of Ocean. There the sun-god embarked in a winged boat, which conveyed him round by the northern part of the earth, back to

Metis, (Prudence,) who administered a draught to Saturn which caused him to disgorge his children. Jupiter, with his broth

he thunder was his weapon, and he bore a shield called Ægis, made for him by Vulcan. The eagle was his favorite bird, and b

o. He was born lame, and his mother was so displeased at the sight of him that she flung him out of heaven. Other accounts

, and his mother was so displeased at the sight of him that she flung him out of heaven. Other accounts say that Jupiter ki

t she flung him out of heaven. Other accounts say that Jupiter kicked him out for taking part with his mother in a quarrel

ast alighted in the island of Lemnos, which was thenceforth sacred to him . Milton alludes to this story in Paradise Lost, B

s the symbol of reciprocal affection. The following legend is told of him : — Venus, complaining to Themis that her son Eros

of the nine Muses. Mercury gave the lyre to Apollo, and received from him in exchange the caduceus. Ceres (Demeter) was the

he daughters of Themis, (Law,) who sits by Jove on his throne to give him counsel. The Erinnyes, or Furies, were three godd

gy. Saturn was an ancient Italian deity. It was attempted to identify him with the Grecian god Cronos, and fabled that afte

orter of heaven. He opens the year, the first month being named after him . He is the guardian deity of gates, on which acco

as wanted, and Man was made. It is not known whether the Creator made him of divine materials, or whether in the earth, so

kneading it up with water, made man in the image of the gods. He gave him an upright stature, so that while all other anima

gigantic race, who inhabited the earth before the creation of man. To him and his brother Epimetheus was committed the offi

ther Epimetheus was committed the office of making man, and providing him and all other animals with the faculties necessar

so prodigal of his resources that he had nothing left to bestow upon him . In his perplexity he resorted to his brother Pro

this gift man was more than a match for all other animals. It enabled him to make weapons wherewith to subdue them; tools w

ot satisfied with his own waters, calls on his brother Neptune to aid him with his. He lets loose the rivers, and pours the

nd tigers struggle in the water. The strength of the wild boar serves him not, nor his swiftness the stag. The birds fall w

by Hermes, she insnared Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged On him who had stole Jove’s authentic fire.” Prometheus

w down on himself the anger of the ruler of gods and men. Jupiter had him chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vult

f fire from heaven,     Wilt thou withstand the shock? And share with him — the unforgiven —     His vulture and his rock?”

f the people, and lurked in the caves of Mount Parnassus. Apollo slew him with his arrows — weapons which he had not before

being himself elated with his recent victory over Python, he said to him , “What have you to do with warlike weapons, saucy

ght, and left his plea half uttered. And even as she fled she charmed him . The wind blew her garments, and her unbound hair

is guilty body with your teeth.” He took up the veil, carried it with him to the appointed tree, and covered it with kisses

pped cautiously forth, looking anxiously for the youth, eager to tell him the danger she had escaped. When she came to the

sports. He would rise before the dawn to pursue the chase. Aurora saw him when she first looked forth, fell in love with hi

chase. Aurora saw him when she first looked forth, fell in love with him , and stole him away. But Cephalus was just marrie

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

t he resisted all the entreaties of Aurora, and she finally dismissed him in displeasure, saying, “Go, ungrateful mortal, k

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

y art; he ran in a circle and turned on his track, the dog close upon him , with open jaws, snapping at his heels, but bitin

and allay the heat that burns me.” Some one passing by one day heard him talking in this way to the air, and, foolishly be

orning, when Cephalus went to hunt as usual. Then she stole out after him , and concealed herself in the place where the inf

he threw his javelin at the spot. A cry from his beloved Procris told him that the weapon had too surely met its mark. He r

strove to stanch the blood, and called her to revive and not to leave him miserable, to reproach himself with her death. Sh

on the banks of a glassy river, with a beautiful heifer standing near him . Juno suspected the heifer’s form concealed some

she licked the outstretched hand. She longed to make herself known to him , and would have uttered her wish; but, alas! word

at beholding the sufferings of his mistress, and calling Mercury told him to go and despatch Argus. Mercury made haste, put

eyes open though he shut the rest. Among other stories, Mercury told him how the instrument on which he played was invente

g for mercy, and felt that Jove was unkind, though she could not tell him so. Ah, how often, afraid to stay in the woods al

d of the bears. One day a youth espied her as he was hunting. She saw him and recognized him as her own son, now grown a yo

day a youth espied her as he was hunting. She saw him and recognized him as her own son, now grown a young man. She stoppe

son, now grown a young man. She stopped and felt inclined to embrace him . As she was about to approach, he, alarmed, raise

young Actæon, son of King Cadmus, thus addressed the youths who with him were hunting the stag in the mountains: — “Friend

id, the former he was ashamed, to do. While he hesitated the dogs saw him . First Melampus, a Spartan dog, gave the signal w

Dorceus, Lelaps, Theron, Nape, Tigris, and all the rest, rushed after him swifter than the wind. Over rocks and cliffs, thr

ad often chased the stag and cheered on his pack, his pack now chased him , cheered on by his huntsmen. He longed to cry out

en cheered on the dogs, and looked every where for Actæon, calling on him to join the sport. At the sound of his name he tu

oits of his dogs, but to feel them was too much. They were all around him , rending and tearing; and it was not till they ha

lf; the land whence the Sun rises lies next to ours. Go and demand of him whether he will own you as a son.” Phaëton heard

s father, laying aside the beams that shone all around his head, bade him approach, and embracing him, said, “My son, you d

eams that shone all around his head, bade him approach, and embracing him , said, “My son, you deserve not to be disowned, a

e father bathed the face of his son with a powerful unguent, and made him capable of enduring the brightness of the flame.

ëton looked down upon the earth, now spreading in vast extent beneath him , he grew pale and his knees shook with terror. In

ale and his knees shook with terror. In spite of the glare all around him , the sight of his eyes grew dim. He wished he had

ed claws stretching over two signs of the zodiac. When the boy beheld him , reeking with poison and menacing with his fangs,

. Then Jupiter omnipotent, calling to witness all the gods, including him who had lent the chariot, and showing them that a

bolt in his right hand launched it against the charioteer, and struck him at the same moment from his seat and from existen

h its brightness as it falls, and Eridanus, the great river, received him and cooled his burning frame. The Italian Naiads

im and cooled his burning frame. The Italian Naiads reared a tomb for him , and inscribed these words upon the stone: — “Dr

that state wandered away, and was found by some peasants, who carried him to their king, Midas. Midas recognized him, and t

some peasants, who carried him to their king, Midas. Midas recognized him , and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for

o carried him to their king, Midas. Midas recognized him, and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for ten days and nig

Midas. Midas recognized him, and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for ten days and nights with an unceasing round o

of jollity. On the eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and restored him in safety to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered

ft he had lately coveted. But all in vain; starvation seemed to await him . He raised his arms, all shining with gold, in pr

lus turned his head toward the Sun-god, and all his trees turned with him . Apollo rose, his brow wreathed with Parnassian l

ce on a time Jupiter, in, human shape, visited this country, and with him his son Mercury (he of the caduceus,) without his

nus, who was sitting on Mount Eryx playing with her boy Cupid, espied him , and said, “My son, take your darts with which yo

struck the river-bank with his trident, and the earth opened and gave him a passage to Tartarus. Ceres sought her daughter

the sleeping boy, moulded his limbs with her hands, and uttered over him three times a solemn charm, then went and laid hi

, and uttered over him three times a solemn charm, then went and laid him in the ashes. His mother, who had been watching w

, you have been cruel in your fondness to your son. I would have made him immortal, but you have frustrated my attempt. Nev

tream with mine. Diana cleft the ground, and I, endeavoring to escape him , plunged into the cavern, and through the bowels

omise to his infant son Triptolemus. When the boy grew up, she taught him the use of the plough, and how to sow the seed. S

e taught him the use of the plough, and how to sow the seed. She took him in her chariot, drawn by winged dragons, through

d, how divinely sweet Is the pure joy when kindred spirits meet! Like him the river god, whose waters flow, With love their

to earth, he plunged into the stream. The gods of the water received him graciously, and admitted him to the honor of thei

e stream. The gods of the water received him graciously, and admitted him to the honor of their society. They obtained the

us and Tethys, the sovereigns of the sea, that all that was mortal in him should be washed away. A hundred rivers poured th

him should be washed away. A hundred rivers poured their waters over him . Then he lost all sense of his former nature and

changed in form and mind. His hair was sea-green, and trailed behind him on the water; his shoulders grew broad, and what

and legs assumed the form of a fish’s tail. The sea-gods complimented him on the change of his appearance, and he fancied h

to win her to stay; for she turned to run immediately on the sight of him , and ran till she had gained a cliff overlooking

turned and hastened away. Glaucus was in despair, but it occurred to him to consult the enchantress Circe. Accordingly he

, and her alone.” The goddess was indignant, but she could not punish him , neither did she wish to do so, for she liked him

he could not punish him, neither did she wish to do so, for she liked him too well; so she turned all her wrath against her

her, but is taken and brought back, when with reproaches she banishes him , sentencing him to pass a thousand years in decre

n and brought back, when with reproaches she banishes him, sentencing him to pass a thousand years in decrepitude and pain.

s of drowned lovers, a youth beloved of the gods will appear and help him . Endymion fulfils this prophecy, and aids in rest

like my ivory virgin.” Venus, who was present at the festival, heard him and knew the thought he would have uttered; and a

e, Till from the frozen marble glowing,     The light of feeling o’er him shone, So did I clasp with young devotion     Bri

nd Dryope carried her child at her bosom, precious burden, and nursed him as she walked. Near the water grew a lotus plant,

ranches, and play in my shade; and when he is old enough to talk, let him be taught to call me mother, and to say with sadn

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

and while my lips continue to feel, lift up my child that I may kiss him . I can speak no more, for already the bark advanc

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

thought. Before it healed she beheld Adonis, and was captivated with him . She no longer took any interest in her favorite

, for Adonis was dearer to her than heaven. Him she followed and bore him company. She who used to love to recline in the s

gth! I hate the whole race of them. Do you ask me why?” Then she told him the story of Atalanta and Hippomenes, who were ch

ho were changed into lions for their ingratitude to her. Having given him this warning, she mounted her chariot drawn by sw

s, and rushed after Adonis, who turned and ran; but the boar overtook him , and buried his tusks in his side, and stretched

he boar overtook him, and buried his tusks in his side, and stretched him dying upon the plain. Venus, in her swan-drawn ch

llo was passionately fond of a youth named Hyacinthus. He accompanied him in his sports, carried the nets when he went fish

ets when he went fishing, led the dogs when he went to hunt, followed him in his excursions in the mountains, and neglected

t, followed him in his excursions in the mountains, and neglected for him his lyre and his arrows. One day they played a ga

r to make his throw, when the quoit bounded from the earth and struck him in the forehead. He fainted and fell. The god, as

he forehead. He fainted and fell. The god, as pale as himself, raised him and tried all his art to stanch the wound and ret

ing the sad death Of Hyacinthus, when the cruel breath Of Zephyr slew him ; Zephyr penitent, Who now ere Phœbus mounts the f

cyone, the daughter of Æolus, was his wife, and devotedly attached to him . Now Ceyx was in deep affliction for the loss of

his brother, and direful prodigies following his brother’s death made him feel as if the gods were hostile to him. He thoug

wing his brother’s death made him feel as if the gods were hostile to him . He thought best, therefore, to make a voyage to

ne? Would you rather have me away?” She also endeavored to discourage him , by describing the violence of the winds, which s

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

at it may receive burial at her hands. At length the waters overwhelm him , and he sinks. The Day-star looked dim that night

my faithful messenger, go to the drowsy dwelling of Somnus, and tell him to send a vision to Halcyone in the form of Ceyx,

urtains. There the god reclines, his limbs relaxed with sleep. Around him lie dreams, resembling all various forms, as many

e servants, alarmed by her cries, had brought a light. When she found him not, she smote her breast and rent her garments.

. Utter not words of comfort, he is shipwrecked and dead. I have seen him , I have recognized him. I stretched out my hands

mfort, he is shipwrecked and dead. I have seen him, I have recognized him . I stretched out my hands to seize him and detain

ve seen him, I have recognized him. I stretched out my hands to seize him and detain him. His shade vanished, but it was th

have recognized him. I stretched out my hands to seize him and detain him . His shade vanished, but it was the true shade of

“This it was, this that my presaging mind foreboded, when I implored him not to leave me, to trust himself to the waves. O

ng. She went to the sea shore, and sought the spot where she last saw him , on his departure. “While he lingered here, and c

et, and looked the very image of a reaper! With a hay band tied round him , one would think he had just come from turning ov

smiss all the rest and accept Vertumnus, on my recommendation. I know him as well as he knows himself. He is not a wanderin

ming any shape he pleases, and can make himself just what you command him . Moreover, he loves the same things that you do,

uits nor flowers, nor any thing else, but only yourself. Take pity on him , and fancy him speaking now with my mouth. Rememb

s, nor any thing else, but only yourself. Take pity on him, and fancy him speaking now with my mouth. Remember that the god

rock that still clings to its native cliff. She mocked and laughed at him , adding cruel words to her ungentle treatment, an

d was as the sound of a groan. The servants opened the door and found him dead, and with exclamations of pity raised him an

ned the door and found him dead, and with exclamations of pity raised him and carried him home to his mother, for his fathe

found him dead, and with exclamations of pity raised him and carried him home to his mother, for his father was not living

of a poem on Cider, in blank verse. Thomson in the Seasons alludes to him : — “ Phillips, Pomona’s bard, the second thou Wh

Cupid, mischievous enough in his own nature, and rouses and provokes him yet more by her complaints. She points out Psyche

and provokes him yet more by her complaints. She points out Psyche to him and says, “My dear son, punish that contumacious

e bitter fountain over her lips, though the sight of her almost moved him to pity; then touched her side with the point of

oke, and opened eyes upon Cupid (himself invisible) which so startled him that in his confusion he wounded himself with his

re full of love, and inspired a like passion in her. She often begged him to stay and let her behold him, but he would not

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

not consent. On the contrary he charged her to make no attempt to see him , for it was his pleasure, for the best of reasons

e as but a splendid prison. When her husband came one night, she told him her distress, and at last drew from him an unwill

band came one night, she told him her distress, and at last drew from him an unwilling consent that her sisters should be b

ters should be brought to see her. So, calling Zephyr, she acquainted him with her husband’s commands, and he, promptly obe

isfied with this reply, soon made her confess that she had never seen him . Then they proceeded to fill her bosom with dark

ngs and flew out of the window. Psyche, in vain endeavoring to follow him , fell from the window to the ground. Cupid, behol

rather come to see your sick husband, yet laid up of the wound given him by his loving wife? You are so ill-favored and di

er through the world, — Love’s worshipper, —     To seek on earth for him whose home was heaven! “In the full city, — by t

birth; Until her pining soul and weeping eyes     Had learned to seek him only in the skies; Till wings unto the weary hear

Apollo to know what country he should settle in. The oracle informed him that he should find a cow in the field, and shoul

e oracle was delivered, when he saw a young cow slowly walking before him . He followed her close, offering at the same time

e trunk of a fallen tree. As he moved onward, Cadmus retreated before him , holding his spear opposite to the monster’s open

wn back came against the trunk of a tree, and so succeeded in pinning him to its side. His weight bent the tree as he strug

eard (from whence he knew not, but he heard it distinctly) commanding him to take the dragon’s teeth and sow them in the ea

, alarmed, prepared to encounter a new enemy, but one of them said to him , “Meddle not with our civil war.” With that he wh

ccasion to describe a similar scene, have borrowed their details from him . Chapter XIII. Nisus and Scylla — Echo and Na

ns that he held. She felt as if she could, if it were possible, go to him through the hostile ranks; she felt an impulse to

wn from the tower into the midst of his camp, or to open the gates to him , or to do any thing else, so only it might gratif

rieve that Minos is our enemy; but I rejoice at any cause that brings him to my sight. Perhaps he would be willing to grant

stage. I would fly down, if I could, and alight in his camp, and tell him that we yield ourselves to his mercy. But then, t

if that must be the end of it, why should not love unbar the gates to him , instead of leaving it to be done by war? Better

one surely would have the heart to do it; yet ignorantly, not knowing him , one might. I will, I will surrender myself to hi

antly, not knowing him, one might. I will, I will surrender myself to him , with my country as a dowry, and so put an end to

ys; he only stands in my way. O that it might please the gods to take him away! But why ask the gods to do it? Another woma

enemy’s camp. She demanded to be led to the king, and thus addressed him : “I am Scylla, the daughter of Nisus. I surrender

animosity; and whenever he espies her in his lofty flight you may see him dart down upon her, with beak and claws, to take

eautiful youth, as he pursued the chase upon the mountains. She loved him , and followed his footsteps. O how she longed to

he loved him, and followed his footsteps. O how she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse!

teps. O how she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse! but it was not in her power. She wai

converse! but it was not in her power. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and had her answer ready. One day

one poor Echo. One day a maiden who had in vain endeavored to attract him uttered a prayer that he might some time or other

and much more of the same kind, he cherished the flame that consumed him , so that by degrees he lost his color, his vigor,

he beauty which formerly had so charmed the nymph Echo. She kept near him , however, and when he exclaimed, “Alas! alas!” sh

near him, however, and when he exclaimed, “Alas! alas!” she answered him with the same words. He pined away and died; and

boat to catch a look of itself in the waters. The nymphs mourned for him , especially the water-nymphs; and when they smote

in pity than in hate, That he should be like Cupid blind,     To save him from Narcissus’ fate.” The other is by Cowper: —

o his setting; she saw no other object, her face turned constantly on him . At last, they say, her limbs rooted in the groun

Though rising gale and breaking foam, And shrieking sea-birds warned him home; And clouds aloft and tides below, With sign

opotmos, adhering very closely to his master Ovid, but improving upon him in the conclusion of the story. The two stanzas w

to his horses and attempted to escape. The inevitable arrow overtook him as he fled. Two others, younger boys, just from t

e that all needed not his intercessions; and Apollo would have spared him , but the arrow had already left the string, and i

e Sir Richard Blackmore used to rhyme,     And, if the wits don’t do him wrong, ’Twixt death and epics passed his time,   

Danaë. His grandfather Acrisius, alarmed by an oracle which had told him that his daughter’s child would be the instrument

were treated with kindness. When Perseus was grown up Polydectes sent him to attempt the conquest of Medusa, a terrible mon

ght. Perseus, favored by Minerva and Mercury, the former of whom lent him her shield and the latter his winged shoes, appro

us and Atlas. After the slaughter of Medusa, Perseus, bearing with him the head of the Gorgon, flew far and wide, over l

ng from golden branches, half hid with golden leaves. Perseus said to him , “I come as a guest. If you honor illustrious des

t and food.” But Atlas remembered that an ancient prophecy had warned him that a son of Jove should one day rob him of his

ancient prophecy had warned him that a son of Jove should one day rob him of his golden apples. So he answered, “Begone! or

of glory or parentage shall protect you;” and he attempted to thrust him out. Perseus, finding the giant too strong for hi

ttempted to thrust him out. Perseus, finding the giant too strong for him , said, “Since you value my friendship so little,

m his lofty flight he sees a serpent basking in the sun, pounces upon him and seizes him by the neck to prevent him from tu

ght he sees a serpent basking in the sun, pounces upon him and seizes him by the neck to prevent him from turning his head

ng in the sun, pounces upon him and seizes him by the neck to prevent him from turning his head round and using his fangs,

ding on by a projecting fragment, as the monster floated near he gave him a death stroke. The people who had gathered on th

ents, transported with joy, embraced their future son-in-law, calling him their deliverer and the savior of their house, an

” Then with a loud voice he exclaimed, “If I have any friend here let him turn away his eyes!” and held aloft the Gorgon’s

ught sight of the Gorgon and stiffened like the rest. Astyages struck him with his sword, but instead of wounding, it recoi

acres, and Enceladus required the whole of Mount Ætna to be laid upon him to keep him down. We have already spoken of the w

nceladus required the whole of Mount Ætna to be laid upon him to keep him down. We have already spoken of the war which the

committed the child to the care of a herdsman with orders to destroy him ; but the herdsman, moved with pity, yet not darin

ot daring entirely to disobey, tied up the child by the feet and left him hanging to the branch of a tree. In this conditio

ree. In this condition the infant was found by a peasant, who carried him to his master and mistress, by whom he was adopte

alarming accounts, but boldly advanced to the trial. The Sphinx asked him , “What animal is that which in the morning goes o

eir deliverance was so great that they made Œdipus their king, giving him in marriage their queen Jocasta. Œdipus, ignorant

and abandoned by all except his daughters, who faithfully adhered to him , till after a tedious period of miserable wanderi

king into the earth produced the winged horse Pegasus. Minerva caught him and tamed him and presented him to the Muses. The

earth produced the winged horse Pegasus. Minerva caught him and tamed him and presented him to the Muses. The fountain Hipp

winged horse Pegasus. Minerva caught him and tamed him and presented him to the Muses. The fountain Hippocrene, on the Mus

le hero, but added at the close a request to his father-in-law to put him to death. The reason was that Prœtus was jealous

in-law to put him to death. The reason was that Prœtus was jealous of him , suspecting that his wife Antea looked with too m

ty, yet wishing to oblige his son-in-law. A lucky thought occurred to him , to send Bellerophon to combat with the Chimæra.

oceeding to the combat consulted the soothsayer Polyidus, who advised him to procure if possible the horse Pegasus for the

ible the horse Pegasus for the conflict. For this purpose he directed him to pass the night in the temple of Minerva. He di

in the temple of Minerva. He did so, and as he slept Minerva came to him and gave him a golden bridle. When he awoke the b

e of Minerva. He did so, and as he slept Minerva came to him and gave him a golden bridle. When he awoke the bridle remaine

e. When he awoke the bridle remained in his hand. Minerva also showed him Pegasus drinking at the well of Pirene, and at si

came willingly and suffered himself to be taken. Bellerophon mounted him , rose with him into the air, soon found the Chimæ

and suffered himself to be taken. Bellerophon mounted him, rose with him into the air, soon found the Chimæra, and gained

obates, seeing that the hero was a special favorite of the gods, gave him his daughter in marriage and made him his success

cial favorite of the gods, gave him his daughter in marriage and made him his successor on the throne. At last Bellerophon

winged steed, but Jupiter sent a gadfly which stung Pegasus and made him throw his rider, who became lame and blind in con

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

make nothing of him. But a youth stepped forth and asked leave to try him As soon as he was seated on his back the horse, w

o his home bearing the infant, his daughter Ocyroe came forth to meet him , and at sight of the child burst forth into a pro

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

hysician with lightning, and killed him, but after his death received him into the number of the gods. Chiron was the wises

sest and justest of all the Centaurs, and at his death Jupiter placed him among the stars as the constellation Sagittarius.

of Pygmies which finding Hercules asleep made preparations to attack him , as if they were about to attack a city. But the

out from trunks of trees, so that when Jason employed Argus to build him a vessel capable of containing fifty men, it was

ysia and thence to Thrace. Here they found the sage Phineus, and from him received instruction as to their future course. I

et them. His friends, the chosen heroes of Greece, trembled to behold him . Regardless of the burning breath, he soothed the

on. The Greeks trembled for their hero, and even she who had provided him a way of safety and taught him how to use it, Med

ir hero, and even she who had provided him a way of safety and taught him how to use it, Medea herself, grew pale with fear

numbers overwhelming, he resorted to the charm which Medea had taught him , seized a stone and threw it in the midst of his

eks embraced their hero, and Medea, if she dared, would have embraced him , too. It remained to lull to sleep the dragon tha

dragon that guarded the fleece, and this was done by scattering over him a few drops of a preparation which Medea had supp

