, for the goddesses had

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

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

sleep came over him like a cloud, and the goddesses disappeared. When he woke at early dawn, the voice of Venus was still

voice of Venus was still ringing in his ears. Down the mountain-side he hastened, nor did he pause until he came to the s

till ringing in his ears. Down the mountain-side he hastened, nor did he pause until he came to the seashore. There he gat

his ears. Down the mountain-side he hastened, nor did he pause until he came to the seashore. There he gathered sailors,

de he hastened, nor did he pause until he came to the seashore. There he gathered sailors, and, getting aboard ship, put o

ing, sailed on with Helen and came to the harbor of lofty Troy. There he took her to the king’s palace and Priam received

other!” Then King Priam was glad, and because of the beauty of Paris, he gave no heed to the evil omen under which the you

and. Protesilaus was the first Greek to leap ashore, but scarcely had he set foot on land when Hector, the bravest and str

im his mighty spear. Right through the chieftain’s heart it sped, and he fell dead on the shore. The Greeks, in anger, sen

He had come with fifty ships full of warriors to help the Greeks, and he led in so many fierce attacks that his name becam

. He sent the priest away with angry words and threatened his life if he were seen again in the Grecian camp. Then the pri

h rage at the loss of his share of the spoil of battle, and, as king, he demanded that it be made good; and when Achilles,

s, with violent words, rebuked him, Agamemnon, in his rage, said that he would send and take Briseis, Achilles’ share of t

sheath and allowed Agamemnon to send and take Briseis, but after that he sat in his tent with his friend Patroclus, and ne

lles wept with grief and rage at the loss of his slave, Briseis, whom he loved. Then Thetis, the goddess mother of Achille

er took a great oath that she and her son should be avenged; and when he nodded his head, the heavens shook with a mutteri

se things touched the heart of Patroclus, the friend of Achilles, and he said: — “Let us take our men and lead them to the

heart of Achilles was full of grief and rage because of Briseis, and he would not. Next morning the battle was renewed, a

to Achilles and besought him. “Let me but save them from utter ruin,” he said. “Hector is in the Grecian camp, and the Tro

Then, at last, Achilles yielded, but his heart was still bitter, and he said: — “Fight only within the Grecian camp, Patr

into the plain before the walls of Troy, for his courage was high and he was doing wonderful deeds of valor. There in the

as high and he was doing wonderful deeds of valor. There in the plain he met the mighty Hector, but his power left him, fo

ugh with his sword and slew him, and in the shining armor of Achilles he fell headlong from the splendid chariot. Then beg

ired from the fight for a time, to put on the armor of Achilles: then he returned and did wondrous deeds, so that the Gree

to Achilles; and when. Achilles heard of the death of Patroclus, whom he loved above all men, he cast himself upon the ear

chilles heard of the death of Patroclus, whom he loved above all men, he cast himself upon the earth and threw dust upon h

into cries of lamentation, and they stood near him, lest in his grief he should do himself harm. Far away, at the bottom o

but the goddess Minerva threw a golden light about his head, so that he shone like one of the gods. And Achilles stood up

workman of heaven. Thetis had once done him a great kindness, and now he received her gladly and asked her what she wished

d., “Make me a suit of armor for my son, O Vulcan,” said Thetis, “for he is sorely in need of it to fight against the Troj

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

of his bellows and the clang of his heavy hammers. When morning came, he brought the armor to Thetis, who took it in haste

s of Achilles had to turn away their eyes from it. But the hero, when he saw it, felt the courage in his breast rise high.

lume of gold, and the breastplate and greaves of shining silver. Then he took upon his arm the wondrous shield, wrought wi

th carvings of the heavens and the earth, of men and of gods. Finally he took up his spear, which no one but he could wiel

h, 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

and set out for the Grecian camp and the assembly of the chiefs. When he came to the place where the chiefs were sitting,

the chiefs. When he came to the place where the chiefs were sitting, he went to Agamemnon and said: — “Let there be peace

to be brought and to be given back to Achilles. Many rich .gifts also he gave to the hero, and together they sacrificed to

in vain, for Hector said, “Who knows but that I may slay him, though he is so great? And for me, it were better to die th

Hector was waiting to fight with him, his heart bounded with joy and he hastened toward him with all speed. But when he c

bounded with joy and he hastened toward him with all speed. But when he came near, Hector avoided him and dared not meet

g, heavenly armor. Achilles followed close after him, but as often as he came near, Hector avoided the combat and retreate

, and said: — “Let us fight Achilles together, O Hector. Great though he is, he cannot stand against us both.” Hector was

aid: — “Let us fight Achilles together, O Hector. Great though he is, he cannot stand against us both.” Hector was glad wh

though he is, he cannot stand against us both.” Hector was glad when he heard these words. “You were always the best of m

rd these words. “You were always the best of my brothers, Deiphobus,” he said, “but from this time I shall honor you more

wo advanced toward Achilles, who waited eagerly. When they came near, he hurled his mighty spear with all his force at Hec

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

deceived him, and now she had taken back to Achilles the mighty spear he had thrown at Hector. Then Hector drew his great

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

is son, and the grief of the old man touched Achilles so that at last he burst into tears and granted the request. Then, i

ment Laocoön, the priest of Neptune, came up. “What madness is this?” he cried. “Do you believe that the Greeks are gone?

or my part, I fear the Greeks even when they offer gifts.” With that, he hurled a spear at the side of the horse, and as i

ling with fright, and at first could not speak for fear. When at last he found his voice, he told a long tale of suffering

d at first could not speak for fear. When at last he found his voice, he told a long tale of suffering, and of how he had

last he found his voice, he told a long tale of suffering, and of how he had fled into the marshes to escape death at the

who hated him. King Priam was touched with his story and ordered that he be set free. “Forget the Greeks,” said the king.

because Laocoön threw his spear at the wooden horse, impious man that he was!” After that, there was no more talk of bu

everyone. But when night came on and the happy city was fast asleep, he went up on the wall where it overlooked the sea.

leep, he went up on the wall where it overlooked the sea. Before long he saw far out on the water a flaming torch. It was

nd mountain rifts    Not found on any earthly chart. Then last of all he touched her brow.    Prophetic power came at his

Ulysses was perhaps happier than any of the others. Ten years before, he had left his young wife, Penelope, and his son, T

king once more in his rugged island of Ithaca. With his twelve ships he set sail from the land of Troy, and, because the

set sail from the land of Troy, and, because the wind was favorable, he first went to the land of the Ciconians, which wa

went to the land of the Ciconians, which was near by. From that land he started on his journey home Before a fair breeze

y. From that land he started on his journey home Before a fair breeze he would soon have ended his voyage, but as his ship

iving before him his sheep and goats, and a frightful looking monster he was. He was so tall that he had to stoop to get t

nd goats, and a frightful looking monster he was. He was so tall that he had to stoop to get through the huge door of the

xen could not have moved, and set it against the entrance. After that he milked the ewes, and curdled some of the milk and

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

but he put aside the most of it in bowls for his supper. Then, first, he noticed Ulysses and his companions. “Who are you,

rst, he noticed Ulysses and his companions. “Who are you, strangers?” he said, “and where have you come from?” Their heart

r Jupiter?” roared the giant, and seizing two of Ulysses’ companions, he dashed them to the earth with such force that he

Ulysses’ companions, he dashed them to the earth with such force that he killed them instantly. Then he ate them as if he

them to the earth with such force that he killed them instantly. Then he ate them as if he had been some wild animal, and

with such force that he killed them instantly. Then he ate them as if he had been some wild animal, and lay down to sleep

his flocks, and killed and ate two more of Ulysses’ companions. Then he opened the door of the cave, drove out his sheep

In the evening, Polyphemus returned with his flocks. For his supper, he again killed two of Ulysses’ men and began to eat

egan to eat them. Then Ulysses poured out a bowl of the dark red wine he had brought, and as the Cyclops was in the midst

came near and handed it to him. “It is good,” said the Cyclops, when he had drunk it. “Give me more, and tell me your nam

ses poured out another bowl of the wine, and then another. “Cyclops, “ he said, “my name is Noman.” “Noman shall be eaten l

yphemus savagely; but be bad hardly finished eating and drinking when he grew drowsy and sank back on the earth in a deep

they spoke, and went away, but Polyphemus groped about the cave until he came to the door-stone. This he lifted away. Then

olyphemus groped about the cave until he came to the door-stone. This he lifted away. Then he sat down with his arms outst

t the cave until he came to the door-stone. This he lifted away. Then he sat down with his arms outstretched to catch the

th his arms outstretched to catch the Greeks as they came out. And as he sat there, he roared with pain and rage. But Ulys

tstretched to catch the Greeks as they came out. And as he sat there, he roared with pain and rage. But Ulysses was cautio

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

of ocean, will make you pay for this, Ulysses,” said Polyphemus, and he cast another rock, larger even than the first, bu

hem kindly, and, when they left, gave Ulysses an ox-hide bag. In this he had imprisoned all the winds of heaven, except th

ays the ships sailed before this wind, and Ulysses grew so eager that he would let no one else touch the helm, but held it

mpest. Ulysses awoke and knew what had happened. Overcome with grief, he lay during the whole storm covered with his mantl

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

t has a black root and a white blossom, and is very hard to find, but he who has it can never be bewitched. Ulysses soon c

has it can never be bewitched. Ulysses soon came to the palace, where he called aloud. The enchantress threw open the shin

to the mast, and so heard them. He struggled hard to get loose, when he heard the sweet voices, but his men bound him onl

ting Ulysses. He clung to a log and escaped their fate. For nine days he drifted about, but on the tenth he was washed ash

escaped their fate. For nine days he drifted about, but on the tenth he was washed ashore on the Island of Ogygia, where

him leave her land. Year after year she kept him by her, hoping that he would forget his home. She even promised to make

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

make him immortal, if he would but be content with her. But every day he went down to the shore and sat looking out across

im provisions for the voyage. Then, drawing the raft down to the sea, he pushed off, and started at last on his way home,

s true, was still angry for the harm done to Polyphemus, his son, and he shipwrecked Ulysses on the coast of Phæacia; but

or were there any tidings of him. At last it began to be thought that he was dead. Then Penelope had new sorrows. She was

im, so that no one should see him or do him harm. When Ulysses awoke, he did not at first know where he was, but soon the

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

t at first know where he was, but soon the mist cleared, and with joy he recognized his native hills. Then Minerva appeare

d him up and bowed him down and put a ragged cloak about him, so that he looked like a wretched old beggar. Then Ulysses l

y tales about the suitors. “These are evil days in my master’s land,” he said at last. “Who is your master?” asked Ulysses

er?” asked Ulysses. “Ulysses was my master,” said Eumæus; “but, alas, he will never return.” “He will return this very yea

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

ould come in but Telemachus himself. The suitors had missed him. When he came into the house, Minerva took off the disguis

e hero. “He is still alive, and will soon return. Even now, I believe he is not far from here.” He was eager to tell her w

now, I believe he is not far from here.” He was eager to tell her who he was, but he wished even more to punish the men wh

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

ho had made her miserable; so, because of the talkative maidservants, he told her only invented stories of himself. Lon

ave you.” Telemachus was the first to, try. Once, twice, three times, he strove, in vain, to bend the bow and stretch the

not bend it in the least. Then Antinoüs had a fire made, and over it he melted some lard with which he rubbed the bow, to

Antinoüs had a fire made, and over it he melted some lard with which he rubbed the bow, to make it limber, but even then

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

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

id Penelope. “He did not come here to woo me, but if he bend the bow, he shall have a rich prize.” “Leave us, mother,” sai

ft the room. “A fine bowman!” said one of the suitors, scornfully, as he watched Ulysses handling the bow. But Ulysses str

s easily as a minstrel stretches a cord about the peg of a lyre. Then he caught up an arrow, put it to the string, and sho

ng, and shot it straight through all the rings. “The trial is ended,” he said. “Now I will aim at another mark,” and he sp

“The trial is ended,” he said. “Now I will aim at another mark,” and he sped an arrow at Antinoüs, killing him instantly.

p. “Awake, Penelope!” she cried. “Ulysses has come. With his own hand he has slain the suitors. Come and see him yourself.

lope looked at him long in silence. She could not believe that it was he . “Son,” said Ulysses, “let us leave her to her ow

d great beauty on him, making him tall and strong like the gods. When he came in, he spoke to Penelope of a thing long pas

ty on him, making him tall and strong like the gods. When he came in, he spoke to Penelope of a thing long past. Then she

aiting of Penelope came to an end. The Lotus-Eaters. “Courage!” he said, and pointed toward the land, “This mounting

spake, His voice was thin, as voices from the grave; And deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake, And music in his ears his

fore Troy, 182; killed by a chance arrow. Late traditions relate that he was vulnerable only in his heel. Acris΄ius. King

Loved of Apollo, she received prophetic power, but refusing his love, he decreed that she should not be believed, 208,213.

