gentle, modest, and good natured, and every body loved and commended her . It will hardly be believed that the elder sister

hey loved their little daughter with a foolish fondness. They thought her the most beautiful creature in the world. They wo

was so jealous, that she was offended at those who pretended to equal her . Psyche’s parents were wrong to compare their dau

rfectly innocent, and did not deserve to be punished for the folly of her father and mother; however, Venus resolved to bri

g some misfortune upon the young princess, and she said, “I will give her the ugliest husband in the world, and she shall d

st husband in the world, and she shall dislike him, and he shall make her miserable.” Venus had a son called Cupid. He was

oking, disagreeable man that can be imagined. Venus one day called to her the god of love, and said, “I have a commission f

is the king’s daughter. I detest that girl, and I am resolved to make her miserable. Now listen to what I shall tell you, f

our praise? “No,” answered the goddess, “Her parents have never aught her to celebrate me, and they have declared she is hi

must first see Psyche, and then find some very ugly old man, end make her acquainted with him. You must make her love him,

me very ugly old man, end make her acquainted with him. You must make her love him, and that will vex her father and mother

er acquainted with him. You must make her love him, and that will vex her father and mother, and they will scold and insult

d that will vex her father and mother, and they will scold and insult her for her perverseness, and she will be very unhapp

ill vex her father and mother, and they will scold and insult her for her perverseness, and she will be very unhappy. At le

r perverseness, and she will be very unhappy. At length you must make her so foolish that she will marry this disgusting ma

she will marry this disgusting man, and afterwards he must appear to her as disagreeable as he truly is, and then she must

ers to adorn the head of a pretty fawn that was cropping the grass at her feet, and at the same time she was singing a song

song. She looked very happy, as she drew the flowers one by one from her lap with her delicate fingers, and twisted their

oked very happy, as she drew the flowers one by one from her lap with her delicate fingers, and twisted their slender stalk

er delicate fingers, and twisted their slender stalks together, while her fawn looked at her with his large eyes, and somet

, and twisted their slender stalks together, while her fawn looked at her with his large eyes, and sometimes fondly rested

at her with his large eyes, and sometimes fondly rested has head upon her shoulder, or cropped the rose she would hold to h

oved whatever she looked upon, thought it would be very cruel to make her unhappy. He lay down upon a bank of violets, near

of violets, near where Psyche sat, and said to himself as he gazed at her , “Ah, mother!” at the same time dropping his bow

othing to disturb this innocent creature. If it be thy will to grieve her , choose another to do it; and then, after watchin

will to grieve her, choose another to do it; and then, after watching her a considerable time, he snatched up the bow and a

t it might be well not to tell his mother of his intention to disobey her . She might, perhaps, employ some other minister o

ion to disobey her. She might, perhaps, employ some other minister of her will, who could not feel the same kindness for Ps

od the commands of Venus concerning Psyche, and his desire to possess her himself. Harpocrates did not speak in reply, but

d they repaired to the oracle of Apollo to learn what might happen to her . The oracle informed them that she must be carrie

she must be carried to a promontory near the sea, and there left till her destined husband should find her and marry her. T

ry near the sea, and there left till her destined husband should find her and marry her. The parents of Psyche dared not di

a, and there left till her destined husband should find her and marry her . The parents of Psyche dared not disobey the orac

hey were thrown into great affliction at the thoughts of parting with her . When the young girl was informed that she must q

. When the young girl was informed that she must quit the dwelling of her father, and be forced to marry, she knew not whom

e knew she had been good, and she hoped no misfortune would happen to her . Being conducted to the rock, and left there alon

ephyrus, the god of the west wind, and asked his assistance to remove her . Zephyrus readily complied with Cupid’s request.

eep sleep. As soon as she was become insensible to every thing around her , Zephyrus and his attendant spirit, took her up,

le to every thing around her, Zephyrus and his attendant spirit, took her up, and bore her over the dark blue waters, and l

around her, Zephyrus and his attendant spirit, took her up, and bore her over the dark blue waters, and laid her gently do

spirit, took her up, and bore her over the dark blue waters, and laid her gently down under some flowering myrtle trees in

ees in the garden whither Cupid had directed them. When Psyche opened her eyes, she perceived that instead of an expanse of

eyes, she perceived that instead of an expanse of water lying before her , she was surrounded by a garden of flowers, and a

the music ceased, and a voice from some unseen person thus addressed her : “Fear not, beautiful Psyche, I am come according

stened — she felt very sorry not to see the face of him who addressed her . His voice was uncommonly sweet. If, thought she,

d, and a voice proclaimed that Psyche was the wife of him who claimed her for his bride. And from this time Psyche was cont

from this time Psyche was content to receive the unseen bridegroom as her husband. Every evening he returned to the palace,

very reasonable. Cupid could not refuse Psyche the pleasure of seeing her sisters, without appearing very unkind; but he wa

t the princesses hated their sister, and he feared they would trouble her in some way or other. He hesitated a moment when

r sister the possession of it, and meditated upon some way to disturb her enjoyment in it. They told her it was the strange

and meditated upon some way to disturb her enjoyment in it. They told her it was the strangest thing in the world, that her

nt in it. They told her it was the strangest thing in the world, that her husband should absent himself from her every day.

ngest thing in the world, that her husband should absent himself from her every day. It was enough, they said, to make any

listen to this foolish and wicked counsel. The very next night after her sisters had left her, when Psyche presumed that h

sh and wicked counsel. The very next night after her sisters had left her , when Psyche presumed that her husband was asleep

next night after her sisters had left her, when Psyche presumed that her husband was asleep, she arose, and went into the

om for a lamp, which she had purposely placed there. With the lamp in her hand, she next approached the bed when Cupid was

opened flower. She was struck with admiration as she saw revealed to her this lovely object. She could hardly believe her

she saw revealed to her this lovely object. She could hardly believe her own eyes; but in her delightful surprise, the han

her this lovely object. She could hardly believe her own eyes; but in her delightful surprise, the hand which held the lamp

ould he behold but the blushing and affrighted Psyche, with a lamp in her hand, and a dagger at her feet. At this sight,

shing and affrighted Psyche, with a lamp in her hand, and a dagger at her feet. At this sight, Cupid darted at Psyche a

to find a monster, and force you to marry him; but instead of obeying her , I gave you myself! To reward my tenderness, you

bitterly. The cold earth on which she lay, and the chill air, caused her to shudder all over; and, starting up, she ran sh

of a rushing stream. There she stood, tired and despairing, and fixed her eyes upon the river — “Here I may find peace,” sh

ll cease to live, or cease to suffer.” The spirit of the stream heard her , and as she plunged into the waves he upheld her.

of the stream heard her, and as she plunged into the waves he upheld her . She became senseless when the waters closed roun

aves he upheld her. She became senseless when the waters closed round her , but the river god bore her in his arms to a flow

me senseless when the waters closed round her, but the river god bore her in his arms to a flowery bank on his border, and

ank on his border, and now the first rays of morning light showed him her beauty, and the Naiades came forth from their gro

her beauty, and the Naiades came forth from their grottoes to look at her . As soon as Venus saw her son, after his return f

s came forth from their grottoes to look at her. As soon as Venus saw her son, after his return from earth, she perceived t

at slight mantle which sometimes wrapped his waist. He fled away from her inquiries, but she sought him, and urged him to t

ed away from her inquiries, but she sought him, and urged him to tell her the truth. At first Cupid would not open his lips

would not open his lips, but when his mother importuned him, he told her the whole story, and she was more than ever provo

was more than ever provoked with Psyche, and was determined to punish her severely. She sent for Mercury, who does the mess

e gods, and telling him that Psyche had been insolently compared with her , and moreover attempted to kill her son, demanded

had been insolently compared with her, and moreover attempted to kill her son, demanded of him to go in pursuit of her, and

reover attempted to kill her son, demanded of him to go in pursuit of her , and when she should be found, return to the skie

of her, and when she should be found, return to the skies, and inform her where the audacious mortal could be found. Poor P

of milk, which a young girl that came down to the river side and saw her distress, brought her, thought, perhaps, if she s

g girl that came down to the river side and saw her distress, brought her , thought, perhaps, if she should repair to the sh

, perhaps, if she should repair to the shrine of some deity and offer her prayers, she might be instructed how she ought to

iving them bread, and kine, and sheep; and they were very grateful to her , and worshipped her, offering her rams and wheat

d kine, and sheep; and they were very grateful to her, and worshipped her , offering her rams and wheat sheaves in their sac

eep; and they were very grateful to her, and worshipped her, offering her rams and wheat sheaves in their sacrifices to her

ipped her, offering her rams and wheat sheaves in their sacrifices to her . Psyche had heard of all the goodness of this com

a foolish and unhappy girl, who listened to wicked advice, and forgot her duty to one who loved her; but being sorry for he

, who listened to wicked advice, and forgot her duty to one who loved her ; but being sorry for her folly, may entreat mercy

advice, and forgot her duty to one who loved her; but being sorry for her folly, may entreat mercy from the good gods.” The

y for her folly, may entreat mercy from the good gods.” Then she bent her steps to the temple. She entered the precincts, a

rmed the front, she saw the goddess. She was a tall venerable figure, her head was crowned with wheat sheaves, and a long r

crowned with wheat sheaves, and a long robe in graceful folds covered her form. She was looking at the scene before her, an

graceful folds covered her form. She was looking at the scene before her , and so benign was her countenance that she seeme

her form. She was looking at the scene before her, and so benign was her countenance that she seemed to rejoice in the hap

hich she witnessed, but the soft tread of Psyche’s way-worn feet drew her attention, and she smiled graciously as the young

ention, and she smiled graciously as the young girl knelt down before her . In that attitude the afflicted Psyche related he

knelt down before her. In that attitude the afflicted Psyche related her history, and concluded thus: “Gracious goddess! I

to thee. Have compassion upon me; the implacable Venus pursues me in her anger; hide me, I entreat thee, beside one of the

ed to be granted an asylum from the persecutions of Venus. Juno heard her and replied. “I am sorry, unhappy Psyche, to reje

ict thee; but she is my daughter-in-law. I cannot make a quarrel with her on your account. It would greatly offend her shou

nnot make a quarrel with her on your account. It would greatly offend her should I screen from her displeasure a mortal aga

her on your account. It would greatly offend her should I screen from her displeasure a mortal against whom she is so incen

goddess. She proceeded to a shrine of the goddess, and there invoked her . Venus instantly appeared, and Psyche protested t

there invoked her. Venus instantly appeared, and Psyche protested to her , that she had never designed to offend her. She h

d, and Psyche protested to her, that she had never designed to offend her . She had, it was true, for a moment, harboured th

he had, it was true, for a moment, harboured the thought of murdering her unknown husband: she confessed she had been guilt

ved. She was an outcast and a wanderer: none pitied nor would relieve her . She might be very happy if she could reconcile a

ong the immortals. She hoped she might receive pardon and favour from her . Venus was inflexible; all the contrition of Psyc

er. Venus was inflexible; all the contrition of Psyche could not move her purpose to afflict her; and she was preparing to

e; all the contrition of Psyche could not move her purpose to afflict her ; and she was preparing to denounce some severer p

messenger of the gods, it might have been Mercury, or Iris, whispered her that Cupid had fallen into a swoon, and she insta

a swoon, and she instantly withdrew to discover what was the cause of her son’s illness. Psyche saw her depart with some li

hdrew to discover what was the cause of her son’s illness. Psyche saw her depart with some little satisfaction. The beautif

little satisfaction. The beautiful eyes of Venus were just fixed upon her with a most vengeful expression. It seemed to the

ression. It seemed to the trembling Psyche as if they aimed arrows at her , and would pierce her to the heart with the scorn

the trembling Psyche as if they aimed arrows at her, and would pierce her to the heart with the scorn and spite of her hatr

at her, and would pierce her to the heart with the scorn and spite of her hatred, and she was relieved by her absence. Psyc

heart with the scorn and spite of her hatred, and she was relieved by her absence. Psyche was just revolving in her mind th

ed, and she was relieved by her absence. Psyche was just revolving in her mind that no hope remained to her; that if gods p

sence. Psyche was just revolving in her mind that no hope remained to her ; that if gods persecuted, mortals could not save

hope remained to her; that if gods persecuted, mortals could not save her ; when Venus again appeared. She struck Psyche sev

hen Venus again appeared. She struck Psyche several blows, and turned her into a barn. There stood an immense heap of diffe

sh this task, thou shalt die!” Having said this, Venus left Psyche to her impracticable labour. As Psyche, when Venus had l

ft Psyche to her impracticable labour. As Psyche, when Venus had left her alone, stood looking at the enormous task set bef

nus had left her alone, stood looking at the enormous task set before her , she observed the bam floor covered with innumera

ly began the work allotted to Psyche, and in half the time allowed to her , completed it. Venus, at the time appointed, came

ich she had allotted to Psyche was accomplished, she immediately gave her another trial. ——— “I see, presumptuous Psyche,”

ar,” whispered the reeds which grew there. Some power unseen directed her to a safe path, and in a short time she obtained

ned the lock of wool, and presented it to Venus. This did not satisfy her persecutor; she next commanded her to bring some

it to Venus. This did not satisfy her persecutor; she next commanded her to bring some water from a fountain which was gua

from a fountain which was guarded by a dragon. Psyche took a vase in her hand, and with fear and trembling proceeded to th

cely had she come in sight of it, when an eagle darted down from over her head, snatched the vase with his beak from her ha

darted down from over her head, snatched the vase with his beak from her hand, flew to the fountain, and having filled it

rial was all that the relentless Venus could think of inflicting upon her . “Behold me, child of earth,” said the goddess to

stial Venus demands of thee a cosmetic that shall revive the bloom of her cheek; that tint which is more beautiful than all

ts and flowers in nature can match, and which grief has banished from her cheek.” Psyche knew that Proserpine’s kingdom was

she stood on the verge of the tower, the stones spoke, and commanded her to enter a cavern, not far distant, where she wou

tant, where she would descry a road that led directly to the place of her destination. “There,” said the voice, “you will s

yche followed these directions, and descended to Avernus, undismayed; her innocence gave her a feeling of security in every

directions, and descended to Avernus, undismayed; her innocence gave her a feeling of security in every danger. The shades

he shades of the departed looked on with complacency; Cerberus licked her pretty feet; Proserpine smiled upon her, and gave

complacency; Cerberus licked her pretty feet; Proserpine smiled upon her , and gave her the cosmetic, and Charon, the grim

Cerberus licked her pretty feet; Proserpine smiled upon her, and gave her the cosmetic, and Charon, the grim ferry-man conv

r, and gave her the cosmetic, and Charon, the grim ferry-man conveyed her over the Styx, twice without pay, and she might h

l things she had seen, she imagined the box that Proserpine had given her to renew the faded bloom of Venus, must contain s

d of a delicious odour, a noxious vapour arose from it, and enveloped her like a cloud, and she fell down insensible. Happi

ring near the spot where this indiscretion was committed, and flew to her assistance. He gathered the cloud into its conden

ts condensed form, restored it to the box, revived Psyche, and giving her a kiss of peace, bade her go to his mother and de

d it to the box, revived Psyche, and giving her a kiss of peace, bade her go to his mother and deliver it, telling her at t

er a kiss of peace, bade her go to his mother and deliver it, telling her at the same time he Would go to Olympus and ask t

y many sorrows and much persecution, and now that she had repented of her faults, and been punished for them, it might be h

the fiat of Jove, and so she was forced to consent to the marriage of her son. All the gods, the celestial, terrestrial, ma

upiter introduced Psyche to all the gods and goddesses, and presented her with a cup of nectar with his own hand. “Receive,

. Little Ann Walton one day read die story of Cupid and Psyche to her mother. When she had finished reading, they conve

er, whom she loved excessively; this was Proserpine. Ceres often left her daughter with the young maidens her companions, w

was Proserpine. Ceres often left her daughter with the young maidens her companions, while she made long excursions to ins

ung and fair, would make an admirable queen for him, but he knew that her fond mother would never consent she should go to

sun, fancied Pluto’s domain must be. Pluto, however, resolved to have her without her mother’s permission. One charming day

Pluto’s domain must be. Pluto, however, resolved to have her without her mother’s permission. One charming day, Proserpine

er without her mother’s permission. One charming day, Proserpine, and her young companions, gathered a quantity of flowers

na, and sat down to select some, and to throw away the rest Each cast her portion into the lap of Proserpine, who was to di

bute them. “This rose,” said she, “I will give to Maria, it resembles her blushing cheek. This violet, blue as the eye of M

ite bosom — but nay, not this for thee; I will give this to Cytheris; her hair is raven black;” and placing the pure white

keen eyes were fixed upon Proserpine, and he smiled as he approached her . Cyane knew, by the kingly crown which he wore, a

uld be no other than the lord of the world below. She shrieked out in her alarm, “’Tis he, ’tis he: he comes to us From th

, let us go,” she exclaimed, clasping the hand of Cyane, who clung to her robe, as if she would force her away while the da

sping the hand of Cyane, who clung to her robe, as if she would force her away while the damsels, their companions, had ran

, as he came near, and seized the hand which Proserpine had raised to her eyes, to shade them from the lustre of Pluto’s, w

If you believe him, you will die. Think of your mother; can you quit her ; and us, your friends; and these pleasant groves,

l man can never love you. Come, then, my bride,” he answered, drawing her toward him. “Depart — leave me!” she cried. “Virg

heeded not; nor was Proserpine unwilling to be carried off. He caught her up in his arms, seated her beside him in the char

ine unwilling to be carried off. He caught her up in his arms, seated her beside him in the chariot, and striking the earth

icily who dwell near it repaired thither every year, to sing songs to her memory? Conversation: Ann and her Mother.

her every year, to sing songs to her memory? Conversation: Ann and her Mother. Ann. I am not quite satisfied with th

his story, mother, of Proserpine. I should like to know if Pluto kept her , and how her mother bore the loss of her. Mother

ther, of Proserpine. I should like to know if Pluto kept her, and how her mother bore the loss of her. Mother. You shall h

d like to know if Pluto kept her, and how her mother bore the loss of her . Mother. You shall have a story of Ceres, and th

ave a story of Ceres, and that will tell you how much she grieved for her daughter. Ann. Did any person ever believe that

this girl’s companions was so frightened and afflicted, when she saw her young friend forced away, that she ran to a neigh

ther young women, afterward, went yearly to the fountain to celebrate her , and so this marvellous story of the transformati

f Proserpine, which means the rapid, sudden, or hurried conveyance of her . The Search for Proserpine. Ceres returned

onveyance of her. The Search for Proserpine. Ceres returned to her home, expecting to be received by her beloved dau

oserpine. Ceres returned to her home, expecting to be received by her beloved daughter; but no daughter awaited her. Wh

cting to be received by her beloved daughter; but no daughter awaited her . Where to look for her, the distracted mother kne

her beloved daughter; but no daughter awaited her. Where to look for her , the distracted mother knew not. She went to all

ch at its flames, resolved to search all night for the lost one — but her search was vain. The next day she found, by a fou

ou?” said the goddess to Arethusa, who was sitting on a stone, laving her feet in the running water. “Once,” replied the na

erpine. Have you never seen or heard of my child?” Arethusa then told her she had seen the descent of her daughter, and the

eard of my child?” Arethusa then told her she had seen the descent of her daughter, and the transformation of Cyane. No soo

ner had Ceres heard this, than she instantly harnessed two dragons to her car, flew to Olympus, and demanded her daughter o

antly harnessed two dragons to her car, flew to Olympus, and demanded her daughter of Jupiter. “You may have your daughter,

aughter of Jupiter. “You may have your daughter,” answered Jupiter to her supplication, “if she has not tasted food, in the

he has, she cannot be restored to you. But why do you wish to recover her ? She is wedded to a husband who loves her. He is

why do you wish to recover her? She is wedded to a husband who loves her . He is a king of the greatest empire in the unive

re the virtuous and the pure alone forever dwell. Why would you bring her back to a world, where the violent and the wicked

mingled with the virtuous?” Ceres loved herself better than she loved her daughter. So she preferred to recover Proserpine

r daughter. So she preferred to recover Proserpine rather than suffer her to be happy with Pluto, and with Jupiter’s leave

Jupiter’s leave descended to the world of ghosts. Proserpine received her mother tenderly, and consented to return to earth

oes not appear that Proserpine was honest enough to tell the truth to her mother or to Pluto; she hoped she had not been se

or to Pluto; she hoped she had not been seen, but one Ascalaphus saw her eating the pomegranate, and he told Pluto of it.

hosed him into an owl. Ceres was so miserable, now that she must lose her daughter, that Pluto consented she should dwell w

he must lose her daughter, that Pluto consented she should dwell with her mother half of the year, and the rest of the time

e seemed like a common woman, and the peasants of Sicily did not take her for a goddess. It is related that one night she s

with hunger. The woman of the cottage came to the door, and admitted her . “Good woman,” said Ceres, “I am hungry and tired

it, called polenta. Becubo had polenta for the supper of herself and her little son, who sat in the chimney corner, watchi

e deserved; for, to punish him, she threw in his face the contents of her dish, and transformed him into a lizard. At this

nto a lizard. At this sight, Becubo burst into tears, and reached out her hands to catch up the lizard; but the little anim

and Tereus was so well pleased with Progne, the eldest, that he asked her of her father for a wife. Pandion granted his req

eus was so well pleased with Progne, the eldest, that he asked her of her father for a wife. Pandion granted his request, a

married, and left Athens. Progne wept bitterly when she took leave of her amiable sister, Philomela. Progne lived happily e

d she loved him dearly. When Itys was about a year old, Progne begged her husband to allow her to go to Athens, to see her

y. When Itys was about a year old, Progne begged her husband to allow her to go to Athens, to see her aged father, and her

r old, Progne begged her husband to allow her to go to Athens, to see her aged father, and her sister. Tereus replied to th

her husband to allow her to go to Athens, to see her aged father, and her sister. Tereus replied to this request, “I would

d bring your sister hither?” Progne was easily persuaded to submit to her husband’s wishes. She was a dutiful wife, and did

t to her husband’s wishes. She was a dutiful wife, and did not set up her own will against his. She readily consented to st

m — it was to part with Philomela for the space of a year — to suffer her to accompany him back to Thrace on a visit to her

a year — to suffer her to accompany him back to Thrace on a visit to her sister. Pandion loved Philomela dearly; he could

andion loved Philomela dearly; he could not bear to be separated from her ; and he only shook his head, as if to say “No,” w

head, as if to say “No,” when Tereus urged him to gratify Progne with her sister’s company. When Philomela saw her father’s

d him to gratify Progne with her sister’s company. When Philomela saw her father’s reluctance to spare her, she entreated h

sister’s company. When Philomela saw her father’s reluctance to spare her , she entreated him herself. “Permit me,” she said

s. You know Progne cannot come to us. Grant me the pleasure of seeing her once more. You forget how long it is since she le

g it is since she left us. Think how unhappy she must be never to see her father and her sister. You cannot leave the kingd

he left us. Think how unhappy she must be never to see her father and her sister. You cannot leave the kingdom; your subjec

the will of the gods.” While Philomela was thus urging the consent of her father, she tenderly pressed his hand, and looked

u nothing, my own Philomela,” answered the fond old man, smiling upon her through his tears. “But, my child, do not forget