Hercules left the expedition at Mysia, for Hylas, a youth beloved by him , having gone for water, was laid hold of and kept

uest of the lad, and while he was absent the Argo put to sea and left him . Moore, in one of his songs, makes a beautiful al

e. Then she directed that Æson should be led forth, and having thrown him into a deep sleep by a charm, had him laid on a b

be led forth, and having thrown him into a deep sleep by a charm, had him laid on a bed of herbs, like one dead. Jason and

readers will recollect, was the usurping uncle of Jason, and had kept him out of his kingdom. Yet he must have had some goo

om. Yet he must have had some good qualities, for his daughters loved him , and when they saw what Medea had done for Æson,

her to undergo the same operation. But Medea prepared her caldron for him in a very different way. She put in only water an

n. Then turning away their faces, and giving random blows, they smote him with their weapons. He, starting from his sleep,

failed them and their weapons fell from their hands, but Medea struck him a fatal blow, and prevented his saying more. Then

uck him a fatal blow, and prevented his saying more. Then they placed him in the caldron, and Medea hastened to depart in h

ddess who had sent it; but as he rushes on, the infuriated beast lays him low with a mortal wound. Theseus throws his lance

ives his spear into the monster’s side, then rushes on and despatches him with repeated blows. Then rose a shout from those

s! my hand fails me. He deserves death, but not that I should destroy him . But shall he then live, and triumph, and reign o

burns, and only by courageous pride conquers the pain which destroys him . He mourns only that he perishes by a bloodless a

ual in relieving her of their persecutions, — “I will be the prize of him who shall conquer me in the race; but death must

g those laggards? I offer myself for the contest.” Atalanta looked at him with a pitying countenance, and hardly knew wheth

pitying countenance, and hardly knew whether she would rather conquer him or not. “What god can tempt one so young and hand

god can tempt one so young and handsome to throw himself away? I pity him , not for his beauty (yet he is beautiful,) but fo

pples, and, unseen by any one else, gave them to Hippomenes, and told him how to use them. The signal is given; each starts

d these cries with the greater pleasure. But his breath began to fail him , his throat was dry, the goal yet far off. At tha

st forth from all sides. She redoubled her efforts, and soon overtook him . Again he threw an apple. She stopped again, but

m. Again he threw an apple. She stopped again, but again came up with him . The goal was near; one chance only remained. “No

war against Hercules from his birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he lay in his cradle, but the precocious infan

s and compelled to perform all his commands. Eurystheus enjoined upon him a succession of desperate adventures, which are c

was infested by a terrible lion. Eurystheus ordered Hercules to bring him the skin of this monster. After using in vain his

at this proof of the prodigious strength of the hero, that he ordered him to deliver the account of his exploits in future

Here the Hydra took up his position, and Hercules was sent to destroy him . The Hydra had nine heads, of which the middle on

st reached the country of the Amazons. Hippolyta, the queen, received him kindly, and consented to yield him her girdle, bu

ns. Hippolyta, the queen, received him kindly, and consented to yield him her girdle, but Juno, taking the form of an Amazo

her, and taking her girdle made sail homewards. Another task enjoined him was to bring to Eurystheus the oxen of Geryon, a

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

h. He compelled all strangers who came to his country to wrestle with him , on condition that if conquered (as they all were

(as they all were) they should be put to death. Hercules encountered him , and finding that it was of no avail to throw him

ercules encountered him, and finding that it was of no avail to throw him , for he always rose with renewed strength from ev

, for he always rose with renewed strength from every fall, he lifted him up from the earth and strangled him in the air. C

rength from every fall, he lifted him up from the earth and strangled him in the air. Cacus was a huge giant, who inhabited

e use of weapons; and in spite of the monster’s struggling, he seized him , held him fast, and carried him to Eurystheus, an

eapons; and in spite of the monster’s struggling, he seized him, held him fast, and carried him to Eurystheus, and afterwar

f the monster’s struggling, he seized him, held him fast, and carried him to Eurystheus, and afterwards brought him back ag

held him fast, and carried him to Eurystheus, and afterwards brought him back again. When he was in Hades he obtained the

body of Hercules the poison penetrated into all his limbs and caused him the most intense agony. In his frenzy he seized L

e most intense agony. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal robe, and hurled him into the sea. He w

enzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal robe, and hurled him into the sea. He wrenched off the garment, but it

e pile, his head resting on his club, and his lion’s skin spread over him . With a countenance as serene as if he were takin

ple, and that my son enjoys your favor. For although your interest in him arises from his noble deeds, yet it is not the le

flames which you see blazing on Mount Œta. Only his mother’s share in him can perish; what he derived from me is immortal.

in him can perish; what he derived from me is immortal. I shall take him , dead to earth, to the heavenly shores, and I req

to earth, to the heavenly shores, and I require of you all to receive him kindly. If any of you feel grieved at his attaini

assume a more lofty port and a more awful dignity. Jupiter enveloped him in a cloud, and took him up in a four-horse chari

and a more awful dignity. Jupiter enveloped him in a cloud, and took him up in a four-horse chariot to dwell among the sta

place in heaven, Atlas felt the added weight. Juno, now reconciled to him , gave him her daughter Hebe in marriage.   The po

eaven, Atlas felt the added weight. Juno, now reconciled to him, gave him her daughter Hebe in marriage.   The poet Schille

ears the dead. All the torments, every toil of earth Juno’s hatred on him could impose, Well he bore them, from his fated b

ord and shoes under a large stone and directed her to send his son to him when he became strong enough to roll away the sto

oes. As the roads were infested with robbers, his grandfather pressed him earnestly to take the shorter and safer way to hi

lous and adventurous journey by land. His first day’s journey brought him to Epidaurus, where dwelt a man named Periphetes,

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

hey were longer than the bed, he lopped off a portion. Theseus served him as he had served others. Having overcome all the

the road, Theseus at length reached Athens, where new dangers awaited him . Medea, the sorceress, who had fled from Corinth

the mind of Ægeus with suspicions of the young stranger, and induced him to present him a cup of poison; but at the moment

eus with suspicions of the young stranger, and induced him to present him a cup of poison; but at the moment when Theseus s

ored of Theseus, by whom her love was readily returned. She furnished him with a sword, with which to encounter the Minotau

ungrateful treatment of his benefactress was that Minerva appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to do so. On approac

enefactress was that Minerva appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to do so. On approaching the coast of Attica, The

ns. Theseus went to repel the plunderers. The moment Pirithous beheld him , he was seized with admiration; he stretched out

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

to hate. She used her influence over her infatuated husband to cause him to be jealous of his son, and he imprecated the v

e jealous of his son, and he imprecated the vengeance of Neptune upon him . As Hippolytus was one day driving his chariot al

Hippolytus was killed, but by Diana’s assistance Æsculapius restored him to life. Diana removed Hippolytus from the power

rom the power of his deluded father and false step-mother, and placed him in Italy under the protection of the nymph Egeria

ired to the court of Lycomedes, king of Scyros, who at first received him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him. In

, who at first received him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him . In a later age the Athenian general Cimon discov

f Marathon. Theseus is a semi-historical personage. It is recorded of him that he united the several tribes by whom the ter

e beaten air. He next equipped his son in the same manner, and taught him how to fly, as a bird tempts her young ones from

eat will melt them. Keep near me and you will be safe.” While he gave him these instructions and fitted the wings to his sh

for the last time. Then rising on his wings, he flew off, encouraging him to follow, and looked back from his own flight to

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

a high tower, to push him off. But Minerva, who favors ingenuity, saw him falling, and arrested his fate by changing him in

favors ingenuity, saw him falling, and arrested his fate by changing him into a bird called after his name, the Partridge.

besought Jupiter to be permitted to give his own life as a ransom for him . Jupiter so far consented as to allow the two bro

le are not always what they pretend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof of it. Ask him to come arrayed in

tend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof of it. Ask him to come arrayed in all his splendors, such as he

he god would have stopped her as she spake, but she was too quick for him . The words escaped, and he could neither unsay hi

nce. She was consumed to ashes. Jove took the infant Bacchus and gave him in charge to the Nisæan nymphs, who nourished his

e vine and the mode of extracting its precious juice; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth a wanderer thro

cting its precious juice; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth a wanderer through various parts of the ear

through various parts of the earth. In Phrygia the goddess Rhea cured him and taught him her religious rites, and he set ou

parts of the earth. In Phrygia the goddess Rhea cured him and taught him her religious rites, and he set out on a progress

nd women, but chiefly the latter, young and old, poured forth to meet him and to join his triumphal march.   Mr.  Longfello

e forehead of Apollo,     And possessing youth eternal. “Round about him fair Bacchantes,     Bearing cymbals, flutes and

to his attendants, “seize this vagabond leader of the rout and bring him to me. I will soon make him confess his false cla

his vagabond leader of the rout and bring him to me. I will soon make him confess his false claim of heavenly parentage and

in his nearest friends and wisest counsellors remonstrated and begged him not to oppose the god. Their remonstrances only m

d and begged him not to oppose the god. Their remonstrances only made him more violent. But now the attendants returned who

eded in taking one of them prisoner, whom, with his hands tied behind him , they brought before the king. Pentheus, beholdin

ds tied behind him, they brought before the king. Pentheus, beholding him with wrathful countenance, said, “Fellow! you sha

youth, perhaps a king’s son, and they might get a liberal ransom for him . I observed his dress, his walk, his face. There

ers for us.’ So blind is the lust of gain! When they proceeded to put him on board I resisted them. ‘This ship shall not be

uld sail in the opposite direction, and take the boy to Egypt to sell him for a slave. I was confounded and said, ‘Let some

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

d at his feet, and forms of lynxes and spotted panthers played around him . The men were seized with terror or madness; some

here exclaimed, “We have wasted time enough on this silly story. Take him away and have him executed without delay.” Acetes

e have wasted time enough on this silly story. Take him away and have him executed without delay.” Acetes was led away by t

n accord and the chains fell from his limbs, and when they looked for him he was nowhere to be found. Pentheus would take n

ef scene of the orgies met his eyes. At the same moment the women saw him ; and first among them his own mother, Agave, blin

ill be the first to strike the wild boar.” The whole band rushed upon him , and while he now talks less arrogantly, now excu

elf, and now confesses his crime and implores pardon, they press upon him and wound him. In vain he cries to his aunts to p

onfesses his crime and implores pardon, they press upon him and wound him . In vain he cries to his aunts to protect him fro

ress upon him and wound him. In vain he cries to his aunts to protect him from his mother. Autonoë seized one arm, Ino the

s, after helping Theseus to escape from the labyrinth, was carried by him to the island of Naxos and was left there asleep,

of Bacchus, the same that he wished the Tyrrhenian mariners to carry him to, when they so treacherously attempted to make

o carry him to, when they so treacherously attempted to make prize of him . As Ariadne sat lamenting her fate, Bacchus found

d hold back the fatal axe. Erisichthon, with a scornful look, said to him , “Receive the reward of your piety;” and turned a

, said to him, “Receive the reward of your piety;” and turned against him the weapon which he had held aside from the tree,

elds bowed also. She planned a punishment so dire that one would pity him , if such a culprit as he could be pitied, — to de

would pity him, if such a culprit as he could be pitied, — to deliver him over to Famine. As Ceres herself could not approa

g of Erisichthon, entered the bedchamber of the guilty man, and found him asleep. She enfolded him with her wings and breat

the bedchamber of the guilty man, and found him asleep. She enfolded him with her wings and breathed herself into him, inf

him asleep. She enfolded him with her wings and breathed herself into him , infusing her poison into his veins. Having disch

er was raging. Without a moment’s delay he would have food set before him , of whatever kind earth sea, or air produces; and

. What would have sufficed for a city or a nation, was not enough for him . The more he ate the more he craved. His hunger w

umed her own form. Her father was well pleased to find her still with him , and the money too that he got by the sale of her

ured food; but not enough for his wants, and at last hunger compelled him to devour his limbs, and he strove to nourish his

he strove to nourish his body by eating his body, till death relieved him from the vengeance of Ceres. Rhœcus. The Ha

point of perishing with the tree, came and expressed her gratitude to him for having saved her life and bade him ask what r

and expressed her gratitude to him for having saved her life and bade him ask what reward he would. Rhœcus boldly asked her

ove and the nymph yielded to his desire. She at the same time charged him to be constant and told him that a bee should be

his desire. She at the same time charged him to be constant and told him that a bee should be her messenger and let him kn

o be constant and told him that a bee should be her messenger and let him know when she would admit his society. One time t

elessly brushed it away. This so incensed the nymph that she deprived him of sight. Our countryman, J. R. Lowell, has taken

manes. They drew his chariot over the sea, which became smooth before him , while the monsters of the deep gambolled about h

iding on a dolphin. Having won her he rewarded the dolphin by placing him among the stars. Nereus and Doris. Nereus a

nce he was termed an elder; the gift of prophecy was also assigned to him . Triton and Proteus. Triton was the son of

. Triton was the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the poets make him his father’s trumpeter. Proteus was also a son of

on the Trojan war it will appear that Thetis was a faithful mother to him , aiding him in all difficulties, and watching ove

n war it will appear that Thetis was a faithful mother to him, aiding him in all difficulties, and watching over his intere

sion, made her a goddess of the sea, under the name of Leucothea, and him a god, under that of Palæmon. Both were held powe

was favored by this nymph with secret interviews, in which she taught him those lessons of wisdom and of law which he imbod

to play the lover’s part, but met with poor success. It was hard for him to breathe gently, and sighing was out of the que

, having lost one.” And here he groaned and was silent. Theseus asked him the cause of his grief, and how he lost his horn.

elf the son of Jove, it is either a false pretence, or disgraceful to him if true, for it cannot be true except by his moth

t our position, determined not to yield, foot to foot, I bending over him , clinching his hand in mine, with my forehead alm

the earth and my mouth in the dust. “Finding that I was no match for him in the warrior’s art, I resorted to others and gl

ay in the form of a serpent. I curled my body in a coil and hissed at him with my forked tongue. He smiled scornfully at th

s arrows at the Cyclopes, which so incensed Jupiter that he condemned him as a punishment to become the servant of a mortal

the service of Admetus, king of Thessaly, and pastured his flocks for him on the verdant banks of the river Amphrysos. Adme

for the hand of Alcestis, the daughter of Pelias, who promised her to him who should come for her in a chariot drawn by lio

ill, and being near to death, Apollo prevailed on the Fates to spare him on condition that some one would consent to die i

ed their lives for their prince, shrunk from the thought of dying for him on the bed of sickness; and old servants who had

But the parents, distressed though they were at the thought of losing him , shrunk from the call. Then Alcestis, with a gene

amber of the dying queen, and when Death came for his prey, he seized him and forced him to resign his victim. Alcestis rec

ing queen, and when Death came for his prey, he seized him and forced him to resign his victim. Alcestis recovered, and was

akes that event the first introduction of poetry to men. “Men called him but a shiftless youth,     In whom no good they s

Antigone, his daughter, alone shared his wanderings and remained with him till he died, and then returned to Thebes. Her br

m to his brother. Polynices fled to Adrastus, king of Argos, who gave him his daughter in marriage, and aided him with an a

stus, king of Argos, who gave him his daughter in marriage, and aided him with an army to enforce his claim to the kingdom.

Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus, and Polynices had taken it with him on his flight from Thebes. Eriphyle could not res

all he mounted, but Jupiter, offended at his impious language, struck him with a thunderbolt. When his obsequies were celeb

had by chance seen Minerva bathing. The goddess in her wrath deprived him of his sight, but afterwards relenting gave him i

in her wrath deprived him of his sight, but afterwards relenting gave him in compensation the knowledge of future events. W

lamentation of Antigone over Œdipus, when death has at last relieved him from his sufferings: — “Alas! I only wished I mi

wherefore should I ask For longer life? O, I was fond of misery with him ; E’en what was most unlovely grew beloved When he

ts of parting with his daughter, tried to persuade her to remain with him , and not accompany her husband to Ithaca. Ulysses

sband to Ithaca. Ulysses gave Penelope her choice, to stay or go with him . Penelope made no reply, but dropped her veil ove

als but wild beasts were softened by his strains, and gathering round him laid by their fierceness, and stood entranced wit

trees and rocks were sensible to the charm. The former crowded round him and the latter relaxed somewhat of their hardness

with Eurydice; but though he attended, he brought no happy omens with him . His very torch smoked and brought tears into the

ng with her wounded foot. Orpheus was permitted to take her away with him on one condition, that he should not turn around

to assure himself that she was still following, cast a glance behind him , when instantly she was borne away. Stretching ou

rn and try once more for her release; but the stern ferryman repulsed him and refused passage. Seven days he lingered about

his sad mischance. The Thracian maidens tried their best to captivate him , but he repulsed their advances. They bore with h

best to captivate him, but he repulsed their advances. They bore with him as long as they could; but finding him insensible

their advances. They bore with him as long as they could; but finding him insensible one day, excited by the rites of Bacch

cchus, one of them exclaimed, “See yonder our despiser!” and threw at him her javelin. The weapon, as soon as it came withi

fell harmless at his feet. So did also the stones that they threw at him . But the women raised a scream and drowned the vo

eam and drowned the voice of the music, and then the missiles reached him and soon were stained with his blood. The maniacs

es reached him and soon were stained with his blood. The maniacs tore him limb from limb, and threw his head and his lyre i

their occupation, one of them put her head above the water and seeing him , returned and gave information to his mother, who

ght into her presence. The river at her command opened itself and let him pass in, while it stood curled like a mountain on

galed themselves with the feast, and after that Cyrene thus addressed him : “There is an old prophet named Proteus, who dwel

rite of Neptune, whose herd of sea-calves he pastures. We nymphs hold him in great respect, for he is a learned sage and kn

remedy it. But he will not do it voluntarily, however you may entreat him . You must compel him by force. If you seize him a

l not do it voluntarily, however you may entreat him. You must compel him by force. If you seize him and chain him, he will

wever you may entreat him. You must compel him by force. If you seize him and chain him, he will answer your questions in o

entreat him. You must compel him by force. If you seize him and chain him , he will answer your questions in order to get re

e comes at noon to take his midday repose. Then you may easily secure him . But when he finds himself captured, his resort i

go the chain, when he will make his escape. But you have only to keep him fast bound, and at last when he finds all his art

d his frame, and courage his heart, while perfume breathed all around him . The nymph led her son to the prophet’s cave and

around him. The nymph led her son to the prophet’s cave and concealed him among the recesses of the rocks, while she hersel

f on the floor of the cave and went to sleep. Aristæus hardly allowed him to get fairly asleep before he fixed the fetters

ardly allowed him to get fairly asleep before he fixed the fetters on him and shouted aloud. Proteus, waking and finding hi

sfortune and how to remedy it.” At these words the prophet, fixing on him his gray eyes with a piercing look, thus spoke: “

, not knowing their parentage. Mercury gave Amphion a lyre and taught him to play upon it, and his brother occupied himself

nd slew Lycus, and tying Dirce by the hair of her head to a bull, let him drag her till she was dead.15 Amphion, having bec

his pupil rather harshly, he roused the anger of Hercules, who struck him with his lyre and killed him. Thamyris. An

roused the anger of Hercules, who struck him with his lyre and killed him . Thamyris. An ancient Thracian bard, who in

in the contest, was deprived by them of his sight. Milton alludes to him with other blind bards, when speaking of his own

contest. The god of course triumphed, and punished Marsyas by flaying him alive. Melampus. Melampus was the first mor

ood the language of birds and creeping things. This knowledge enabled him to foretell future events, and he became a renown

ts, and he became a renowned soothsayer. At one time his enemies took him captive and kept him strictly imprisoned. Melampu

enowned soothsayer. At one time his enemies took him captive and kept him strictly imprisoned. Melampus in the silence of t

warning, and thus escaped destruction, and rewarded Melampus and held him in high honor. Musæus. A semi-mythological

to compete for the prize. He told his wish to Periander, who besought him like a brother to give up the thought. “Pray stay

ting to possess themselves of his treasure. Presently they surrounded him loud and mutinous, and said, “ Arion, you must di

portioned limbs in gold and purple fair to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned his arms, his b

our mercy!” So saying, he sprang into the deep sea. The waves covered him , and the seamen held on their way, fancying thems

all danger of detection. But the strains of his music had drawn round him the inhabitants of the deep to listen, and Dolphi

hained by a spell. While he struggled in the waves, a Dolphin offered him his back, and carried him mounted thereon safe to

e struggled in the waves, a Dolphin offered him his back, and carried him mounted thereon safe to shore. At the spot where

ror of the deep.” Arion hastened from the shore, and soon saw before him the towers of Corinth. He journeyed on, harp in h

e.” Then he told Periander all the wonderful events that had befallen him , who heard him with amazement. “Shall such wicked

d Periander all the wonderful events that had befallen him, who heard him with amazement. “Shall such wickedness triumph?”

When the ship arrived in the harbor, he summoned the mariners before him . “Have you heard any thing of Arion?” he inquired

e inquired. “I anxiously look for his return.” They replied, “We left him well and prosperous in Tarentum.” As they said th

bs were arrayed in gold and purple fair to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned his arms, his b

his feet, as if a lightning bolt had struck them. “We meant to murder him , and he has become a god. O Earth, open and recei

d, on the floating waters as enthroned,      Arion with his harp unto him drew     The ears and hearts of all that goodly c

earts of all that goodly crew;     Even when as yet the dolphin which him bore     Through the Ægean Seas from pirates’ vie

re     Through the Ægean Seas from pirates’ view,     Stood still, by him astonished at his lore, And all the raging seas f

rinth, which attracted all of Grecian lineage. Apollo had bestowed on him the gift of song, the honeyed lips of the poet, a

with wounds, was recognized by the friend in Corinth who had expected him as a guest. “Is it thus I find you restored to me

t? Did he fall by the hands of robbers or did some private enemy slay him ? The all-discerning sun alone can tell, for no ot

throng, and enjoys the fruits of his crime, while vengeance seeks for him in vain. Perhaps in their own temple’s enclosure

ouch not; he treads the path of life secure from us. But woe! woe! to him who has done the deed of secret murder. We the fe

still faster in pursuit, twine our snakes around his feet, and bring him to the ground. Unwearied we pursue; no pity check

pity checks our course; still on and on, to the end of life, we give him no peace nor rest.” Thus the Eumenides sang, and

he face of the sea, so ran from mouth to mouth the words, “Of Ibycus! him whom we all lament, whom some murderer’s hand lai

, whom some murderer’s hand laid low! What have the cranes to do with him ?” and louder grew the swell of voices, while like

residing at the court of Scopas, king of Thessaly, the prince desired him to prepare a poem in celebration of his exploits,

at two young men on horseback were waiting without and anxious to see him . Simonides hastened to the door, but looked in va

. On inquiring as to the appearance of the young men who had sent for him , Simonides was satisfied that they were no other

nt Latmos. One calm, clear night Diana, the Moon, looked down and saw him sleeping. The cold heart of the virgin goddess wa

gin goddess was warmed by his surpassing beauty, and she came down to him , kissed him, and watched over him while he slept.

was warmed by his surpassing beauty, and she came down to him, kissed him , and watched over him while he slept. Another sto

assing beauty, and she came down to him, kissed him, and watched over him while he slept. Another story was that Jupiter be

d over him while he slept. Another story was that Jupiter bestowed on him the gift of perpetual youth united with perpetual

bright and silent witness the melancholy and the ardor which consumes him . The story suggests aspiring and poetic love, a l

om whose eyes She took eternal fire that never dies; How she conveyed him softly in a sleep, His temples bound with poppy,

Neptune. He was a handsome giant and a mighty hunter. His father gave him the power of wading through the depths of the sea

r father, incensed at this conduct, having made Orion drunk, deprived him of his sight and cast him out on the sea shore. T

conduct, having made Orion drunk, deprived him of his sight and cast him out on the sea shore. The blinded hero followed t

reached Lemnos, and came to the forge of Vulcan, who, taking pity on him , gave him Kedalion, one of his men, to be his gui

emnos, and came to the forge of Vulcan, who, taking pity on him, gave him Kedalion, one of his men, to be his guide to the

th whom he was a favorite, and it is even said she was about to marry him . Her brother was highly displeased and often chid

the land, and bewailing her fatal error with many tears, Diana placed him among the stars, where he appears as a giant, wit

with a girdle, sword, lion’s skin, and club. Sirius, his dog, follows him , and the Pleiads fly before him. The Pleiads were

n, and club. Sirius, his dog, follows him, and the Pleiads fly before him . The Pleiads were daughters of Atlas, and nymphs

atest favorite was Tithonus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy. She stole him away, and prevailed on Jupiter to grant him immor

, king of Troy. She stole him away, and prevailed on Jupiter to grant him immortality; but, forgetting to have youth joined

nt. At length he lost the power of using his limbs, and then she shut him up in his chamber, whence his feeble voice might

, whence his feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she turned him into a grasshopper. Memnon was the son of Aurora

ist the kindred of his father in the war of Troy. King Priam received him with great honors, and listened with admiration t

d and restored the battle. A long and doubtful contest ensued between him and the son of Aurora; at length victory declared

sky had viewed with apprehension the danger of her son, when she saw him fall, directed his brothers, the Winds, to convey

“Acis was the son of Faunus and a Naiad. His father and mother loved him dearly, but their love was not equal to mine. For

and still, wandered off into the woods. Acis and I thought no more of him , till on a sudden he came to a spot which gave hi

thought no more of him, till on a sudden he came to a spot which gave him a view of us as we sat. ‘I see you,’ he exclaimed

crying, ‘Save me, Galatea, save me, my parents!’ The Cyclops pursued him , and tearing a rock from the side of the mountain

ed him, and tearing a rock from the side of the mountain hurled it at him . Though only a corner of it touched him, it overw

of the mountain hurled it at him. Though only a corner of it touched him , it overwhelmed him. “All that fate left in my po

led it at him. Though only a corner of it touched him, it overwhelmed him . “All that fate left in my power I did for Acis.