y sometimes appeared in battles. Ceph΄alus. Husband of Procris, whom he shot by mistake, while hunting, 145. Ce΄pheus (s

to obtain the head of Medusa, 18; was helped by Minerva, 130, to whom he afterward gave the head, 144. Adventure with Atla

tions,’ or says of Venice, ‘She looks a Sea-Cybele fresh from Ocean,’ he calls up to the mind of one familiar with our sub

is mythological studies, and who desires to acquire the means whereby he will be enabled to follow intelligently the allus

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

His first act was to dethrone and supplant Chaos; and then, thinking he would be happier with a helpmeet, he married his

pplant Chaos; and then, thinking he would be happier with a helpmeet, he married his own mother, Nyx. Of course, with our

first-born Earth produc’d, Of like immensity, the starry Heaven; That he might sheltering compass her around On every side

atly feared them. To prevent their ever-making use of it against him, he seized them immediately after their birth, hurled

et the giants free, and whenever their muffled cries reached his ear, he trembled for his own safety. Angry beyond all exp

ult, Uranus cursed his son, and prophesied that a day would come when he , too, would be supplanted by his children, and wo

ss to be ruled by him. Their satisfaction was complete, however, when he chose his own sister, Rhea (Cybele, Ops) for his

n of the world to govern at will. To Oceanus and Thetis, for example, he gave charge over the ocean and all the rivers upo

the ocean and all the rivers upon earth; while to Hyperion and Phœbe he entrusted the direction of the sun and moon, whic

mind. Anxious to avert so great a calamity as the loss of his power, he hastened to his wife, determined to devour the ch

grief. Cronus was evidently not of a very inquiring turn of mind, for he swallowed the whole without investigating the rea

a stone she gave Inwrapt in infant swathes; and this with grasp Eager he snatch’d, and in his ravening breast Convey’d awa

rvals of his numerous affairs, congratulated himself upon the cunning he had shown to prevent the accomplishment of his fa

f his father’s curse. But all his anxiety and fears were aroused when he suddenly became aware of the fraud practised upon

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

e plan to get rid of him; but, before he could put it into execution, he found himself attacked by his son, and, after a s

mself attacked by his son, and, after a short but terrible encounter, he was signally defeated. Jupiter, delighted to have

hter of Oceanus, compelled Cronus to produce the unfortunate children he had swallowed; i.e., Neptune, Pluto, Vesta, Ceres

orcements to his party would not be superfluous. In haste, therefore, he released the Cyclopes from Tartarus, where they h

t last of bloodshed and strife, withdrew to Italy, or Hesperia, where he founded a prosperous kingdom, and reigned in peac

y long years. Jupiter, having disposed of all the Titans, now fancied he would enjoy the power so unlawfully obtained; but

n heads arose; flames shot from his eyes, nostrils, and mouths; while he incessantly uttered such bloodcurdling screams, t

ine chains in a burning cave under Mount Ætna. In early times, before he had become accustomed to his prison, he gave vent

Ætna. In early times, before he had become accustomed to his prison, he gave vent to his rage by outcries, imprecations,

ave vent to his rage by outcries, imprecations, and groans; sometimes he even breathed forth fire and flames, in hopes of

queror. But time, it is said, somewhat cooled his resentment; and now he is content with an occasional change of position,

in’s weight, Lies stretched supine, eternal prey of flames; And, when he heaves against the burning load, Reluctant, to in

o the throne, and could at last reign over the world undisturbed; but he knew that it would be no small undertaking to rul

de the power with his brothers. To avoid quarrels and recriminations, he portioned the world out into lots, allowing each

us, how undaunted     On Olympus’ shining bastions His audacious foot he planted, Myths are told and songs are chanted,   

ny one obtain it by stealth, they would never forgive the thief. Long he pondered the matter, and finally determined to ob

ned to obtain fire, or die in the attempt. One dark night, therefore, he set out for Olympus, entered unperceived into the

lting in the success of his enterprise. Arrived upon earth once more, he consigned the stolen treasure to the care of man,

d an unusual light upon earth. Anxious to ascertain its exact nature, he watched it closely, and before long discovered th

to behold; and the gods all quailed when they heard him solemnly vow he would punish the unhappy Prometheus without mercy

generation of men lived on earth, and died, blessing him for the gift he had obtained for them at such a terrible cost. Af

d for the acceptance of the heavenly fire. With this purpose in view, he assembled the gods on Mount Olympus, where, in so

But now when the fair mischief, seeming-good, His hand had perfected, he led her forth Exulting in her grac’d attire, the

y then bade Mercury take her to Prometheus as a gift from heaven; but he , knowing only too well that nothing good would co

le. Unfortunately Epimetheus was of a confiding disposition, and when he beheld the maiden he exclaimed, “Surely so beauti

metheus was of a confiding disposition, and when he beheld the maiden he exclaimed, “Surely so beautiful and gentle a bein

s step was slow and weary, his garments dusty and travel-stained, and he seemed almost to stagger beneath the weight of a

own and pout seen for the first time on the fair face of his beloved, he entreated her to come out into the fresh air and

outside made her start guiltily. Epimetheus was coming, and she knew he would urge her again to come out, and would preve

itately, therefore, she raised the lid to have one little peep before he came in. Now, Jupiter had malignantly crammed int

for her thoughtless action; but in the very midst of his vituperation he suddenly heard a sweet little voice entreat for f

years; and this evil conduct aroused his wrath to such a point, that he vowed he would annihilate the human race. But the

nd this evil conduct aroused his wrath to such a point, that he vowed he would annihilate the human race. But the modes of

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

as he could not decide which would eventually prove most efficacious, he summoned the gods to deliberate and aid him by th

s; and when Jupiter saw them there alone, and remembered their piety, he decided not to include them in the general destru

ral sense; and Deucalion, after due thought, explained to Pyrrha what he conceived to be the meaning of this mysterious co

eived to be the meaning of this mysterious command. “The Earth,” said he , “is the mother of all, and the stones may be con

underer sat, enthroned in gold, High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes.”

ll, and they continued to issue their irrevocable decrees, even after he supplanted his father and began to rule over all.

, and a prey to all the passions which rule the hearts of men. It was he who presided at the councils held on the top of “

d on the top of “many-peaked Olympus,” and summoned the gods whenever he wished to discuss with them any matter of importa

slightest behest, and it is said her master loved her so dearly that he generally held an image of her in his hand. The h

of fame, Fama, trumpet in hand, proclaimed, at his bidding, anything he wished, never questioning whether it were true or

liged to go in quest of another cup-bearer. To facilitate his search, he assumed the form of an eagle, and winged his flig

e, and winged his flight over the earth. He had not flown far, before he beheld a youth of marvellous beauty, alone on a n

de, the son of a king of Troy, was carefully instructed in the duties he was called upon to perform in the future. “And g

Of men; the gods beheld and caught him up To heaven, so beautiful was he , to pour The wine to Jove, and ever dwell with th

care to assume some disguise which would enable him to ascertain all he wished without any risk of detection. One day he

him to ascertain all he wished without any risk of detection. One day he and Mercury, his special messenger and favourite

a disguise. To win Europa, the fair daughter of Agenor, for instance, he became a bull.                             “The

rds the sea with his fair burden on his back. Instead of turning when he saw the foam-crested waves, he plunged into the m

n on his back. Instead of turning when he saw the foam-crested waves, he plunged into the midst of them, and in a few minu

t of them, and in a few minutes disappeared from view, so rapidly did he swim away. To reassure the frightened girl, the b

e bull now spoke in gentle accents, bidding her dismiss all fear, for he was the great Jupiter in disguise. “Take courage

lly deposited his fair burden upon the shores of a new land, to which he gallantly gave her name, Europe. He then resumed

die, charging her eldest son to go on alone. Cadmus wandered on till he came to Delphi, where he consulted the oracle; bu

son to go on alone. Cadmus wandered on till he came to Delphi, where he consulted the oracle; but, to his great dismay, t

ere he consulted the oracle; but, to his great dismay, the only reply he received was, “Follow the cow, and settle where s

he rests.” The Delphic Sibyl. Michael Angelo. In deep perplexity he left the temple, and, from force of habit, journe

le, and, from force of habit, journeyed on, patiently questioning all he met. Soon he perceived a cow leisurely walking in

force of habit, journeyed on, patiently questioning all he met. Soon he perceived a cow leisurely walking in front of him

a cow leisurely walking in front of him, and, mindful of the oracle, he ceased his search and followed her. Urged by curi

me passed and still they did not return. Armed with his trusty sword, he finally went down to the spring to discover the c

ir death, and dealt the dragon such a deadly blow upon the head, that he put an immediate end to its existence. While Cadm

ts use into Greece. Although his career was very prosperous at first, he finally incurred the wrath of the gods by forgett

soon as the latter had dethroned his parents and seized the sceptre, he began to look about him for a suitable helpmate.

a suitable helpmate. Juno won his affections by her great beauty; and he immediately began his courtship, which he carried

ns by her great beauty; and he immediately began his courtship, which he carried on in the guise of a cuckoo, to infuse a

intrigues with renewed zest. Callisto and Arcas On one occasion he fell deeply in love with a maiden named Callisto,

gentle, fair, and slender; but, in spite of all the precautions which he took when visiting her, Juno discovered the objec

ainly sought his absent mistress, and it was only long afterward that he discovered her and her little bear son Areas. In

her and her little bear son Areas. In pity for all they had suffered, he transferred them both to the sky, where they are

adache, and, in hopes that some mode of alleviation would be devised, he summoned all the gods to Olympus. Their united ef

Not long after her birth, Cecrops, a Phœnician, came to Greece, where he founded a beautiful city in the province since ca

, mortal or immortal, showed her any pity or gave her any assistance, he would incur her lasting resentment. After long, p

d, the snowy raven, — for such was his hue in those early times, — so he flew off in haste to his master to report the dis

imes, — so he flew off in haste to his master to report the discovery he had made. Desperate with love and jealousy, Apoll

is love returned with tenfold power; and, hastening to Coronis’ side, he vainly tried all his remedies to recall her to li

den back!” Saxe. Bending over the lifeless body of his beloved one, he bewailed his fatal haste, and cursed the bird whi

ch had brought him the unwelcome tidings of her faithlessness. “Then he turned upon the Raven,     ‘Wanton babbler! see t

y Apollo in the healing art. The disciple’s talent was so great, that he soon rivalled his master, and even, it is said, r

cles did not long remain concealed from Jupiter’s all-seeing eye; and he , fearing lest the people would forget him and wor

gton’s tr.). Æsculapius’ race was not entirely extinct, however, for he left two sons — Machaon and Podalirius, who inher

ance upon the Cyclopes, the authors of the fatal thunderbolt; but ere he could execute his purpose, Jupiter interfered, an

Jupiter interfered, and, to punish him, banished him to earth, where he entered the service of Admetus, King of Thessaly.

ing soothed     Into a sweet half sleep, Three times his kingly beard he smoothed And made him viceroy o’er his sheep.” L

into place of their own accord. Then, his term of exile being ended, he returned to heaven, and there resumed his wonted

eaven, and there resumed his wonted duties. From his exalted position he often cast loving glances down upon men, whose li

alted position he often cast loving glances down upon men, whose life he had shared for a short time, whose every privatio

men, whose life he had shared for a short time, whose every privation he had endured; and, in answer to their prayers, he

hose every privation he had endured; and, in answer to their prayers, he graciously extended his protection over them, and

for Apollo the surname of Pytheus (the Slayer), by which appellation he was frequently invoked. This annihilation of Pyth

ful in war, Apollo was very unfortunate indeed in friendship. One day he came down to earth to enjoy the society of a yout

outh wind, passing by, saw them thus occupied. Jealous of Apollo, for he too loved Hyacinthus, Zephyrus blew Apollo’s quoi

killed Apollo’s pet stag, grieved so sorely over this mischance, that he pined away and finally died. Apollo then changed

ied. Apollo then changed his lifeless clay into a cypress tree, which he declared should henceforth be used to shade the g

ve at first sight was the immediate consequence on Apollo’s part, and he longed to speak to the maid and win her affection

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

t to frighten her; but, before he could reach her side, she fled, and he , forgetful of all else, pursued her flying footst

fled, and he, forgetful of all else, pursued her flying footsteps. As he ran he called aloud to Daphne, entreating her to

nd he, forgetful of all else, pursued her flying footsteps. As he ran he called aloud to Daphne, entreating her to pause w

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

anished from his sight for ever; but, when the truth dawned upon him, he declared that from henceforth the laurel would be

alus was wont to rest during the noon hour in some shady spot, and as he flung himself down upon the short grass he often

in some shady spot, and as he flung himself down upon the short grass he often called for a breeze, bidding it cool his he

ce in that grove reclin’d,     To shun the noon’s bright eye, And oft he woo’d the wandering wind,     To cool his brow wi

eet air!’” Moore. Eos heard of this habit, and was fully aware that he merely addressed the passing wind; nevertheless s

sion that some wild beast was lurking there ready to pounce upon him, he cast his unerring javelin into the very midst of