. Go; but haste thee home again.” All things having been prepared for her departure, Pandion attended his daughter to the h

he vessel of Tereus lay. There Pandion embraced Philomela, and giving her in charge to Tereus, returned sorrowfully to Athe

charge to Tereus, returned sorrowfully to Athens, solemnly commending her and his son-in-law, as he left them, to the prote

it, the wicked Tereus formed a plan to prevent Philomela from seeing her sister. Tereus had become tired of Progne, and wh

s had become tired of Progne, and when he saw Philomela, he preferred her ; though he could not have her for a wife while he

and when he saw Philomela, he preferred her; though he could not have her for a wife while her sister lived. Tereus did not

mela, he preferred her; though he could not have her for a wife while her sister lived. Tereus did not exactly know how to

ead; and perhaps he might persuade Philomela to suffer him to come to her prison, and stay with her when it pleased him. Po

persuade Philomela to suffer him to come to her prison, and stay with her when it pleased him. Poor Philomela, when she lef

hing of this vile plan, but cheerfully followed Tereus whither he led her , presuming he was conducting her to her sister; a

fully followed Tereus whither he led her, presuming he was conducting her to her sister; and she quickened her steps throug

ollowed Tereus whither he led her, presuming he was conducting her to her sister; and she quickened her steps through the t

her, presuming he was conducting her to her sister; and she quickened her steps through the thick wood into which Tereus ha

la saw nobody there but an old woman, and she felt a strange alarm at her situation. Fatigued with her walk, and not knowin

d woman, and she felt a strange alarm at her situation. Fatigued with her walk, and not knowing what was about to befall he

ion. Fatigued with her walk, and not knowing what was about to befall her , she sat down and burst into tears. Tereus said,

she sat down and burst into tears. Tereus said, pretending to comfort her , “Do not weep, lovely Philomela; no harm is inten

errified and angry at this guilty proposal, demanded of Tereus to set her at liberty. “Base man,” she cried, “did not you p

ould abhor him. To prevent Philomela from ever proclaiming it, he cut her tongue out, and then returned to his own house. P

d to his own house. Progne was grieved and disappointed, when she saw her husband returned without Philomela, and eagerly i

saw her husband returned without Philomela, and eagerly inquired for her . “She died on the passage, and we threw her into

and eagerly inquired for her. “She died on the passage, and we threw her into the sea,” answered the lying Tereus. Philome

la remained a whole year in confinement, without being able to inform her sister of her unhappy condition; but at last she

whole year in confinement, without being able to inform her sister of her unhappy condition; but at last she devised an exp

ondition; but at last she devised an expedient that might communicate her misfortunes to Progne. All the Greek women, and a

ething to employ herself about, she would feel a little reconciled to her unhappy state; so she procured Philomela the arti

ought upon the cloth the figure of herself, and of Tereus cutting out her tongue. When she has finished her work, she made

herself, and of Tereus cutting out her tongue. When she has finished her work, she made signs to the old woman to carry it

made signs to the old woman to carry it to the queen, who would give her some money for it. The hope of a magnificent rewa

nd she hastened off to the queen with the embroidery. Progne received her favourably, and she delivered to her the web. Phi

the embroidery. Progne received her favourably, and she delivered to her the web. Philomela was accustomed to put a mark u

delivered to her the web. Philomela was accustomed to put a mark upon her work, by which it might be known. Progne knew the

th inexpressible indignation and sorrow, she learned the condition of her sister. Her first desire was to release her from

learned the condition of her sister. Her first desire was to release her from confinement, and she bribed the old woman to

to release her from confinement, and she bribed the old woman to tell her where Philomela was confined. The people of Thrac

celebrated the orgies of Bacchus; and when Progne got intelligence of her sister’s imprisonment, these rites were about to

for their heads. Progne resolved upon engaging the Bacchantes to aid her in the liberation of her sister. She intended to

resolved upon engaging the Bacchantes to aid her in the liberation of her sister. She intended to clothe herself in deer sk

be running about in the forest, to direct them to the prison-house of her sister, and with their help to set her free. It w

ct them to the prison-house of her sister, and with their help to set her free. It was not difficult to do this. On a certa

b of Philomela; the latter guided Prague, and she took a course which her companions followed. They soon came to a thicket

d entrusted Philomela, instantly admitted them. As soon as Progne and her companions got into the house, singing, dancing,

in one corner of the room which they entered, sprung up, and extended her bands in speechless supplication, to the first fe

plication, to the first female she saw. In a moment Progne recognised her abused sister, and throwing off her disguise, pre

aw. In a moment Progne recognised her abused sister, and throwing off her disguise, pressed her to her heart. They kissed e

recognised her abused sister, and throwing off her disguise, pressed her to her heart. They kissed each other, and shed ma

ised her abused sister, and throwing off her disguise, pressed her to her heart. They kissed each other, and shed many tear

ars. Progne entreated Philomela to cease from weeping, and to go with her to her own house. She next turned to the Bacchant

ogne entreated Philomela to cease from weeping, and to go with her to her own house. She next turned to the Bacchantes, who

t to them. In a few words Progne related the cruelty of Tereus toward her sister, and demanded of the Bacchantes, in their

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

a swallow, and Philomela into a nightingale. Conversation: Ann and her Mother Ann. This story would be agreeable eno

carried off his uncle’s daughter, as she was watering the flock with her two brothers at the fountain; and he was stronger

hick volume of smoke arose; she gently blowed the kindling coals with her breath, and a bright blaze soon dispersed the blu

e beechen pails, and pouring into them some water gently warmed, gave her guests each a bath for his feet, which were soile

oiled with dust; and after they were cleaned, she wiped them dry with her own hands. She next spread soft flexible willow b

he old goose will serve very well,” said Baucis, looking wistfully at her . The creature instantly ran toward the house door

the house door, which stood a little open, and the old couple pursued her ; but she entered the cottage, and took refuge bet

he cottage, and took refuge between the feet of Jupiter, who motioned her pursuers to spare the goose. They obeyed, and Jup

ction of the wicked city of Sodom. And when Baucis washed the feet of her guests, it reminded me of the visit paid by the a

Bible, looks for the passage, reads it to herself, and then aloud to her mother.) “When,” & c. See page 53. Mother. N

ding. The fable might be concluded by saying, that Philomela bewailed her misfortunes in sweet melancholy music, which she

. Keats’s sweet description of this poetic warbler. (Her mother gives her a book, and Ann reads.) “Thou wast not born for

eaving, and she was industrious and modest. In some of the statues of her , she was not drawn in her military costume, or ap

rious and modest. In some of the statues of her, she was not drawn in her military costume, or apparel, but in the dress of

ostume, or apparel, but in the dress of a female, having a distaff in her hand, to show that she was the patroness of femal

istory of Psyche. As soon as Mercury saw Herse, he determined to have her for a wife, and immediately descended the king’s

sing himself to Aglauria, to “see your sister Herse. I desire to make her my bride. Will you have the goodness to persuade

nd companion. If you will give me money enough, I will conduct you to her , and she will present you to my sister.” Minerva

this mean proposal of Aglauria. She knew it displeased Aglauria, that her sister should be preferred to herself. Minerva sa

er sister should be preferred to herself. Minerva saw that she envied her sister, and that she felt the bad passion of avar

nvy was seated in the middle of it, feeding upon snakes, which formed her ordinary repast. Minerva’s countenance exhibited

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

her, could not bear the sight of this noble form. But she arose, drew her ragged mantle over her shrunk person, and stepped

sight of this noble form. But she arose, drew her ragged mantle over her shrunk person, and stepped forward to receive Min

eceive Minerva. Her face was deadly pale, and traces of tears were on her sunken cheeks. Minerva, who was all goodness hers

without pain with so spiteful a being, though she sometimes employed her to punish the wicked. On this occasion, she laid

metimes employed her to punish the wicked. On this occasion, she laid her commands upon Envy in a few words. “Go,” said she

palace at Athens. You know the princess Aglauria; she grieves because her sister is beloved, and she is neglected; and she

o wish to injure others shall be miserable themselves, therefore make her as unhappy as you can. When she finds that her se

selves, therefore make her as unhappy as you can. When she finds that her selfish, envious disposition makes her wretched,

s you can. When she finds that her selfish, envious disposition makes her wretched, she will cease to persecute her sister,

, envious disposition makes her wretched, she will cease to persecute her sister, and will try to become better.” Having sa

returned to the cheerful light of day. Envy cast a scowling look upon her , as she departed, but the office of punishment su

g look upon her, as she departed, but the office of punishment suited her malignant heart, and taking a crooked stick in he

punishment suited her malignant heart, and taking a crooked stick in her hand, and wrapping herself in a mist, she pursued

rooked stick in her hand, and wrapping herself in a mist, she pursued her way to the palace of Cecrops, and glided unnotice

the apartment of Aglauria. The princess had thrown herself down upon her couch, vexed and mortified; for when she promised

couch, vexed and mortified; for when she promised to admit Mercury to her sister, for a sum of money, the god only answered

for a sum of money, the god only answered by looking reproachfully at her , and withdrew instantly from the room. What was b

on which she might rest if she were tired; and the other to held over her head a sort of parasol, to screen her from the su

red; and the other to held over her head a sort of parasol, to screen her from the sun’s rays;8 and these were expected to

l, to screen her from the sun’s rays;8 and these were expected to see her safe home again. Aglauria could not sleep quietly

ome again. Aglauria could not sleep quietly; she dreamed that she saw her sister walking homeward, along a retired way, fro

ed way, from the temple of Minerva, and that she accidentally dropped her veil. One of her maiden stopped to pick it up, bu

temple of Minerva, and that she accidentally dropped her veil. One of her maiden stopped to pick it up, but the wind took i

grove near by, caught it, and running after Aglauria, presented it to her . They looked at each other with pleasure, and Her

f Envy, and, wherever she came, the very air seemed to be filled with her presence. Aglauria, half waked by the chilling to

ith her presence. Aglauria, half waked by the chilling touch, changed her position, and slept again, and again she dreamed.

she dreamed. She beheld the same youth, who had presented the veil to her sister, but she now distinctly saw his winged cap

, and his torch burned with a clear, steady blaze. Her father and all her friends were present, and they smiled with compla

rcury and Herse. At this sight, sleep fled, and Aglauria started from her pillow. “This dream,” she cried, “is false, or I

e married to a man, he will not break their union. Aglauria then took her way to the garden, which was near the house. She

bout to descend into the garden, the god unexpectedly appeared before her , and would have entered the house, but Aglauria p

he way, and stopped him. In the most eloquent manner Mercury besought her to admit him. He pleaded in vain; Aglauria still

she suffer him to pass. At length Mercury’s patience was exhausted by her obstinacy, and, with a touch of his caduceus, he

d by her obstinacy, and, with a touch of his caduceus, he transformed her to a statue. According to the fable, Mercury obta

ed her to a statue. According to the fable, Mercury obtained Herse of her father, and they were married, as Aglauria had fo

rse of her father, and they were married, as Aglauria had foreseen in her dream. Conversation: Mother and Ann. Ann.

name was altered afterwards in honour of the goddess Minerva. One of her names was Athena. Ann. Where did Cecrops come fr

fferent names. Do you not remember that the Pierian princess said, in her song, that the gods took the shapes of animals, a

it Ann. What did Aglauria mean, when she said an “evil genius” sent her a dream? Mother. The ancients believed that ther

ess and vanity, and of their punishment. Ann’s mother then related to her the following story. Narcissus. Lyriope, a

nts of Psyche, she wished to know what would be the future fortune of her child; and she went to Tiresias, an old prophet w

elt in the city of Thebes, to learn what good or evil might happen to her son. Before I tell you what the prophet told Lyri

ear-sighted person. When Lyriope consulted Tiresias, the prophet told her that Narcissus would live to be old, if he could

might be kept there from looking at his pretty face. But Lyriope sent her son to a beautiful island, where, as he grew up,

was a young maiden, named Echo. But Narcissus would take no notice of her ; and that neglect mortified the poor nymph so muc

or nymph so much, that she pined away, till nothing could be found of her but her voice. She still inhabits woods and solit

so much, that she pined away, till nothing could be found of her but her voice. She still inhabits woods and solitary plac

pretty Europa, the king’s daughter. He thought he should like to have her himself; so he came like a beautiful milk-white b

d began to eat grass where Europa was sporting with some young girls, her friends. They all thought the bull the most beaut

er seen. Europa wove a wreath for his horns, and he knelt down beside her , and uttered a mild, kind moan. The maidens admir

is gentleness, and Europa sprang upon his back, and he swam away with her from Asia to the continent opposite, which was af

ropa, was very much grieved, and he sent his son Cadmus to search for her . Cadmus could not find Europa, and he did not lik

not find Europa, and he did not like to return to his father without her ; therefore he went into Greece, but he did not kn

fore him. Cadmus, obedient to the direction he had received, followed her . After crossing the little river Cephisus, and tr

and traversing the plains of Panope, the heifer stopped, and raising her head toward the sky, made it resound with her lou

er stopped, and raising her head toward the sky, made it resound with her loud and continual lowings. After a while she cea

Ann. There are many strange things in the adventures of Europa and her brother Cadmus. How can you explain the flight of

d that he carried off Europa. Then the attendants said a bull carried her off. Arm. Do you suppose a heifer guided Cadmus?

in were sacred to Diana, and it was not permitted to any man to enter her domain. Diana was a modest female deity, and she

, but Diana saw him, and was greatly incensed that a man should enter her sacred grove. In her displeasure, she snatched up

and was greatly incensed that a man should enter her sacred grove. In her displeasure, she snatched up some water in the ho

rove. In her displeasure, she snatched up some water in the hollow of her hand, and throwing it at Acteon, transformed him

e story of Acteon, as usual, desired to know the meaning of it, which her mother thus explained. Mother. The grove consecr

wine, was the son of Semele, Ino’s sister, and Ino was very proud of her relation, and would often boast that her nephew w

r, and Ino was very proud of her relation, and would often boast that her nephew was one of the gods, and had his abode wit

hich arose from the Styx. Cerberus fawned upon Juno; he recognised in her one of the immortals; indeed he received mortals

were the keepers of the prison Tartarus, and requested them to guide her to Tisiphone. They attended her very respectfully

Tartarus, and requested them to guide her to Tisiphone. They attended her very respectfully, and on the way asked her to st

Tisiphone. They attended her very respectfully, and on the way asked her to stop at Tartarus, and see their prisoners. Jun

d, and they unbarred the heavy gates of burnished brass, and admitted her . Here she saw giants who had revolted against Jup

e foul Tisiphone can bring upon him.” Juno answered not, but followed her guides to a dark nook beyond Tartarus, where Tisi

llowed her guides to a dark nook beyond Tartarus, where Tisiphone and her sisters sat discoursing upon the vices of mankind

no’s errand; and Tisiphone, having heard what she had to say, shaking her head, to throw back the serpents which hung over

to say, shaking her head, to throw back the serpents which hung over her face, replied, “Goddess, you shall be obeyed. Now

this forlorn place.” Satisfied with Tisiphone’s ready compliance with her wishes, Juno returned to Olympus, and instantly p

and instantly purified herself in a bath of living water, prepared by her handmaid Iris. As soon as Juno had left the murky

odstained robe, fastened round the waist by a coiling serpent, seized her flaming torch, and, being followed by her terrifi

y a coiling serpent, seized her flaming torch, and, being followed by her terrific attendants, Fear, Horror, Grief, and Fre

ic attendants, Fear, Horror, Grief, and Frenzy, went forth to execute her commission. The house of Athamas shook to the fou

oundation when Tisiphone entered it; venomous exhalations issued from her mouth, forked lightnings played about her feet, a

ous exhalations issued from her mouth, forked lightnings played about her feet, and the sun, as if he sickened at the sight

played about her feet, and the sun, as if he sickened at the sight of her , was overcast. Among the ancients, it was believe

h fear. Tisiphone soon roused them; she shook from a vial she held in her hand, a shower of her deleterious liquor, and wav

roused them; she shook from a vial she held in her hand, a shower of her deleterious liquor, and waving her torch in a cir

she held in her hand, a shower of her deleterious liquor, and waving her torch in a circle, withdrew to the regions of Plu

th blind fury, and instantly killed his infant son, Learchus. Ino, in her terror, with her other son, Milecerta, in her arr

d instantly killed his infant son, Learchus. Ino, in her terror, with her other son, Milecerta, in her arras, fled from his

son, Learchus. Ino, in her terror, with her other son, Milecerta, in her arras, fled from his pursuit to the verge of a pr

recipice, from which she fell into the sea. Venus pitied poor Ino and her child, and she besought Neptune to place them amo

, and she besought Neptune to place them among the marine deities. At her request, Neptune gave them new forms and new name

p in the midst of the sea, where she became immoveable as a rock, and her sails, cordage, masts, and oars, were instantly a

. They were intoxicated, and thus they excused their folly. Agave and her sisters did not perceive who it was they had kill

f a thyrsus, and Agave ran about with it, shouting, and showing it to her companions. In the midst of all this extravagance

ndson, and soon convinced Agave that she was exulting in the death of her son. Too late, Agave saw the atrocity of such con

f her son. Too late, Agave saw the atrocity of such conduct; she beat her breast, and tore her hair, but she could not rest

Agave saw the atrocity of such conduct; she beat her breast, and tore her hair, but she could not restore life to the dead.

ted with respect, and Agave, restored to reason, bitterly repented of her guilty conduct. The sight of a thyrsus became sho

nted of her guilty conduct. The sight of a thyrsus became shocking to her , and she never went near mount Citheron; for ther

and she never went near mount Citheron; for there the recollection of her murdered son, and of her crime, were too painful

ount Citheron; for there the recollection of her murdered son, and of her crime, were too painful to be endured. Convers

a beautiful daughter, whose name was Danæ. While Danæ was very young, her father went to consult the oracle, to know what s

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

p the princess in a high tower, where no man could see her, nor visit her . Jupiter loved and pitied the poor young prisoner

means, that some man who loved Danæ, paid, or bribed, the keepers of her prison, and thus went to see her. Money buys ever

anæ, paid, or bribed, the keepers of her prison, and thus went to see her . Money buys every thing in this world; so, in thi

wer in which Danæ was confined, stood on a rock on the sea coast, and her father ordered that she and her infant should be

stood on a rock on the sea coast, and her father ordered that she and her infant should be put into a chest, and thrown int

been written concerning poor Danæ, tossed about upon the billows with her child. But Neptune, who was the god of the sea, h

tened to the place, and found a beautiful woman weeping, and clasping her infant to her bosom. The child was in a sweet sle

lace, and found a beautiful woman weeping, and clasping her infant to her bosom. The child was in a sweet sleep. Dictys spo

become of the unhappy Danæ and this outcast boy?” Saying these words, her tears flowed afresh. Dictys saw the affliction of

d him, for he had a compassionate heart. “Young stranger,” said he to her , “do not despair; you are not among barbarians. A

house,” said Danæ, still weeping. “Leave that chest,” said Dictys to her , in an encouraging voice; “give me your child, an

eceive and comfort you.” Cheered by the good man’s eagerness to serve her , Danæ rose, and followed his directions. They soo

door stood the good Aglauria, the fisherman’s wife; she was expecting her husband, but was much surprised at the sight of D

d, but was much surprised at the sight of Danæ, for she had never, in her life, seen a lady so dressed, and so delicate and

so dressed, and so delicate and fair. Danæ wore an embroidered robe; her hair hung in long loose tresses; tears stood upon

broidered robe; her hair hung in long loose tresses; tears stood upon her pale cheek; and sorrow and weariness depressed he

; tears stood upon her pale cheek; and sorrow and weariness depressed her head, and caused her limbs to tremble, as she tri

r pale cheek; and sorrow and weariness depressed her head, and caused her limbs to tremble, as she tried to keep up with th

the pace of Dictys. Aglauria looked at the strange lady, and then at her husband, as she saw them approach near, but did n

hem approach near, but did not speak a word. Dictys put the babe into her arms, and said, “Aglauria, this unfortunate lady,

uria, and Danæ entered the only room in the house. Aglauria conducted her to a bed of clean rushes, which was the best the

n rushes, which was the best the poor woman had, but there, after all her fatigue, she found rest and refreshment. Danæ and

here, after all her fatigue, she found rest and refreshment. Danæ and her little boy did not remain long in the fisherman’s

isherman’s hut. Dictys went to the palace of Polydectes, and told him her story; he immediately sent a chariot for her, and

Polydectes, and told him her story; he immediately sent a chariot for her , and she and the young Perseus were removed to th

, and kind. But Polydectes, though he had been very kind to Dana; and her son, did not love Perseus when he had grown up to

w that Medusa was destined to die, therefore she might be killed; but her sisters were immortal. Medusa had been very beaut

erva was the goddess of wisdom. She required all worshippers to offer her serious, respectful worship; and if persons in he

rshippers to offer her serious, respectful worship; and if persons in her temple, or any other, behaved improperly, the anc

acrilegious person to be punished. Minerva, to punish Medusa, changed her beauty into the most frightful ugliness, and her

nish Medusa, changed her beauty into the most frightful ugliness, and her fine hair into snakes; and she looked so dreadful

r into snakes; and she looked so dreadful, that when others looked at her , they were turned to stone. Perseus proposed to c

pened to be asleep when Perseus arrived; but he was afraid to look at her , on account of the petrifying power of her ugline

t he was afraid to look at her, on account of the petrifying power of her ugliness. So he used the shield, which Minerva ha

ield, which Minerva had given him, as a mirror, and in that he beheld her . It is difficult to imagine why the image of her

nd in that he beheld her. It is difficult to imagine why the image of her deformity, seen in, that mirror, should not kill

t of the gorgon herself; but it seems it did not. Taking advantage of her sleeping posture, Perseus struck her one blow, an

it did not. Taking advantage of her sleeping posture, Perseus struck her one blow, and severed her head from her body, and

age of her sleeping posture, Perseus struck her one blow, and severed her head from her body, and then bore it over the des

eping posture, Perseus struck her one blow, and severed her head from her body, and then bore it over the deserts of Africa

a monster. Andromeda’s mother was a vain, silly woman. She boasted of her own beauty, and said that she was handsomer than

Neptune was offended with Cassiope, and because she was a queen, laid her whole kingdom under water. The poor people, to es

tiful daughter, Andromeda. When you are returned home, you must chain her to a rock which projects into the sea, not far fr

of the rock, when Perseus alighted upon the verge above. She clasped her hands, and looked upward, as if to implore the go

r hands, and looked upward, as if to implore the gods to take pity on her , but her eyes met those of Perseus, whom she imag

and looked upward, as if to implore the gods to take pity on her, but her eyes met those of Perseus, whom she imagined to b

my prayer.” Perseus instantly descended to the spot where she stood, her delicate arm bound by a heavy chain attached to t

posed to the sea monster, to appease the angry Neptune. Perseus heard her with tenderness and pity. She concluded by saying

he could not say more, but burst into tears. Perseus tried to comfort her , told her he must leave her a moment, but he woul

ot say more, but burst into tears. Perseus tried to comfort her, told her he must leave her a moment, but he would return s

urst into tears. Perseus tried to comfort her, told her he must leave her a moment, but he would return soon, and remove he

her he must leave her a moment, but he would return soon, and remove her in safety. Then he went to the king and told him,

in a few words, that he had seen his daughter; that he would preserve her and destroy the monster, if Cepheus would bestow

e would preserve her and destroy the monster, if Cepheus would bestow her upon him as the reward of his achievement. Cepheu

hrough the water with a terrific noise; but when he would have seized her , Perseus presented to his view the horrible head,

y broke the chain and releasing the arm of the princess, she gave him her hand, and he restored her to her father and mothe

asing the arm of the princess, she gave him her hand, and he restored her to her father and mother. The plants, upon which

he arm of the princess, she gave him her hand, and he restored her to her father and mother. The plants, upon which the Med

went to Cepheus, and asked the hand of Andromeda. The young girl and her parents consented to this request, and preparatio

to bring him the head of Medusa, though I could not have travelled to her dwelling, but for the wings which Mercury lent me

s intruder was Phineus, to whom the parents of Andromeda had promised her before they knew Perseus. Phineus, saying nothing

en another man’s bride. It may be that you do not know the perfidy of her father and mother. They gave her to me when I ask

that you do not know the perfidy of her father and mother. They gave her to me when I asked her in marriage; yet, regardle

he perfidy of her father and mother. They gave her to me when I asked her in marriage; yet, regardless of their own promise

t, regardless of their own promise, they did not wait for me to claim her , but have bestowed her upon you. Restore her to m

own promise, they did not wait for me to claim her, but have bestowed her upon you. Restore her to me; else thou and they m

not wait for me to claim her, but have bestowed her upon you. Restore her to me; else thou and they may dread my vengeance.

selves, and soon perceived Minerva standing near, holding before them her invulnerable shield, the Ægis. Phineus, seeing th

Acrisius, in Argos. Danæ had often related to Perseus the cruelty of her father to herself and to him; but they had both f

Seriphus. Polydectes became the persecutor of Danæ, as he had been of her son, and to protect herself from his insults, she

t to the temple of Minerva, whither no person durst follow to disturb her . A man, or woman, might go to a temple, as a refu

efuge from injury, or to save life, but no one dared to follow him or her thither, lest he should offend the compassionate

dectes to the temple, the old man heard of it, and afterward conveyed her to his humble home, where Aglauria still lived. D

conveyed her to his humble home, where Aglauria still lived. Danæ and her children did not long remain in the cottage of th

heir proper owners. On the shield of Minerva, when he gave it back to her , with solemn thanks, he laid the Medusa’s head as

; only when she designed to punish foe wicked, she clothed herself in her “gorgon-terrors,” in order to affright the bad, o

But poets, and writers of fables, imagine that envy is a woman; that her hair is snakes, which sting and bite; and that he

y is a woman; that her hair is snakes, which sting and bite; and that her garments are stained with bleed, which she has dr

child that always speaks truth, and I think of truth when I think of her . If I should draw a figure like hers, and not cal

think of her. If I should draw a figure like hers, and not call it by her name, but should call it Truth, I should make a p

the martial, or warlike maid, and she was often seen with a spear in her hand, a helmet on her head, and her terrible shie

ke maid, and she was often seen with a spear in her hand, a helmet on her head, and her terrible shield on one arm; but thi

he was often seen with a spear in her hand, a helmet on her head, and her terrible shield on one arm; but this day, at Moun

rrible shield on one arm; but this day, at Mount Helicon, she put off her warlike attire, and was dressed in a beautiful ro

delighted with the honour she did them; they seated themselves around her , in a delightful grove, and exerted themselves to

round her, in a delightful grove, and exerted themselves to entertain her . Calliope related that not far from the place whe

se, goddesses of Thespia,’ said one of these sisters to us, as we met her in the Yale of Tempe; ‘cease to pretend that your

, the ibis, and the ichneumon. “When she princess of Pieria had ended her strain, Calliope took her turn. The hills resound

mon. “When she princess of Pieria had ended her strain, Calliope took her turn. The hills resounded to the melody of her vo

strain, Calliope took her turn. The hills resounded to the melody of her voice, as she sung the gifts of Ceres: to man she

egan to decline in the west; Minerva knew that then the gods expected her , and she left the sisters in the pleasant grove,

rove, promising to visit them soon again, and always to aid them with her inspirations. Apollo and the Python. Of al

er, Diana, or the moon. Jupiter loved Latona, and that made Juno hate her . Juno found a hideous serpent, hatched in the mud

torment Latona. Wherever Latona went, this frightful monster followed her . Neptune took pity upon her, and raised up an isl

ona went, this frightful monster followed her. Neptune took pity upon her , and raised up an island, afterward called Delos,

ward called Delos, from the bosom of the Egean, on purpose to receive her . Terra (the earth) had refused to protect Latona,

(the earth) had refused to protect Latona, but Neptune metamorphosed her to a quail, and she flew off from the continent,

haps of Africa, to the newly-raised island; and then Neptune restored her to her human shape. There Apollo and Diana, who w