helmed him. “All that fate left in my power I did for Acis. I endowed him with the honors of his grandfather, the river-god

ce inspired, As barren grounds to fruitfulness are fired. Love taught him shame, and shame with love at strife Soon taught

da, where the beautiful shepherd Paris was tending his flocks, and to him was committed the decision. The goddesses accordi

was committed the decision. The goddesses accordingly appeared before him . Juno promised him power and riches, Minerva glor

ecision. The goddesses accordingly appeared before him. Juno promised him power and riches, Minerva glory and renown in war

venge her cause if necessary. She chose Menelaus, and was living with him happily when Paris became their guest. Paris, aid

ecame their guest. Paris, aided by Venus, persuaded her to elope with him , and carried her to Troy, whence arose the famous

pon his brother chieftains of Greece to fulfil their pledge, and join him in his efforts to recover his wife. They generall

blesome affair. He therefore hung back and Palamedes was sent to urge him . When Palamedes arrived at Ithaca Ulysses pretend

an ox together to the plough and began to sow salt. Palamedes, to try him , placed the infant Telemachus before the plough,

went on the expedition, she endeavored to prevent his going. She sent him away to the court of King Lycomedes, and induced

going. She sent him away to the court of King Lycomedes, and induced him to conceal himself in the disguise of a maiden am

the keen eye of Ulysses, who found no great difficulty in persuading him to disregard his mother’s prudent counsels and jo

curity, because there were certain ominous forebodings connected with him from his infancy that he would be the ruin of the

ommander-in-chief. Achilles was their most illustrious warrior. After him ranked Ajax, gigantic in size and of great courag

ad left at home his wife, Laodamia, who was most tenderly attached to him . When the news of his death reached her she implo

eath reached her she implored the gods to be allowed to converse with him only three hours. The request was granted. Mercur

to the upper world, and when he died a second time Laodamia died with him . There was a story that the nymphs planted elm tr

rtained) A knot of spiry trees for ages grew     From out the tomb of him for whom she died;     And ever when such stature

to relinquish his captive, but demanded that Achilles should yield to him in her stead Briseis, a maiden who had fallen to

ne to her son. She repaired immediately to Jove’s palace and besought him to make the Greeks repent of their injustice to A

Nestor advised that an embassy should be sent to Achilles to persuade him to return to the field; that Agamemnon should yie

f those that served to prop the ships, hurled it at Hector. It struck him in the neck and stretched him on the plain. His f

e ships, hurled it at Hector. It struck him in the neck and stretched him on the plain. His followers instantly seized him

e neck and stretched him on the plain. His followers instantly seized him and bore him off, stunned and wounded. While Nept

retched him on the plain. His followers instantly seized him and bore him off, stunned and wounded. While Neptune was thus

e dismissed Juno in a rage, commanding her to send Iris and Apollo to him . When Iris came he sent her with a stern message

When Iris came he sent her with a stern message to Neptune, ordering him instantly to quit the field. Apollo was despatche

eir bravest warriors. Nestor took Machaon in his chariot and conveyed him from the field. As they passed the ships of Achil

was. So calling Patroclus, his companion and dearest friend, he sent him to Nestor’s tent to inquire. Patroclus, arriving

the cause of his coming would have hastened away, but Nestor detained him , to tell him the extent of the Grecian calamities

his coming would have hastened away, but Nestor detained him, to tell him the extent of the Grecian calamities. He reminded

ed him, to tell him the extent of the Grecian calamities. He reminded him also how, at the time of departing for Troy, Achi

s the time for such influence. If the gods so please, thou mayest win him back to the common cause; but if not let him at l

please, thou mayest win him back to the common cause; but if not let him at least send his soldiers to the field, and come

ons (for so were Achilles’ soldiers called) to the field, and to lend him his armor, that he might thereby strike more terr

men ardent for battle. But before he went, Achilles strictly charged him that he should be content with repelling the foe

led in the fosse to escape as they could. Patroclus drove them before him , slaying many, none daring to make a stand agains

ve them before him, slaying many, none daring to make a stand against him . At last Sarpedon, son of Jove, ventured to oppos

red to oppose himself in fight to Patroclus. Jupiter looked down upon him and would have snatched him from the fate which a

ht to Patroclus. Jupiter looked down upon him and would have snatched him from the fate which awaited him, but Juno hinted

down upon him and would have snatched him from the fate which awaited him , but Juno hinted that if he did so it would induc

ow came a change of fortune. Hector, borne in his chariot, confronted him . Patroclus threw a vast stone at Hector, which mi

hich missed its aim, but smote Cebriones, the charioteer, and knocked him from the car. Hector leaped from the chariot to r

the lance from his hand. At the same moment an obscure Trojan wounded him in the back, and Hector, pressing forward, pierce

Trojan wounded him in the back, and Hector, pressing forward, pierced him with his spear. He fell mortally wounded. Then ar

looking round for some one whom he might despatch to Achilles to tell him of the death of his friend, and of the imminent d

, far down in the deeps of ocean where she abode, and she hastened to him to inquire the cause. She found him overwhelmed w

re she abode, and she hastened to him to inquire the cause. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproach that he had indulg

. He would fly instantly in search of Hector. But his mother reminded him that he was now without armor, and promised him,

t his mother reminded him that he was now without armor, and promised him , if he would but wait till the morrow, she would

ised him, if he would but wait till the morrow, she would procure for him a suit of armor from Vulcan more than equal to th

sented, and Thetis immediately repaired to Vulcan’s palace. She found him busy at his forge making tripods for his own use,

rth to battle inspired with a rage and thirst for vengeance that made him irresistible. The bravest warriors fled before hi

engeance that made him irresistible. The bravest warriors fled before him or fell by his lance. Hector, cautioned by Apollo

t to throw it, and Achilles, with sword drawn, was about to rush upon him , when Neptune, who looked out upon the contest, m

cloud between the combatants, and lifting Æneas from the ground, bore him over the heads of warriors and steeds to the rear

turned his arms against other champions. But none dared stand before him , and Priam looking down from the city walls behel

tood without determined to await the combat. His old father called to him from the walls and begged him to retire nor tempt

it the combat. His old father called to him from the walls and begged him to retire nor tempt the encounter. His mother, He

to retire nor tempt the encounter. His mother, Hecuba, also besought him to the same effect, but all in vain. “How can I,”

len, seek safety for myself against a single foe? But what if I offer him to yield up Helen and all her treasures and ample

r flashing lightning as he moved. At that sight Hector’s heart failed him and he fled. Achilles swiftly pursued. They ran,

he city. As often as Hector approached the walls Achilles intercepted him and forced him to keep out in a wider circle. But

en as Hector approached the walls Achilles intercepted him and forced him to keep out in a wider circle. But Apollo sustain

ider circle. But Apollo sustained Hector’s strength and would not let him sink in weariness. Then Pallas, assuming the form

, Hector’s bravest brother, appeared suddenly at his side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus strengthened stopped his f

. He threw himself in the dust and besought them each by name to give him way. Hecuba’s distress was not less violent. The

k of the feast nor of sleep. The recollection of his lost friend kept him awake, remembering their companionship in toil an

eds, he fastened Hector’s body to be dragged behind. Twice he dragged him round the tomb of Patroclus, leaving him at lengt

ged behind. Twice he dragged him round the tomb of Patroclus, leaving him at length stretched in the dust. But Apollo would

d Thetis to his presence. He told her to go to her son and prevail on him to restore the body of Hector to his friends. The

tor to his friends. Then Jupiter sent Iris to King Priam to encourage him to go to Achilles and beg the body of his son. Ir

rting there with Hecuba, his queen, and all his friends, who lamented him as going to certain death. But Jupiter, beholding

rior, presented himself to the aged couple, and while at the sight of him they hesitated whether to fly or yield, the god a

gloomy verge of life. Perhaps even now some neighbor chief oppresses him and there is none at hand to succor him in his di

some neighbor chief oppresses him and there is none at hand to succor him in his distress. Yet doubtless knowing that Achil

friend. Moved with pity of Priam’s silver locks and beard, he raised him from the earth, and thus spake: “Priam, I know th

n the temple of Apollo, negotiating the marriage, Paris discharged at him a poisoned arrow, which, guided by Apollo, wounde

Apollo, wounded Achilles in the heel, the only vulnerable part about him . For Thetis his mother had dipped him when an inf

the only vulnerable part about him. For Thetis his mother had dipped him when an infant in the river Styx, which made ever

dipped him when an infant in the river Styx, which made every part of him invulnerable except the heel by which she held hi

made every part of him invulnerable except the heel by which she held him .16 The body of Achilles so treacherously slain w

smell from his wound proved so offensive that his companions carried him to the isle of Lemnos and left him there. Diomed

ensive that his companions carried him to the isle of Lemnos and left him there. Diomed was now sent to induce him to rejoi

the isle of Lemnos and left him there. Diomed was now sent to induce him to rejoin the army. He succeeded. Philoctetes was

the first victim of the fatal arrows. In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in his prosperity he had forgotten. T

ent back to Troy and died. Œnone quickly repented, and hastened after him with remedies, but came too late, and in her grie

tupefied with terror, he was brought before the chiefs, who reassured him , promising that his life should be spared on cond

red on condition of his returning true answers to the questions asked him . He informed them that he was a Greek, Sinon by n

es to tear them away, but they overpower all his efforts and strangle him and the children in their poisonous folds. This e

spear with feeble hand against Pyrrhus,19 and was forthwith slain by him . Queen Hecuba and her daughter Cassandra were car

Menelaus recovered possession of his wife, who had not ceased to love him , though she had yielded to the might of Venus and

o love him, though she had yielded to the might of Venus and deserted him for another. After the death of Paris she aided t

the issue. During his absence his wife Clytemnestra had been false to him , and when his return was expected, she with her p

struction, and at the banquet given to celebrate his return, murdered him . It was intended by the conspirators to slay his

. Electra, the sister of Orestes, saved her brother’s life by sending him secretly away to his uncle Strophius, King of Pho

trophius Orestes grew up with the king’s son Pylades, and formed with him that ardent friendship which has become proverbia

and when grown up he consulted the oracle of Delphi, which confirmed him in his design. He therefore repaired in disguise

ours. The Eumenides, avenging deities, seized upon Orestes, and drove him frantic from land to land. Pylades accompanied hi

Orestes, and drove him frantic from land to land. Pylades accompanied him in his wanderings and watched over him. At length

d to land. Pylades accompanied him in his wanderings and watched over him . At length, in answer to a second appeal to the o

At length he took refuge with Minerva at Athens. The goddess afforded him protection, and appointed the court of Areopagus

s the urn in which his ashes are supposed to rest. Electra, believing him to be really dead, takes the urn and, embracing i

lysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge his sword into him as he slept, but recollected that it would only e

e out his flocks, and went out, carefully replacing the barrier after him . When he was gone Ulysses planned how he might ta

hem as he had on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses approaching him handed him a bowl of wine, saying, “Cyclops, this

ad on the others. After he had supped, Ulysses approaching him handed him a bowl of wine, saying, “Cyclops, this is wine; t

d was hugely delighted with it, and called for more. Ulysses supplied him once again, which pleased the giant so much that

lied him once again, which pleased the giant so much that he promised him as a favor that he should be the last of the part

lowing, called aloud on all the Cyclopes dwelling in the caves around him , far and near. They on his cry flocked round the

cry flocked round the den, and inquired what grievous hurt had caused him to sound such an alarm and break their slumbers.

t is the stroke of Jove, and thou must bear it.” So saying, they left him groaning. Next morning the Cyclops rolled away th

, Ulysses was about to hail the giant again, but his friends besought him not to do so. He could not forbear, however, lett

at his will. He treated Ulysses hospitably, and at his departure gave him , tied up in a leathern bag, with a silver string,

s companions. As he strode onward alone, he met a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearing to be acquainted with his a

As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded from his attempt, Mercury provided him with a sprig of the plant Moly, of wonderful powe

he plant Moly, of wonderful power to resist sorceries, and instructed him how to act. Ulysses proceeded, and reaching the p

eaching the palace was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done his companions, and after he had

he had done his companions, and after he had eaten and drank, touched him with her wand, saying, “Hence, seek the sty and w

she would release his companions and practise no further harm against him or them; and she repeated it, at the same time pr

glorious life of ease and pleasure. At length his companions recalled him to nobler sentiments, and he received their admon

trictly enjoined, whatever he might say or do, by no means to release him till they should have passed the Sirens’ island.

He filled the ears of his people with wax, and suffered them to bind him with cords firmly to the mast. As they approached

; but they, obedient to his previous orders, sprang forward and bound him still faster. They held on their course, and the

ave his companions the signal to unseal their ears, and they relieved him from his bonds.   The imagination of a modern poe

r their cries, unable to afford them any assistance. Circe had warned him of another danger. After passing Scylla and Chary

hem a raft, to which he clung, and, the wind changing, the waves bore him to Calypso’s island. All the rest of the crew per

ributes of the gods. Calypso received Ulysses hospitably, entertained him magnificently, became enamoured of him, and wishe

lysses hospitably, entertained him magnificently, became enamoured of him , and wished to retain him forever, conferring on

ined him magnificently, became enamoured of him, and wished to retain him forever, conferring on him immortality. But he pe

ame enamoured of him, and wished to retain him forever, conferring on him immortality. But he persisted in his resolution t

wife and son. Calypso at last received the command of Jove to dismiss him . Mercury brought the message to her, and found he

lysses with the means of constructing a raft, provisioned it well for him , and gave him a favoring gale. He sped on his cou

e means of constructing a raft, provisioned it well for him, and gave him a favoring gale. He sped on his course prosperous

h, who in the form of a cormorant alighted on the raft, and presented him a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his br

cormorant alighted on the raft, and presented him a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his breast, and if he should b

f he should be compelled to trust himself to the waves, it would buoy him up and enable him by swimming to reach the land.

pelled to trust himself to the waves, it would buoy him up and enable him by swimming to reach the land.   Fenelon, in his

isle, and, as in the former case, the goddess tried every art to keep him with her, and offered to share her immortality wi

y art to keep him with her, and offered to share her immortality with him . But Minerva, who in the shape of Mentor accompan

rtality with him. But Minerva, who in the shape of Mentor accompanied him and governed all his movements, made him repel he

shape of Mentor accompanied him and governed all his movements, made him repel her allurements, and when no other means of

ed to weep,     And o’er her cliffs a fruitless watch to keep     For him who dared prefer a mortal bride.     Here too his

while any of its timbers kept together, and when it no longer yielded him support, binding the girdle around him, he swam.

and when it no longer yielded him support, binding the girdle around him , he swam. Minerva smoothed the billows before him

g the girdle around him, he swam. Minerva smoothed the billows before him and sent him a wind that rolled the waves towards

around him, he swam. Minerva smoothed the billows before him and sent him a wind that rolled the waves towards the shore. T

med a bed, on which he stretched himself, and heaping the leaves over him , fell asleep. The land where he was thrown was Sc

waking and discovering that only a few bushes were interposed between him and a group of young maidens whom, by their depor

of the interposition of his patron goddess Minerva, who never failed him at a crisis. Breaking off a leafy branch from a t

a crisis. Breaking off a leafy branch from a tree, he held it before him and stepped out from the thicket. The virgins at

before him and stepped out from the thicket. The virgins at sight of him fled in all directions, Nausicaa alone excepted,

used grace over his ample chest and manly brows. The princess, seeing him , was filled with admiration, and scrupled not to

n accompanied by such a gallant stranger. To avoid which she directed him to stop at a grove adjoining the city, in which w

respectfully, offering to be his guide; for the palace, she informed him , stood near her father’s dwelling. Under the guid

of the goddess, and by her power enveloped in a cloud which shielded him from observation, Ulysses passed among the busy c

, till they came to the palace, where the goddess, having first given him some information of the country, king, and people

formation of the country, king, and people he was about to meet, left him . Ulysses, before entering the court-yard of the p

of the palace, stood and surveyed the scene. Its splendor astonished him . Brazen walls stretched from the entrance to the

ration, unobserved himself, for the cloud which Minerva spread around him still shielded him. At length, having sufficientl

himself, for the cloud which Minerva spread around him still shielded him . At length, having sufficiently observed the scen

the evening meal. Just then Minerva dissolved the cloud and disclosed him to the assembled chiefs. Advancing to the place w

he knelt at her feet and implored her favor and assistance to enable him to return to his native country. Then withdrawing

hospitality should be kept waiting in suppliant guise, none welcoming him . Let him therefore be led to a seat among us and

ty should be kept waiting in suppliant guise, none welcoming him. Let him therefore be led to a seat among us and supplied

ine.” At these words the king rising gave his hand to Ulysses and led him to a seat, displacing thence his own son to make

own son to make room for the stranger. Food and wine were set before him and he ate and refreshed himself. The king then d

d and Ulysses was left alone with the king and queen, the queen asked him who he was and whence he came, and (recognizing t

                                “Dear to the Muse, Who yet appointed him both good and ill, Took from him sight, but gave

“Dear to the Muse, Who yet appointed him both good and ill, Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine.” He took for

ho yet appointed him both good and ill, Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine.” He took for his theme the “Wood

y means of which the Greeks found entrance into Troy. Apollo inspired him , and he sang so feelingly the terrors and the exp

tears. Observing which, Alcinoüs, when the song was done, demanded of him why at the mention of Troy his sorrows awaked. Ha

me, and at their request, recounted the adventures which had befallen him since his departure from Troy. This narrative rai

e highest pitch. The king proposed that all the chiefs should present him with a gift, himself setting the example. They ob

vessel touched the strand he was asleep. The mariners, without waking him , carried him on shore, and landed with him the ch

d the strand he was asleep. The mariners, without waking him, carried him on shore, and landed with him the chest containin

e mariners, without waking him, carried him on shore, and landed with him the chest containing his presents, and then saile

en he awoke he did not recognize his native land. Minerva appeared to him in the form of a young shepherd, informed him whe

nd. Minerva appeared to him in the form of a young shepherd, informed him where he was, and told him the state of things at

in the form of a young shepherd, informed him where he was, and told him the state of things at his palace. More than a hu

ad been for years suing for the hand of Penelope, his wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over his palace and people,

t that he should not be recognized. Minerva accordingly metamorphosed him into an unsightly beggar, and as such he was kind

himself among the suitors. Finding a stranger with Eumæus, he treated him courteously, though in the garb of a beggar, and

treated him courteously, though in the garb of a beggar, and promised him assistance. Eumæus was sent to the palace to info

, who, as Telemachus had learned, were plotting to intercept and kill him . When Eumæus was gone, Minerva presented herself

n Eumæus was gone, Minerva presented herself to Ulysses, and directed him to make himself known to his son. At the same tim

ed him to make himself known to his son. At the same time she touched him , removed at once from him the appearance of age a

wn to his son. At the same time she touched him, removed at once from him the appearance of age and penury, and gave him th

, removed at once from him the appearance of age and penury, and gave him the aspect of vigorous manhood that belonged to h

penury, and gave him the aspect of vigorous manhood that belonged to him . Telemachus viewed him with astonishment, and at

he aspect of vigorous manhood that belonged to him. Telemachus viewed him with astonishment, and at first thought he must b

charged his son not to betray, by any display of unusual interest in him , that he knew him to be other than he seemed, and

ot to betray, by any display of unusual interest in him, that he knew him to be other than he seemed, and even if he saw hi

him, that he knew him to be other than he seemed, and even if he saw him insulted, or beaten, not to interpose otherwise t

potent to rise, And to approach his master as of old. Ulysses, noting him , wiped off a tear Unmarked.                     *

portion in the hall, the suitors began to exhibit their insolence to him . When he mildly remonstrated, one of them, raised

he mildly remonstrated, one of them, raised a stool and with it gave him a blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his

t remembering his father’s injunctions, said no more than what became him as master of the house, though young, and protect

mbs of mine.” The suitors hooted with derision, and commanded to turn him out of the hall for his insolence. But Telemachus

rn him out of the hall for his insolence. But Telemachus spoke up for him , and, merely to gratify the old man, bade him try

Telemachus spoke up for him, and, merely to gratify the old man, bade him try. Ulysses took the bow, and handled it with th

Anchises, was too old to walk with the speed required, and Æneas took him upon his shoulders. Thus burdened, leading his so

blood. When he repeated the act a voice from the ground cried out to him , “Spare me, Æneas; I am your kinsman, Polydore, h

ce from the horrors of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him and seized his treasures. Æneas and his companion

, in punishment of his cruelty; and whenever a meal was placed before him the Harpies darted down from the air and carried

ory of Ulysses’s adventure with Polyphemus, and besought them to take him off with them as he had no means of sustaining hi

the water, he waded out towards them, and his immense height enabled him to advance far into the sea, so that the Trojans,

he winds, — the same who supplied Ulysses with favoring gales, giving him the contrary ones tied up in a bag. Æolus obeyed

n of immense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted his treasures, caused him to be put to death. Dido, with a numerous body of

with admiration of his exploits. She conceived an ardent passion for him , and he for his part seemed well content to accep

d well content to accept the fortunate chance which appeared to offer him at once a happy termination of his wanderings, a

g which, Jupiter despatched Mercury with a message to Æneas recalling him to a sense of his high destiny, and commanding hi

to Æneas recalling him to a sense of his high destiny, and commanding him to resume his voyage. Æneas parted from Dido, tho

from Dido, though she tried every allurement and persuasion to detain him . The blow to her affection and her pride was too

e helm and to keep his eyes fixed on the stars. But Somnus waved over him a branch moistened with Lethæan dew, and his eyes

, and his eyes closed in spite of all his efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he fell; but keeping his hold upon

rd and he fell; but keeping his hold upon the helm, it came away with him . Neptune was mindful of his promise and kept the

llo and Diana. While Æneas contemplated the scene, the Sibyl accosted him . She seemed to know his errand, and under the inf

5 Æneas replied that he had prepared himself for whatever might await him . He had but one request to make. Having been dire

he dead in order to confer with his father, Anchises, to receive from him a revelation of his future fortunes and those of

ure fortunes and those of his race, he asked her assistance to enable him to accomplish the task. The Sibyl replied, “The d

upper air, that is the toil, that the difficulty.” 26 She instructed him to seek in the forest a tree on which grew a gold

of the Sibyl. His mother, Venus, sent two of her doves to fly before him and show him the way, and by their assistance he

. His mother, Venus, sent two of her doves to fly before him and show him the way, and by their assistance he found the tre

sight, drew his sword and would have struck, but the Sibyl restrained him . They then came to the black river Cocytus, where

alinurus, his pilot, who fell overboard and was drowned. He addressed him and asked him the cause of his misfortune. Palinu

pilot, who fell overboard and was drowned. He addressed him and asked him the cause of his misfortune. Palinurus replied th

was swept away with it. He besought Æneas most urgently to extend to him his hand and take him in company to the opposite

t. He besought Æneas most urgently to extend to him his hand and take him in company to the opposite shore. But the Sibyl r

and take him in company to the opposite shore. But the Sibyl rebuked him for the wish thus to transgress the laws of Pluto

d him for the wish thus to transgress the laws of Pluto; but consoled him by informing him that the people of the shore whe

h thus to transgress the laws of Pluto; but consoled him by informing him that the people of the shore where his body had b

ith snakes. He barked with all his three throats till the Sibyl threw him a medicated cake which he eagerly devoured, and t

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

tisfied with the sight. They asked the cause of his coming, and plied him with innumerable questions. But the Greeks, at th

uld have lingered long with his Trojan friends, but the Sibyl hurried him away. They next came to a place where the road di

mighty city, around which Phlegethon rolled its fiery waters. Before him was the gate of adamant that neither gods nor men

within a Hydra with fifty heads guarding the entrance. The Sibyl told him that the gulf of Tartarus descended deep, so that

g brands at his people in imitation of lightning, till Jupiter struck him with a real thunderbolt, and taught him the diffe

ightning, till Jupiter struck him with a real thunderbolt, and taught him the difference between mortal weapons and divine.

his feet all dry. Tall trees laden with fruit stooped their heads to him , pears, pomegranates, apples, and luscious figs;

ired where Anchises was to be found. They were directed where to seek him , and soon found him in a verdant valley, where he

was to be found. They were directed where to seek him, and soon found him in a verdant valley, where he was contemplating t