. Apollo’s principal duty was to drive the sun chariot. Day after day he rode across the azure sky, nor paused on his way

ay after day he rode across the azure sky, nor paused on his way till he reached the golden boat awaiting him at the end o

lo’s daily journey with strange persistency; and from the moment when he left his palace in the morning until he came to t

ncy; and from the moment when he left his palace in the morning until he came to the far western sea in the evening, she f

s truly loves on to the close; As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets     The same look which she turn’d when he r

turns on her god when he sets     The same look which she turn’d when he rose.” Moore. Clytie. Lord Leighton. By Pe

ecame aware of a distant sound of music, so sweet, so thrilling, that he fairly held his breath to listen. These weird, de

d convey it to his lips was the work of an instant; and no sooner had he breathed into it than the magic strain was renewe

m his new-found treasure; and so rapidly did his skill increase, that he became insufferably conceited, and boasted he cou

is skill increase, that he became insufferably conceited, and boasted he could rival Apollo, whom he actually challenged t

ecame insufferably conceited, and boasted he could rival Apollo, whom he actually challenged to a musical contest. Intendi

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

riority of his playing. Apollo was so incensed by this injustice that he determined to show his opinion of the dishonest j

lapt asses’ ears upon the judge; A goodly pair, erect and wide, Which he could neither gild nor hide.” Swift. Greatly di

the king’s subjects. The barber acquitted himself deftly, and, before he was allowed to leave the palace, was again charge

poor barber’s spirits, so that, incapable of enduring silence longer, he sallied out into a field, dug a deep hole, and sh

opportunities of meeting the Muses, it is not to be wondered at that he fell a victim to the charms of the fair Calliope,

de trees, And the mountain-tops, that freeze,     Bow themselves when he did sing: To his music plants and flowers Ever sp

me so remarkable, that the youth’s fame was very widespread; and when he fell in love with Eurydice, he brought all his sk

h’s fame was very widespread; and when he fell in love with Eurydice, he brought all his skill into play, and wooed her wi

ed to make life endurable, and Orpheus wandered off to Olympus, where he so piteously implored Jupiter to restore his wife

any spirit to pass out of Hades. As soon as this monster saw Orpheus, he began to growl and bark savagely, to frighten him

an to play such melting chords, that Cerberus’ rage was appeased, and he finally allowed him to pass into Pluto’s dark kin

etrated thus into the Infernal Regions, and Orpheus wandered on until he came to the throne of Pluto, king of these realms

d love were victorious.” Pope. But one condition was imposed before he was allowed to depart; that is, that he should le

condition was imposed before he was allowed to depart; that is, that he should leave the Infernal Regions without turning

neither to the right nor to the left, but straight before him; and as he walked he wondered whether Eurydice were changed

the right nor to the left, but straight before him; and as he walked he wondered whether Eurydice were changed by her soj

yes once more upon her loved features induced him to turn just before he reached the earth; and as he did so the form of t

features induced him to turn just before he reached the earth; and as he did so the form of the wife he had so nearly snat

st before he reached the earth; and as he did so the form of the wife he had so nearly snatched from the grave vanished fr

beasts in the forest, who strove in their dumb way to comfort him as he moved restlessly about, seeking a solace for his

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

in the dim distance, with the self-same mournful expression of which he had caught a mere glimpse as she drifted reluctan

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

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

could not forget his wife; and, as his spirit drifted on to join her, he incessantly called upon her name until the brooks

cessantly called upon her name until the brooks, trees, and fountains he had loved so well caught up the longing cry, and

skill was reported to be but little inferior to Orpheus’. “’Tis said he had a tuneful tongue,     Such happy intonation,

Tis said he had a tuneful tongue,     Such happy intonation, Wherever he sat down and sung     He left a small plantation;

her Antiope had been repudiated by her second husband, Lycus, so that he might marry another wife by the name of Dirce, th

. Brogi, Photo. Amphion’s musical talent was of great use to him when he subsequently became King of Thebes, and wished to

ted thither the most famous musicians from all points of the compass, he resolved to return home by sea. Unfortunately for

d to return home by sea. Unfortunately for him, the vessel upon which he had embarked was manned by an avaricious, piratic

repare for death; but, just as they were about to toss him overboard, he craved permission to play for the last time. The

ed, quickly laid hands upon him, and hurled him into the water, where he fell upon the broad back of a dolphin, who bore h

tened to his mother, and begged her to direct him to his father, that he might obtain the desired proof. Clymene immediate

iately gave him all necessary information, and bade him make haste if he would reach his father’s palace in the Far East b

round. Directly eastward Phaeton journeyed, nor paused to rest until he came in view of the golden and jewelled pinnacles

ollo, from his golden throne, had watched the boy’s approach, and, as he drew nearer, recognised him as his own offspring.

watched with pleasure the frown which gathered on Apollo’s brow when he repeated his companions’ taunts. As soon as he ha

on Apollo’s brow when he repeated his companions’ taunts. As soon as he had finished his tale, Apollo exclaimed that he w

s’ taunts. As soon as he had finished his tale, Apollo exclaimed that he would grant him any proof he wished, and confirme

finished his tale, Apollo exclaimed that he would grant him any proof he wished, and confirmed these words by a solemn oat

oath was the most solemn any god could utter, and in case of perjury he was obliged to drink the waters of this river, wh

o senseless stupidity for one whole year. During nine years following he was deprived of his office, banished from Olympus

ark of Apollo’s favour. When the god heard this presumptuous request, he started back in dismay, for he alone could contro

e god heard this presumptuous request, he started back in dismay, for he alone could control the four fiery steeds which d

he four fiery steeds which drew the golden-wheeled sun-car. Patiently he then explained to Phaeton the great danger of suc

ddison. But Phaeton, who, like many another conceited youth, fancied he knew better than his sire, would not give heed to

ns, and all went well; but at length, elated by his exalted position, he became very reckless, drove faster and faster, an

, drove faster and faster, and soon lost his way. In finding it again he drove so close to the earth, that all the plants

rched and blackened earth, and even the people of the land over which he was passing were burned black, — a hue retained b

 — a hue retained by their descendants to this day. Terrified at what he had done, Phaeton whipped up his steeds, and drov

th dared to mount the sun chariot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In his anger he vowed he would make the rash

sun chariot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In his anger he vowed he would make the rash mortal expiate his p

iot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In his anger he vowed he would make the rash mortal expiate his presumptio

his charred remains, and gave them an honourable burial. In his grief he continually haunted the scene of his friend’s dea

nights were warm would stay out all night with them. On one occasion he had thus seen the Muses dancing round the fountai

und the fountain of Hippocrene in the moonlight, and from that moment he was their willing slave. Not far from this spot w

r discovered that one was missing from his flock, in a fit of passion he took the goatherd and fastened him in a great che

e took the goatherd and fastened him in a great chest, intending that he should die of starvation. The Muses, however, wou

er husband grew older and older, and finally became so decrepit, that he was a burden to her. “Immortal age beside immort

en to her. “Immortal age beside immortal youth.” Tennyson. Knowing he would never die, and wishing to rid herself of hi

their sails spread, to pass in and out of the harbour, whose entrance he guarded for many a year. Chapter VI: Diana

e passion. He rose with a start, and rubbed his sleepy eyes; but when he saw the moon, which he fancied close beside him,

a start, and rubbed his sleepy eyes; but when he saw the moon, which he fancied close beside him, sailing away across the

h he fancied close beside him, sailing away across the deep blue sky, he felt sure the whole occurrence had been but a dre

the whole occurrence had been but a dream, but so sweet a dream that he cast himself down upon the sward, hoping to woo i

re. It did not come again that night, however; but the next night, as he lay on the self-same spot, it recurred in all its

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

l dog Sirius at his heels. One day, in the dense shade of the forest, he met a group of Diana’s nymphs, the seven Pleiades

but to be seen to be passionately loved, and Orion’s heart burned as he sought to approach them; but they were very coy,

burned as he sought to approach them; but they were very coy, and, as he drew near and addressed them, turned and fled. Af

and, as he drew near and addressed them, turned and fled. Afraid lest he should never see them again were he now to lose s

hem, turned and fled. Afraid lest he should never see them again were he now to lose sight of them, he pursued them hotly;

est he should never see them again were he now to lose sight of them, he pursued them hotly; but the nymphs sped on, until

anything but a patient man, the delay was very unwelcome indeed, and he made up his mind to abduct his bride instead of m

y of his bride, but also of his eyesight. Blind, helpless, and alone, he now wandered from place to place, hoping to find

lace, hoping to find some one capable of restoring his sight. At last he reached the Cyclopes’ cave, and one of them took

of them took pity on him, and led him to the Sun, from whose radiance he borrowed a store of light, — “When, blinded by Œ

e, Fixed his blank eyes upon the sun.” Longfellow. Happy once more, he resumed his favourite sport, and hunted from morn

ose piercing glance nothing that occurred by day could be hidden, and he resolved to put an end to his sister’s infatuatio

ion. He therefore summoned her to his side. To divert her suspicions, he began to talk of archery, and, under the pretext

en at dawn to stalk the deer; and now, weary and parched with thirst, he too sought the well-known mountain spring. As he

parched with thirst, he too sought the well-known mountain spring. As he drew near the accustomed spot, Actæon fancied he

mountain spring. As he drew near the accustomed spot, Actæon fancied he heard bursts of silvery laughter: so he crept on

customed spot, Actæon fancied he heard bursts of silvery laughter: so he crept on very cautiously, and soon, gently partin

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

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

The glittering drops had no sooner touched the young man’s face than he turned to obey her command, and found himself tra

er self except the woeful consciousness of his transformation; and as he stood there, motionless and dismayed, the distant

thrill of fear shot through every vein, as, mindful of his new form, he bounded away through the forest. Alas! too late;

ctæon strained every muscle. His limbs refused their support, and, as he sank exhausted to the ground, the hounds sprang a

d, the hounds sprang at his quivering throat and tore him to death as he lay. Diana was widely worshipped, and temples wit

Even the king of gods was slighted, and, to punish her for her pride, he decreed she should marry Vulcan, god of the forge

ate Alectryon fell asleep; and so 84 profound were his slumbers, that he did not even stir when Aurora flung open the gate

god drove rapidly on, glancing right and left, and taking note of all he saw. Nothing escaped his bright and piercing eye,

ght and piercing eye, as it flashed its beams hither and thither, and he was soon aware of the sleeping watchman and of th

eet-footed steeds could carry him, Apollo hastened to Vulcan, to whom he vividly described the sight which had greeted his

a net of linked steel, went in search of his runaway wife. Stealthily he approached the lovers’ bower, and deftly flung th

, who were caught in its fine meshes, and could not escape; and there he kept them imprisoned, in spite of their entreatie

een their humiliating plight, and turned them into ridicule. But when he at last set them free, Mars darted away, vowing v

on, was born. When with his brother, Cupid grew and flourished, until he became a handsome, slender youth; but when separa

til he became a handsome, slender youth; but when separated from him, he invariably resumed his childish form and mischiev

n his favourite sport. But, alas, one day, after an exciting pursuit, he boldly attacked a wild boar, which, goaded to mad

ades. To allow Beauty to desert the earth was not possible, nor could he resist her pleading: so he finally decreed that A

sert the earth was not possible, nor could he resist her pleading: so he finally decreed that Adonis should be restored to

onis should be restored to her longing arms. But Pluto, whose subject he had now become, refused to yield up Adonis; and a

Adonis was allowed to spend one-half of the year on earth, providing he spent the remaining six months in the Elysian Fie

avishing favours upon a mere mortal, extorted from him a promise that he would never reveal their secret marriage. Unfortu

o view his suit kindly, and, above all, to grant him an interview, or he would surely die.                 “God Eros, set

wo bosoms with one shaft-shooting, A maiden’s and a youth’s — Leander he , And lovely Hero, Sestos’ sweetest, she; She of h

nder he, And lovely Hero, Sestos’ sweetest, she; She of her town, and he of his, the boast; A noble pair!” Edwin Arnold.

d notice that she was talking to a stranger, she bade him depart; but he refused to go until he had learned where she live

alking to a stranger, she bade him depart; but he refused to go until he had learned where she lived, and proposed to swim

and pay her a visit in her lonely tower.     “‘Sweet! for thy love,’ he cried, ‘the sea I’d cleave, Though foam were fire

torch and hold it aloft to guide him safely across the sea. Then only he departed. Venus. Capitol, Rome. Night came on

e, and watched for the promised signal, which no sooner appeared than he exultantly plunged into the dark waves, and parte

y plunged into the dark waves, and parted them with lusty strokes, as he hastened across the deep to join his beloved. At

s beloved. At times the huge billows towered above his head; but when he had escaped their threatening depths, and rose up

escaped their threatening depths, and rose up on their foamy crests, he could catch a glimpse of the torch burning bright

red to himself the shy, sweet blushes which would dye Hero’s cheek as he clasped her to his passionate heart. “Leander ha

ek as he clasped her to his passionate heart. “Leander had no fear —  he cleft the wave — What is the peril fond hearts wi

scheme, and nerved Leander’s arm to cleave the rapid current. At last he reached the tower steps, and was lovingly greeted

whiten the east that the lovers finished their interview and parted, he to return to Abydus, and she to prepare for the d

n the morning woke upon the sea, It saw him not, for back at home was he .” Leigh Hunt. No one suspected their meetings;

ainst the waves, which beat so violently against the stone tower; but he gently laughed at her fears, and departed, promis