Africa, to the newly-raised island; and then Neptune restored her to her human shape. There Apollo and Diana, who were twi

use that island had been the refuge of Latona, and the birth-place of her divine children, Apollo acquired the use of the b

e fields, and Daphne chanced to wander thither. As soon as Apollo saw her , he thought her very beautiful, and he looked at

phne chanced to wander thither. As soon as Apollo saw her, he thought her very beautiful, and he looked at her with admirat

on as Apollo saw her, he thought her very beautiful, and he looked at her with admiration; but she felt an extreme dislike

loquence pleased Daphne; she would not listen to him, though he urged her with tender entreaties. “Stay, lovely Daphne,” he

oice of Apollo, and the god, with more than mortal swiftness, pursued her . He overtook her just as she reached the banks of

nd the god, with more than mortal swiftness, pursued her. He overtook her just as she reached the banks of the Peneus. Ther

of the Peneus. There, sinking down by the river’s side, she entreated her father to hear her prayer. “O, father!” she cried

e, sinking down by the river’s side, she entreated her father to hear her prayer. “O, father!” she cried, “I detest Apollo,

I would be swallowed up by the cold earth: suffer me to be hidden in her dark bosom, so that I escape from him.” Daphne’s

that I escape from him.” Daphne’s supplication was granted. Suddenly, her feet took root in the ground, thick bark compress

ed. Suddenly, her feet took root in the ground, thick bark compressed her delicate frame, her extended arms branched to sle

et took root in the ground, thick bark compressed her delicate frame, her extended arms branched to slender boughs, and her

her delicate frame, her extended arms branched to slender boughs, and her graceful head was covered with dark green leaves.

rself, he knew not whither. Io was a priestess of Juno, and served in her temple at Argos. Jupiter once observed this beaut

e observed this beautiful nymph, as she was returning from a visit to her father, and instantly descended from Olympus to c

to her father, and instantly descended from Olympus to converse with her . Io knew that her celestial mistress had strictly

d instantly descended from Olympus to converse with her. Io knew that her celestial mistress had strictly forbidden the you

lestial mistress had strictly forbidden the young women who served at her altars to hold any conversation with her husband,

he young women who served at her altars to hold any conversation with her husband, and she fled from the sire of the gods,

ly coursed along the borders of the lake of Lerna, she was checked in her flight by Jupiter, who followed her in a cloud of

lake of Lerna, she was checked in her flight by Jupiter, who followed her in a cloud of thick darkness, which suddenly cove

who followed her in a cloud of thick darkness, which suddenly covered her at noonday. Overcome with fright, at this strange

tlest accents. “Fear nothing, fairest,” said a soft voice, addressing her , “I am come to offer thee favour and protection.

t.” Io instantly recognised the silver tones which had first accosted her in her return from her paternal home, and thus st

instantly recognised the silver tones which had first accosted her in her return from her paternal home, and thus stopped,

ised the silver tones which had first accosted her in her return from her paternal home, and thus stopped, she listened wit

m her paternal home, and thus stopped, she listened with trembling to her divine admirer. At this moment, Juno, looking dow

se of that noonday darkness. To satisfy herself, she immediately took her car, drawn by peacocks, and was borne swiftly dow

strange cloud. Jupiter felt the approach of Juno, and to save Io from her anger, changed her into a beautiful white heifer.

ter felt the approach of Juno, and to save Io from her anger, changed her into a beautiful white heifer. The cloud graduall

a shady tree. As soon as Juno saw this beautiful animal, she admired her pearly horns and velvet ears, and inquired of Jup

whose herd she belonged, and finally ended by begging of him to give her to her. Jupiter had ho excuse for denying this re

herd she belonged, and finally ended by begging of him to give her to her . Jupiter had ho excuse for denying this request,

ady, and a favourite of Jupiter, so she resolved to take good care of her . In order to do this, she gave her in charge to A

she resolved to take good care of her. In order to do this, she gave her in charge to Argus, a person renowned for his vig

wake. Every day Argus turned Io into the fields, and at night he shut her up securely. One day, as she was grazing on the b

y, as she was grazing on the banks of the Inachus, the loved scene of her youthful sports, she perceived her father, and ap

of the Inachus, the loved scene of her youthful sports, she perceived her father, and approached him with familiarity. Inac

the beautiful heifer, and plucking a handful of grass, offered it to her , while he bound her horns with a garland of flowe

r, and plucking a handful of grass, offered it to her, while he bound her horns with a garland of flowers. The heifer seeme

arland of flowers. The heifer seemed grateful, and licked the hand of her father with her large rough tongue. Io longed to

s. The heifer seemed grateful, and licked the hand of her father with her large rough tongue. Io longed to communicate to I

ughter, and at length fell upon the expedient of tracing the story of her metamorphosis, with her foot, upon the sand. Inac

ll upon the expedient of tracing the story of her metamorphosis, with her foot, upon the sand. Inachus was surprised and sh

” Inachus threw his arms around the neck of the heifer, and wept over her , but Argus saw this tender interview, and instant

Io to a distant pasture. Jupiter, pitying Io, sent Mercury to deliver her from the power of Argus. “Go,” said the sovereign

the Nile: the winds which breathe over that river shall be subject to her control, and grateful navigators, as they speed t

tors, as they speed their course over that majestic stream, shall pay her thanks for safety, and for gentle breezes. Mercur

of Ladon. Syrinx was a worshipper of Diana, and that goddess forbade her followers to listen to any male, either divine or

yrinx, but she did not reply to him; she only ran away. Pan ran after her , and, when he overtook her, seized her by the arm

y to him; she only ran away. Pan ran after her, and, when he overtook her , seized her by the arm; but instead of clasping t

e only ran away. Pan ran after her, and, when he overtook her, seized her by the arm; but instead of clasping the youthful

oss of Argus, and caused his hundred eyes to be placed in the tail of her peacocks; where, deprived of the power of vision,

party-coloured bird. Juno now hated Io more than ever, and she drove her from place to place by a most cruel contrivance;

and tormented the unhappy Io wherever she went. Driven to madness by her incessant persecutor, Io plunged into the Mediter

or, Io plunged into the Mediterranean, at that part since called from her the Ionian Sea; thence she passed over Illyria an

ia and the mountains of Caucasus, and, after traversing Asia, pursued her career into Africa. Being arrived in Africa, she

ca. Being arrived in Africa, she became calm, knelt down, and raising her head toward heaven, implored Jupiter, with her lo

nelt down, and raising her head toward heaven, implored Jupiter, with her loud and continual lowing, to take pity on her su

implored Jupiter, with her loud and continual lowing, to take pity on her sufferings. Io’s prayer was heard; she was restor

ke pity on her sufferings. Io’s prayer was heard; she was restored to her human form, and afterward became queen of Egypt.

ften told me that I was the son of Apollo; and I will instantly go to her , and tell her that you dispute her word, and do n

hat I was the son of Apollo; and I will instantly go to her, and tell her that you dispute her word, and do not believe tha

Apollo; and I will instantly go to her, and tell her that you dispute her word, and do not believe that I am, like yourself

divine Apollo, to vindicate the words of my mother, who asserts that her child derives his birth from the gods, as certain

Terra (earth) prayed to Jupiter for protection; and he, propitious to her prayer, precipitated Phæton into the Eridanus,11

the world by his presence; while Clymene, accompanied by the Hiades, her daughters, wandered about the world in search of

and exhort the Thebans. At the time when the queen of Thebes uttered her contempt for the gods, it would seem without drea

atona; bind your brows with laurels, and bum incense on the altars of her children. Apollo and Diana command you, by my voi

tona, who is only a mortal, and who cannot serve you, let you flatter her ever so foolishly, or supplicate her ever so ferv

annot serve you, let you flatter her ever so foolishly, or supplicate her ever so fervently. If you have heard her history,

so foolishly, or supplicate her ever so fervently. If you have heard her history, you must know that, previous to the birt

have heard her history, you must know that, previous to the birth of her children, she had not a dwelling, and Terra refus

the birth of her children, she had not a dwelling, and Terra refused her one, so that she can have no power to bestow any

ul heroes, and seven blooming maids. Compare the desert of Latona and her children, with the merits of Niobe and hers.” Suc

to Apollo and Latona, and besought them to avenge the insult offered her by Niobe. In obedience to her wishes, Apollo and

ought them to avenge the insult offered her by Niobe. In obedience to her wishes, Apollo and Diana involved themselves in a

of this misfortune reached their mother, when the wretched queen saw her daughters transfixed by the same unseen darts; an

e unseen darts; and while the youngest of them yet lived, she covered her with her robe, entreating with bitter cries, that

darts; and while the youngest of them yet lived, she covered her with her robe, entreating with bitter cries, that one of h

covered her with her robe, entreating with bitter cries, that one of her offspring might be spared; but her supplications

ing with bitter cries, that one of her offspring might be spared; but her supplications were vain; the last-born of this fa

supplications were vain; the last-born of this fair train expired in her embrace. Amphion, driven to madness by the loss o

heir impiety; they repaired once more to the sacrifices of Latona and her children, and all the solemnities which they had

‘this altar is dedicated to Latona. You know that when Earth refused her an asylum, Neptune, for her reception, raised the

Latona. You know that when Earth refused her an asylum, Neptune, for her reception, raised the island of Delos from the Eg

born Apollo and Diana; but the unrelenting Juno hound means to drive her from this place of refuge; and Latona, taking the

d leading his sister by the other, fled into Lydia. “‘When Latona and her children reached the place where we now stand, it

rink. Some peasants, who were cutting osiers near the banks, observed her , and approaching, one of them thus coarsely accos

ks, observed her, and approaching, one of them thus coarsely accosted her : ‘Why come you hither, woman; is there no other w

“No sun yet beam’d from yon cerulean height; No orbing moon repair’d her horns of light; No earth, self-poised, on liquid

e limpid streams. All was now life, joy, and motion. Gæa, roused from her apathy, admired all that had already been done fo

a, roused from her apathy, admired all that had already been done for her embellishment, and, resolving to crown and comple

f like immensity, the starry Heaven; That he might sheltering compass her around On every side.” Hesiod ( Elton’s tr.). A

armony         Come to our ears, like dreams. “The Moon, too, brings her world so nigh,         That when the night-seer l

y Uranus to share their fate. Greatly dissatisfied with the treatment her children had received at their father’s hands, Gæ

er’s hands, Gæa remonstrated, but all in vain. Uranus would not grant her request to set the giants free, and whenever thei

o the words of sedition; but none were courageous enough to carry out her plans, except Cronus, the youngest of the Titans,

for his son. Gladly she placed him in his extended arms; but imagine her surprise and horror when she beheld her husband s

is extended arms; but imagine her surprise and horror when she beheld her husband swallow the babe. Time passed, and anothe

one little one: the selfish, hardhearted father would not relent. As her prayers seemed unavailing, Rhea finally resolved

med unavailing, Rhea finally resolved to obtain by stratagem the boon her husband denied; and as soon as her youngest son,

ed to obtain by stratagem the boon her husband denied; and as soon as her youngest son, Jupiter (Jove, Zeus), was born, she

ed upon him, Cronus then took leave, and the overjoyed mother clasped her rescued treasure to her breast. It was not suffic

took leave, and the overjoyed mother clasped her rescued treasure to her breast. It was not sufficient, however, to have s

d remain unconscious of his existence. To ensure this, Rhea entrusted her babe to the tender care of the Melian nymphs, who

. There a goat, Amalthea, was procured to act as nurse, and fulfilled her office so acceptably that she was eventually plac

ally placed in the heavens as a constellation, a brilliant reward for her kind ministrations. To prevent Jupiter’s cries be

he power so unlawfully obtained; but Gæa, to punish him for depriving her children of their birthright, created a terrible

man; and as soon as she had been artfully fashioned, each one endowed her with some special charm, to make her more attract

ully fashioned, each one endowed her with some special charm, to make her more attractive.                         “The cr

when the fair mischief, seeming-good, His hand had perfected, he led her forth Exulting in her grac’d attire, the gift Of

f, seeming-good, His hand had perfected, he led her forth Exulting in her grac’d attire, the gift Of Pallas, in the midst o

on, decreed she should be called Pandora. They then bade Mercury take her to Prometheus as a gift from heaven; but he, know

that nothing good would come to him from the gods, refused to accept her , and cautioned his brother Epimetheus to follow h

rely so beautiful and gentle a being can bring no evil!” and accepted her most joyfully. The first days of their union were

eus to ask Mercury what brought him thither. Epimetheus complied with her request; but Mercury evaded the question, asked p

ts of the mysterious box; but Epimetheus, surprised and shocked, told her that her curiosity was unseemly, and then, to dis

mysterious box; but Epimetheus, surprised and shocked, told her that her curiosity was unseemly, and then, to dispel the f

seen for the first time on the fair face of his beloved, he entreated her to come out into the fresh air and join in the me

hinking she would soon join him, and perhaps by some caress atone for her present wilfulness. Left alone with the mysteriou

head, of such fine workmanship that it seemed to smile and encourage her . Around the box a glittering golden cord was woun

on top in an intricate knot. Pandora, who prided herself specially on her deft fingers, felt sure she could unfasten it, an

d in on the summer breeze. Repeatedly she heard them call and beseech her to join them; yet she persisted in her attempt. S

he heard them call and beseech her to join them; yet she persisted in her attempt. She was just on the point of giving up i

of giving up in despair, when suddenly the refractory knot yielded to her fumbling fingers, and the cord, unrolling, droppe

e box. The noise now seemed to increase, and she breathlessly applied her ear to the lid to ascertain whether it really pro

scertain whether it really proceeded from within. Imagine, therefore, her surprise when she distinctly heard these words, u

unds. Should she open the box? Just then a familiar step outside made her start guiltily. Epimetheus was coming, and she kn

her start guiltily. Epimetheus was coming, and she knew he would urge her again to come out, and would prevent the gratific

ld urge her again to come out, and would prevent the gratification of her curiosity. Precipitately, therefore, she raised t

in their lives. Epimetheus reproached his wife in bitterest terms for her thoughtless action; but in the very midst of his

te box, whose cover Pandora had dropped again, in the first moment of her surprise and pain. “Open, open, and I will heal y

free, adding very amiably, that she had already done so much harm by her ill-fated curiosity, that it would be difficult t

dly creature. Hope, whose mission was to heal the wounds inflicted by her fellow prisoners. “Hope sole remain’d within, no

licted by her fellow prisoners. “Hope sole remain’d within, nor took her flight, Beneath the vessel’s verge conceal’d from

t.” Hesiod ( Elton’s tr.). Lightly fluttering hither and thither on her snowy pinions, Hope touched the wounded places on

serve the bright-eyed Queen         Are confident and gay; Clouds at her bidding disappear; Points she to aught? —the blis

th,” said he, “is the mother of all, and the stones may be considered her bones.” Husband and wife speedily decided to act

are derived. “Who does not see in drown Deucalion’s name, When Earth her men and Sea had lost her shore,                  

ot see in drown Deucalion’s name, When Earth her men and Sea had lost her shore,                         Old Noah!” Fletch

tory, who was ever ready to obey his slightest behest, and it is said her master loved her so dearly that he generally held

r ready to obey his slightest behest, and it is said her master loved her so dearly that he generally held an image of her

aid her master loved her so dearly that he generally held an image of her in his hand. The hundred-tongued goddess of fame,

ue that runs         Its way more swiftly wins: Her very motion lends her power: She flies and waxes every hour. At first s

dread:         Ere long she soars on high: Upon the ground she plants her tread,         Her forehead in the sky.” Virgil

on she journeyed throughout the world, scattering with careless hands her numerous gifts, and lavishing with indifference h

th careless hands her numerous gifts, and lavishing with indifference her choicest smiles; while Hebe, or Juventas, the god

ardly tripped and fell on a solemn occasion, and was forced to resign her office. To replace her, the father of the gods wa

on a solemn occasion, and was forced to resign her office. To replace her , the father of the gods was obliged to go in ques

me a bull and bellow’d.” Shakespeare. One day Europa was playing in her father’s meadows with her three brothers, Cadmus,

Shakespeare. One day Europa was playing in her father’s meadows with her three brothers, Cadmus, Phœnix, and Cilix, when s

Phœnix, and Cilix, when she suddenly saw a white bull coming towards her ; not with fiery eyes and lowered horns, but gentl

garlands of meadow-blossoms. Then, seeing him kneel, as if to invite her to mount, she lightly sprang upon his broad back,

vite her to mount, she lightly sprang upon his broad back, calling to her companions to follow her example; but, before the

ghtly sprang upon his broad back, calling to her companions to follow her example; but, before they could do as she wished,

re the frightened girl, the bull now spoke in gentle accents, bidding her dismiss all fear, for he was the great Jupiter in

shape at will.” Moschus ( Elton’s tr.). Pleased with the novelty of her situation, and flattered by the god’s evident adm

red by the god’s evident admiration, Europa ceased to struggle, wound her arms more closely round the bull’s neck to preven

more closely round the bull’s neck to prevent the waves from washing her off her perilous seat, and allowed herself to be

osely round the bull’s neck to prevent the waves from washing her off her perilous seat, and allowed herself to be carried

fair burden upon the shores of a new land, to which he gallantly gave her name, Europe. He then resumed his wonted form, ex

rm, explained at length his reasons for so unceremoniously kidnapping her , and finally won her consent to their union. Thei

th his reasons for so unceremoniously kidnapping her, and finally won her consent to their union. Their three sons were Min

ng princes had returned in haste to their father’s palace to announce her sudden involuntary departure. Agenor, whose favou

been, rent his garments in grief, and bade his sons go forth and seek her , and not to return till they had found her. Accom

his sons go forth and seek her, and not to return till they had found her . Accompanied by their mother, Telephassa, they im

elephassa, worn out with grief and fatigue, lay down to die, charging her eldest son to go on alone. Cadmus wandered on til

of him, and, mindful of the oracle, he ceased his search and followed her . Urged by curiosity, many adventurers joined him

to look about him for a suitable helpmate. Juno won his affections by her great beauty; and he immediately began his courts

koo, to infuse a little romance into it. He evidently found favour in her sight, and won her consent to share his throne; f

ttle romance into it. He evidently found favour in her sight, and won her consent to share his throne; for shortly afterwar

alous, and, like the element she personified, exceedingly variable in her moods. On such occasions she gave way to her viol

exceedingly variable in her moods. On such occasions she gave way to her violent temper, and bitterly reproached her husba

occasions she gave way to her violent temper, and bitterly reproached her husband, who, impatient of her censure, punished

iolent temper, and bitterly reproached her husband, who, impatient of her censure, punished her severely, and, instead of r

terly reproached her husband, who, impatient of her censure, punished her severely, and, instead of reforming, merely conti

der; but, in spite of all the precautions which he took when visiting her , Juno discovered the object of his affections. Ni

solitudes of the great forests, which were from that time forth to be her home. Jupiter vainly sought his absent mistress,

is absent mistress, and it was only long afterward that he discovered her and her little bear son Areas. In pity for all th

t mistress, and it was only long afterward that he discovered her and her little bear son Areas. In pity for all they had s

known as the constellations of the Great and Little Bear. Juno, like her husband, had also her special attendant, Iris (th

ations of the Great and Little Bear. Juno, like her husband, had also her special attendant, Iris (the Rainbow), whom she f

ld have known she had passed, had it not been for the brilliant trail her many-coloured robe left behind her in the sky. “

t not been for the brilliant trail her many-coloured robe left behind her in the sky. “Like fiery clouds, that flush with

uddy glare, Or Iris gliding through the purple air; When loosely girt her dazzling mantle flows, And ’gainst the sun in arc

with a diadem and sceptre. The peacock and cuckoo were both sacred to her , and are therefore often seen at her side. Her pr

k and cuckoo were both sacred to her, and are therefore often seen at her side. Her principal places of worship were at Myc

portant feasts were held in each city where a temple was dedicated to her . On one of these occasions an old priestess was v

ty: so the aged woman, who could no longer walk such a distance, bade her sons, Cleobis and Biton, harness her white heifer

onger walk such a distance, bade her sons, Cleobis and Biton, harness her white heifers to her car. The youths hastened to

tance, bade her sons, Cleobis and Biton, harness her white heifers to her car. The youths hastened to do her bidding; but,

iton, harness her white heifers to her car. The youths hastened to do her bidding; but, although they searched diligently,

d not be found. Rather than disappoint their aged mother, who had set her heart upon attending the services, these kind-hea

s, these kind-hearted sons harnessed themselves to the cart, and drew her through the city to the temple gates, amid the ac

o admired this trait of filial devotion. The mother was so touched by her sons’ affection, that, as she knelt before the al

r, she fervently prayed Juno to bestow upon them the greatest boon in her power. At the conclusion of the services the ex-p

clusion of the services the ex-priestess went into the portico, where her sons had thrown themselves down to rest after the

the operation performed, than Minerva (Pallas, Athene) sprang out of her father’s head, full-grown, clad in glittering arm

e Pallas issu’d from the Thund’rer’s head, Dulness o’er all possess’d her ancient right, Daughter of Chaos and eternal Nigh

Daughter of Chaos and eternal Night.” Pope. Minerva, having forced her unattractive predecessor to beat an ignominious r

retreat, quickly seized the sceptre and immediately began to rule in her stead. Not long after her birth, Cecrops, a Phœni

he sceptre and immediately began to rule in her stead. Not long after her birth, Cecrops, a Phœnician, came to Greece, wher

to surpass him. Loudly they laughed, and scornfully too, when she, in her turn, produced an olive tree; but when she had to

horse, the emblem of war and wretchedness, they could but acknowledge her gift the most serviceable, and award her the priz

, they could but acknowledge her gift the most serviceable, and award her the prize. To commemorate this victory over her r

erviceable, and award her the prize. To commemorate this victory over her rival, Minerva, gave her own name of Athene to th

the prize. To commemorate this victory over her rival, Minerva, gave her own name of Athene to the city, whose inhabitants

city, whose inhabitants, from that time forth, were taught to honour her as their tutelary goddess. Ever at Jupiter’s side

tutelary goddess. Ever at Jupiter’s side, Minerva often aided him by her wise counsels, and in times of war borrowed his t

s of war borrowed his terrible shield, the Ægis, which she flung over her shoulder when she sallied forth to give her suppo

gis, which she flung over her shoulder when she sallied forth to give her support to those whose cause was just.          

erbalanced by some exclusively feminine, for Minerva was as deft with her needle as with her sword. In Greece, there lived

exclusively feminine, for Minerva was as deft with her needle as with her sword. In Greece, there lived in those olden time

ng, and winsome, she would have been loved by all had it not been for her inordinate pride, not in her personal advantages,

ve been loved by all had it not been for her inordinate pride, not in her personal advantages, but in her skill as a needle

been for her inordinate pride, not in her personal advantages, but in her skill as a needlewoman. Arachne. Moreau. Ara

but in her skill as a needlewoman. Arachne. Moreau. Arachne, in her conceit, fancied that no one could equal the work

hne, in her conceit, fancied that no one could equal the work done by her deft fingers, so she boasted far and wide that sh

ers, so she boasted far and wide that she would not hesitate to match her skill with Minerva’s. She made this remark so lou

dly and so frequently, that the goddess finally was annoyed, and left her seat in high Olympus to punish the maiden. In the

lf, and began a conversation. In a few minutes the maiden had resumed her usual strain, and renewed her rash boast. Minerva

In a few minutes the maiden had resumed her usual strain, and renewed her rash boast. Minerva gently advised her to be more

her usual strain, and renewed her rash boast. Minerva gently advised her to be more modest, lest she should incur the wrat

her to be more modest, lest she should incur the wrath of the gods by her presumptuous words; but Arachne was so blinded by

of the gods by her presumptuous words; but Arachne was so blinded by her conceit, that she scorned the well-meant warning,

her conceit, that she scorned the well-meant warning, saucily tossed her head, and declared she wished the goddess would h

ucily tossed her head, and declared she wished the goddess would hear her , and propose a contest, in which she would surely

se a contest, in which she would surely be able to prove the truth of her assertions. This insolent speech so incensed Mine

rtions. This insolent speech so incensed Minerva, that she cast aside her disguise and accepted the challenge. Both set up

and began to weave exquisite designs in tapestry: Minerva choosing as her subject her contest with Neptune; and Arachne, th

weave exquisite designs in tapestry: Minerva choosing as her subject her contest with Neptune; and Arachne, the kidnapping

istering eies.” Spenser. Arachne, in the meanwhile, was intent upon her swimming bull, against whose broad breast the wav

tened girl, who clung to the bull’s horns, while the wind played with her flowing tresses and garments.         “Sweet Eur

arments.         “Sweet Europa’s mantle blew unclasp’d,     From off her shoulder backward borne: From one hand droop’d a

rn.” Tennyson. The finishing touches all given, each turned to view her rival’s work, and at the very first glance Arachn

work, and at the very first glance Arachne was forced to acknowledge her failure. To be thus outstripped, after all her pr

forced to acknowledge her failure. To be thus outstripped, after all her proud boasts, was humiliating indeed. Bitterly di

ud boasts, was humiliating indeed. Bitterly did Arachne now repent of her folly; and in her despair she bound a rope about

iliating indeed. Bitterly did Arachne now repent of her folly; and in her despair she bound a rope about her neck, and hung

ne now repent of her folly; and in her despair she bound a rope about her neck, and hung herself. Minerva saw her discomfit

espair she bound a rope about her neck, and hung herself. Minerva saw her discomfited rival was about to escape: so she qui

saw her discomfited rival was about to escape: so she quickly changed her dangling body into a spider, and condemned her to

so she quickly changed her dangling body into a spider, and condemned her to weave and spin without ceasing—a warning to al

idely worshipped. Temples and altars without number were dedicated to her service, the most celebrated of all being the Par

et in height. Festivals were celebrated in honour of Minerva wherever her worship was held — some, the Greek Panathenæa, fo

nights. Juno’s jealousy had been aroused by Jupiter’s preference for her rival. To avenge herself, she banished Latona to

na to earth, and declared that if any one, mortal or immortal, showed her any pity or gave her any assistance, he would inc

ared that if any one, mortal or immortal, showed her any pity or gave her any assistance, he would incur her lasting resent

ortal, showed her any pity or gave her any assistance, he would incur her lasting resentment. After long, painful wandering

the wayside to refresh herself; but, urged by Juno, some reapers bade her pass on, and then, seeing she paid no heed to the

ever leave the spot whereon they now stood; and Jupiter, in answer to her prayer, immediately transformed them into huge gr

stretched out imploring hands to Neptune, who sent a dolphin to bear her in safety to the floating island of Delos, raised

phin to bear her in safety to the floating island of Delos, raised in her behalf from the depths of the sea. The rocking mo

astening to Coronis’ side, he vainly tried all his remedies to recall her to life.                 “The god of Physic     