When he recognized Æneas approaching, he stretched out both hands to him , while tears flowed freely. “Have you come at las

his arms enclosed only an unsubstantial image. Æneas perceived before him a spacious valley, with trees gently waving to th

ises replied by explaining the plan of creation. The Creator, he told him , originally made the material of which souls are

ividuals of his race, who were hereafter to be born, and to relate to him the exploits they should perform in the world. Af

erted to the present, and told his son of the events that remained to him to be accomplished before the complete establishm

ne of the Tarquins there appeared before the king a woman who offered him nine books for sale. The king refused to purchase

the destined termination of his wanderings, invokes his Muse to tell him the situation of things at that eventful moment.

e city of Turnus, and assuming the form of an old priestess, informed him of the arrival of the foreigners and of the attem

arrival of the foreigners and of the attempts of their prince to rob him of his bride. Next she turned her attention to th

been the chief of one of the neighboring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was joined his son Lausus, a genero

of one of the neighboring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was joined his son Lausus, a generous youth, wort

father, Metabus, driven from his city by civil discord, carried with him in his flight his infant daughter. As he fled thr

e spear flew across the roaring water. His pursuers were already upon him , but he plunged into the river and swam across, a

, an exile from my native land, Arcadia.” Having thus said, he showed him the Tarpeian rock, and the rude spot then overgro

d to his side, he went forth to seek his guest. Two mastiffs followed him , his whole retinue and body guard. He found the h

ed victims to die in that dreadful embrace. At length the people cast him out, him and his house. They burned his palace an

s to die in that dreadful embrace. At length the people cast him out, him and his house. They burned his palace and slew hi

lew his friends. He escaped and took refuge with Turnus, who protects him with arms. The Etruscans demand that he shall be

ertake such great affairs, and my son is native-born, which precludes him from the choice. You, equally by birth and time o

ds and made all necessary preparations for the war. Juno sent Iris to him with a message inciting him to take advantage of

eparations for the war. Juno sent Iris to him with a message inciting him to take advantage of the absence of Æneas and sur

ove all in the army for graces of person and fine qualities, was with him . These two were friends and brothers in arms. Nis

iously our chiefs wish to send to Æneas, and to get intelligence from him . Now, I am strongly moved to make my way through

rds in case of success. Iulus especially addressed Euryalus, assuring him of his lasting friendship. Euryalus replied, “I h

was out of danger, but Euryalus being missing he turned back to seek him . He again entered the wood and soon came within s

uld he do? how extricate the youth, or would it be better to die with him . Raising his eyes to the moon, which now shone cl

t!” and aiming his javelin at one of the leaders of the troop, struck him in the back and stretched him on the plain with a

one of the leaders of the troop, struck him in the back and stretched him on the plain with a death-blow. In the midst of t

subjects, raged like a wild beast. He slew all who dared to withstand him , and put the multitude to flight wherever he appe

s, his native city, and followed Evander into Italy. The poet says of him with simple pathos which has made the words prove

urn hurled his lance. It pierced the shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Lausus, his son, could not bear the

erposed himself, while the followers pressed round Mezentius and bore him away. Æneas held his sword suspended over Lausus

as compelled to deal the fatal blow. Lausus fell, and Æneas bent over him in pity. “Hapless youth,” he said, “what can I do

n borne to the riverside, and washed his wound. Soon the news reached him of Lausus’s death, and rage and despair supplied

nd dashed into the thickest of the fight, seeking Æneas. Having found him , he rode round him in a circle, throwing one jave

thickest of the fight, seeking Æneas. Having found him, he rode round him in a circle, throwing one javelin after another,

is feet, and spared to use the privilege of a conqueror in despoiling him of his arms. The belt only, adorned with studs an

ial allies, Juno having been expressly forbidden by Jupiter to assist him any longer. Turnus threw his lance, but it recoil

eld of Turnus, and pierced his thigh. Then Turnus’s fortitude forsook him and he begged for mercy; and Æneas would have giv

itude forsook him and he begged for mercy; and Æneas would have given him his life, but at the instant his eye fell on the

ed, and exclaiming, “Pallas immolates thee with this blow,” he thrust him through with his sword. Here the poem of the Ænei

ally established himself, his extraordinary qualities collected round him a great number of disciples. The inhabitants were

mpted to rend it further; but the wood closed upon his hands and held him fast, in which state he was attacked and devoured

under some rosy bower,     Sit mute, with thy finger on thy lip; Like him , the boy, who born among     The flowers that on

e. As soon as a bull thus marked was found by those sent in search of him , he was placed in a building facing the east, and

repaired at new moon, with great pomp, to his habitation and saluted him Apis. He was placed in a vessel magnificently dec

a temple, with two chapels and a court for exercise, was assigned to him . Sacrifices were made to him, and once every year

nd a court for exercise, was assigned to him. Sacrifices were made to him , and once every year, about the time when the Nil

the age of twenty-five years, he still survived, the priests drowned him in the sacred cistern and then buried him in the

rvived, the priests drowned him in the sacred cistern and then buried him in the temple of Serapis. On the death of this bu

, Themis, and others, but it was at length assigned to Apollo, and to him alone. A priestess was appointed whose office it

for the thief and Agamedes was caught. Trophonius unable to extricate him , and fearing that when found he would be compelle

At Memphis the sacred bull Apis gave answer to those who consulted him by the manner in which he received or rejected wh

by the manner in which he received or rejected what was presented to him . If the bull refused food from the hand of the in

he French revolution, he says, — “For then he was inspired, and from him came,     As from the Pythian’s mystic cave of yo

of armed men, was in fact an emigrant from Phœnicia, and brought with him into Greece the knowledge of the letters of the a

make a statue exhibiting the perfection of female beauty, and to aid him in his task the most perfect forms the city could

his task the most perfect forms the city could supply were furnished him for models. It is this which Thomson alludes to i

upon the voluntary offerings of his hearers for support. Byron calls him “The blind old man of Scio’s rocky isle,” and a w

s far inferior to Homer in originality and invention, but superior to him in correctness and elegance. To critics of Englis

ter delight. The poet ventured to predict that his poem would survive him , and be read wherever the Roman name was known.”

of the Phœnix so seldom making his appearance, “His instinct teaches him to keep out of the way of the tyrant of the creat

for if he were to be got at, some wealthy glutton would surely devour him , though there were no more in the world.”   Dry

us train’s increased; Each poet of the air her glory sings, And round him the pleased audience clap their wings.” Milton,

nquet to the royal monster. The Roman naturalist Pliny thus describes him : “He does not impel his body, like other serpents

eathing on them, and splits the rocks, such power of evil is there in him .” It was formerly believed that if killed by a sp

e lines: — “What though the Moor the basilisk hath slain, And pinned him lifeless to the sandy plain, Up through the spear

their religion, or rather the reformer of the religion which preceded him . The time when he lived is doubtful, but it is ce

ings and imparted to them as much of his own nature as seemed good to him . Of these, Ormuzd (called by the Greeks Oromasdes

he author of all evil upon the earth. Ormuzd created man and supplied him with all the materials of happiness; but Ahriman

e Winds and mother Elements, And the whole circle of the Heavens, for him A sensitive existence and a God.” Excursion, Boo

cal religion regarded as a delusive incarnation of Vishnu, assumed by him in order to induce the Asuras, opponents of the g

me forward at Benares as a religious teacher. At first some who heard him doubted of the soundness of his mind; but his doc

ity of chief pontiff of the sect. A separate province was assigned to him as his own territory, and besides his spiritual d

pontiff resident in Upper Asia. The Pope sent a mission in search of him , as did also Louis IX. of France, some years late

ated to the court of the king, whom he calls Negus. Milton alludes to him in Paradise Lost, Book XI., where, describing Ada

who fly every day over the whole world, and on their return report to him all they have seen and heard. At his feet lie his

s, Geri and Freki, to whom Odin gives all the meat that is set before him , for he himself stands in no need of food. Mead i

set before him, for he himself stands in no need of food. Mead is for him both food and drink. He invented the Runic charac

g he possesses is called the belt of strength. When he girds it about him his divine might is doubled. The third, also very

an a bird, and sees by night as well as by day a hundred miles around him . So acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, f

a hundred miles around him. So acute is his ear that no sound escapes him , for he can even hear the grass grow and the wool

ods and men. So Odin deemed it advisable to send one to bring them to him . When they came he threw the serpent into that de

ve the gods a great deal of trouble before they succeeded in chaining him . He broke the strongest fetters as if they were m

t he could not break his fetters, and that the gods would not release him , he bit off Tyr’s hand, and he has ever since rem

f his horse Svadilfari, and this by the advice of Loki was granted to him . He accordingly set to work on the first day of w

hands on Loki, who in his fright promised upon oath that, let it cost him what it would, he would so manage matters that th

workman his wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by sending him back to Jotunheim, for with the first blow he sha

th the first blow he shattered the giant’s skull to pieces and hurled him headlong into Niffleheim. The Recovery of the

Loki persuaded Thor to dress himself in Freya’s clothes and accompany him to Jotunheim. Thrym received his veiled bride wit

ashing the whole down with three tuns of mead. Loki, however, assured him that she had not tasted any thing for eight long

rink, nor speak. At last Skirnir, his messenger, drew his secret from him , and undertook to get him the maiden for his brid

kirnir, his messenger, drew his secret from him, and undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him hi

, and undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him his sword as a reward. Frey consented and gave hi

, if he would give him his sword as a reward. Frey consented and gave him the sword, and Skirnir set off on his journey and

whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to seek with him a place of safety. On the right they found an adj

ring the night, and at dawn of day Thor went out and found lying near him a huge giant, who slept and snored in the way tha

such tremendous strides that they were hard put to it to keep up with him . So they travelled the whole day, and at dusk Skr

d turned away from them into the forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of his company. Thor and h

ed that he would run a race with any one who might be matched against him . The king observed that skill in running was some

good ground for running on, and calling a young man named Hugi, bade him run a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hug

e Hugi so much outstripped his competitor that he turned back and met him not far from the starting place. Then they ran a

all his might, but when he took the horn from his mouth, it seemed to him that he had drunk rather less than before, althou

. Thor put his hand under the cat’s belly and did his utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending his back, ha

ng at the men sitting on the benches, “who would not think it beneath him to wrestle with thee; let somebody, however, call

r had now no occasion to ask any one else in the hall to wrestle with him , and it was also getting late; so he showed Thor

and whether he had met with any men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he could not deny but that he had brought gr

the first, Loki, like hunger itself, devoured all that was set before him , but Logi was in reality nothing else than Fire,

Thor in a rage laid hold of his mallet and would have launched it at him , but Utgard-Loki had disappeared, and when Thor w

ould have returned to the city to destroy it, he found nothing around him but a verdant plain. Chapter XL. The Death of

the assembled gods, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from him the threatened danger. Then Frigga, the wife of O

amused themselves with using Baldur as a mark, some hurling darts at him , some stones, while others hewed at him with thei

a mark, some hurling darts at him, some stones, while others hewed at him with their swords and battle-axes; for do what th

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

were throwing darts and stones at Baldur, without being able to hurt him . “Ay,” said Frigga, “neither stones, nor sticks,

partaking of the sports, on account of his blindness, and going up to him , said, “Why dost thou not also throw something at

“do like the rest, and show honor to Baldur by throwing this twig at him , and I will direct thy arm towards the place wher

n they looked at each other, and all were of one mind to lay hands on him who had done the deed, but they were obliged to d

ge covered with glittering gold. The maiden who kept the bridge asked him his name and lineage, telling him that the day be

he maiden who kept the bridge asked him his name and lineage, telling him that the day before five bands of dead persons ha

e to Hel,” answered Hermod, “to seek Baldur. Hast thou perchance seen him pass this way?” She replied, “Baldur hath ridden

mpany. The next morning he besought Hela to let Baldur ride home with him , assuring her that nothing but lamentations were

e added, “all things in the world, both living and lifeless, weep for him , then shall he return to life; but if any one thi

him, then shall he return to life; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to weep, he shall be kept in Hel.” Herm

e. But Odin found out his hiding-place and the gods assembled to take him . He, seeing this, changed himself into a salmon,

inding he must be caught, tried to leap over the net; but Thor caught him by the tail and compressed it, so that salmons ev

ns ever since have had that part remarkably fine and thin. They bound him with chains and suspended a serpent over his head

e carries it away to empty it, the venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror, and twist his body about so vio

s dead, suffocated with the venom which the dying monster vomits over him . Loki and Heimdall meet and fight till they are b

ling there, and the savage nations on the adjoining shores incommoded him with their hostility, and on several occasions en

he Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and such was the reverence paid him that though not a bishop, but merely a presbyter

esbyter and monk, the entire province with its bishops was subject to him and his successors. The Pictish monarch was so im

ch was so impressed with a sense of his wisdom and worth that he held him in the highest honor, and the neighboring chiefs

abled to follow intelligently the allusions to other myths which meet him at every turn, and to know something of the origi

belong; And the breath we draw from his living fires         We give him back in song.” Moore. South of Greece, also nea

, greatly feared them. To prevent their ever-making use of it against him , he seized them immediately after their birth, hu

alling, and who hated his father for his cruelty. Gæa finally induced him to lay violent hands upon his sire, and, after re

induced him to lay violent hands upon his sire, and, after releasing him from his bonds, gave him a scythe, and bade him b

nt hands upon his sire, and, after releasing him from his bonds, gave him a scythe, and bade him be of good cheer and retur

and, after releasing him from his bonds, gave him a scythe, and bade him be of good cheer and return victorious. Thus arme

admonished, Cronus set forth, came upon his father unawares, defeated him , thanks to his extraordinary weapon, and, after b

defeated him, thanks to his extraordinary weapon, and, after binding him fast, took possession of the vacant throne, inten

dismal realm of Tartarus, expressed their willingness to be ruled by him . Their satisfaction was complete, however, when h

s equanimity was disturbed by the announcement that a son was born to him . The memory of his father’s curse then suddenly r

astened to his wife, determined to devour the child, and thus prevent him from causing further annoyance. Wholly unsuspicio

t him from causing further annoyance. Wholly unsuspicious, Rhea heard him inquire for his son. Gladly she placed him in his

y unsuspicious, Rhea heard him inquire for his son. Gladly she placed him in his extended arms; but imagine her surprise an

on as her youngest son, Jupiter (Jove, Zeus), was born, she concealed him . The Childhood of Zeus. From the painting by

ware of his birth, soon made his appearance, determined to dispose of him in the usual summary manner. For some time Rhea p

e of him in the usual summary manner. For some time Rhea pleaded with him , but at last pretended to yield to his commands.

main’d Invincible, secure; who soon, with hand Of strength o’ercoming him , should cast him forth From glory, and himself th

, secure; who soon, with hand Of strength o’ercoming him, should cast him forth From glory, and himself th’ immortals rule.

e.” Hesiod ( Elton’s tr.). Ignorant of the deception practised upon him , Cronus then took leave, and the overjoyed mother

entrusted her babe to the tender care of the Melian nymphs, who bore him off to a cave on Mount Ida. There a goat, Amalthe

ere aroused when he suddenly became aware of the fraud practised upon him , and of young Jupiter’s continued existence. He i

ued existence. He immediately tried to devise some plan to get rid of him ; but, before he could put it into execution, he f

ng, stipulating that in exchange for their freedom they should supply him with thunderbolts, —-weapons which only they knew

d he would enjoy the power so unlawfully obtained; but Gæa, to punish him for depriving her children of their birthright, c

terrible monster, called Typhœus, or Typhon, which she sent to attack him . This Typhœus was a giant, from whose trunk one h

d of his handiwork, Prometheus observed man and longed to bestow upon him some great power, unshared by any other creature

eat power, unshared by any other creature of earth, which would raise him far above all other living beings, and bring him

h, which would raise him far above all other living beings, and bring him nearer to the perfection of the immortal gods. “

to the benevolent deity who had risked his own life to obtain it for him . From his lofty throne on the topmost peak of Mou

t forth, terrible to behold; and the gods all quailed when they heard him solemnly vow he would punish the unhappy Promethe

etheus without mercy. To seize the offender in his mighty grasp, bear him off to the Caucasian Mountains, and bind him fast

n his mighty grasp, bear him off to the Caucasian Mountains, and bind him fast to a great rock, was but a moment’s work. Th

generation after generation of men lived on earth, and died, blessing him for the gift he had obtained for them at such a t

heaven; but he, knowing only too well that nothing good would come to him from the gods, refused to accept her, and caution

chest. In a whisper she begged Epimetheus to ask Mercury what brought him thither. Epimetheus complied with her request; bu

ouraged, Epimetheus sauntered out alone, thinking she would soon join him , and perhaps by some caress atone for her present

ly prove most efficacious, he summoned the gods to deliberate and aid him by their counsels. The first suggestion offered,

old, High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes.” “He spoke, and awful bends

the eagle, emblem of strength and power, is usually seen close beside him . His Attendants Jupiter had his own special

marvellous beauty, alone on a neighbouring hill. To swoop down, catch him up in his mighty talons, and bear him safely off

ring hill. To swoop down, catch him up in his mighty talons, and bear him safely off to Olympus, was but a moment’s work; a

d godlike Ganymede, most beautiful Of men; the gods beheld and caught him up To heaven, so beautiful was he, to pour The wi

e earth, taking great care to assume some disguise which would enable him to ascertain all he wished without any risk of de

st to be petted. The maiden, delighted, stroked the beast, and decked him with bright garlands of meadow-blossoms. Then, se

and decked him with bright garlands of meadow-blossoms. Then, seeing him kneel, as if to invite her to mount, she lightly

further aid, and allowed his sorrowing relatives to continue without him , remaining in a land which from him was called Ph

ing relatives to continue without him, remaining in a land which from him was called Phœnicia. Cilix, too, soon followed hi

ing all he met. Soon he perceived a cow leisurely walking in front of him , and, mindful of the oracle, he ceased his search

search and followed her. Urged by curiosity, many adventurers joined him on the way, and, when the cow at last lay down in

While Cadmus stood there contemplating his lifeless foe, a voice bade him extract the dragon’s teeth, and sow them in the g

teeth. They were about to fall upon Cadmus, when the same voice bade him cast a stone in the midst of their close-drawn ph

their close-drawn phalanx. Cadmus, seeing the giants were almost upon him , and that no time was to be lost, quickly threw a

Cadmus for his loving and painstaking search for Europa, Jupiter gave him the hand of the fair princess Harmonia, a daughte

le sacrifice; and, in anger at this dereliction of duty, they changed him and Harmonia into huge serpents. Jupiter was, of

dethroned his parents and seized the sceptre, he began to look about him for a suitable helpmate. Juno won his affections

d creator, and all thought it quite impossible for Minerva to surpass him . Loudly they laughed, and scornfully too, when sh

s their tutelary goddess. Ever at Jupiter’s side, Minerva often aided him by her wise counsels, and in times of war borrowe

h another lover     (So at least the story goes) And was wont to meet him slyly,     Underneath the blushing rose.” — Saxe

e, he bewailed his fatal haste, and cursed the bird which had brought him the unwelcome tidings of her faithlessness. “The

upiter’s all-seeing eye; and he, fearing lest the people would forget him and worship their physician, seized one of his th

ere he could execute his purpose, Jupiter interfered, and, to punish him , banished him to earth, where he entered the serv

execute his purpose, Jupiter interfered, and, to punish him, banished him to earth, where he entered the service of Admetus

t of the king, who listened to his songs with pleasure, and to reward him gave him the position of head shepherd. “Then Ki

king, who listened to his songs with pleasure, and to reward him gave him the position of head shepherd. “Then King Admetu

a sweet half sleep, Three times his kingly beard he smoothed And made him viceroy o’er his sheep.” Lowell. Time passed. A

dared approach the monster; but Apollo fearlessly drew near, and slew him with his golden shafts The victory over the terri

rite subject for painters and sculptors. The most beautiful statue of him is the Apollo Belvedere, which represents him at

ost beautiful statue of him is the Apollo Belvedere, which represents him at the moment of his conquest of the Python. T

lo’s quoit aside so violently that it struck his playmate, and felled him to the ground. Vainly Apollo strove to check the

had vanished from his sight for ever; but, when the truth dawned upon him , he declared that from henceforth the laurel woul

in love with and married one of Diana’s nymphs, Procris. She brought him as dowry a hunting dog, Lelaps, and a javelin war

the chase. One day, to test his powers, the gods from Olympus watched him course a fox, a special creation of theirs; and s

er husband was faithless, and paid court to a fair maid who daily met him at noonday in the forest solitudes. Procris, blin

mpression that some wild beast was lurking there ready to pounce upon him , he cast his unerring javelin into the very midst

t, and pierced the faithful bosom of his wife. Her dying moan brought him with one bound to her side; ere she breathed her

e sky, nor paused on his way till he reached the golden boat awaiting him at the end of his long day’s journey, to bear him

olden boat awaiting him at the end of his long day’s journey, to bear him in safety back to his eastern palace. “Helios al

used the youth, Marsyas, to start from his abstraction and look about him . He then perceived the rejected flute sailing gen

whom he actually challenged to a musical contest. Intending to punish him for his presumption, Apollo, accompanied by the n

sses of poetry and music, appeared before the musician and challenged him to make good his boastful words. Marsyas was call

his instrument, causing all present, and the very Muses too, to hail him as conqueror. “And, when now the westering sun T

flaying his opponent alive — Apollo bound Marsyas to a tree and slew him cruelly. When the mountain nymphs heard of their

a victim to the charms of the fair Calliope, who, in her turn, loved him passionately, and even wrote verses in his honour

showers     There had made a lasting spring. “Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea,     Hung their

tæus, whose bold admiration proved so distasteful, that she fled from him as quickly as possible. In her haste she accident

ing arms, that the great god’s heart was moved to compassion. He gave him permission, therefore, to go down into the Infern

re, to go down into the Infernal Regions to seek his wife, but warned him at the same time that the undertaking was perilou

monster saw Orpheus, he began to growl and bark savagely, to frighten him away; but Orpheus merely paused, and began to pla

ting chords, that Cerberus’ rage was appeased, and he finally allowed him to pass into Pluto’s dark kingdom. The magic soun

s, whereon the stern ruler sat in silence, his wife Proserpina beside him , and the relentless Fates at his feet. Orpheus ma

ar the Poet’s prayer:     Stern Proserpine relented,         And gave him back the fair.             Thus song could prevai

es, looking neither to the right nor to the left, but straight before him ; and as he walked he wondered whether Eurydice we

s longing to feast his eyes once more upon her loved features induced him to turn just before he reached the earth; and as

nd wild beasts in the forest, who strove in their dumb way to comfort him as he moved restlessly about, seeking a solace fo