, when evening came, she lighted her torch to serve as beacon, should he risk all to keep his word. The wind blew so fierc

time his prayers were unheard, drowned in the fury of the storm; yet he struggled on a while longer, with Hero’s name on

, with Hero’s name on his lips. At last, exhausted and ready to sink, he lifted his eyes once more to view the cheering li

tides below, With signs and sounds, forbade to go, He could not see, he would not hear, Or sound or sign foreboding fear;

inking Pyramus was concealed there, she was about to call to him that he was discovered, when, instead of her lover, she s

ced to convince him that Thisbe had perished, and in a fit of despair he drew his dagger from its sheath and thrust it int

y in love with him, and was proportionately grieved when she saw that he did not return her affection. All her blandishmen

to punish the disdainful Narcissus. One day, after a prolonged chase, he hurried to a lonely pool to slake his thirst. “I

ied to a lonely pool to slake his thirst. “In some delicious ramble, he had found A little space, with boughs all woven r

n, R. A. By Arrangement with Messrs. C. E. Clifford & Co. Quickly he knelt upon the grass, and bent over the pellucid

n the grass, and bent over the pellucid waters to take a draught; but he suddenly paused, surprised. Down near the pebbly

aught; but he suddenly paused, surprised. Down near the pebbly bottom he saw a face so passing fair, that he immediately l

ised. Down near the pebbly bottom he saw a face so passing fair, that he immediately lost his heart, for he thought it bel

e saw a face so passing fair, that he immediately lost his heart, for he thought it belonged to some water nymph gazing up

h gazing up at him through the transparent flood. With sudden passion he caught at the beautiful apparition; but, the mome

arms touched the water, the nymph vanished. Astonished and dismayed, he slowly withdrew to a short distance, and breathle

were answering, though not a sound came to his ear. In his excitement he began to gesticulate, whereupon two snowy arms re

very gesture; but when, encouraged by her loving glances and actions, he tried once more to clasp her in his arms, she van

ive face reflected his every emotion, and who grew as pale and wan as he , — evidently, like him, a victim to love and desp

ay from his post, and, when the pale moonbeams illumined his retreat, he bent over the pool to ascertain whether she too w

e Narcissus lingered day and night, without eating or drinking, until he died, little suspecting that the fancied nymph wa

clearly reflected.                                 “A lonely flower he spied, A meek and forlorn flower, with naught of

pent in the faithful portrayal of the gods and goddesses, but one day he determined to fashion the image of a lovely woman

e name of Galatea, and, deeming it too beautiful to remain inanimate; he besought Venus to give it life, stating that he w

to remain inanimate; he besought Venus to give it life, stating that he wished a wife just like it. “O Aphrodite, kind a

ion had always been an obdurate bachelor, and had frequently declared he would never marry, Venus was delighted to see him

breast some of his own warmth was infused into the icy bosom, and as he pressed kiss after kiss upon the chiselled lips t

along the deserted halls, and came to Psyche’s apartment, into which he glided unseen Stealthily he approached the couch

nd came to Psyche’s apartment, into which he glided unseen Stealthily he approached the couch upon which the fail maiden w

unequalled loveliness, and made Cupid start back in surprise; but, as he did so, one of his own love arrow; came into cont

e into contact with his rosy flesh, and inflicted a wound, from which he was to suffer for many a weary day. All unconscio

fer for many a weary day. All unconscious of the gravity of his hurt, he hung enraptured over the sleeping maiden, and let

den, and let her fail image sink into his heart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, he stole out again, vowing he would

fail image sink into his heart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, he stole out again, vowing he would never harm such

eart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, he stole out again, vowing he would never harm such innocence and beauty. Morni

n all hi; mother’s persecutions, had followed Psyche unseen and, when he perceived her intention to commit suicide he call

Psyche unseen and, when he perceived her intention to commit suicide he called to Zephyrus (the South Wind), and entreate

Cupid appeared in search of his beloved Psyche. In the perfumed dusk he confessed his love, and tenderly begged for some

me, or to catch a glimpse of his face, warning her that if she did so he would be forced to leave her, never to return. “

My face, I must forsake thee: the high gods Link Love with Faith, and he withdraws himself From the full gaze of Knowledge

pily trilling forth their evening song, and breathlessly waited until he came to join her.         “Now on broad pinions

ince poor Psyche that her lover must be some monster, so hideous that he dare not brave the broad light of day, lest he sh

nster, so hideous that he dare not brave the broad light of day, lest he should make her loathe him, and further added tha

her loathe him, and further added that, if she were not very careful, he would probably end by devouring her. They thereup

, And thine is dead! Farewell! I come no more!’” Lewis Morris. When he had vanished into the dusky air without, the balm

and. Ceres had often seen Cupid, and had heard that very morning that he was having a wound in his shoulder dressed by Ven

s to protect him in battle, vowing to sacrifice her luxuriant hair if he returned home in safety. The prayer was granted,

s, could not refrain from indulging his caprice for every pretty face he met along his way. It is thus, therefore, that he

r every pretty face he met along his way. It is thus, therefore, that he yielded to the charms of Maia, goddess of the pla

mortal children, as will readily be perceived by the numerous pranks he played immediately after his birth. First he spra

d by the numerous pranks he played immediately after his birth. First he sprang from his mother’s knee, grasped a tortoise

om beneath his hand a tumult sweet Of mighty sounds and from his lips he sent     A strain of unpremeditated wit, Joyous a

, and sallied out in search of food. He had not gone very far, before he came to a wide meadow, where Apollo’s herds were

being reached in safety, Mercury coolly killed two of the oxen, which he proceeded to eat. Apollo soon missed his cattle,

discover nothing but some broken twigs and scattered leaves. Suddenly he remembered that the babe whose birth had been ann

useless search and conjecture, but strode off to Mount Cyllene, where he found Mercury peacefully sleeping in his cradle.

nocence, until Apollo, exasperated, dragged him off to Olympus, where he was convicted of the theft, and condemned to rest

ning oxen, and, in exchange for the two missing, gave Apollo the lyre he had just fashioned. This, like most other myths,

iovanni di Bologna. The gift of the lyre pleased Apollo so well, that he in return wished to make a present to Mercury, an

iately wound themselves in amity around it. This so pleased him, that he bade them remain there for ever, and used the wan

tree tops; and in less time Than shoots the slanted hail-storm, down he dropt Towards the ground; but rested not, nor sto

aking the further precaution of spreading a cloud over the spot where he generally met her, to shield her from all chance

den beside him into a heifer, ere his wife alighted and inquired what he was doing there. Carelessly the god pointed to th

s doing there. Carelessly the god pointed to the heifer, and declared he had been whiling away the time by creating it; bu

, Juno begged her husband to give her his new creation, which request he could not refuse, but granted most reluctantly, t

of her servants, who possessed a myriad eyes, only one half of which he closed at a time. “The eyes of Argus, sentinel o

y, and report anything unusual in its actions. One day, therefore, as he was watching his charge pasture by the river, Arg

xchange a word with Io, or deliver her from her imprisonment. Finally he called Mercury to his aid, and bade him devise so

ing the souls of the departed to Hades, and when occupied in this way he bore the name of Psychopompus, while, when addres

e name of Psychopompus, while, when addressed as conductor of Dreams, he was Oneicopompus. “Gently as a kiss came Death t

during the war between the gods and giants, but in his martial ardour he frequently forgot all caution. On one occasion he

his martial ardour he frequently forgot all caution. On one occasion he was obliged to surrender to Otus and Ephialtes, —

prospective town. Blinded by anger, Romulus suddenly raised the tool he held, and struck Remus such a savage blow that he

nly raised the tool he held, and struck Remus such a savage blow that he fell to the ground, slain by his brother in a fit

soon joined by a number of adventurers as wicked and unscrupulous as he , they combined their forces, and built the celebr

somewhat reassured, looked about them for their king, they were told he had gone, never to return, carried off by the imm

great, that Vulcan’s fall lasted during one whole day and night, ere he finally touched the summit of Mount Mosychlus, in

nos.                                              “From morn To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, A summer’s day: and

e proved fatal; and even Vulcan did not escape entirely unharmed, for he injured one of his legs, which accident left him

part, she never even made the slightest attempt to ascertain whether he had reached the earth in safety. Hurt by her indi

eturn to Olympus, and withdrew to the solitudes of Mount /Etna, where he established a great forge in the heart of the mou

golden handmaidens gifted with motion, who attended the god wherever he went, and supported his halting footsteps. “Two

and allowed himself to be beguiled into renewing his potations, until he was quite intoxicated. In this condition, Bacchus

ther of Servius Tullius, sixth king of Rome, by a slave Ocrisia, whom he was wont to visit in the guise of a bright flame,

assigned to each of his brothers a separate portion of the universe, he decreed that Neptune, or Poseidon, should govern

the Titan Oceanus had wielded the sceptre of the sea; and regretfully he now resigned it to his youthful supplanter, whom

; and regretfully he now resigned it to his youthful supplanter, whom he nevertheless admired sincerely, and described in

e? Have ye beheld his chariot, foam’d along By noble winged creatures he hath made? I saw him on the calmed waters scud, W

encroaching disposition. Dissatisfied with the portion allotted him, he once conspired to dethrone Jupiter; but, unfortun

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

d Jupiter, in punishment for his temerity, exiled him to earth. There he was condemned to build the walls of Troy for Laom

beautiful virgin, and promised the monster would disappear as soon as he had devoured the appointed victim. A young girl w

ous serpent came out of his lair in the waves, and devoured her; then he vanished, and nothing more was heard of him for a

hing more was heard of him for a whole year, at the end of which time he reappeared, and resumed his former depredations,

hecked by the sacrifice of a second virgin. Year after year, however, he returned, and year after year a fair girl was doo

her, and tried every means in his power to save her. As a last resort he sent heralds to publish far and wide that the kin

heard the proclamation, and, with no other weapon than the oaken club he generally carried, slew the monster just as he wa

on than the oaken club he generally carried, slew the monster just as he was about to drag poor Hesione down into his slim

ured of his grasping tendencies. Not long after his return from Troy, he quarrelled with Minerva for the possession of the

thens, then nameless, and entered into the memorable contest in which he was signally defeated. He also disputed the sover

n in Olympus, but dwelt in the coral caves of his kingdom, over which he ruled with resistless sway. By one word he could

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

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

rule, but he could also cause terrible earthquakes at will, and, when he pleased, raise islands from the deep, as he did w

quakes at will, and, when he pleased, raise islands from the deep, as he did when Latona entreated him to shelter her from

is stratagem, straightway assumed the form of a horse, in which guise he contentedly trotted after her and renewed his att

waves with incredible rapidity, and parted with him regretfully when he was given to Copreus, Pelops’ son. This marvellou

ome one of her numerous suitors should find favour in her eyes before he had time to urge his wooing, suddenly changed her

d her into a sheep, and conveyed her to the Island of Crumissa, where he assumed the guise of a ram, and in this metamorph

ome drops of blood fell from her severed head into the salt sea foam, he produced from them the graceful winged steed Pega

Hesiod ( Elton’s tr.). This conduct grieved Neptune so sorely, that he sent a dolphin to plead his cause, and persuade t

fe. The King of the Deep was so overjoyed at these good tidings, that he transferred the dolphin to the sky, where he form

these good tidings, that he transferred the dolphin to the sky, where he forms a well-known constellation. Neptune and Amp

sometimes interfered in their behalf. On one occasion, for instance, he even lent his beautiful chariot to a youth by the

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

ertake the fleeing pair, and in his anger plunged into a river, where he was drowned, and which from him received the name

nly Apollo appeared before them, and, checking their steeds, declared he loved the maiden too, and would not tamely yield

youthful bloom when her more ephemeral beauty had vanished, and that he would probably cease to love her, she held out he

, another inferior deity, had the care of the flocks of the deep, and he always attended Neptune when it was safe to leave

s enjoyed the gift of prophecy, and had the power to assume any shape he pleased. The former gift he was wont to exercise

cy, and had the power to assume any shape he pleased. The former gift he was wont to exercise very reluctantly; and when m

to exercise very reluctantly; and when mortals wished to consult him, he would change his form with bewildering rapidity,

    “Shouting [we] seize the god: our force t’evade, His various arts he soon resumes in aid: A lion now, he curls a surgy

r force t’evade, His various arts he soon resumes in aid: A lion now, he curls a surgy mane; Sudden, our hands a spotted p

olumes, there, a dragon rides; Here, from our strict embrace a stream he glides And last, sublime, his stately growth he r

rict embrace a stream he glides And last, sublime, his stately growth he rears, A tree, and well-dissembled foliage wears.