           “The god of Physic     Had no antidote; alack! He who took her off so deftly     Couldn’t bring the maiden back!

e, and cursed the bird which had brought him the unwelcome tidings of her faithlessness. “Then he turned upon the Raven,  

of self-sacrifice offered herself as substitute, and cheerfully gave her life for her husband. But immortality was too dea

ifice offered herself as substitute, and cheerfully gave her life for her husband. But immortality was too dearly bought at

until Hercules, pitying his grief, descended into Hades, and brought her back from the tomb.                             

sequence on Apollo’s part, and he longed to speak to the maid and win her affections. He first tried to approach her gently

speak to the maid and win her affections. He first tried to approach her gently, so as not to frighten her; but, before he

ections. He first tried to approach her gently, so as not to frighten her ; but, before he could reach her side, she fled, a

ach her gently, so as not to frighten her; but, before he could reach her side, she fled, and he, forgetful of all else, pu

ould reach her side, she fled, and he, forgetful of all else, pursued her flying footsteps. As he ran he called aloud to Da

her flying footsteps. As he ran he called aloud to Daphne, entreating her to pause were it only for a moment, and promising

ntreating her to pause were it only for a moment, and promising to do her no harm. “Abate, fair fugitive, abate thy speed,

rified girl paid no heed to promises or entreaties, but sped on until her strength began to fail, and she perceived, that,

her strength began to fail, and she perceived, that, notwithstanding her utmost efforts, her pursuer was gaining upon her.

to fail, and she perceived, that, notwithstanding her utmost efforts, her pursuer was gaining upon her. Panting and trembli

hat, notwithstanding her utmost efforts, her pursuer was gaining upon her . Panting and trembling, she swerved aside, and ru

ting and trembling, she swerved aside, and rushed down to the edge of her father’s stream, calling out loudly for his prote

for his protection. No sooner had she reached the water’s edge, than her feet seemed rooted to the ground. A rough bark ra

n her feet seemed rooted to the ground. A rough bark rapidly enclosed her quivering limbs, while her trembling hands were f

the ground. A rough bark rapidly enclosed her quivering limbs, while her trembling hands were filled with leaves. Her fath

her trembling hands were filled with leaves. Her father had answered her prayer by changing her into a laurel tree. Apollo

re filled with leaves. Her father had answered her prayer by changing her into a laurel tree. Apollo, coming up just then w

essed the passing wind; nevertheless she sought Procris, and informed her that her husband was faithless, and paid court to

passing wind; nevertheless she sought Procris, and informed her that her husband was faithless, and paid court to a fair m

y, gave credit to the false story, and immediately resolved to follow her husband. The morning had well-nigh passed, and th

of his infidelity, sank fainting to the ground. The rustle caused by her swoon attracted Cephalus’ attention. Under the mi

thful bosom of his wife. Her dying moan brought him with one bound to her side; ere she breathed her last, an explanation w

r dying moan brought him with one bound to her side; ere she breathed her last, an explanation was given and received; and

iven and received; and Procris died with the blissful conviction that her husband had not deserved her unjust suspicions, a

s died with the blissful conviction that her husband had not deserved her unjust suspicions, and that his heart was all her

nd had not deserved her unjust suspicions, and that his heart was all her own. There are, of course, many other versions of

our in Apollo’s eyes, and languished until the gods, in pity, changed her into a sunflower. Even in this altered guise Clyt

wer. Even in this altered guise Clytie could not forget the object of her love; and now, a fit emblem of constancy, she sti

ts,     But as truly loves on to the close; As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets     The same look which she turn

ed by Minerva, who, seated by the banks of a small stream, was trying her skill on the flute. As she bent over the limpid w

on the flute. As she bent over the limpid waters, she suddenly beheld her puffed cheeks and distorted features, and impetuo

at that he fell a victim to the charms of the fair Calliope, who, in her turn, loved him passionately, and even wrote vers

onately, and even wrote verses in his honour. This being the state of her feelings, she readily consented to their union, a

in love with Eurydice, he brought all his skill into play, and wooed her with voice and glance and with tender, passionate

ouched by his courtship, and ere long requited the love lavished upon her by conferring her hand upon Orpheus. Shortly afte

tship, and ere long requited the love lavished upon her by conferring her hand upon Orpheus. Shortly after their union, whi

ved so distasteful, that she fled from him as quickly as possible. In her haste she accidentally trod upon a venomous serpe

mous serpent lurking in the long grass, which immediately turned upon her , and bit her heel. A short period of agonised suf

lurking in the long grass, which immediately turned upon her, and bit her heel. A short period of agonised suffering ensued

A short period of agonised suffering ensued; then Eurydice died, and her spirit was conducted down into the gloomy realms

hereupon they graciously consented to restore Eurydice to life and to her fond husband’s care.             “Hell consented

l, A conquest how hard and how glorious!     Tho’ fate had fast bound her     With Styx nine times round her, Yet music and

ious!     Tho’ fate had fast bound her     With Styx nine times round her , Yet music and love were victorious.” Pope. But

re him; and as he walked he wondered whether Eurydice were changed by her sojourn in these rayless depths. Forgetful of the

dition imposed by Pluto, his longing to feast his eyes once more upon her loved features induced him to turn just before he

ffrighted eyes. “No word of plaint even in that second Death Against her lord she uttered, — how could Love Too anxious be

h he could not forget his wife; and, as his spirit drifted on to join her , he incessantly called upon her name until the br

and, as his spirit drifted on to join her, he incessantly called upon her name until the brooks, trees, and fountains he ha

stic tastes. Hearing that their mother Antiope had been repudiated by her second husband, Lycus, so that he might marry ano

epresented; for poor Antiope was now imprisoned, and subject daily to her rival’s cruel treatment. Zethus and Amphion, afte

and, binding Dirce to the tail of a wild bull, let him loose to drag her over briars and stones until she perished. This p

ere once dwelt Clymene, a fair nymph. She was not alone; however, for her golden-haired little son Phaeton was there to gla

owever, for her golden-haired little son Phaeton was there to gladden her heart with all his childish graces. Early in the

t orb first appeared above the horizon, Clymene would point it out to her boy, and tell him that his father, Apollo, was se

lo, was setting out for his daily drive. Clymene so often entertained her child with stories of his father’s beauty and pow

t taunts which they added, Phaeton hastened to his mother, and begged her to direct him to his father, that he might obtain

pawing, champing steeds were ready; rosy-fingered Aurora only awaited her master’s signal to fling wide the gates of morn;

ley. The tidings of his death soon reached poor Clymene, who mourned her only son, and refused to be comforted; while the

y represented with a laurel wreath and a book and stylus, to indicate her readiness to note all that happened to mortal men

Mild pastoral Muse! That, to the sparkling crown Urania wears, And to her sister Clio’s laurel wreath, Preferr’st a garland

ania, Muse of astronomy, held mathematical instruments, indicative of her love of the exact sciences. This glorious sisterh

stern gates of pearl, and who then flashed across the sky to announce her master’s coming.     “Hail, gentle Dawn! mild bl

however, she forgot to ask at the same time for continued youth; and her husband grew older and older, and finally became

er and older, and finally became so decrepit, that he was a burden to her . “Immortal age beside immortal youth.” Tennyson

Thy darling Cephalus expects thee there!’ The goddess, with a blush, her love betrays, But mounts, and, driving rapidly, o

n a short hunting dress, armed with a bow, a quiver full of arrows at her side, and a crescent on her well-poised head. “N

ed with a bow, a quiver full of arrows at her side, and a crescent on her well-poised head. “Near the Delian olive-tree La

l streams and their melody.” Catullus ( R. C. Jebb’s tr.). Proud of her two children, Apollo and Diana, Latona boasted fa

urteen children, — seven manly sons and seven beautiful daughters. In her pride she called aloud to Latona, and taunted her

tiful daughters. In her pride she called aloud to Latona, and taunted her because her offspring numbered but two. Shortly a

ers. In her pride she called aloud to Latona, and taunted her because her offspring numbered but two. Shortly after, Niobe

numbered but two. Shortly after, Niobe even went so far as to forbid her people to worship Apollo and Diana, and gave orde

and Diana, and gave orders that all the statues representing them in her kingdom should be torn down from their pedestals

their pedestals and destroyed. Enraged at this insult, Latona called her children to her side, and bade them go forth and

and destroyed. Enraged at this insult, Latona called her children to her side, and bade them go forth and slay all her luc

called her children to her side, and bade them go forth and slay all her luckless rival’s offspring. Provided with well-st

ffspring. Provided with well-stocked quivers, the twins set out to do her bidding; and Apollo, meeting the seven lads out h

eed the tidings reached Niobe, whose heart failed when she heard that her seven sons, her pride and delight, had fallen und

reached Niobe, whose heart failed when she heard that her seven sons, her pride and delight, had fallen under Apollo’s shaf

e deer to its cover. As she mourned their untimely death, she thought her cup of sorrow was full; but long ere her first pa

untimely death, she thought her cup of sorrow was full; but long ere her first passion of grief was over, Diana began to s

but long ere her first passion of grief was over, Diana began to slay her daughters. “But what is this? What means this oo

g flood? Her daughters, too, arc weltering in their blood: One clasps her mother’s knees, one clings around Her neck, and o

ings around Her neck, and one lies prostrate on the ground; One seeks her breast; one eyes the coming woe And shudders; one

fell one by one, never to rise again. The last clung convulsively to her mother’s breast; but, even in that fond mother’s

ven in that fond mother’s passionate embrace, death found and claimed her . Then the gods, touched by the sight of woe so in

he marble cheeks, for, though changed, Niobe still felt, and wept for her great loss. This story is an allegory, in which N

rd, cold, and proud; until Apollo’s deadly arrows, the sunbeams, slay her children, the winter months. Her tears are emblem

been introduced into Olympus, all the gods expressed a wish to marry her ; but she refused to listen to their entreaties, b

h to marry her; but she refused to listen to their entreaties, begged her father’s permission to remain single all her life

their entreaties, begged her father’s permission to remain single all her life, and pleaded her cause so ably, that Jupiter

ed her father’s permission to remain single all her life, and pleaded her cause so ably, that Jupiter was forced to grant h

life, and pleaded her cause so ably, that Jupiter was forced to grant her request. Every evening, as soon as the Sun had fi

ry evening, as soon as the Sun had finished his course, Diana mounted her moon car, and drove her milk-white steeds across

he Sun had finished his course, Diana mounted her moon car, and drove her milk-white steeds across the heavens, watched ove

nd loved by the countless stars, which shone their brightest to cheer her on her way; and as she drove she often bent down

d by the countless stars, which shone their brightest to cheer her on her way; and as she drove she often bent down to view

the intoxicating perfume of the distant flowers. It always seemed to her then as if Nature, so beautiful during the day, b

as now the time when Phœbus yields to night, And rising Cynthia sheds her silver light, Wide o’er the world in solemn pomp

e evening, as she was driving noiselessly along, she suddenly checked her steeds; for there on the hillside she saw a hands

light. Diana wonderingly gazed upon his beauty, and before long felt her heart beat with more than admiration. Gliding gen

ng felt her heart beat with more than admiration. Gliding gently from her chariot, she floated to his side, bent slowly, an

, could not bear to pass him by without a caress, and invariably left her car for a moment, as it touched the mountain peak

ion sleeping.” Boyesen. But, even when asleep, Endymion watched for her coming, and enjoyed the bliss of her presence; ye

hen asleep, Endymion watched for her coming, and enjoyed the bliss of her presence; yet a spell seemed to prevent his givin

off to Mount Latmus, where she concealed him in a cave held sacred to her , and never profaned by human gaze. There each nig

a soft kiss upon his unconscious lips. Such is the tale of Diana and her lowly lover, which has inspired poets of all ages

however, the only mortal loved by Diana, for it is also related that her affections were bestowed upon a young hunter by t

e timid and impressionable than the rest, withdrew from sight to hide her anguish from the curious eyes of men. “And is t

deed, and he made up his mind to abduct his bride instead of marrying her openly; but the plan was frustrated by Œnopion’s

lved to put an end to his sister’s infatuation. He therefore summoned her to his side. To divert her suspicions, he began t

ister’s infatuation. He therefore summoned her to his side. To divert her suspicions, he began to talk of archery, and, und

cions, he began to talk of archery, and, under the pretext of testing her skill as a markswoman, bade her shoot at a dark s

ry, and, under the pretext of testing her skill as a markswoman, bade her shoot at a dark speck rising and falling far out

shoot at a dark speck rising and falling far out at sea. Diana seized her bow, feathered her arrow, and sent it with such f

ck rising and falling far out at sea. Diana seized her bow, feathered her arrow, and sent it with such force and accurate a

rk head of Orion, who was refreshing himself by a sea bath, was given her as a target. When she discovered her error, she m

himself by a sea bath, was given her as a target. When she discovered her error, she mourned his loss with many tears, vowe

lations in the sky. The Story of Actæon When Diana had finished her nightly journey in her moon car, she seized her b

The Story of Actæon When Diana had finished her nightly journey in her moon car, she seized her bow and arrows, and, att

en Diana had finished her nightly journey in her moon car, she seized her bow and arrows, and, attended by her nymphs, was

rney in her moon car, she seized her bow and arrows, and, attended by her nymphs, was wont to sally forth to hunt the wild

er afternoon, after an unusually long and exciting pursuit, Diana and her followers came to one of the still mountain pools

a plunge. The cool waters rippled so invitingly, that the goddess and her attendants hastened to divest themselves of their

ments, and lave their heated limbs. But unfortunately the goddess and her attendant nymphs had not been the only hunters ou

nt Diana turned to ascertain the cause of the rustle which had caught her practised ear, and met the admiring gaze of the a

ed young hunter. Speechless with indignation that a mortal had beheld her thus, she caught some water in her hollow palm, f

dignation that a mortal had beheld her thus, she caught some water in her hollow palm, flung it in his face, and bade him g

ops had no sooner touched the young man’s face than he turned to obey her command, and found himself transformed into a sta

a was widely worshipped, and temples without number were dedicated to her service; among others the world-renowned sanctuar

honour of this fair goddess of the moon, who was ever ready to extend her protection over all deserving mortals. “Queen an

y the blue-veined feet scarce press’d, Her silky ringlets float about her breast, Veiling its fairy loveliness; while her e

ringlets float about her breast, Veiling its fairy loveliness; while her eye Is soft and deep as the blue heaven is high.

erious birth.” Shelley. The ocean nymphs were the first to discover her , cradled on a great blue wave; and they carried h

first to discover her, cradled on a great blue wave; and they carried her down into their coral caves, where they tenderly

y carried her down into their coral caves, where they tenderly nursed her , and taught her with the utmost care. Then, her e

wn into their coral caves, where they tenderly nursed her, and taught her with the utmost care. Then, her education being c

they tenderly nursed her, and taught her with the utmost care. Then, her education being completed, the sea nymphs judged

education being completed, the sea nymphs judged it time to introduce her to the other gods, and, with that purpose in view

roduce her to the other gods, and, with that purpose in view, carried her up to the surface of the sea, — where Tritons, Oc

the sea, — where Tritons, Oceanides, and Nereides all crowded around her , loudly expressing their ardent admiration, — and

around her, loudly expressing their ardent admiration, — and offered her pearls and choice bits of coral from the deep, as

ed her pearls and choice bits of coral from the deep, as a tribute to her charms. Then they pillowed her softly on a great

f coral from the deep, as a tribute to her charms. Then they pillowed her softly on a great wave, and entrusted her to the

charms. Then they pillowed her softly on a great wave, and entrusted her to the care of Zephyrus, the soft south wind, who

f Zephyrus, the soft south wind, who blew a gentle breath, and wafted her to the Island of Cyprus. The four beautiful Horæ

r and Themis, goddess of justice, stood there on the shore to welcome her .                             “An ethereal band A

e, Winter frosty hoar.” Keats. And they were not alone to watch for her coming, for the three Charities (Graces, or Grati

ally brought the fair goddess in safety to the shore; and, as soon as her foot touched’ the white sand, all bent in homage

d, as soon as her foot touched’ the white sand, all bent in homage to her surpassing beauty, and reverentially watched her

ll bent in homage to her surpassing beauty, and reverentially watched her dry her hair. “Idalian Aphrodite beautiful, Fres

in homage to her surpassing beauty, and reverentially watched her dry her hair. “Idalian Aphrodite beautiful, Fresh as the

bathed in Paphian wells, With rosy slender fingers backward drew From her warm brows and bosom her deep hair Ambrosial, gol

With rosy slender fingers backward drew From her warm brows and bosom her deep hair Ambrosial, golden round her lucid throa

w From her warm brows and bosom her deep hair Ambrosial, golden round her lucid throat And shoulder: from the violets her l

brosial, golden round her lucid throat And shoulder: from the violets her light foot Shone rosy-white, and o’er her rounded

shoulder: from the violets her light foot Shone rosy-white, and o’er her rounded form Between the shadows of the vine bunc

nyson. This hasty and somewhat primitive toilet completed, Venus and her followers set out for Mount Olympus, and on their

a rapturous murmur of admiration. Her beauty took them by storm, and her grace won their hearts; but, although they one an

ir hearts; but, although they one and all expressed a desire to marry her , Venus scornfully rejected their proposals. Even

d their proposals. Even the king of gods was slighted, and, to punish her for her pride, he decreed she should marry Vulcan

proposals. Even the king of gods was slighted, and, to punish her for her pride, he decreed she should marry Vulcan, god of

s anything but a happy one; for Venus never showed any affection for, her deformed consort, and, instead of being a faithfu

o catch the concealed meaning of this answer. It was only revealed to her when Anteros, god of passion, was born. When with

habits. The Story of Adonis Venus, however, did not lavish all her love upon Mars, for she is said to have felt a te

she besought him to forego the pleasures of the chase and remain with her . He laughingly escaped, and continued to join the

e of his tragic death, rushing through underbrush and briars, tearing her delicate skin and her blood tingeing all the whit

rushing through underbrush and briars, tearing her delicate skin and her blood tingeing all the white roses along her way

ng her delicate skin and her blood tingeing all the white roses along her way with a faint pink. When she arrived, she foun

te roses along her way with a faint pink. When she arrived, she found her beloved Adonis cold in death, and her passionate

nk. When she arrived, she found her beloved Adonis cold in death, and her passionate caresses met with no response. Then sh

and water nymphs, the gods, men, and all nature in fact, joined with her to mourn the beloved youth. “Her loss the Loves

feet, imploring him to release Adonis from death’s embrace, or allow her to share his lot in Hades. To allow Beauty to des

llow Beauty to desert the earth was not possible, nor could he resist her pleading: so he finally decreed that Adonis shoul

her pleading: so he finally decreed that Adonis should be restored to her longing arms. But Pluto, whose subject he had now

and ere long yielded to temptation and revealed the secret, incurring her wrath to such an extent, that some mythologists a

incurring her wrath to such an extent, that some mythologists accuse her of borrowing one of Jupiter’s thunderbolts and sl

on his son Æneas’ back. Venus’ love was, however, all transferred to her son Æneas, whom she signally protected throughout

e case with a lovely maiden by the name of Hero, who was dedicated by her parents to Venus’ service, and, as soon as old en

her parents to Venus’ service, and, as soon as old enough, spent all her time in the temple, ministering to the goddess, o

goddess, or in a lonely tower by the sea, where she dwelt alone with her aged nurse. “Honey-sweet Hero, of a princely rac

f a princely race, Was priestess to Queen Venus in that place; And at her father’s tower, by the sea set — Herself a Queen

iden yet — Dwelt.” Edwin Arnold. The maiden’s beauty increased with her years, until the fame of her loveliness spread th

old. The maiden’s beauty increased with her years, until the fame of her loveliness spread throughout her native city Sest

ed with her years, until the fame of her loveliness spread throughout her native city Sestus, and even passed over the Hell

vited. Under pretext of paying homage to the goddess, Leander entered her temple, and saw the young priestess, whose charms

anaged to exchange a few words with Hero, declared his love, implored her to view his suit kindly, and, above all, to grant

youth’s — Leander he, And lovely Hero, Sestos’ sweetest, she; She of her town, and he of his, the boast; A noble pair!” E

en listened to his pleading with mingled joy and terror, for she knew her parents would never consent to their union Then,

the shades of night had fallen, and none could see his goal, and pay her a visit in her lonely tower.     “‘Sweet! for th

night had fallen, and none could see his goal, and pay her a visit in her lonely tower.     “‘Sweet! for thy love,’ he cri

rs overcame the maiden’s scruples, and she arranged to receive him in her sea-girt tower, promising at a given hour to ligh

elf the shy, sweet blushes which would dye Hero’s cheek as he clasped her to his passionate heart. “Leander had no fear — 

rom the top of “many-peaked Olympus,” smilingly viewed the success of her scheme, and nerved Leander’s arm to cleave the ra

o, whose heart had throbbed with anxiety at the thought of the perils her lover was braving for the sake of seeing her once

he thought of the perils her lover was braving for the sake of seeing her once more. It was only when the dawn began to whi

bydus, and she to prepare for the daily duties which would soon claim her attention But separation by day was all these fon

night after night, as soon as the first stars appeared, Hero lighted her torch, and Leander hastened to her, to linger by

first stars appeared, Hero lighted her torch, and Leander hastened to her , to linger by her side till dawn. “Thus pass’d t

ed, Hero lighted her torch, and Leander hastened to her, to linger by her side till dawn. “Thus pass’d the summer shadows

he Hellespont. Hero, in the grey dawn of a winter’s morning, besought her lover not to leave her to battle against the wave

the grey dawn of a winter’s morning, besought her lover not to leave her to battle against the waves, which beat so violen

h beat so violently against the stone tower; but he gently laughed at her fears, and departed, promising to return at night

dered on the beach.” Edwin Arnold. All day long Hero had hoped that her lover would renounce his nightly journey; but sti

nounce his nightly journey; but still, when evening came, she lighted her torch to serve as beacon, should he risk all to k

ws closed for ever over his head. Hero in the meanwhile had relighted her torch, and, quite unconscious of the tragedy whic

s of the tragedy which had taken place, stood on the tower, straining her eyes to pierce the darkness. All night long she w

in sight as far as she could see. She was about to descend to pursue her daily tasks, when, glancing at the foot of the to

sue her daily tasks, when, glancing at the foot of the tower, she saw her lover’s corpse heaving up and down on the waves.

eir continuous sighs finally touched Venus, who prepared to give them her aid. Thanks to this goddess’s kind offices, a cra

te mulberry tree, just without the city gates. Thisbe, anxious to see her lover, was the first to reach the trysting-place,

she was about to call to him that he was discovered, when, instead of her lover, she saw a lion emerge from the thicket and

of her lover, she saw a lion emerge from the thicket and come towards her , slowly lashing his sides with his tail, and lick

is bloody jaws. With one terrified shriek the girl ran away, dropping her veil, which the lion caught in his bloody mouth a

for Thisbe, who was not there, however, to receive them. Wondering at her absence, Pyramus looked around, and after a short

er whether the lion were still lurking there. The first glance showed her Pyramus stretched dead beneath the mulberry tree,

nce showed her Pyramus stretched dead beneath the mulberry tree, with her bloody veil pressed convulsively to his lips. Wit

flew to his side, and tried to revive him; but, when assured that all her efforts were in vain, she drew the dagger from hi

e in vain, she drew the dagger from his breast, and, plunging it into her own bosom, fell beside him lifeless.            

it into her own bosom, fell beside him lifeless.                 “In her bosom plunged the sword, All warm and reeking fro

, and was proportionately grieved when she saw that he did not return her affection. All her blandishments were unavailing,

nately grieved when she saw that he did not return her affection. All her blandishments were unavailing, and in her despair

t return her affection. All her blandishments were unavailing, and in her despair at his hard-heartedness, she implored Ven

g to die, she wandered off into the mountains, far from the haunts of her former companions, and there, brooding continuall

haunts of her former companions, and there, brooding continually over her sorrow, pined away until there remained naught of

ontinually over her sorrow, pined away until there remained naught of her but her melodious voice. The gods, displeased at

ly over her sorrow, pined away until there remained naught of her but her melodious voice. The gods, displeased at her lack

mained naught of her but her melodious voice. The gods, displeased at her lack of proper pride, condemned her to haunt rock

us voice. The gods, displeased at her lack of proper pride, condemned her to haunt rocks and solitary places, and, as a war

to other impulsive maidens, to repeat the last sounds which fell upon her ear “But her voice is still living immortal, —  

sive maidens, to repeat the last sounds which fell upon her ear “But her voice is still living immortal, —     The same yo

had not forgotten poor Echo’s last passionate prayer, and was biding her time to punish the disdainful Narcissus. One day,

nxious eyes. It seemed to him that the nymph was about to emerge from her hiding place to reconnoitre. More prudent this ti

nymph’s whole head appeared. In gentle tones the youth now addressed her ; and her ruby lips parted and moved as if she wer

whole head appeared. In gentle tones the youth now addressed her; and her ruby lips parted and moved as if she were answeri

on two snowy arms repeated his every gesture; but when, encouraged by her loving glances and actions, he tried once more to

uraged by her loving glances and actions, he tried once more to clasp her in his arms, she vanished as rapidly as the first

pool to ascertain whether she too were anxious and sleepless, and saw her gazing longingly up at him. There Narcissus linge

h, and a faint colour flushed the pale cheeks, while a breath dilated her lungs, and sent her blood coursing through her ve

r flushed the pale cheeks, while a breath dilated her lungs, and sent her blood coursing through her veins, — “As once wit

while a breath dilated her lungs, and sent her blood coursing through her veins, — “As once with prayers in passion flowin

hless beauty. Psyche, the youngest of the sisters, was so lovely that her father’s subjects declared her worthy to be calle

est of the sisters, was so lovely that her father’s subjects declared her worthy to be called the Goddess of Beauty, and of

rthy to be called the Goddess of Beauty, and offered to pay homage to her instead of to Venus. Offended by this proposal, w

to that benighted race that the maiden was mortal. She therefore bade her son Cupid slay her. Armed with his bow and arrows

ace that the maiden was mortal. She therefore bade her son Cupid slay her . Armed with his bow and arrows, and provided with

ow and arrows, and provided with a deadly poison, Cupid set out to do her bidding, and at nightfall reached the palace, cre

ched the couch upon which the fail maiden was sleeping, and bent over her to administer the poisoned dose. A moonbeam falli

over her to administer the poisoned dose. A moonbeam falling athwart her face revealed her unequalled loveliness, and made

ister the poisoned dose. A moonbeam falling athwart her face revealed her unequalled loveliness, and made Cupid start back

ity of his hurt, he hung enraptured over the sleeping maiden, and let her fail image sink into his heart; then, noiselessly

auty. Morning dawned. Venus, who had expected to see the sun illumine her rival’s corpse, saw her sporting as usual in the

nus, who had expected to see the sun illumine her rival’s corpse, saw her sporting as usual in the palace gardens, and real

e, saw her sporting as usual in the palace gardens, and realised that her first plan had completely failed. She therefore b

her’s persecutions, had followed Psyche unseen and, when he perceived her intention to commit suicide he called to Zephyrus

reated him to catch the maiden in his strong yet gentle arms and bear her off to a distant isle. Psyche and Zephyrus.