!” Lowell. At last there dawned a day when some Bacchantes overtook him in the forest, and bade him play some gay music,

awned a day when some Bacchantes overtook him in the forest, and bade him play some gay music, so they might indulge in a d

d draw from his instrument so enraged the merrymakers, that they tore him limb from limb, and cast his mangled remains into

ut Lycus to death, and, binding Dirce to the tail of a wild bull, let him loose to drag her over briars and stones until sh

m, Naples. Brogi, Photo. Amphion’s musical talent was of great use to him when he subsequently became King of Thebes, and w

volition, marched into their places. The Story of Arion Next to him in musical fame was Arion, the musician who won u

of the compass, he resolved to return home by sea. Unfortunately for him , the vessel upon which he had embarked was manned

iratical crew, who, having heard of his treasures, resolved to murder him to obtain possession of them. He was allowed but

scant time to prepare for death; but, just as they were about to toss him overboard, he craved permission to play for the l

d in dread lest their hearts should be moved, quickly laid hands upon him , and hurled him into the water, where he fell upo

their hearts should be moved, quickly laid hands upon him, and hurled him into the water, where he fell upon the broad back

o the water, where he fell upon the broad back of a dolphin, who bore him in safety to the nearest shore.     “Then was th

re the spouse: that was Arion crownd; Who, playing on his harpe, unto him drew The eares and hearts of all that goodly crew

and hearts of all that goodly crew, That even yet the Dolphin, which him bore Through the Agean seas from Pirates vew, Sto

hich him bore Through the Agean seas from Pirates vew, Stood still by him astonisht at his lore, And all the raging seas fo

ed above the horizon, Clymene would point it out to her boy, and tell him that his father, Apollo, was setting out for his

nce, and, to avoid the constant repetition of his vain speeches, bade him show some proof of his divine origin, or keep his

they added, Phaeton hastened to his mother, and begged her to direct him to his father, that he might obtain the desired p

her, that he might obtain the desired proof. Clymene immediately gave him all necessary information, and bade him make hast

oof. Clymene immediately gave him all necessary information, and bade him make haste if he would reach his father’s palace

e, had watched the boy’s approach, and, as he drew nearer, recognised him as his own offspring. Timidly now Phaeton advance

mbly waited for permission to make his errand known. Apollo addressed him graciously, called him his son, and bade him spea

ion to make his errand known. Apollo addressed him graciously, called him his son, and bade him speak without fear. In a fe

known. Apollo addressed him graciously, called him his son, and bade him speak without fear. In a few minutes the youth im

oon as he had finished his tale, Apollo exclaimed that he would grant him any proof he wished, and confirmed these words by

ry he was obliged to drink the waters of this river, which would lull him into senseless stupidity for one whole year. Duri

to Phaeton the great danger of such an undertaking, earnestly begging him to select some other, less fatal boon. “Choose o

l to fling wide the gates of morn; and the Hours were ready to escort him as usual. Aurora. Guido Reni. Apollo, yieldi

pressure, quickly anointed his son with a cooling essence to preserve him from the burning sunbeams, gave him the necessary

ith a cooling essence to preserve him from the burning sunbeams, gave him the necessary directions for his journey, and rep

ry directions for his journey, and repeatedly and anxiously cautioned him to watch his steeds with the utmost care, and to

portunate, that they roused Jupiter from a profound sleep, and caused him to look around to discover their origin. One glan

hope of finding some more scattered fragments, until the gods changed him into a swan; which bird is ever sailing mournfull

gold,     And, crowned with sacred laurel at their fount,     Placed him as Musagetes on their throne.” Longfellow. Alth

from his flock, in a fit of passion he took the goatherd and fastened him in a great chest, intending that he should die of

miserably, and they sent some bees with honey, which they carried to him , daily through a chink in the chest. Months passe

er had taken Comatas under their special care, and thereafter treated him with the utmost kindness. Aurora and Tithonus

oy, and won from the gods the boon of everlasting life to confer upon him . Alas! however, she forgot to ask at the same tim

e, and wishing to rid herself of his burdensome presence, she changed him into a grasshopper. At this time the goddess fell

fell in love with Cephalus, the young hunter, and frequently visited him on Mount Hymettus. “‘Come,’ Phœbus cries, ‘Auror

ome — too late Thou linger’st slumbering with thy wither’d mate Leave him , and to Hymettus’ top repair! Thy darling Cephalu

sleepy eyes; but when he saw the moon, which he fancied close beside him , sailing away across the deep blue sky, he felt s

m that he cast himself down upon the sward, hoping to woo it to visit him once more. It did not come again that night, howe

rick Hollyer. Diana, fully as enamoured as he, could not bear to pass him by without a caress, and invariably left her car

left her car for a moment, as it touched the mountain peak, to run to him and snatch a hasty kiss. “Chaste Artemis, who gu

ant, toil, and exposure, finally caused an eternal sleep to fall upon him , and bore him off to Mount Latmus, where she conc

exposure, finally caused an eternal sleep to fall upon him, and bore him off to Mount Latmus, where she concealed him in a

fall upon him, and bore him off to Mount Latmus, where she concealed him in a cave held sacred to her, and never profaned

. At last he reached the Cyclopes’ cave, and one of them took pity on him , and led him to the Sun, from whose radiance he b

reached the Cyclopes’ cave, and one of them took pity on him, and led him to the Sun, from whose radiance he borrowed a sto

resumed his favourite sport, and hunted from morn till eve. Diana met him in the forest, and, sharing his tastes, soon lear

met him in the forest, and, sharing his tastes, soon learned to love him ; but this affection was viewed with great displea

er error, she mourned his loss with many tears, vowed never to forget him , and placed him and his faithful dog Sirius as co

urned his loss with many tears, vowed never to forget him, and placed him and his faithful dog Sirius as constellations in

caught some water in her hollow palm, flung it in his face, and bade him go and declare, if he could, that he had seen Dia

ionless and dismayed, the distant baying of his hounds coming to join him fell upon his ear. Diana’s Hunt. G. Papperit

or the pack had caught one glimpse of his sleek sides, and were after him in full cry. In vain poor Actæon strained every m

ted to the ground, the hounds sprang at his quivering throat and tore him to death as he lay. Diana was widely worshipped,

eformed consort, and, instead of being a faithful wife, soon deserted him , and openly declared she would please herself.

ogether, Mars always placed his attendant Alectryon on guard, bidding him give due warning of any one’s approach, and espec

ng him give due warning of any one’s approach, and especially to call him before the sun rose, as the lovers were particula

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

negligent sentinel, who was still blissfully sleeping. Pouncing upon him , Mars awakened him roughly, administered a sharp

, who was still blissfully sleeping. Pouncing upon him, Mars awakened him roughly, administered a sharp reproof, changed hi

him, Mars awakened him roughly, administered a sharp reproof, changed him into a cock, banished him into the barnyard, and

ghly, administered a sharp reproof, changed him into a cock, banished him into the barnyard, and condemned him to give dail

hanged him into a cock, banished him into the barnyard, and condemned him to give daily warning of the sun’s approach. “An

d, until he became a handsome, slender youth; but when separated from him , he invariably resumed his childish form and misc

dangerous game caused Venus many anxious alarms. In vain she besought him to forego the pleasures of the chase and remain w

he boldly attacked a wild boar, which, goaded to madness, turned upon him , buried his strong tusk in the youth’s unprotecte

buried his strong tusk in the youth’s unprotected side, and trampled him to death. “The white tusk of a boar has transpie

ble, she went to Olympus, where she fell at Jupiter’s feet, imploring him to release Adonis from death’s embrace, or allow

onis reluctantly returned to Hades, when Winter, the cruel boar, slew him again with his white tusk, and made nature again

, but, ashamed of lavishing favours upon a mere mortal, extorted from him a promise that he would never reveal their secret

sts accuse her of borrowing one of Jupiter’s thunderbolts and slaying him . Others, however, report that Anchises lived to a

love, implored her to view his suit kindly, and, above all, to grant him an interview, or he would surely die.           

d lest one should notice that she was talking to a stranger, she bade him depart; but he refused to go until he had learned

s prayers overcame the maiden’s scruples, and she arranged to receive him in her sea-girt tower, promising at a given hour

promising at a given hour to light a torch and hold it aloft to guide him safely across the sea. Then only he departed.

s surely as the night, And when the morning woke upon the sea, It saw him not, for back at home was he.” Leigh Hunt. No o

e a second attempt to cross the strait, calling upon the gods to lend him their aid. But this time his prayers were unheard

Though rising gale, and breaking foam, And shrieking sea-birds warn’d him home » And clouds aloft and tides below, With sig

: and, thinking Pyramus was concealed there, she was about to call to him that he was discovered, when, instead of her love

n’s footprints and the mangled veil. These signs sufficed to convince him that Thisbe had perished, and in a fit of despair

lips. With a cry of terror she flew to his side, and tried to revive him ; but, when assured that all her efforts were in v

ger from his breast, and, plunging it into her own bosom, fell beside him lifeless.                 “In her bosom plunged

us girl no sooner beheld the youth, than she fell deeply in love with him , and was proportionately grieved when she saw tha

in her despair at his hard-heartedness, she implored Venus to punish him by making him suffer the pangs of unrequited love

r at his hard-heartedness, she implored Venus to punish him by making him suffer the pangs of unrequited love; then, melanc

is heart, for he thought it belonged to some water nymph gazing up at him through the transparent flood. With sudden passio

s, and then a pair of beautiful, watchful, anxious eyes. It seemed to him that the nymph was about to emerge from her hidin

every emotion, and who grew as pale and wan as he, — evidently, like him , a victim to love and despair. Even the shades of

he too were anxious and sleepless, and saw her gazing longingly up at him . There Narcissus lingered day and night, without

frequently declared he would never marry, Venus was delighted to see him at last a victim of the tender passion, and resol

, Till, from the frozen marble glowing,     The light of feeling o’er him shone.” Schiller. Pygmalion’s delight at seeing

commit suicide he called to Zephyrus (the South Wind), and entreated him to catch the maiden in his strong yet gentle arms

turn with the welcome shades of night. All day long Psyche thought of him , longed for him, and, as soon as the sun had set,

lcome shades of night. All day long Psyche thought of him, longed for him , and, as soon as the sun had set, sped to the bow

dare not brave the broad light of day, lest he should make her loathe him , and further added that, if she were not very car

conceal a lamp and dagger in her lover’s apartment, and to gaze upon him in secret, when his eyes were closed in sleep. If

and distorted form of a monster, they bade her use the dagger to kill him . Then, satisfied with their work, the sisters dep

, Cupid fell asleep; and, as soon as his regular breathing proclaimed him lost in slumber, Psyche noiselessly lighted her l

ld, instead of the monster, this graceful youth; and as she hung over him , enraptured, she forgot all caution. An inadverte

r — And gazes on the god of Love.” Apollonius. The sudden pain made him open his eyes with a start. The lighted lamp, the

ed his love and her suffering, and, wrestling with the spirit, forced him to re-enter the narrow bounds of his prison, and

aring for her beloved husband’s life, implored the goddess to protect him in battle, vowing to sacrifice her luxuriant hair

cefully sleeping in his cradle. With a rude shake, the sun god roused him from his slumbers, and bade him restore the stole

With a rude shake, the sun god roused him from his slumbers, and bade him restore the stolen cattle. Mercury pretended inno

ttle. Mercury pretended innocence, until Apollo, exasperated, dragged him off to Olympus, where he was convicted of the the

well, that he in return wished to make a present to Mercury, and gave him a magic wand, called Caduceus, which had the powe

who immediately wound themselves in amity around it. This so pleased him , that he bade them remain there for ever, and use

Mercury was in due time appointed messenger of the gods, who, to make him fleet of foot, presented him with winged sandals,

nted messenger of the gods, who, to make him fleet of foot, presented him with winged sandals, the Talaria, which endowed h

f foot, presented him with winged sandals, the Talaria, which endowed him with marvellous rapidity of motion. As these sand

entrusted to Mercury messages of a delicate nature, and always found him an invaluable ally; but the faithful messenger wa

ce of this cloud, she sought her husband in Olympus, and, not finding him , flew down to earth, brushing the cloud aside in

, thus warned of her coming, had but time to change the maiden beside him into a heifer, ere his wife alighted and inquired

o’er all his body waked or slept.” Statius ( Elton’s tr.). She bade him watch the heifer closely, and report anything unu

his discovery to Juno, who, advising still closer watchfulness, sent him back to his post. Mercury and Argus Jupiter

from her imprisonment. Finally he called Mercury to his aid, and bade him devise some plan to rescue her. Armed with a hand

rcury approached Argus, and offered to while away the time by telling him tales. As Mercury was the prince of story-tellers

s were held in Rome in Mercury’s honour in the month of May, and from him received their name of Mercuralia. Chapter IX

d dangers of war. No gentle deeds of kindness were ever expected from him ; no loving prayers were ever addressed to him; an

were ever expected from him; no loving prayers were ever addressed to him ; and the ancients felt no love for him, but, on t

prayers were ever addressed to him; and the ancients felt no love for him , but, on the contrary, shuddered with terror when

one muscular hand, and a finely wrought shield in the other, showing him ever ready to cope with a foe. His attendants, or

d Pallor (Terror). Bellona, or Enyo, goddess of war, also accompanied him , drove his chariot, parried dangerous thrusts, an

month. Proud of their victory over the God of War, these giants bore him off in triumph, and bound him fast with iron chai

over the God of War, these giants bore him off in triumph, and bound him fast with iron chains slipped through iron rings.

chains slipped through iron rings. Day and night they kept watch over him ; and even when they slept, the rattle of the chai

e rattle of the chains, whenever any one of the gods attempted to set him free, woke them up, and frustrated all efforts to

to set him free, woke them up, and frustrated all efforts to deliver him . During fifteen weary months poor Mars lingered t

selessly and deftly slipped the chains out of the rings, and restored him to freedom. In revenge for the cruel treatment in

daughter Alcippe, Mars hotly pursued the abductor, and promptly slew him . Neptune, angry at this act of summary justice, c

r emotions, and passionately returned the devotion of Venus, who bore him three beautiful children, — Harmonia, Cupid, and

d gone, never to return, carried off by the immortal gods, who wished him to share their abode and dignity. The senators fu

n anger at his son’s interference in his matrimonial concerns, hurled him out of heaven. The intervening space between heav

ntirely unharmed, for he injured one of his legs, which accident left him lame and somewhat deformed for the remainder of h

e heart of the mountain, in partnership with the Cyclopes, who helped him manufacture many cunning and useful objects from

hoicest vintage, Bacchus presented himself before Vulcan, and offered him a refreshing draught. Vulcan, predisposed to thir

tions, until he was quite intoxicated. In this condition, Bacchus led him passive to Olympus, made him release the Queen of

oxicated. In this condition, Bacchus led him passive to Olympus, made him release the Queen of Heaven, and urged him to emb

m passive to Olympus, made him release the Queen of Heaven, and urged him to embrace his father and crave forgiveness. Alth

e mythologists, had refused even his addresses, Jupiter bestowed upon him the fair hand of Venus and sent her and her misch

ver, seems to have also soon wearied of his society, for she deserted him . Vulcan’s children were mostly monsters, such as

Vulcan was worshipped by all blacksmiths and artisans, who recognised him as their special patron, and venerated him accord

d artisans, who recognised him as their special patron, and venerated him accordingly.                           “Those wh

s chariot, foam’d along By noble winged creatures he hath made? I saw him on the calmed waters scud, With such a glow of be

ingly encroaching disposition. Dissatisfied with the portion allotted him , he once conspired to dethrone Jupiter; but, unfo

t into execution, and Jupiter, in punishment for his temerity, exiled him to earth. There he was condemned to build the wal

es, and devoured her; then he vanished, and nothing more was heard of him for a whole year, at the end of which time he rea

rcules, aided by a chosen band of adventurers, came to Troy to punish him for his perfidy. The city was stormed and taken,

disputants having chosen Briareus as umpire, the prize was awarded to him as the most powerful of all the gods except Jupit

r subside into peaceful ripples.          “He spake, and round about him called the clouds And roused the ocean, — wieldin

pleased, raise islands from the deep, as he did when Latona entreated him to shelter her from Juno’s persecutions. Neptune

Proserpina. Annoyed by his persistent wooing, the goddess, to escape him , assumed the form of a mare; but the God of the S

ch, whose early education was entrusted to the Nereides. They trained him to draw his father’s chariot over the waves with

er’s chariot over the waves with incredible rapidity, and parted with him regretfully when he was given to Copreus, Pelops’

r distinguished suitor, and in her fear fled at his approach, leaving him no chance to admire any of her charms, except the

his anger plunged into a river, where he was drowned, and which from him received the name of Evenus. Idas and Marpessa we

wont to exercise very reluctantly; and when mortals wished to consult him , he would change his form with bewildering rapidi

change his form with bewildering rapidity, and, unless they clung to him through all his changes, they could obtain no ans

rth. This god inspired all men with a great fear. They never spoke of him without trembling, and fervently prayed that they

are their hopes to affect their escape. No temples were dedicated to him , and statues of this god are very rare. Human sac

ll bears his name. To punish the inhuman Tantalus, the gods then sent him to Tartarus, where he stood up to his chin in a s

d slip from his grasp and roll to the foot of the hill, thus obliging him to renew all his exertions. “With many a weary s

h an overhanging rock, which momentarily threatened to fall and crush him under its mass: “He was doomed to sit under a hu

oudly for his money, that Ixion, to be rid of his importunities, slew him . Such an act of violence could not be overlooked

be overlooked by the gods: so Jupiter summoned Ixion to appear before him and state his case. Ixion pleaded so skilfully, t

s case. Ixion pleaded so skilfully, that Jupiter was about to declare him acquitted, when he suddenly caught him making lov

t Jupiter was about to declare him acquitted, when he suddenly caught him making love to Juno, which offence seemed so unpa

king love to Juno, which offence seemed so unpardonable, that he sent him to Tartarus, where he was bound to a constantly r

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

piter next came, the maiden used all her blandishments to extort from him a solemn oath to grant any request she chose to m

is imprudent request, implored her to ask something else, and release him from a promise fraught with such danger to her; b

hat hold a man As if he were a god; or know the god — Or dare to know him  — only as a man! O human love! art thou for ever

his aunt Ino, the second wife of Athamas, King of Thebes, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But

he had been her own child. But all her love could not avail to screen him from the effects of Juno’s persistent hatred: so

ing lest some harm might befall his precious son, bade Mercury convey him to the distant home of the Nysiades, — nymphs who

convey him to the distant home of the Nysiades, — nymphs who guarded him most faithfully Juno, not daring to continue her

he guidance of Silenus, a satyr, half man and half goat, who educated him , and accompanied him on all his travels; for he d

s, a satyr, half man and half goat, who educated him, and accompanied him on all his travels; for he delighted in roaming a

riding in his chariot drawn by wild beasts, while his tutor followed him , mounted on an ass, supported on either side by a

unted on an ass, supported on either side by an attendant. “And near him rode Silenus on his ass, Pelted with flowers as h

er and sunshine, — ate grapes, danced and sang, and loudly proclaimed him their chosen leader. “‘We follow Bacchus! Bacchu

nquering! Bacchus, young Bacchus! good or ill betide, We dance before him thorough kingdoms wide” Keats. The most unruly

elry, and were in a perpetual state of intoxication as they went with him from land to land, where he taught the people the

tes, sailing by, saw the handsome young sleeper, and noiselessly bore him off to their vessel, intending to sell him as a s

eper, and noiselessly bore him off to their vessel, intending to sell him as a slave in Egypt. They were already quite far

ere already quite far out at sea when the god awoke, and gazed around him in mute wonder at his surroundings. When fully ro

onder at his surroundings. When fully roused, he bade the seamen take him back to land, but they merely replied by laughter

e red nose and bloated appearance of the wanderer, than he recognised him as Bacchus’ tutor, and volunteered to lead him ba

er, than he recognised him as Bacchus’ tutor, and volunteered to lead him back to his divine pupil. Delighted to see Silenu

red for his delectation. Here, too, however, a new revelation awaited him ; for cloth, plate, and cup turned to gold, as did

s before, again cast himself at Bacchus’ feet, and this time implored him to take back the inconvenient gift, which prevent

time implored him to take back the inconvenient gift, which prevented him from satisfying his natural appetites. His distre

his natural appetites. His distress seemed so real, that Bacchus bade him go and wash in the Pactolus River, if he would be

excited Bacchantes, who, led by Agave, the king’s own mother, dragged him from his hiding-place and tore him limb from limb

ve, the king’s own mother, dragged him from his hiding-place and tore him limb from limb. Bacchus, god of wine, was worship

e sufficed to convince Pluto of her loveliness and grace, and to make him feel that his happiness depended on the possessio

ne; but one and all had refused the honour, and declined to accompany him to a land where the sun never shone, the birds ne

e, In the centre of the world, Where the sinful dead are hurled? Mark him as he moves along, Drawn by horses black and stro

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

of the wild cries and lamentations of the nymphs, who vainly pursued him and tried to overtake their beloved mistress. Afr

rtake their beloved mistress. Afraid lest Ceres should come and force him to relinquish hi: new-won treasure, Pluto drove f

menacing fashion, and spread themselves as much as possible, to check him in his flight. Pluto quickly perceived that to at

t occurred to her that she might confer a still greater blessing upon him , that of immortality: so she anointed his limbs w

anointed his limbs with nectar, murmured a powerful charm, and placed him upon the red-hot coals, to consume all the perish

rushed to the fire and snatched her child out of the flames, pressed him anxiously to her breast, and, after ascertaining

irgil ( Conington’s tr.). In spite of her previous efforts to escape him , Arethusa must still have been very glad to see h

efforts to escape him, Arethusa must still have been very glad to see him once more, for Ceres heard her murmur contentedly

d, how divinely sweet Is the pure joy when kindred spirits meet! Like him , the river god, whose waters flow, With love thei

r nursling, Triptolemus, the various secrets of agriculture, and gave him her chariot, bidding him travel everywhere, and t

the various secrets of agriculture, and gave him her chariot, bidding him travel everywhere, and teach the people how to pl

ng of Scythia, where the false monarch would have treacherously slain him had not Ceres by timely interference prevented th

the unfortunate man, and sent Famine to gnaw his vitals, and torment him night and day. The wretch, tortured by a hunger w

ss, Ceres flung the remainder of the gruel into his face, and changed him into a lizard. Chapter XV: Vesta The Wor

’s wrath by relating to Juno a conversation she had overheard between him and one of his numerous mistresses. To punish her

king of the gods cut off Lara’s tongue, and, summoning Mercury, bade him lead her down to Hades to linger there for ever.

o her, and by pantomime obtained her consent to their union. She bore him two children, who from her were called Lares, and

ily’s comfort, and in return for this kindly care the Penates blessed him with peace and prosperity. Chapter XVI: Janus

e, and the other quite youthful in appearance, while others represent him with three and even four heads. “Janus am I; old

his shrines. He also presided over all gates and avenues, and through him alone prayers were supposed to reach the immortal

year; and one month bore the god’s name, and was considered sacred to him . It was customary for friends and relatives to ex

yone prayed, a tempest arose which wrecked Ceyx’s vessel, and caused, him and all his crew to perish in the seething waves.

waves washed her husband’s corpse to her feet. To endure life without him seemed too great a task for poor Halcyone, who im

Halcyone, who immediately cast herself into the sea, to perish beside him . Touched by grief so real and intense, the gods c

ewed by the ancients with fear and dislike, and no homage was offered him . These two divinities were, however, but of sligh

which he gently shook to induce a state of drowsiness, — according to him , the acme of bliss. Chapter XVIII: Æolus

ests. He is commonly reputed to have married Aurora, or Eos, who gave him six sons: i.e., Boreas, the north wind; Corus, th

land in turn. Corus, the north-west wind, drove clouds of snow before him ; while Aquilo, dreadful in appearance, caused col

s giving the first proof of the marvellous strength which was to make him famous. “First two dread Snakes at Juno’s vengef

ived how easily Hercules had escaped from the danger which threatened him , she deemed it useless to make another attempt to

on was carefully attended to by Chiron, a learned Centaur, who taught him how to use all the different weapons, and trained

aur, who taught him how to use all the different weapons, and trained him in all kinds of athletic sports. The years passed

hen Hercules’ education was completed, and the whole world lay before him , full of pleasant possibilities, and rich with ma

t two beautiful women, who immediately entered into conversation with him , and drew from him a confession that he was in se

en, who immediately entered into conversation with him, and drew from him a confession that he was in search of adventures.

ete (Virtue) and Kakia (Vice), each offered to be his guide, but bade him choose which he preferred to follow. Kakia, to in

e, but bade him choose which he preferred to follow. Kakia, to induce him to follow her guidance, promised riches, ease, co

, ease, consideration, and love; while Arete, a modest maiden, warned him that in her wake he would be obliged to wage ince

, declared himself ready to obey any command she might choose to give him .               “Young Hercules with firm disdain

e pointed out, and patiently performed the various tasks she assigned him , delivering the oppressed, defending the weak, an

ren, whom he tenderly loved. But Juno was not at all satisfied to see him leading such a peaceful and prosperous life, and

ve lingered all the remainder of his life, had not Mercury brought to him the decision of the gods that he was to serve Eur

g of Argos, for a twelvemonth. The messenger god then offered to lead him to his appointed taskmaster. But when Hercules le

, Arete, voluntarily offered his services to Eurystheus, who informed him that he must accomplish twelve great labours ere

ssuaded, but entered the forest, tracked the lion to his den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him as he had strang

tracked the lion to his den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him as he had strangled the snakes in his infancy. He

leasant miracle, Hercules bade his friend Iolaus, who had accompanied him thither to view his prowess, take a lighted brand

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

ore he could overtake him; and he only managed the capture by driving him into a deep snowdrift, in a distant northern land

deep snowdrift, in a distant northern land, from which he extricated him , and carried him home in triumph. The Erymanth

in a distant northern land, from which he extricated him, and carried him home in triumph. The Erymanthian Boar The s

Chiron died; but in reward for his good offices the gods transferred him to the sky, where he is known as the constellatio

but Minos, charmed with his unusual size and beauty, resolved to keep him , and substituted a bull from his own herds for th

To punish Diomedes for this long-continued barbarity, Hercules threw him to his own horses, which were then led off to Eur

ly condescension, promised to consider the matter, and meanwhile bade him feast and rest in her palace. Hercules would have

n which Hercules had accomplished eight out of the twelve tasks, bade him now go forth and slay the dangerous, brazen-clawe

he stagnant waters of Lake Stymphalus. The poisoned arrows now served him in good stead, and enabled him to put a speedy en

phalus. The poisoned arrows now served him in good stead, and enabled him to put a speedy end to the whole flock. “His arr

he night, the loathsome giant Cacus stole some of his cows. To punish him for this theft Hercules forced his way into his c

sh him for this theft Hercules forced his way into his cave, attacked him , and, after a memorable encounter, slew him. The

y into his cave, attacked him, and, after a memorable encounter, slew him . The animals were soon after delivered into the h

onsult old Nereus, god of the sea, who would probably be able to give him some information on the subject. Hercules, having

ving surprised this aged divinity while asleep on the sea-shore, held him fast, in spite of the multitudinous transformatio

ay. In answer to Hercules’ question, he finally very reluctantly bade him seek Prometheus, who alone would be able to direc

luctantly bade him seek Prometheus, who alone would be able to direct him aright. In obedience to this advice, Hercules wen

t in vain, Prometheus directed Hercules to his brother Atlas, telling him he would be sure to know where the apples could b

them. Proud of his strength, Antæus went to meet Hercules, and defied him . A fierce struggle was the immediate result of th

and, watching his opportunity, seized Antæus round the waist, raised him from the ground, and held him aloft in his powerf