g, and fervently prayed that they might never see his face; for, when he appeared on the surface of the earth, it was only

shadows. Whenever the stern god set out on one of these expeditions, he rode in a chariot drawn by four coal-black steeds

steeds; and, if any obstacle presented itself to impede his progress, he struck it with his two-pronged fork, the emblem o

d Proserpina, the fair goddess of vegetation, daughter of Ceres, whom he set on his throne in Hades, and crowned as his qu

crown on his head, a sceptre and a key in hand, to show how carefully he guards those who enter his domains, and how vain

kiff — a leaky, worm-eaten craft — from shore to shore. Neither would he allow any soul to enter his bark, unless he was f

e to shore. Neither would he allow any soul to enter his bark, unless he was first given a small coin, called an obolus, t

e cruel boatman repulsed them roughly, and brandished his oars, while he leisurely selected those he would next ferry acro

m roughly, and brandished his oars, while he leisurely selected those he would next ferry across the stream             “

xtended hands. Now these, now those, the surly boatman bore; The rest he drove to distance from the shore.” Virgil ( Dryd

this poet was attacked and slain by two robbers, and in his extremity he called upon a flock of cranes, which was passing

prophecy which had quite escaped his memory, and which foretold that he would perish by the hand of his son-in-law. It wa

ow too late to prevent the marriages, so calling his daughters aside, he told them what the oracle had said, and, giving t

h was seized by the King of Troy, Pelops took refuge in Greece, where he ruled the extensive peninsula, the Peloponnesus,

unish the inhuman Tantalus, the gods then sent him to Tartarus, where he stood up to his chin in a stream of pure water, t

chin in a stream of pure water, tormented with thirst; for, whenever he stooped to drink, the waters fled from his parche

ous fruit. His hunger was as intolerable as his thirst; but, whenever he clutched at the fruit, the branch swung upward, a

hapless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruitage spread. The fruit he strives to seize; but blasts arise, Toss it on hi

d the gods. His reprehensible conduct was punished in Tartarus, where he was condemned to roll a huge stone to the top of

ned to roll a huge stone to the top of a very steep hill; and just as he reached the summit, and fancied his task done, th

ertions. “With many a weary step, and many a groan, Up the high hill he heaves a huge round stone; The huge round stone,

almoneus, another king, had vainly tried to make his subjects believe he was Jupiter. With that object, he had once driven

tried to make his subjects believe he was Jupiter. With that object, he had once driven over a brazen bridge to imitate t

irgil ( Dryden’s tr.). This insolent parody so incensed Jupiter that he grasped one of his deadliest thunderbolts, brandi

tone, Which the father of the gods Kept over his head suspended. Thus he sat In continual dread of its downfall, And lost

thæ, who had been given the hand of Dia in marriage on condition that he would give her father a stipulated sum of money i

d so skilfully, that Jupiter was about to declare him acquitted, when he suddenly caught him making love to Juno, which of

t him making love to Juno, which offence seemed so unpardonable, that he sent him to Tartarus, where he was bound to a con

h offence seemed so unpardonable, that he sent him to Tartarus, where he was bound to a constantly revolving wheel of fire

y that Jupiter, disguised as a mortal, could urge his love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing, he told her who h

al, could urge his love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing, he told her who he was, calculating upon the effect

is love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing, he told her who he was, calculating upon the effect which such a rev

confession, heard with suppressed rage how long Jupiter had wooed ere he had finally won the maiden’s consent, and receive

ous, and, to put an end to it all, asked Semele if she was quite sure he was king of the gods, as he asserted, and whether

t all, asked Semele if she was quite sure he was king of the gods, as he asserted, and whether he visited her in all the p

e was quite sure he was king of the gods, as he asserted, and whether he visited her in all the pomp of his regal apparel.

l the pomp of his regal apparel. The maiden shamefacedly replied that he was wont to visit her in the guise of a mortal on

al only; whereupon Beroe, with feigned indignation, told her nursling he must either be a vile impostor, or else that he d

on, told her nursling he must either be a vile impostor, or else that he did not love her as dearly as he loved Juno, in w

her be a vile impostor, or else that he did not love her as dearly as he loved Juno, in whose presence he seldom appeared

hat he did not love her as dearly as he loved Juno, in whose presence he seldom appeared except in godlike array. With art

, modified his costume as much as possible, dimmed his glory wherever he could, and chose the feeblest of all his bolts, f

wherever he could, and chose the feeblest of all his bolts, for well he knew no mere mortal could endure the shock of his

shock of his full glory. Then, mounted on a pale flash of lightning, he darted back to Semele. “To keep his promise he a

e flash of lightning, he darted back to Semele. “To keep his promise he ascends, and shrouds His awful brow in whirlwinds

le at the death of Semele; and, to testify [to all mortals how fondly he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven

Semele; and, to testify [to all mortals how fondly he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven, where he raised

ow fondly he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven, where he raised her to the rank of a deity. ‘“Died?’ — so

n’s chariot wheel — And pity their small hearts that hold a man As if he were a god; or know the god — Or dare to know him

ond wife of Athamas, King of Thebes, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could no

ury Tisiphone to goad Athamas to madness. In a fit of deluded frenzy, he pursued his wife and children as if they were wil

f goat, who educated him, and accompanied him on all his travels; for he delighted in roaming all over the world, borne by

ndant. “And near him rode Silenus on his ass, Pelted with flowers as he on did pass.” Keats. Bacchus’ train was very la

state of intoxication as they went with him from land to land, where he taught the people the cultivation of the vine and

zed around him in mute wonder at his surroundings. When fully roused, he bade the seamen take him back to land, but they m

essly wandered from place to place in search of his companions, until he finally came to the court of Midas, King of Lydia

oner beheld the red nose and bloated appearance of the wanderer, than he recognised him as Bacchus’ tutor, and volunteered

il. Delighted to see Silenus again, Bacchus promised Midas any reward he wished; whereupon Midas, who was an avaricious ol

g, fell upon his knees, and humbly besought the god to grant that all he touched might be changed into gold. “‘Give me,’

ant that all he touched might be changed into gold. “‘Give me,’ says he (nor thought he ask’d too much), ‘That with my bo

touched might be changed into gold. “‘Give me,’ says he (nor thought he ask’d too much), ‘That with my body whatsoe’er I

a mere touch of one of his fingers. “Down from a lowly branch a twig he drew, The twig straight glitter’d with a golden h

a golden hue. He takes a stone, the stone was turn’d to gold: A clod he touches and the crumbling mould Acknowledged soon

rasp appears Fill’d with a bending tuft of golden ears. An apple next he takes, and seems to hold The bright Hesperian veg

akes, and seems to hold The bright Hesperian vegetable gold: His hand he careless on a pillar lays, With shining gold the

rought by a mere touch, filled his heart with joy; and in his elation he bade his servants prepare a sumptuous feast, and

beyed with the utmost celerity, and Midas beamed with satisfaction as he took his place at the head of the board, and view

r hold, But all its substance is transform’d to gold: Up to his mouth he lifts the savoury meat, Which turns to gold as he

ld: Up to his mouth he lifts the savoury meat, Which turns to gold as he attempts to eat: His patron’s noble juice of purp

ost all its attractions. With weary feet, Midas now retraced the road he had travelled in his pride a few hours before, ag

so real, that Bacchus bade him go and wash in the Pactolus River, if he would be rid of the power which had so soon turne

Bacchus’ favourite place of resort was the island of Naxos, which he visited after every journey. During one of his so

ich he visited after every journey. During one of his sojourns there, he discovered a fair maiden lying alone on the sandy

nd Ariadne. Titian. Bacchus’ lightheartedness had all vanished, and he no longer took any pleasure in music, dance, or r

pended on the possession of this bright young creature. Long ere this he had tried to persuade one after another of the go

n; and so, instead of gently inviting Proserpina to become his queen, he resolved to abduct her. Straight through the bush

ome his queen, he resolved to abduct her. Straight through the bushes he strode, direct to the spot where she was seated.

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

r and terror at his unwonted presence in those sunlit regions: “’Tis he , ’tis he: he comes to us From the depths of Tarta

ror at his unwonted presence in those sunlit regions: “’Tis he, ’tis he : he comes to us From the depths of Tartarus. For

at his unwonted presence in those sunlit regions: “’Tis he, ’tis he: he comes to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what

he: he comes to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From his red and gloomy home, In the centre

he centre of the world, Where the sinful dead are hurled? Mark him as he moves along, Drawn by horses black and strong, Su

t stops: the god On our grassy world hath trod: Like a Titan steppeth he , Yet full of his divinity. On his mighty shoulder

hing her in his brawny arms ere she could make and attempt to escape, he bore her off to his chariot, in spite of prayers

asure, Pluto drove faster and faster, nor paused for an instant until he reached the banks of the Cyane River, whose water

ver in his chariot would be madness, while by retracing his footsteps he ran the risk of meeting Ceres, and being forced t

ed until they reached the foot of their master’s throne. “Pleased as he grasps her in his iron arms, Frights with soft si

es, pressed him anxiously to her breast, and, after ascertaining that he was quite unharmed, turned to vent her indignatio

p her in his arms, she turned and fled in great terror. She fled, but he pursued. Over hill and dale, through forest and f

rmised what had happened. Changing himself into an impetuous torrent, he rushed to join his beloved, who sprang out of her

underground for the lost Arethusa, had found a crevice through which he passed to join his beloved on the Sicilian plains

n offering meet To lay at Arethusa’s shining feet. Think when at last he meets his fountain bride What perfect love must t

time. Mercury was chosen to lead her to and from Hades; and, whenever he brought her out of her gloomy prison, the skies b

arry out the goddess’s instructions, and journeyed far and wide until he finally reached the court of Lyncus, King of Scyt

n continued. Finally, annoyed by the importunities of the spectators, he turned and slew one or two, and then completed hi

procuring nourishment; but his monstrous appetite continued, and, as he had but one daughter left, he sold her as a slave

s monstrous appetite continued, and, as he had but one daughter left, he sold her as a slave to obtain food. The girl’s ma

into a fisherman. When the master returned and found his slave gone, he questioned the fisherman, and, not obtaining any

le fault, was irresistibly charming; and, instead of obeying Jupiter, he made love to her, and by pantomime obtained her c

rs. Each head of a household was wont to choose his own Penates, whom he then invoked as his special patrons. The statues

to remove his household gods also, and establish them suitably before he thought of his own or his family’s comfort, and i

s was entirely unknown to the Greeks. According to some mythologists, he was the son of Apollo; and, although born in Thes

thologists, he was the son of Apollo; and, although born in Thessaly, he early in life came to Italy, where he founded a c

and, although born in Thessaly, he early in life came to Italy, where he founded a city on the Tiber, to which he gave the

in life came to Italy, where he founded a city on the Tiber, to which he gave the name Janiculum. Here he was joined by th

ounded a city on the Tiber, to which he gave the name Janiculum. Here he was joined by the exiled Saturn, with whom he gen

he name Janiculum. Here he was joined by the exiled Saturn, with whom he generously shared his throne. Together they civil

ly represented with two faces, turned in opposite directions, because he was acquainted with the past and future as well a

ted with the past and future as well as with the present, and because he is considered an emblem of the sun, which opens t

day at its rising, and closes the day at its setting. In some statues he is represented with one whitehaired and bearded f

emonies his name was always the first invoked. From this circumstance he often appears with a key in his right hand and a

appears with a key in his right hand and a rod in his left; or, when he presides over the year, he holds the number 300 i

right hand and a rod in his left; or, when he presides over the year, he holds the number 300 in one hand and 65 in the ot

ow eyes were fixed upon the sands of time; and when they had run out, he knew some life was about to end, and sallied fort

de. As for Morpheus, the son as well as the prime minister of Somnus, he was also called the god of sleep, and mortals wer

gs. Morpheus held a vase in one hand, and poppies in the other, which he gently shook to induce a state of drowsiness, — a

d to have received his royal dignity from the fair hands of Juno, and he was therefore specially eager to obey all her beh

terly impossible to them. To prevent their causing serious disasters, he therefore ruled them with a very strict hand, kep

deep his potent breath controls, And, mountain-high, the foamy flood he rolls; Him the North-east encountering fierce, de

ing the sails which propel the ships so swiftly over the tide. It was he , too, who, according to Homer, bound all his chil

ding to Homer, bound all his children but one in a leather bag, which he gave to Ulysses when the latter visited Æolia. Th

e, a head covered with clouds, a sable vesture, and dusky wings,” for he was considered the dispenser of rain and of all s

and, according to the Athenian belief, was wedded to Flora, with whom he was perfectly happy, and visited every land in tu

avourite place of abode was in the Hyperborean Mountains, from whence he sallied forth on wild raids. During one of these

whence he sallied forth on wild raids. During one of these excursions he carried off Orithyia, who always fled at his appr

en, and borne away to the inaccessible regions of snow and ice, where he detained her, and made her his wife. She became t

, With his broad heart to win his way to heaven; Twelve labours shall he work; and all accurst And brutal things o’erthrow

inia shall the funeral pyre Purge his mortalities away with fire; And he shall mount amid the stars, and be Acknowledg’d k

ttendants trembling round, Their gasping throats with clenching hands he holds; And Death untwists their convoluted folds.

t out to seek his fortunes. He had not gone very far, however, before he met two beautiful women, who immediately entered

tered into conversation with him, and drew from him a confession that he was in search of adventures. The women, Arete (Vi

Kakia (Vice), each offered to be his guide, but bade him choose which he preferred to follow. Kakia, to induce him to foll

, and love; while Arete, a modest maiden, warned him that in her wake he would be obliged to wage incessant war against ev

gn’d, And gave to Virtue all his mighty mind.” Darwin. Courageously he then trod along the rough and thorny path she poi

the weak, and redressing all wrongs. In reward for these good actions he received the hand of Megara, daughter of Creon, K

eon, King of Thebes, in marriage, and by her had three children, whom he tenderly loved. But Juno was not at all satisfied

urse drove the hero mad. Hercules’ Madness In a fit of delirium he threw his offspring into the fire, and, we are to

o the fire, and, we are told, slew his dearly beloved wife. Then only he recovered his senses, and suffered agonies of sor

s, and suffered agonies of sorrow and remorse for the terrible crimes he had unwittingly committed. In his grief he withdr

se for the terrible crimes he had unwittingly committed. In his grief he withdrew to the mountain solitudes, where he woul

committed. In his grief he withdrew to the mountain solitudes, where he would probably have lingered all the remainder of

is life, had not Mercury brought to him the decision of the gods that he was to serve Eurystheus, King of Argos, for a twe

ed to lead him to his appointed taskmaster. But when Hercules learned he  was doomed to be a slave, he fell into such a pa

d taskmaster. But when Hercules learned he  was doomed to be a slave, he fell into such a passion that he nearly lost his

earned he  was doomed to be a slave, he fell into such a passion that he nearly lost his reason again; and instead of kill

beasts, and winning the people’s blessings by his deeds of kindness, he wandered about stupidly and aimlessly, until he f

is deeds of kindness, he wandered about stupidly and aimlessly, until he finally perceived how vain was his attempt to str

voluntarily offered his services to Eurystheus, who informed him that he must accomplish twelve great labours ere he could

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

countless previous attempts to slay the monster, and prophesied that he would never return alive. The hero would not be d

the lion to his den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him as he had strangled the snakes in his infancy. He then

sword, Hercules succeeded in cutting off one of the seven heads; but he had no sooner done so, than, to his dismay, he sa

f the seven heads; but he had no sooner done so, than, to his dismay, he saw seven other heads suddenly spring from the bl

horned, brazen-footed’ stag of Cerynea, whose fleetness was such that he seemed scarcely to touch the ground. Hercules was

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

e this animal for many a weary mile before he could overtake him; and he only managed the capture by driving him into a de

ing him into a deep snowdrift, in a distant northern land, from which he extricated him, and carried him home in triumph.

eward for his good offices the gods transferred him to the sky, where he is known as the constellation Sagittarius. The

r rather a river, the Alpheus. Hercules, with one glance, saw the use he could make of this rushing stream, which he damme

h one glance, saw the use he could make of this rushing stream, which he dammed and turned aside from its course, so that

rcules saw that the work of purification was thoroughly accomplished, he guided the stream back to its original bed, and r

king of the island. The god had sent the animal with directions that he should be offered up in sacrifice; but Minos, cha

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

services were needed in furthering some good work for mortals, until he reached their land, presented himself before thei

slaught single-handed, defeated them, and finally bore away the prize he had risked so much to obtain. It was on his homew

h to obtain. It was on his homeward journey from this expedition that he saved Hesione, Laomedon’s daughter, from the jaws

ter, from the jaws of the sea monster who was about to devour her, as he had devoured many a fair Trojan maid before. T

The Hesperian Apples This commission sadly perplexed Hercules, for he did not know in what portion of the world he woul

perplexed Hercules, for he did not know in what portion of the world he would find these apples, which had been given to

hat part of Africa the garden of the Hesperides might be situated: so he set out at a venture, determined to travel about

ituated: so he set out at a venture, determined to travel about until he gained some information. On his way he met with m

termined to travel about until he gained some information. On his way he met with many adventures, and saw many strange si

met with many adventures, and saw many strange sights. For instance, he first met the nymphs of the Eridanus River, and,

a-shore, held him fast, in spite of the multitudinous transformations he underwent in the vain hope of frightening his wou

ning his would-be interlocutor away. In answer to Hercules’ question, he finally very reluctantly bade him seek Prometheus

o the Caucasian Mountains, where, on the brink of a mighty precipice, he found Prometheus, still bound with adamantine cha

es for such a hero as Hercules; and, in gratitude for the deliverance he had so long sought in vain, Prometheus directed H

vain, Prometheus directed Hercules to his brother Atlas, telling him he would be sure to know where the apples could be f

to fail, and noticed that every time his adversary touched the ground he seemed to renew his vigour. He therefore resolved

Hercules held him fast, and felt him grow weaker and weaker, now that he was no longer sustained by his mother Earth, from

r, now that he was no longer sustained by his mother Earth, from whom he derived all his strength, until at last his strug

he derived all his strength, until at last his struggles ceased, and he hung limp and lifeless in Hercules’ crushing embr

r blocked his way, Hercules travelled onward in search of Atlas, whom he finally found supporting the heavens on his broad

ders. Atlas listened attentively to all Hercules had to say, declared he knew where the apples could be found, and promise

the giant saw the golden fruit glittering in the sunshine. Stealthily he drew near, entered the gardens, slew the dragon i

sleep, plucked the apples, and returned unmolested to the place where he had left Hercules. But his steps became slower an

he had left Hercules. But his steps became slower and slower; and as he neared the hero, he could not help thinking with

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

neared the hero, he could not help thinking with horror of the burden he must so soon resume, and bear for centuries, perh

without relief. This thought oppressed him. Freedom was so sweet that he resolved to keep it, and, coolly stepping up to H

olved to keep it, and, coolly stepping up to Hercules, announced that he would carry the golden apples to Eurystheus, and

im to support the heavens in his stead. Feigning a satisfaction which he was very far from feeling, Hercules acquiesced, b

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

it, picked up the apples, leaving Atlas alone, in the same plight as he had found him, there to remain until some more co

for the last, to Pluto’s drear abode Through the dark jaws of Tænarus he went, To drag the triple-headed dog to light.” E

dog, from the foam of whose dripping jaws the nightshade sprang, that he took refuge in a huge jar, and refused to come ou

it, become a necessity: so the hero first journeyed to Olympia, where he instituted games to be celebrated every fifth yea

celebrated every fifth year in honour of Jupiter, his father. Thence he wandered from place to place, doing good, and cam

m place to place, doing good, and came to the house of Admetus, where he was surprised to find all the court in mourning.

r husband. The hero’s heart was touched by the king’s loneliness; and he again braved the terrors of Hades, and brought Al

cules took a prominent part in many heroic enterprises. Among others, he joined in the Argonautic expedition, in the battl

tude, was soon obliged to return into bondage; for in a fit of, anger he slew a man, and was condemned by the assembled go

for her, made him submit to occupations unworthy of a man, and, while he was busy spinning, decked herself in his lion’s s

( Francklin’s tr.). So sure was this suitor of his attractions that he did not even deem it necessary to secure the maid

rcules made known his love, she immediately promised to marry him. if he would only free her from the lover her father wou

form at will, further to perplex and harass the sturdy hero. At last he assumed the shape of a bull, and with lowered hor

glanced about for some safe mode to transport Deianeira across. While he was thus considering, a Centaur by the name of Ne

bride I left my father’s hospitable roof With my Alcides, in his arms he bore Athwart the current.” Sophocles ( Francklin

to carry such a pretty passenger as Deianeira over the river, and as he swam he made up his mind to gallop off with her a

y such a pretty passenger as Deianeira over the river, and as he swam he made up his mind to gallop off with her as soon a

and as he swam he made up his mind to gallop off with her as soon as he reached the opposite shore. All his strength and

strength and energy, therefore, were called into requisition and when he reached the shore, instead of pausing to allow hi

d the shore, instead of pausing to allow his fair burden to dismount, he set off as fast as he could run. A loud shriek fr

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

it had magic power; and if she ever found her husband’s love waning, he assured her that, could she but induce him to put

tle. I did wrong: I know it, and repent me. If there come A time when he grows cold — for all the race Of heroes wander, n

or can any love Fix theirs for long — take it and wrap him in it, And he shall love again.’” Lewis Morris. Deianeira gra

ask for his aid; and although his absences were sometimes prolonged, he always returned to her side, as loving as ever, a

complaint. Finally duty took him back to the court of Eurytus, where he beheld Iole, whom he had seen and loved in the be

uty took him back to the court of Eurytus, where he beheld Iole, whom he had seen and loved in the beginning of his career

, whom he had seen and loved in the beginning of his career, but whom he had been obliged to leave to fulfil his arduous t

e into her sweet face rekindled all his former passion. Day after day he lingered by her side, forgetful of duty, Deianeir

; but on this occasion the only report which reached her ear was that he had returned to his allegiance to his first love,

heart bounded with joy, but only to sink more heavily when told that he was accompanied by Iole and a numerous train. The

it on, than the Centaur’s poisoned blood began its deadly work. First he experienced a burning, stinging sensation, which

g, stinging sensation, which ran like fire through every vein. Vainly he tried to tear off the fatal garment. It clung to

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

could bear. In his rage at the trick which had been played upon him, he seized Lichas — the unfortunate bearer of the poi

and flung him from the heights of Mount Œta down into the sea, where he perished. “And Lichas from the top of Œta threw

up the huge oaks by their roots, flung them one upon the other until he had raised a mighty pile, upon which he stretched

them one upon the other until he had raised a mighty pile, upon which he stretched his colossal, pain-racked limbs, and ba

ng; but, bribed by the promise of the world-renowned poisoned arrows, he finally consented to do as Hercules wished, and t

him ever since the unfortunate day when an oracle had predicted that he would be killed by his grandson. Until then the k

, Danae, and until then, too, had thought with pride of the time when he would bestow her hand in marriage upon the nobles

ht, Acrisius decided to lock Danae up in a brazen tower, around which he stationed guards to prevent any one from even app

o down and converse with her for a little while. To avoid being seen, he changed himself into a golden shower, and gently

ffered the slightest objection, as no one suspected his visits, which he continued quite unmolested. But one morning the g

alled Perseus. The king no sooner learned this astonishing news, than he flew into a great rage, vowed that mother and chi

great rage, vowed that mother and child should perish, and despatched he guards to fetch the unfortunate victims. Danae

his own hands with his child’s blood, or to witness her execution: so he ordered that she should be placed in an empty cas

who loudly declared that none should dare force his mother as long as he were there to defend her. This boast did not at a

lay the monarch’s wrath; and, hoping to get rid of the young boaster, he bade him go forth and slay Medusa, if he wished t

et rid of the young boaster, he bade him go forth and slay Medusa, if he wished to convince people that his bravery was re

h his childhood and youth, now decided to lend him their aid, so that he might successfully accomplish the great task of s

usa, from the Hesperides. Thus equipped, Perseus flew northward until he came to the land of perpetual darkness, the home

from one sister to another. As soon as it was safe in his possession, he spoke to them, promising to restore it if they wo

seus at last perceived the Gorgons’ home in the dim distance; and, as he was fully aware of Medusa’s petrifying procliviti

ance; and, as he was fully aware of Medusa’s petrifying proclivities, he advanced very cautiously, holding his shield befo

land and sea, carefully holding his ghastly trophy behind him; and as he flew, Medusa’s blood trickled down on the hot Afr

many adventures. Once, when flying high above a mountainous country, he caught a glimpse of Atlas, his pale face turned u

limpse of Atlas, his pale face turned up to the heavens, whose weight he had patiently borne for many a long year, —  a bu

n which seemed all the more grievous after the short taste of freedom he had enjoyed while Hercules stood in his place, —

’s tr.). When Atlas saw Perseus flying toward him, hope revived, for he remembered that fate had decreed that it was this

ate had decreed that it was this hero who was to slay the Gorgon; and he thought that, if he could but once gaze upon her

it 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

; and he thought that, if he could but once gaze upon her stony face, he would be free from pain and weariness for ever. A

er than I can bear.’ So Perseus hearkened unto the word of Atlas, and he unveiled before him the dead, face of Medusa. Eag

f Atlas, and he unveiled before him the dead, face of Medusa. Eagerly he gazed for a moment on the changeless countenance,

angeless countenance, as though beneath the blackness of great horror he yet saw the wreck of her ancient beauty and pitie

the straining eyes were stiff and cold; and it seemed to Perseus, as he rose again into the pale-yellow air, that the gre

he peak of a great mountain, and that in place of the trembling limbs he saw only the rents and clefts on a rough hillside

enly vault. The Story of Andromeda Thence Perseus flew on until he reached the sea-shore, where a strange sight gree