, in the midst of an exquisite garden. Bewildered, she slowly rose to her feet, rubbed her pretty eyes to make sure she was

an exquisite garden. Bewildered, she slowly rose to her feet, rubbed her pretty eyes to make sure she was not dreaming, an

she came to an enchanted palace, whose portals opened wide to receive her , while gentle voices bade her enter, and invisibl

e, whose portals opened wide to receive her, while gentle voices bade her enter, and invisible hands drew her over the thre

ive her, while gentle voices bade her enter, and invisible hands drew her over the threshold and waited upon her. When nigh

nter, and invisible hands drew her over the threshold and waited upon her . When night came, and darkness again covered the

gged for some return. Now, although the fading light would not permit her to discern the form or features of her unknown lo

fading light would not permit her to discern the form or features of her unknown lover, Psyche listened to his soft tones

led pleasure, and soon consented to their union. Cupid then entreated her to make no attempt to discover his name, or to ca

empt to discover his name, or to catch a glimpse of his face, warning her that if she did so he would be forced to leave he

his face, warning her that if she did so he would be forced to leave her , never to return. “‘Dear, I am with thee only wh

e of Knowledge,’” Lewis Morris. Psyche solemnly promised to respect her mysterious lover’s wishes, and gave herself up en

rth their evening song, and breathlessly waited until he came to join her .         “Now on broad pinions from the realms a

Cyprian grove; To his wide arms enamour’d Psyche springs, And clasps her lover with aurelian wings. A purple sash across h

was gratified almost as soon as expressed; and at last, encouraged by her lover’s evident anxiety to please her, she gave u

sed; and at last, encouraged by her lover’s evident anxiety to please her , she gave utterance to her longing to see and con

d by her lover’s evident anxiety to please her, she gave utterance to her longing to see and converse with her sisters once

lease her, she gave utterance to her longing to see and converse with her sisters once more. The ardent lover could not ref

orning, while enjoying a solitary stroll, Psyche suddenly encountered her two sisters. After rapturous embraces and an inco

s and answers, they settled down to enjoy a long talk. Psyche related her desperate attempt at suicide, her miraculous pres

o enjoy a long talk. Psyche related her desperate attempt at suicide, her miraculous preservation from certain death, her a

e attempt at suicide, her miraculous preservation from certain death, her aerial journey, her entrance into the enchanted p

, her miraculous preservation from certain death, her aerial journey, her entrance into the enchanted palace, her love for

in death, her aerial journey, her entrance into the enchanted palace, her love for her mysterious nightly visitor, — all, i

aerial journey, her entrance into the enchanted palace, her love for her mysterious nightly visitor, — all, in short, that

ightly visitor, — all, in short, that had happened since she had left her father’s home. Psyche. Harry Bates. By Perm

ad always been jealous of Psyche’s superior beauty; and when they saw her luxurious surroundings, and heard her raptures ab

erior beauty; and when they saw her luxurious surroundings, and heard her raptures about her lover, they were envious, and

hen they saw her luxurious surroundings, and heard her raptures about her lover, they were envious, and resolved to mar the

y. They therefore did all in their power to convince poor Psyche that her lover must be some monster, so hideous that he da

us that he dare not brave the broad light of day, lest he should make her loathe him, and further added that, if she were n

hat, if she were not very careful, he would probably end by devouring her . They thereupon advised poor troubled Psyche to c

hereupon advised poor troubled Psyche to conceal a lamp and dagger in her lover’s apartment, and to gaze upon him in secret

d, the hideous countenance and distorted form of a monster, they bade her use the dagger to kill him. Then, satisfied with

lcome, and Psyche, tortured with doubt, could with difficulty conceal her agitation. After repeated efforts to charm her fr

ith difficulty conceal her agitation. After repeated efforts to charm her from her silent mood, Cupid fell asleep; and, as

culty conceal her agitation. After repeated efforts to charm her from her silent mood, Cupid fell asleep; and, as soon as h

breathing proclaimed him lost in slumber, Psyche noiselessly lighted her lamp, seized her dagger, and, approaching the cou

imed him lost in slumber, Psyche noiselessly lighted her lamp, seized her dagger, and, approaching the couch with great cau

her dagger, and, approaching the couch with great caution, bent over her sleeping lover. The lamp, which she held high abo

on, bent over her sleeping lover. The lamp, which she held high above her head, cast its light full upon the face and form

him, enraptured, she forgot all caution. An inadvertent motion tipped her lamp, and one drop of burning oil, running over t

racted; bold, And now irresolute she seems; The blue lamp glimmers in her hold, And in her hand the dagger gleams. Prepared

now irresolute she seems; The blue lamp glimmers in her hold, And in her hand the dagger gleams. Prepared to strike, she v

t hastened out into the gardens, where she soon lost consciousness of her misery in a deep swoon. When she opened her eyes

oon lost consciousness of her misery in a deep swoon. When she opened her eyes once more, the storm had ceased, the sun was

to a neighbouring river; but the god of the stream caught and carried her ashore, where his daughters, the water nymphs, re

d carried her ashore, where his daughters, the water nymphs, restored her to life. Thus forced to live, Psyche wandered abo

she met, the nymphs, Pan, and Ceres, who compassionately listened to her confession of love for her husband. Ceres had oft

and Ceres, who compassionately listened to her confession of love for her husband. Ceres had often seen Cupid, and had hear

Venus: so she advised Psyche to go to the Goddess of Beauty, to enter her service, and to perform every task with cheerful

atefully accepted and followed Ceres’ advice, and having succeeded in her endeavour to enter the service of Venus, she labo

to enter the service of Venus, she laboured early and late to satisfy her exacting mistress, who appointed such difficult t

them had she not been aided by all the beasts and insects, who loved her dearly. Venus repeatedly tested her fidelity and

the beasts and insects, who loved her dearly. Venus repeatedly tested her fidelity and endurance, and finally resolved, as

and endurance, and finally resolved, as a crucial experiment, to send her to Hades to fetch a box of ointment which had won

it, for which Proserpina alone had the recipe. Directed by Zephyrus, her old friend, Psyche encountered the terrors of Had

friend, Psyche encountered the terrors of Hades in safety, delivered her message, and in return received a small box. The

in return received a small box. The gates of Hades were closed behind her , and she had nearly finished her last task, when

he gates of Hades were closed behind her, and she had nearly finished her last task, when she suddenly fancied that it woul

ained naught but the spirit of Sleep, who, pouncing upon Psyche, laid her low by the roadside. Cupid, passing by, saw her t

ing upon Psyche, laid her low by the roadside. Cupid, passing by, saw her there, marked the ravages of grief, remembered hi

, saw her there, marked the ravages of grief, remembered his love and her suffering, and, wrestling with the spirit, forced

sed to be present at the nuptial ceremony. Venus even, forgetting all her former envy, welcomed the blushing bride, who was

t, considered Psyche the personification of the soul, and represented her with butterfly wings; that little insect being an

e latest myths concerning Venus is that of Berenice, who, fearing for her beloved husband’s life, implored the goddess to p

e, implored the goddess to protect him in battle, vowing to sacrifice her luxuriant hair if he returned home in safety. The

Berenice’s Hair among the stars, there to shine for ever in memory of her wifely sacrifice. Venus, goddess of beauty, is re

tirely nude, or with some scanty drapery called a “cestus.” Seated in her chariot, formed of a single pearl shell, and draw

ariot, formed of a single pearl shell, and drawn by snow-white doves, her favourite birds, she journeyed from shrine to shr

e, complacently admiring the lavish decorations of jewels and flowers her worshippers provided. The offerings of young love

offerings of young lovers were ever those which found most favour in her sight. “Venus loves the whispers     Of plighted

Milo. Venus’ festivals were always scenes of graceful amusements; and her votaries wore wreaths of fresh, fragrant flowers,

arms of Maia, goddess of the plains, and spent some blissful hours in her society. This divine couple’s happiness culminate

precaution of spreading a cloud over the spot where he generally met her , to shield her from all chance of being seen from

spreading a cloud over the spot where he generally met her, to shield her from all chance of being seen from Olympus. One f

e, Jupiter hastened down to earth to see Io, and began to stroll with her up and down the river edge. They heeded not the n

o’s slumbers were less protracted than usual, and she soon arose from her couch to look about her realm, the atmosphere, an

rotracted than usual, and she soon arose from her couch to look about her realm, the atmosphere, and convince herself that

er suspicions being aroused by the presence of this cloud, she sought her husband in Olympus, and, not finding him, flew do

and, not finding him, flew down to earth, brushing the cloud aside in her haste. Jupiter, thus warned of her coming, had bu

earth, brushing the cloud aside in her haste. Jupiter, thus warned of her coming, had but time to change the maiden beside

tisfy Juno, who, seeing no other living creature near, suspected that her spouse had been engaged in a clandestine flirtati

ed in a clandestine flirtation, and had screened its fair object from her wrath only by a sudden transformation. Dissimulat

transformation. Dissimulating these suspicions with care, Juno begged her husband to give her his new creation, which reque

imulating these suspicions with care, Juno begged her husband to give her his new creation, which request he could not refu

se, but granted most reluctantly, thus adding further confirmation to her jealous fears. The Queen of Heaven then departed,

her jealous fears. The Queen of Heaven then departed, taking Io with her , and placed her under the surveillance of Argus,

rs. The Queen of Heaven then departed, taking Io with her, and placed her under the surveillance of Argus, one of her serva

g Io with her, and placed her under the surveillance of Argus, one of her servants, who possessed a myriad eyes, only one h

fore, as he was watching his charge pasture by the river, Argus heard her relate to her father, Inachus, the story of her t

s watching his charge pasture by the river, Argus heard her relate to her father, Inachus, the story of her transformation,

he river, Argus heard her relate to her father, Inachus, the story of her transformation, and immediately imparted his disc

passed without his being able to exchange a word with Io, or deliver her from her imprisonment. Finally he called Mercury

ithout his being able to exchange a word with Io, or deliver her from her imprisonment. Finally he called Mercury to his ai

he called Mercury to his aid, and bade him devise some plan to rescue her . Armed with a handful of poppies, Mercury approac

swimming across it, she took refuge in Egypt, where Jupiter restored her to all her girlish loveliness, and where her son

cross it, she took refuge in Egypt, where Jupiter restored her to all her girlish loveliness, and where her son Epaphus was

, where Jupiter restored her to all her girlish loveliness, and where her son Epaphus was born, to be the first king and th

hrough, Unto all mortals.” E. B. Browning. Juno mourned the loss of her faithful Argus most bitterly, and, gathering up h

y, and, gathering up his myriad eyes, scattered them over the tail of her favourite bird, the peacock, in order to have som

of her favourite bird, the peacock, in order to have some memento of her faithful servant ever near her. “From Argus slai

cock, in order to have some memento of her faithful servant ever near her . “From Argus slain a painted peacock grew, Flutt

spite of the solemn pledge not to listen to a lover’s pleadings until her time of service at the goddess Vesta’s altar was

tly married, Ilia continued to dwell in the temple until the birth of her twin sons Romulus and Remus. Her parents, hearing

her twin sons Romulus and Remus. Her parents, hearing she had broken her vows, commanded that she should suffer the prescr

. He had once been tenderly attached to his mother, had lavished upon her every proof of his affection, and had even tried

upon her every proof of his affection, and had even tried to console her when she mourned Jupiter’s neglect. On one occasi

piter’s neglect. On one occasion, intending to punish Juno for one of her usual fits of jealousy, Jupiter hung her out of h

ng to punish Juno for one of her usual fits of jealousy, Jupiter hung her out of heaven, fast bound by a golden chain; and

r out of heaven, fast bound by a golden chain; and Vulcan, perceiving her in this plight, tugged at the chain with all his

ving her in this plight, tugged at the chain with all his might, drew her up, and was about to set her free, when Jupiter r

ed at the chain with all his might, drew her up, and was about to set her free, when Jupiter returned, and, in anger at his

empt to ascertain whether he had reached the earth in safety. Hurt by her indifference and ingratitude, Vulcan vowed never

In vain she strove to escape; in vain the gods all gallantly came to her assistance. Their united strength and skill prove

addresses, Jupiter bestowed upon him the fair hand of Venus and sent her and her mischievous train of Loves and Graces to

es, Jupiter bestowed upon him the fair hand of Venus and sent her and her mischievous train of Loves and Graces to reside i

a time Vulcan’s gloomy abode lost all its attractions: so she forsook her ill-favoured husband, and went in search of anoth

o visit in the guise of a bright flame, which played harmlessly about her . Vulcan was worshipped by all blacksmiths and art

re, and chained by the priest’s own hands to a slimy rock. As soon as her mourning friends had forsaken her, the hideous se

n hands to a slimy rock. As soon as her mourning friends had forsaken her , the hideous serpent came out of his lair in the

, the hideous serpent came out of his lair in the waves, and devoured her ; then he vanished, and nothing more was heard of

daughter. He could not bear the thought of the terrible fate awaiting her , and tried every means in his power to save her.

errible fate awaiting her, and tried every means in his power to save her . As a last resort he sent heralds to publish far

Greece as captives. There Hesione became the bride of Telamon; while her brother Podarces, later known as Priam, was redee

islands from the deep, as he did when Latona entreated him to shelter her from Juno’s persecutions. Neptune is said to have

Neptune is said to have loved the goddess Ceres, and to have followed her during her prolonged search for her daughter, Pro

said to have loved the goddess Ceres, and to have followed her during her prolonged search for her daughter, Proserpina. An

ddess Ceres, and to have followed her during her prolonged search for her daughter, Proserpina. Annoyed by his persistent w

umed the form of a horse, in which guise he contentedly trotted after her and renewed his attentions. The offspring of this

y in love with a maiden named Theophane, and fearful lest some one of her numerous suitors should find favour in her eyes b

d fearful lest some one of her numerous suitors should find favour in her eyes before he had time to urge his wooing, sudde

r in her eyes before he had time to urge his wooing, suddenly changed her into a sheep, and conveyed her to the Island of C

e to urge his wooing, suddenly changed her into a sheep, and conveyed her to the Island of Crumissa, where he assumed the g

autic expedition Neptune also loved and married Medusa in the days of her youth and beauty, and when some drops of blood fe

days of her youth and beauty, and when some drops of blood fell from her severed head into the salt sea foam, he produced

Her name was Amphitrite, or Salacia. At first she was in great awe of her distinguished suitor, and in her fear fled at his

ia. At first she was in great awe of her distinguished suitor, and in her fear fled at his approach, leaving him no chance

her fear fled at his approach, leaving him no chance to admire any of her charms, except the grace and celerity with which

h by the name of Idas, who, loving a maiden dearly, and unable to win her father’s consent to their union, had resolved to

le to win her father’s consent to their union, had resolved to abduct her . Marpessa, for such was the girl’s name, allowed

the lovers were blissfully speeding along in Neptune’s chariot, when her father, Evenus, perceiving their escape, started

steeds, declared he loved the maiden too, and would not tamely yield her up to a rival. This was quite equivalent to a cha

hoose the suitor she preferred as husband. The maiden glanced at both her lovers, and quickly reviewed their respective att

that Apollo, being immortal, would retain all his youthful bloom when her more ephemeral beauty had vanished, and that he w

hemeral beauty had vanished, and that he would probably cease to love her , she held out her hand to Idas, declaring she pre

vanished, and that he would probably cease to love her, she held out her hand to Idas, declaring she preferred to link her

e her, she held out her hand to Idas, declaring she preferred to link her fate to that of a mortal, who would grow old when

r fate to that of a mortal, who would grow old when she did, and love her as long as they both lived. This choice was appro

shell chariot drawn by dolphins, or sea-horses, — was worshipped with her husband. Neptune, majestic and middle-aged, with

rtial goddess of justice, who bore a trenchant sword to indicate that her decrees would be mercilessly enforced. If the goo

lines were intermingled. Lachesis, the second, twisted it; and under her fingers it was now strong, now weak. “Twist ye,

ripides ( Potter’s tr.). One of the brides only, Hypermnestra, loved her husband too dearly to obey her father’s command,

f the brides only, Hypermnestra, loved her husband too dearly to obey her father’s command, and, when morning broke, only f

; but Ceres, who was very melancholy on account of the recent loss of her daughter, paid no heed to what was offered her, a

of the recent loss of her daughter, paid no heed to what was offered her , and in a fit of absent-mindedness ate part of th

een given the hand of Dia in marriage on condition that he would give her father a stipulated sum of money in exchange, but

onia. “For Semele was moulded in the form Of elegance; the beauty of her race Shone in her forehead.” Nonnus ( Elton’s tr

was moulded in the form Of elegance; the beauty of her race Shone in her forehead.” Nonnus ( Elton’s tr.). Although cons

d urge his love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing, he told her who he was, calculating upon the effect which suc

e spared no pains to discover what powerful charm could draw him from her side. After a few days she knew all, and straight

de. After a few days she knew all, and straightway determined to have her revenge, and punish her fickle spouse. To accompl

knew all, and straightway determined to have her revenge, and punish her fickle spouse. To accomplish this successfully, s

ted. “Old Beroe’s decrepit shape she wears, Her wrinkled visage, and her hoary hairs; Whilst in her trembling gait she tot

shape she wears, Her wrinkled visage, and her hoary hairs; Whilst in her trembling gait she totters on, And learns to tatt

Addison’s tr.). There she immediately entered into conversation with her supposed nursling, artfully extracted a complete

sure he was king of the gods, as he asserted, and whether he visited her in all the pomp of his regal apparel. The maiden

al apparel. The maiden shamefacedly replied that he was wont to visit her in the guise of a mortal only; whereupon Beroe, w

ise of a mortal only; whereupon Beroe, with feigned indignation, told her nursling he must either be a vile impostor, or el

sling he must either be a vile impostor, or else that he did not love her as dearly as he loved Juno, in whose presence he

e array. With artful words she so worked upon the guileless nature of her rival, that, when Jupiter next came, the maiden u

ature of her rival, that, when Jupiter next came, the maiden used all her blandishments to extort from him a solemn oath to

stances, and Jupiter took the most solemn of all the oaths to gratify her whim. “‘Bear me witness, Earth, and ye, broad He

! Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). The promise won, the delighted Semele bade her lover speedily return to Olympus, don his own maj

to Olympus, don his own majestic form and apparel, and hasten back to her side, surrounded by all his heavenly pomp, and ar

thunderbolts. Jupiter, horrified at this imprudent request, implored her to ask something else, and release him from a pro

hing else, and release him from a promise fraught with such danger to her ; but all in vain. Semele, like many another fair

but all in vain. Semele, like many another fair lady, enjoyed having her own way, and would not be denied. Jupiter, theref

ght, Th’ illustrious god, descending from his height, Came rushing on her in a storm of light.” Ovid ( Addison’s tr.). Bu

bear, and she dropped to the floor in a swoon at the first glimpse of her lover. Oblivious of all but her alarming conditio

or in a swoon at the first glimpse of her lover. Oblivious of all but her alarming condition, Jupiter sprang to her side; b

lover. Oblivious of all but her alarming condition, Jupiter sprang to her side; but the lightning which played about his he

th of Semele; and, to testify [to all mortals how fondly he had loved her ; he brought her spirit up to heaven, where he rai

d, to testify [to all mortals how fondly he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven, where he raised her to the r

he had loved her; he brought her spirit up to heaven, where he raised her to the rank of a deity. ‘“Died?’ — so the Theban

‘“Died?’ — so the Theban maidens think, and laugh, Saying, ‘She had her wish, that Semele! ‘ But sitting here upon Olympu

Athamas, King of Thebes, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could not avail to sc

, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could not avail to screen him from the effec

— nymphs who guarded him most faithfully Juno, not daring to continue her persecutions, wreaked all her anger upon poor Ino

faithfully Juno, not daring to continue her persecutions, wreaked all her anger upon poor Ino and her unhappy household by

to continue her persecutions, wreaked all her anger upon poor Ino and her unhappy household by sending the Fury Tisiphone t

to escape his murderous fury, Ino plunged headlong into the sea with her second child in her arms. The gods, in pity for h

rous fury, Ino plunged headlong into the sea with her second child in her arms. The gods, in pity for her sufferings, chang

into the sea with her second child in her arms. The gods, in pity for her sufferings, changed her into the goddess Leucothe

cond child in her arms. The gods, in pity for her sufferings, changed her into the goddess Leucothea and her son into a sea

n pity for her sufferings, changed her into the goddess Leucothea and her son into a sea deity by the name of Palæmon. When

re. Ariadne, for such was the girl’s name, had been forsaken there by her lover, Theseus, who had sailed away while she sle

who had sailed away while she slept. As soon as she awoke, she called her faithless lover; but no answering sound fell upon

oke, she called her faithless lover; but no answering sound fell upon her ear except the mocking tones of Echo. Her tears f

except the mocking tones of Echo. Her tears flowed freely as she beat her breast in despair; but suddenly her lamentations

r tears flowed freely as she beat her breast in despair; but suddenly her lamentations ceased, as she caught the faint soun

ations ceased, as she caught the faint sound of music floating toward her on the summer breeze. Eagerly turning toward the

Keats. Bacchus, the first to perceive the fair mourner, hastened to her side, and brought all his powers of persuasion in

r side, and brought all his powers of persuasion into play to console her . His devotion at last induced her to forget her r

of persuasion into play to console her. His devotion at last induced her to forget her recreant lover, and, after a short

into play to console her. His devotion at last induced her to forget her recreant lover, and, after a short courtship, Bac

forget her recreant lover, and, after a short courtship, Bacchus won her as a bride. Their wedding was the gayest ever see

orned with seven glittering stars, — an ornament which fitly enhanced her peerless beauty. Shortly after her marriage, howe

— an ornament which fitly enhanced her peerless beauty. Shortly after her marriage, however, poor Ariadne sickened and died

liant constellation, known as Ariadne’s Crown, or Corona. “And still her sign is seen in heaven, And, ’midst the glitterin

is bereavement, restored Ariadne to his longing arms, and, to prevent her being again claimed by Death, gave her immortal l

longing arms, and, to prevent her being again claimed by Death, gave her immortal life. The Story of Pentheus When b

ss of agriculture and civilisation. Her manifold cares were shared by her daughter, Proserpina (Cora, Pherephatta, Persepho

(Cora, Pherephatta, Persephone), the goddess of vegetation. Whenever her duties permitted, this fair young goddess hastene

mitted, this fair young goddess hastened off to the Island of Sicily, her favourite place of resort, where she wandered abo

day, weary of labour, Proserpina called these fair playmates to join her and spend a merry day gathering flowers. The maid

serpina sitting on a mossy bank, almost buried in many-hued blossoms, her laughing companions picturesquely grouped around

y-hued blossoms, her laughing companions picturesquely grouped around her . One glance sufficed to convince Pluto of her lov

resquely grouped around her. One glance sufficed to convince Pluto of her loveliness and grace, and to make him feel that h

gently inviting Proserpina to become his queen, he resolved to abduct her . Straight through the bushes he strode, direct to

by horses black and strong, Such as may belong to Night Ere she takes her morning flight. Now the chariot stops: the god On

proach, the trembling nymphs first crowded around Proserpina, who, in her astonishment and trepidation, dropped all her pre

und Proserpina, who, in her astonishment and trepidation, dropped all her pretty flowers and stood motionless among them. H

m. Her uncertainty as to his purpose was only momentary, for catching her in his brawny arms ere she could make and attempt

in his brawny arms ere she could make and attempt to escape, he bore her off to his chariot, in spite of prayers and strug

plunged down into the darkness or the Lower World. Proserpina turned her weeping eyes to catch a parting glimpse of the fa

e of the fair earth she was leaving, and then, with a fond thought of her anxious mother, who, when evening came, would vai

ught of her anxious mother, who, when evening came, would vainly seek her child in all her favourite haunts, she quickly fl

us mother, who, when evening came, would vainly seek her child in all her favourite haunts, she quickly flung her girdle in

vainly seek her child in all her favourite haunts, she quickly flung her girdle into the Cyane, and called to the water ny

happy god strained his fair captive to his breast, pressed kisses on her fresh young cheeks, and tried to calm her terrors

s breast, pressed kisses on her fresh young cheeks, and tried to calm her terrors, as the black steeds rushed faster and fa

hey reached the foot of their master’s throne. “Pleased as he grasps her in his iron arms, Frights with soft sighs, with t

rizon; and Ceres, returning from the fields of fast-ripening grain to her own dwelling, sought for the missing Proserpina,

he scattered flowers. Hither and thither the mother wandered, calling her daughter, and wondering where she could be, and w

ndering where she could be, and why she did not come bounding to meet her . As time passed, and still Proserpina did not app

Ceres’ heart beat fast with apprehension, and the tears coursed down her cheeks as she rushed about from place to place, c

rsed down her cheeks as she rushed about from place to place, calling her daughter. “What ails her that she comes not home

e rushed about from place to place, calling her daughter. “What ails her that she comes not home?     Demeter seeks her fa

daughter. “What ails her that she comes not home?     Demeter seeks her far and wide, And gloomy-browed doth ceaseless ro

eres, kindling a torch at the volcanic fires of Mount Ætna, continued her search. Day dawned, and still the mother called,

awned, and still the mother called, awakening the morning echoes with her longing cries for her child. Her daily duties wer

other called, awakening the morning echoes with her longing cries for her child. Her daily duties were all neglected. The r

s roamed over hill and dale in search of Proserpina. Weary at last of her hopeless quest, the goddess seated herself by the

ted herself by the wayside, near the city of Eleusis, and gave way to her overwhelming grief. “Long was thine anxious sear

quiries of the daughters of Celeus, king of the country. Having heard her bewail the loss of her child, they entreated her

s of Celeus, king of the country. Having heard her bewail the loss of her child, they entreated her to come to the palace,

ountry. Having heard her bewail the loss of her child, they entreated her to come to the palace, and, knowing nothing could

, and, knowing nothing could so well soothe a breaking heart, offered her the charge of their infant brother Triptolemus. C

; and when she arrived at the palace, the royal heir was entrusted to her care. Tenderly the goddess kissed the puny child’

derly the goddess kissed the puny child’s little pinched face; and at her touch the child became rosy and well, to the unbo

al family and all the court. In the night, while Ceres sat alone with her charge, it occurred to her that she might confer

. In the night, while Ceres sat alone with her charge, it occurred to her that she might confer a still greater blessing up

the apartment, and with a wild shriek rushed to the fire and snatched her child out of the flames, pressed him anxiously to

re and snatched her child out of the flames, pressed him anxiously to her breast, and, after ascertaining that he was quite

t, and, after ascertaining that he was quite unharmed, turned to vent her indignation upon the careless nurse; but the aged

on the careless nurse; but the aged beggar woman had vanished, and in her stead she confronted the radiant Goddess of Agric

onfronted the radiant Goddess of Agriculture.                  “From her fragrant robes A lovely scent was scattered, and

robes A lovely scent was scattered, and afar Shone light emitted from her skin divine, And yellow locks upon her shoulders

afar Shone light emitted from her skin divine, And yellow locks upon her shoulders waved; White as from lightning, all the

th splendour.” Homeric Hymn. With a gentle reproof to the queen for her untimely interference, Ceres explained what she f

es explained what she fain would have done, and vanished, to continue her wanderings in other lands. She finally returned t

river banks one day, the waters suddenly cast a glittering object at her feet. Stooping hastily to ascertain what it might

ping hastily to ascertain what it might be, she recognised the girdle her daughter had worn when she had parted from her in

recognised the girdle her daughter had worn when she had parted from her in Sicily. Joyfully she embraced the token, and,

, and oppressive heat, and she was about to lose all consciousness of her trouble in sleep, when the murmur of the fountain

tes later she could distinguish words, and heard the fountain entreat her to listen, if she would hear what had befallen he

e fountain entreat her to listen, if she would hear what had befallen her child. The fountain then went on to tell how she

y the heat, she had once sought a cool stream wherein she might bathe her heated limbs. She soon found one, the Alpheus Riv

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

e and even, and where no mortal eyes could see her as she threw aside her sandals and outer garments. She was enjoying the

he was enjoying the refreshing sensation of the water rippling around her hot limbs, and was revelling in the complete soli

a voice — the voice of the river god Alpheus —  was heard, calling to her in pleading accents to stay her flight and lend a

god Alpheus —  was heard, calling to her in pleading accents to stay her flight and lend an ear to his wooing; but when th

r an answer to his suit, rose up out of the water and rushed to clasp her in his arms, she turned and fled in great terror.

le, through forest and field, Arethusa ran, still closely followed by her too ardent lover, until, exhausted, she paused fo

l, exhausted, she paused for breath, crying aloud to Diana to come to her rescue. Her prayer was answered. A moment later s

ick mist and transformed into a fountain. Alpheus could no longer see her , but wandered about, bewailing her disappearance,

ntain. Alpheus could no longer see her, but wandered about, bewailing her disappearance, and calling her in passionate acce

see her, but wandered about, bewailing her disappearance, and calling her in passionate accents.     “‘O Arethusa, peerles

hy fear Such tenderness as mine? Great Dian, why, Why didst thou hear her prayer? Oh that I Were rippling round her dainty

n, why, Why didst thou hear her prayer? Oh that I Were rippling round her dainty fairness now, Circling about her waist, an

Oh that I Were rippling round her dainty fairness now, Circling about her waist, and striving how To entice her to a dive!

ty fairness now, Circling about her waist, and striving how To entice her to a dive! then stealing in Between her luscious

t, and striving how To entice her to a dive! then stealing in Between her luscious lips and eyelids thin.’” Keats. The mi

n impetuous torrent, he rushed to join his beloved, who sprang out of her mossy bed, and hurried on over sticks and stones,

mossy bed, and hurried on over sticks and stones, until Diana, seeing her new plight, opened a crevice, through which she g

ng there in the gloom, Arethusa had caught a glimpse of Proserpina on her sable throne, beside the stern-browed Pluto. She

ame there, but hurried on breathlessly, until another crevice offered her the means of returning to the upper world, and se

ided again into its usual undertone; and Ceres, knowing where to seek her daughter, was about to depart, when she heard the

    Beneath Sicilian skies.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). In spite of her previous efforts to escape him, Arethusa must sti

must still have been very glad to see him once more, for Ceres heard her murmur contentedly as she sank into his arms and

Proserpina Now, although poor Ceres had ascertained where to find her missing daughter, her grief was not at all dimini

though poor Ceres had ascertained where to find her missing daughter, her grief was not at all diminished, for she felt con

d, for she felt convinced that Pluto would never willingly relinquish her . She therefore withdrew into a dark cave to mourn

ithdrew into a dark cave to mourn unseen, and still further neglected her wonted duties. Famine threatened to visit the peo

ine threatened to visit the people, and they prayed and clamoured for her aid; but, absorbed in grief, she paid no heed to

to their distress, and vowed that nothing on earth should grow, with her permission, as long as her daughter was detained

ed that nothing on earth should grow, with her permission, as long as her daughter was detained in Hades. In despair at thi

she became aware of this petition, Ceres hastened to Olympus, to join her supplications to the cries “which rose from all p

, however, that she had not touched any food during the whole time of her sojourn in the Infernal Regions. Ceres in person

e of her sojourn in the Infernal Regions. Ceres in person hastened to her daughter’s new abode, and was about to lead her a

in person hastened to her daughter’s new abode, and was about to lead her away in spite of Pluto, when a spirit, Ascalaphus

every seed she had eaten she should spend one month of every year in her husband’s gloomy kingdom. Thus it came about that

right earth only for six months at a time. Mercury was chosen to lead her to and from Hades; and, whenever he brought her o

ry was chosen to lead her to and from Hades; and, whenever he brought her out of her gloomy prison, the skies became blue a

en to lead her to and from Hades; and, whenever he brought her out of her gloomy prison, the skies became blue and sunny, t

skies became blue and sunny, the grass sprang fresh and green beneath her elastic tread, the flowers bloomed along her way,

fresh and green beneath her elastic tread, the flowers bloomed along her way, the birds trilled forth their merry lays, an

tal men.” Homeric Hymn. Ceres, happy once more in the possession of her beloved daughter, cheerfully and diligently atten

on of her beloved daughter, cheerfully and diligently attended to all her duties, and blessed the earth with plenty; but wh

and all nature mourned Proserpina’s departure, she again returned to her cave, whence no entreaties could draw her. As for

ture, she again returned to her cave, whence no entreaties could draw her . As for the merry, happy-natured Proserpina, the

ry, happy-natured Proserpina, the moment Hades’ portals closed behind her , she became pale and melancholy; and none would h

a and the Cerealia, were celebrated with great pomp. “To Ceres chief her annual rites be paid, On the green turf, beneath

’d. Let all the hinds bend low at Ceres’ shrine; Mix honey sweet, for her , with milk and mellow wine; Thrice lead the victi

ghton. By Permission of the Fine Art Society, Limited. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Ceres returned to E

of the Fine Art Society, Limited. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Ceres returned to Eleusis, taught her f

e her long search for her daughter, Ceres returned to Eleusis, taught her former nursling, Triptolemus, the various secrets

rsling, Triptolemus, the various secrets of agriculture, and gave him her chariot, bidding him travel everywhere, and teach

p; and then she instituted the Eleusinia, festivals held in honour of her daughter and herself at Eleusis. Triptolemus did

gh and a horn of plenty disgorging its wealth of fruit and flowers at her feet. Groves were frequently dedicated to her; an

of fruit and flowers at her feet. Groves were frequently dedicated to her ; and any mortal rash enough to lay the axe on one

ious veneration paid to Ceres’ trees took his axe and cut down one of her sacred oaks. At his first blow, blood began to fl

ous appetite continued, and, as he had but one daughter left, he sold her as a slave to obtain food. The girl’s master left

r left, he sold her as a slave to obtain food. The girl’s master left her alone for a moment upon the sea-shore, and, in an

ter left her alone for a moment upon the sea-shore, and, in answer to her prayer, Neptune delivered her from servitude by c

t upon the sea-shore, and, in answer to her prayer, Neptune delivered her from servitude by changing her into a fisherman.

nswer to her prayer, Neptune delivered her from servitude by changing her into a fisherman. When the master returned and fo

tisfactory information, departed. Neptune then restored the maiden to her own form, and let her return home; but, as her fa

, departed. Neptune then restored the maiden to her own form, and let her return home; but, as her father sold her again, t

restored the maiden to her own form, and let her return home; but, as her father sold her again, the god was obliged to int

den to her own form, and let her return home; but, as her father sold her again, the god was obliged to interfere once more

father sold her again, the god was obliged to interfere once more in her behalf, until at last Erisichthon, deprived of me

m the precedence, — remained always a virgin. The Romans fancied that her worship had been introduced into Italy by Æneas,

eir vows of chastity and fidelity to their patroness, and to maintain her sacred fire, under penalty of being buried alive

t. The Vestal Tuccia was accused of breach of faith, but, as proof of her purity, was given power to carry water in a sieve

come types of all things pure and lovely in woman.         “By these her trembling fires, Like Vesta’s, ever burning; and,

shed the sacred fire. Vesta’s services were held with great pomp; and her festivals, the Vestalia, were among the most beau

occasions.             And from the temple brings Dread Vesta, with her holy things, Her awful fillets and the fire Whose

e two in number, the children of Mercury and Lara, a naiad famous for her beauty as well as for her extreme loquacity, whic

ren of Mercury and Lara, a naiad famous for her beauty as well as for her extreme loquacity, which no one could check. Trad

d overheard between him and one of his numerous mistresses. To punish her , and at the same time prevent further tale-bearin

the gods cut off Lara’s tongue, and, summoning Mercury, bade him lead her down to Hades to linger there for ever. But on th

ell in love with his fair charge, who, being now effectually cured of her sole fault, was irresistibly charming; and, inste

resistibly charming; and, instead of obeying Jupiter, he made love to her , and by pantomime obtained her consent to their u

ad of obeying Jupiter, he made love to her, and by pantomime obtained her consent to their union. She bore him two children

ained her consent to their union. She bore him two children, who from her were called Lares, and to whom the Romans always

ing sail until it had quite vanished from sight; then she returned to her palace to pray for her husband’s safe return. But

uite vanished from sight; then she returned to her palace to pray for her husband’s safe return. But, alas! the gods had de

s. Day after day the queen hastened down to the seashore, followed by her attendants, to watch for the returning sails of h

hore, followed by her attendants, to watch for the returning sails of her husband’s vessel; and night after night she lay o

rning sails of her husband’s vessel; and night after night she lay on her couch, anxiously expecting the morrow, which she

rrow, which she ever fancied would prove auspicious. The gods, seeing her anxiety, and wishing to prepare her to receive th

rove auspicious. The gods, seeing her anxiety, and wishing to prepare her to receive the news of his death, and especially

which they had decided should be washed ashore, sent a Dream to visit her . After assuming the face and form of Ceyx, the Dr

the gate of horn, hastened to Halcyone’s bedside, and whispered that her husband was dead, and that his body was even now

false; but she had no sooner reached the beach, than the waves washed her husband’s corpse to her feet. To endure life with

oner reached the beach, than the waves washed her husband’s corpse to her feet. To endure life without him seemed too great

fair hands of Juno, and he was therefore specially eager to obey all her behests. He is commonly reputed to have married A

ons he carried off Orithyia, who always fled at his approach. But all her fleetness could not save her: she was overtaken,

who always fled at his approach. But all her fleetness could not save her : she was overtaken, and borne away to the inacces

e away to the inaccessible regions of snow and ice, where he detained her , and made her his wife. She became the mother of

inaccessible regions of snow and ice, where he detained her, and made her his wife. She became the mother of Zetes and Cala

of Hercules’ birth reached Olympus, Juno began to plot how to destroy her rival’s child. Two colossal serpents with poisono

o colossal serpents with poisonous fangs were therefore despatched by her orders to attack the babe in its cradle. The mons

m choose which he preferred to follow. Kakia, to induce him to follow her guidance, promised riches, ease, consideration, a

ideration, and love; while Arete, a modest maiden, warned him that in her wake he would be obliged to wage incessant war ag

and of Megara, daughter of Creon, King of Thebes, in marriage, and by her had three children, whom he tenderly loved. But J

ment. She imparted this wish to Eurystheus, who, delighted to gratify her as long as he could do so without taking any pers

ised to consider the matter, and meanwhile bade him feast and rest in her palace. Hercules would have succeeded in this und

not Juno suddenly remembered his existence, and resolved to continue her never entirely forgotten persecutions. In the gui

’s daughter, from the jaws of the sea monster who was about to devour her , as he had devoured many a fair Trojan maid befor

inquiries soon brought forth a full account of Alcestis’ sacrifice of her own life to ensure the immortality of her husband

t of Alcestis’ sacrifice of her own life to ensure the immortality of her husband. The hero’s heart was touched by the king

rors of Hades, and brought Alcestis back from the grave, and restored her to her husband’s arms. Hercules’ Struggle wit

Hades, and brought Alcestis back from the grave, and restored her to her husband’s arms. Hercules’ Struggle with Death

his new mistress, and who, governing him easily by his admiration for her , made him submit to occupations unworthy of a man

ve with his new mistress seemed to wish nothing better than to remain her slave for ever, and end his days in idleness and

ext met Deianeira, daughter of Œneus, and, having fallen in love with her , expressed a desire to marry her. But unfortunate

eus, and, having fallen in love with her, expressed a desire to marry her . But unfortunately another suitor, the river god

is love, she immediately promised to marry him. if he would only free her from the lover her father would fain force upon h

ately promised to marry him. if he would only free her from the lover her father would fain force upon her. Delighted to be

e would only free her from the lover her father would fain force upon her . Delighted to be able to win his bride and punish

witness of this strange combat, appropriated the broken horn, stuffed her treasures in its hollow, and was so well pleased

ased with the effect, that she decreed it should henceforth be one of her attributes. The fight, only temporarily suspended

over the river, and as he swam he made up his mind to gallop off with her as soon as he reached the opposite shore. All his

 and keep it carefully, for it had magic power; and if she ever found her husband’s love waning, he assured her that, could

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

although his absences were sometimes prolonged, he always returned to her side, as loving as ever, and she had no cause for

us tasks. She was still young and charming, and his first glance into her sweet face rekindled all his former passion. Day

t face rekindled all his former passion. Day after day he lingered by her side, forgetful of duty, Deianeira, and all but h

roic achievements; but on this occasion the only report which reached her ear was that he had returned to his allegiance to

he had returned to his allegiance to his first love, and this roused her jealousy, so long dormant. Finally she heard that

nally she heard that Hercules was wending his way homeward again, and her heart bounded with joy, but only to sink more hea

r it for his triumphant return. The messenger, Lichas, hastened to do her bidding, and Deianeira waited with fast-beating h

ding, and Deianeira waited with fast-beating heart for the success of her venture. “I only wish the charm may be of power

th’s bright goddess, with a blush at meeting,     Gives the nectar to her lord.” Schiller ( S. G. B.’s tr.) Hercules, the

il then, too, had thought with pride of the time when he would bestow her hand in marriage upon the noblest of all who came

to woo. Now his plans were all changed, and his only wish was to keep her unmated, — a somewhat difficult task, for the mai

the everlasting gods; and Jupiter, looking down from Olympus, beheld her in all her loveliness and in all her loneliness S

sting gods; and Jupiter, looking down from Olympus, beheld her in all her loveliness and in all her loneliness She was seat

ooking down from Olympus, beheld her in all her loveliness and in all her loneliness She was seated on top of her brazen to

all her loveliness and in all her loneliness She was seated on top of her brazen tower, her eyes wistfully turned toward th

and in all her loneliness She was seated on top of her brazen tower, her eyes wistfully turned toward the city, where girl

azen tower, her eyes wistfully turned toward the city, where girls of her age enjoyed freedom, and were allowed to marry wh

to marry when they pleased. The Shower of Gold Jupiter, pitying her isolation and admiring her beauty, resolved to go

The Shower of Gold Jupiter, pitying her isolation and admiring her beauty, resolved to go down and converse with her

lation and admiring her beauty, resolved to go down and converse with her for a little while. To avoid being seen, he chang

lf into a golden shower, and gently dropped down on the turret beside her , where his presence and spirited conversation soo

ger felt lonely and deserted, for Jupiter spent most of his time with her , pursuing his courtship most diligently, and fina

with her, pursuing his courtship most diligently, and finally winning her to a secret marriage, to which no one offered the

d despatched he guards to fetch the unfortunate victims. Danae and her Babe Acrisius, however, was not cruel enough t

l enough to stain his own hands with his child’s blood, or to witness her execution: so he ordered that she should be place

cution: so he ordered that she should be placed in an empty cask with her helpless infant, and exposed to the fury of the w

aves far out of sight of land, and out of all reach of help. Clasping her babe close to her bosom, she fervently prayed the

ght of land, and out of all reach of help. Clasping her babe close to her bosom, she fervently prayed the gods to watch ove

rturn The wide-tost vessel, not with tearless cheeks The mother round her infant gently twined Her tender arm, and cried, ‘

ctes had fallen in love with Danae, and expressed his desire to marry her ; be Danae did not return his affection, and would

be Danae did not return his affection, and would no consent. Angry at her persistent refusal of his proposals, Polydectes w

her persistent refusal of his proposals, Polydectes wished to compel her to obey, and thereby incurred the wrath of young

none should dare force his mother as long as he were there to defend her . This boast did not at all allay the monarch’s wr

er home, in a land where the sun never shone, was very distasteful to her , so she entreated Minerva to let her go and visit

r shone, was very distasteful to her, so she entreated Minerva to let her go and visit the beautiful sunny south. But when

nd visit the beautiful sunny south. But when Minerva refused to grant her wish, she reviled the goddess, and declared that

d that nothing but a conviction that mortals would no longer consider her beautiful if they but once beheld Medusa, could h

denial. This presumptuous remark so incensed Minerva, that, to punish her for her vanity, she changed her beautiful curling

This presumptuous remark so incensed Minerva, that, to punish her for her vanity, she changed her beautiful curling locks i

so incensed Minerva, that, to punish her for her vanity, she changed her beautiful curling locks into hissing, writhing se

cks into hissing, writhing serpents, and decreed that one glance into her still beautiful face would suffice to change the

endow him with great rapidity of flight; while Minerva armed him with her own mirror like shield, the dreadful Ægis.     “

or like shield, the dreadful Ægis.     “Minerva thus to Perseus lent her shield; Secure of conquest, sent him to the field

Medusa asleep, raised his sword, and, without looking at anything but her mirrored form, severed her head from her body, se

word, and, without looking at anything but her mirrored form, severed her head from her body, seized it in one hand, and, h

hout looking at anything but her mirrored form, severed her head from her body, seized it in one hand, and, holding it pers

slay the Gorgon; and he thought that, if he could but once gaze upon her stony face, he would be free from pain and wearin

though beneath the blackness of great horror he yet saw the wreck of her ancient beauty and pitied her for her hopeless wo

of great horror he yet saw the wreck of her ancient beauty and pitied her for her hopeless woe. But in an instant the strai

horror he yet saw the wreck of her ancient beauty and pitied her for her hopeless woe. But in an instant the straining eye

so near the foaming billows that their spray continually dashed over her fair limbs, a lovely maiden was chained fast to a

k. This maiden was the princess Andromeda. To atone for the vanity of her mother, Cassiopeia, who claimed she was fairer th

n now perceive the receding procession which had solemnly accompanied her to the appointed place of sacrifice, and chained

mnly accompanied her to the appointed place of sacrifice, and chained her fast. Perseus and Andromeda. Lord Leighton.

eyes were fixed on the monster. She did not see the rapid approach of her deliverer, who, dauntless, drew his sword from it

clusion; and when Perseus had slain the monster, freed Andromeda from her chains, and restored her to the arms of her overj

had slain the monster, freed Andromeda from her chains, and restored her to the arms of her overjoyed parents, they immedi

ter, freed Andromeda from her chains, and restored her to the arms of her overjoyed parents, they immediately offered any r

e to marry the maiden he had so bravely rescued, they gladly gave him her hand, although in early youth the princess had be

m her hand, although in early youth the princess had been promised to her uncle Phineus. Preparations for the marriage were

suitor, who had been too cowardly to venture a single blow to deliver her from the monster, prepared, nevertheless, to figh

s, and the Medusa head was given to Minerva in token of gratitude for her help. Greatly pleased with this gift, the goddess

. Greatly pleased with this gift, the goddess set it in the centre of her terrible Ægis, where it retained all its petrifyi

terrible Ægis, where it retained all its petrifying power, and served her in many a fight. Arrived at Argos, Perseus discov

t his making known claims which might interfere with the prospects of her future offspring, she hastily mixed a deadly pois

bade Ægeus offer it to the stranger. The monarch was about to execute her apparently hospitable purpose, when his eye sudde

ing at the king’s feet, caused his almost instantaneous death. Seeing her crime discovered and Theseus recognised, Medea qu

ng her crime discovered and Theseus recognised, Medea quickly mounted her magic dragon car, and fled to Media, whence she n

for this timely assistance, Theseus solemnly promised Ariadne to take her with him to Athens as his bride, were he only suc

the ground to rest, where, before she was aware of it, sleep overtook her . Now, although very brave, Theseus was not very c

stant. He had already grown weary of Ariadne’s love; and, when he saw her thus asleep, he basely summoned his companions, e

ely summoned his companions, embarked with them and set sail, leaving her alone upon the island, where Bacchus soon came to

leaving her alone upon the island, where Bacchus soon came to console her for the loss of her faithless lover. Ariadne

on the island, where Bacchus soon came to console her for the loss of her faithless lover. Ariadne in Naxos. Henrietta

h ensued Hippolyte was accidentally wounded by an arrow, and breathed her last in Theseus’ arms. Theseus next set out with

admiration for the bride’s unusual beauty, made an attempt to kidnap her , which was frustrated by the Lapithæ, seconded by

the daughter of Jupiter, and, as he was still but a child, entrusted her to the care of his mother, Æthra, until she attai

, Helen’s twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, came to Athens, delivered her from captivity, and carried her home in triumph.

and Pollux, came to Athens, delivered her from captivity, and carried her home in triumph. As for Theseus and Pirithous, th

dra, must be a charming young princess, and sent an embassy to obtain her hand in marriage. The embassy proved successful,

but, young and extremely beautiful, she was not at all delighted with her aged husband, and, instead of falling in love wit

aged husband, and, instead of falling in love with him, bestowed all her affections upon his son, Hippolytus, a virtuous y

s son, Hippolytus, a virtuous youth, who utterly refused to listen to her proposals to elope. In her anger at finding her a

us youth, who utterly refused to listen to her proposals to elope. In her anger at finding her advances scorned, Phædra wen

refused to listen to her proposals to elope. In her anger at finding her advances scorned, Phædra went to Theseus and accu

Phædra went to Theseus and accused Hippolytus of attempting to kidnap her . Theseus, greatly incensed at what he deemed his

shore at Phaædra’s feet. When the unfortunate queen saw the result of her false accusations, she confessed her crime, and,

ortunate queen saw the result of her false accusations, she confessed her crime, and, in her remorse and despair, hung hers

the result of her false accusations, she confessed her crime, and, in her remorse and despair, hung herself. As for Theseus

ation, Jason offered the old woman his assistance, proposing to carry her across on his back if she would but lend him her

, proposing to carry her across on his back if she would but lend him her staff to lean upon. The old woman gladly accepted

ite bank, and, after depositing his burden there, scrambled up beside her , casting a rueful glance at the torrent, which ha

all, handsome, imperious-looking woman, whom, owing to the peacock by her side, he immediately recognised as Juno, queen of

e immediately recognised as Juno, queen of heaven. He bent low before her , and claimed her aid and protection, which she gr

ognised as Juno, queen of heaven. He bent low before her, and claimed her aid and protection, which she graciously promised

; but Helle, frightened at the sight of the waves tossing far beneath her , suddenly lost her hold on the golden fleece, and

ened at the sight of the waves tossing far beneath her, suddenly lost her hold on the golden fleece, and tumbled off the ra

depart for Colchis. To secure Juno’s assistance, he began by visiting her shrine at Dodona, where the oracle, a Speaking Oa

rmed by his modest but firm bearing, and who was quite ready to bring her magic to his aid if he would but promise to marry

ready to bring her magic to his aid if he would but promise to marry her . Jason, susceptible to her attractions, and free

o his aid if he would but promise to marry her. Jason, susceptible to her attractions, and free from any conflicting ties,

er attractions, and free from any conflicting ties, readily agreed to her proposal, and, carrying out her directions, caugh

y conflicting ties, readily agreed to her proposal, and, carrying out her directions, caught and harnessed the fiery bulls,

y seated at their oars; and as soon as he had embarked with Medea and her attendants, the Argo shot out of the Colchian har

y Fate to Argo led, and urged by soft desire, Nor yet regarding aught her father’s furious ire.” Onomacritus ( Elton’s tr.

h of the Danube, and Æetes wildly called to his daughter to return to her home and to her father. “‘Stay thy rash flight!

and Æetes wildly called to his daughter to return to her home and to her father. “‘Stay thy rash flight! and, from the di

wish to be torn away from Jason’s arms, and, instead of listening to her father’s entreaties, urged the Argonauts to redou

g upon the Greek; and Medea saw that, unless she found means to delay her father, he would overtake her and compel her to r

w that, unless she found means to delay her father, he would overtake her and compel her to return. With her own hands she

she found means to delay her father, he would overtake her and compel her to return. With her own hands she therefore slew

elay her father, he would overtake her and compel her to return. With her own hands she therefore slew her little brother,

e her and compel her to return. With her own hands she therefore slew her little brother, Absyrtus, and cut his body into p

repit, that power had no charms for him: so Jason begged Medea to use her magic in his behalf, and restore him to the vigou

r and beauty of his early manhood. To gratify Jason, Medea called all her magic into play, and by some mysterious process r

f this miraculous transformation, they hastened to Medea and implored her to give them the recipe, that they might rejuvena

ch she died. Medea, still full of resentment against Jason, then slew her own children, and, mounting her dragon car, depar

f resentment against Jason, then slew her own children, and, mounting her dragon car, departed, leaving a message for Jason

es which were consuming it, and, carefully laying it aside, announced her intention to keep it for ever. Meleager, thus sav

. This princess had led a very adventurous life, for when but a babe, her father, disappointed to see a daughter instead of

ppointed to see a daughter instead of the longed-for son, had exposed her on Mount Parthenium to the fury of wild beasts. S

the babe, who evinced no sign of fear, and in compassion they carried her home, where they trained her to love the chase. T

of fear, and in compassion they carried her home, where they trained her to love the chase. The grand Calydonian Hunt was

tal wound. But even in his dying struggles the boar would have killed her , had not Meleager come toiler rescue and given hi

that, in a sudden fit of passion, he slew them both. When Althæa saw her brothers’ corpses, and heard that they had been s

thæa saw her brothers’ corpses, and heard that they had been slain by her son, she vowed to avenge their death, drew the ca

from its hiding-place, and threw it upon the fire burning brightly on her hearth. When the last bit of the precious wood cr

d crumbled away into ashes, Meleager died. All Althæa’s affection for her son returned when his lifeless corpse was brought

ffection for her son returned when his lifeless corpse was brought to her , and in her despair she committed suicide. Ata

her son returned when his lifeless corpse was brought to her, and in her despair she committed suicide. Atalanta’s Race

ommitted suicide. Atalanta’s Race Meanwhile, Atalanta, proud of her skill and of her spoil, had returned to her fathe

Atalanta’s Race Meanwhile, Atalanta, proud of her skill and of her spoil, had returned to her father’s court, where

while, Atalanta, proud of her skill and of her spoil, had returned to her father’s court, where no other heir having appear

hen they heard what conditions were imposed upon all who would obtain her hand; for Atalanta, disapproving of marriage, and

her hand; for Atalanta, disapproving of marriage, and anxious to keep her freedom, had decreed that she should marry only t

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

. In spite of these barbarous terms, a few youths had tried to outrun her ; but they failed, and their lifeless heads were e

ilanion, came one day to Atalanta and expressed a desire to race with her . This youth had previously obtained Venus’ protec

outh had previously obtained Venus’ protection, and had received from her the gift of three golden apples. Atalanta, as usu

from her the gift of three golden apples. Atalanta, as usual, passed her rival easily; but as she did so he cast one of th

r rival easily; but as she did so he cast one of the golden apples at her feet. For a moment she paused, then stopped and p

it up ere she resumed the race. The delay, short as it was, had given her adversary an advantage; but she soon overtook him

hed the goal first, as usual, had not a third golden treasure tempted her to pause, and enabled Hippomenes to win the race.

abled Hippomenes to win the race.                  “Hippomenes turns her astray By the golden illusions he flings on her w

    “Hippomenes turns her astray By the golden illusions he flings on her way.” Moore. Atalanta could now no longer refus

her way.” Moore. Atalanta could now no longer refuse to marry, and her nuptials were soon celebrated. In his happiness a

his own, gladly adopted the little stranger. The Queen of Corinth and her hand-maidens hastened with tender concern to bath

course to prevarication, and quieted him by the assurance that he was her beloved son. Something in her manner, however, le

uieted him by the assurance that he was her beloved son. Something in her manner, however, left a lingering doubt in Œdipus

finding herself an accomplice, committed suicide. Œdipus, apprised of her intention, rushed into her apartment too late to

ce, committed suicide. Œdipus, apprised of her intention, rushed into her apartment too late to prevent its being carried o

to her apartment too late to prevent its being carried out, and found her lifeless. This sight was more than the poor monar

monarch could bear, and in his despair he blinded himself with one of her ornaments.         “He pluck’d from off the robe

  “He pluck’d from off the robe she wore A golden buckle that adorn’d her side, And buried in his eyes the sharpen’d point,

in his eyes the sharpen’d point, Crying, he ne’er again would look on her , Never would see his crimes or mis’ries more, Or

ng crimes. Eteocles and Polynices Antigone, no longer needed by her unhappy father, slowly wended her way back to The

es Antigone, no longer needed by her unhappy father, slowly wended her way back to Thebes, where she found that the plag

back to Thebes, where she found that the plague had ceased, but that her brothers had quarrelled about the succession to t

f this injunction and of Ismene’s prayers to refrain from endangering her own life, Antigone dug a grave for her brother’s

rs to refrain from endangering her own life, Antigone dug a grave for her brother’s remains, and, unaided, fulfilled the va

eral rites. Her task was almost completed, when the guards discovered her , and dragged her into the presence of Creon, who,

ask was almost completed, when the guards discovered her, and dragged her into the presence of Creon, who, although she was

she was a relative and the promised wife of his son Hæmon, condemned her to death. “Let her be carried instant to the cav

and the promised wife of his son Hæmon, condemned her to death. “Let her be carried instant to the cave, And leave her the

ned her to death. “Let her be carried instant to the cave, And leave her there alone, to live, or die; Her blood rests not

arth.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). Hæmon pleaded passionately for her life; but, when he saw his prayers were vain, he

re vain, he ran to the place where Antigone was confined, sprang into her narrow cell, wound his arms closely around her, a

confined, sprang into her narrow cell, wound his arms closely around her , and refused to leave her. There they were walled

narrow cell, wound his arms closely around her, and refused to leave her . There they were walled in: Antigone’s sufferings

e soft bosom hung Of the dear maid, and his last spirit breath’d O’er her pale cheek, discolour’d with his blood. Thus lay

ry long before Anteia, the queen, fell in love with him; and although her husband, Prœtus, treated her with the utmost kind

een, fell in love with him; and although her husband, Prœtus, treated her with the utmost kindness, she made up her mind to

er husband, Prœtus, treated her with the utmost kindness, she made up her mind to desert him, and tried to induce Belleroph

her mind to desert him, and tried to induce Bellerophon to elope with her . Too honest to betray a man who had treated him a

ar, however, for, when Anteia saw that the youth would never yield to her wishes, she became very angry indeed, sought her

would never yield to her wishes, she became very angry indeed, sought her husband, and accused the young stranger of crimes

the king’s fair daughter, Philonoe, and was afraid he would never see her again. While thus inwardly bewailing the ill-luck

footsteps, Bellerophon suddenly saw Minerva appear before him in all her splendour, and heard her inquire in gentle tones

uddenly saw Minerva appear before him in all her splendour, and heard her inquire in gentle tones the cause of his too evid

nes the cause of his too evident dejection. He had no sooner apprised her of the difficult task appointed him, than she pro

prised her of the difficult task appointed him, than she promised him her aid, and before she vanished gave him a beautiful

m use to control Pegasus. Bridle in hand, Bellerophon stood pondering her words, until he remembered that Pegasus was a won

ity called Hamadryad, said to live and die with the tree entrusted to her care. “When the Fate of Death is drawing near, F

ncess, the daughter of Baucis, so bright and clever that all who knew her loved her dearly. Of course, as soon as she was o

daughter of Baucis, so bright and clever that all who knew her loved her dearly. Of course, as soon as she was old enough

n as she was old enough to think of marriage, a host of suitors asked her hand, each eager to win for his bride one so beau

. Fully aware of the importance of making a wise choice, Dryope took her time, and finally decided to marry Andræmon, a wo

nds brought; Her smiling babe (a pleasing charge) she press’d Between her arms.” Ovid ( Pope’s tr.). One day, while wande

Pope’s tr.). One day, while wandering there as usual, accompanied by her sister, she saw a lotus blossom, and pointed it o

mpanied by her sister, she saw a lotus blossom, and pointed it out to her little son. He no sooner saw the brilliant flower

e she stood there, speechless with wonder, a voice was heard accusing her of having slain Lotis, a nymph, who, to escape th

rural tales be true), As from Priapus’ lawless love she flew, Forsook her form; and fixing here became A flowery plant, whi

r form; and fixing here became A flowery plant, which still preserves her name.” Ovid ( Pope’s tr.). Recovering from her

hich still preserves her name.” Ovid ( Pope’s tr.). Recovering from her first speechless terror, Dryope turned to flee, w

ss terror, Dryope turned to flee, with a pitiful cry of compassion on her pale lips, but, to her astonishment, she could no

d to flee, with a pitiful cry of compassion on her pale lips, but, to her astonishment, she could not leave the spot: her f

er pale lips, but, to her astonishment, she could not leave the spot: her feet seemed rooted to the ground. She cast a rapi

d. She cast a rapid glance downward to ascertain what could so impede her progress, and noticed the rough bark of a tree gr

ced the rough bark of a tree growing with fearful rapidity all around her . Higher and higher it rose, from her knees to her

with fearful rapidity all around her. Higher and higher it rose, from her knees to her waist, and still it crept upward, in

rapidity all around her. Higher and higher it rose, from her knees to her waist, and still it crept upward, in spite of her

, from her knees to her waist, and still it crept upward, in spite of her frantic attempts to tear it away from her shapely

t crept upward, in spite of her frantic attempts to tear it away from her shapely limbs. In despair she raised her tremblin

ttempts to tear it away from her shapely limbs. In despair she raised her trembling hands and arms to heaven to implore aid

ds and arms to heaven to implore aid; but, ere the words were spoken, her arms were transformed into twisted branches, and

rds were spoken, her arms were transformed into twisted branches, and her hands were filled with leaves. Nothing human now

filled with leaves. Nothing human now remained of poor Dryope except her sweet, tear-stained face; but this too would soon

anish under the all-involving bark. She therefore took hasty leave of her father, sister, husband, and son, who, attracted

asty leave of her father, sister, husband, and son, who, attracted by her first cry, had rushed to give her all the assista

husband, and son, who, attracted by her first cry, had rushed to give her all the assistance in their power. The last words

, And all the nymph was lost within the tree: Yet latent life through her new branches reign’d, And long the plant a human

’d.” Ovid ( Pope’s tr.) One of Dryope’s last requests had been that her child might often play beneath her shady branches

yope’s last requests had been that her child might often play beneath her shady branches; and when the passing winds rustle

eneath her shady branches; and when the passing winds rustled through her leaves, the ancients said it was “Dryope’s lone l

hrough her leaves, the ancients said it was “Dryope’s lone lulling of her child.” The Story of Rhœcus Another exquis

titude, the nymph bade Rhœcus name his reward, whereupon he asked for her love, which she consented to bestow, provided he

remain constant and undivided in his affection. She bade him come to her an hour before sunset, but promised to send her m

She bade him come to her an hour before sunset, but promised to send her messenger, the bee, to him before that time. Fill

ately for him she, frightened at his appearance, fled. Exasperated by her persistent avoidance of him, Pan once pursued and

rsistent avoidance of him, Pan once pursued and was about to overtake her , when she paused, and implored Gæa to protect her

s about to overtake her, when she paused, and implored Gæa to protect her . The prayer was scarcely ended, when she found he

h wind, and wandered happily with him from place to place, scattering her favours with lavish generosity. She was principal

ipally worshipped by young girls, and the only offerings ever seen on her altars were fruits and garlands of beautiful flow

of corn, Roses and pinks and violets to adorn The shrine of Flora in her early May.” Keats. Vertumnus and Pomona V

very coy indeed, and had no desire to marry. Vertumnus, enamoured of her charms, did his best to make her change her mind,

re to marry. Vertumnus, enamoured of her charms, did his best to make her change her mind, but she would not even listen to

. Vertumnus, enamoured of her charms, did his best to make her change her mind, but she would not even listen to his pleadi

rried. Then, having received a mocking answer, he began to argue with her , and finally extracted an avowal that, among all

racted an avowal that, among all the suitors, one alone was worthy of her love, Vertumnus. Vertumnus seized the favourable

mnus seized the favourable opportunity, revealed himself, and clasped her to his breast. Pomona, perceiving that she had ho

betrayed herself, no longer refused to wed, but allowed him to share her labours, and help her turn the luscious fruit to

longer refused to wed, but allowed him to share her labours, and help her turn the luscious fruit to ripen in the autumn su

e Deep.” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). He was very anxious indeed to marry her , but, before taking such an important step, deeme

should be given in marriage to Peleus, King of Phthia, who had loved her faithfully, and had long sued in vain. Thetis, ho

maiden, and the wedding preparations were made in the coral caves of her father, Nereus, beneath the foam-crested waves. T

discord, whose snaky locks, sour looks, and violent temper had caused her to be omitted from the wedding list, — “The Abom

t-hall.” Tennyson. The Apple of Discord This omission angered her , and made her determine to have her revenge by tr

yson. The Apple of Discord This omission angered her, and made her determine to have her revenge by troubling the ha

Discord This omission angered her, and made her determine to have her revenge by troubling the harmony which evidently

d, then threw upon it a golden apple, and, exhaling over the assembly her poisoned breath, she vanished. The general attent

uted for its possession. Juno declared that the queen of the gods, in her majesty and power, surely had the best right; Min

eyes, and proffered the bribe of supreme wisdom if he would but give her the preference. Juno, queen of heaven, next appea

d have great wealth and unlimited power were he to award the prize to her .                                         “She to

toll, From many an inland town and haven large, Mast-throng’d beneath her shadowing citadel In glassy bays among her talles

rge, Mast-throng’d beneath her shadowing citadel In glassy bays among her tallest towers.’” Tennyson. But all Minerva’s a

Minerva’s and Juno’s charms and bribes were forgotten when Venus, in her magic cestus, appeared before the judge. This art

us care Adjusted twice a single hair.” Cowper. Then, trembling lest her efforts should prove vain, she gently drew near t

fair as herself in return for the coveted golden apple. Won either by her superior attractions or by her alluring bribe, Pa

he coveted golden apple. Won either by her superior attractions or by her alluring bribe, Paris no longer hesitated, but pl

er alluring bribe, Paris no longer hesitated, but placed the prize in her extended palm. “Ere yet her speech was finished,

onger hesitated, but placed the prize in her extended palm. “Ere yet her speech was finished, he consign’d To her soft han

her extended palm. “Ere yet her speech was finished, he consign’d To her soft hand the fruit of burnished rind; And foam-b

to avenge themselves; while Venus, triumphant, and anxious to redeem her promise, directed Paris to return to Troy, make h

ed the attention of his sister Cassandra. This princess was noted for her beauty, and it is said had even been wooed by Apo

uty, and it is said had even been wooed by Apollo, who, hoping to win her favour, bestowed upon her the gift of prophecy. F

en been wooed by Apollo, who, hoping to win her favour, bestowed upon her the gift of prophecy. For some reason the god’s s

he could not take back the power conferred, he annulled it by making her hearers refuse to credit her words. Cassandra imm

ower conferred, he annulled it by making her hearers refuse to credit her words. Cassandra immediately called her parents’

her hearers refuse to credit her words. Cassandra immediately called her parents’ attention to the extraordinary likeness

ed her parents’ attention to the extraordinary likeness Paris bore to her other brothers; and then, breaking out into a pro

ld bring destruction upon his native city. Priam and Hecuba, scorning her prophecy, joyfully received their long-lost son,

g of Sparta, whose young wife, Helen, was the most beautiful woman of her time, if we are to believe the testimony of her c

st beautiful woman of her time, if we are to believe the testimony of her contemporaries “Full threescore girls, in sporti

a snow-white swan), Helen had many suitors who ardently strove to win her favour. The noblest, bravest, and best came to wo

as the maiden did not show any preference, and refused to make known her choice. Tyndareus, Helen’s stepfather, thinking t

en’s stepfather, thinking the rejected suitors might attempt to steal her away from any husband she selected, proposed that

y from any husband she selected, proposed that all the candidates for her hand should take a solemn oath, binding themselve

lp him regain possession of his wife should any one venture to kidnap her .                          “This was cause To Tyn

to kidnap her.                          “This was cause To Tyndarus her father of much doubt, To give, or not to give her

s cause To Tyndarus her father of much doubt, To give, or not to give her , and how best To make good fortune his: at length

gin for his bride, they all would aid; If any dar’d to seize and bear her off, And drive by force her husband from her bed,

would aid; If any dar’d to seize and bear her off, And drive by force her husband from her bed, All would unite in arms, an

dar’d to seize and bear her off, And drive by force her husband from her bed, All would unite in arms, and lay his town, G

as taken, and Helen, whose deliberations had come to an end, bestowed her hand upon Menelaus, King of Sparta. The Abduct

and allowed herself to be borne away in triumph to Troy. “Then from her husband’s stranger-sheltering home He tempted Hel

to rest satisfied until he had recovered his truant wife and punished her seducer. Messengers were sent in haste in every d

who, to console himself for Helen’s refusal of his suit, had married her cousin, Penelope, and had now no dearer wish than

ed her cousin, Penelope, and had now no dearer wish than to linger by her side and admire his infant son, Telemachus. In th

of rendering all the parts they touched invulnerable. Premising that her son would be a great warrior, and thus exposed to

e only vulnerable part of his body. With many tears Thetis vowed that her son should never leave her to encounter such a fa

is body. With many tears Thetis vowed that her son should never leave her to encounter such a fate, and entrusted the care

ver, when rumours of the war imminent between Greece and Troy came to her ears. She knew her son would soon be summoned, an

f the war imminent between Greece and Troy came to her ears. She knew her son would soon be summoned, and to prevent his go

mpanions, sent for his daughter, feigning that he wished to celebrate her nuptials with Achilles before his departure.    

as a bride Affianc’d.” Euripides ( Potter’s tr.). Iphigenia came to her father secretly delighted at being the chosen bri

of sacrifice, where the priest, with uplifted knife, was about to end her sufferings, when Diana suddenly appeared, snatche

s about to end her sufferings, when Diana suddenly appeared, snatched her up in a cloud, and left in her stead a deer, whic

when Diana suddenly appeared, snatched her up in a cloud, and left in her stead a deer, which was duly sacrificed, while Ip

ath reached his beloved wife, Laodamia, whom he had left in Thessaly, her heart was well-nigh broken; and in her despair sh

whom he had left in Thessaly, her heart was well-nigh broken; and in her despair she entreated the gods to let her die, or

as well-nigh broken; and in her despair she entreated the gods to let her die, or allow her to see her lord once more, were

n; and in her despair she entreated the gods to let her die, or allow her to see her lord once more, were it but for a mome

er despair she entreated the gods to let her die, or allow her to see her lord once more, were it but for a moment. Her app

, that the gods could not refuse to hear it, and bade Mercury conduct her husband’s shade back to earth, to tarry with her

bade Mercury conduct her husband’s shade back to earth, to tarry with her for three hours’ time.           “‘Such grace ha

the enemy, he hastened to Agamemnon’s tent to offer a rich ransom for her recovery; but the aged father’s entreaties were a

. Chryseis was immediately consigned to the care of a herald, who led her back to her aged father’s arms. Ready to forgive

as immediately consigned to the care of a herald, who led her back to her aged father’s arms. Ready to forgive all, now tha

Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Thetis, hearing of the wanton insult offered her son, left her coral caves, ascended to Olympus, c

t’s tr.). Thetis, hearing of the wanton insult offered her son, left her coral caves, ascended to Olympus, cast herself at

ge Achilles and make the Greeks fail in all their attempts as long as her son’s wrath remained unappeased. Jupiter, touched

s as long as her son’s wrath remained unappeased. Jupiter, touched by her beauty and distress, frowned until the very firma

ive in single combat, on the ground Between the hosts, for Helen and her wealth; And he who shall o’ercome, and prove hims

ights of Mount Ida; but in the very midst of the fight, Venus, seeing her favourite about to succumb, suddenly snatched him

or, hastening back to Troy, bade his mother go to the temple with all her women, and endeavour by her prayers and gifts to

bade his mother go to the temple with all her women, and endeavour by her prayers and gifts to propitiate Minerva and obtai

d endeavour by her prayers and gifts to propitiate Minerva and obtain her aid. Then he hastened off in search of his wife A

pathetic in all the Iliad, in which Andromache vainly tried to detain her husband within the walls, while Hector gently rep

to detain her husband within the walls, while Hector gently reproved her , and demonstrated that his duty called him out up

and arouse an interest for some pursuit less dangerous than war. All her efforts were vain, however; for Achilles’ soul th

mer ( Bryant’s tr.). Arrived before him, she breathlessly made known her errand, and the god promised that the arms should

above the horizon, he consigned them to Thetis, who hastened back to her son’s tent, where she found him still bewailing t

his heartrending scene, and now Jupiter sent Iris to Thetis, and bade her hasten down to Achilles and command him to restor

e Amazons, who, with a chosen troop of warrior maidens, came to offer her aid. The brave queen afforded them, however, only

sight of Polyxena, daughter of Priam, and had been deeply smitten by her girlish charms. He now vainly tried to make peace

licting nations, hoping that, were the war but ended, he might obtain her hand in marriage. The Death of Achilles His

nd killed himself in a fit of frenzy, while Polyxena, inconsolable at her betrothed’s death, committed suicide on the magni

es and the best modes of applying them, had once told him to send for her should he ever be wounded. He therefore sent for

e; but she, justly offended by the base desertion and long neglect of her lover, refused her aid, and let him die in tortur

offended by the base desertion and long neglect of her lover, refused her aid, and let him die in torture. When he was dead

den’d by the flames Infolding that dark body which had lain Of old in her embrace, paused — and then ask’d Falteringly, ‘Wh

ute for reverence. Then moving quickly forward till the heat Smote on her brow, she lifted up a voice Of shrill command, ‘W

iage broke, Thro’ all the clouded years of widowhood, And muffling up her comely head, and crying ‘Husband!’ she leapt upon

th his wife Helen, who, in spite of the added ten years, retained all her youthful beauty, were detained in Egypt by contra

he returned to Argos only to be murdered by his wife Clytæmnestra and her paramour Ægisthus.         “‘Ægisthus, bent upon

t it has become proverbial in every tongue. Electra had not forgotten her father’s base murder, although years had elapsed

were waiting, had once seen the charming sea nymph Galatea riding in her pearl-shell chariot drawn by bounding dolphins. H

made a vivid impression upon him, and he was soon deeply in love with her . He neglected his flocks, shunned his companions,

is companions, and spent all his time near the seashore, watching for her , and bitterly cursing his fate, which prevented h

g for her, and bitterly cursing his fate, which prevented his seeking her in her native element, for the gods had cursed th

er, and bitterly cursing his fate, which prevented his seeking her in her native element, for the gods had cursed the race

t of Acis, a very fascinating young shepherd, who had no need to call her repeatedly, for she always yielded to his first a

Galatea, the goddess, being immortal, escaped unhurt; but poor Acis, her beloved, was crushed to death. The stream of bloo