, seized Antæus round the waist, raised him from the ground, and held him aloft in his powerful embrace. The giant struggle

The giant struggled with all his might to get free; but Hercules held him fast, and felt him grow weaker and weaker, now th

with all his might to get free; but Hercules held him fast, and felt him grow weaker and weaker, now that he was no longer

uld be found, and promised to get them if the hero would only relieve him of his burden for a little while. Glad to accompl

d bear for centuries, perhaps, without relief. This thought oppressed him . Freedom was so sweet that he resolved to keep it

ounced that he would carry the golden apples to Eurystheus, and leave him to support the heavens in his stead. Feigning a s

feeling, Hercules acquiesced, but detained Atlas for a moment, asking him to hold the heavens until he could place a cushio

s giants proverbially are, Atlas threw the apples on the grass beside him , and assumed the incumbent weight; but Hercules,

p the apples, leaving Atlas alone, in the same plight as he had found him , there to remain until some more compassionate he

here to remain until some more compassionate hero should come and set him free. “There Atlas, son of great Iapetus, With h

s, whose strength was derided by his new mistress, and who, governing him easily by his admiration for her, made him submit

stress, and who, governing him easily by his admiration for her, made him submit to occupations unworthy of a man, and, whi

g his mighty arm, however; and the gods, at the appointed time, freed him from his bondage to the Lydian queen, and bade hi

ointed time, freed him from his bondage to the Lydian queen, and bade him go forth and do all the good in his power. Her

when Hercules made known his love, she immediately promised to marry him . if he would only free her from the lover her fat

ull, and with lowered horns rushed toward Hercules, intending to toss him aside. The hero, skilfully avoiding his first ons

toss him aside. The hero, skilfully avoiding his first onset, seized him by one of his great thick-set horns, and held it

ly departed with his hard-won bride, for his destiny would not permit him to tarry long in any place. Instead of wandering

her husband’s love waning, he assured her that, could she but induce him to put it on, all his early affection would reviv

eroes wander, nor can any love Fix theirs for long — take it and wrap him in it, And he shall love again.’” Lewis Morris.

loving as ever, and she had no cause for complaint. Finally duty took him back to the court of Eurytus, where he beheld Iol

ands she sought the glittering robe, gave it to a messenger, and bade him hasten to meet Hercules, and prevail upon him to

o a messenger, and bade him hasten to meet Hercules, and prevail upon him to wear it for his triumphant return. The messeng

arm may be of power To win Alcides from this virgin’s love, And bring him back to Deianeira’s arms.” Sophocles ( Francklin

an he could bear. In his rage at the trick which had been played upon him , he seized Lichas — the unfortunate bearer of the

 the unfortunate bearer of the poisoned robe — by the foot, and flung him from the heights of Mount Œta down into the sea,

ed, and the hero was soon enveloped in sheets of flames, which purged him from all mortality. Then Jupiter came down from h

s for ever with Hebe, the fair goddess of youth, whose hand was given him in marriage. “Till the god, the earthly part for

at Olympia were held in his honour, although originally instituted by him in honour of Jupiter, his father. The Nemean Game

d Danae The life of Acrisius, King of Argos, had been a burden to him ever since the unfortunate day when an oracle had

that the wily God of Love would endeavour to find some way to outwit him and bring his plans to naught. After much thought

monarch’s wrath; and, hoping to get rid of the young boaster, he bade him go forth and slay Medusa, if he wished to convinc

hed over Perseus through his childhood and youth, now decided to lend him their aid, so that he might successfully accompli

successfully accomplish the great task of slaying Medusa. Pluto lent him a magic helmet, which made the wearer invisible a

ercury attached his own winged sandals to the youth’s heels, to endow him with great rapidity of flight; while Minerva arme

eels, to endow him with great rapidity of flight; while Minerva armed him with her own mirror like shield, the dreadful Ægi

   “Minerva thus to Perseus lent her shield; Secure of conquest, sent him to the field: The hero acted what the queen ordai

on, he spoke to them, promising to restore it if they would only give him accurate directions for finding Medusa. The siste

proclivities, he advanced very cautiously, holding his shield before him at such an angle that all surrounding objects wer

away in great haste, lest the two remaining Gorgons should fall upon him and attempt to avenge their sister’s death. Perse

is way over land and sea, carefully holding his ghastly trophy behind him ; and as he flew, Medusa’s blood trickled down on

sp.” Æschylus ( Potter’s tr.). When Atlas saw Perseus flying toward him , hope revived, for he remembered that fate had de

er. As soon as the hero was within hearing, Atlas therefore addressed him as follows: “‘Hasten now, Perseus, and let me loo

’ So Perseus hearkened unto the word of Atlas, and he unveiled before him the dead, face of Medusa. Eagerly he gazed for a

flew on until he reached the sea-shore, where a strange sight greeted him . Away down on the “rock-bound coast,” so near the

tacked the monster, cheered by the shouts of the people, who had seen him , and now rushed back to witness the slaying of th

esire to marry the maiden he had so bravely rescued, they gladly gave him her hand, although in early youth the princess ha

carry off Andromeda, when Perseus, bidding his adherents stand behind him , suddenly unveiled the Medusa head, and, turning

come his wife, he changed the importunate king into a rock by showing him his Medusa trophy, gave the kingdom to the king’s

rone. To hurl the unlawful claimant from his exalted seat, and compel him to make full restitution and atonement, was but a

, haunted by the memory of this involuntary crime was too painful for him : so he exchanged his kingdom for another, that of

died, after a long and glorious reign, the gods, who had always loved him , placed him among the stars, where he can still b

a long and glorious reign, the gods, who had always loved him, placed him among the stars, where he can still be seen, with

he must raise the rock, take the sword and sandals, and come and join him in Athens, where he should be introduced to the p

heseus, whose fame began to be published abroad. At last Æthra deemed him strong enough to raise the rock beneath which his

he rock beneath which his father’s trusty weapon lay; and, conducting him to the spot where it was, she told him the whole

ty weapon lay; and, conducting him to the spot where it was, she told him the whole story, and bade him try his strength. T

him to the spot where it was, she told him the whole story, and bade him try his strength. Theseus immediately obeyed. Wit

rd deep into his huge side ere he could renew the attack, and brought him lifeless to the ground. Theseus then disarmed his

until he came to the Isthmus of Corinth, where two adventures awaited him . The first was with a cruel giant named Sinis, ni

e ground, and call to any unsuspecting passer-by to seize it and lend him a helping hand for a moment. Then, as soon as the

e, guarded by a robber named Sciron, who forced all who tried to pass him to wash his feet. While the traveller was thus en

row pathway to do his bidding, he would suddenly raise his foot, kick him over the side, and hurl him down into the sea bel

g, he would suddenly raise his foot, kick him over the side, and hurl him down into the sea below, where a huge tortoise wa

nd by his determined bearing so terrified the robber, that he offered him a free passage. This offer, however, did not sati

e would sheathe his sword only on condition that Sciron performed for him the menial office he had imposed upon so many oth

; but he was doomed never to molest any one again, for Theseus kicked him over the precipice, into the breakers, where the

in the long bedstead, and his limbs were pulled out of joint to make him fit it; but if, on the contrary, he were tall, he

the self-same pretext. Taking Procrustes quite unawares, Theseus gave him a faint idea of the sufferings he had inflicted u

a faint idea of the sufferings he had inflicted upon others by making him try each bed in turn, and then, to avoid his cont

and finally reached Athens, where he found that his fame had preceded him . The first thing that he heard upon his arrival w

geus’ side, no sooner saw the young stranger draw near, then she knew him , and foresaw that he had come to demand his right

ely recognised. One swift glance into the youth’s open face convinced him that Æthra’s son stood before him, and he eagerly

nto the youth’s open face convinced him that Æthra’s son stood before him , and he eagerly stretched out his arms to clasp h

son stood before him, and he eagerly stretched out his arms to clasp him to his heart. This sudden movement upset the gobl

ge and fly to a country where they would be free, promising to follow him thither very shortly. “‘My Icarus!’ he says; ‘I

l he fell into the sea, where he was drowned, and which, in memory of him , bears the name of Icarian to this day. “His sca

ry kindled Theseus’ love of adventure, and still further strengthened him in his sudden resolve to join the mournful convoy

ollyer. Even his father’s tears and entreaties were powerless to move him from his purpose, and, the hour having come, he e

the prison where Theseus was confined. There she tremblingly offered him a ball of twine and a sharp sword, bidding him ti

he tremblingly offered him a ball of twine and a sharp sword, bidding him tie one end of the twine to the entrance of the l

his hand as a clue to find the way out again should the sword enable him to kill the dreaded Minotaur. In token of gratitu

timely assistance, Theseus solemnly promised Ariadne to take her with him to Athens as his bride, were he only successful i

any whitening bones plainly revealed the fate of all who had preceded him . He had not gone very far before he encountered t

falling a prey to the monster’s appetite, and all his strength to lay him low at last. The Escape from Crete The Mino

his ship rode at anchor, he found his companions and Ariadne awaiting him , and, springing on board, bade the sailors weigh

authority and set out again in search of adventures, which might help him forget his woes. He therefore made an excursion i

n excursion into the land of the Amazons, where Hercules had preceded him , and whence he brought back Hippolyte, whom he ma

his devotion to this newly won friend, Theseus consented to accompany him to the court of Adrastus, King of Argos, and witn

atrimony. Then, in return for Pirithous’ kind offices, he accompanied him to Hades, where they intended to carry off Proser

s he delivered Theseus from his unpleasant position, and thus enabled him to return to his own home, where he now expected

ed by this time, Theseus was still anxious to marry, and looked about him for a wife to cheer his loneliness. Suddenly he r

delighted with her aged husband, and, instead of falling in love with him , bestowed all her affections upon his son, Hippol

gradually alienated his people’s affections, until at last they hated him , and banished him to the Island of Scyros, where,

d his people’s affections, until at last they hated him, and banished him to the Island of Scyros, where, in obedience to a

obedience to a secret order, Lycomedes, the king, treacherously slew him by hurling him from the top of a steep cliff into

secret order, Lycomedes, the king, treacherously slew him by hurling him from the top of a steep cliff into the sea. As us

Pelias, they entrusted their son to the Centaur Chiron, revealing to him alone the secret of the child’s birth, and biddin

, revealing to him alone the secret of the child’s birth, and bidding him train him up to avenge their wrongs. Chiron disch

g to him alone the secret of the child’s birth, and bidding him train him up to avenge their wrongs. Chiron discharged his

t faithfully, trained the young prince with great care, and soon made him the wisest and most skilful of his pupils. The ye

sed very quickly; and at last the time came when Chiron made known to him the secret of his birth, and the story of the wro

rtunate parents. This tale aroused the young prince’s anger, and made him solemnly vow to punish his uncle, or perish in th

vow to punish his uncle, or perish in the attempt. Chiron encouraged him to start, and in parting bade him remember that P

h in the attempt. Chiron encouraged him to start, and in parting bade him remember that Pelias alone had injured him, but t

start, and in parting bade him remember that Pelias alone had injured him , but that all the rest of the human race were ent

about to attempt the crossing, when he saw an aged woman not far from him , gazing in helpless despair at the waters she cou

ance, proposing to carry her across on his back if she would but lend him her staff to lean upon. The old woman gladly acce

lashed into his memory the recollection of an ancient oracle, warning him to beware of the man who appeared before him wear

ancient oracle, warning him to beware of the man who appeared before him wearing but one sandal. Pelias tremblingly bade t

orders were obeyed; and Jason, confronting his uncle boldly, summoned him to make a full restitution of the power he had so

in gratitude to the gods sacrificed the ram they had sent to deliver him , and hung its golden fleece on a tree, near which

le, with much difficulty restrained all expressions of joy, and dared him to make the attempt. “With terror struck, lest b

rror struck, lest by young Jason’s hand His crown should be rent from him , Pelias sought By machinations dark to slay his f

iting her shrine at Dodona, where the oracle, a Speaking Oak, assured him of the goddess’s goodwill and efficacious protect

ess’s goodwill and efficacious protection. Next the Speaking Oak bade him cut off one of its own mighty limbs, and carve fr

he bent over the fountain, the nymphs, enamoured of his beauty, drew him down into their moist abode to keep them company.

. Hercules, after vainly waiting for Hylas’ return, went in search of him , but, finding no trace of his young friend, in hi

part woman, part bird, who ate or befouled all the food placed before him , and never let him eat a mouthful in peace. Havin

rd, who ate or befouled all the food placed before him, and never let him eat a mouthful in peace. Having repeated this tal

essel was equal to that of a dove on the wing, he sent one out before him . The dove flew safely between the rocks, losing o

e his ruin, he stood his ground, and, when the phalanx was quite near him , threw a handful of dust full in the giants’ face

ures to maintain his usurped authority, Jason appeared, and compelled him to resign the throne in favour of the rightful ki

ately, Æson was now so old and decrepit, that power had no charms for him : so Jason begged Medea to use her magic in his be

im: so Jason begged Medea to use her magic in his behalf, and restore him to the vigour and beauty of his early manhood. To

ragon car, departed, leaving a message for Jason, in which she warned him that the Argo would yet cause his death. Jason, a

and was at last brought to bay by Atalanta, who succeeded in dealing him a mortal wound. But even in his dying struggles t

would have killed her, had not Meleager come toiler rescue and given him his death-blow. All the hunt now gathered round t

s it was, had given her adversary an advantage; but she soon overtook him , whereupon a second golden apple cast in the same

s was slain. Pollux, who was immortal, then implored Jupiter to allow him to die also, that he might not be parted from his

d. A shepherd in quest of a stray lamb had heard his cries, delivered him from his painful position, and carried him to Pol

heard his cries, delivered him from his painful position, and carried him to Polybus, King of Corinth, who, lacking an heir

banquet one of his companions, heated by drink, began to quarrel with him , and taunted him with his origin, declaring that

s companions, heated by drink, began to quarrel with him, and taunted him with his origin, declaring that those whom he had

whom he had been accustomed to call parents were in no way related to him ; “A drunken rev’ller at a feast proclaim’d That

hastily exchanged by the guests, excited Œdipus’ suspicions, and made him question the queen, who, afraid lest he might do

jury in the first moment of his despair if the truth were revealed to him , had recourse to prevarication, and quieted him b

ruth were revealed to him, had recourse to prevarication, and quieted him by the assurance that he was her beloved son. Som

her manner, however, left a lingering doubt in Œdipus’ mind, and made him resolve to consult the oracle of Delphi, whose wo

as usual, the oracle answered somewhat ambiguously, and merely warned him that fate had decreed he should kill his father,

s, and as he journeyed he did not cease to curse the fate which drove him away from home. After some time, he came to three

take, a chariot, wherein an aged man was seated, came rapidly toward him . The herald who preceded it haughtily called to t

found lifeless by the roadside, with all his atttendants slain beside him , presumably the work of a band of highway robbers

the monster; which from afar propounded the following enigma, warning him , at the same time, that he forfeited his life if

ughters, Ismene and Antigone; but prosperity was not doomed to favour him long. Just when he fancied himself most happy, an

filling the hearts of all with great terror. The people now turned to him , beseeching him to aid them, as he had done once

ts of all with great terror. The people now turned to him, beseeching him to aid them, as he had done once before when thre

crimes, accompanied by his daughter Antigone, the only one who loved him still, and who was ready to guide his uncertain f

soon as the storm was over, a search was made for Œdipus, no trace of him was ever found, and the ancients fancied that the

was ever found, and the ancients fancied that the Furies had dragged him down to Hades to receive the punishment of his un

that I strove to keep the throne of Thebes, By birthright mine, from him who drove me thence, The young Eteocles: not his

hastened off to Argos, where he persuaded Adrastus, the king, to give him his daughter in marriage, and aid him to recover

ded Adrastus, the king, to give him his daughter in marriage, and aid him to recover his inheritance. True to his promise,

t he should incur judicial punishment for his involuntary crime, made him flee to the court of Argos, where he took refuge

sojourned there very long before Anteia, the queen, fell in love with him ; and although her husband, Prœtus, treated her wi

treated her with the utmost kindness, she made up her mind to desert him , and tried to induce Bellerophon to elope with he

erophon to elope with her. Too honest to betray a man who had treated him as a friend, the young prince refused to listen t

e refused to listen to the queen’s proposals. His refusal was to cost him dear, however, for, when Anteia saw that the yout

p treachery on the part of an honoured guest, yet reluctant to punish him with his own hand as he deserved, sent Belleropho

Bellerophon to Iobates, King of Lycia, with a sealed message bidding him put the bearer to death. Quite unconscious of the

is letter, Bellerophon presented himself before Iobates, who received him very hospitably, and, without inquiring his name

ry hospitably, and, without inquiring his name or errand, entertained him royally for many days. After some time, Belleroph

dogged his footsteps, Bellerophon suddenly saw Minerva appear before him in all her splendour, and heard her inquire in ge

ection. He had no sooner apprised her of the difficult task appointed him , than she promised him her aid, and before she va

r apprised her of the difficult task appointed him, than she promised him her aid, and before she vanished gave him a beaut

nted him, than she promised him her aid, and before she vanished gave him a beautiful golden bridle, which she bade him use

efore she vanished gave him a beautiful golden bridle, which she bade him use to control Pegasus. Bridle in hand, Belleroph

ope of catching even a glimpse of the winged steed, he finally beheld him sailing downward in wide curves, like a bird of p

hon safe and sound, and tried to devise some other plan to get rid of him . He therefore sent him to fight the Amazons; but

tried to devise some other plan to get rid of him. He therefore sent him to fight the Amazons; but the hero, aided by the

and this induced the king not only to forego further attempts to slay him , but also to bestow upon the young hero his daugh

e brilliant flower, than he stretched out his little hands. To please him , the fond mother plucked it and gave it to him. S

ittle hands. To please him, the fond mother plucked it and gave it to him . She had scarcely done so, when she noticed drops

ded he would remain constant and undivided in his affection. She bade him come to her an hour before sunset, but promised t

n hour before sunset, but promised to send her messenger, the bee, to him before that time. Filled with pleasure at the tho

e low voice murmur, ‘Rhœcus!’ close at hand: Whereat he looked around him , but could see Naught but the deepening glooms be

ny mortal heart; But thou didst scorn my humble messenger And sent’st him back to me with bruised wings.’ Then Rhœcus beat

Deepened, and on his forehead smote the breeze: Beauty was all around him and delight, But from that eve he was alone on ea

ph named Penelope; and we are told that, when his mother first beheld him , she was aghast, for he was the most homely as we

mused at the sight of this grotesque little divinity, Mercury carried him off to Olympus, where all the gods turned him int

vinity, Mercury carried him off to Olympus, where all the gods turned him into ridicule. Pan was widely worshipped in olden

f the nymphs, Syrinx whom he immediately loved; but unfortunately for him she, frightened at his appearance, fled. Exaspera

d at his appearance, fled. Exasperated by her persistent avoidance of him , Pan once pursued and was about to overtake her,

His deception and disappointment were so severe that they wrung from him a prolonged sigh, which, passing through the rust

travellers and inspiring them with sudden and unfounded fears, — from him called “panic.” He is generally represented with

Zephyrus, the gentle god of the south wind, and wandered happily with him from place to place, scattering her favours with

ad hopelessly betrayed herself, no longer refused to wed, but allowed him to share her labours, and help her turn the lusci

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

is union would be for his happiness or not. It was very fortunate for him that he did so, for the three sisters told him th

was very fortunate for him that he did so, for the three sisters told him that Thetis was destined to be the mother of a so

d not perished, having been found and adopted by a shepherd, who made him follow his own calling. When Paris reached manhoo

ered off to a lonely mountain top, where the three goddesses besought him to judge their quarrel. Minerva, in glittering ar

hould prove vain, she gently drew near the youth, and softly promised him a bride as fair as herself in return for the cove

( Elton’s tr.). This act of partiality, of course, called down upon him the wrath and hatred of Juno and Minerva, who, bi

self known to his parents, — who, the goddess promised, would welcome him warmly, — and obtain from them a fleet in which h

r prophecy, joyfully received their long-lost son, lovingly compelled him to take up his abode in their palace, and promise

selves to respect the marital rights of the favoured suitor, and help him regain possession of his wife should any one vent

e Pour the libations, and with solemn vows Bind their firm faith that him , who should obtain The virgin for his bride, they

ourted Helen so successfully that she finally consented to elope with him , and allowed herself to be borne away in triumph

des that the king had not lost all control of his senses, and enabled him to force Ulysses to obey Menelaus’ summons. At Au

is only child so dearly, that when he was but a babe, she had carried him to the banks of the Styx, whose waters had the ma

uld be a great warrior, and thus exposed to great danger, she plunged him wholly into the tide with the exception of one he

holly into the tide with the exception of one heel, by which she held him , and then returned home. Some time after an oracl

e knew her son would soon be summoned, and to prevent his going, sent him off to the court of Lycomedes, where, under some

he fleet at Aulis, but one after another returned without having seen him or being able to ascertain where he was hiding. T

hiding. The Greeks, however anxious to depart, dared not sail without him . They were in despair, until Ulysses, the wily, p

rpose, and by his eloquence persuaded the young Achilles to accompany him to Aulis. The Greeks were now ready to embark; bu

comes to tarry with thee three hours’ space; Accept the gift, behold him face to face!’” Wordsworth, With an inarticulat

quickly in delicious intercourse; and when Mercury reappeared to lead him back to Hades, the loving wife, unable to endure

entertained) A knot of spiry trees for ages grew From out the tomb of him for whom she died; And ever, when such stature th

ged man indignantly withdrew; And Phœbus — for the priest was dear to him  — Granted his prayer, and sent among the Greeks A

ssembled in council, decided to send Achilles to Agamemnon to apprise him of their wish that he should set Chryseis free, —

a wish which he immediately consented to grant, if Briseis were given him in exchange. The plague was raging throughout the

ther’s arms. Ready to forgive all, now that his child was restored to him , Chryses implored Apollo to stay his hand, and th

onsequence of a treacherous dream purposely sent by Jupiter to delude him , Agamemnon again assembled his troops, and propos

ight, Venus, seeing her favourite about to succumb, suddenly snatched him away from the battlefield, and bore him unseen to

to succumb, suddenly snatched him away from the battlefield, and bore him unseen to his chamber, where he was joined by Hel

to his chamber, where he was joined by Helen, who bitterly reproached him for his cowardly flight. Indignant at this interf

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

ile Hector gently reproved her, and demonstrated that his duty called him out upon the field of battle, where he must hold

sight of his brilliant helmet and nodding plumes, and would not go to him until he had set the gleaming headdress aside. Af

Achilles’ intimate friend, then hastened to the hero’s side to inform him of his comrades’ flight, and implore him once mor

to the hero’s side to inform him of his comrades’ flight, and implore him once more to rescue them from inevitable death. B

s, who wept aloud when he heard that his beloved friend, who had left him but a short time before full of life and energy,

ould have rushed from his tent unarmed; but his mother prevailed upon him to wait until the morrow, when she promised to br

evailed upon him to wait until the morrow, when she promised to bring him a full suit of armour from Vulcan’s own hand. Rap

ount Ætna, where Vulcan laboured at his forge.            “She found him there Sweating and toiling, and with busy hand Pl

usy hand Plying the bellows.” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Arrived before him , she breathlessly made known her errand, and the

them to Thetis, who hastened back to her son’s tent, where she found him still bewailing the loss of Patroclus. During The

During Thetis’ absence, messengers had come to Achilles’ tent to warn him that Patroclus’ body was still in the enemy’s han

m that Patroclus’ body was still in the enemy’s hands, and to implore him to come and rescue the precious corpse. Mindful o

h, Thetis exhibited the glorious armour she had just obtained, helped him to put it on, and then bade him go forth and conq

armour she had just obtained, helped him to put it on, and then bade him go forth and conquer. “‘Leave we the dead, my s

d at last seeing Hector, whom alone he wished to meet, he rushed upon him with a hoarse cry of rage. The Trojan hero, at th

atred which shone in Achilles’ eyes, turned to flee. Achilles pursued him , and taunted him with his cowardice, until Hector

in Achilles’ eyes, turned to flee. Achilles pursued him, and taunted him with his cowardice, until Hector turned and fough

sent Iris to Thetis, and bade her hasten down to Achilles and command him to restore Hector’s body to his mourning family.

om his blushing betrothed, when Paris, ever treacherous, stole behind him and shot a poisoned arrow into his vulnerable hee

then, and although a party of Greeks immediately set out in search of him , they had but little hope of finding him alive. T

diately set out in search of him, they had but little hope of finding him alive. They nevertheless wended their way to the

ey nevertheless wended their way to the cave where they had deposited him , where, to their unbounded surprise, they still f

d deposited him, where, to their unbounded surprise, they still found him . The wound had not healed, but he had managed to

tetes to accompany the messengers to Troy, until Hercules appeared to him in a dream, and bade him go without delay, for th

ssengers to Troy, until Hercules appeared to him in a dream, and bade him go without delay, for there he would find Machaon

es even struck Paris, and, as the poison entered his veins, it caused him grievous suffering. Paris then remembered that hi

knew all remedies and the best modes of applying them, had once told him to send for her should he ever be wounded. He the

ase desertion and long neglect of her lover, refused her aid, and let him die in torture. When he was dead, Œnone repented

ed this decision; and when the flames of his funeral pyre rose around him , she rushed into their midst, and was burned to d

ing ‘Husband!’ she leapt upon the funeral pile, And mixt herself with him and past in fire.” Tennyson. Two of Priam’s son

to persuade the Trojans to drag the horse within their gates and keep him there, a lasting monument of their hard-won trium

y the improvised altar, with one of his sons on either side to assist him in his office, two huge serpents came out of the

fice, two huge serpents came out of the sea, coiled themselves around him and his sons, and crushed and bit them to death

ld best be allayed, and how favourable winds could be secured to waft him home. As for Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks, he

on’s son, should avenge his father’s death, Ægisthus prepared to slay him too; but Electra, the boy’s sister, discovering t

oo; but Electra, the boy’s sister, discovering this intention, helped him to escape, and placed him under the fatherly prot

sister, discovering this intention, helped him to escape, and placed him under the fatherly protection of Strophius, King

ed since it occurred; and when Orestes had attained manhood, she bade him come and punish those who had committed the crime

he Furies and Nemesis, goddess of revenge, sent by the gods to punish him for taking justice into his own hands. Arrived at

ere, in a temple, he found his long-lost sister Iphigenia, who helped him obtain the image he sought, and accompanied him b

Iphigenia, who helped him obtain the image he sought, and accompanied him back to his native land, where Nemesis left him f

ught, and accompanied him back to his native land, where Nemesis left him forever. Chapter XXVIII: Adventures of Ulysse

lace, losing his ships and companions, until at last the gods allowed him to return home. His marvelous adventures and nume

the Lotus-eaters. Their eyes had lost all animation, and rested upon him in a vague, dreamy way, which aroused his suspici

cions. At the same moment some of the Lotus-eaters advanced to invite him and his troop to join in their feast. “Branches

ereof they gave To each, but whose did receive of them, And taste, to him the gushing of the wave Far, far away did seem to

ing dolphins. Her unsurpassed loveliness made a vivid impression upon him , and he was soon deeply in love with her. He negl

n. Many a time Would his flocks go home by themselves at eve, Leaving him wasting by the dark seashore, And sunrise would b

e, Leaving him wasting by the dark seashore, And sunrise would behold him wasting still.” Theocritus ( Hunt’s tr.). To in

peatedly, for she always yielded to his first appeal, joyfully joined him , and sat beside him under the shade of some great

ways yielded to his first appeal, joyfully joined him, and sat beside him under the shade of some great rock, listening to

wed his rival Acis should not live to enjoy the love which was denied him , and hurled it down upon the unsuspecting lovers.

sses silently crept to his side, sword in hand, and was about to kill him , when he suddenly recollected that neither he nor

this part of the evening meal was over, Ulysses drew near and offered him a leathern flask full of heady wine, which the gi

es, who thronged without the cave, clamouring to know who was hurting him . “No man!” replied the Cyclops, howling with pain

the night in agony; and, when the anxious bleating of his herd roused him at break of day, he fumblingly milked them, and p

l birth Note thine unseemly blindness, and inquire The occasion, tell him that Laertes’ son, Ulysses, the destroyer of wall

g and father of the winds. He had heard of Ulysses’ prowess, received him kindly, and at parting gave him a leathern bag co

d heard of Ulysses’ prowess, received him kindly, and at parting gave him a leathern bag containing all the contrary winds,

of a portion of his treasure, for they imagined that Æolus had given him much gold. The bag was no sooner opened than the

he king, to beseech his aid once more; but this time the god received him coldly, and bade him depart, as his cruelty to Po

is aid once more; but this time the god received him coldly, and bade him depart, as his cruelty to Polyphemus had awakened

t gone far before he met a youth, — Mercury in disguise, — who warned him not to approach any nearer C Circe, and told him

sguise, — who warned him not to approach any nearer C Circe, and told him of his companions’ transformation. As Ulysses wou

ion. As Ulysses would not be dissuaded from his purpose, Mercury gave him some moly, a herb warranted to preserve him from

his purpose, Mercury gave him some moly, a herb warranted to preserve him from Circe’s magic spells, and sundry important d

ower of the herb, and, when she waved her wand over his head and bade him join his fellows, he drew his sword and rushed up

r chief to leave the fair enchantress. At first Circe was loth to let him go, but, seeing that her efforts to detain him lo

Circe was loth to let him go, but, seeing that her efforts to detain him longer would be of no avail, she bade him seek th

that her efforts to detain him longer would be of no avail, she bade him seek the Cimmerian shores, and there consult the

ted on a pebbly beach, where he landed. Then, walking straight before him , he came to a spot whence he could hear the roar

blood flow into the trench. Immediately all the spirits crowded about him , eager to drink the fresh blood; but Ulysses, wit

of human speech, and warned Ulysses of the many trials still awaiting him . Then, his prophecy concluded, he vanished; but U

me to be here in the spirit land. Many others came and conversed with him ; but at last he was forced to depart, and return

on the rocks. According to Circe’s advice, Ulysses bade his men bind him fast to the mast, disregard his cries and gesture

for he alone could hear the Sirens’ song and live. The men then bound him hand and foot to the mast, returned to their oars

charmed ears; but, although he commanded and implored his men to set him free and alter their course, they kept steadily o

had won the heart of the sea god Glaucus, but coquettishly tormented him until he implored Circe to give him some love pot

aucus, but coquettishly tormented him until he implored Circe to give him some love potion strong enough to compel her love

Circe, who had long nursed a secret passion for Glaucus, was angry at him , and jealous of her rival, and, instead of a love

, instead of a love potion, prepared a loathsome drug, which she bade him pour into the water where Scylla was wont to bath

ores. In the meantime, Lampetia had hastened to her father to apprise him of the crime committed by Ulysses’ men. In anger

g years; but he could not depart, as he had no vessel or crew to bear him away. At last Minerva, who had always befriended

or crew to bear him away. At last Minerva, who had always befriended him , prevailed upon Jupiter to allow him to return to

nerva, who had always befriended him, prevailed upon Jupiter to allow him to return to Ithaca. Mercury was sent to Ogygia t

ose fury nothing can withstand, shattered Ulysses’ raft, and buffeted him about on the waves, until the goddess Leucothea,

n the waves, until the goddess Leucothea, seeing his distress, helped him to reach the Phæacian shore. Nausicaa and Ulys

icaa’s protection for a shipwrecked mariner. She graciously permitted him to follow her to her father’s palace, and present

sly permitted him to follow her to her father’s palace, and presented him to Alcinous and Arete, who bade him welcome, and

er father’s palace, and presented him to Alcinous and Arete, who bade him welcome, and invited him to join in the games the

resented him to Alcinous and Arete, who bade him welcome, and invited him to join in the games then taking place. He did so

skill that his identity was revealed. Alcinous then promised to send him safely home in a Phæacian bark, which reached Ith

ative shore. When Neptune discovered that the Phæacians had outwitted him , he was so angry that he changed the returning ve

Ulysses sought the lowly dwelling of Eumæus, his swineherd, and from him learned all he wished to know about his wife and

man to the courts of Nestor and Menelaus, and finally in a dream bade him return to Ithaca, where he would find the parent

.). Penelope, hearing that a stranger was within her gates, sent for him , to inquire whether he knew aught of her husband.

nd Shall bend this bow, and send through these twelve rings An arrow, him I follow hence, and leave This beautiful abode of

telling her a secret which was shared by her alone, that she received him . Ulysses’ Last Journey Ulysses was now safe

Anchises, lay fast asleep in his palace; but the gods had not doomed him to perish, and sent the shade of Hector to warn h

ds had not doomed him to perish, and sent the shade of Hector to warn him in a dream to arise, leave the city, and fly to s

termined to fight to the very last. Hecuba, his wife, was clinging to him , imploring him to remain, when suddenly Polites,

ht to the very last. Hecuba, his wife, was clinging to him, imploring him to remain, when suddenly Polites, their son, rush

hostile power, Who once o’er land and peoples proud Sat, while before him Asia bowed: Now on the shore behold him dead, A n

oples proud Sat, while before him Asia bowed: Now on the shore behold him dead, A nameless trunk, a trunkless head.” Virgi

but ere he could do so, Venus, his mother, stayed his hand, and bade him remember that the immortal gods had long ago decr

used to induce the rival nations to fly to arms. Further to convince him of the truth of her assertions, she enabled him t

. Further to convince him of the truth of her assertions, she enabled him to see what was hidden from mortal eyes. Neptune,

e. He no longer resisted; and, as he was too weak to walk, Æneas bade him hold the Lares and Penates, and, taking him on hi

weak to walk, Æneas bade him hold the Lares and Penates, and, taking him on his back, carried him off, while with one hand

him hold the Lares and Penates, and, taking him on his back, carried him off, while with one hand he led his little son, a

e with one hand he led his little son, and bade Creusa closely follow him . “‘Come, mount my shoulders, dear my sire: Such

Æneas turned his steps. When he arrived there, he found many awaiting him , and counted them carefully to make sure none wer

his once happy home he met her disembodied spirit, and heard her bid him seek the banks of the Tiber, where a beautiful yo

k the banks of the Tiber, where a beautiful young bride would comfort him for her loss. This speech ended, Creusa’s ghost v

d to the ruined temple, where he found many fugitives ready to follow him wherever he went, and eager to obey his every com

severed stem. At the same time a mysterious voice was heard, bidding him forbear, for his former friend Polydorus, sent to

eas One night Æneas had a vision, in which his household gods bade him seek the Italian or Hesperian shores; and when, o

as she saw them once more afloat, she hurried off to Æolus, and bade him let loose his fiercest children, and scatter the

anded ships once more. “‘Back to your master instant flee, And tell him , not to him but me The imperial trident of the se

once more. “‘Back to your master instant flee, And tell him, not to him but me The imperial trident of the sea         Fe

r ear; and she gladly promised to send out a search party to discover him , and aid him if necessary.                      

e gladly promised to send out a search party to discover him, and aid him if necessary.                         “‘I will s

essel Æneas saw the rising column of smoke, and his heart sank within him , for he suspected its fatal import, and honestly

flames. Soon after this miracle, Anchises appeared to Æneas, and bade him leave the women, children, and aged men in Sicily

yl, visit the Infernal Regions, and there receive further advice from him . “First seek the halls of Dis below, Pass deep A

( Conington’s tr.). Æneas again dutifully obeyed; but when Venus saw him afloat once more, she hastened to Neptune, and ba

hen Venus saw him afloat once more, she hastened to Neptune, and bade him watch over her unfortunate son. Neptune listened

n that perilous journey. She consented, but at the same time informed him that he must first obtain a golden twig, which gr

y favoured this youth’s suit; and the king would gladly have received him for a son-in-law, had he not twice been warned by

meantime sent Iris to apprise Turnus of Æneas’ departure, and to urge him to set fire to the remainder of the fleet, —  a s

alus, two of their number, to warn Æneas of their danger, and entreat him to hasten with his reinforcements. These unfortun

ntion of the gods, and, sailing down the Tiber, met Æneas, and warned him to hasten to his son’s rescue. “His vessels chan

e Trojans, had sought Vulcan’s detested abode, and had prevailed upon him to forge a suit of beautiful armour for Æneas. On

the river, and took refuge on one of the vessels, closely pursued by him . No sooner did she see the Rutulian chief safe on

ntary absence, Æneas had ranged all over the battlefield in search of him , and had encountered and slain many warriors, amo

us brought a magic herb, which instantly healed the hero, and enabled him to return to the fight with unabated strength and

of the natural phenomena, described them in the only way possible to him , and attributed to all inanimate objects his own

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

st all physical significance for the Hellenic race, who worshipped in him the radiant personification of the orb of day. An

unerring weapons, which he wields for good or evil, as the mood sways him . He is forced to labour, against his will at time

In the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, while some mythologists see in him a personification of the winds, which “tear up tr

dearly.” His death in the forest, when his strength had all forsaken him , and his severed head floated down the stream mur

by the dawn or twilight (Venus), who utterly refuses to exist without him . In the story of Tantalus (the sun), who in time

us, Hercules is forced to labour for mankind against his will. We see him early in life united to Megara, and, like Tantalu

n that Deianeira (the daylight), jealous of her rival’s charms, sends him the bloody Nessus robe, which he has no sooner do

hortly after on the Island of Naxos. In his subsequent career we find him the involuntary cause of his father’s death, then

e depths of Tartarus, whence he emerges once more; and finally we see him uniting his fate to Phædra (the twilight), a sist

to take possession of a criminal at the end of his course, and hurry him down into darkness to inflict horrible torments u

e, and hurry him down into darkness to inflict horrible torments upon him . In the story of Bellerophon, although the name o

roclus is the feeble reflection of the sun’s splendour, and stands to him in precisely the same relation as Phaeton to Heli

o him in precisely the same relation as Phaeton to Helios,” and, like him , meets with an early death. In the story of Ulyss

s mourning bride, he cannot turn aside from the course marked out for him . He is detained by Circe (the moon), who weaves a

tissues, and by Calypso (the nymph of darkness); but neither can keep him for ever, and he returns home enveloped in an imp

as also a child of the sky (Jupiter) and of night (Latona), and, like him , was born in the “bright land” (Delos). She also

es the graceful undulating Amphitrite, whose gliding charms appeal to him . Neptune’s palace is beneath the deep waters near

nseparable from his native element, even in the Greeks’ conception of him , as are also the Tritons, Oceanides, Nereides, an

that they interpreted his name, as the “forethinker,” and considered him endowed with extraordinary prophetic powers. Vulc

d under Mt. Etna, 13. En-dym′i-on. Youth loved by Diana, who carries him to a cave on Mt. Latmus, 76, 77; significance, 35

his son was in danger, 335 Eu-ry-cle′a. Nurse of Ulysses; recognises him after twenty years’ absence, 318; Penelope awaken

als visited by Ulysses, 309 La′i us. Father of Œdipus, 246; slain by him , 248; significance, 356-359 Lam-pe′tia. One of t

ght up by Pax, the goddess of peace, who is often represented holding him in her lap. Because Plutus insisted upon bestowin

g his favours upon good and noble mortals only, Jupiter soon deprived him of his sight. Since then the blind god’s gifts ha

he thundercloud and hurled the lightning down upon those who had done him wrong. The eagle which soared above the clouds wa

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

opped to pat the great beast on its three heads. “Do not be afraid of him ,” said Pluto, smiling. “He will harm no one who h

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

who has the right to pass him.” But Proserpina could not even look at him . So they passed on. All the land was full of gloo

ern and terrible. She set out at once to find her child and to punish him who had dared to do such a deed. But, although sh

the earth with his spear, and how the earth had opened and swallowed him up, chariot, black horses, maiden, and all. “And

ouched, but Prometheus was a Titan and feared not Jupiter, nor obeyed him . One night, when the gods of heaven were all asle

hree burning coals of the fire into a hollow reed he had brought with him . Then he strode out, laughing and stamping his fe

ter sent two monstrous servants of his, who took Prometheus and bound him to the side of a great cliff. There the great Tit

re the great Titan hung, with the storm and the sunshine beating upon him . Every day an eagle came and fed upon him, and ev

d the sunshine beating upon him. Every day an eagle came and fed upon him , and every night his body was healed again, but w

s never again quite at peace. All this Epimetheus saw, and it grieved him deeply. At last, one day, an idea came to him and

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

eus said, “I will help them. I will go to Jupiter and be friends with him . Not by force, but by gentleness, will I bring do

ght, belong; And the breath we draw from his living fires,    We give him back in song. From us descends the maid who brin

im fairly into her heart, and as she saw Apollo, she hated and feared him as she had never before feared or hated anyone. W

as the river Peneüs. “O my father,” she cried, “help me! Save me from him I hate. Change my form, or let the earth swallow

ed sadly away, but for a long, long time afterward, the world was for him a very lonely place. And as for Cupid, we do not

lace. And as for Cupid, we do not hear that Apollo ever again treated him with scorn, for he had felt his power. Cupid an

I heard a rustic call it so.” Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothing smile; Then said, “My infant, if

gods. And he himself could sing. Apollo, god of light and song, loved him and gave him his own divine harp, which the Greek

himself could sing. Apollo, god of light and song, loved him and gave him his own divine harp, which the Greeks called a ly

he spirits in the trees would hush the murmur of their leaves to hear him ; and the gentle gods of the rivers, and Neptune h

r — would come from their hiding places and lie down peacefully about him as he played the lyre and sang. Thus Orpheus had

e lyre and sang. Thus Orpheus had many friends. But the one who loved him most was the beautiful goddess-born Eurydice, and

the streams and to the spirits of the trees, but they could not help him . He sang of it to the people of Thrace, but they

He sang of it to the people of Thrace, but they could only weep with him . He besought with song the gods of Olympus, but t

He besought with song the gods of Olympus, but though the gods loved him , they could not control the grim god Death, nor m

e gods loved him, they could not control the grim god Death, nor make him send back Eurydice. Then Orpheus said, “I will se

les had ever returned along that road, but he went in, leaving behind him the world of light and life. Down and down it led

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

wn it led him, but at last it became less steep and, with a turn, led him out into the kingdom of Pluto. The moment he appe

m of Pluto. The moment he appeared, a host of monsters made a rush at him . As they came near, Orpheus began to play and to

an to play and to sing. At that sound the creatures grew calm and did him no harm, but listening, followed him down to the

the creatures grew calm and did him no harm, but listening, followed him down to the edge of the river Styx. Charon, the f

wed him down to the edge of the river Styx. Charon, the ferryman, saw him coming and pushed his boat far out into the strea

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

re and began. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she him , how they were happily married, and how, without

e happily married, and how, without cause, she had been snatched from him in an hour. He told how he had tried to endure he

were freed from their everlasting tortures while Orpheus sang. “Grant him Eurydice, O King,” said Proserpina; and Pluto, no

h the upper world you look back to see her, you must lose her. Follow him , Eurydice.” Then Orpheus turned and went out, and

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

all his eagerness, mounted but slowly, and always the doubt tormented him — “Is she really following? Is it possible that t

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

ind him. He could hear her gentle breathing. The joy and delight made him forget all else. “It is true, after all,” he crie

word was only a whisper, and she was gone. Mercury alone stood before him in the faint light of the cavern. Orpheus stood d

seven long months of grief before the god Death came at last to take him down to his Eurydice. When he died, Jupiter put t

owers         There had made a lasting spring. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea,         Hung t

w months, he met his first great danger. His mother, Alcmena, had put him to bed one night with his twin brother, Iphicles.

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

was no ordinary baby. She sent for the aged seer Tiresias, and asked him what it all meant, for Tiresias could tell future

an a hero, for I foresee that when he comes to die, Jupiter will take him up to Olympus and make him one of the gods of hea

at when he comes to die, Jupiter will take him up to Olympus and make him one of the gods of heaven.” Alcmena was a good mo

ry carefully and sternly reared. Linus, son of the god Apollo, taught him his letters, and he had other teachers such as mo

utiful women. One of them, when she saw Hercules, came running toward him , as if she were afraid the other would reach him

came running toward him, as if she were afraid the other would reach him first. “Hercules,” she said, “I see that you are

nd gods alike call me Virtue.” Then the goddesses went away, and left him debating, in his great heart. He remembered what

remembered what Tiresias had said, for his mother, Alcmena, had told him . Then, lifting his head, he chose the path of the

The truth is that he was jealous of the hero, and very much afraid of him . He even feared that Hercules might try to take h

him. He even feared that Hercules might try to take his kingdom from him , though he knew, as everybody did, that the oracl

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

t. He soon found the creature, and, first of all, let fly an arrow at him . The arrow never so much as scratched the lion’s

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

beast. Ever afterward Hercules wore the lion’s skin and carried with him the terrible club. After he had killed the lion,

es? How should he get to them? These were the questions which puzzled him . Finally he bethought him to go to consult the ri

hem? These were the questions which puzzled him. Finally he bethought him to go to consult the river-nymphs of Eridanus, wh

such matters. That was a good thought, but the nymphs could not tell him . They advised him to seek out Nereus, the old man

t was a good thought, but the nymphs could not tell him. They advised him to seek out Nereus, the old man of the sea, for h

far and wide looking for Nereus. He almost despaired of ever finding him , when, one day, as the hero was walking along the

n, one day, as the hero was walking along the sea beach, he came upon him whom he sought. There, asleep on the warm sand, l

beard and hair. Hercules drew near as quietly as he could and clasped him tightly about the waist, for Nereus must be conqu

od. Suddenly Nereus changed himself to a leopard, but Hercules seized him by the neck and choked him as he had the Nemean l

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

d the Nemean lion. Then he changed to a bear, but Hercules still held him fast. Then he became a little bird, but before he

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

d his hand about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercules all but crushed him . Then he turned into an eel, but he could not wri

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

ll he became a huge flame of fire, but Hercules still managed to hold him , and even to smother him almost out. Then Nereus

of fire, but Hercules still managed to hold him, and even to smother him almost out. Then Nereus changed back to the form

off victorious, for he held Antæus high in the air, and so strangled him . Then Hercules wandered through Egypt, and then f

rcules boldly set Prometheus free, and Prometheus, in gratitude, told him where Atlas could be found. Far to the west, over

t the sky fall, but before a great while he saw Atlas trudging toward him , and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that h

court and delivered up the golden fruit. Eurystheus feared and hated him more than ever after this, but Hercules continued

ers to the very end of his life. Then Jupiter, who loves heroes, took him up to Olympus and made him divine, and he became

life. Then Jupiter, who loves heroes, took him up to Olympus and made him divine, and he became the special protector and h

spered, for war and famine came not near his land, and the gods loved him . The hillsides were smiling with vines and gray o

er, and begged that he might tend the king’s flocks. Admetus received him gladly and granted his request. So the stranger b

heep, not with crook or staff, but with music, and the sheep followed him eagerly. As they browsed, he played sweet melodie

that he might, but that Alcestis should become the wife of none save him who should come to claim her in a chariot drawn b

d his daughter dearly, and thought by this condition to keep her with him long, for this was a task passing the power of mo

ir, O King Admetus? What is it that troubles you?” Then the king told him all, and said: — “Do I not of right despair, for

ng sweet music as he went. Sometimes the king and his courtiers heard him stop playing; then he would begin once more. Afte

stop playing; then he would begin once more. After a while they heard him coming back, and soon he was in sight, still play

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

er shepherd, who had now served Admetus a year, came to take leave of him . The king was downcast at the thought of such a l

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

god of light and song and beauty had vanished. Jupiter had compelled him to serve a mortal man for one year to atone for a

alace and called for the king. When Admetus came, the stranger seized him and cut from his forehead a lock of hair, and tol

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

he god left than Admetus fell sick and began to waste away. Hope left him . Every hour and every minute he expected to see d

and every minute he expected to see dark Death coming again to carry him away. Alcestis stayed by his bedside and nursed h

ng again to carry him away. Alcestis stayed by his bedside and nursed him tenderly, but to no avail. The people prayed to t

despair, remembered the promise of the shepherd-god, and he called to him in supplication. Apollo heard him and came. “If s

the shepherd-god, and he called to him in supplication. Apollo heard him and came. “If some one else will freely give up l