By Permission of the Corporation of Leicester. At the same time, too, he saw the waters below the maiden lashed to foam by

he arms of her overjoyed parents, they immediately offered any reward he might be pleased to claim. When he, therefore, ex

hey immediately offered any reward he might be pleased to claim. When he , therefore, expressed a desire to marry the maide

to claim. When he, therefore, expressed a desire to marry the maiden he had so bravely rescued, they gladly gave him her

ght the rival who was about to carry off his promised bride. Unbidden he came to the marriage feast with a number of armed

ecause she still refused to accede to his wishes and become his wife, he changed the importunate king into a rock by showi

dusa; and Acrisius, now old and weak, was taken from the prison where he languished, and restored to his wonted honours, b

he languished, and restored to his wonted honours, by the very youth he had been taught to fear. Perseus. Canova. Bu

filled sooner or later; and one day, when Perseus was playing quoits, he accidentally killed his grandfather. To remain at

d by the memory of this involuntary crime was too painful for him: so he exchanged his kingdom for another, that of Mycenæ

r him: so he exchanged his kingdom for another, that of Mycenæ, which he ruled wisely and well. When Perseus died, after a

the gods, who had always loved him, placed him among the stars, where he can still be seen, with his wife Andromeda, and m

ery young man, Ægeus, King of Athens, journeyed off to Trœzene, where he fell in love with and married a beautiful young p

ot make known, the king was forced to return alone to Athens; but ere he departed he concealed his sword and sandals benea

n, the king was forced to return alone to Athens; but ere he departed he concealed his sword and sandals beneath a stone,

member, that, as soon as the strength of their son Theseus permitted, he must raise the rock, take the sword and sandals,

k, take the sword and sandals, and come and join him in Athens, where he should be introduced to the people as his son and

im try his strength. Theseus immediately obeyed. With a mighty effort he raised the rock, and, to his great satisfaction,

sword and sandals in a perfect state of preservation. Sword in hand, he then set out for Athens, — a long and dangerous j

a long and dangerous journey. He proceeded slowly and cautiously, for he knew that many dangers lurked along his pathway,

for he knew that many dangers lurked along his pathway, and that ere he reached his father’s city he would have to encoun

s lurked along his pathway, and that ere he reached his father’s city he would have to encounter both giants and monsters,

istaken in his previsions; for Trœzene was scarcely lost to sight ere he came across the giant Periphetes, son of Vulcan,

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

aining the club for future use, continued his journey in peace, until he came to the Isthmus of Corinth, where two adventu

Then, as soon as the innocent stranger had complied with his request, he would suddenly let go the pine, which, freed from

ger, and finally caused Sinis to perish by the same cruel death which he had dealt out to so many others. In one place the

was thus engaged, and knelt in the narrow pathway to do his bidding, he would suddenly raise his foot, kick him over the

is sword, and by his determined bearing so terrified the robber, that he offered him a free passage. This offer, however,

free passage. This offer, however, did not satisfy Theseus, who said he would sheathe his sword only on condition that Sc

ord only on condition that Sciron performed for him the menial office he had imposed upon so many others. Sciron dared not

thers. Sciron dared not refuse, and obeyed in fear and trembling; but he was doomed never to molest any one again, for The

xt of entertainment, deluded travellers into entering his home, where he had two beds of very different dimensions, — one

were pulled out of joint to make him fit it; but if, on the contrary, he were tall, he was assigned the short bed, and the

t of joint to make him fit it; but if, on the contrary, he were tall, he was assigned the short bed, and the superfluous l

ustes quite unawares, Theseus gave him a faint idea of the sufferings he had inflicted upon others by making him try each

re exploits of a similar character, and finally reached Athens, where he found that his fame had preceded him. The first t

, where he found that his fame had preceded him. The first thing that he heard upon his arrival was that Ægeus had just ma

ed Medea, the enchantress; but, although the news was very unwelcome, he hastened to his father’s court, to make himself k

saw the young stranger draw near, then she knew him, and foresaw that he had come to demand his rights. To prevent his mak

, when his eye suddenly rested upon the sword at Theseus’ side, which he immediately recognised. One swift glance into the

outh’s open face convinced him that Æthra’s son stood before him, and he eagerly stretched out his arms to clasp him to hi

us Athens town, One Dædalus, a carpenter of genius and renown; (’Twas he who with an augur taught mechanics how to bore, —

be free, promising to follow him thither very shortly. “‘My Icarus!’ he says; ‘I warn thee fly Along the middle track: no

this new mode of travel, Icarus flew swiftly along. Little by little he forgot the danger and his father’s caution, and r

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

r supported by the light feathers, sank down faster and faster, until he fell into the sea, where he was drowned, and whic

thers, sank down faster and faster, until he fell into the sea, where he was drowned, and which, in memory of him, bears t

re powerless to move him from his purpose, and, the hour having come, he embarked upon the black-sailed vessel which was t

to Crete, promising to change the black sails for snowy white ones if he were fortunate enough to return victorious. Favou

f Minos, who personally inspected each new freight-load, to make sure he was not being cheated by the Athenians. At the mo

victim — a request which the king granted with a sardonic smile, ere he returned unmoved to his interrupted feast. Unnoti

ly promised Ariadne to take her with him to Athens as his bride, were he only successful in his undertaking. At dawn the n

re left to await the tender mercies of the Minotaur. Like all heroes, he preferred to meet any danger rather than remain i

r rather than remain inactive: so, mindful of Ariadne’s instructions, he fastened his twine to the entrance, and then bold

the fate of all who had preceded him. He had not gone very far before he encountered the Minotaur, —  a creature more hide

the Minotaur, —  a creature more hideous than fancy can paint, —  and he was obliged to use all his skill and ingenuity to

y’d.” Catullus. Arrived at the place where his ship rode at anchor, he found his companions and Ariadne awaiting him, an

us, seeing this, sprang forward and dealt the giant such a blow, that he lost his balance and fell into the deep sea, wher

ch a blow, that he lost his balance and fell into the deep sea, where he was drowned, and where thermal springs still bear

ery constant. He had already grown weary of Ariadne’s love; and, when he saw her thus asleep, he basely summoned his compa

eady grown weary of Ariadne’s love; and, when he saw her thus asleep, he basely summoned his companions, embarked with the

s and men, was doomed to suffer just punishment. In his preoccupation he entirely forgot his promise to change the black s

his grief cast himself into the sea, since known as the Ægean, where he perished. “As from a mountain’s snowy top are dr

Theseus, on entering the city, heard of his father’s death; and when he realised that it had been caused by his carelessn

th; and when he realised that it had been caused by his carelessness, he was overwhelmed with grief and remorse. All the c

ith grief and remorse. All the cares of royalty and the wise measures he introduced for the happiness of his people could

s people could not divert his mind from this terrible catastrophe: so he finally resolved to resign his authority and set

the land of the Amazons, where Hercules had preceded him, and whence he brought back Hippolyte, whom he married. Theseus

Hercules had preceded him, and whence he brought back Hippolyte, whom he married. Theseus was now very happy indeed, and s

deed, and soon all his hopes were crowned by the birth of a son, whom he called Hippolytus. Shortly after this joyful even

irithous, Theseus married off Helen, the daughter of Jupiter, and, as he was still but a child, entrusted her to the care

table age for matrimony. Then, in return for Pirithous’ kind offices, he accompanied him to Hades, where they intended to

scovered by Pluto, who set the first on an enchanted rock, from which he could not descend unassisted, and bound the secon

f his father, Ixion. When Hercules was in Hades in search of Cerberus he delivered Theseus from his unpleasant position, a

asant position, and thus enabled him to return to his own home, where he now expected to spend the remainder of his life i

ry, and looked about him for a wife to cheer his loneliness. Suddenly he remembered that Ariadne’s younger sister, Phædra,

olytus of attempting to kidnap her. Theseus, greatly incensed at what he deemed his son’s dishonourable behaviour, implore

, hung herself. As for Theseus, soured by these repeated misfortunes, he grew so stern and tyrannical, that he gradually a

by these repeated misfortunes, he grew so stern and tyrannical, that he gradually alienated his people’s affections, unti

eseus’ bones were piously brought back, and interred in Athens, where he was long worshipped as a demi-god. Chapter XX

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

instructions; then, girding on his sword and putting on his sandals, he set out on his journey, to Iolcus. Jason and t

s early in the spring, and the young man had not gone very far before he came to a stream, which, owing to the unusual fre

the rushing, foaming waters, was about to attempt the crossing, when he saw an aged woman not far from him, gazing in hel

ome, imperious-looking woman, whom, owing to the peacock by her side, he immediately recognised as Juno, queen of heaven.

is sight. With eager steps Jason now pressed onward, nor paused until he came in view of his native city. As he drew near,

essed onward, nor paused until he came in view of his native city. As he drew near, he noticed an unusual concourse of peo

nor paused until he came in view of his native city. As he drew near, he noticed an unusual concourse of people and upon i

hastened, and pressed on to the innermost circle of spectators, until he stood in full view of his enemy Pelias, who, unco

assembled people. His eyes suddenly fell upon Jason’s naked foot, and he grew pale with horror as there flashed into his m

is uncle boldly, summoned him to make a full restitution of the power he had so unjustly seized. Phryxus and Helle T

sent to deliver him, and hung its golden fleece on a tree, near which he stationed a dragon to guard it night and day. The

he desired effect; for Jason suddenly sprang from his seat, and vowed he would go in quest of the golden fleece. Pelias, q

eshed by a long night’s rest, perceived how foolish had been his vow, he would fain have recalled it; but, mindful of Chir

d it; but, mindful of Chiron’s teachings ever to be true to his word, he resolved to depart for Colchis. To secure Juno’s

word, he resolved to depart for Colchis. To secure Juno’s assistance, he began by visiting her shrine at Dodona, where the

thirst produced by his exertions. The youth promptly departed; but as he bent over the fountain, the nymphs, enamoured of

finding no trace of his young friend, in his grief and disappointment he refused to continue the expedition, and, desertin

other occasion, when Jason visited Phineus, the blind king of Thrace, he heard that this monarch’s life was embittered by

ther and ground to powder all objects caught between them. Jason knew he was obliged to pass between these rocks or give u

that the speed of his vessel was equal to that of a dove on the wing, he sent one out before him. The dove flew safely bet

treasure, Æetes declared that, before Jason could obtain the fleece, he must catch and harness two wild, fire-breathing b

of them to plough a stony piece of ground sacred to Mars. This done, he must sow the field with some dragon’s teeth, as C

ld, and merely hastened down to his vessel to ask the figure-head how he had better proceed. On his way to the sea-shore h

he figure-head how he had better proceed. On his way to the sea-shore he met the king’s daughter, Medea, a beautiful young

irm bearing, and who was quite ready to bring her magic to his aid if he would but promise to marry her. Jason, susceptibl

, ploughed the field, and sowed it with the dragon’s teeth. “And how he yoked the bulls, whose breathings fiery glow’d, A

eth the furrow’d acres sow’d.” Onomacritus ( Elton’s tr.). But when he saw glittering spears and helmets grow out of the

t of the ground, and beheld the close ranks of giants in full armour, he was filled with dismay, and would have fled had i

ssible. However, aware that such a performance would ensure his ruin, he stood his ground, and, when the phalanx was quite

a hasty departure, were already seated at their oars; and as soon as he had embarked with Medea and her attendants, the A

.” Onomacritus ( Elton’s tr.). When morning dawned and Æetes awoke, he heard that the dragon was slain, the fleece stole

reek; and Medea saw that, unless she found means to delay her father, he would overtake her and compel her to return. With

ht of the Argo, and all hope of recovering his unnatural daughter: so he returned sadly to Colchis, where he buried his so

vering his unnatural daughter: so he returned sadly to Colchis, where he buried his son’s remains with due solemnity. Mean

nt that Jason would never return. Imagine his dismay, therefore, when he heard that the Argo had arrived, bearing Jason, n

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

emorse and despair, now led a weary and sorrowful life, and every day he wandered down to the shore, where he sat under th

nd sorrowful life, and every day he wandered down to the shore, where he sat under the shade of the Argo’s hulk, which was

ade of the Argo’s hulk, which was slowly rotting away. One day, while he was sitting there musing over his youthful advent

brave and handsome youth, and joined the Argonautic expedition. While he was absent, his father omitted the yearly sacrifi

d round the boar’s corpse, and watched Meleager take its spoil, which he gallantly bestowed upon Atalanta. Althæa’s two br

reproof, which so angered Meleager that, in a sudden fit of passion, he slew them both. When Althæa saw her brothers’ cor

pples. Atalanta, as usual, passed her rival easily; but as she did so he cast one of the golden apples at her feet. For a

                 “Hippomenes turns her astray By the golden illusions he flings on her way.” Moore. Atalanta could now n

pomenes forgot to pay the promised thanks to Venus, for which offence he and his wife were severely punished by being tran

ho was immortal, then implored Jupiter to allow him to die also, that he might not be parted from his brothers — a proof o

of brotherly affection which so touched the father of the gods, that he permitted Castor to return to life on condition t

that even this sacrifice was none too great for their fraternal love, he translated then both to the skies, where they for

h from hunger and exposure if it were spared by the wild beasts. When he returned, none questioned how he had performed th

were spared by the wild beasts. When he returned, none questioned how he had performed the appointed task, but all sighed

ew up in total ignorance of the unfortunate circumstances under which he had made his first appearance at court, until one

with him, and taunted him with his origin, declaring that those whom he had been accustomed to call parents were in no wa

Œdipus’ suspicions, and made him question the queen, who, afraid lest he might do himself an injury in the first moment of

had recourse to prevarication, and quieted him by the assurance that he was her beloved son. Something in her manner, how

nd, and made him resolve to consult the oracle of Delphi, whose words he knew would reveal the exact truth. He therefore w

red somewhat ambiguously, and merely warned him that fate had decreed he should kill his father, marry his mother, and cau

who had ever been such an indulgent father, and marry the queen, whom he revered as his mother! Never! Rather than perpetr

awful crimes, and bring destruction upon the people of Corinth, whom he loved, he would wander away over the face of the

mes, and bring destruction upon the people of Corinth, whom he loved, he would wander away over the face of the earth, and

lin’s tr.). But his heart was filled with intense bitterness, and as he journeyed he did not cease to curse the fate whic

But his heart was filled with intense bitterness, and as he journeyed he did not cease to curse the fate which drove him a

se to curse the fate which drove him away from home. After some time, he came to three cross-roads; and while he stood the

y from home. After some time, he came to three cross-roads; and while he stood there, deliberating which direction to take

aius, his father, journeying in disguise from Thebes to Delphi, where he wished to consult the oracle. Œdipus then leisure

ed to consult the oracle. Œdipus then leisurely pursued his way until he came to the gates of Thebes, where he found the w

leisurely pursued his way until he came to the gates of Thebes, where he found the whole city in an uproar, “because the k

ge as the King of Thebes by an unknown band of robbers with the death he had dealt to an arrogant old man, and he therefor

nd of robbers with the death he had dealt to an arrogant old man, and he therefore composedly inquired what other calamity

special value to the life made desolate by the oracle’s predictions, he resolved to slay the dreaded monster, and, with t

propounded the following enigma, warning him, at the same time, that he forfeited his life if he failed to give the right

enigma, warning him, at the same time, that he forfeited his life if he failed to give the right answer. “Tell me, what

Antigone; but prosperity was not doomed to favour him long. Just when he fancied himself most happy, and looked forward to

terror. The people now turned to him, beseeching him to aid them, as he had done once before when threatened by the Sphin

ng’s murderers had been found and punished.             “The plague, he said, should cease, When those who murder’d Laius

ipus of the crime. At the same time the guilty servant confessed that he had not killed the child, but had exposed it on a

g. The chain of evidence was complete, and now Œdipus discovered that he had involuntarily been guilty of the three crimes

t he had involuntarily been guilty of the three crimes to avoid which he had fled from Corinth. The rumour of these dreadf

s sight was more than the poor monarch could bear, and in his despair he blinded himself with one of her ornaments.      

adorn’d her side, And buried in his eyes the sharpen’d point, Crying, he ne’er again would look on her, Never would see hi

Never would see his crimes or mis’ries more, Or those whom guiltless he could ne’er behold, Or those to whom he now must

more, Or those whom guiltless he could ne’er behold, Or those to whom he now must sue for aid.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s t

aid.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). Penniless, blind, and on foot, he then left the scene of his awful crimes, accompan

im still, and who was ready to guide his uncertain footsteps wherever he wished to go. After many days of weary wandering,

n, and, after bidding his faithful daughter an affectionate farewell, he groped his way into the dark forest alone. The wi

Polynices’ nature was not one to endure such a slight patiently; and he hastened off to Argos, where he persuaded Adrastu

o endure such a slight patiently; and he hastened off to Argos, where he persuaded Adrastus, the king, to give him his dau

on was issued, that, if any dared bury the body of the fallen prince, he would incur the penalty of being buried alive. He

Francklin’s tr.). Hæmon pleaded passionately for her life; but, when he saw his prayers were vain, he ran to the place wh

ed passionately for her life; but, when he saw his prayers were vain, he ran to the place where Antigone was confined, spr

ercifully short by asphyxiation; and, when Hæmon saw she was no more, he , in utter despair, thrust his dagger into his sid

many fell, and only one of the seven chiefs returned to Argos. There he patiently waited until the children of these brav

ting in the forest. His grief was, of course, intense; and the horror he felt for the place where the catastrophe had occu

the place where the catastrophe had occurred, added to his fear lest he should incur judicial punishment for his involunt

for his involuntary crime, made him flee to the court of Argos, where he took refuge with Prœtus, the king, who was also h

indeed, sought her husband, and accused the young stranger of crimes he had never even dreamed of committing. Prœtus, ind

es he had never even dreamed of committing. Prœtus, indignant at what he deemed deep treachery on the part of an honoured

f an honoured guest, yet reluctant to punish him with his own hand as he deserved, sent Bellerophon to Iobates, King of Ly

refuse to comply with Prœtus’ urgent request; so, after much thought, he decided to send Bellerophon to attack the Chimæra

us, Bellerophon’s heart beat fast with fear when told what great deed he must accomplish; and he left Iobates’ palace very

beat fast with fear when told what great deed he must accomplish; and he left Iobates’ palace very sorrowfully, for he had

he must accomplish; and he left Iobates’ palace very sorrowfully, for he had fallen deeply in love with the king’s fair da

eeply in love with the king’s fair daughter, Philonoe, and was afraid he would never see her again. While thus inwardly be

Pegasus. Bridle in hand, Bellerophon stood pondering her words, until he remembered that Pegasus was a wonderful winged st

lights on his broad back; and Bellerophon knew that from time to time he came, down to earth to drink of the cool waters o

days in the vain hope of catching even a glimpse of the winged steed, he finally beheld him sailing downward in wide curve

ortunity which came at last, and, while the winged steed was grazing, he vaulted boldly upon his back. Pegasus had never b

upon his back. Pegasus had never before been ridden by a mortal, and he reared and pranced, and flew up to dizzy heights;

emean lion and to the riddle-loving Sphinx, and from an unclouded sky he swooped suddenly and unexpectedly down upon the w

although the king was heartily glad to know the Chimæra was no more, he was very sorry to see Bellerophon safe and sound,

after escaping from an ambush posted by the king for his destruction, he again appeared victorious at court. These repeate

peace; but his head had been utterly turned by the many lofty flights he had taken upon Pegasus’ back, and, encouraged by

asus’ back, and, encouraged by the fulsome flattery of his courtiers, he finally fancied himself the equal of the immortal

m in their celestial abode. Summoning his faithful Pegasus once more, he rose higher and higher, and would probably have r

not Jupiter sent a gadfly, which stung poor Pegasus so cruelly, that he shied viciously, and flung his too confident ride

cal hero, merely deprived Bellerophon of his eyesight; and ever after he groped his way disconsolately, thinking of the ha

ter he groped his way disconsolately, thinking of the happy days when he rode along the paths of air and gazed upon the be

white clouds, and slays Chimæra, the dread monster of darkness, which he alone can overcome. Driven from home early in lif

it out to her little son. He no sooner saw the brilliant flower, than he stretched out his little hands. To please him, th

lled with gratitude, the nymph bade Rhœcus name his reward, whereupon he asked for her love, which she consented to bestow

reupon he asked for her love, which she consented to bestow, provided he would remain constant and undivided in his affect

us returned to the city with a light heart, and as the hours dragged, he sought some companions, whom he joined in a game

ight heart, and as the hours dragged, he sought some companions, whom he joined in a game of dice. Becoming absorbed in th

game of dice. Becoming absorbed in the varying fortunes of the game, he hardly noticed the bee which was incessantly buzz

ing about his ears, until, becoming suddenly aware of its attentions; he brushed it impatiently aside with his hand. Out t

orning drove the blood from his heart. Without a word to his fellows, he rushed off to find his love, and “Quite spent an

, he rushed off to find his love, and “Quite spent and out of breath he reached the tree, And, listening fearfully, he he

pent and out of breath he reached the tree, And, listening fearfully, he heard once more The low voice murmur, ‘Rhœcus!’ c

eard once more The low voice murmur, ‘Rhœcus!’ close at hand: Whereat he looked around him, but could see Naught but the d

the breeze: Beauty was all around him and delight, But from that eve he was alone on earth.” Lowell. This modern render

are told that, when his mother first beheld him, she was aghast, for he was the most homely as well as the most extraordi

is praises, and celebrated festivals in his honour. “He is great and he is just, He is ever good, and must Thus be honour

, the dance, and pretty nymphs. He saw one of the nymphs, Syrinx whom he immediately loved; but unfortunately for him she,

ged into a clump of reeds, which the panting lover embraced, thinking he had caught the maiden, who had stood in that very

rcadian Pan, with such a fearful dread. Poor nymph! — poor Pan! — how he did weep to find Naught but a lovely sighing of t

ken lilies a dying lay, And the dragon-fly had fled away,         Ere he brought it out of the river. This is the way, la

. This is the way, laughed the great god Pan          (Laughed while he sate by the river!), ‘The only way since gods beg

he river. Yet half a beast is the great god Pan         To laugh, as he sits by the river, Making a poet out of a man. Th

uld remain so long unmarried. Then, having received a mocking answer, he began to argue with her, and finally extracted an

once a poor fisherman, who earned his daily bread by selling the fish he caught in his nets. On one occasion he made a ver

aily bread by selling the fish he caught in his nets. On one occasion he made a very fine haul, and threw his net full of

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

ange his nature; and swimming about comfortably in the element, where he now found himself perfectly at home, he began to

ortably in the element, where he now found himself perfectly at home, he began to explore the depths of the sea. “‘I plun

shipped most particularly by the fishermen and boatmen, whose vessels he was supposed to guard from evil, and whose nets w

would be for his happiness or not. It was very fortunate for him that he did so, for the three sisters told him that Theti

n any risk of being forced to surrender his power to one greater than he . Thetis’ hand he then decreed should be given in

ng forced to surrender his power to one greater than he. Thetis’ hand he then decreed should be given in marriage to Peleu

exposed on a mountain to perish, because an oracle had predicted that he would cause the death of his family and the downf

y and the downfall of his native city. Although thus cruelly treated, he had not perished, having been found and adopted b

erd, who made him follow his own calling. When Paris reached manhood, he was a very handsome and attractive young man, and

reached manhood, he was a very handsome and attractive young man, and he won the love of Œnone, a beautiful nymph, to whom

e young man, and he won the love of Œnone, a beautiful nymph, to whom he was secretly united. Their happiness, however, wa

before his dazzled eyes, and proffered the bribe of supreme wisdom if he would but give her the preference. Juno, queen of

heaven, next appeared in royal robes and insignia, and whispered that he should have great wealth and unlimited power were

d whispered that he should have great wealth and unlimited power were he to award the prize to her.                      

ed the prize in her extended palm. “Ere yet her speech was finished, he consign’d To her soft hand the fruit of burnished

ed, would welcome him warmly, — and obtain from them a fleet in which he might sail to Greece. In obedience to these instr

s, went to Troy, under pretext of witnessing a solemn festival. There he took part in the athletic games, distinguished hi

f prophecy. For some reason the god’s suit had not prospered; and, as he could not take back the power conferred, he annul

ad not prospered; and, as he could not take back the power conferred, he annulled it by making her hearers refuse to credi

rs; and then, breaking out into a prophetic strain, she foretold that he would bring destruction upon his native city. Pri

overed his guest’s treachery, and swore never to rest satisfied until he had recovered his truant wife and punished her se

e son of Peleus and Thetis, Achilles, of whom the Fates had predicted he would surpass his father in greatness. The Her

he Hero Achilles Thetis loved this only child so dearly, that when he was but a babe, she had carried him to the banks

g, sent him off to the court of Lycomedes, where, under some pretext, he was prevailed upon to assume a disguise and mingl

her returned without having seen him or being able to ascertain where he was hiding. The Greeks, however anxious to depart

h a pack upon his shoulders, Ulysses entered Lycomedes’ palace, where he shrewdly suspected Achilles was concealed, and of

memnon, urged by his companions, sent for his daughter, feigning that he wished to celebrate her nuptials with Achilles be

hen the tidings of his death reached his beloved wife, Laodamia, whom he had left in Thessaly, her heart was well-nigh bro

Chryses heard that his child had fallen into the hands of the enemy, he hastened to Agamemnon’s tent to offer a rich rans

her recovery; but the aged father’s entreaties were all unheeded, and he was dismissed with many heartless taunts. Exasper

ssed with many heartless taunts. Exasperated by this cruel treatment, he raised his hands to heaven, and implored Apollo t

raised his hands to heaven, and implored Apollo to avenge the insults he had received by sending down upon the Greeks all

cided to send Achilles to Agamemnon to apprise him of their wish that he should set Chryseis free, —  a wish which he imme

e him of their wish that he should set Chryseis free, —  a wish which he immediately consented to grant, if Briseis were g

sented to comply with this unreasonable request; but at the same time he swore that, if Agamemnon really took his captive

e same time he swore that, if Agamemnon really took his captive away, he would not strike another blow. Chryseis was immed