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

hear her sweet voice raised in song, as she wove a beautiful web for her own adornment; so they pressed eagerly on, and en

h, fearing lest some fraud might suddenly be revealed. Circe received her self-invited guests most graciously, seated them

ts most graciously, seated them on tapestry-covered couches, and bade her numerous handmaidens speedily set before them all

ce watched them with ill-concealed disgust. Suddenly she started from her seat, waved her wand over their heads, and bade t

with ill-concealed disgust. Suddenly she started from her seat, waved her wand over their heads, and bade them assume the f

as rendered ineffective by the power of the herb, and, when she waved her wand over his head and bade him join his fellows,

head and bade him join his fellows, he drew his sword and rushed upon her , threatening to take her life if she did not imme

s fellows, he drew his sword and rushed upon her, threatening to take her life if she did not immediately restore his frien

enchantress. At first Circe was loth to let him go, but, seeing that her efforts to detain him longer would be of no avail

she engulfed the surrounding waters, drawing even large galleys into her capacious jaws. As for Scylla, she too dwelt in a

to her capacious jaws. As for Scylla, she too dwelt in a cave, whence her six ugly heads protruded to devour any prey that

e implored Circe to give him some love potion strong enough to compel her love. Circe, who had long nursed a secret passion

nursed a secret passion for Glaucus, was angry at him, and jealous of her rival, and, instead of a love potion, prepared a

thfully did as she commanded; but when Scylla plunged into the water, her body, and not her feelings, changed, and she beca

commanded; but when Scylla plunged into the water, her body, and not her feelings, changed, and she became a loathsome mon

eave the Trinacrian shores. In the meantime, Lampetia had hastened to her father to apprise him of the crime committed by U

n the Island of Ogygia, where the fair sea nymph Calypso had taken up her abode. Ulysses and Calypso There he was kin

aa, daughter of Alcinous, King of the Phæacians, in a dream, and bade her go down to the shore and wash her linen robes in

the Phæacians, in a dream, and bade her go down to the shore and wash her linen robes in readiness for her wedding-day, whi

de her go down to the shore and wash her linen robes in readiness for her wedding-day, which the goddess assured her was ne

nen robes in readiness for her wedding-day, which the goddess assured her was near at hand. Nausicaa obeyed, and drove with

goddess assured her was near at hand. Nausicaa obeyed, and drove with her maidens down to the shore, where, after their lab

ion for a shipwrecked mariner. She graciously permitted him to follow her to her father’s palace, and presented him to Alci

a shipwrecked mariner. She graciously permitted him to follow her to her father’s palace, and presented him to Alcinous an

Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Penelope, hearing that a stranger was within her gates, sent for him, to inquire whether he knew a

s within her gates, sent for him, to inquire whether he knew aught of her husband. She too failed to pierce his disguise, a

y continued a piece of work with which she was endeavouring to baffle her suitors; for, when urged to marry, she had replie

work. As she was a diligent worker, the suitors expected soon to hear her decision, little knowing that she undid at night

uge was discovered, and the unfortunate Penelope was forced to finish her work; but ere it was quite done, she found anothe

k; but ere it was quite done, she found another expedient to postpone her choice of a husband. She brought Ulysses’ bow, an

all the wooers. Penelope, unconscious of all this bloodshed, slept in her room, until she was gently awakened by Euryclea w

as gently awakened by Euryclea with the announcement of the return of her long-absent husband. “‘Awake, Penelope, dear chi

is son.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). But Penelope had too long believed her husband dead to credit this marvellous news; and

credit this marvellous news; and it was only after Ulysses had given her an infallible proof of his identity, by telling h

Ulysses had given her an infallible proof of his identity, by telling her a secret which was shared by her alone, that she

le proof of his identity, by telling her a secret which was shared by her alone, that she received him. Ulysses’ Last Jo

, ‘fly! Escape these flames: Greece holds the walls; Proud Ilium from her summit falls. Think not of king’s or country’s cl

! are names: Could Troy be saved by hands of men, This hand had saved her then, e’en then. The gods of her domestic shrines

by hands of men, This hand had saved her then, e’en then. The gods of her domestic shrines That country to your care consig

ied Deiphobus, his brother, —  and for a moment he determined to take her life; but ere he could do so, Venus, his mother,

rival nations to fly to arms. Further to convince him of the truth of her assertions, she enabled him to see what was hidde

d levelling the walls with mighty blows. She then vehemently implored her son to leave this scene of carnage, and fly, with

, whence he could embark, and sail away to a more fortunate land; and her entreaties finally prevailed. Æneas and Anchis

k, one safety shall be ours. My son shall journey at my side, My wife her steps by mine shall guide, At distance safe.’” V

ng wife; and he retraced his steps with anxious haste, hoping to find her still alive. But on the threshold of his once hap

d her still alive. But on the threshold of his once happy home he met her disembodied spirit, and heard her bid him seek th

shold of his once happy home he met her disembodied spirit, and heard her bid him seek the banks of the Tiber, where a beau

nks of the Tiber, where a beautiful young bride would comfort him for her loss. This speech ended, Creusa’s ghost vanished,

s crime, until visited in a dream by the shade of Sychæus, which bade her fly with his treasures, whose place of concealmen

nded on the Libyan coast, where she entreated the inhabitants to sell her as much land as an ox-hide would enclose. This se

autiful capital, Carthage. Æneas and Dido Thither Venus advised her son to proceed and claim the queen’s protection.

to the queen of their renowned chief, whose fame had already reached her ear; and she gladly promised to send out a search

and he stood before the queen in all his manly beauty. Dido then led her guests to the banquet-hall, where they recounted

reclining on the queen’s bosom, secretly thrust one of his darts into her heart, and made her fall in love with Æneas. Day

en’s bosom, secretly thrust one of his darts into her heart, and made her fall in love with Æneas. Day after day now passed

sail while she was wrapt in slumber. When she awoke and looked out of her palace window, it was only to see the last vessel

was only to see the last vessel sink beneath the horizon. Concealing her grief, and pretending an anger she did not feel,

cealing her grief, and pretending an anger she did not feel, she bade her servants make a funeral pyre, and place upon it a

nd place upon it all the objects Æneas had used during his sojourn in her palace; then, having crowned the pile with an eff

ojourn in her palace; then, having crowned the pile with an effigy of her false lover, she set fire to the pyre, 330 sprang

im afloat once more, she hastened to Neptune, and bade him watch over her unfortunate son. Neptune listened very graciously

m watch over her unfortunate son. Neptune listened very graciously to her appeal, and promised to take but one of all the m

o the Sibyl’s cave, made known his wish to visit Hades, and entreated her to serve as his guide in that perilous journey. S

thout the gods’ aid? In answer to this appeal, Venus, ever mindful of her son, sent two of her snowy doves to lead the way

In answer to this appeal, Venus, ever mindful of her son, sent two of her snowy doves to lead the way and alight on the tre

bolus to pay his way across, and that of Dido, with a gaping wound in her breast. They did not pause, however, until they r

ared. In spite of all the years which had elapsed since Paris scorned her attractions and bribes, Juno had not yet forgotte

Paris scorned her attractions and bribes, Juno had not yet forgotten her hatred of the Trojan race, and afraid lest her en

had not yet forgotten her hatred of the Trojan race, and afraid lest her enemy’s course should now prove too smooth, she s

cuted both commands, and Amata fled to the woods, where she concealed her daughter Lavinia, to keep her safe for Turnus, wh

fled to the woods, where she concealed her daughter Lavinia, to keep her safe for Turnus, whom she preferred to Æneas.

he gates of Janus’ temple. He refused: but Juno, afraid lest even now her plans might be set at naught, came down from Olym

ow her plans might be set at naught, came down from Olympus, and with her own hand flung wide the brazen doors. This unexpe

isted; and even Camilla, the Volscian warrior-maiden, came to proffer her aid to Turnus. “Last marches forth for Latium’s

um’s sake     Camilla fair, the Volscian maid, A troop of horsemen in her wake     In pomp of gleaming steel arrayed; Stern

f Camilla When but a babe in arms, Camilla had been carried off by her father, as he fled before the Volscian troops. Wh

close at his heels. Tying his infant daughter to his spear, he hurled her to the opposite bank, which, thanks to Diana’s ai

osite bank, which, thanks to Diana’s aid, she reached unharmed, while her father plunged into the waves to join her. In his

she reached unharmed, while her father plunged into the waves to join her . In his gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicat

ather plunged into the waves to join her. In his gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicated her to Diana, who trained her

waves to join her. In his gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicated her to Diana, who trained her to love the chase and a

gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicated her to Diana, who trained her to love the chase and all manly pursuits. Surpris

an history. As soon as this armour was completed, Venus brought it to her son, who donned it with visible pleasure, and, en

counter such a formidable antagonist as Æneas, had determined to lure her favourite away from the field. To compass this, s

rom the town — farewell.’” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). Shortly after her death, in the very midst of the fray, Æneas sudde

rning in favour of the Trojans; and Amata, the Latin queen, sorry for her ill-advised opposition to her daughter’s marriage

; and Amata, the Latin queen, sorry for her ill-advised opposition to her daughter’s marriage with Æneas, brought Lavinia h

t to repress a sedition; Danae’s shower of gold, the money with which her guards were bribed; Prometheus, a maker of clay i

pony. Forced to pause from lack of breath, she resumed the thread of her narrative with the words, “Now, this dog”; and, w

tions as Proteus, all of which apparently seemed perfectly natural to her . The anthropologists explain the tales of the var

the husband to see his wife’s face until after she has given birth to her first child, and in others a wife may not speak h

as given birth to her first child, and in others a wife may not speak her husband’s name); the latter school interpret the

e child of Telephassa (“she who shines from afar”), carried away from her eastern birthplace by the sky (Jupiter), closely

eastern birthplace by the sky (Jupiter), closely pursued by the sun ( her brother Cadmus), who, after passing through many

e same story, where the sun, although enamoured with the dawn, causes her death. As some mythologists have interpreted it,

y risen, “they say that Orpheus has turned around too soon to look at her , and so was parted from the wife he loved so dear

utiful twilight. It is then that Deianeira (the daylight), jealous of her rival’s charms, sends him the bloody Nessus robe,

struction. Helle, an emblem of the condensation of vapour, falls from her exalted seat into the sea, where she is lost. The

broad daylight) next charms Jason; and the poisoned robe which causes her death is woven by Medea, now the evening twilight

ses her death is woven by Medea, now the evening twilight, who mounts her dragon car and flies to the far east, forsaking h

light, who mounts her dragon car and flies to the far east, forsaking her husband (the sun) in his old age, when he is abou

in at the end of their career: for Paris sees Œnone, and expires with her on the burning pile; Menelaus recovers Helen, wit

vanishes in the far west; Agamemnon rejoins Clytæmnestra, and dies by her hand in a bloody bath; while Achilles, after a pe

In this character he entices away the fickle twilight (Helen) during her husband’s temporary absence, and bears her off to

le twilight (Helen) during her husband’s temporary absence, and bears her off to the far east, where, after struggling for

far east, where, after struggling for a while to retain possession of her and her treasures, he is finally forced to relinq

, where, after struggling for a while to retain possession of her and her treasures, he is finally forced to relinquish her

ssession of her and her treasures, he is finally forced to relinquish her , and she returns to her husband and her allegianc

treasures, he is finally forced to relinquish her, and she returns to her husband and her allegiance. The siege of Troy has

finally forced to relinquish her, and she returns to her husband and her allegiance. The siege of Troy has thus been inter

or Ulysses, early in life, after wedding Penelope, is forced to leave her to fight for another; and on his return, although

at he casts aside his beggar’s garb to linger for a short time beside her ere he vanishes in the west. The greater part of

eak”), and we are thus enabled to understand why the Greeks described her as sprung from the forehead of Zeus (the heavens)

e word also means “to wake” and “to know,” while the Latins connected her name of Minerva with mens, the same as the Greek

oon was not a lifeless ball of stones and clods.” Diana, like Apollo, her twin brother, was also a child of the sky (Jupite

. She also possessed bright and unerring arrows, and in the course of her nightly journey she looked lovingly down upon the

ust die. But when Proserpina (the spring or vegetation) returned from her sojourn under the ground, people said “that the d

und, people said “that the daughter of the earth was returning in all her beauty; and when summer faded into winter, they s

winter, they said that the beautiful child had been stolen away from her mother by dark beings, who kept her imprisoned be

l child had been stolen away from her mother by dark beings, who kept her imprisoned beneath the earth.” The sorrow of Cere

terpreted as the earth, the chosen bride of the sky, who brings forth her offspring in the midst of the thunder and lightni

ording to other authorities, she was a personification of winter, and her tears represented the thaw occasioned by the sunb

reek Hestia (or Latin Vesta) was also a personification of fire; and, her name having retained its primitive meaning to a g

, 358, 359 A-ga′ve. Mother of Pentheus; infuriated by Bacchus, slays her son, 157 A-ge′nor. Father of Europa, Cadmus, Cil

guarded by the Salii in Rome, 120 An-dræ′mon. Husband of Dryope; saw her changed to a tree, 262 An-drom′a-che. Wife of He

built by Dido, visited by Æneas, 329 Cas-san′dra. Daughter of Priam; her prophecies, though true, were always disbelieved,

lace of the golden-fleeced ram, 130 Cu′mæ. Cave where the Sybil gave her prophecies, 332 Cu′pid, or Cu-pi′do. Same as Amo

nd Proserpina, 169 E-leu′sis. City in Greece visited by Ceres during her search for Proserpina, 162, 169 E′lis. Province o

8; Penelope awakened by, 320 Eu-ryd′i-ce. Wife of Orpheus, who seeks her in Hades, 58-62; significance, 351-353 Eu-ryl′o-

85 He′ro. Maiden loved by Leander, who swam the Hellespont to visit her , 89-94 He-si′o-ne. Daughter of Laomedon; rescued

the sun chariot, 6, 8, 10 Hyp-erm-nes′tra. Daughter of Danaus; saves her husband, 143 I I-ap′e-tus. One of the Tita

ignificance, 356, 357 Jo-cas′ta. Wife of Laius, 246; marries Œdipus, her son, 250; commits suicide, 251; significance, 357

s, 299, 300 O-ri′on. Youth loved by Diana, and accidentally slain by her , 77-79 Or-i-thy′i-a. Wife of Boreas; mother of C

d age of the ancient world, 22 Sil′vi-a. Daughter of Latin shepherd; her stag was wounded by lulus, 334 Si′nis (The Pine-

; allies of Æneas, 335, 336 Tyn-da′re-us. Stepfather of Helen; binds her suitors by oath, 276 Ty-phœ′us. Same as Typhon;

piter and Mnemosyne, 69 U′ra-nus (Heaven). Husband of Gæa, created by her , 3, 6, 7; significance, 348 V Ve′nus. Same

by Pax, the goddess of peace, who is often represented holding him in her lap. Because Plutus insisted upon bestowing his f

unhappy. She had one great favorite, a peacock, which was always with her . Besides Jupiter and Juno there were many other g

do Reni ). His twin sister was Diana, goddess of the moon. She drove her silver car at night when Apollo had gone to rest

ting; and, in the daytime, she wandered through the green woods, with her arrows at her side, while her fleet hounds sped o

the daytime, she wandered through the green woods, with her arrows at her side, while her fleet hounds sped on in front of

wandered through the green woods, with her arrows at her side, while her fleet hounds sped on in front of her, and a train

th her arrows at her side, while her fleet hounds sped on in front of her , and a train of young girls and wood nymphs follo

to tell you of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and of war. The owl was her favorite bird. She spent much of her time in weav

f wisdom and of war. The owl was her favorite bird. She spent much of her time in weaving and embroidering, for she was ver

nd home. Ceres was the goddess of the earth, and the people looked to her for bountiful harvests, and for the growth of eve

t a woman whom you will all love. Almost everybody loved Callisto and her little son Arcas; for she was fair and good, and

little son Arcas; for she was fair and good, and kind to all who knew her . She had a very joyous nature, and when she went

d a very joyous nature, and when she went hunting in the forests with her companions, as she often did, she was always the

and bright flowers. She laughed and sang to the beautiful world about her , and in return all nature seemed to smile on her.

eautiful world about her, and in return all nature seemed to smile on her . I said that almost everybody loved Callisto; for

ile on her. I said that almost everybody loved Callisto; for although her little boy and all her companions and even the go

almost everybody loved Callisto; for although her little boy and all her companions and even the gods were very fond of he

little boy and all her companions and even the gods were very fond of her , there was one who did not love her, and that was

d even the gods were very fond of her, there was one who did not love her , and that was Juno. For some reason, Juno could n

lier and fairer she grew, the more the queen of heaven seemed to hate her . At last, one day when Juno met her in the forest

he queen of heaven seemed to hate her. At last, one day when Juno met her in the forest, hunting and singing as she went al

nd singing as she went along, all bitter feelings seemed to rush into her heart at once; and she hated Callisto so much tha

; and she hated Callisto so much that she could no longer bear to see her . So she did a very cruel thing, — she raised her

o longer bear to see her. So she did a very cruel thing, — she raised her hand and spoke a few magic words. In an instant C

ees whenever she heard the patter of feet on the ground. For although her body was like a bear’s, her thoughts and feelings

atter of feet on the ground. For although her body was like a bear’s, her thoughts and feelings were still human, and she f

r none of them, and no longer responded to the beauty that surrounded her . Nuts and wild honey and berries were her food th

the beauty that surrounded her. Nuts and wild honey and berries were her food the running brooks, her drink. At night she

er. Nuts and wild honey and berries were her food the running brooks, her drink. At night she slept in the hollow of a tree

ollow of a tree or in some dark cavern. Often she heard the voices of her former friends, as they went hunting over the hil

bled and crouched behind the trees, for she did not want them to find her . Many a time her thoughts went back to that day w

behind the trees, for she did not want them to find her. Many a time her thoughts went back to that day when she had last

Many a time her thoughts went back to that day when she had last seen her little son, and she wondered what had become of t

spite of the many years since she had last seen him, the mother knew her son; and she gazed with wondering eyes at the chi

be such a tall, fine-looking boy. She longed to speak; but of course her growling would have frightened Arcas, so she mere

f course her growling would have frightened Arcas, so she merely kept her eyes fixed on him. At first Arcas was only startl

saw the newly-made stars twinkling in the sky. She had tried to show her hatred toward Callisto by taking away her human f

sky. She had tried to show her hatred toward Callisto by taking away her human form, but now Jupiter had made her and her

ward Callisto by taking away her human form, but now Jupiter had made her and her son far greater than human beings. She we

listo by taking away her human form, but now Jupiter had made her and her son far greater than human beings. She went to Ne

than human beings. She went to Neptune, god of the sea, and told him her troubles. She asked him to grant her at least one

ne, god of the sea, and told him her troubles. She asked him to grant her at least one little favor, — never to let the Gre

e earth yield plentiful crops of grain, or to leave it barren; and on her depended the food, and therefore the life, of all

ink, like apple blossoms in spring, and there was just enough blue in her eyes to give you a glimpse of an April morning sk

Spring.” Proserpine spent the long, happy days in the fields, helping her mother, or dancing and singing among the flowers,

s, helping her mother, or dancing and singing among the flowers, with her young companions. Way down under the earth, in th

ding in the center of a ring of laughing young girls who were pelting her with flowers. The stern old king felt his heart b

t and beautiful.” But he knew it would be useless to ask the girl for her consent; so, with a bold stride, he stepped into

o right and left. But Pluto grasped Proserpine by the arm and carried her to his chariot, and then the horses flew along th

w that he must hasten away with his prize, lest Ceres should discover her loss; and, to keep out of her path, he drove his

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

elow. But Proserpine knew that the nymph of the stream had recognized her , and had tried to save her by making the waters o

hat the nymph of the stream had recognized her, and had tried to save her by making the waters of the stream rise. So, just

he waters of the stream rise. So, just as the ground was closing over her , the girl seized her girdle and threw it far out

am rise. So, just as the ground was closing over her, the girl seized her girdle and threw it far out into the river. She h

ver. She hoped that in some way the girdle might reach Ceres and help her to find her lost daughter. ——— The Voice of Spri

ed that in some way the girdle might reach Ceres and help her to find her lost daughter. ——— The Voice of Spring I Come,

es. Felicia Hemans. Part II In the evening Ceres returned to her home; but her daughter, who usually came running

emans. Part II In the evening Ceres returned to her home; but her daughter, who usually came running to meet her, w

urned to her home; but her daughter, who usually came running to meet her , was nowhere to be seen. Ceres searched for her i

came running to meet her, was nowhere to be seen. Ceres searched for her in all the rooms, but they were empty. Then she l

fires of a volcano, and went wandering among the fields, looking for her child. When morning broke, and she had found no t

child. When morning broke, and she had found no trace of Proserpine, her grief was terrible to see. 4. “Ceres lighted a

s terrible to see. 4. “Ceres lighted a torch and went searching for her child.” Ceres (Glyptothek, Munich). On that sad

n a long, long wandering. Over land and sea she journeyed, bearing in her right hand the torch which had been kindled in th

right hand the torch which had been kindled in the fiery volcano. All her duties were neglected, and everywhere the crops f

autiful Proserpine. When the starving people came to Ceres and begged her to resume her duties and to be their friend again

pine. When the starving people came to Ceres and begged her to resume her duties and to be their friend again, Ceres lifted

d her to resume her duties and to be their friend again, Ceres lifted her great eyes, wearied with endless seeking, and ans

and answered that until Proserpine was found, she could think only of her child, and could not care for the neglected earth

people cried aloud to Jupiter that he should bring Proserpine back to her mother, for they were sadly in need of great Cere

of great Ceres’ help. At last, after wandering over all the earth in her fruitless search, Ceres returned to Sicily. One d

assing a river, suddenly a little swell of water carried something to her feet. Stooping to see what it was, she picked up

thrown to the water nymph. While she was looking at it, with tears in her eyes, she heard a fountain near her bubbling loud

was looking at it, with tears in her eyes, she heard a fountain near her bubbling louder and louder, until at last it seem

daughter seated on a throne at the dark king’s side. But in spite of her splendor, her cheeks were pale and her eyes were

ed on a throne at the dark king’s side. But in spite of her splendor, her cheeks were pale and her eyes were heavy with wee

k king’s side. But in spite of her splendor, her cheeks were pale and her eyes were heavy with weeping. I can stay no longe

r and said, “I have found the place where my daughter is hidden. Give her back to me, and the earth shall once more be frui

s of the people on earth; and he said that Proserpine might return to her home if she had tasted no food while in Pluto’s k

d a month underground. For six months of the year Ceres is happy with her daughter. At Proserpine’s coming, flowers bloom a

d, Ceres hides herself and grieves through all the weary months until her daughter’s return. Then the earth, too, is somber

of the men who were changed into frogs because they were so unkind to her . Long ago, there lived in Greece a very beautiful

me was Latona. It is a soft, pretty name, and will help us to picture her to whom it belonged. She was tall and graceful, a

l, and usually wore soft, pearl-colored robes. Her hair was dark, and her eyes were a deep, clear gray. They were sad eyes,

ife was very unhappy. Juno hated the gray-eyed woman; and she treated her so badly, and was so unkind to her, that poor Lat

e gray-eyed woman; and she treated her so badly, and was so unkind to her , that poor Latona had to flee from place to place

stepped into the boat and pushed it off from the shore. She sat down, her hands folded in her lap, softly crying as she dri

t and pushed it off from the shore. She sat down, her hands folded in her lap, softly crying as she drifted along. Night ca

though it was only a few hours. Toward morning, she was startled from her sorrow by the grating of the keel on the shore; a

, long time. She was very happy, and hoped that Juno would never find her in this hidden corner of the earth. After a while

ner of the earth. After a while one of the gods, who loved and pitied her , sent two beautiful twin babes to gladden her hea

s, who loved and pitied her, sent two beautiful twin babes to gladden her heart. She never wearied of watching her little b

utiful twin babes to gladden her heart. She never wearied of watching her little boy and girl, as they lay asleep or played

fashion. She named the boy Apollo, and the girl Diana. 5. “Watching her little boy and girl, as they lay asleep.” Latona

. “Watching her little boy and girl, as they lay asleep.” Latona and her Children ( Rinehart ). One sad day, when she was

( Rinehart ). One sad day, when she was sitting in the sunshine with her children, a black, angry-looking cloud spread ove

ky; and when Latona looked up toward it, she saw Juno standing before her . With harsh words, the goddess ordered the poor m

ppy, she hastened away, for she feared that otherwise Juno might harm her two beautiful babes. So she took a little one in

l babes. So she took a little one in each arm, and again set forth on her wanderings. She came at length to a desert land,

desert land, where there was not a blade of grass or a flower to rest her tired eyes. The hot sand burned her feet, and her

lade of grass or a flower to rest her tired eyes. The hot sand burned her feet, and her lips were parched with thirst. The

or a flower to rest her tired eyes. The hot sand burned her feet, and her lips were parched with thirst. The two babes in h

ned her feet, and her lips were parched with thirst. The two babes in her arms sometimes seemed to weigh like lead, she was

d to weigh like lead, she was so tired from walking all day long. Yet her cloak was always held so as to shield them, not h

not herself, from the sun. The mother was glad to suffer anything for her children’s sake. She had been walking for days an

’s sake. She had been walking for days and days, the hot sand burning her tender feet, and her throat dry and parched for l

walking for days and days, the hot sand burning her tender feet, and her throat dry and parched for lack of water, when su

, and a glimmer of blue water amid the green. The hope of relief gave her new strength, and she hastened toward the spot. W

g them in sheaves. Latona bent and tried to reach the pure water with her lips, for both her arms were burdened with the ch

Latona bent and tried to reach the pure water with her lips, for both her arms were burdened with the children. But she sta

arted up again, when the men, in a very rude and unkind tone, ordered her not to drink. “What!” said Latona in surprise, “s

rude talk and threatened that, if she did not go away, they would do her some harm. Then Latona began to plead, with tears

hey would do her some harm. Then Latona began to plead, with tears in her eyes. “Surely, if you have no pity for me,” she s

le children who stretch out their arms to you.” And, as she put aside her cloak, the little boy and girl really did stretch