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

t; but Admetus kept the truth from him, for he did not wish to burden him with needless sorrow. Then Hercules wished to go

cules had faced death so often that he hardly noticed it. Admetus led him to a far part of the palace, and there food and w

to a far part of the palace, and there food and wine were set before him . The strong man even crowned his head with garlan

his face. Yet he strove to hide his feelings, for Admetus had bidden him to give Hercules no hint of what had happened. Ve

arms, Death clutching Hercules with his iron hands and breathing upon him with his pestilent breath. Long they wrestled and

nsult. Next day Clymene noticed how her son was grieving, and said to him , “Go to your father. See whether he is ashamed of

dazzlingly bright that human eyes would have been blinded to look at him , and Phaëton dared not raise his head. His courag

that you are not ashamed of your child.” And Helios, as he looked at him , was pleased with his courage and pride. “Indeed,

in. Do not make the attempt. Ask something else.” Thus Helios advised him with a father’s care, but the words only stirred

to be able to say that he had made the dizzy ride. At last Helios led him to the hall where the great chariot stood. Vulcan

at he might better endure the fierce light and heat; then he put upon him the blazing crown which the sun’s driver must wea

ents Phaëton found himself driving up the steep road of heaven. Below him he heard the chorus of birds singing to greet the

hariot once more into his father’s hands. But the steeds did not heed him . They were wild with fright. Then Phaëton looked

im. They were wild with fright. Then Phaëton looked down. Far beneath him he saw the earth spread out like a great map. The

ath him he saw the earth spread out like a great map. The height made him dizzy. He dropped the reins and clung to the side

th the fearful speed. He felt only the car bounding and tossing under him as the mad steeds rushed ahead. Then Jupiter seiz

th Clymene, mourning the end of their child. A monument was set above him . Upon it were carved these words: — Here he who

school-boys he was found — And the wise men, in their wisdom,    Put him straightway into pound. Then the sombre village

ut it brought no food nor shelter,    Brought no straw nor stall, for him . Patiently, and still expectant,    Looked he th

ng the night. When the woman saw Dictys, she rose and hastened toward him . “Good sir,” she said, “help me and my child. I a

ly. He was tall and strong, and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, loved him . Of all the children of the island, he was the sw

King Polydectes grew angry at the continued refusal of Danaë to marry him , and took away all the riches that she had. Final

he were without her son Perseus, so the king made a plan to be rid of him . On a certain feast-day all the great and the nob

ut Perseus had not been able to bring anything, and the others mocked him because of it, so that he was much ashamed. Then

the Gorgon is changed at once to stone. No enemy could stand against him who had it.” Then Perseus said: “If I live, O Kin

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

but discovering no way to accomplish his wish. Suddenly he saw before him a woman, very old and much bent with years. “Why

head of the Gorgon Medusa,” replied the young man, and I will not see him again until I have it.” The aged woman smiled. “W

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

above the hilltops. Cities and rivers and great forests passed under him all the day, but in the evening he came to the ic

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

aid, and when the crones found that he was not to be moved, they told him . “Go on,” they said, “three days to the west, acr

the palace of the Gorgons. Putting on the helmet of Pluto, which made him invisible, he went in; but he walked backwards, h

come!” they cried, and spreading their swift wings, they darted after him . They could not see him, but they had the scent o

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

d to the utmost. On he dashed, with the furious monsters close behind him . Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If th

m. Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If they had but touched him , no mortal sword or strength would have been of a

their scent was never deceived. For two days and nights they followed him close. Only on the third day did he begin to draw

his helmet and prepared to lie down to rest. But a new peril awaited him . This region belonged to the giant Atlas, who did

d. When at last he made a move toward the hero and would have crushed him , Perseus drew from his mantle the terrible head o

her moment Perseus was darting toward it. Before the monster even saw him , he had plunged his sword into it up to the hilt.

rd into it up to the hilt. Then the fight began. The beast snapped at him with its great jaws and struck at him with its ta

ght began. The beast snapped at him with its great jaws and struck at him with its tail and limbs. The sea was beaten into

again. At last his wings became so wet that they could hardly support him . He was forced to alight on a rock. The monster,

the impious deed. Then Dictys stepped in his way and boldly commanded him to stand hack. Mad with passion, Polydectes level

he cried, coming forward. “On, soldiers!” shrieked Polydectes. “Kill him !” and without another word he hurled his spear at

, set out at last for Argos and Greece, where his own kingdom awaited him , and there he gave back the winged shoes to the g

e god Mercury, and dedicated Medusa’s head to Minerva, who had helped him so constantly. Ever after, the goddess of wisdom

I must leave you to-day, and you must care for our child alone. Keep him with you until he is able to lift the stone and g

he is able to lift the stone and get the sword and sandals, then send him to Athens to me.” “But, Ægeus,” said Æthra, “can

He must,” answered the king, “else he will not be safe at Athens. Let him bring the sword and the sandals, that I may know

e at Athens. Let him bring the sword and the sandals, that I may know him .” Then Ægeus left, but Æthra brought up the hoy w

f the youth was filled with heroic thoughts. All this time Æthra told him never a word about his father. Theseus did not kn

l. The muscles of his body stood out and the perspiration rolled from him with the strain. I hen, slowly, the mighty mass r

it over. There lay the sandals and the shining sword. Then Æthra told him the whole story of his father and these hidden th

ady to set out. His grandfather and those of the court would have had him go by sea, for the way to Athens by land was full

rocrustes, the Stretcher. Procrustes received Theseus kindly and gave him a generous meal. Then he led him to the bedroom.

tes received Theseus kindly and gave him a generous meal. Then he led him to the bedroom. Now, Procrustes had only one bed

like it, but at last Theseus reached Athens. His fame had gone before him . The people of the city welcomed him with great r

Athens. His fame had gone before him. The people of the city welcomed him with great rejoicing, and he was taken at once to

was taken at once to the court of King Ægeus. There the king received him , and honored him much, but never thought that thi

to the court of King Ægeus. There the king received him, and honored him much, but never thought that this strong, fair yo

hen by her magic arts she recognized Theseus, she resolved to destroy him , lest he should make her power less. One day she

, who was old, trembled with fear. “What shall we do?” he asked. “Let him dine with us, O King,” said Medea. “If there be t

olden goblet of wine was placed before the young man, she smiled upon him , and said: — “Drink, Theseus. Refresh yourself an

prizes and much honor, but some of his jealous rivals lay in wait for him after the celebrations and slew him. Then King Mi

is jealous rivals lay in wait for him after the celebrations and slew him . Then King Minos waged war upon us and the gods s

and plagues. In the end we had to yield to the king, and we must send him each year seven youths and seven beautiful maiden

l the Attic nation.2 Theseus looked out at the black ship and round him at the mourning people, and a firm purpose came i

had chosen to do, he was stricken with grief. He would have commanded him to remain and not risk a life so precious, but he

t the end of the hall, sat the stern king upon his throne, and beside him stood his beautiful daughter, Ariadne. The king w

dne. The king wondered at the strength and size of Theseus, as he saw him among the victims, and Ariadne gazed at him long;

ize of Theseus, as he saw him among the victims, and Ariadne gazed at him long; indeed she could not take her eyes from his

y, — “My son was also princely and strong, yet the men of Athens slew him . None shall be spared.” Theseus said not a word.

able to rest since she had seen Theseus, and now she had come to save him . Under her cloak she bore a sword. Theseus took i

notaur wanders, lost in the maze; and though you should meet and slay him , you would starve in the confusing paths. But you

teps, and it grew worse and worse as he went on. Sometimes a hall led him deep down into the earth. Sometimes he had steep

tion from which it came. It was not long before a sudden turn brought him in sight of the monster. The Minotaur had not yet

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

ome enormous wolf. After a moment it saw Theseus, and as it looked at him with its fierce, cunning, hungry eyes, he hated i

more like a cruel and evil man. With a terrible bellow it rushed upon him , putting down its head to gore him with its horns

h a terrible bellow it rushed upon him, putting down its head to gore him with its horns. Theseus struck it with his sword,

ronger, and each time tore himself loose in a flash. It tried to bite him with its great teeth and to gore him with its hor

ose in a flash. It tried to bite him with its great teeth and to gore him with its horns, and Theseus with all his quicknes

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

forth upon the mountain heights to die. But kind shepherds had found him and taken care of him, and the little prince had

in heights to die. But kind shepherds had found him and taken care of him , and the little prince had grown up. He was now l

nd he was so beautiful that even the gods on Olympus looked down upon him with admiring eyes. Thus it happened that when th

ided, some one said, “Paris, the shepherd, is the fairest of men; let him decide which is the fairest of the goddesses.” Th

ed with this proposal. They gave the golden apple to Mercury and sent him to seek out Paris in his mountain home. In a twin

stately, and so calm and beautiful, that her very presence commanded him to listen. “I will not give you power,” she said,

even seeing the dark frowns of Juno and Minerva. Then sleep came over him like a cloud, and the goddesses disappeared. When

, wondered at the grace and charm of Paris, and set good cheer before him . While they were feasting, the great doors opened

o heed to the evil omen under which the youth had been born, but took him to live in his own royal household. Meanwhile the

land when Hector, the bravest and strongest of the Trojans, hurled at him his mighty spear. Right through the chieftain’s h

ce attacks that his name became a terror to the Trojan hosts. Through him the Trojan towns were captured one by one, and at

pollo to take vengeance upon Agamemnon for the deed, and Apollo heard him . The god of light took his silver bow and from af

ecian host. The priest feared to speak, but Achilles rose and said to him , “Speak freely and fear nothing, for I will defen

that it be made good; and when Achilles, with violent words, rebuked him , Agamemnon, in his rage, said that he would send

f the Grecian chiefs, but Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, came behind him and caught him by his golden hair, and said: — “D

hiefs, but Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, came behind him and caught him by his golden hair, and said: — “Do him no harm,

m, came behind him and caught him by his golden hair, and said: — “Do him no harm, for you shall yet have justice done you.

pe without their ships. Again Patroclus went to Achilles and besought him . “Let me but save them from utter ruin,” he said.

endid chariot, and led the Myrmidons into the battle. At the sight of him the courage of the Greeks revived, but the Trojan

alor. There in the plain he met the mighty Hector, but his power left him , for the god Apollo confused his mind, and Hector

er left him, for the god Apollo confused his mind, and Hector pierced him through with his sword and slew him, and in the s

used his mind, and Hector pierced him through with his sword and slew him , and in the shining armor of Achilles he fell hea

lying there, burst out into cries of lamentation, and they stood near him , lest in his grief he should do himself harm. Far

aste through the waters and came and sat beside her son and wept with him . Then Achilles said: — “Indeed, I have had my rev

dwelling of Vulcan, the lame workman of heaven. Thetis had once done him a great kindness, and now he received her gladly

ith his shining armor and his terrible spear, the Trojans fled before him like sheep. All day long the battle lasted, and a

for a moment, but the god Apollo, who loved Hector, came and snatched him away out of the front of battle, and Achilles loo

, but stood and waited for Achilles. His father, King Priam, besought him in vain, for Hector said, “Who knows but that I m

besought him in vain, for Hector said, “Who knows but that I may slay him , though he is so great? And for me, it were bette

er this day.” When Achilles saw that Hector was waiting to fight with him , his heart bounded with joy and he hastened towar

to fight with him, his heart bounded with joy and he hastened toward him with all speed. But when he came near, Hector avo

ened toward him with all speed. But when he came near, Hector avoided him and dared not meet the hero in his flaming, heave

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

or; but when he turned, Deiphobus was not there. Minerva had deceived him , and now she had taken back to Achilles the might

more, and it struck between the joints of Hector’s armor and pierced him through and through. So Hector died. The Greek wa

through. So Hector died. The Greek warriors came near and gazed upon him and wondered at his great body, but the heart of

roclus. He fastened thongs to the ankles of the dead hero and dragged him behind his chariot, through the dust and dirt, ba

day, as Achilles was fighting before the walls, a chance arrow struck him and caused his death. After that, the war dragged

nto the marshes to escape death at the hands of the Greeks, who hated him . King Priam was touched with his story and ordere

e sons, and when Laocoön came to the aid of his children, they caught him also in their folds. After they had slain all thr

d when Anticlus, despite all, opened his mouth to speak, Ulysses took him by the throat and put a hand over his mouth and h

Ulysses took him by the throat and put a hand over his mouth and held him so until Helen and Deiphobus had gone. Thus, agai

es. Good old King Priam was slain, and the last of his sons died with him . His daughters were taken captive to be made slav

eams. The messengers of Ulysses ate of it, and when they came back to him they had ceased to think of home and wives and ch

e cave and sat down to await his return. He soon came, driving before him his sheep and goats, and a frightful looking mons

d lay down to sleep among his flocks. “Shall I draw my sword and kill him ?” thought Ulysses. “But if I do, who will take th

in the midst of his hideous meal, the hero came near and handed it to him . “It is good,” said the Cyclops, when he had drun

called his sheep and goats, and the animals went out. As they passed him , Polyphemus felt over their backs and sides, but

ought was full of gold. While Ulysses slept, they took it from beside him and opened it, letting loose all the winds of hea

ve gone hard with the hero, but that upon the way the god Mercury met him . He warned Ulysses of the danger before him, and,

e way the god Mercury met him. He warned Ulysses of the danger before him , and, as a protection, gave him a stalk of the pl

e warned Ulysses of the danger before him, and, as a protection, gave him a stalk of the plant the gods call Moly. It has a

loud. The enchantress threw open the shining doors again, and invited him to enter. Again she mixed the magic drink, and Ul

she mixed the magic drink, and Ulysses drank it off. Then she struck him with her wand, and said, “Go to the sty and grove

hard to get loose, when he heard the sweet voices, but his men bound him only the more firmly until the ship was far beyon

goddess Calypso reigned. Now, when the goddess saw Ulysses, she loved him , and would not let him leave her land. Year after

. Now, when the goddess saw Ulysses, she loved him, and would not let him leave her land. Year after year she kept him by h

d him, and would not let him leave her land. Year after year she kept him by her, hoping that he would forget his home. She

her, hoping that he would forget his home. She even promised to make him immortal, if he would but be content with her. Bu

thinking of Ithaca. At last, after seven years, the gods took pity on him . Jupiter sent Mercury to Calypso, commanding her

ships on the island, but she helped Ulysses build a raft, and brought him provisions for the voyage. Then, drawing the raft

ed Ulysses on the coast of Phæacia; but the Phæacians, when they knew him , received him like a god, for his deeds before Tr

the coast of Phæacia; but the Phæacians, when they knew him, received him like a god, for his deeds before Troy were well k

god, for his deeds before Troy were well known to them. They carried him to Ithaca, with honor and with many gifts, in one

sleep when the ship reached land, so the Phæacians, unwilling to wake him , lifted him out gently and laid him on the sandy

he ship reached land, so the Phæacians, unwilling to wake him, lifted him out gently and laid him on the sandy beach, pilin

the Phæacians, unwilling to wake him, lifted him out gently and laid him on the sandy beach, piling up the gifts against a

ear went by and Ulysses did not return, nor were there any tidings of him . At last it began to be thought that he was dead.

eping Ulysses ashore and piled up his gifts under the olive tree near him . Minerva, goddess of wisdom and courage, had alwa

ge, had always kept watch over the hero, and now she shed a mist over him , so that no one should see him or do him harm. Wh

the hero, and now she shed a mist over him, so that no one should see him or do him harm. When Ulysses awoke, he did not at

and now she shed a mist over him, so that no one should see him or do him harm. When Ulysses awoke, he did not at first kno

and with joy he recognized his native hills. Then Minerva appeared to him , and after helping him hide the gifts in a cave n

zed his native hills. Then Minerva appeared to him, and after helping him hide the gifts in a cave near by, told him how mu

to him, and after helping him hide the gifts in a cave near by, told him how much his home had need of him. “For years the

e the gifts in a cave near by, told him how much his home had need of him . “For years these lawless men have been rioting i

ou may make your plans in safety, I will disguise you.” She shriveled him up and bowed him down and put a ragged cloak abou

plans in safety, I will disguise you.” She shriveled him up and bowed him down and put a ragged cloak about him, so that he

She shriveled him up and bowed him down and put a ragged cloak about him , so that he looked like a wretched old beggar. Th

ed to the house of the, faithful swineherd, Eumæus. The herdsman told him many tales about the suitors. “These are evil day

ews of his father, and even now the suitors are lying in wait to kill him as he comes back.” But at dawn next day, as Ulyss

se, who should come in but Telemachus himself. The suitors had missed him . When he came into the house, Minerva took off th

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

re beside themselves with rage at the sight of him, but they spoke to him with smooth words, and hid the evil of their hear

the banquet hall. “Bring the aged man in,” said Telemachus. “No; send him away,” said Antinoüs, the most insolent of the su

se days, Antinoüs, in his wrath, seized a heavy stool and flung it at him . It struck him on the shoulder, but though it wou

üs, in his wrath, seized a heavy stool and flung it at him. It struck him on the shoulder, but though it would almost have

their houses, she came down to the hall with her maids to speak with him . “Can you not give me tidings of Ulysses?” she as

began their revels. When Ulysses appeared, they taunted and insulted him , as it was their nature to do. But before the mor

end this bow of Ulysses’ and shoot an arrow through all twelve rings, him I will marry.” Thus she spoke, but she knew that

u not content to feast here? Will you strive with your betters?” “Let him take it,” said Penelope. “He did not come here to

will aim at another mark,” and he sped an arrow at Antinoüs, killing him instantly. In a moment there was a great uproar.

er and to tell Penelope the news, for by this time all had recognized him . When every sign of the dreadful conflict had bee

es has come. With his own hand he has slain the suitors. Come and see him yourself.” Penelope arose and followed her to the

o the hall. There was Ulysses, seated by a pillar. Penelope looked at him long in silence. She could not believe that it wa

took off the disguise that was upon Ulysses, and shed great beauty on him , making him tall and strong like the gods. When h

disguise that was upon Ulysses, and shed great beauty on him, making him tall and strong like the gods. When he came in, h

he came in, he spoke to Penelope of a thing long past. Then she knew him . She ran to him and put her arms about him and sh

spoke to Penelope of a thing long past. Then she knew him. She ran to him and put her arms about him and shed tears of joy.

g long past. Then she knew him. She ran to him and put her arms about him and shed tears of joy. Thus the wanderings of Uly

ereof they gave To each, but whose did receive of them, And taste, to him the gushing of the wave Far far away did seem to

ather of Theseus; 146. Æne΄as, Brother-in-law of Hector, and next to him in reputation among the Trojan warriors, 186; sur

red by a sea-monster, 138-139; rescued by Perseus, 140, and wedded to him , 142. Antae΄us. Giant slain by Hercules, 90. An

(narrative) poetry. Calyp΄so. Sea-nymph. Loved Ulysses, and offered him immortality, 232; commanded by Jupiter to send Ul

t in marriage by King Polydectes, and incurred his hatred by refusing him , 127; was freed by Perseus, 144. Daph΄ne. A nymp

huse). Titan brother of Prometheus; husband of Pandora, who was given him by Jupiter, 49. Erid΄anus. A river in Attica, wh

at the court of Athens. Intrigued against Theseus and tried to poison him , 153. Me΄don. A herald in the house of Ulysses,

olden apple intended “for the fairest,” 176; rewarded Paris by giving him Helen, 177; helped Troy in the Trojan War. Vul΄c

Just enough have been given to hold the reader’s interest and to make him familiar with the chief characters in the mythica

heaven and earth. His wife was Juno, the queen of heaven, who helped him in his work. I am afraid you will not love Juno v

r, he came to earth and stole away the daughter of Ceres to live with him in his underground home. Ceres was the goddess of

y into a little cleared space, and saw, standing within a few feet of him , a great, shaggy bear. Callisto, for it was she,

ng. In an instant, in spite of the many years since she had last seen him , the mother knew her son; and she gazed with wond

ing would have frightened Arcas, so she merely kept her eyes fixed on him . At first Arcas was only startled at coming so su

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

ater than human beings. She went to Neptune, god of the sea, and told him her troubles. She asked him to grant her at least

went to Neptune, god of the sea, and told him her troubles. She asked him to grant her at least one little favor, — never t

of the dead, lived dark King Pluto; and the days were very lonely for him with only shadows to talk to. Often and often, he

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

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

sed by the tall oak tree in which Echo lived. The moment the girl saw him she fell in love with him; and she followed him t

n which Echo lived. The moment the girl saw him she fell in love with him ; and she followed him through the woods, longing

e moment the girl saw him she fell in love with him; and she followed him through the woods, longing for the power to speak

she followed him through the woods, longing for the power to speak to him . But alas! she could not speak. They went on in t

e branches in search of his comrades, and Echo stealing softly behind him , until the boy suddenly saw that he had lost his

d in a very glad tone, and stepping from behind the tree, ran to meet him . When she came up to him, she tried to throw her

d stepping from behind the tree, ran to meet him. When she came up to him , she tried to throw her arms around his neck, to

came up to him, she tried to throw her arms around his neck, to tell him her love in that way; for, you know, the poor gir

could not tell it in words. But Narcissus hated to have any one show him affection; so he pushed her aside very roughly, a

Narcissus, who was so cold to poor Echo, and indeed to all who loved him , at last fell in love himself, and in a very stra

, and in a very strange way. When Narcissus was born, his mother took him to a wise man who could foretell the future, and

e, and the red lips in the water parted as though they were answering him ; but no sound could he hear. He smiled, and the t

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

ies of the dead. When all was ready, they went with garlands to carry him to his bier, but the body of the dead youth had v

ere dripping wet. The gods of the ocean and the river gods all helped him in his work; till, in a short time, the whole ear

us arrows of his. When Apollo met Cupid thus armed, he began to taunt him . “What have you to do with the arrow?” he cried,

a glimpse of Apollo’s golden garments above the tree-tops. Cupid saw him at the same instant, and, quick as a flash, he pl

kly, Daphne had been made to hate Apollo, and she turned to flee from him into the woods. Apollo followed in hot haste, cal

I heard a rustic call it so.” Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothing smile. Then said, “My infant, if

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

Eurydice; and much as he loved his music, she was still more dear to him . She was as beautiful as the dewy morning; and it

f was terrible to see. He took up his beloved lyre, but its charm for him was gone. He drew from it such low, sad strains,

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

he came to the black River of Death. Charon at first refused to carry him across; but Orpheus played for him so sweetly tha

. Charon at first refused to carry him across; but Orpheus played for him so sweetly that the stern boatman was melted to t

so beautiful and touching that both Pluto and Proserpine wept to hear him . When he had finished, Pluto granted his prayer a

to hear him. When he had finished, Pluto granted his prayer and gave him leave to lead Eurydice back with him to earth. He

luto granted his prayer and gave him leave to lead Eurydice back with him to earth. He made one condition, however, — that

! he caught only a glimpse of her, as, with her arms stretched toward him and her lips speaking a last farewell, she sank b

r companions. But the birds and the wild beasts and the flowers loved him dearly, and tried to show their gratitude for the

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

turned aside; but as soon as the women saw his lyre, they came up to him and ordered him, in a rough manner, to play them

ut as soon as the women saw his lyre, they came up to him and ordered him , in a rough manner, to play them some gay music.

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

tunes. But when he refused, the women flew into a rage, and fell upon him , and put him to death with stones and arrows. Cru

en he refused, the women flew into a rage, and fell upon him, and put him to death with stones and arrows. Cruel, mad women

ver of Death into the realm of Hades. This time Charon gladly ferried him across, and the fierce dog wagged his tail in fri

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

howers     There had made a lasting spring.     Everything that heard him play,     Even the billows of the sea,     Hung t

came to call me back from death     To the bright world above; I hear him yet with trembling breath     Low calling, “Oh, s

there,     Come back to life and love!” Oh, all my heart went out to him ,     And the sweet air above; With happy tears my

the sweet air above; With happy tears my eyes were dim;     I called him , “Oh, sweet love! I come, for thou art all to me;

hrough the cavern black,     I saw the blue above. Some terror turned him to look back;     I heard him wail, “Oh, love, Wh

saw the blue above. Some terror turned him to look back;     I heard him wail, “Oh, love, What have I done! what have I do

the branches, Diana was stepping into the rippling water. At sight of him , she paused, flushed with anger and surprise. “Bo

e looked at his new body, which was so strange and yet so familiar to him . At that moment he heard, in the distance, the ba

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

Poor Actaeon! He fled in terror, but although his swift feet carried him along like the wind, his antlers caught in the tr

ng like the wind, his antlers caught in the trees and bushes and held him back. At last, tired out by the struggle, he sank

struggle, he sank to the ground. An instant later the pack fell upon him , and the young hunter was torn to pieces by his o

ed about for many days, and Danaë held her little boy close, and sang him sweet lullabies, to keep him from crying at the g

anaë held her little boy close, and sang him sweet lullabies, to keep him from crying at the great waves that every now and

eturn to the island. So he sent for the boy, and when he stood before him , began to praise his boldness and courage, of whi

! In seeming to do the boy an honor, he thought he was really sending him to his death. Now after poor Perseus left the pal