three daughters. The elder two were pretty, but not amiable, so that they had an ill-natured look, and their friends on tha

r father’s kingdom. The parents of Psyche were not very wise persons, they loved their little daughter with a foolish fondne

d the goddess, “Her parents have never aught her to celebrate me, and they have declared she is hirer than I. To punish thei

must make her love him, and that will vex her father and mother, and they will scold and insult her for her perverseness, a

became very curious to know the future fortune of their daughter, and they repaired to the oracle of Apollo to learn what mi

nd marry her. The parents of Psyche dared not disobey the oracle, but they were thrown into great affliction at the thoughts

aid, “The gods command me to leave my parents, but the gods are good, they cannot intend to hurt me. Why should they harm me

nts, but the gods are good, they cannot intend to hurt me. Why should they harm me? I have always honoured them. I have pray

ill be sorry for my departure; but I will go, and trust the gods that they will take care of me.” Psyche had a good conscien

because he knew that the princesses hated their sister, and he feared they would trouble her in some way or other. He hesita

my dear Psyche, receive your sisters; but beware of taking any advice they may give you. I have no confidence in their good

you. I have no confidence in their good will towards you. I am afraid they will injure you if they can.” Soon after, the sis

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

ounds that belonged to it. This abode was more elegant than any place they had ever seen, and they were so mean as to envy t

t. This abode was more elegant than any place they had ever seen, and they were so mean as to envy their sister the possessi

her husband should absent himself from her every day. It was enough, they said, to make any woman miserable. “There can be

made them comfortable by giving them bread, and kine, and sheep; and they were very grateful to her, and worshipped her, of

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

he way from the bam to the open air, commanded Psyche to follow. When they were advanced a few steps, Venus pointed to a hig

is will, (and none of the gods ever opposed his sovereign will,) that they should be united. Venus was not much pleased with

ory of Cupid and Psyche to her mother. When she had finished reading, they conversed together concerning the story. Ann. Mo

e of Greece and Rome now believe in this false religion? Mother. No; they are become Christians. The people of Greece and I

s about three hundred years after the birth of Christ. Ann. That is, they left off paganism; you told me that was the name

was the name of the old religion, fifteen hundred years ago. How came they ever to worship Jupiter and the other false gods

the Hebrews, that there was one true God. Ann. were these gods whom they worshipped nothing but images of wood and stone?

een men and women, who were very useful and sometimes very good, when they were alive; and when they were dead, they were ce

e very useful and sometimes very good, when they were alive; and when they were dead, they were celebrated and praised till

d sometimes very good, when they were alive; and when they were dead, they were celebrated and praised till people believed

were dead, they were celebrated and praised till people believed that they were gods, and were in beaten, or in different pa

en and Hell, where the good and the bad go after death. Mother. Yes; they called their heaven Elysium, and their hell was T

r beside him in the chariot, and striking the earth with his trident, they disappeared together. “They are gone, afar, afar

e poor woman, whose name was Becubo. In Sicily chestnut trees abound; they produce vast quantities of chestnuts, and there,

estnuts formed a large part of the sustenance of any people, and that they are more easily procured and prepared than other

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

hood, would go in bands, and carry off whatever they could seize, and they would kill those who tried to hinder them. The pe

ns, were thus forced to remove to the town for safety, and even there they were not protected from the Attic robbers. At the

ies, and the priest that offered sacrifices to their gods — in short, they regarded him as their father, and they loved all

ices to their gods — in short, they regarded him as their father, and they loved all whom he loved.3 Marriages were celebra

he parties joined in the festival which was made on the occasion; and they believed that the gods and goddesses came unseen,

and goddesses came unseen, and blessed the happy pair; and sometimes they spoke of them as if they saw them. At the wedding

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

ble, Juno and Hymen refused to attend, and the Graces and Loves, when they entered the bride’s apartment, fled in terror; fo

d Loves, when they entered the bride’s apartment, fled in terror; for they perceived that the Furies, with their lighted tor

entered, supposing she should soon embrace Progne and Itys. At length they entered a solitary house, which was surrounded by

cries. Surely the just gods will not forsake me. Know, false wretch, they will sooner or later execute vengeance upon you f

y, practiced embroidery, and made pictures that represented facts. As they could not write, they conveyed messages and recor

y, and made pictures that represented facts. As they could not write, they conveyed messages and recorded histories in these

he Bacchantes, and to go with them into the woods. She designed, when they should be running about in the forest, to direct

tious people of Thrace thought the Bacchantes were holy, and that all they demanded must be granted; accordingly the keeper,

omela, who was seated on a low stool, in one corner of the room which they entered, sprung up, and extended her bands in spe

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

cause good actions present agreeable ideas, and what is better still, they afford good examples. Ann. May I then ask you wh

Progne and Philomela. Mother. But there were many people as bad when they lived. Ann. But why were they so bad then? Moth

But there were many people as bad when they lived. Ann. But why were they so bad then? Mother. As I have told you before,

hy were they so bad then? Mother. As I have told you before, because they did not know better. Ann. How do we know any bet

s have that commandment? Mother. No; God gave it to the Hebrews, and they did not associate with the Greeks at that time. B

birth of Christ. The stories of these primitive Greeks shock you, and they are revolting accounts of uncivilized men, but th

ks shock you, and they are revolting accounts of uncivilized men, but they were not worse than the Hebrews in many respects.

His brothers wanted to kill him, because their father loved him; and they did sell him for a slave; and they told lies to t

ecause their father loved him; and they did sell him for a slave; and they told lies to their father, pretending that some w

tending that some wild beast had killed Joseph. Mother. You see that they were envious, murderers, and liars. The early his

in use were not like ours; and so ill-contrived and ill-managed were they , that a passage from Thrace round the peninsula o

Baucis and Philemon. “When the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of L

of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, be

es above were of the city of Lystra, a Greek town in Asia Minor. When they saw the miracles done by Paul and Silas, they cal

own in Asia Minor. When they saw the miracles done by Paul and Silas, they called them Jupiter and Mercury. Not far from Lys

, “I do not like your appearance; people must be careful nowadays who they take in, there are so many rogues in the world;”

flock with her two brothers at the fountain; and he was stronger than they , and beat them both.” The two gods were repulsed

ed Baucis and Philemon, an aged and a happy pair. They were poor, but they did not desire to be rich. They had no servants t

they did not desire to be rich. They had no servants to command, and they needed none; they loved and helped one another. S

re to be rich. They had no servants to command, and they needed none; they loved and helped one another. Spurned from better

eer, but you shall be welcome;” and waving his hand for them to pass, they stooped their heads a little, at the low door, an

ire, and the guests were invited to repose themselves upon it Just as they were taking their seats, Baucis, the mistress of

ests each a bath for his feet, which were soiled with dust; and after they were cleaned, she wiped them dry with her own han

t. Baucis and Philemon ate with their visiters; and greatly surprised they were, when they saw the pitcher replenished, and

ilemon ate with their visiters; and greatly surprised they were, when they saw the pitcher replenished, and the bowls filled

th me;” and she followed him to the little yard of the cottage. There they conferred, and there they prayed that good, and n

im to the little yard of the cottage. There they conferred, and there they prayed that good, and not evil, might follow this

n the god Mercury, sought kindness from the people all about you, and they meanly refused us shelter and protection. “Such c

e, but you shall not be involved in their punishment. Trust the gods; they will deliver you.” Philemon bowed submissively, a

ssively, and taking a staff in one hand and Baucis by the other, away they went, as fast as they could travel, nor ever stop

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

, away they went, as fast as they could travel, nor ever stopped till they had nearly reached the mountain top; then they tu

nor ever stopped till they had nearly reached the mountain top; then they turned and looked down upon the valley. It was co

le of the gods. Jupiter stood beside his ancient host and hostess, as they gazed at this wonderful change of objects. “O vir

the sepulchre.”7 Jupiter granted their request, and for a few years they dwelt in the precincts of his temple, and assiste

precincts of his temple, and assisted in his worship. But one day, as they stood at the gate discoursing with some strangers

m of a tree’s trunk, and an encroaching rind closed up their lips, as they uttered the fond words, “Farewell, faithful husba

d their husbands constant till death, like Philemon. “The good, said they , are God’s peculiar care, And such as honour Heav

e Baucis and Philemon? Ann. Very much. But I should like to know why they had no glass windows in their cottage, as I suppo

to know why they had no glass windows in their cottage, as I suppose they had not, for their room was dark till the fire bl

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

ility to wash the feet of strangers among the ancients? Ann. Because they did not wear stockings, nor properly shoes, but s

hich were only a sole laced on the foot; and travellers did not ride; they walked in the dust, and their limbs were soiled,

t ride; they walked in the dust, and their limbs were soiled, so that they were refreshed and purified by bathing themselves

, so that they were refreshed and purified by bathing themselves when they first entered a house. Mother. As you have point

er. Now you see one of the uses of classical fables. Ann. I see that they serve to explain the Bible sometimes. I never bea

able inhabitants. He saw in the street a procession of young females; they were going to the temple of Minerva to celebrate

clear, steady blaze. Her father and all her friends were present, and they smiled with complacency upon Mercury and Herse. A

ue. According to the fable, Mercury obtained Herse of her father, and they were married, as Aglauria had foreseen in her dre

so. Mother. That is true, too. We love both fact and fiction, though they are different. A fiction must have some truth mix

the people whom he found in Attica, so that district was called, and they and his followers became one people, and lived pe

ne people, and lived peaceably together. Am. What sort of people were they of Attica? Mother. They were very ignorant, and

to buy and sell property; and he taught them a great deal more, which they did not know before. Cecrops had learned this in

Did the Egyptians know more than other people? Mother. At that time they did. Ann. What time was that? Mother. A hundred

beyed them. All that shows you the Egyptians were civilized, and that they might teach the ignorant a great deal. Their know

Ann. Had the Egyptians and Greeks the same gods? Mother. Yes, though they called them by different names. Do you not rememb

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

ys, and when strangers, who were young and handsome, visited a place, they called them gods, and perhaps they believed it A

ung and handsome, visited a place, they called them gods, and perhaps they believed it Ann. What did Aglauria mean, when sh

its who were sent among men, and that “when we sleep or when we wake, they walk unseen” about us, doing us good or harm. The

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

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

w was the god’s wife, had a dispute; and they could not settle it, so they went to Tiresias, and said he should decide for t

, in our houses hung with mirrors. The Greeks had no glass; sometimes they used plates of polished brass or steel to see the

ich he should never be able to obtain. Those who refuse to enjoy what they have, often afflict themselves with longing for w

enjoy what they have, often afflict themselves with longing for what they cannot get. This was the punishment the gods infl

f; and when the young girls came to look at him lying on the bank, as they had seen him, he was no longer there, but in his

rls, her friends. They all thought the bull the most beautiful animal they had ever seen. Europa wove a wreath for his horns

sh himself. The first act which the founders of cities performed when they began to build a city was to make a sacrifice, an

o a reservoir of clear water, and without asking leave of any person, they dipped their vessels into it and filled them. Thi

ragon returned, and killed them all. Cadmus, after long wondering why they did not return, became seriously alarmed, and wen

es of armed men arose before him. These children of earth, as soon as they had takes breath, began to fight among themselves

d, or made friends of the armed men who had killed his followers. But they fought among themselves, and after some were kill

Hesiod. Cadmus married Harmonia, the daughter of Mars and Venus, and they lived happily together. They had one son and four

ve, Antinoe, and Semele. Antinoe married a prince named Aristeus, and they had a son called Acteon. This Acteon was one of t

their governess, who in the fable is called Diana, entered the place, they found the intruder. The Greeks were then a rude p

ld kill or beat those who offended them. Perhaps, when he was asleep, they tied Acteon’s hands, so that he could not defend

er. No; it teaches that when others offend us, we should know whether they really intended it, before we are displeased with

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

e were three sister-deities, who made man wicked and miserable. These they sometimes called the Furies, and sometimes the Eu

d the Eumenides were very cruel, and here is a fable which shows that they thought so. Ino, the eldest daughter of Cadmus, w

ish this foolish pride of Ino. Athamas and Ino loved one another, and they had very fine children, whom they loved dearly. T

amas and Ino loved one another, and they had very fine children, whom they loved dearly. They were rich, had a better house

se than their neighbours, and were beloved by their subjects, to whom they were very kind. It is not easy to make those unha

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

able, and who love one another; because, if they should be afflicted, they comfort each other, and sympathy and pity make us

re, With tail and bended ear he fawning soothes: But suffers not that they with backward step Repass. Whoe’er would issue fr

her to stop at Tartarus, and see their prisoners. Juno consented, and they unbarred the heavy gates of burnished brass, and

f distressed looking women; tears were rolling down their cheeks, and they were dipping water in bottomless vessels from a c

a brazen helmet. When Athamas and Ino beheld their infernal visiter, they were struck with sudden horror, and tried to esca

but the people of that age did not consider it a disease, as it was; they supposed it was a curse inflicted by a god. You k

is wife and child. Ann. Yes, because insane persons do not know what they do. What made the ancients think the gods were ma

as the story describes Juno and the fury Tisiphone? Mother. Because they did not know any better. They saw that men commit

did not know any better. They saw that men committed crimes, and that they suffered afflictions; and they presumed that mali

aw that men committed crimes, and that they suffered afflictions; and they presumed that malignant gods induced men to commi

that malignant gods induced men to commit those crimes, and also that they brought evils upon mankind. Ann. Did every body

ht that if the gods allowed men to do wrong, and to suffer pain, that they only punished them in order to make them good; an

nother name, the Eumenides; and that means, the benevolent, who, when they inflicted pain, were supposed to intend to improv

In ancient times, when persons wished to commend a man very much, they would say, he is not the son of a man, but of a g

ry much, they would say, he is not the son of a man, but of a god, as they said that Perseus was the son of Jupiter; and als

god, as they said that Perseus was the son of Jupiter; and also, when they did not know who a person’s father was, they said

Jupiter; and also, when they did not know who a person’s father was, they said he was some god. Semele, one of the daughter

, as he lay asleep under a tree, near the seaside, from a place where they had landed to procure water. The pirates imagined

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

offer a large sum to have him restored. In order to get this ransom, they proceeded to take him. Actes, the master of the v

take him. Actes, the master of the vessel, heard the men talk of what they intended to do, and he commanded them to forbear,

lk of what they intended to do, and he commanded them to forbear, but they disobeyed him, and, in spite of his remonstrances

g Naxos, entreated the mariners to return with him to the island, but they took no notice of his supplications. Finding them

and afterward made him his high priest. The ship was then loosed, and they soon went ashore. Bacchus then commenced what are

d forests, shouting and dancing in the most frantic manner. Sometimes they made processions. A man, dressed to represent Bac

he ordered soldiers to march against them and disperse them wherever they should assemble. Superstitious persons, whenever

e them wherever they should assemble. Superstitious persons, whenever they are rudely opposed, become more fixed in their su

rustling of leaves. They soon discovered Pentheus in the tree, though they did not recognise him, and in their rage dragged

rate. The Bacchantes used to call their fury, inspiration. We cannot, they would say, restrain this feeling which we have. W

e disposes us to these extravagances. They were intoxicated, and thus they excused their folly. Agave and her sisters did no

xcused their folly. Agave and her sisters did not perceive who it was they had killed, and they cut off his head and fixed i

gave and her sisters did not perceive who it was they had killed, and they cut off his head and fixed it upon the point of a

d that men and women at this time do not worship false gods, and that they have been taught to worship God properly. Mother

h do harm instead of good; and these practices are superstitions, and they who practise them are superstitious persons. Ann

ng prisoner, and metamorphosed himself for gods could take what shape they pleased, into a shower of gold, that he might ent

ew this himself. He said to himself. My subjects are tired of me, and they love young Perseus; they will kill me, I fear; or

to himself. My subjects are tired of me, and they love young Perseus; they will kill me, I fear; or perhaps he will, that he

ing for him. If I should kill him, my subjects would kill me, because they love him; so I should gain nothing by that. I wil

Medusa. The gorgons were three sisters, Euryale, Stheno, and Medusa; they dwelt at a great distance from Seriphus, on the b

o snakes; and she looked so dreadful, that when others looked at her, they were turned to stone. Perseus proposed to cut off

e Atlantic; and there, every evening when the people saw the sun set, they said the horses of Apollo had descended to refres

er the innocent from their oppressors and to punish the cruel; and as they love the good, and abhor the wicked, they assist

to punish the cruel; and as they love the good, and abhor the wicked, they assist those who are foil of compassion like them

hose who are foil of compassion like themselves. I trust them; I know they will afford me help to deliver you: but tell me h

d had directed me, I saw first some ugly women, called the Graiæ, and they informed me where I should find their frightful n

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

e when I asked her in marriage; yet, regardless of their own promise, they did not wait for me to claim her, but have bestow

her, but have bestowed her upon you. Restore her to me; else thou and they may dread my vengeance.” Perseus cut short the ma

iving should separate them. The friends of Perseus took his part; and they and the adherents of Phineus soon came to blows.

arty, led the terrified Andromeda to the altar of Hymen, behind which they screened themselves, and soon perceived Minerva s

lated to Perseus the cruelty of her father to herself and to him; but they had both forgiven him. They knew that believed hi

ering Argos, the travellers stopped at the city of Larissa; and there they heard that Teatimas, the king, was celebrating fu

from innocent persons, because envious people hurt the innocent, when they have an opportunity, as Polydectes would have hur

as a prince of Peloponnesus, in Greece, and he had many children, and they became founders of cities, like their ancestor, P

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

valley of Tempe, though, like other goddesses, they could go wherever they liked, were it ever so distant from their favouri

imes the god Apollo came to see them. Poets used to pray to them; and they fancied they could not make good verses, unless o

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

Muses would assist them. At this time, when Minerva went to see them, they were at Mount Helicon. Minerva, who was never mar

red herself. The sisters were delighted with the honour she did them; they seated themselves around her, in a delightful gro

to entertain her. Calliope related that not far from the place where they were seated, in the valley below, a fountain had

ling water burst from the chasm opened by his hoof.” Minerva proposed they should all go to the fountain, and immediately sh

nd immediately she and the nine sisters took their way thither. While they all stood by it, listening to the soft gurgling s

l stood by it, listening to the soft gurgling sound of its waters, as they flowed from the rock, among the trees which overs

s they flowed from the rock, among the trees which overshadowed them, they heard a sound like human voices. “Can these be bi

h I hear?” asked Minerva. “They are birds now,” answered Polyhymnia; “ they are magpies, and their history is curious.” “I ne

was Pierus, king of Macedonia. The princesses had delightful voices; they sung sweetly, but they were so vain as to match t

cedonia. The princesses had delightful voices; they sung sweetly, but they were so vain as to match their voices with ours,

er, and all the gods. “She sung that the giants were great and brave; they desired to reign in heaven, and that was glorious

ave; they desired to reign in heaven, and that was glorious ambition; they would thrust out the gods, and seat themselves in

they would thrust out the gods, and seat themselves in high Olympus: they were worthy of crowns and thrones. Nor did the go

or did the gods dare to meet them; but, veiling their glorious forms, they took those of sordid animals — of beasts, and bir

There the servile Egyptians cherished and worshipped them; and still they adore, for their sakes, the ox, the ibis, and the

o enter into competition with any but the children of earth. “And did they not heed your counsel?” asked Minerva. “No; they

n of earth. “And did they not heed your counsel?” asked Minerva. “No; they were defeated, and that provoked them; and they p

” asked Minerva. “No; they were defeated, and that provoked them; and they pretended that they were injured. They said the M

; they were defeated, and that provoked them; and they pretended that they were injured. They said the Muses were selfish, a

e deemed it right to punish them. We turned them to magpies, and here they are chattering in the trees which hang over the P

mes call the fountain Hippocrene. They desired to possess it, and now they haunt its borders.” “You treated them as they des

to possess it, and now they haunt its borders.” “You treated them as they deserved,” remarked Minerva; “conceit and presump

Yes,” answered Polyhymnia. “You know that multitudes of mortals, when they would compose songs and other verses, pray to us

o us to assist them. We sometimes tell them to drink of these waters; they give them knowledge and ideas which they can repe

em to drink of these waters; they give them knowledge and ideas which they can repeat. If they drink much of the water, they

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

dge and ideas which they can repeat. If they drink much of the water, they will make fine verses, perhaps; but if they just

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

but if they just taste, and expect a single draught to inspire them, they become conceited, but they produce nothing fine.

d expect a single draught to inspire them, they become conceited, but they produce nothing fine. The chariot of day began to

nd of Delos in high honour, for Apollo was their favourite deity, and they sent offerings to him yearly to Delos, because th

my mind together. Mother. They come into your mind together because they belong to one another, that is, they are associat

into your mind together because they belong to one another, that is, they are associated with one another. You have seen th

which this priestess sat was covered with the skin of the Python. And they celebrated the death of the Python in certain gam

as very fashionable among them. They used them for many purposes, and they were sometimes used to burn perfumes, or to set l

you to read to me another day some few more Classical Tales; but when they shall have been finished, you must return to some

return to something useful. Ann. Are not these useful? Mother; Yes; they will enable you to understand pictures, and statu

at river shall be subject to her control, and grateful navigators, as they speed their course over that majestic stream, sha

in the tail of her peacocks; where, deprived of the power of vision, they served to adorn that party-coloured bird. Juno no

s no more glorious ancestors than your own; as I have often told you, they are the very same. Go to the palace of the sun; t

age which Apollo had consecrated, and bearing incense in their hands, they preceded to the temple of Latona, there to prefer

ns. Do the offspring of Latona command your homage of their mother? —  they are but two! But the progeny of the royal house o

ver the ancient palace of Cadmus; and from behind this murky curtain, they discharged the winged shafts of death upon the de

ing, and wrestling, and in managing the horse — but, without warning, they fell, struck by the fatal arrows. Scarcely had ti

e of the gods, the Thebans set about making amends for their impiety; they repaired once more to the sacrifices of Latona an

sacrifices of Latona and her children, and all the solemnities which they had forsaken were repeated anew. All that was bel

said Latona. ‘Hard-hearted wretches! behold these innocent children; they have not tasted water this day!’ “‘The countrymen

s lake thy habitation!’ Scarcely had she pronounced these words, when they were all changed to frogs; and to this day’, cont

were all changed to frogs; and to this day’, continued my companion, ‘ they jump, and splash, and croak, in the lake, to the

t into their country by the colonies from Phœnicia and Egypt; so that they soon greatly increased their number, by bestowing

g divine honours on such as ranked high in the scale of fame. In time they excelled in civilization and refinement. They rep

tanding, the ancients durst not determine what was his figure; hence, they never adored his statue as they did that of the o

determine what was his figure; hence, they never adored his statue as they did that of the other gods. Yet some attempted to

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

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

od; but it was out of their power to define and comprehend him, since they had forgotten the instructions which God had give

also called Dii majorum gentium, gods of the greater nations, because they were known and revered by all nations. They were

were named Dii minorum gentium, gods of the smaller nations, because they had no place in heaven, and were not in the counc

tes signifies acting as gods, and semones signifies demi-men, because they were sons of a god and a female mortal, or of a g

o live. To fulfil this condition, Saturn devoured his sons as soon as they were born. Cybele, his wife, having, however, bro

piter, the priests of Cybele instituted a sort of dance, during which they beat brazen shields. Titan finding that the condi

s, overcame Saturn, and shut him arid Cybele in a close prison, where they lay till Jupiter, being grown up, fought for them

od you would address.” Ovid. “Two gates of steel (the name of Mars they bear, And still are worshipped with religious fea

ause she favours all creatures; Fatua, because infants never cry till they come into the world; Pessinuntia, because an imag

Cybele, his sister-in-law, and Corybas, his nephew, to Phrygia, where they introduced the mysteries of Terra, the mother of

same steps. The Romans highly distinguished themselves by the worship they paid to the mother of the gods. Obs. 3. — Histor

ey were not exempted from the priesthood nor permitted to marry until they had attained the age of thirty. They also took ca

was supposed to depend, and which was brought from Troy by Æneas. If they let the sacred fire expire, through inattention,

fire expire, through inattention, or violated their vows of chastity, they were burnt alive, being shut up in a subterraneou

s, the crime was expiated. The vestals enjoyed great privileges. When they met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; whe

ated. The vestals enjoyed great privileges. When they met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; when they went abroad, t

vileges. When they met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; when they went abroad, they were accompanied by lictors wit

met a criminal, they had power to pardon him; when they went abroad, they were accompanied by lictors with the fasces; and

ed the cornucopia or horn of plenty, he gave to the nymphs, and by it they were favoured with every thing, they wished for.

he gave to the nymphs, and by it they were favoured with every thing, they wished for. The shield with which he singly fough

lops gave a helmet to Pluto and a trident to Neptune. With these arms they conquered Saturn. Jupiter threw him headlong into

represented them as having been driven into the Infernal Regions. So they gave the name of Tartarus to the river Tartese, i

re nothing but their images carved on the prows of the ships in which they made away. A further account of them will be give

ine days, and at length rested upon the top of mount Parnassus, where they remained till the waters subsided. They then inqu

inventor of statues. To render the fables of the poets intelligible, they placed Minerva by him, directing his labours by h

theus? What afterwards happened to Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha? Did they obey the command of the oracle? Chapter VIII.

e tracts of light; Nuptialis, because married people praised her when they were happy; Parthenos, because she annually bathe

might be reconciled to their wives. When a married couple quarrelled, they usually repaired to her temple, and there unseali

mple, and there unsealing the sources of confidence in their breasts, they laid aside all bad feelings, and came back happy.

d from the pestle, with which the ancients pounded their corn, before they made their bread. Intercidona was invoked, becau

ened the doors of life to infants. Cunia takes care of infants while they sleep in cradles. Nundina was invoked by parents

imes, to admonish those who were entering on the scenes of life, that they should “beware of flattery,” and strive to gain t

it from fire at night. Thieves were patronized by Laverna, from whom they were named Laverniones. They worshipped her, when

rna, from whom they were named Laverniones. They worshipped her, when they put their designs and intrigues into execution. S

gnawed his own flesh; and she changed some clowns into frogs, because they prevented her drinking at a spring. Her favorite

atrons annually celebrated her festival for eight days in April, when they abstained from wine, and every sensual indulgence

th the blood of swine we beset alone, Which thus requite the mischief they have done.” Ovid. “To thee, fair goddess, we’l

the choir of clowns attend the show, In long procession, shouting as they go; Invoking her to bless their yearly stores, In

onis by the Syrians. The Massagetæ offered horses to the sun, because they were swift. Apollo, Phœbus, and Sol, are generall

that the sun runs over them all during the course of the year; hence they are called the twelve houses of the sun. 1. March

ns are supposed to be the daughters of the sun. Early in the morning, they prepare the chariot and the horses for their fath

etia, and Phaethusa were turned into poplars — weeping amber, because they constantly shed tears for his death. Cygnus, his

of which is to warn us that we form many indiscreet vows, and that if they were all heard, we should eternize our misfortune

ir eyes are piercing; also the raven, the crow, and the swan, because they are thought, to have had the gift of foreseeing f

they are thought, to have had the gift of foreseeing futurity. Hence they served as augurs, &c. His favorite residence

was twin-brother to Diana, from which circumstance we understand that they are used for the sun and moon; Nomius, because he

she had fourteen children. A cruel plague haying ravaged the country, they all died; and, as this plague was ascribed to an

to the misfortunes of the queen, which caused the poets to say, that they had been changed into stones. Amphion soon died o

elieve in the influence of the sun and moon. When Apollo was enraged, they represented him armed with his arrows; and to exp

ented him armed with his arrows; and to express that he was appeased, they put a lyre in his hand. Obs. 2. — The poets thus

poets saw that the sunflower always inclined itself towards the sun, they published that Clytia had been turned into a sunf

he palace of Pyreneus, king of Phocis. Being insulted by that prince, they took wings and flew away. To pursue them, he rush

20. Fig. 20. Calliope. The Muses were called Heliconiades, because they inhabited the mountain Helicon in Bœotia; Parnass

ght vocal waters from the fountain Helicon; Pie-rides, either because they dwelt on Mount Pierus, or because they changed in

con; Pie-rides, either because they dwelt on Mount Pierus, or because they changed into magpies the nine daughters of Pierus

s with that mental endowment that mankind refine their intellect, and they are also indebted to it for their progress in kno

virgins, because a youth, named Adonis, having tried to please them, they put him to death. This fable is intended to repre

the number of the fifty women given to that demi-god, by saying that they were the emblem of the fifty weeks in the year. T

year. The Muses, says he, were twelve months in the year; and, though they are usually nine in number, there must be added t

el, and not generally adopted. Questions. Who were the Muses? How are they usually represented? Give some account of them? H

cchus burst into tears, and the mariners laughed at his distress; but they were soon astonished to find that their ship was

Bacchus’s honour by the Phœnicians, and celebrated by young men, when they ran with vine leaves in their hands, from the tem

n the time of vintage; the art of squeezing the grapes being unknown, they trod them, and begged of Bacchus that he would re

Io! Evoe! Bacche! Io! Bacche! Evoe! Among both the Greeks and Romans, they were attended with drunkenness and debauchery; bu

uchery; but such were the disorder and pollution of these rites, that they attracted the attention of the Roman senate, who

ithœ, a Theban lady, refusing to be present at his festivals, because they were licentious, was changed into a bat; and Pent

on, named Hymen, the god of marriage. He had many other children, but they deserve no particular notice. The Egyptians sacri

on;” Eleus, because he animated his soldiers with acclamations before they fought; Jaccus, because he renders drunkards nois

, With taunts and laughter loud their audience please; In jolly hymns they praise the god of wine, Whose earthen images ador

and that of Mysos given to Bacchus by Orpheus equally designate, that they were saved from the waters. Bacchus was educated

r journey to the land of Canaan. Fable represents Bacchus with horns: they allude to the two rays of light which shone on th

. — See Fig. 23. Fig. 23. Minerva. “Out of her father’s scull, as they report, Without a mother, all in arms leap’d fort

was in her temple that the Romans placed the statue of Cybele, which they brought from Pessinus. The Arcadians, when they a

atue of Cybele, which they brought from Pessinus. The Arcadians, when they arrived in Italy, erected a temple in honour of h

f their intrigue, he spread around the lovers invisible nets in which they were taken. The jealous husband exposed them to t

t surprise. Ravens, magpies, and vultures, were also offered, because they followed armies, to feast on the slain. Mars was

rose the goddess like the star of morn, With rosy fingers as uncurled they hung Round her fair brow, her golden locks she wr

we find in them a medley of physics, morality, and history. Sometimes they consider her as a goddess, sometimes as a planet,

consulted their passions or those of kings and great personages whom they wished to flatter. Hence, the most seductive pain

intings, and often the most scandalous adventures, were the materials they made use of to form the history of their Venus. P

son of Venus Urania, who presided over legitimate unions; the other, they called Anteros. Obs. 6. — The mixture of the his

hœnicia. The prince recovered, however; and in a fit of frantick joy, they set forth the danger he had run, by saying that h

mus and Thisbe were both youths of Bahlon. In age, size, and fortune, they resembled each other. With their beauty they alte

age, size, and fortune, they resembled each other. With their beauty they alternately refined their joys and softened their

delight. Their love shot its roots deep, and grew luxuriantly before they were fitted for conjugal happiness. They solicite

ade to separate their houses. But nothing is impregnable to love; for they regularly talked with each other through a chink

y regularly talked with each other through a chink in the wall, where they conversed undiscovered, and which, at their parti

wall, where they conversed undiscovered, and which, at their parting, they carefully shut on both sides; but through this ap

ppiness, Could not pass. After repeated promises of mutual sincerity, they agreed to meet under the shade of a large white m

blooming complexion, were so animated as to excite the passions which they expressed. When clad in sensibility’s fairest rob

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

t whoever would be beaten by her, should be put to death. Accordingly they made their best efforts to beat her; but were all

wo lovers were turned into a lion and lioness by Cybele, whose temple they had profaned, when they were too impatient to hav

to a lion and lioness by Cybele, whose temple they had profaned, when they were too impatient to have their nuptials consumm

ap.” Nets artfully spread, prevented them from receiving bruises when they fell, and rich tributes were paid to the inventor

and holding each other by the hand. They are naked, to intimate that they borrow nothing from art, and have no other charms

rrow nothing from art, and have no other charms than those of nature; they are young, because charms fall to the lot of yout

d the memory of a benefit should not grow old. The poets feigned that they were small and slender in stature, thereby to sho

he highest degree. Questions. Who were the Graces? What blessings did they bestow on the human race? How are they represente

the Graces? What blessings did they bestow on the human race? How are they represented? Chapter XXIII. Vulcan. Vulcan

o formed some golden statues, and animated them in such a manner that they followed him wherever he went; he fabricated the

s working in the caverns of Mount Ætna. Apollo slew them all, because they had forged the thunderbolts with which Jupiter ki

Ansonian island Men called him Mulciber; and how he fell From heaven they fabled, thrown by angry Jove.                    

ire, Three arm’d with wind; and three were barb’d with fire. The mass they temper’d thick with livid rays, Fear, Wrath, and

ey are fabled to have had but one eye; to explain which, some suppose they wore a mask to keep off the fire with one hole ab

conducted them to Charon’s boat, to be ferried across the Styx. After they had spent some time in the nether world, he led t

separated gently from the mortal frame; but when applied to the dead, they returned to life. It also had the power of settli

He saw two serpents fighting, and when he laid his wand between them, they regarded each other with eyes of affection, and e

winds, And, whether o’er the seas or earth he flies, With rapid force they bear him down the skies. But first he grasps, wit

e god of the water, was represented by a vessel, full of holes, which they called Hydria. The Persians having pretended to s

e nothing equalled the respect of the Egyptians for the Hydria, which they also called Canopus, their god. According to them

alled after his name, Oceanides and Oceantides. The Argonauts, before they prosecuted their expedition, offered him flour, h

condemned to serve Laomedon, king of Troy, for one year, during which they built the walls of that famous city. Neptune laid

g to others, Molpe, Aglaophonos, and Thelxiope. Homer informs us that they resided in the straits of Messina, between Sicily

in the straits of Messina, between Sicily and Naples. Ovid says that they were the companions of Proserpine, when Pluto car

e pupils of Apollo punished them by pulling off their wings, of which they made crowns. The Sirens appear as beautiful young

es of the gods with such effect, that he overcome the Sirens. On this they precipitated themselves into the sea, and were ch

erved up with every thing that is good and desirable, when, in truth, they would but plunge us into scenes of voluptuousness

ually hazardous and perilous. Questions. Who were the Sirens? How are they represented? Who were the only two passengers, th

touching an herb upon which he had emptied out his nets, after which they instantly leaped into the sea. He wished to try i

otection and safeguard. The Roman ladies much honoured Leucothea; but they durst not offer vows to that goddess, because the

red Leucothea; but they durst not offer vows to that goddess, because they dreaded for their children the misfortunes which

lieved that souls wandered about tombs, or in gardens and woods which they had loved while they were united with the body. T

dered about tombs, or in gardens and woods which they had loved while they were united with the body. Those places were reli

self into a horse, gave birth to twelve colts of such swiftness, that they ran on the water without sinking and over the ear

the principal gods of the earth. Their functions and names prove that they owed their origin and the worship paid to them, t

senate. They were accepted; but to conceal the disgrace of the donor, they assimilated Laurentia to the ancient Flora, and h

and sulphur. They kindled great fires of straw, around and over which they danced and leaped; and offered to the goddess, mi

tituted by Numa. “A goddess Fornax island her the clowns adore, That they may’ve kindly batches by her pow’r.” Obs. — All

es were of Roman origin. They bore their names from the offices which they performed, and were unknown to the Greeks. Questi

cted with a human body, and as being crowned with pine branches. When they met drunkards, they stupified them with their loo

dy, and as being crowned with pine branches. When they met drunkards, they stupified them with their looks. The Fauns, the S

he sudden fright which Pan excited among the Gauls under Brennus when they were about to plunder the city of Delphi, at whos

us when they were about to plunder the city of Delphi, at whose sight they fled, as if an enemy had been at their heels. Oth

s. The Luperci, his priests, ran about the streets, lashing every one they met with whips. The women eagerly received the la

one they met with whips. The women eagerly received the lash, because they believed that each one who felt it, would prove a

oft ev’ning gales blew o’er the plains, And shook the sounding reeds, they taught the swains; And, thus the pipe was fram’d,

asses’ ears.” Many of the ridiculous fables of the ancients, by which they attempted to amuse and instruct the vulgar, are t

Penates were household gods, presiding over houses and families. When they reign in heaven, they are called Pentrales, and t

gods, presiding over houses and families. When they reign in heaven, they are called Pentrales, and the palace of their res

t Etruscans denominated them Consentes and Complices; concluding that they composed Jupiter’s council, the chiefs of the god

nd Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, are often invoked as the Penates. When they had empire over kingdoms and provinces, they were

ked as the Penates. When they had empire over kingdoms and provinces, they were called Penates; when they governed cities on

ad empire over kingdoms and provinces, they were called Penates; when they governed cities only, they were called Dii Patrii

provinces, they were called Penates; when they governed cities only, they were called Dii Patrii, or the “gods of the count

d Dii Patrii, or the “gods of the country,” or “great gods;” and when they preside over particular houses and families, they

eat gods;” and when they preside over particular houses and families, they are called “Pavique Penates,” or “small gods.” Th

r power was extended to streets, ways, the country, and the sea. When they have the care of cities, they are denominated Lar

s, ways, the country, and the sea. When they have the care of cities, they are denominated Lares Urbani; when of houses, Fam

ulla, in the likeness of a heart, and hollow within, and wore it till they attained the age of fourteen, when they consecrat

llow within, and wore it till they attained the age of fourteen, when they consecrated it to the Lares. The name of Lararium

d it to the Lares. The name of Lararium was given to that place where they were worshipped. They are often confounded with t

they were worshipped. They are often confounded with the Penates, but they differed from them, the latter being of divine or

human. Some considered the Lares as nothing else than the manes which they imagined to be continually hovering over their fo

ia. Jacob carried away those of his father-in-law Laban. In scripture they were called Teraphim. Questions. Who were the Pen

e of man. They are sometimes synonymous with the Lares and Manes; and they are called ‘“dæmons” by the Greeks, and Præstites

d ‘“dæmons” by the Greeks, and Præstites, or chief governors, because they take charge of all things. Sometimes they were fi

or chief governors, because they take charge of all things. Sometimes they were figured with such images as were calculated

red with such images as were calculated to paint the terror and dread they created in those to whom they appeared. Sometimes

alculated to paint the terror and dread they created in those to whom they appeared. Sometimes they were represented as a bo

rror and dread they created in those to whom they appeared. Sometimes they were represented as a boy, a girl, or an old man,

ure inferior to the gods. They existed in different countries, whence they were called Numen Loci, or the “deities of the pl

ing boys, Were call’d; all tasted of their sportive joys: They drank, they danc’d they sung, made wanton sport, Enjoy’d them

re call’d; all tasted of their sportive joys: They drank, they danc’d they sung, made wanton sport, Enjoy’d themselves, for

hey danc’d they sung, made wanton sport, Enjoy’d themselves, for life they knew was short.” Horace. Questions. Who were th

virtue was so strongly felt by some who were wiser than others, that they endeavoured carefully to preserve this necessary

gions was entirely taken from the customs the Egyptians observed when they buried their dead. “The Greek Mercury,” says he,

nd the bodies of the Egyptians are buried.” “In funeral ceremonies, they began with designating the day on which the body

. The respect of the Egyptians for the dead was carried so high, that they often preserved the bodies of even those to whom,

en refused. When the descendants of the poor became rich or powerful, they discharged the debts of their ancestors, reinstat

security in borrowing. Some gave their own bodies as a pledge; and if they failed to meet their engagements, they were devot

own bodies as a pledge; and if they failed to meet their engagements, they were devoted to infamy during their lifetime, and

could not enter the boat without a regular burial, for want of which they wandered one hundred years amidst the mud and sli

of the shores. When the souls of the dead had passed over the rivers, they stopped at the gate of Pluto’s palace, which was

ing threw him a cake, strongly impregnated with soporific drugs, that they might gain access to the eternal prison. In this

s were seen A youthful vigour, and autumnal green.” “A hundred years they wander on the shore, At length, their penance don

have been the daughter of the Ocean; and hence, gods swore by her. If they neglected it; Jupiter ordered Iris to give them a

table for a year, and deprived them of divinity for nine years. When they swore by the Styx, they were to touch the earth w

eprived them of divinity for nine years. When they swore by the Styx, they were to touch the earth with one hand, and the se

ence, famine, terror, rage, disease, remorse, and death; and in hell, they visited the guilty with eternal flagellation and

Atropos. They resided in a cave, scooped out of a marble rock, where they were charged with the management of the fatal thr

th which to cut it. The poets held that, in order to spin happy days, they employed gold and silk, and that unhappy days wer

ctres stand, Through the wide dome of Dis, a trembling band, Still as they plead, the fatal lots he rolls, Absolves the just

lately born, one period we assign To thee and to the brand. The charm they weave Into his fate, and then the chamber leave:

es? Who were the Furies? What was their mode of chastisement? How are they represented? Who were the Fates or Parcæ? How are

e in ample fields the soft Elysian air.” “These holy rites perform’d they took their way, Where long extended plains of ple

ful seats of happy souls below, Stars of their own, and their own sun they know.” “Patriots, who perish’d for their country

one hundred arms each; their mouths belched out flames; and for legs they had serpents; and for claws, the feet of dragons.

t of dragons. They were impudent enough to dethrone Jupiter; and when they fought with the celestial gods, they heaped mount

gh to dethrone Jupiter; and when they fought with the celestial gods, they heaped mountains upon mountains, and, at the same

darted oaks and burning woods against heaven. Some huge stones which they hurled, fell into the seas, and became islands; o

ut on his return, he ate up his children whom he had killed; and when they were served up in dishes, Atreus and Thyestes fea

o kill their respective husbands on their wedding night, which orders they all obeyed, except Hypermnestra, whose husband Ly

me, the sisters were pardoned by Jupiter; while others maintain, that they were condemned to fill a tub, full of holes, with

lf horses, and are said to have been born of a cloud by Ixion, whence they are called Nubiginæ. The most eminent of the Cent

dered the tables of Phoneus, king of Phœnicia, and haunted many, whom they affected with severe hunger. They had the power o

ings, golden; their bodies were covered with impenetrable scales; and they had one eye and one tooth, which served them all

rides, and made sad ravages in the country, attacking travellers; but they were overcome by Perseus, who cut of the head of

divided respecting the origin of the Gorgons. Diodorus pretends that they were warlike women, dwelling in Libya, near the l

n, dwelling in Libya, near the lake Tritonis, In the time of Perseus, they were often at war with the Amazons, and were gove

ed, banished the power of self-defence. Profitting by this advantage, they attacked their enemies, and overcame them. The po

nd then refused his brother his crown; upon which a war followed, and they were both killed in single combat. Their enmity w

pile to be consumed by the fire; but the flames refused to unite, and they were divided into two parts. Questions. Present a

of Eudemonia, or Macaria. An oracle having said to the Athenians that they would be victorious, if one of Hercules’ children

entertained of eternity. All the genealogies of their gods prove that they could not conceive a divinity without beginning o

ding to its masculine or feminine name. People implored Thought, that they might have nothing but good thoughts. All kinds o

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

salem. In the same temple all who professed the arts, assembled, when they had to sustain their rights and prerogatives that

name of Harpocrates. The Romans represented Silence as a goddess whom they called Ageronia. The latter had also the god of s

hom they called Ageronia. The latter had also the god of speech, whom they called Aius Locutius. — See Fig. 56. Fig. 56. H

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

yers, her sisters, run after her, to repair the evils she causes; but they are lame, and their cruel sister always outruns t

a river or a forest, experienced some unexpected danger or surprise, they erected an altar, adorned it with some attributes

ore, an easy matter to become familiar with them, by studying them as they appear bedecked with the charms and ornaments of

f the gods themselves. Though at first his bitter jests were admired, they ultimately caused him to be turned off from the c

raised against the finest conceptions, and the most beautiful works, they excite the laughter merely of the ignorant, the f

their honour; but the celebration of their funeral pomp, during which they sang their most brilliant exploits, was confined

o him under the name of Hercules Olympius; and in those very temples, they celebrated his obsequies, in his quality of hero.

s, Messenians, and Thebans, began by offering sacrifices to the gods; they next invoked the heroes of their country. It was

s of their relatives by feasts, invocations, and offerings. At first, they raised them remarkable tombs; from which they pro

nd offerings. At first, they raised them remarkable tombs; from which they proceeded to make libations to their statues and

ame by public decrees, the protecting heroes of the people among whom they had lived; and often other nations adopted them,

ice the most celebrated, according to the order of the times in which they flourished. Consequently, we begin with the histo

mon which replied, that, in order to appease the anger of the nymphs, they must expose Andromeda to become the prey of a mar

s, celebrated by the poets, was an allegory. By the wings of Mercury, they meant the ship which conducted Perseus to the Afr

ed to his father’s chariot wheel, and Theseus, to a huge stone, where they experienced excruciating torments. Hercules, howe

, Th’ Œchalian walls and Trojan overthrew. Besides a thousand hazards they relate, Procur’d by Juno’s and Euristheus’ hate.

ours of Hercules under the image of the persecutions of Juno, in whom they personified jealousy. Under the fables of Hercule

ir ingenuity in explaining the fables of Hercules in various ways, if they take pleasure in comparing mythology with history

le and famous in Greece. He built a ship, called the Argo, from which they were called Argonauts, among whom were Hercules,

were sown in the ground, and an army of men instantly sprang up; but they were destroyed. He took the fleece, and fled by n

life. Jupiter allowed them to share immortality by turns. Accordingly they lived and died alternately every other day, or, a

a sort of pyrrhick, or dance in armour, called “Castor’s dance.” When they were made constellations in heaven, they were cal

alled “Castor’s dance.” When they were made constellations in heaven, they were called Gemini. Sailors deem these stars ausp

ly abated. But when mariners perceived only one flame, called Helena, they accounted it ruinous to them. Castor and Pollux h

s thought that when the Romans waged a dangerous war with the Latins, they aided the Romans, riding on white horses. They ar

urmounted with a star. When women swore only by the temple of Castor, they said, Ecastor; while men, swearing only by Hercul

Mehercule. But when both men and women swore by the temple of Pollux, they said, Ædepol. — See Fig. 74. Fig. 74. Castor an

ndered the Grecian fleet, bound for Troy, immovable. In this calamity they were informed by the soothsayers, that they must

movable. In this calamity they were informed by the soothsayers, that they must appease Diana with the blood of Agamemnon’s

and Pollux? What became of Castor? What name was given to them, when they became constellations in heaven? How were Castor

his masterly hand. So fine and delicate indeed were its touches, that they dissolved the most beautiful nymphs, his constant

stage of life, on condition that Orpheus would not look at her, until they had both ascended to the tracts of day. On his wa

a siege, pretended to retreat without farther molestation; and, as if they had wished to repair the injury done to Minerva b

epair the injury done to Minerva by the profanation of the Palladium, they made a wooden horse, in which they shut up armed

the profanation of the Palladium, they made a wooden horse, in which they shut up armed soldiers. No sooner had they entere

e a wooden horse, in which they shut up armed soldiers. No sooner had they entered the island Teneos, than the Trojans, seei

, than the Trojans, seeing this immense colossus, deliberated whether they would admit it into their city. Laocoon was viole

them, said that it was the vow of the Greeks to appease Minerva, and they had constructed it of so enormous a size as to pr

ead. The signal being given to the Greeks in ambush without the city, they immediately came in. Agamemnon was no sooner arri

he city; slew Rhœsus, king of Thrace, and took away his horses before they had drank of the river Xanthus, on which depended

lles. The judges were so captivated by the eloquence of Ulysses, that they gave judgment in his favour; upon which Ajax was

ontained his treasure, laid a scheme to rob him. Accordingly, just as they came in sight of the desired port, they opened th

rob him. Accordingly, just as they came in sight of the desired port, they opened the bag. The winds rushed out, and drove t

s expedient, he escaped the fatal snares into which, by their melody, they drew men. He was civilly entertained by Calypso.

stance, rushed upon the suitors of Penelope, and slew them all, after they had treated him in the most insolent manner. Afte

gods caused Orion to spring from the skin of that very ox, which skin they had formed with earth diluted with water. Orion b

æ. The Pleiades were placed in the heavens as constellations, because they immoderately bewailed the hard fate of their fath

iled the hard fate of their father Atlas. So were the Hyades, because they incessantly lamented the death of their brother H

entively regarding the face of heaven. As the people saw him no more, they conceived that he was translated into heaven: whe

n: whence, upon their observing a bright star, setting after the sun, they called it Hesperus, Hesper, Hesperugo, Vesper, Ve

esper, Vesperugo, or the Evening Star. When appearing before sunrise, they called it Phosphorus, Lucifer, or the Morning Sta

and literal. The figures of animals represented in temples, and which they seemed to worship, were nothing but hieroglyphics

cred language, the hieroglyphics of which were emblems, one sees that they generally believed an inanimate and confused natu

by the priests, who were more enlightened than the multitude: and, as they highly appreciated an opinion which elevated them

ly appreciated an opinion which elevated them so far above other men, they enveloped it with impenetrable mysteries. Even th

themselves were not admitted to a knowledge of those mysteries, until they had passed through the most terrible trials. Thes

orance, bigotry, and superstition. In these absurdities and mummeries they surpassed all other nations. The Scriptures repre

full of eyes, very clear sighted; Isis signified the antique, because they thought the moon eternal. Osiris is represented

oniously conducted to the Nile; and if he had lived the time allowed, they drowned him, embalmed his body, and buried it wit

ring which time none but women could appear before him. This ceremony they performed with wanton and indecent rites. There w

to the mouth of the god, and then withdrew, closing their ears, till they had left the temple. The first sounds that were h

nce in the subtle ether. The Persians did not form images of him; for they deemed it impious to do so, but venerated fire as

r, or sacred cord of three threads, the mystic emblem of their faith, they learn the Gayterre, or invocation of praise to th

Indians. They abstain from fermented liquors and animal food, because they have great faith in metempsychosis. The Sanscrit

d the learned. The Hindoos consider the moon as a male deity on which they confer the appellation of Chandra, and which is r

rder to destroy every thing on earth. The river Ganges is sacred; and they practise ablution in its waters. They celebrate t

They hang themselves upon spikes, until having been religiously fed, they expire. In ancient times, victims both bestial an

d with a little mud in their mouths. The third time he sent them out, they returned no more, by which he knew that the earth

ompanied him. The same voice exhorted them to be religious, and after they should discover the memoirs which had been deposi

alled Genae and Genus, dwelt in Phœnicia. A great drought prevailing, they stretched their hands towards the sun, which they

drought prevailing, they stretched their hands towards the sun, which they regarded as the only god and master of heaven. Ge

engendered other men, whose names were Light, Fire, and Flame. It was they who discovered fire by rubbing one piece of wood

ising the gods, and enjoying each other’s society. They imagined that they sometimes appeared under the figures of beautiful

es, as etherial spirits, riding on rays of light and clouds, and that they occasionally revisited the earth to warble forth

No sooner had two men thrown themselves headlong into the fire, than they appeared in the heavens as the sun and moon. The

the priests performed their ablutions, and a sacred fountain of which they drank, and buildings in which were preserved the

lding of the temple of Mexitli, which was a miserable hovel. But when they became so populous and rich as to rebuild this sa

The inhabitants of that city were so charmed with his eloquence, that they persuaded him to remain with them. Having lecture

cured of their diseases, and taught them how to worship the god. When they recovered, they danced before the image of the go

iseases, and taught them how to worship the god. When they recovered, they danced before the image of the god. After this, t

they recovered, they danced before the image of the god. After this, they drank for a medicine some water which had been bl

and the poets were addicted to such flights of the imagination, when they knew that the propensities and passions of men se

-cit? How many gods of war did the Mexicans worship? What deities did they load with divine honours? Who was Ix-lil-tot? Who

he Israelites in the sight of those nations through whose territories they travelled, might have given them the idea of cons

was forbidden there to spit, or to defile them in any way. Sometimes they entered them on their knees. They served as an as

figures, and employed immense stones in their construction, although they had to bring them from the quarries of Elephantin

ght towers, built the one upon the other, which went on decreasing as they ascended. Some authors, deceived by the Latin ver

to the memory of Belus. Egypt possessed temples equally ancient; but they were erected in honour of the gods. Herodotus men

his odes, Pindar says that this temple was built by the Amazons, when they made war on the Athenians and on Theseus; but Pau

rcules, came to take refuge in the temple of Diana, at Ephesus, after they had fled from the banks of the Thermodon. Pliny g

iderable an edifice, and to harden the ground tempered by the waters, they made use of pounded coal, over which they spread

und tempered by the waters, they made use of pounded coal, over which they spread the skins of sheep, bound with their woole

eople of Elis won from the inhabitants of Pisa and their allies, when they took and sacked the city of Pisa. This temple had

ng that cave with laurel-branches; a chapel succeeded, and soon after they built a temple of brass, in imitation, no doubt,

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

cquire a knowledge of futurity; but they could obtain no reply, until they had made a considerable present. These presents w

Dale. Could oracles have so long preserved their credit and eclat, if they had been the result of mere deception? This is a

the god; at others, the god himself gave his replies. In some places, they were received during sleep; and this sleep was pr

wonder, she practised some ceremonies of her ancient mystery. Hence, they attributed to her something divine; and she doubt

hed to the conquest of the world. Before people consulted the oracle, they made numerous sacrifices, always with the air of

were arranged, and given out in the form of verse, a connexion which they had not in the mouth of the priestess. As soon as

in the mouth of the priestess. As soon as the oracle was pronounced, they drew the Pythia from the tripod, to conduct her t

lo. The priests or prophets were charged with all other cares. It was they who placed the priestess in such a manner as to r

itation excited, he was taken to the chapel of the good genius, where they permitted him to resume his senses. Next, he wrot

red him, and caused his body to be thrust through the outlet of which they made use themselves to enter without being percei

uld be impossible to name them all. In Bœotia, a very small province, they counted at least twenty-five. It is true, that it

ones appeared, whilst the more ancient lost their credit. Oftentimes they were plundered. That of Delphi, among others, was

r to be burnt alive, saying, that, if she had wished to deceive them, they would punish her; and that, if she had spoken the

e them, they would punish her; and that, if she had spoken the truth, they would thereby assure themselves of victory. The p

ereby assure themselves of victory. The people seized the envoys, but they durst hot punish them without judgment, and gave

iestesses condemned them, the two men were of a contrary opinion, and they were absolved. Chapter XIII. Of the Sibyls.

he ancients gave the name of Sibyls to a certain number of girls whom they supposed to be endowed with the gift of prophecy.

rd to their number, their countries, and names, and the time in which they flourished. Varro, the most learned of the Romans

e people yielded so much faith to the predictions of the Sibyls, that they never undertook an important war without consulti

s and misfortunes, such as a revolt, a defeat, a plague, or a famine, they always had recourse to the Sibylline verses. Thes

phas, as much faith in them as had been placed in their predecessors, they never received. It was in order to watch over thi

and afterwards predicts the misfortunes which threaten the Romans, if they do not abandon the worship of idols, and embrace

chariots. 3. Leaping and the quoit, a stone of a certain weight which they strove to throw as far as possible. 4. Wrestling,

tus, or fencing with the strokes of fists. In the game of the cestus, they armed their hands with large leather strings, and

ties enriched them with presents; and, during the rest of their days, they were entertained at the expense of the public tre

ed them to be thrown down from the Tarpeian rock. To avoid deception, they combated naked. This usage was adopted, because C

e descendants of Hellen were so numerous and powerful in Greece, that they established a law by which that family only was a

own that several nations gave their pontiffs the name of the god whom they served. Frige, filled with his ambitious projects

is to say, the poets,) granted the same honour to those whose praises they sung; and thus multiplied the descendants of Odin

in the minds of the Northern Nations; and when the signal was given, they rushed, with one accord, upon that ambitious empi

and represent Odin as one of the most persuasive of men. Nothing, say they , could resist the power of his discourses. Someti

which the people gave the name of prodigies to all at whose exploits they were greatly astonished. Chapter II. General I

tin authors had but little intercourse with the northern people, whom they styled barbarians. They were ignorant even of the

ns seldom allow them to keep up a just equilibrium. Hence, as soon as they leave the track of primitive traditions, they are

rium. Hence, as soon as they leave the track of primitive traditions, they are apt to wander with a frightful rapidity. And

o reasonable a doctrine had so great influence over their minds, that they often displayed their contempt of the polytheism

heism of those nations who treated them as barbarians; and every time they became the stronger party, their first care was t

one individual being could not watch over all parts of the universe, they considered it a duty to call to his aid, other mi

all other creatures; and upon this belief was founded the veneration they had for Earth. They called her mother earth, the

all fecundity, and the mother of. all that exists. It was to her that they applied for marriage and happy deliveries. She di

ss of youth, had charge of certain apples, of which the gods ate when they felt the approach of old age, and the power of wh

medicine; Gelione, of virginity; she protects chaste females, and, if they die unmarried, takes them to her heavenly dwellin

impatient hoof, the earth, And snorting fiercely ‘gan to neigh, As if they heard the battle bray, And burn’d to join the blo

f they heard the battle bray, And burn’d to join the bloody fray. But they unmov’d and silent sate, With pensive brow and lo

lga. The court of the gods was usually held under a large oak, where they administered justice. This oak is represented as

, three virgins continually drew a kind of precious water, with which they watered the tree. This water keeps up the beauty

three beautiful virgins, the Nornas, often meet under the oak, where they determine the fate of mortals. Their names are Ur

them to the credulous. It was by fictions, sometimes ingenious, that they endeavoured to extol the simplicity of their reli

t into the abyss, and out of him fabricated the globe. With his blood they formed the sea and the rivers; the earth, with hi

d flambeaux to enlighten it, and fixed to other fires the space which they were to survey; some in heaven, others under heav

arth round, and girded it with the deep Ocean, on the shores of which they placed giants. One day as the sons of Bor, or the

placed giants. One day as the sons of Bor, or the gods, walked there, they found two floating pieces of wood, out of which t

s, walked there, they found two floating pieces of wood, out of which they formed man and woman. The elder of the sons gave

urse of things, or to resist the destinies. We have already seen that they admitted three Fairies or Nornas, who determined

this doctrine a still more barbarous and dangerous prejudice, namely; they believed that the limit of the life of a man coul

s and punishments. This idea was general among the Celts; and upon it they founded the obligation to serve the gods, and to

, proud Warder, rob’d in glory,     Are the foes of nature nigh? Have they climb’d the mountains hoary?     Have they storm’

foes of nature nigh? Have they climb’d the mountains hoary?     Have they storm’d the lofty sky? On the wings of tempest r

orway, amidst plains and on hills, are still found altars about which they assembled for sacrifices and other religious cere

e is composed, are very rare in the isle of Selande; for which reason they must have been transported a great distance — mon

ll times, men have thought that in order to honour deity more highly, they ought to make for him some prodigious efforts, an

k embraced Christianity, and the very remembrance of the places which they occupied, is lost; but some tables of altars, dis

th a great deal of elact at the commencement of spring; at which time they asked of that god, much fighting and success in p

multiplied; and in public calamities, that blood appearing too vile, they caused that of man to flow. This barbarous and al

it until the ninth century, because it was not until that period that they received the lights of Christianity, and the arts

sh, and especially to all who had lost their courage. In time of war, they chose their human victims among captives; and in

esses by the assembly, and had so many promises of life to come, that they sometimes congratulated themselves on their desti

f vile blood; for the more dear and noble the victim, the more highly they imagined they redeemed the divine benevolence. Th

for the more dear and noble the victim, the more highly they imagined they redeemed the divine benevolence. The history of t

ved to receive the blood of victims. After having killed the animals, they opened their entrails to read futurity in them; a

rwards roasted the flesh, which was distributed in the assembly. When they immolated men, the victim was laid upon a large s

led partly upon the people, and partly upon the sacred wood. With it, they also besmeared the images of the gods, the altars

n and without. Near the temple was a well, or deep spring, into which they sometimes cast a victim devoted to Frigga, the go

doubted not but these offerings had been most agreeable to him. When they immolated a victim, the priest said: I devote the

courage him to tread in the path of virtue in the morning of life; if they do not sweeten his temper, and spread over his so

North. In studying carefully the phenomena of nature, or rather, what they considered as the visible operations of a deity,

or rather, what they considered as the visible operations of a deity, they hoped to succeed in ascertaining his tastes, incl

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

What we have related, is sufficient to show how necessary it is that they should be guided by lights superior to those of t

rishing countries were the native soil of our first parents; and that they were also the brilliant centre whence the arts an

e inhabited. The study of natural history induces us to believe, that they formerly made a part of the European continent; b

d through the seas in order to fix themselves in the isles, only when they had become somewhat populous. We know that the Ce

habited Gaul; and it is to the historians of the nations against whom they carried on frequent wars, that they owe their cel

rians of the nations against whom they carried on frequent wars, that they owe their celebrity. Julius Cesar and Tacitus rel

hatever may have been the origin of the inhabitants of Great Britain, they were numerous enough, and, above all, courageous

e carnage, hid themselves in the heart of forests and in caves, where they devoted themselves to meditation; and the vergobr

atterers of those who protected them, or the slanderers of those whom they looked upon as their enemies. Petty passions have

but not having talents enough to paint truth in interesting colours, they had recourse to puerile inventions. The wonderful

r folly and trash disgusted even the common people themselves. Hence, they forsook the bards, who nearly disappeared. The wa

omances of chivalry, so singular and so extravagantly beautiful, that they still raise our admiration. In reading them, we a

d considers it as impious. The Druids, the bards, and the people whom they instructed, considered all nature as the temple o

dered all nature as the temple of divinity. It cannot be doubted that they had ideas of the existence of a Supreme Being, si

oubted that they had ideas of the existence of a Supreme Being, since they believed in the immortality of the soul, and in t

f the winds and the noise of the torrents caused them to imagine that they heard the voices of the dead; and when sleep came

the dead; and when sleep came to surprise them amidst their reveries, they considered their dreams as certain presages of fu

orms of their earthly beauty: terror never surrounded them; and, when they traversed the air, their motions were graceful, a

m their clouds, and come to predict good or ill success: and although they did not suffer themselves to be perceived, yet th

ess: and although they did not suffer themselves to be perceived, yet they gave warnings by some kind of omen. Every man bel

ch ideas inspired, yet how deeply interesting and touchingly charming they must have been! They were enough to feast and fil

t we need not enter on farther particulars in relation to the worship they acquired from foreigners, since all historians, a

found respect which the Druids of Gaul had for those of England, whom they considered as their superiors. The world, continu

ually interdicted to them. As the organs and distributors of justice, they passed sentences, and watched over those whom the

butors of justice, they passed sentences, and watched over those whom they loaded with that august function. . The immortali

ople could not employ for ordinary purposes, certain trees, even when they fell with old age. That respect clung to the gran

hen they fell with old age. That respect clung to the grand idea that they had divinity; and they were persuaded that temple

age. That respect clung to the grand idea that they had divinity; and they were persuaded that temples could not include it,

it. The Gauls had the highest respect for lakes and marshes, because they thought that divinity loved to inhabit them. The

The most celebrated of those lakes, was that of Toulouse, into which they cast gold and silver, taken from their enemies. T

consecrated to worship and to religious ceremonies. It was there that they buried treasures taken from their enemies; and al

,” says Tacitus , “have nothing for their temple but a forest, where they discharge the duties of their religion. No one ca

ct to their will, and could not even remain in their presence, unless they had obtained their permission. The inferior minis

panied by the harp. So great value was attached to their verses, that they were often the means of immortalizing them. The B

less powerful than the Druids, enjoyed so high consideration, that if they presented themselves at the moment in which two a

at the moment in which two armies were going to combat, or even after they had commenced it, they laid down their arms to li

two armies were going to combat, or even after they had commenced it, they laid down their arms to listen to their advice. T

The Bards were not wholly confined to sing the praises of heroes; but they had likewise the right of censuring the actions o

Their clothing differed a little according to the provinces in which they lived, and the degrees which they held. The cerem

according to the provinces in which they lived, and the degrees which they held. The ceremony of entering upon the professio

unished the guilty; and could depose magistrates and even kings, when they did not observe the laws of the country. Their ra

the education of the most distinguished youths was entrusted; so that they prepared them, from early life, to be impressed w

y decided equally on public and private affairs. When, in a law-suit, they adjudged a disputed estate to him whom they desig

irs. When, in a law-suit, they adjudged a disputed estate to him whom they designated as the legitimate possessor, his adver

or of reforming them, were the offices and the unlimited powers which they enjoyed undisputed. Their state dispensed with th

order was immense, and all classes and professions were admitted; but they were checked by the great length of probation dem

rank of Druidesses, and enjoy all the prerogatives of the order; but they exercised their functions separately from men. Th

elebrated than the Druids themselves. When Hannibal passed into Gaul, they still enjoyed supreme rights; for it was said in

tended to know the whole of the universe; and the retirement in which they lived, allowed them all the time necessary to inf

r lives, and that their names were transmitted to future generations, they departed to taste an eternal happiness in the bos

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

empsychosis, which they could not have learned from Pythagoras, since they taught it long before that philosopher travelled

ng before that philosopher travelled into Gaul. From time immemorial, they were accustomed to bury the dead, or to enclose t

of the dead, their valuable furniture, and the cedula of money which they had lent. They wrote even letters to their friend

on, this point, the people yielded them unlimited confidence, because they were persuaded that they knew the influence of th

e yielded them unlimited confidence, because they were persuaded that they knew the influence of the stars, and could see in

the marvellous than of truth. They had some knowledge of botany; but they mingled so many superstitious practices with the

they mingled so many superstitious practices with the manner in which they collected their plants, as left it easy to be per

ch they collected their plants, as left it easy to be perceived, that they were acquainted with only a very small number of

h only a very small number of them. Pliny relates the manner in which they collected the selage: it must be plucked without

tar, after one had offered to Earth a sacrifice of expiation in which they employed fruits and honey. This plant having been

d fruits and honey. This plant having been thus collected, possessed, they believed, every virtue, and healed all diseases;

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

crime, not only prove its existence, but also show how pertinaciously they persisted in it. The most solemn of all their cer

re; and felicitated themselves when, after long and painful searches, they discovered a certain quantity of it. They could n

x were sacred among them. It was always on the sixth of the moon that they made their principal acts of devotion. On the day

ion. On the day intended for the ceremony of collecting the misletoe, they assembled with great rejoicing, and went in proce

h an immense crowd marching in his train, closed the procession. When they were arrived at the foot of the tree, the chief o

to the sagum, a kind of white coat of mail. After having received it, they immolated two white bulls. A festival ensued; and

y immolated two white bulls. A festival ensued; and when it was over, they addressed prayers to divinity that it would infus

al maxims of the Druids, it must be observed, that we present them as they have come down to us by tradition, since the Drui

radition, since the Druids never wrote them. It is even probable that they were composed after the time stated by ancient au

ortal. 8. Souls pass into other bodies after the death of those which they have animated. 9. If the world perish, it will be

s any other nation. Faithful to the one which their heart had chosen, they never had several wives at once: and often the wi

serve him; and almost all understood the art of dressing wounds. But they were not confined to those kind offices. During t

ghts; and in order to recall heroic enterprizes to their remembrance, they read to them poems and romances, into which was i

though it was so great and so well established, that, to maintain it, they did not need to be cruel in their families. All t

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

d in celibacy; the second, though married, remained in temples, where they cleared tables, and did not see their husbands bu

; and the second were the attendants of the priestesses, whose orders they were to execute. The most ordinary residence of t

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

, above any other. The Druids, after having persuaded the people that they understood the influence of the stars, and could

e Gauls and Germans had for their women, caused them to imagine, that they possessed more highly than themselves, the gift o

of persuading and making their predictions believed in. Accordingly, they sent them all questions on futurity; to which the

d in. Accordingly, they sent them all questions on futurity; to which they returned so judicious answers, that their reputat

confidence than the oracles of Greece and Italy. The emperors, after they became masters of Gaul, often caused them to be c

, and Seneca, maintain, that it was in the reign of Claudius; but, as they actually existed, much longer, it appears that th

from that of the highest God. Hence, as Proclus beautifully observes, they may be compared to trees rooted in the earth; for

r Jupiter; and such like, but we ought to explore the things to which they allude. Thus, for instance, by a Saturnian power

to itself. And as there is nothing disordered and novel in intellect, they represent Saturn as an old man, and slow in his m

, the ancient theologists called life by the name of Jupiter, to whom they gave a two fold appellation, δια, dia, and ξηνα,

ing by these names that he gives life through himself. Further still, they report that the Sun is drawn by four horses, and

minion, his fourfold conversions, and the vigour of his energies. But they say that the Moon is drawn by two bulls: by two,

mundane are those who produce essences, intellects, and souls. Hence, they are distinguished into three orders. Of the munda

o, and the Graces in Venus. We may also behold the spheres with which they are connected, viz. Vesta with the earth; Neptune

d to the gods, who became in some manner identified with the elements they were supposed to govern. The honors paid to the m

ad, undoubtedly, their own gods and their peculiar superstitions, but they do not appear to have had any regular mythology.

logy. When the Romans received the arts and sciences from the Greeks, they adopted, also, their divinities and their entire

s of the seasons, opened to permit the passage of the Celestials when they descended to earth. Each god had his own dwelling

er shades, were compelled to assemble in Olympus at his command. Here they feasted on ambrosia and nectar, discoursed upon t

ichor filled their veins. The deities resembled men also in form, but they were, with some exceptions, of majestic stature a

n. In fulfillment of this engagement, Saturn devoured them as soon as they were born. Ops, or Rhea, his wife, succeeded in c

eligious sentiment. Whatever their origin, there can be no doubt that they had an unfavorable influence on the pagan world,

t that they had an unfavorable influence on the pagan world, and that they contributed to weaken whatever respect remained f

red to Mars, which was guarded by a mighty dragon. On perceiving him, they turned to fly, but were either crushed in the ser

en immediately sprung up. Cadmus threw a stone among them, upon which they turned their weapons against one another, and con

his city. Cadmus married Hermione [Hermi′one], the daughter of Venus; they had four daughters, all of whom suffered persecut

were so much afflicted by the misfortunes of their descendants, that they petitioned the gods to deprive them of life. They

. The rash youth was not able to control the fiery horses of the Sun; they departed from their usual track, and heaven and e

the nymphs of the place. As his sisters were weeping around his tomb, they were changed by Jupiter into poplars. Ques. Who

Carmental gate. Here the Senate gave audience to such ambassadors as they were not willing to admit within the walls. A pil

e priests of Bellona, when officiating, held naked swords, with which they gashed their arms and shoulders, making libations

piter. He intended also to steal Jove’s thunderbolts, but was fearful they would burn him. Mercury was, therefore, the patro

ields, and at all cross roads. The Greeks had pillars of stone, which they called Hermæ, but the head which surmounted them

s orgies. Having presumed to intrude on the revels of the Bacchantes, they were seized by a sort of madness, and rushing upo

diculed the orgies of Bacchus. During the celebration of these rites, they remained at home, plying the distaff and the spin

y the power of Bacchus into bats; and the spindle and yarn with which they worked were changed to ivy. Ques. Relate the tra

the sailors to land him at Naxos. This the captain promised, but when they had set sail, the mariners took possession of the

at his feet, and when the terrified sailors tried to leap overboard, they were suddenly changed into dolphins. The captain

vine. They disgraced his memory in after times by the drunken revels they held in his honor. Chapter VII. Celestial Godd

of Minerva, remained within the walls. When the Greeks besieged Troy, they found that all their efforts to take the city wer

they found that all their efforts to take the city were of no avail; they determined, therefore, to steal the Palladium. Ul

e difference between the goddesses was referred to his decision. When they appeared before him, they began to court his favo

oddesses was referred to his decision. When they appeared before him, they began to court his favor with promises. Juno offe

Hard as were these conditions, many suitors presented themselves, but they were all unsuccessful, and were put to death with

them to have compassion, and not deny her so small a refreshment; but they mocked her prayers, and when she tried to approac

reshment; but they mocked her prayers, and when she tried to approach they waded into the pool, and, stirring up the mud, de

body to the banks of the river Æsopus [Æso′pus] in Paphlagonia. Here they raised his tomb in a sacred grove, and his obsequ

e, and his obsequies were celebrated with solemn pomp. The sparks, as they rose from the funeral pyre, were changed into bir

into birds, which divided into two flocks, and fought together until they fell into the flames and were consumed. According

this statue at sunrise; the only question is as to the means by which they were produced. The Colossus, although in a sittin

ting the visits of different illustrious persons, and testifying that they had heard the mysterious voice of Memnon. Chap

riminals during this festival. Servants might, at this time, say what they pleased to their masters, who could not take offe

lso, in memory of the freedom and equality enjoyed in Saturn’s reign, they sat at table while their masters served, and repr

t table while their masters served, and reproved the latter freely if they were guilty of any awkwardness. Lastly, servants

f Vulcan? Ans. The attendants of Vulcan were called Cyclops, because they had each one eye in the middle of the forehead; t

Cyclops, because they had each one eye in the middle of the forehead; they were the offspring of Neptune and Amphitrite [Amp

. The Romans celebrated feasts in his honor called Vulcania. At these they sacrificed animals by throwing them into the fire

The approach to it was guarded by dogs, whose scent was so keen that they could discover whether the persons coming to the

in haste, pursued by the monster; his companions shouted defiance as they weighed anchor, and the blind Cyclops, directed b

sea, by which their vessel was almost swamped. Warned by this danger, they rowed silently until they reached the open sea. S

was almost swamped. Warned by this danger, they rowed silently until they reached the open sea. