like a silly woman. She was the most beautiful of all goddesses, and if any mortal was pronounced to be as fair as she, V

to wound Psyche, “I can do nothing to disturb this innocent creature. If it be thy will to grieve her, choose another to d

er cover of the night, and then you must never attempt to look at me. If you should forget what I now tell you, if you sho

ever attempt to look at me. If you should forget what I now tell you, if you should be very curious to see me, and should

ee the face of him who addressed her. His voice was uncommonly sweet. If , thought she, his face should resemble this delig

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

nt when Psyche ceased to speak, but after a short pause, he replied: “ If you desire it, my dear Psyche, receive your siste

ence in their good will towards you. I am afraid they will injure you if they can.” Soon after, the sisters were invited t

ou know that he is fast asleep, take a lamp and examine his features. If be should be found to be a very shocking object,

he couch where be shall be asleep, take this instrument in your hand; if you should find him the deformed object you suppo

o the river side and saw her distress, brought her, thought, perhaps, if she should repair to the shrine of some deity and

whom she is so incensed.” When Psyche heard this refusal, she felt as if she should die of despair; but after a moment she

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

with a most vengeful expression. It seemed to the trembling Psyche as if they aimed arrows at her, and would pierce her to

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

icles which compose it. Arrange them in different piles. In two days, if thou failest to accomplish this task, thou shalt

hen you get to the entrance of Pluto’s kingdom, and who will be quiet if you offer him a cake. And there is a river called

gods that his son had declared that he could not enjoy heaven itself if he were there to be deprived of his beloved Psych

thought you might see prints of it, which you would better understand if you knew the story. Sir James Edward Smith, an En

she exclaimed, clasping the hand of Cyane, who clung to her robe, as if she would force her away while the damsels, their

e my queen.” “Hear him not,” cried Cyane; “come with me; let us away. If you believe him, you will die. Think of your moth

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

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

pplication, “if she has not tasted food, in the kingdom of Pluto; but if she has, she cannot be restored to you. But why d

seen, and blessed the happy pair; and sometimes they spoke of them as if they saw them. At the wedding of Progne, says the

tle Itys is too young to be exposed to the rude gales of the sea; and if we should leave him with his nurse, we should not

uld not bear to be separated from her; and he only shook his head, as if to say “No,” when Tereus urged him to gratify Pro

you while I am gone. And, my dear father, I shall soon return to you, if it be the will of the gods.” While Philomela was

Did not I trust myself to you without fear; and now do you betray me? If you do not release me; if you do not convey me to

you without fear; and now do you betray me? If you do not release me; if you do not convey me to my sister, these woods sh

larmed at these menaces, and his own guilty conscience told him, that if his treachery should be known, every one would ab

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

ion: Ann and her Mother Ann. This story would be agreeable enough if it were not for the unhappy end of it, and the ba

o Olympus, to the golden beds4 which Vulcan had constructed for them, if a poor cottage had not attracted their notice. It

days for the eldest daughter of a family to be married the first, and if a young man desired to take a younger member, he

no mother, but our good nurse, Euryclea, is our friend and companion. If you will give me money enough, I will conduct you

ose office it was, one to bear a folded seat, on which she might rest if she were tired; and the other to held over her he

she cannot be given to a god. Mercury himself respects marriage vows. If Herse is once married to a man, he will not break

ay defend a man, may prevent others from injuring him, or punish them if they do — a stick, or thick rod of wood, shows th

across it. He pulled it and it made a low sound. Mercury thought that if he stretched other strings across the shell, it w

d she was turned to stone, or made more hard-hearted. That shows that if we are wicked, we must try to be good, or we shal

are wicked, we must try to be good, or we shall be punished; and that if we do not try we shall grow worse and worse, till

s. Mother. Somewhat like them. Shall I tell you another story? Ann. If you please. I should like to hear one. Mother. T

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

thing? Mother. Yes; it teaches caution, or care, in all that we do. If Acteon had been cautious, he would not have gone

hey really intended it, before we are displeased with them; and, even if they have injured or affronted us, to be moderate

ake those unhappy who are amiable, and who love one another; because, if they should be afflicted, they comfort each other

m her mouth, forked lightnings played about her feet, and the sun, as if he sickened at the sight of her, was overcast. Am

as it was; they supposed it was a curse inflicted by a god. You know if Athamas were ever so good, if he lost his reason,

as a curse inflicted by a god. You know if Athamas were ever so good, if he lost his reason, he might have killed his wife

Some people thought the gods were very kind to men. They thought that if the gods allowed men to do wrong, and to suffer p

in, that they only punished them in order to make them good; and that if the good were unhappy in this world, the gods wou

imagined that the beautiful boy was the son of rich parents, and that if they should carry him off; his father would offer

punish him that injures thee, my father.’’” Potter’s Euripides. As if Cadmus had said, as he stood over the disfigured

ather, does any one ever dare to offend thee by the least disrespect? If any should forget to honour thy reverend age, I w

or action, and the consequence belongs to the circumstance or action. If I wear thin shoes in the wet and muddy streets, I

daughter Danas would have a son, who would kill him. Acrisius thought if his daughter were never married, she could have n

the waves; I know you will shelter and comfort them.” “Indeed I will, if I can. Come in, lady,” said Aglauria, and Danæ en

will, that he may be king himself. But I will be too cunning for him. If I should kill him, my subjects would kill me, bec

equired all worshippers to offer her serious, respectful worship; and if persons in her temple, or any other, behaved impr

epart from these walls, impostor,” at length cried the enraged king; “ if thou delayest an instant, I will thrust thee out

ed upon the verge above. She clasped her hands, and looked upward, as if to implore the gods to take pity on her, but her

een his daughter; that he would preserve her and destroy the monster, if Cepheus would bestow her upon him as the reward o

called Envy. When we wish to imitate the good, that is emulation; but if another’s beauty, or accomplishments, make them d

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

t. I will give you a story in which envy is personified. Ann. First, if you please, tell me something about Hymen. Mothe

arjoram and roses bound his brows and he carried a torch in one hand. If the hymeneal torch, which was lighted at marriage

n; a sign, it was thought, that the married pair would be very happy. If it shed a lurid glare, or dim, smoky flame of red

r skill together; and let the nymphs of the valley decide between us. If you are vanquished, we claim that you should resi

con, and the fountains Hippocrene and Aganippe; and, on the contrary, if you are found to excel us, you may demand the del

ese waters; they give them knowledge and ideas which they can repeat. If they drink much of the water, they will make fine

hey drink much of the water, they will make fine verses, perhaps; but if they just taste, and expect a single draught to i

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

u flatter her ever so foolishly, or supplicate her ever so fervently. If you have heard her history, you must know that, p

her one, so that she can have no power to bestow any thing upon you. “ If a mortal deserves your homage, behold your queen;

nt of elegant literature, is respectfully inscribed. Preface. If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful b

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

morals are not given. But such stories are not often referred to, and if they occasionally should be, the English reader n

child, was told by her that it was because he was solitary, and that if he had a brother he would grow apace. Anteros was

ld to be connected with its conservation, the neglect of the virgins, if they let it go out, was severely punished, and th

are swept away, and temples, with their sacred enclosures, profaned. If any edifice remained standing, it was overwhelmed

torment might have been brought to an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to his oppressor; f

possessed a secret which involved the stability of Jove’s throne, and if he would have revealed it, he might have been at

fortunes. He saw her hair flung loose over her shoulders, and said, “ If so charming in disorder, what would it be if arra

er shoulders, and said, “If so charming in disorder, what would it be if arranged?” He saw her eyes bright as stars; he sa

blood, in pendent rows, The mulberries o’erload the bending boughs.” If any of our young readers can be so hard-hearted a

in displeasure, saying, “Go, ungrateful mortal, keep your wife, whom, if I am not much mistaken, you will one day be very

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

le eyes, and forced herself to utter these few words: “I implore you, if you have ever loved me, if I have ever deserved k

to utter these few words: “I implore you, if you have ever loved me, if I have ever deserved kindness at your hands, my h

praise for its beauty, became a horrid pair of jaws; her voice, which if unchanged would have moved the heart to pity, bec

s he means to marry her, and put me away! But you, my foster-parents, if you feel for me, and see with displeasure this un

e had turned the arch of its roof with stones as delicately fitted as if by the hand of man. A fountain burst out from one

into the face of the intruder, adding these words: “Now go and tell, if you can, that you have seen Diana unapparelled.”

ees, raised his eyes, and would have raised his arms in supplication, if he had had them. His friends and fellow-huntsmen

et these infants move your pity, who stretch out their little arms as if to plead for me;’ and the children, as it happene

sted in their rudeness; they even added jeers and threats of violence if she did not leave the place. Nor was this all. Th

d, and Phaëton went in rage and shame and reported it to his mother. “ If ,” said he, “I am indeed of heavenly birth, give m

ess the Sun which looks down upon us, that I have told you the truth. If I speak falsely, let this be the last time I beho

youth replied, “O light of the boundless world, Phœbus, my father, —  if you permit me to use that name, — give me some pr

Why do you hang round my neck and still entreat me? You shall have it if you persist, — the oath is sworn and must be kept

ame. He set the rays on his head, and, with a foreboding sigh, said, “ If , my son, you will in this at least heed my advice

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

a, so the chariot, without its accustomed weight, was dashed about as if empty. They rush headlong and leave the travelled

travelled road. He is alarmed, and knows not how to guide them; nor, if he knew, has he the power. Then, for the first ti

e, the Great and Little Bear were scorched with heat, and would fain, if it were possible, have plunged into the water; an

ven, and with a husky voice called on Jupiter. “O, ruler of the gods, if I have deserved this treatment, and it is your wi

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

thy of regard, what has my brother Ocean done to deserve such a fate? If neither of us can excite your pity, think, I pray

both the poles are smoking which sustain your palace, which must fall if they be destroyed. Atlas faints, and scarce holds

l if they be destroyed. Atlas faints, and scarce holds up his burden. If sea, earth, and heaven perish, we fall into ancie

He was charged not to mention it, and threatened with dire punishment if he presumed to disobey. But he found it too much

daughter of Ceres, who threatens to follow their example. Now do you, if you have any regard for your own interest or mine

to Melancholy, uses the same allusion very beautifully: — “Forgive, if somewhile I forget,     In woe to come the presen

ch had been laid on the grass, began to revive and move their fins as if they were in the water; and while he looked on as

promoted to his present dignity, and added, “But what avails all this if it fails to move your heart?” He was going on in

treated me. I beseech you to use your incantations, or potent herbs, if they are more prevailing, not to cure me of my lo

the virtues of plants and spells, should not know how to refuse you. If she scorns you scorn her; meet one who is ready t

not transformed but drowned. Glaucus learns that his destiny is that, if he passes his thousand years in collecting all th

with the counterfeit creation. Oftentimes he laid his hand upon it as if to assure himself whether it were living or not,

his wife, and put her head upon a pillow of the softest feathers, as if she could enjoy their softness. The festival of V

r, and could render no assistance. She embraced the growing trunk, as if she would hold back the advancing wood, and would

ke. “I am not guilty. I deserve not this fate. I have injured no one. If I speak falsely, may my foliage perish with droug

goddess in disguise. Farewell, dear husband, and sister, and father. If you retain any love for me, let not the axe wound

and turns its flowers to the earth, so the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for his neck, fell over on his shoulder

of hue more beautiful than the Tyrian sprang up, resembling the lily, if it were not that this is purple and that silvery

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

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

these words: “I promise, by the rays of my father the Day-star, that if fate permits I will return before the moon shall

be put aboard. When Halcyone saw these preparations she shuddered, as if with a presentiment of evil. With tears and sobs

that rushes on the spears of the hunters. Rain falls in torrents, as if the skies were coming down to unite with the sea.

own voice awakened her. Starting up, she gazed eagerly around, to see if he was still present, for the servants, alarmed b

o remnant of life to spend without thee, nor a separate death to die. If I could bear to live and struggle to endure, I sh

ppy husband. This time, at least, I will keep thee company. In death, if one tomb may not include us, one epitaph shall; i

company. In death, if one tomb may not include us, one epitaph shall; if I may not lay my ashes with thine, my name, at le

oved, and gave it her tears, saying, “Alas! unhappy one, and unhappy, if such there be, thy wife!” Borne by the waves, it

dos might seem borrowed from the concluding part of this description, if it were not stated that the author derived the su

vine-dresser; and again, with a ladder on his shoulder, he seemed as if he was going to gather apples. Sometimes he trudg

ed along as a discharged soldier, and again he bore a fishing-rod, as if going to fish. In this way he gained admission to

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

to attract or offer us but its useless leaves. And equally the vine, if it were not twined round the elm, would lie prost

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

said; “have you any doubt of my love? have you any wish ungratified? If you saw me, perhaps you would fear me, perhaps ad

your lamp, and see for yourself whether what they say is true or not. If it is, hesitate not to cut off the monster’s head

kles and rakes, and all the instruments of harvest, without order, as if thrown carelessly out of the weary reapers’ hands

ildren still weighed upon their minds; and one day Cadmus exclaimed, “ If a serpent’s life is so dear to the gods, I would

s their weariness of their sick beds that some would creep forth, and if not strong enough to stand, would die on the grou

They seemed to hate their friends, and got away from their homes, as if , not knowing the cause of their sickness, they ch

ng before the altar I raised my eyes to heaven. ‘O Jupiter,’ I said, ‘ if thou art indeed my father, and art not ashamed of

helmet, and bearing his shield, she admired his graceful deportment; if he threw his javelin skill seemed combined with f

threw his javelin skill seemed combined with force in the discharge; if he drew his bow Apollo himself could not have don

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

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

ing to grant us peace, and receive me as a hostage. I would fly down, if I could, and alight in his camp, and tell him tha

s certainly has right on his side. I think we shall be conquered; and if that must be the end of it, why should not love u

ead of leaving it to be done by war? Better spare delay and slaughter if we can. And O, if any one should wound or kill Mi

to be done by war? Better spare delay and slaughter if we can. And O, if any one should wound or kill Minos! No one surely

t, he exclaimed, “Stay, I entreat you! Let me at least gaze upon you, if I may not touch you.” With this, and much more of

f a gentle pair         That likest thy Narcissus are?             O, if thou have         Hid them in some flowery cave,

even of a goddess. “Let Minerva try her skill with mine,” said she; “ if beaten I will pay the penalty.” Minerva heard thi

I stand to it. I am not afraid of the goddess; let her try her skill, if she dare venture.” “She comes,” said Minerva; and

her children; and truly the happiest of mothers would Niobe have been if only she had not claimed to be so. It was on occa

s carriage the sublime Sir Richard Blackmore used to rhyme,     And, if the wits don’t do him wrong, ’Twixt death and epi

half hid with golden leaves. Perseus said to him, “I come as a guest. If you honor illustrious descent, I claim Jupiter fo

est. If you honor illustrious descent, I claim Jupiter for my father; if mighty deeds, I plead the conquest of the Gorgon.

ting the approach of the serpent. She was so pale and motionless that if it had not been for her flowing tears and her hai

d why you are thus bound.” At first she was silent from modesty, and, if she could, would have hid her face with her hands

ceptable as a suitor; but I will try to win her by services rendered, if the gods will only be propitious. If she be rescu

to win her by services rendered, if the gods will only be propitious. If she be rescued by my valor, I demand that she be

will make my enemy defend me.” Then with a loud voice he exclaimed, “ If I have any friend here let him turn away his eyes

ar we must recognize a wide distinction among them. The human giants, if so they may be called, such as the Cyclopes, Antæ

was warned by an oracle that there was danger to his throne and life if his new-born son should be suffered to grow up. H

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

book of Paradise Lost: — “Descend from Heaven, Urania, by that name If rightly thou art called, whose voice divine Follo

like feathered Mercury, And vaulted with such ease into his seat, As if an angel dropped down from the clouds, To turn an

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

the Colchian king, Æetes, who consented to give up the golden fleece if Jason would yoke to the plough two fire-breathing

dragon’s brood left alive. The Greeks embraced their hero, and Medea, if she dared, would have embraced him, too. It remai

as we know from history, was probably of a half-piratical character. If rich spoils were the result it was enough to give

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

s beautiful,) but for his youth. I wish he would give up the race, or if he will be so mad, I hope he may outrun me.” Whil

ens. He was the father of the Hesperides, and Hercules thought might, if any one could, find the apples and bring them to

angers who came to his country to wrestle with him, on condition that if conquered (as they all were) they should be put t

s deceived by this stratagem, and would have failed to find his oxen, if it had not happened that in driving the remainder

and his lion’s skin spread over him. With a countenance as serene as if he were taking his place at a festal board he com

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

tead, on which he used to tie all travellers who fell into his hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he stretched thei

e shorter than the bed, he stretched their limbs to make them fit it; if they were longer than the bed, he lopped off a po

ts who he was, and fearing the loss of her influence with her husband if Theseus should be acknowledged as his son, she fi

said, “Icarus, my son, I charge you to keep at a moderate height, for if you fly too low the damp will clog your wings, an

ate height, for if you fly too low the damp will clog your wings, and if too high the heat will melt them. Keep near me an

reer, began to leave the guidance of his companion and soar upward as if to reach heaven. The nearness of the blazing sun

Safe comes the ship to haven,     Through billows and through gales. If once the great Twin Brethren     Sit shining on t

n’t help being afraid. People are not always what they pretend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof of it

. The rest approved the deed. “Then Bacchus (for it was indeed he) as if shaking off his drowsiness exclaimed, ‘What are y

ay seem, it is true, — the vessel stopped, in the mid sea, as fast as if it was fixed on the ground. The men, astonished,

f the goddess or not; were it the goddess herself it should come down if it stood in my way.” So saying, he lifted the axe

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

hon still slept, and in his dreams craved food, and moved his jaws as if eating. When he awoke, his hunger was raging. Wit

t I have seen nothing else; but I wish I may never catch another fish if I believe any woman or other person except myself

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

the ground, and himself upon my back. I tell you the truth, it was as if a mountain had fallen on me. I struggled to get m

consulted by Eteocles, he declared that victory should fall to Thebes if Menœceus, the son of Creon, gave himself a volunt

e here, Love, a god all powerful with us who dwell on the earth, and, if old traditions say true, not less so here. I impl

will rightly be yours. But till then grant her to me, I beseech you. If you deny me I cannot return alone; you shall triu

e dies! How wilt thou now the fatal sisters move? No crime was thine, if ’tis no crime to love.           Now under hangin

luntarily, however you may entreat him. You must compel him by force. If you seize him and chain him, he will answer your

ions in order to get released, for he cannot by all his arts get away if you hold fast the chains. I will carry you to his

bestowed on me, I would fain make a source of pleasure to others. And if I win the prize, how will the enjoyment of it be

ey surrounded him loud and mutinous, and said, “ Arion, you must die! If you would have a grave on shore, yield yourself t

would have a grave on shore, yield yourself to die on this spot; but if otherwise, cast yourself into the sea.” “Will not

d be too dangerous to us. Where could we go to escape from Periander, if he should know that you had been robbed by us? Yo

at you had been robbed by us? Your gold would be of little use to us, if on returning home, we could never more be free fr

inhabitants of the deep to listen, and Dolphins followed the ship as if chained by a spell. While he struggled in the wav

with which he struck its chords. They fell prostrate at his feet, as if a lightning bolt had struck them. “We meant to mu

s stand,     Or to some well-known measure featly move Thoughtless as if on shore they still were free to rove.” Ibyc

d together, row on row, the multitude fill the seats till it seems as if the very fabric would give way. The murmur of voi

sea, while the circles widening in their ascent rise tier on tier, as if they would reach the sky. And now the vast assemb

stillness like the stillness of death sat over the whole assembly as if in the presence of superhuman beings; and then in

a superstition that those who should take that “Lover’s-leap” would, if not destroyed, be cured of their love.   Byron a

, maiden, your persecutors are of the not ungentle race of men, whom, if you will, you can repel; but I, the daughter of N

much as I sought his society, so much did the Cyclops seek mine; and if you ask me whether my love for Acis or my hatred

oath that they would defend her from all injury and avenge her cause if necessary. She chose Menelaus, and was living wit

a sea-nymph, and knowing that her son was fated to perish before Troy if he went on the expedition, she endeavored to prev

d was given; I then revolved     The oracle, upon the silent sea; And if no worthier led the way, resolved     That of a t

l known to them that fate had decreed that Troy should fall, at last, if her enemies should persevere and not voluntarily

is inexperience. “Now,” said Nestor, “is the time for such influence. If the gods so please, thou mayest win him back to t

the gods so please, thou mayest win him back to the common cause; but if not let him at least send his soldiers to the fie

ve snatched him from the fate which awaited him, but Juno hinted that if he did so it would induce all others of the inhab

the two heroes met face to face. At this decisive moment the poet, as if reluctant to give Hector the glory, records that

d, the light of heaven restore; Give me to see and Ajax asks no more; If Greece must perish we thy will obey, But let us p

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

est, moved with pity for Æneas, who he saw would surely fall a victim if not speedily rescued, spread a cloud between the

Achilles was so close in pursuit that that would have been impossible if Apollo had not, in the form of Agenor, Priam’s so

ny have fallen, seek safety for myself against a single foe? But what if I offer him to yield up Helen and all her treasur

ning Greeks then betook themselves to their ships and sailed away, as if for a final departure. The Trojans, seeing the en

g carried within the city; for Calchas the prophet had told them that if the Trojans took possession of it they would assu

ad not yet old enough to be an object of apprehension, but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, there might be

eplied, “O friends, I die, and Noman gives the blow.” They answered, “ If no man hurts thee it is the stroke of Jove, and t

nd told the tale. Ulysses thereupon determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver his companions. As

ks must not be violated, whatever the wants of the voyagers might be. If this injunction were transgressed destruction was

sented him a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his breast, and if he should be compelled to trust himself to the wa

e figures of mastiffs wrought in gold and silver, standing in rows as if to guard the approach. Along the walls were seats

fe, imagining him dead, and lording it over his palace and people, as if they were owners of both. That he might be able t

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

olled away in the enjoyment of pleasant intercourse, and it seemed as if Italy and the empire destined to be founded on it

s branch was to be plucked off and borne as a gift to Proserpine, and if fate was propitious it would yield to the hand an

and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force could rend it away. If torn away, another would succeed. 27 Æneas follo

ingly would they now endure poverty, labor, and any other infliction, if they might but return to life! Next were situated

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

I might have been immortal. He promised me the fulfilment of my wish, if I would consent to be his. I took a handful of sa

in order within the cave, and might be consulted by her votaries. But if perchance at the opening of the door the wind rus

houghts, alludes to the Sibyl. Speaking of Worldly Wisdom, he says, “ If future fate she plans ’tis all in leaves, Like Si

ure the toils of war, and in speed to outstrip the wind. It seemed as if she might run over the standing corn without crus

your home, here shall terminate the hostility of the heavenly powers, if only you faithfully persevere. There are friends

ake my way through the enemy’s camp and to go in search of our chief. If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward e

If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward enough for me, and if they judge the service deserves any thing more, l

ulus, “and all that I have promised to you shall be made good to her, if you do not return to receive it.” The two friends

the same, yet wears, at different times, different forms. Therefore, if the love of kindred is not extinct in your bosoms

res: — “Ring out, ye crystal spheres! Once bless our human ears     ( If ye have power to charm our senses so;) And let yo

happy lot: he was not permitted to live beyond a certain period, and if , when he had attained the age of twenty-five year

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

With music lulled his indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, if he, When his own breath was silent, chanced to he

and arts shall spread There by the people shall my book be read; And, if aught true in poet’s visions be, My name and fame

es him to keep out of the way of the tyrant of the creation, man, for if he were to be got at, some wealthy glutton would

s, such power of evil is there in him.” It was formerly believed that if killed by a spear from on horseback the power of

e enemy till he was stretched dead on the plain. The monster, too, as if conscious of the irregular way in which he came i

cises. They are not suffered to enter the houses of the other castes; if it is done incautiously or from necessity, the pl

rd to food, which last is not a privilege, but a mark of ignominy, as if they were so degraded that nothing could pollute

ore they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest fetters as if they were made of cobwebs. Finally the gods sent

out any one’s assistance, and all within the space of one winter. But if any thing remained unfinished on the first day of

ve given such bad counsel, and that he should be put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way to prevent the artif

ly prevail so far as to get the giant’s promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to be his bride. Loki returne

s secret from him, and undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him his sword as a reward. Frey con

midnight, there was still time for sleep. He, however, resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third blow, i

hispering to one another that I am not a man of small dimensions; but if you come to Utgard you will see there many men mu

great respect. The king, regarding them with a scornful smile, said, “ If I do not mistake me, that stripling yonder must b

to compete with me.” “That will indeed be a feat,” said Utgard-Loki, “ if thou performest what thou promisest, and it shall

he king observed that skill in running was something to boast of, but if the youth would win the match he must display gre

ing. “How now, Thor?” said Utgard-Loki; “thou must not spare thyself; if thou meanest to drain the horn at the third draug

that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou art at home if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats th

und; nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to the great Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no me

l hither that old crone, my nurse Elli, and let Thor wrestle with her if he will. She has thrown to the ground many a man

going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou

igga. That goddess, when she saw the pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the gods were doing at their meetin

said she, “shall he have who will ride to Hel and offer Hela a ransom if she will let Baldur return to Asgard.” Whereupon

uld now be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as he was said to be. “ If , therefore,” she added, “all things in the world,

living and lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to life; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to weep

eir poetry to writing. Their teaching was oral, and their literature ( if such a word may be used in such a case) was prese

as well as the history of the Druids. In the poems of Ossian we have, if not the actual productions of Druidical times, wh

  Ovid . Here lies Phaëton, the driver of his father’s chariot, which if he failed to manage, yet he fell in a great under

is account. For how could Achilles require the aid of celestial armor if he were invulnerable? 17. Tennyson has chosen Œ

he Roman ones, are incomplete and contradictory among themselves, and if in any detail of our rendering we have invented a

e old Earth was not dead. The earthquakes proved that she could move, if she would. Down under the earth, where the sun ne

louds was his bird, and sometimes was seen carrying his thunderbolts. If Jupiter but nodded his head, all creation shook w

nd yield their crops. Nowadays, men must work hard and take much care if they will have large harvests, but we are told th

bowed his head in thought, and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, said, “ If Proserpina has eaten anything in the underworld,

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

be opened. Let them take heed, for the joys of heaven will work evil if they are set free on earth.” So Mercury put on hi

n of earth and in her arm rested the box, which shone and sparkled as if it were a living thing. And whether it was Pandor

uld not help thinking, of the box. It was in her mind day and night. “ If it does so much good to mankind when it is closed

so much good to mankind when it is closed, who knows what will happen if it is opened?” she thought to herself. “Maybe the

but the nearer he came, the more terrified was poor Daphne. It was as if she were a hunted hare and Apollo the hound bayin

she the while Heard him with a soothing smile; Then said, “My infant, if so much Thou feel the little wild-bee’s touch, Ho

and greater, for I had rather be here with her than there alone, and if Eurydice may not go, I, too, will return no more

inger,” said Pluto, “for you have deserved her well; but have a care. If before you reach the upper world you look back to

oon put her fears to rest, for he tightened his grip, and laughing as if it were all a great joke, he held up the snakes a

omen. One of them, when she saw Hercules, came running toward him, as if she were afraid the other would reach him first.

,” she said, “I see that you are in doubt which path you will choose. If you will follow me, I will lead you along the smo

Happiness.” “Surely,” thought Hercules, “the path of Happiness is as if strewn with roses.” Then the other goddess drew n

m much taller than you and can get over the ground much more quickly. If you will hold the sky up for me, I will bring the

Pelias, and had loved her deeply at first sight. He had asked Pelias if he might sue for Alcestis’ hand; and had been tol

t at the thought of such a loss, but the stranger said: — “Call to me if ever you have need, for I will hear you always. I

re born to her and her mother’s heart went out as well to her people. If ever Admetus was moved to anger, it was she that

od, and he called to him in supplication. Apollo heard him and came. “ If some one else will freely give up life for you,”

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

s’ side. Even he was in silent prayer and sorrow, and it is no wonder if grief was written on his face. Yet he strove to h

u wish, my son?” asked Helios, gravely. “Father,” the youth replied, “ if I am a worthy son, give me some proof that you ar

scends, and toward noon it is so high that even I grow sick and dizzy if I look down upon the earth beneath me. In the aft

was who suffered most, and in her suffering she called to Jupiter: — “ If it be your will that I should die, destroy me wit

me with your thunderbolts, O Jupiter! Why should I be thus tormented? If this be not your will, rouse yourself before all

ed to compel her to give her consent. This, he thought, would he easy if she were without her son Perseus, so the king mad

ne. No enemy could stand against him who had it.” Then Perseus said: “ If I live, O King, you shall have Medusa’s head,” an

l who look upon her are turned to stone.” But he answered bravely: — “ If with the gods’ help I find her, surely with their

nded her to consent to the marriage, threatening that after ten days, if she refused, he would come with his soldiers to g

monsters close behind him. Over the ocean he flew, and they followed. If they had but touched him, no mortal sword or stre

wisdom; but he left soldiers at the door of the temple to seize Danaë if she should come out. All that day the queenly wom

d was full of dangers, but Theseus was eager to try his strength and, if possible, to rid the road of the robbers and gian

ocrustes had only one bed for strangers, and he made them all fit it. If they were too long to lie in it, he would chop of

too long to lie in it, he would chop off part of their heads or feet; if they were too short, he stretched them until they

shall we do?” he asked. “Let him dine with us, O King,” said Medea. “ If there be two drops of poison in his wine, who can

acres shall be yours, and abundant wealth, and men shall obey you as if you were a god.” To the youthful shepherd, who ha

er than power and more precious than wealth; and they shall be yours, if you give me the prize. In time of trouble, I shal

ue form asked for Helen. They promised to depart in peace, even then, if she were given up. Helen longed to return to her

t. Safe comes the ship to haven,    Through billows and through gales If once the great Twin Brethren    Sit shining on th

ful. He sent the priest away with angry words and threatened his life if he were seen again in the Grecian camp. Then the

the horse gave forth a sound that was like the clashing of metal, as if the inside was full of armed men. And so indeed i

and heavy so that you might not be able to take it into the city, for if you should drag it within your walls, Troy would

hat to me the sound of lyre,    And what thy loved sweet-voiced call, If amid blood and wallowing fire    Dear Troy must f

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

thou wilt die?” “Yea let me die.    But if the truth I boldly speak? If from the city heights I cry    And through the ma

nt in. His men carried a goat-skin of rich wine, to be used as a gift if there should be need. There was no one in the cav

th with such force that he killed them instantly. Then he ate them as if he had been some wild animal, and lay down to sle

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

e one killing you?” “Noman is killing me,” roared the Cyclops. “Well, if no man is killing you, you must be sick. Diseases

ed off once more and again Ulysses called to the monster: — “Cyclops, if any one ask you who put out your eye, say that it

wand had its effect. Instead of yielding, Ulysses drew his sword, as if to take her life, and the fair enchantress, tremb

beware that your men do not lay violent hands on the Oxen of the Sun. If you harm them, I foretell the destruction of the

the Sun graze in the meadows. “Remember the warning,” said Ulysses. “ If we harm the oxen, we are ruined.” Storms delayed

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

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

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

the wave Far far away did seem to mourn and rave On alien shores; and if his fellow spake, His voice was thin, as voices f

was opposite Charybdis in the narrow strait between Sicily and Italy. If mariners avoided Scylla, they fell unawares into

le, without any attempt to explain their origin, or to point a moral. If they please and interest the child, they will ful

ce, who made up all the stories I am going to tell you, believed that if they did anything wrong it would displease the go

t they would be punished by sickness or death or some other evil; but if they did what was right, the mighty people would

arm, and played his pipes and danced with them in many a frolic. And, if we believe the stories told by the Greeks, in and

ever to let the Great Bear or the Little Bear enter his ocean palace. If some time you watch the stars over the ocean, you

here was something so young and fair and tender about the maiden that if you could imagine anything so strange as the whol

people on earth; and he said that Proserpine might return to her home if she had tasted no food while in Pluto’s kingdom.

of it. But the men only renewed their rude talk and threatened that, if she did not go away, they would do her some harm.

me harm. Then Latona began to plead, with tears in her eyes. “Surely, if you have no pity for me,” she said, “you cannot b

Latona became very angry, and raising her eyes to heaven she cried, “ If there is any one to hear me, and any justice amon

alk in the woods or go through a tunnel. In fact, I should not wonder if most of you have already tried giving some call w

                (But dreams!) Then come down and let us see you;      If you cannot come to stay, Ask the stern old hill t

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

ider’s legs, and, hanging from her thread, she spun and spun forever. If you can find a dusty old corner in an attic, or i

and spun forever. If you can find a dusty old corner in an attic, or if you will look closely along your garden wall, per

f you will look closely along your garden wall, perhaps you will see, if not Arachne herself, at least one of her race, sp

ollo’s emblem from that day on, became the sign of honor and triumph. If now you should ever hear the phrase “crowned with

r hear the phrase “crowned with laurel,” you will know what it means, if only you remember the story of Apollo and Daphne.

he the while Heard him with a soothing smile. Then said, “My infant, if so much Thou feel’st the little wild bee’s touch,

eans of getting Perseus out of the way, for the wicked king knew that if the boy were gone he could easily do what he like

from which I would shrink in fear.” The king was delighted and said, “ If I thought that, my boy, I would let you undertake

thy of this honor?” cried Perseus, in great delight. “You may try it, if you like,” answered the king. “It is to bring me

ives.” This was a secret with which the sisters would not have parted if they could have helped themselves; but the loss o

es of the gods, that is, through them the gods spoke to human beings. If any one was in doubt as to what he should do in t

come upon them, the answer was, “Because of the vanity of Cassiopeia. If she will give up her daughter Andromeda to the se

the temple, and fell on her knees, and offered to make any sacrifice if the oracle would take back that cruel message, th

a serpent. But the oracle repeated only the same heartless answer, — “ If you wish your town and all the people to be saved

how tired he was, he never closed more than half of them at one time. If you or 1 had fifty sharp eyes watching us day and

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

to take pity on Io, and promised never again to speak to the maiden, if the queen would set her free. Juno herself was mo

ere were many troublesome questions for the king and queen to decide, if they wished to rule it well. But no matter how pe

n Apollo or Diana, whom you honor. “I am far greater than Latona; for if all my wealth and power were taken from me, I sho

nd the first fall of the snow. Ah! what would the world be to us      If the children were no more? We should dread the de

The king at last took pity on him, and told him he would set him free if he would perform twelve very difficult tasks. Not

ound, he handed it to the maiden, saying, “Take this, fair bride, and if ever your husband should cease to love you, send

). Daedalus soon became afraid of what the people of Athens might do if they learned of his crime. So taking with him his

“Icarus, my boy, watch me all the time, and follow where I lead; for if you go too low the water may clog your wings, and

here I lead; for if you go too low the water may clog your wings, and if you fly too high the heat of the sun will scorch

, and felt pained at the thought of the war which made him her enemy. If only she could fly out of the gates and tell him

thought come into her mind than it was followed by another. “Perhaps if I opened the gates for him he would love me; but

inst me, for I have betrayed it for your sake. I will follow you; for if I have been a traitor to my people, I have at lea

ir oracle, and were told that they must do whatever King Minos asked, if they wished to save their city from ruin. A messe

eks and a beating heart at the brave young prince. “He shall not die, if I can save him,” was her thought. She asked leave

arm is strong enough to slay any creature; but they tell me that even if I kill the Minotaur, I can never find my way back

ntrance gate, and to keep tight hold of the other with his left hand. If , then, he should kill the monster, he could easil

s,” said old Philemon, “our cottage is small and our fare humble, but if you will share it with us, we shall feel honored.

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

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

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

friend, and wept and moaned, so that it would have made you cry, too, if you had seen him. Then, at last, he seized his ly

tinge that made it look like real flesh. The mouth was half open, as if the maiden were about to speak; one foot was outs

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

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

e winter’s sun or the summer’s shade. Why, then, do you fly from me? “ If you knew me, you would listen to my pleading. My

A belt of straw and ivy buds With coral clasps and amber studs; And if these pleasures may thee move, Come, live with me

hepherd swains shall dance and sing For thy delight each May morning: If these delights thy mind may move, Then, live with

had blessed the inmate’s ancestors; and which would bless him ‌also, if he cultivated the social affections: for the same

piety towards the Gods, expressed love towards relations and friends. If in all this there was nothing but the worship of

ces us by its marvels in childhood; and in manhood we ponder over it, if not with the same rapturous delight as formerly,

e for the real troubles and miseries of the world in which we live.” If we turn to a still higher authority (and we ackno

ing, and industriously veiled in this manner… No one should be moved, if he sometimes finds any addition for the sake of h

any addition for the sake of history, or by way of embellishment; or if chronology should happen to be confounded, or if

of embellishment; or if chronology should happen to be confounded, or if part of one fable should be transferred to anothe

, according to my opinion, could be expected from such an origin; but if any one will deliberate on this subject attentive

on them… The wisdom of the ancients was either great or happy, great if these figures were the fruits of their industry;

, great if these figures were the fruits of their industry; and happy if they looked no further, that they have afforded m

d Heaven’s high canopy, that covers all, One was the face of nature —  if a face; Rather a rude and indigested mass; A life

to take care that the sacred fire of Vesta was not extinguished, for if it ever happened, it was deemed the prognostic of

chariots when they pleased, and had the power of pardoning criminals if they encountered them on the way to execution, an

Gods demand their victim!     Vestal. ’Tis blasphemy to think it; Oh! if thou ever knew’st a father’s love, A mother’s sig

ver knew’st a father’s love, A mother’s sigh, a sister’s soft caress, If but one human sympathy be left, Pardon, oh! pardo

: one hand she placed Beneath his beard, and one his knees embraced: ‘ If e’er, O father of the Gods!’ she said, ‘My words

thology, we are left in considerable ignorance. Scarcely knowing even if he were a God, or only the name or symbol whereby

, Daintily spread. “I staid to watch a little space Her parted lips, if she would sing; The waters closed above her face,

erwhelmed her. Cassandra, daughter of Priam, consented to her prayer, if Apollo would grant to her the power of divination

e was obliged to hide: By interest and by oath the wife was tied: But if she told it not the woman died. Loth to betray he

diously was near, Thither she ran, and held her breath for fear Lest, if a word she spoke of any thing, That word might be

of his mother, he visited the palace of the sun, to beg that Phœbus, if he really were his father, would give him proofs

l property of uttering a melodious sound every morning at sunrise, as if in welcome of the divine luminary, like that whic

ity, and stood Star like, around, until they gathered to a God! “And if it be Prometheus stole from Heaven The fire which

n, Which this poetic marble hath arrayed With an eternal glory, which if made By human hands, is not of human thought, And

e daring adventure, and throwing himself from the top of the tower as if he had wings, was killed in the attempt. Notwiths

“For even now she bows and bends her gaze, O’er the eternal waste, as if to sum Its waves by weary thousands; all her days

the hand, that is cold; She whispers in his ears a heavy tale,     As if they heard the woeful words she told: She lifts t

youth so gay and free; For what is youth, though fair, oh! queen,      If destitute of thee?” Horace. The Cnidians worshi

of your eye-lids white, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see Untouched, a vict

: Yet ever and aye, her soul seemed stirred, In dove-like murmurs, as if the bird     Of dreams sat brooding there.     “

icked designs in his concealment, and that he would desert his Psyche if he became visible to her — or they asserted that

r pinions too;     Their lips touched not, but had not bade adieu, As if disjoined by soft handed slumber, And ready still

d, were for a hundred years allowed to solicit their passage in vain. If any living person presented himself to cross the

entrance first appears, He fawning wags his tail, and cocks his ears; If any strive to measure back the way, Their steps h

our bosom and then we bleed: All wept, as I think both ye now would, If envy or age had not frozen your blood,           

Thessaly “He met with the same as himself,” and obtained with them, if not sympathy, at least companionship. Chiron was

by her, he beholds a vine, Around an elm in amorous foldings twine, “ If that fair elm,” he cried, “alone should stand, No

should stand, No grapes would glow with gold, and tempt the hand; Or if that vine without her elm should grow, ’Twould cr

f dull decay! There were steps that flew o’er the cowslip’s head, As if for a banquet all earth were spread; There were v

r bower, — and enough of gloom; There is enough of sadness to invite, If only for the rose that died — whose doom Is beaut

whether they were immortal. Achilles would have shared the same fate, if Peleus had not snatched him from her hand, as she

rn, to render his blows surer. He irritated Vulcan, by observing that if he wished to make man perfect, he should have pla

after this, Hymenæus repaired to Athens, and promised to deliver them if he were allowed to marry the one he might choose

in.” Milton ‌It was supposed that he always attended at nuptials; if not, matrimonial connections were fatal, and ende

d produce a crown of glory to him who should inflict it; adding, that if Jason, were to undertake it, he would resign his

thus, like idle gazers stand? Unless you are of common sense bereft, If yet one spark of piety is left, Dispatch a father

he neighbourhood of the Po for information, and was told that Nereus, if properly managed, would direct him in his pursuit

-mythology_1842_img184a “Take this,” he said, feigning a repentance, “ if ever your husband prove unfaithful, it will recal

light, be timely wise; Thou monster double shaped, my right set free, If thou no reverence owe my fame and me, Yet kindred

rancour of thy heart, Look down with pleasure and enjoy my smart; Or, if e’er pity moved a hostile breast For here I stand

ouds the coursers fly, And lodge the hero in the starry sky.” Ovid. If his fame had been universal, his worship soon bec

he Hydra’s rage subdue, Who from his wounds to double fury grew. What if the Thracian horses, fat with gore, Who human bod

ir manger tore, I saw, and with their barbarous lord, o’erthrew? What if these hands Nemæa’s lion slew? Did not this neck

tation of the Gorgons, whom he fortunately found asleep. Knowing that if he fixed his eyes upon them, he would be changed

eus the gigantic prince addressed, Humbly implored a hospitable rest: If bold exploits thy admiration fire, (He said), I f

ts thy admiration fire, (He said), I fancy, mine thou wilt admire: Or if the glory of a race can move, Not mean my glory,

y head is now my prey, And through the clouds I boldly wing my way. ‌ If such desert be worthy of esteem, And, if your dau

ouds I boldly wing my way. ‌If such desert be worthy of esteem, And, if your daughter I from death redeem. Shall she be m

lovely, was too cheaply bought? For her, my arms, I willingly employ, If I may beauties, which I save, enjoy.” Ovid. Cep

is worth you pay, Whose timely valour saved Andromeda? Nor was it he, if you would reason right, That forced her from you,

Ægeus, felt that her influence with this monarch would be destroyed, if once Theseus gained his proper footing in his fat

ake the expedition; and before his departure, he promised his father, if he should be successful, to hoist a white sail on

, Into a husband’s hate.     Phæ. Thou canst not do it!     Hip. What if I did proclaim to him thy guilt? What if I said —

nst not do it!     Hip. What if I did proclaim to him thy guilt? What if I said — father! thy wife, my mother, Hath offere

nd Proserpine; they consented to restore him to the arms of Eurydice, if he could forbear to look behind him before he rea

h he obtained a promise from the Fates, that Admetus should never die if another person would lay down his life for him. B

y on him for whom ’twas joy to die, Deep — deepest, holiest joy! — or if a thought Of the warm sunlight, and the scented b

t infant to thee? Phor. O wretched state! I die, unless I speak; And if I speak most certain death attends me. Œd. Thou

renown: knew from his power of divination, that he was sure to perish if he accompanied the expedition, and therefore secr

uitting Argos for Thebes, he told his son Alcmeon to slay his mother, if news of his death should reach him; and when Alcm

ke my father to the Gods above? Unworthy am I then to join in prayer? If , on the last, or any day before, ‌Of my brief co

of the waters of the Xanthus, an ancient oracle having declared that if they drank of those waters or fed in the Trojan p

is challenged Menelaus to single combat, and promised to return Helen if he was vanquished. The King of Sparta, protected

in the margin of a gurgling brook.” Ovid. They determined, however, if possible, to elude the vigilance of their persecu

But alas! the change came too soon. ———————— “One night the sky, As if with passion, darkened angrily, And gusts of wind

pho and Phaon. The story of Sappho and of Phaon has become almost, if not quite as well known, as that of Hero and Lean

ss of a bull; this prince being ordered by his father never to return if he was unable to find and bring back his sister;

g and vigorous in appearance, his four hands are sometimes raised, as if in the act of blessing the human race, while on h

oaches in many instances to those of the Greek and Roman deities, and if their legends offer an interest by their singular

e new born river lies,     Outspread beneath its native skies,     As if it there would love to dwell,     Alone and unapp

e. No sooner had this been done, than his brothers determined to see, if indeed, he had a charmed life, and essayed succes

er from the ‌dark goddess Hel, who replied that he should be returned if all created beings would shed a tear for him. One

s alone; ‌and men so haughty that they thought themselves dishonoured if they did not revenge the slightest offence, would

ean persons. In great calamities, in oppressive famine, for instance, if the people thought they had a sure pretext to imp

f the Saxons, holier and dearer in its melancholy reminiscences, than if it had still possessed the statue of the god, whi

as thrown in headlong, in honour of the deity representing the earth. If the body fell to the bottom, the goddess was supp

f the body fell to the bottom, the goddess was supposed to accept it; if not, she refused it, and it was hung up in a sacr

e immortal, — but there still — For the heart clings to old idolatry, If not with true belief with tenderness — Lingers a

. Of course, the evil would be neither so widespread nor so dangerous if more of the guardians and instructors of our yout

ucts of antiquity, the difficulty of the translation may be moderated if those products be reproduced, so far as possible,

nt that to search for truth through mythology is wise and profitable. If we accept the statement (often stretched beyond i

ve to an æsthetic estimate not only of art, but of nature to-day; but if our American pupils and many of their teachers ca

s and sculptures that have best represented mythical subjects, would, if used in the school and at home in connection with

e, swallow everything, digest nothing, — and having agonized, forget. If fewer things were despatched, especially in the s

er things were despatched, especially in the study of literature, and if more were entrusted to the memory, there would be

and interpretations which the younger pupil does not appreciate will, if the book is used for purposes of reference in his

ation; they are enthroned in the palace of art. § 2. Kinds of Myth. — If we classify these stories according to the reason

o their subjects, æsthetic myths are either historic or romantic, (a) If historic, they utilize events which have a skelet

s especially to be observed. Of this class is the Iliad of Homer. (b) If romantic, the myths are characterized by bolder s

he puzzle which men have so long found it.” § 5. Reasonable Myths. — If myths were always reasonable, it would not be dif

some way by which they may have come into existence. Imagination. — If we assume that the peoples who invented these sto

n? Why not confer upon them human and superhuman passions and powers? If we were living, like the Greek of old, close to t

fication of natural powers would be more easy for us to appreciate. “ If for us also, as for the Greek,” says Mr. Ruskin,

restoration to the sense of passionate gladness and of perfect life — if it means the thrilling of new strength through ev

and the purging of evil vision and fear by the baptism of its dew; — if the sun itself is an influence, to us also, of sp

y abound in adventures based upon qualities and incidents like these. If these stories should survive in the literature of

With music lulled his indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, if he, When his own breath was silent, chanced to he

hilosopher, recondite and significant — in the course of centuries. “ If we seek,” says Ruskin, “to ascertain the manner i

ents in a Greek myth and in a Polynesian romance. (3) That all myths, if traced chronologically backward, and geographical

India, “and that from their ancient home they must have carried away, if not the developed myth, yet the quickening germ f

a superstition that those who should take that “Lover’s-leap” would, if not destroyed, be cured of their love. Of Arion t

torment might have been brought to an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to his oppressor; f

ning arm, to spoil A morning’s task with longing, wild and vain. Then if across the parching plain He seek her, she with p

im down and die, Lo! thou art there before me suddenly, With shade as if a summer cloud did pass, And spray of fountains w

boatman, received them at the River of Woe, and ferried them across, if the money requisite for their passage had been pl

ans to take her to wife, and put me away! But you, my foster-parents, if you feel for me, and see with displeasure this un

n’t help being afraid. People are not always what they pretend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof of it

ord upon a lyre. “Yea, Jupiter! But why this mortal guise, Wooing as if he were a milk-faced boy? Did I lack lovers? Was

Sun’s chariot wheel — And pity their small hearts that hold a man As if he were a god; or know the god — Or dare to know

ng before the altar, I raised my eyes to Heaven. ‘O Jupiter,’ I said, if thou art indeed my father, give me back my people

even of a goddess. “Let Minerva try her skill with mine,” said she. “ If beaten, I will pay the penalty.” Minerva heard th

ed to Arachne, and kindly advised her to challenge her fellow-mortals if she would, but at once to ask forgiveness of the

l for others. “I am not afraid of the goddess; let her try her skill, if she dare venture.” “She comes,” said Minerva, and

children still weighing upon their minds, Cadmus one day exclaimed, “ If a serpent’s life is so dear to the gods, I would

et these infants move your pity, who stretch out their little arms as if to plead for me.” But the clowns persisted in th

ersisted in their rudeness; they added jeers, and threatened violence if she did not leave the place. They waded into the

and turns its flowers to the earth, so the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for his neck, fell over on his shoulder

youth replied, “Oh, light of the boundless world, Phœbus, my father — if thou dost yield me that name—give me some proof,

sea, the chariot, without its accustomed weight, was dashed about as if empty. The horses rushed headlong and left the tr

, the Great and Little Bears were scorched with heat, and would fain, if it were possible, have plunged into the water; an

th her hand, looked up to heaven, and with husky voice prayed Jupiter if it were his will that she should perish by fire,

poles were smoking that sustained his palace, and that all must fall if they were destroyed. Earth, overcome with heat an

hall find him, sure, Drinking, beside the tomb, o’ the sacrifice: And if I lie in ambuscade, and leap Out of my lair, and

le Whom he befriended, — native noble heart!” So, one look upward, as if Zeus might laugh Approval of his human progeny, —

ft empty. Then cried Herakles, “Take hold of her. See now, my friend, if she look not somewhat like that wife thou hast lo

our bosom and then we bleed: All wept, as I think both ye now would, If envy or age had not frozen your blood, At the sor

o enchanting but now, As they left me forever, each making its bough! If her tongue had a tang sometimes more than was rig

ed the water into the face of the intruder, saying, “Now go and tell, if you can, that you have seen Diana unapparelled.”

unyielding huntress-queen. And such satisfaction Venus once enjoyed, if we may trust the later classical, and the modern,

as well not have yielded her the palm of beauty over Pallas and Juno, if a mortal were thus to usurp her honors. Wherefore

against the night with a lamp and a sharp knife, told her what to do if her husband turned out the monster that they surm

heir pinions, too; Their lips touched not, but had not bade adieu, As if disjointed by soft-handed slumber, And ready stil

s of your eyelids white, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see, Untouch’d, a vic

with his counterfeit creation. Oftentimes he laid his hand upon it as if to assure himself whether it were living or not,

on board and set sail. Then Bacchus (for the youth was indeed he), as if shaking off his drowsiness, asked what the troubl

sel fast over the sea. All at once it stopped, in mid sea, as fast as if it were fixed on the ground. The men, astonished,

s that daughter of Ceres, who threatens to follow their example. Now, if thou regardest thine own interest or mine, join t

Breathe thine influence most divine On thine own child, Proserpine. “ If with mists of evening dew Thou dost nourish these

e, when sudden madness seized The incautious lover; pardonable fault, If they below could pardon: on the verge Of light he

eeble eyes, and forced herself to utter these words: “I implore thee, if thou hast ever loved me, if I have ever deserved

lf to utter these words: “I implore thee, if thou hast ever loved me, if I have ever deserved kindness at thy hands, my hu

heart In days far-off, and with what other eyes I used to watch — if I be he that watched — The lucid outline formin

d thickets mourn.”226 Many a poet has lamented the change. For even if the head did profit, for a time, by the revolt ag

bears together drew From Jauncey Court and New Street Alley, As erst, if pastorals be true, Came beasts from every wooded

me thou to me, and thou shalt lack nothing that now thou hast. … “But if thou dost refuse because my body seems shaggy and

finny thing, so would I have gone down to thee, and kissed thy hand, if thy lips thou would not suffer me to kiss! And I

at one time. “Now, verily, maiden, now and here will I learn to swim, if perchance some stranger come hither, sailing with

icker-work, and gather broken boughs to carry to thy lambs: in faith, if thou didst this, far wiser wouldst thou be! “Milk

y be the girls that bid me stay with them, and softly they all laugh, if perchance I answer them. On land it is plain that

a, whom the goddess has not transformed, but drowned; and learns that if he passes his thousand years in collecting the bo

uence in time, and of their grouping according to families of heroes. If we observe the principle of genealogy, one race,

half hid with golden leaves. Perseus said to him, “I come as a guest. If thou holdest in honor illustrious descent, I clai

holdest in honor illustrious descent, I claim Jupiter for my father; if mighty deeds, I plead the conquest of the Gorgon.

the hero, himself, undertook to slay the monster, on condition that, if the maiden were rescued by his valor, she should

en dissolved by the sentence of death passed upon Andromeda, and that if Phineus had actually loved the girl, he would hav

at, consulted the soothsayer Polyidus, who counselled him to procure, if possible, the horse Pegasus for the conflict. Now

angers who came to his country to wrestle with him, on condition that if conquered, they should suffer death. Hercules enc

sleep after his defeat of Antæus, made preparations to attack him, as if they were about to attack a city. But the hero, a

and his lion’s skin spread over him. With a countenance as serene as if he were taking his place at a festal board, he co

es under a large stone, and had directed her to send the child to him if it should prove strong enough to roll away the st

tead, on which he used to tie all travellers who fell into his hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he stretched them

hey were shorter than the bed, he stretched them till they fitted it; if they were longer than the bed, he lopped off thei

stranger was, and fearing the loss of her influence with her husband, if Theseus should be acknowledged as his son, she tr

, on the departure of his son for Creta, had given him this command: “ If Minerva, goddess of our city, grant thee victory

was warned by an oracle that there was danger to his throne and life if his son, new-born, should reach man’s estate. He,

consulted by Eteocles, he declared that victory should fall to Thebes if Menoeceus, the son of Creon, gave himself a volun

hould I not?), though thy decree Had never spoken. And before my time If I shall die, I reckon this a gain; For whoso live

h? And so for me to bear this doom of thine Has nothing fearful. But, if I had left My mother’s son unburied on his death,

ight. Safe comes the ship to haven, Through billows and through gales If once the great Twin Brethren Sit shining on the s

taken an oath that they would sustain her choice and avenge her cause if necessary. She was living happily with Menelaüs w

e immortals, and knowing that her son was fated to perish before Troy if he went on the expedition, endeavored to prevent

ath reached her, she implored the gods for leave to converse with him if but for three hours. The request was granted. Mer

r wind was given; I then revolved The oracle upon the silent sea; And if no worthier led the way, resolved That of a thous

. It was well known in heaven that fate had decreed the fall of Troy, if her enemies only persevered. Yet there was room f

his inexperience. “Now,” said Nestor “is the time for such guidance. If the gods so please, thou mayest win Achilles back

ods so please, thou mayest win Achilles back to the common cause; but if not, let him at least send his soldiers to the fi

would have snatched him from the fate impending, but Juno hinted that if he did so the other inhabitants of heaven might b

the two heroes met face to face. At this decisive moment the poet, as if reluctant to give Hector the glory, records that

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

Achilles was so close in pursuit that that would have been impossible if Apollo had not, in the form of Agenor, Priam’s so

the Greeks then betook themselves to their ships and sailed away, as if for a final departure. The Trojans, seeing the en

g carried within the city; for Calchas the prophet had told them that if the Trojans took possession of it, they would ass

ad not yet old enough to be an object of apprehension, but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, there might be

eplied, “O friends, I die, and Noman gives the blow.” They answered, “ If no man hurts thee it is the stroke of Jove, and t

nd told the tale. Ulysses thereupon determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver his companions. As

teach, Yet lacked the words thereto, denied the power of speech… … “ If swine we be, — if we indeed be swine, Daughter of

the words thereto, denied the power of speech… … “If swine we be, — if we indeed be swine, Daughter of Perse, make us sw

mory of things gone, and utter hopelessness! … “Make us men again, — if men but groping That dark Hereafter which th’ Oly

at dark Hereafter which th’ Olympians keep; Make thou us men again, — if men but hoping Behind death’s doors security of s

ks must not be violated, whatever the wants of the voyagers might be. If this injunction were transgressed, destruction wa

him with a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his breast, that if he should be compelled to trust himself to the wa

e figures of mastiffs wrought in gold and silver, standing in rows as if to guard the approach. Along the walls were seats

ife, imagining him dead, and lording it over his palace and people as if they were owners of both. Penelope was one of tho

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

olled away in the enjoyment of pleasant intercourse, and it seemed as if Italy, and the empire destined to be founded on i

s branch was to be plucked off and borne as a gift to Proserpine, and if fate was propitious it would yield to the hand an

and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force could rend it away. If torn away another would succeed. Æneas followed t

ingly would they now endure poverty, labor, and any other infliction, if they might but return to life! Next were situated

I might have been immortal. He promised me the fulfilment of my wish, if I would consent to be his. I took a handful of sa

in order within the cave, and might be consulted by her votaries. But if , perchance, at the opening of the door the wind r

ure the toils of war, and in speed to outstrip the wind. It seemed as if she might run over the standing corn without crus

thy home, here shall terminate the hostility of the heavenly powers, if Only thou faithfully persevere. There are friends

ake my way through the enemy’s camp and to go in search of our chief. If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward e

If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward enough for me, and if they judge the service deserves anything more, le

Iulus, “and all that I have promised thee shall be made good to her, if thou dost not return to receive it.” The two fri

ore they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest fetters as if they were made of cobwebs. Finally the gods sent

out any one’s assistance, and all within the space of one winter. But if anything remained unfinished on the first day of

d not have thought himself safe among the gods, — still less, indeed, if Thor should return from the expedition he had the

ly prevail so far as to get the giant’s promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to be his bride. Loki returne

ly midnight, there was still time for sleep. He however resolved that if he had an opportunity of striking a third blow, i

hispering to one another that I am not a man of small dimensions; but if you come to Utgard you will see there many men mu

great respect. The king, regarding them with a scornful smile, said, “ If I do not mistake me, that stripling yonder must b

compete with me.” “That will indeed be a feat,” said Utgard-Loki, “ if thou performest what thou promisest, and it shall

he king observed that skill in running was something to boast of, but if the youth would win the match he must display gre

ng. “How now, Thor,” said Utgard-Loki, “thou must not spare thyself; if thou meanest to drain the horn at the third draug

that thou wilt not be called so mighty a man here as thou art at home if thou showest no greater prowess in other feats th

und; nor should I have dared to mention such a feat to the great Thor if I had not already observed that thou art by no me

l hither that old crone, my nurse Elli, and let Thor wrestle with her if h6 will. She has thrown to the ground many a man

going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both of us if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou

s secret from him, and undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him his sword as a reward. Freyr co

igga. That goddess, when she saw the pretended woman, inquired of her if she knew what the gods were doing at their meetin

ing Balder to life and heaven. Might Hela perchance surrender Balder, if Höder himself should take his place among the sha

uld now be tried whether Balder was so beloved as he was said to be. “ If , therefore,” she added, “all things in the world,

living and lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return to life; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to weep

for tears. Balder is dead, and Hela holds her prey, But will restore, if all things give him tears. Begrudge not thine! to

ith dry eyes will weep o’er Balder’s pyre. Weep him all other things, if weep they will — I weep him not! let Hela keep he

sons, the seed of Heaven; But what were I, to save them in that hour? If strength might save them, could not Odin save, My

As Mr. Lang says (Myth, Ritual, etc., 2: 201), this is intelligible, “ if the vermin which had once been sacred became a pe

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

ent interpreters, was night, — the shadow, therefore, of Juno (Hera), if Hera be the splendor of heaven. But the early myt

that the name Leto means darkness ( Preller 1: 190, note 4); and even if light is born of or after darkness, the sun (Apol

us and Tethys. She is Prudence or Foreknowledge. She warned Zeus that if she bore him a child, it would be greater than he

; Preller 2: 40). The explanation would, however, be just as probable if Mercury (Hermes) were a cloud-driving wind. Pan a

nd. Pan and the Syrinx: naturally the wind playing through the reeds, if (with Müller and Cox) we take Pan to be the all-p

terpretative. — The myth of Callisto and Arcas is of Arcadian origin. If the Arcadians, in very remote times, traced their

ians, in very remote times, traced their descent from a she-bear, and if they also, like other races, recognized a bear in

in his carriage the sublime Sir Richard Blackmore used to rhyme, And, if the wits don’t do him wrong, ‘Twixt death and epi

of him as a servant. Max Müller cites the Peruvian Inca who said that if the sun were free, like fire, he would visit new

earance of the dawn in the eastern sky, then the rising of the sun as if hurrying after his bride, then the gradual fading

lley uses the word Acroceraunian as synonymous with steep, dangerous. If so, he had the practice of Ovid behind him (Remed

that fair field Of Enna,” etc.; Hood, Ode to Melancholy: — “Forgive if somewhile I forget, In woe to come the present bl

e-incident occurs in numerous ancient stories from that of Noah down. If Medea be another personification of morning and e

of the word is long. In general, a syllable is long in quantity: (1) If it contain a diphthong, or a long vowel: Bau-cis,

ng, or a long vowel: Bau-cis, Ac-tae-on, Mē-tis, O-rī-on, Flō-ra. (2) If its vowel, whether long or short, is followed by

he antepenult: Æ-nē′-as, Her′-cŭ-les. (3) The subordinate accent: (a) If only two syllables precede the principal accent,

accent falls on the first syllable of the word: Hip 2-po-crē′ne. (b) If more than two syllables precede the principal acc

(2) genealogy; § 170. Clyt′ië, 141; Thos. Moore’s verses Believe me, if all… 141. Clyt′ius, Com. § 21. Cna′geus (of the A

ore than a mass of conjectural memoranda; but the heap is suggestive, if well sifted.” 14. E. B. Tylor, Anthropology, p

s’ comic romance sings, To the wars my necessities take me away, But if I had money at home I would stay ; so I may say

rpose the long e and o should be marked as they are in the Index, and if we were to use k instead of c before e and i, wri

to which right those of individuals must give way. It is very much as if the public were to insist on admission to theatre

ve no right to my book except on my own terms. The legitimate course, if these were exorbitant, would be to get some one t

utlines of History in Lardner's Cyclopædia I received only 130l., and if I am not greatly misinformed, that sum bears litt

han for a short term of copyright, let the public be the gainer ; and if an author has parted, or will part, with his copy

in the law ; for most authors will transfer to them all their rights if they have the power to do it. For my own part, I

rmination in inus, and hence we meet with Censorinus and Marcellinus. If these observations be correct, Matutinus is the s

whose priest Chryses was, would pronounce, with as full conviction as if it had been something which they had seen and exp

his kind are to be placed among the latest. Indeed we very much doubt if this be a real original source of mythes10, and w

nd laid himself at the foot of the tree with his mouth still open, as if he required compassion, and Elpis saw that a bone

powers, and to produce an indifference toward true religion. In fact, if the theory of these men be true, the necessity fo

application of this rule, or it may lead us into error and absurdity if carried beyond its legitimate bounds. 4. The same

aution is required in the application of etymology to this subject51. If applied judiciously it will at times give most va

If applied judiciously it will at times give most valuable results ; if under no guidance but that of caprice and fancy,

dictate reason cannot ex-plain53 » We use the words bear in mind, for if adopted as a principle it will only serve to damp

othesis54. It is certainly not improbable that these ancient priests, if such there were, may have had their religion arra

ohabited with Zeus, but they had not been his lawful wives. And this, if I mistake not, is the true origin of the tale of

bably been transmitted from father to son from the most remote times. If to the sources already enumerated we add the long

ere naturally led to inquire how his return to the east was effected. If then, as there is reason to suppose, it was the p

nticipated. It is now, however, hardly possible to rectify the error, if it should be such. Έκάτη. Hecate. In the

strong the banquet they enjoyed, From every ill remote. They died as if O'ercome with sleep, and all good things were the

the offspring of the god who ruled over the golden race of men ; and if , as it would appear, he taught his heroic pupils

their abode shares in their exaltation ; and it may almost be doubted if the poet who drew the following picture of Olympo

d fragrant herbs351. When offended, they usually remitted their wrath if thus appeased352. The Homeric gods have all diffe

, no other mention is, we believe, to be found in Grecian literature. If we may trust to the Latin poets495, the duty of p

l renown and showy exterior were passports to the hearts of the fair. If the tale was framed on the coast of Asia, we know

Pallas-Athene in marriage of Zeus, who gave him permission to win her if he could. Hephæstos was a rough wooer, and attemp

ter usually ascribed to this goddess608, also accord with Night ; and if it should appear that the children of Leto were S

n of Leto would be dearer to Zeus than her own son Ares, was resolved if possible to prevent his birth. Determined therefo

e Hias of which the antiquity is most dubious. It may also be doubted if the temple-legend of Delphi could be as old as th

on the banks of the Nile, where she became the mother of Dionysos698. If Artemis was merely one of the names under which t

e reason for her being like Eileithyia, the aider of women in labour. If Artemis was not originally a moon-goddess, these

hild, was told by her that the cause was his being solitary, and that if he had a brother he would grow apace. Anterôs was

ength greatly increase. But this was only when Anterôs was near ; for if he was at a distance, Erôs found himself shrink t

, rose to light. The two embraced, and clung round the philosopher as if he had been their father ; and after caressing th

she was named Ophthalmitis or Eyed, and at Argos Sharp-sighted. 818. If this theory be correct, the best explanation of t

the later Greeks would have made little scruple about coining a term if they wanted it to suit any purpose. The other int

e consorts of Zeus ; at the same time courtier-like telling her that, if she pleases, she may boast of having vanquished h

of the fidelity of Battos, and, changing his form, came and inquired if he had seen any one driving stolen cattle by, off

ral opinion derives it from the legend of Io, but it has been doubted if that adventure was known to Homer, who calls the

ll be discussed in its proper place ; here we will only observe, that if it should appear to be as old as the age of Homer

lted her mother Metaneira, who had a young son in the cradle, of whom if the stranger could obtain the nursing her fortune

ead. When their joy had a little subsided, Demeter anxiously inquired if her daughter had tasted anything while below ; fo

iously inquired if her daughter had tasted anything while below ; for if she had not, she would be free to spend her whole

be free to spend her whole time with her father and mother ; whereas if but one morsel had passed her lips, nothing could

ittle superior in moral qualities to themselves, and they feared that if promises of more splendid and abundant sacrifices

s true origin to the caprice or sportive humour of a ruder period. Or if the initiated person was himself endowed with inv

ticular describes the Eleusinian mysteries with as much minuteness as if he had been actually himself initiated924. It is

probably figured in this comedy as the presidents of the fish-market. If , however, the Muses were not generally regarded a

moon-goddess, and that the name signifies Light-wanderer 995. Hence, if Artemis was originally a moon-goddess, the identi

apparently placatory appellations. They had a temple in Achaia, which if any one polluted with crime dared to enter he los

hero, who had just wounded no less than two deities, asks the latter if he is a god, adding, “ I would not fight with the

permits the introduction of new deities into the system, particularly if their attributes or festivals have a resemblance

and inclinations ; and the whole of Greece was so much altered, that if any one passes from the perusal of Homer to that

ose writers who lived in the time of the Persian war, he will feel as if removed to another region, and seem hardly to rec

ilt on any other foundation : and these were posterior to Homer ; for if his contemporaries had known anything of that art

China and Europe. Vessels were allowed to enter that port alone ; and if driven into any other by stress of weather, they

tress of weather, they were obliged to sail for it, or their cargoes, if the wind was still rough, were conveyed thither i

tment which he sometimes there experienced from his worshipers : And if thou do so, Pan beloved, may ne’er The Arcadian b

s and thy sides Pelt with their squills when little meat is had ; But if thou otherwise incline, may pain Seize thee when

t a shady fountain, and a shepherd prays to him, promising sacrifices if he will free him from love ; and by Virgil1215 be

‘We then sail on further, and come to the land of the Cyclopes ;’ and if it had been an island, he would, as usual, have n

stance : he would also have told us with what wind they sailed to it, if it had been at anything like the distance which S

to that of the Odyssey, stretching before a harbour, be shown in it. If the little islet of Ortygia in front of Syracuse

ight that its summit is for ever enveloped in clouds, and no man even if he had twenty hands and as many feet could ascend

account we have of these monsters, in which indeed it may be doubted if Charybdis is to be regarded as an animate being.

la and Charybdis somewhere between the Wandering Rocks and Thrinakia ( if this last be Sicily) ; for it is after passing th

e of Ithaca, we may observe, that the Phæacians landed Odysseus ; and if we are right in placing the Cyclopes on the coast

better with some imaginary western isle than with Corcyra ; and that if the Cyclopes were on the coast of Libya, Corcyra

assigning a false position to this last place. We finally think, that if Thesprotia and its oracle at Dodona were so well

above ; but incongruities little discomposed those ancient bards, and if a mythe contained a moral that pleased them, they

pigeon let fly out of the ark was to Deucaliôn a sign of bad weather if it came in again, of good weather if it flew away

Deucaliôn a sign of bad weather if it came in again, of good weather if it flew away.” The sacrifice and the appearance o

eeting and unstable ; and we should perhaps come nearest to the truth if we were to say, that those tribes who appear to h

is the mythic, which is rich in events, though the far greater part, if not the entire, are but the creations of fancy :

d for the life of Admetos to terminate should come, he might defer it if any one would die in his place. When the fatal da

was also said that Heracles fetched Alcestis back out of Erebos1533. If , as has been hinted above, Admetos was Hades, Alc

entered the market-place, and the people, who knew him not, marvelled if he were Apollo or the ‘brazen-carred spouse of Ap

the oracle, and sending for him next day, asked him what he would do, if he had the power, had it been predicted to him th

er children as they were born into a caldron of boiling water, to try if they were mortal. Several had perished, unable to

ed them as a pledge. Ixiôn then sent to say that the gifts were ready if he would come to fetch them. Deïoneus accordingly

er, saying that it fell to them of right, on account of their family, if Meleagros resigned his claim to it. Meleagros in

ssed by the incursions of the Illyrians, were told by the oracle that if they made Cadmos and Harmonia their leaders they

erity should abstain from entering the Prytaneion or senate-house, or if found there should be offered as a sacrifice. Man

hirteen months in a brazen prison (κεράμῳ), and he had perished there if their stepmother Eribœa had not informed Hermes,

acles begged of him to reserve it till the thirtieth day, saying that if he should then return victorious he might offer i

ld then return victorious he might offer it to Zeus the Saviour ; but if he fell in the conflict, to make it a funeral off

furious. When Heracles arrived, Minôs gave him permission to take him if he could. The hero succeeded, and brought and sho

ung the sea. Heracles, having seen the maiden, offered to deliver her if Laomedôn would give him the mares which Zeus had

asios, a great soothsayer, came thither, and said that it would cease if they sacrificed a stranger every year to Zeus. Bu

ytos and his other sons refused, lest he should destroy her children, if she had any, as he had done those of Megara. Shor

t. Heracles now received a response, that his malady would be removed if he let himself be sold for three years as a slave

m, presented it to Aërope the daughter of Cepheus, and told her, that if when a hostile army should approach she would sho

Centaur thought on revenge : he called Deïaneira to him, and told her if she would possess a philtre, or means of securing

nent part of the original mythe, to which it suits so accurately. For if the virtue of Heracles was to be of any value, it

n the jealous Hera a deity to oppose and afflict the son of Zeus. But if the object of the persecution of one power, he mu

he kings of Thrace, may have caused him to be regarded as a Thracian. If it be true that the swallows did not build in Dau

took advantage of the same night. Ægeus when departing charged Æthra if she bore a son to rear him, and to tell no one wh

steads, one long, the other short. When a stranger came, he took him, if short of stature, to the long bedstead, and stret

lled him, as he said, to make him fit it, till the life left him. But if the stranger should be tall, he assigned him the

ival of Theseus threatened to disconcert their plan. They feared that if this young stranger should be received as a son b

g out on his perilous expedition, he had made a vow to send annually, if successful, to the temple of the god, a ship with

nd Theseus ; and Pylos would probably never have been king of Megara, if the Neleids of Pylos had not come to Attica at th

ave emulated, we are struck by the absence of the marvellous in them. If we except the descent to Erebos, they are hardly

tly sets out on his adventures from Corinth. It would not surprise us if the ancient form of the legend was that a prince

al character, it is difficult to determine. Bellerophontes is a name, if possible, more enigmatic than Argeiphontes and Pe

s to be regarded as intimating a knowledge of Io. It is also doubtful if she was one of the heroines of the Eoiæ. Her stor

rcised the art of medicine, promised to restore them to their senses, if Prœtos would agree to give him a third of his kin

e forthwith promised Cepheus to deliver his daughter from the monster if he would give her to him in marriage when saved.

lowing manner. She was to be armed, and the suitor to have the odds ; if she overtook him she was to kill him, if not he w

he suitor to have the odds ; if she overtook him she was to kill him, if not he was to win her hand. Many had thus run and

terror, he said, had deprived Iphiclos of his generative power ; but if this knife was gotten, and Iphiclos, scraping off

The winds straight tossed them to the shady clouds. Pindar says that if ever mortal man was honoured by the dwellers of O

ave him the start ; he followed himself with a spear in his hand, and if he overtook the unhappy lover ran him through. Th

Homer should never have alluded to the Asiatic origin of the Atreids if it was a matter of belief in his days. Hesiod2071

at the first temple of Hermes in the Peloponnese was built by Pelops. If the principle which we have advanced in the case

d were hospitably entertained. Pleased with their host, they inquired if he had any wish which he desired to have gratifie

n impossible. Phineus directed the heroes to let fly a pigeon, saying if she came safely through, the Argo might venture t

ing, who had conceived a sudden affection for him, proffered her aid, if he would swear to marry her, and take her with hi

spatched a number of his subjects in pursuit of the Argo, threatening if they did not bring back his daughter to inflict o

ercial voyages of the Minyans were united with the mythic expedition. If the gold-mines of Thasos or Pangæos were wrought

nturers returned by the road they went ; but the poet of the Odyssey ( if our hypothesis respecting him be correct), in ord

consulted Teiresias, who declared that victory would fall to Thebes, if Menœceus the son of Creôn gave himself a voluntar

fate of their sires2184. The god when consulted promised them victory if led by Alcmæôn the son of Amphiaraos. Alemæôn wou

hat they may perform her obsequies. Thersites railing at the hero, as if he had been in love with the slain, is killed by

y to Grecian ones ; but all those of the Trojans and their allies are if possible more Greek than those of some of the Ach

ined so long absent from their homes and families. We very much doubt if the war-car ever was used in Greece, as no vestig

and industriously cultivated region. But all records of those times, if such did ever exist, are lost never to be recover

by the Romans from their Latin forefathers. We shall perhaps not err if we regard as Latin all those deities whose Sabine

r was named Feretrius or Bearer, as the spoils of the enemy's general if slain by a Roman commander were borne to him. He

rpose approached the statue, it gave an audible reply to their demand if it was willing to be removed to Rome2284. As the

ld to be connected with its conservation, the neglect of the virgins, if they let it go out, was severely punished, and th

in them ; they get in, row away, and perceive that they are heavy as if laden with passengers, but they see no one. In on

359. Il. v. 735 ; xiv. 178. 360. Il. xviii. 417. 361. We much doubt if the favourite theory of Voss (of which the idea a

; the former judges the dead from Europe, the latter those from Asia. If any case proves too difficult for them, it is res

, 49.), say that it was out of love he served Admetos. 636. That is if critics be right in referring the following line

. l. 640. The same notion is expressed in Plutarch (De Def. Or. 21.) if the reading given by Wyttembach from Eusebius be

sun ; meat hung in the rays of the former becomes tainted sooner than if exposed to the latter.” Chamier, Life of a Sailor

nnus (xxxvi. 421.) calls Dionysos θαλασσοϕόνος. Græfe however queries if it should not be θαλασσονόμος. Could that strange

he Samoyedes, when successful in hunting, smear their gods with fat ; if unsuccessful, they beat them and throw them in th

348. 1297. Il. v. 741. 1298. Od. xi. 633. 1299. It may be doubted if Homer was acquainted with the story of Perseus :

n, read Greek by accent ? Nothing can be more inharmonious than it is if Teiresias be pronounced in the Latin manner, with

th the accent on the antepenultimate : few lines are more harmonious, if , as in the Greek, it be laid on the penultimate.

more harmonious, if, as in the Greek, it be laid on the penultimate. If he did not read by accent, the line would probabl

396. Heyne and Müller, for Πέργη read περαία. It would almost seem as if the rock of Prometheus was on the opposite coast

2086. Il. ii. 23 ; xi. 131. 2087. Od. iv. 517. seq. ; xi. 408. seq. If Nitzsch's suspicion of iv. 514-520 being an inter

of his voyage to Greecc. She at the same time told him to come to her if ever he was wounded, as she alone could cure him.

t at table while their masters served, and reproved the latter freely if they were guilty of any awkwardness. Lastly, serv

nerva’s house, because it was immovable and could not be carried away if it were placed among bad neighbors. He said that

red fire was suspended in the air, and watched by the Vestal Virgins. If this fire chanced to be extinguished, all public

Virgins? Ans. The penalties for neglect of their duties were severe. If the sacred fire was extinguished through their ne

d through their negligence, they were sometimes cruelly punished, and if any Virgin infringed the rule which forbade her t

ce; their testimony was taken in trials without any form of oath, and if they happened to meet a criminal going to executi

or ten, and ten other years were employed in instructing the novices. If there were seven Vestals always in office, the en

s gloomy kingdom. He determined, nevertheless, to obtain a wife, even if he had to do so by violence. Proserpine, the daug

he was terrified with the most fearful sights and sounds. After this, if his courage did not fail, he was suddenly introdu

arkable. When any of the gods swore by the Styx, the oath was sacred; if any deity was guilty of breaking such an oath, he

e follows with woful mien and torn garments. She looks behind her, as if calling upon Truth, who is seen advancing slowly

nster was dying, he gave Deianira a charmed philter, telling her that if Hercules ever gave her cause to doubt his affecti

ppy musician offered in vain to abandon everything to their cupidity, if they would but spare his life. The only favor he

e his life. The only favor he could obtain was the choice of a grave. If he desired to be laid on shore under the green tu

f, they would carry his lifeless body to land, and give it sepulture. If he cared not for this, he must immediately cast h

rived, he ordered the mariners to be brought before him, and inquired if they knew anything of Arion. They replied confide

of the soothsayer, Polyidus [Polyi′dus], who advised him to procure, if possible, the winged steed Pegasus. For this purp

ome of his friends possessed copies, and the poem was thus preserved. If the Metamorphoses had been destroyed by this rash

is aid, and Thetis, who was aware that her son was destined to perish if he joined the expedition, disguised him in female

act according to her inclination, saying that she was free to remain, if such was her desire. Penelope made no reply, but

ch kindness, and even offered to share her immortality with the hero, if he would consent to forget Ithaca and dwell forev

w, and the suitors were amazed to see him handle the mighty weapon as if it had been a plaything. Their surprise was still

lchas excited much uneasiness among the Greeks, by a prediction, that if Astyanax [Asty′anax], the son of Hector, were per

Delphi. The god warned him to shun his native country, declaring that if he returned thither, he would become the murderer

w before That I must die, though thou had’st ne’er proclaimed it, And if I perish ere th’ allotted term, I deem that death

ompassed by unnumbered ills, But would account it blessedness to die? If then I meet the doom thy laws assign, It nothing

chickens would not eat. He replied, with very natural contempt, that if they would not eat, they might drink, and had the

be admitted that their milder climate rendered it almost unnecessary. If a storm or a shower came on, the play was, of cou

this moment a voice was heard from the upper benches, exclaiming, as if in sudden terror, “Behold, comrade! yonder are th

actors were engaged long beforehand, and were subject to heavy fines if they failed to appear on the appointed day. When

se of the state. The cost of the entertainments must have been heavy, if we are to judge by the descriptions given of the

he was not permitted, however, to enjoy them beyond a stated period. If he attained the age of twenty-five years, he was

votary having proposed a question, offered food to the sacred animal; if he ate, it was considered a favorable omen. It wa

he ate, it was considered a favorable omen. It was also a good augury if he entered, of his own accord, a particular stall

eved that at this season the river changed its color, and ran red, as if tinged with blood. To this Milton alludes: “Tham

Was the Zend-avesta written by Zoroaster? Ans. But a small portion, if any, of the Sacred Books were written by him, but

sychosis? Ans. The transmigration of souls. The Hindoos believe that if a man lead a pure life, his soul will pass, after

e, his soul will pass, after death, into another human body, but that if he has been wicked, it will enter into the body o

marry; nor can a member of a lower caste ever pass to a higher. Only, if he lead a good life, he may console himself with

ngly inculcated. It would be well for the Chinese of the present day, if their conduct corresponded to the maxims of their

often defective, contains much that is to be admired. It is a proof, if any were needed, that human motives are too weak

hat all men are brothers, and religions are of no consequence. Ques. If such total indifference prevails in China, on the

ore they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest fetters as if they were made of cobwebs. Finally, the mountain

, without being able to hurt him. He inquired of Frigga, in his turn, if it were really true that she had exacted an oath

mentations for the hero. Hela would take no ransom, but wished to try if Baldur were really so beloved. “If,” said she, “a

take no ransom, but wished to try if Baldur were really so beloved. “ If ,” said she, “all things in the world, both living

ld, both living and lifeless, weep for him, then shall he return; but if any one thing refuse to weep for him, then shall

and sunset, to demolish and rebuild the roof of their rustic temple. If any of their number should let fall the least par

f Mahomet, and he would consider that he had neglected a sacred duty, if he had not made at least one pilgrimage to the ho

its wide range of subjects, a sort of Cyclopædia, and it is said that if the Latin language were lost, it might be restore

ed happy before he dies, was verified in the case of this great poet. If the morning of his life was bright in the lustre

it is impossible to enjoy fully the works of some of our best writers if we cannot immediately appreciate their imagery. A

rth, To drag, by this, the Thunderer down to earth Ye strive in vain! if I but stretch this hand, I heave the gods, the oc

fasten it, and, reasoning that it would not be indiscreet to untie it if she did not raise the lid, she set to work. Long

ng towards her; not with fiery eyes and lowered horns, but gently, as if to express a mute request to be petted. The maide

m with bright garlands of meadow-blossoms. Then, seeing him kneel, as if to invite her to mount, she lightly sprang upon h

they immediately set out on their journey, inquiring of all they met if they had seen their sister. Search and inquiry pr

claims Phœbus or Sol, or golden-hair’ d Apollo, Cynthian or Pythian, if thou dost follow The fleeing night, oh, hear Our

l. To avenge herself, she banished Latona to earth, and declared that if any one, mortal or immortal, showed her any pity

His bliss, however, proved but fleeting; for Coronis, reasoning that if one lover were so delightful, two would be doubly

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

mediately gave him all necessary information, and bade him make haste if he would reach his father’s palace in the Far Eas

ating perfume of the distant flowers. It always seemed to her then as if Nature, so beautiful during the day, borrowed add

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

gh foam were fire, and waves with flame did heave, I fear not billows if they bear to thee; Nor tremble at the hissing of

s of your eyelids white, And meekly let your fair hands joined be, As if so gentle that ye could not see,     Untouch’d, a

es the youth now addressed her; and her ruby lips parted and moved as if she were answering, though not a sound came to hi

iscover his name, or to catch a glimpse of his face, warning her that if she did so he would be forced to leave her, never

urn. “‘Dear, I am with thee only while I keep My visage hidden; and if thou once shouldst see My face, I must forsake th

t of day, lest he should make her loathe him, and further added that, if she were not very careful, he would probably end

, and to gaze upon him in secret, when his eyes were closed in sleep. If the light of the lamp revealed, as they felt sure

dess to protect him in battle, vowing to sacrifice her luxuriant hair if he returned home in safety. The prayer was grante

tree, and well-dissembled foliage wears.” Homer ( Pope’s tr.). But if these manifestations proved unavailing to drive h

peditions, he rode in a chariot drawn by four coal-black steeds; and, if any obstacle presented itself to impede his progr

ver, in saying that it was an almost impossible feat to get out again if one were rash enough to venture in. “To the shad

ant sword to indicate that her decrees would be mercilessly enforced. If the good outweighed the evil, the spirit was led

od outweighed the evil, the spirit was led to the Elysian Fields; but if , on the contrary, the evil prevailed, the spirit

n reality she was furious, and, to put an end to it all, asked Semele if she was quite sure he was king of the gods, as he

Sun’s chariot wheel — And pity their small hearts that hold a man As if he were a god; or know the god — Or dare to know

second wife of Athamas, King of Thebes, who nursed him as tenderly as if he had been her own child. But all her love could

ness. In a fit of deluded frenzy, he pursued his wife and children as if they were wild beasts. One of his sons, Learchus,

med so real, that Bacchus bade him go and wash in the Pactolus River, if he would be rid of the power which had so soon tu

Breathe thine influence most divine On thine own child, Proserpine. “ If with mists of evening dew     Thou dost nourish t

ould distinguish words, and heard the fountain entreat her to listen, if she would hear what had befallen her child. The f

re treated with the greatest respect, or to leave it, and even marry, if such were their pleasure. During their time of se

d, bidding them prepare for the blast, and hasten to shelter in port, if they would not encounter the mournful fate of poo

red he knew where the apples could be found, and promised to get them if the hero would only relieve him of his burden for

Hercules made known his love, she immediately promised to marry him. if he would only free her from the lover her father

to carry the fair young bride to the other shore in complete safety, if she would but consent to mount upon his broad bac

poisoned arrow, — and keep it carefully, for it had magic power; and if she ever found her husband’s love waning, he assu

d Has stained it but a little. I did wrong: I know it, and repent me. If there come A time when he grows cold — for all th

o get rid of the young boaster, he bade him go forth and slay Medusa, if he wished to convince people that his bravery was

but a conviction that mortals would no longer consider her beautiful if they but once beheld Medusa, could have prompted

was safe in his possession, he spoke to them, promising to restore it if they would only give him accurate directions for

hat it was this hero who was to slay the Gorgon; and he thought that, if he could but once gaze upon her stony face, he wo

ifferent dimensions, — one unusually short, the other unusually long. If the unfortunate traveller were a short man, ne wa

stead, and his limbs were pulled out of joint to make him fit it; but if , on the contrary, he were tall, he was assigned t

he says; ‘I warn thee fly Along the middle track: nor low, nor high; If low, thy plumes may flag with ocean’s spray; If h

k: nor low, nor high; If low, thy plumes may flag with ocean’s spray; If high, the sun may dart his fiery ray.’” Ovid ( E

he mournful convoy, try his strength against the awful Minotaur, and, if possible, save his country from further similar e

te to Crete, promising to change the black sails for snowy white ones if he were fortunate enough to return victorious. Fa

e old woman his assistance, proposing to carry her across on his back if she would but lend him her staff to lean upon. Th

t firm bearing, and who was quite ready to bring her magic to his aid if he would but promise to marry her. Jason, suscept

eces, and boil them in a cauldron with certain herbs, declaring that, if the directions were carefully carried out, the re

e comes the ship to haven,         Through billows and through gales, If once the Great Twin Brethren         Sit shining

a remote place, and left it there to perish from hunger and exposure if it were spared by the wild beasts. When he return

lest he might do himself an injury in the first moment of his despair if the truth were revealed to him, had recourse to p

calamity had befallen them. The Sphinx With lowered voices, as if afraid of being overheard, the Thebans described

none to pass in or out without propounding a difficult riddle. Then, if any hesitated to give the required answer, or fai

ing enigma, warning him, at the same time, that he forfeited his life if he failed to give the right answer. “Tell me, wh

r.). Antigone’s Devotion Then a proclamation was issued, that, if any dared bury the body of the fallen prince, he

d of the shade, had assumed the guise of a flower. “Lotis the nymph ( if rural tales be true), As from Priapus’ lawless lo

n kind of grass, which the flapping fish immediately nibbled, and, as if endowed with extraordinary powers, bounded back i

ed before his dazzled eyes, and proffered the bribe of supreme wisdom if he would but give her the preference. Juno, queen

a, whose young wife, Helen, was the most beautiful woman of her time, if we are to believe the testimony of her contempora

him, who should obtain The virgin for his bride, they all would aid; If any dar’d to seize and bear her off, And drive by

set Chryseis free, —  a wish which he immediately consented to grant, if Briseis were given him in exchange. The plague wa

y with this unreasonable request; but at the same time he swore that, if Agamemnon really took his captive away, he would

y called him out upon the field of battle, where he must hold his own if he would not see the city taken, the Trojans slai

e Greeks will rush on thee To take thy life. A happier lot were mine, If I must lose thee, to go down to earth, For I shal

n to the scene of strife, but was quite willing to lend men and arms, if they might be of any use, and immediately placed

es consulted the oracle, and learned that his crime would be forgiven if he brought a statue of Diana in Tauris back to Gr

he wave Far, far away did seem to mourn and rave On alien shores; and if his fellow spake, His voice was thin, as voices f

helpers that he needed no assistance, and made them disperse.     “‘ If no man does thee violence, and thou Art quite alo

Jove and the other gods avenge them thus! …………………………………………… Cyclops, if any man of mortal birth Note thine unseemly blind

, he drew his sword and rushed upon her, threatening to take her life if she did not immediately restore his friends to th

while roasting on the spit, and the empty skins moved and crawled as if alive. All these sounds and sights could not, how

anded vengeance, threatening to withdraw the light of his countenance if he were not properly indemnified. Jupiter, to app

adly promised to send out a search party to discover him, and aid him if necessary.                         “‘I will send

                  “‘I will send And search the coast from end to end, If haply, wandering up and down, He bide in woodland

en for assistance in this his time of direst need.     “‘Dread Sire, if Ilium’s lorn estate Deserve not yet thine utter h

‘Dread Sire, if Ilium’s lorn estate Deserve not yet thine utter hate, If still thine ancient faithfulness Give heed to mor

ty that Turnus should hasten to the succour of his despairing people, if he would not see them all slain and the town in t

nd Sanskrit have a common source in a much older language; that, even if Latin were entirely lost, the similarity of the w

ubject of general mourning, and considered as a most direful presage. If either of the vestal virgins had neglected her du

was only used to affright the bad. The meaning of this fable is, that if men in the midst of crimes are overtaken by the t

had been accustomed to use, and hang it up in the temple of Venus, as if they had said. Time has robbed me of my beauty; I

ed Anemone, or wind-flower. Proserpine offered to restore him to life if he would spend half the year with her in the infe

hip, when it would steer clear of Charybdis, struck upon Scylla, and, if it would avoid Scylla, it was swallowed by Charyb

norant of their transformation. Men are indeed no better than brutes, if to eat, drink, and be merry, is all that they liv

by the rapacious wolf, their terror and despair cannot be expressed. If , in this state of peril, some man of a more power

d by Hercules, offered a poisoned robe to Dejanira, telling her, that if her husband should ever cease to love her, if she

nira, telling her, that if her husband should ever cease to love her, if she could contrive to put that garment upon him,

m, provided he would bring him the golden fleece; which was, perhaps, if Jason would pay him a certain sum, which he might

is cruelty, had invented a bed into which he forced his victims; and, if they were too tall for its length he would cut of

tall for its length he would cut off their limbs to fit the bed; or, if they were too short, by dreadful tortures, he str

t is said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;” which means, if a man violently strike out another’s eye or tooth

each other, and always in fear. No man wishes to cultivate his field if he expects another to take away his harvest; nor

nother to take away his harvest; nor will he plough and sow the soil, if he thinks he can go into the next field, and take

of his own, and no man must take what does not belong to himself; and if one should take what is not his own, that dishone

told his people he was sorry to see them always quarrelling, and that if they would cultivate the earth, take care of thei

ne place, and deliberate upon what was best for the people to do; and if any man did wrong, he might be complained of; and

soon loved the little Œdipus, as the foundling was called, as well as if he had been her own son; as well as the Egyptian

is parents, the oracle answered Œdipus, that he must not go home, for if he did, he would murder his father, and marry his

ffliction of Orpheus, consented that Eurydice should return to earth, if her husband would refrain from looking at her til

liverer, and he might have passed his life in rural quiet and honour, if the deities themselves had not intruded upon his

overed, and her numerous admirers, the princes of Greece, made a vow, if she should ever again be forced away, that they w

one or other of them should be permitted to return to their country, if he would take letters from her to her friends. Ip

, at least, the Thunderer owed, And ill he pays the promise of a god, If yon proud monarch thus thy son defies, Obscures m

the authoress of their wo, Thy pity checked my sorrows in their flow; If some proud brother eyed me with disdain, Or scorn

f his theology and morals, the following tradition is preserved; for, if he wrote any thing, his treatises are lost. Thale

her can repeat to our injury; that we should live with our friends as if they might one day become our enemies, and that h

ortal tongue has ever said, What hand unknown laid Vala dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spiri

rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spirit dwells, And still if bold intruder come. Her voice unfolds his hidden

th impatient hoof, the earth, And snorting fiercely ’gan to neigh, As if they heard the battle bray, And burned to join th

ood. The poor conquered Britons were excessively grieved at this: but if the Romans did not destroy the lives or the Druid

with desires Insatiable; with violence and rage, Malignity and folly. If the hand Of Oromazes, on precarious life Shed wea

annot be built, or a garment made without much thought concerning it. If men are compelled to think much in order to make

cot, and offered him immortality, (for Quet-zal-cot was then mortal,) if he would drink of a certain beverage which Shinin

s accompanied these children, and taught them how to pray to the god. If the children were able, they were made to dance b

he tutelar or guardian deity of the place. Wherever the temple stood, if practicable, it was made to front the rising sun

or whether we ask it not! Refuse us what would be hurtful to us, even if we should ask it.” Priests are held in high hono

ame date with the first emigration of the Phœnicians into Greece; and if that be true, the same religion would naturally b

left; the former being esteemed fort fortunate; the latter, unlucky. If a man, commencing a journey, saw a flock of birds

it was a good omen, and foreshowed to him a prosperous adventure; but if the birds took a contrary course, an evil presage

nd festivals, and to punish inferior priests, and the vestal virgins, if they were guilty of any crime. The high-priest of

partan lawgiver, went to the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, and inquired if it were the will of the gods, that the Spartans s

ought to the temples; these were either designed to pacify the deity, if he had been offended, or to procure some favour,

ad deceived him. An oath is a solemn promise made in the name of God. If a man says, I declare in the name of God, (that i

is, I declare that I believe God hears me, and that he will punish me if I speak falsely: I declare that I speak the truth

rst act of mariners was to thank the gods for their preservation; and if they had been safely landed after tempests, their

re instructed by God himself; the heathens were left to seek out God, if haply they might feel after him and find him. The

hone, or moved, of their own accord. Thus they spoke of everything as if it were alive, and instead of saying, as we do, t

2. With starry veil floating in the air, coming towards the earth as if to extinguish a flaming torch which she carries i

upper part of his body nude, and the lower part carefully covered, as if to show that he is visible to the gods above, but

auties to the young shepherd. Hera promised Paris extensive dominions if he would award the prize to her; Athené promised

ssly swallowed. Ascalaphus* reported this, and, as it was a rule that if any immortal had tasted food in the realms of Plu

acred fire burning on the public hearth was never allowed to die out. If at any time it went out, either from neglect or b

The best seats were reserved for their use at all public spectacles. If they met a criminal on his way to execution, they

riam*, king of Troy, was beloved by Apollo. She promised to marry him if he would confer upon her the gift of prophecy; bu

came to the cave of the nymph Maia, and threatened the babe severely if he did not restore the oxen. Hermes denied the ch

rd heard the music of the lyre, the chords of which Hermes touched as if by chance, he was so entranced that he gladly off

me or distinguishing symbol of the divinity to whom it was dedicated. If any malefactor fled to an altar, his life was saf

s conducted into the temple frequently to the accompaniment of music. If a small animal, it was driven loose to the altar;

niment of music. If a small animal, it was driven loose to the altar; if a large one, it was led by a long trailing rope,

of the meal and water poured upon the animal, which was then killed. If the victim escaped the stroke or became in any wa

troke or became in any way restless, it was regarded as an evil omen; if it expired without a struggle, it was considered

e probable success of the expedition. The reply he received was, that if he crossed a certain river he would destroy a gre

s commission pierced the heels of the child, in order to recognize it if it should ever reappear. The infant was found by

the occasion of the marriage of Amphiaraus, it had been agreed, that if he ever differed in opinion with the king, his wi

olynices offered her the collar which had been presented to Harmonia, if she would induce her husband to join in the exped

s he could not bring a horse, he would bring him the head of Medusa*, if he desired it. The king accepted the proposal whi

y were handing them from one to another, but promised to restore them if they would give him the desired information. They

ed to a rock when Heracles arrived. He offered to destroy the monster if Laomedon would give him the horses which Tros had

d to the nymphs of the river Po for advice, and was told that Xereus, if properly managed, would direct him. Heracles seiz

by the advice of Prometheus, offered to support the heavens for Atlas if he would bring the apples. Atlas did as requested

en concealed his sword and sandals under a rock, and told Æthra that, if her child should be a son, not to send him to Ath

rone and kingdom. Pelias declared his willingness to resign the crown if Jason would bring back the Golden Fleece from Col

as to their further course. He promised to give them ample directions if they would deliver him from the Harpies. Zetes an

me between them. Phineus had told the heroes to let loose a dove, and if it ventured to fly through they might safely foll

The rocks then became immovable, for it had been decreed they should if any vessel passed through in safety. The Captu

his visit, and that monarch promised to relinquish the Golden Fleece if Jason would perform the tasks which he should set

th Odysseus* (Ulysses*) offered to relieve him from his embarrassment if Tyndareus would obtain for him the hand of Penelo

f Achilles. Thetis, who was aware that her son was destined to perish if he joined the expedition, disguised him in female

ion of the oracle, that only his deserted wife, Œnone, could cure him if wounded, Paris caused himself to be taken to her

eplied, “O friends, I die, and Noman gives the blow.” They answered, “ If no man hurts thee, it is the stroke of Jove, and

lds of the deep blue heavens where the bright clouds float lazily, as if they would linger there forever.” “In the legend

olled away in the enjoyment of pleasant intercourse, and it seemed as if Italy and the empire destined to be founded on it

e harmless. Apis was not allowed to live more than twenty-five years. If he lived to that age, the priests drowned him in

he manner in which he received or rejected what was presented to him. If the bull refused food from the inquirer, it was c

ess cruel than that of the followers of Siva. The Hindus believe that if a man lead a pure life, his soul will pass, after

e, his soul will pass, after death, into another human body; but that if he has been wicked, it will enter into the body o

p for lost. But at length she floated to the surface, unconscious, as if dead. They hastily hauled her on the raft, and ex

ndful of dust being sufficient to appease the god of the lower world. If the body of a friend could not be found, as in sh

ome was supposed to depend, and which was brought from Troy by Æneas. If they let the sacred fire expire, through inattent

ing shut up in a subterraneous vault with a lamp and some provisions. If the fire happened to be extinguished, it was acco

d to Jupiter, that he would gain a complete victory over his enemies, if he would set at liberty those Titans whom his fat

at liberty those Titans whom his father had shut up in Tartarus, and if he could engage them to fight with him. According

plained to Jupiter, who decreed that Pluto should restore Proserpine, if she had eaten nothing in hell. But she had eaten

nd of which is to warn us that we form many indiscreet vows, and that if they were all heard, we should eternize our misfo

, the Trojans were informed that no enemy could succeed against them, if it remained in their city. The oracle was religio

tue’s pure robe, she wins the esteem and respect of the beholder. But if she lay aside that veil or that robe, she makes a

number of the nymphs of the waters amount even to three thousand; and if the Naiades, the Napæx, the Limniades, &c. &a

ere about to plunder the city of Delphi, at whose sight they fled, as if an enemy had been at their heels. Others say that

inst the deceased. Even kings were not exempted from this ordeal; and if the accusations were proved, the judges passed th

as security in borrowing. Some gave their own bodies as a pledge; and if they failed to meet their engagements, they were

to have been the daughter of the Ocean; and hence, gods swore by her. If they neglected it; Jupiter ordered Iris to give t

e his chariot, to imitate thunder. He also darted lighted torches, as if to imitate lightning; and many who were struck by

informed by the oracle of Apollo, that the Sphinx would kill herself if one of the enigmas she propounded should be expla

An oracle having said to the Athenians that they would be victorious, if one of Hercules’ children voluntarily devoted her

n and without, he merely observed that it was not on wheels, so that, if necessary, it could be moved from a bad neighbour

s, and Theseus had promised to change his black sails into white ones if he returned victorious. His father descried from

their ingenuity in explaining the fables of Hercules in various ways, if they take pleasure in comparing mythology with hi

ng a siege, pretended to retreat without farther molestation; and, as if they had wished to repair the injury done to Mine

the gift of prophecy. He was ceremoniously conducted to the Nile; and if he had lived the time allowed, they drowned him,

death, which was sometimes natural, produced universal bewailing, as if Osiris was just dead; and the priests shaved thei

per characteristics, which was hailed with deafening acclamations, as if Osiris was restored to life. The ox found to repr

have been sacred to Iris. Apis had generally two temples or stables. If he ate from the hand, it was deemed a favorable o

or stables. If he ate from the hand, it was deemed a favorable omen; if he refused the offered food, it was unfavorable.

with desires Insatiable; with violence and rage, Malignity and folly. If the hand Of Oromazes, on precarious life Shed wea

fasts, vows, and oaths. They were jealous to keep inviolable an oath. If one took an oath, he would say, “Does not Mexitli

works; and we should place accounts of them in the number of fables, if the remains of such colossal structures, which ha

cording to Josephus, attributes the construction of it to Belus; but, if this Belus is the same as Nimrod, (as it is said.

an Dale. Could oracles have so long preserved their credit and eclat, if they had been the result of mere deception? This

ture always belies itself. A falsehood cannot be eternally sustained. If one succeed in deceiving for a long time, some we

her. She said to the Bœotians who consulted her: “you will be victors if you act impiously.” The envoys seized on her, and

envoys seized on her, and caused her to be burnt alive, saying, that, if she had wished to deceive them, they would punish

, if she had wished to deceive them, they would punish her; and that, if she had spoken the truth, they would thereby assu

the Sibyls were written in Greek; which would not have been the case, if the Sibyls had been of different countries. He be

s, and afterwards predicts the misfortunes which threaten the Romans, if they do not abandon the worship of idols, and emb

of medicine; Gelione, of virginity; she protects chaste females, and, if they die unmarried, takes them to her heavenly dw

th impatient hoof, the earth, And snorting fiercely ‘gan to neigh, As if they heard the battle bray, And burn’d to join th

ch most nations have embellished, altered, or suppressed at pleasure. If we compare it, together with the traditions of th

hey believed that the limit of the life of a man could be put forward if some one should die for him. When some celebrated

rtal tongue has ever said, What hand unknown laid Valva dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the spiri

rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the spirit dwells; And still if bold intruder come, Her voice unfolds his hidden

sometimes cast a victim devoted to Frigga, the goddess of the earth. If it went quickly to the bottom she was pleased, an

bottom she was pleased, and graciously received it. On the contrary, if it floated, she refused it, and it was suspended

o error. Man is surrounded with dangers and evils from his birth; and if the protection of laws and the enlightening aid o

encourage him to tread in the path of virtue in the morning of life; if they do not sweeten his temper, and spread over h

evidently appears, that it is to the Oriental countries we must look, if we wish to find the cradle of the human race. The

se which precedes tempests was the roaring of the spirit of the hill. If the wind made the harps of bards resound, it was

gh less powerful than the Druids, enjoyed so high consideration, that if they presented themselves at the moment in which

me rights; for it was said in a treaty which he made with the Gauls: “ If a Carthaginian should do wrong to a Gaul, the cau

t of the robe; and then made to pass into the left with swiftness, as if it had been stolen. The one who gathered it, must

possessed, they believed, every virtue, and healed all diseases; and if one rubbed himself with it, he could obtain all h

. The misletoe ought to be collected with great ceremony, and always, if possible, on the sixth day of the moon, and a gol

to other bodies after the death of those which they have animated. 9. If the world perish, it will be by water or by fire.

anticipate and satisfy all their wants? This cruel maxim, therefore, if it did exist among the Druids and the Gauls, coul

such a nature could produce this visible world without media; since, if this had been the case, all things must have been

ough transcendency of power. For, as the essence of the first cause, ( if it be lawful so to speak,) it is full of deity, h

the inhabitant of the continent, and he who dwells near the sea; and if you even proceed to the utmost shores of the ocea

ubject of general mourning, and considered as a most direful presage. If either of the Vestal virgins had neglected her du

intreated, upon these alone, to lay the weight of their displeasure, if offended. The Romans supposed them to be descenda

extends his stagnant marsh. Here likewise is the river Styx, by which if the Gods swore, their oath was inviolable; and Le

elves injured by the deceased, might bring forward their accusations. If the charges were proved, the rites of interment w

If the charges were proved, the rites of interment were refused; but if not, the accuser was liable to a heavy punishment

ged in this expedition. Were there not other heroes highly respected, if not worshiped by the Pagan world? Yes, many. The

yptians it was a capital crime to kill any of the sacred animals; but if an ibis, or a hawk, were destroyed accidentally,

ns arose from the propensity of the cats to rush into the flames; and if this circumstance happened, it excited a general

with desires Insatiable; with violence and rage, Malignity and folly. If the hand Of Oromazes, on precarious life Shed wea

ortal tongue has ever said, What hand unknown laid Vala dead. But yet if rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spiri

rumour rightly tells, In her cold bones the Spirit dwells; And still if bold intruder come, Her voice unfolds his hidden

ith impatient hoof, the earth, And snorting fiercel ’gan to neigh, As if they heard the battle bray, And burn’d to join th

y of myths that the gods often assume the forms of birds and animals. If it were in our power mentally to become savages f

f Latinus Æneas became king. “His back, or rather burthen, showed As if it stooped with its load; For as Æneas bore his s

was always open in time of war, and closed during peace. “Old Janus, if you please, Grave two-faced father.” “In two-fa

ched the terrestrial regions. Orpheus, however, in his anxiety to see if she were following him, looked round, and Eurydic

e Was better, Pylades, than thine.                                  … If you please To choose me for your Pylades.” F. Le

ger, who presumed to challenge the Muses to sing, upon condition that if he did not sing best they might inflict any penal

, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, th

e was at Cyprus. Incense alone was usually offered on her altars, but if there was a victim it was a white goat. Her atten

tresses étaient appelées Ménades, Bacchantes, et Thyades. Le sapin, l’ if , le lierre, le figuier, et la vigne lui étaient c

avoir fait laver les mains en entrant, on le couronnait de myrte ou d’ if  ; ensuite on lui faisait lire les lois de Cérès.

des flambeaux.     Au fond d’une vallée, horreur de la Nature, Où l’ if étend au loin le deuil de sa verdure, Se creuse e

ndes Pour le myrte aimé des Dieux ; Ne prodiguez plus vos ondes A cet if contagieux : Et vous, enfans des nuages. Vents, m

coutés. Alors on voit tomber sous un fer téméraire, Des chênes et des ifs aussi vieux que leur mère Des pins et des cyprès

fermés, couverte d’un voile, et tenant une faux à la main. Le coq, l’ if et le cyprès lui étaient consacrés. Plus loin le

nellement avec des serpens et des flambeaux.    Dans un bois, où des ifs la funèbre verdure Joint le deuil de son ombre au

ndes Pour le myrte aimé des Dieux ; Ne prodiguez plus vos ondes A cet if contagieux : Et vous, enfans des nuages. Vents, m

coutés. Alors on voit tomber sous un fer téméraire, Des chênes et des ifs aussi vieux que leur mère Des pins et des cyprès

, couvre les os luisants de son squelette livide. On lui consacroit l’ if , le cyprès, et le coq, parce que le chant de cet

oit le Tartare, et n’étoit formé que par les larmes des méchants. Des ifs plantés sur ses bords formoient un ombrage triste

tus de Crocus et de Smylax, les changèrent l’un en safran, l’autre en if  ; Apollon, pour venger la mort de Leucothoë dénon

rnales, se tenait à la porte du Tartare. On lui sacrifiait un coq ; l’ if et le cyprès lui étaient consacrés. On la représe

ien notaire, ancien, etc., etc. « Cette pyramide tronquée, entre deux ifs , fait très-bien, dis-je au neveu du défunt, qui m

limenté que par les larmes des méchants. Ses bords étaient couverts d’ ifs qui répandaient sur ses flots une ombre triste et

se, elle n’eut jamais aucun prêtre dans cette contrée. Le cyprès et l’ if lui étaient consacrés. — Les modernes représenten

Dieux pour les récompenser, changèrent Crocos en safran et Smilax en if . Quant à la fleur symbole de l’amour de soi-même,

gon, l’éléphant, la panthère, le tigre, le porc, le lièvre, le coq, l’ if , le sapin, le lierre, le pampre, la férule, le fi

s de la Nuit sa mère, feignant de dormir. L'on consacrait à la Mort l’ if , le cyprès et le coq ; on donnait la Fraude et le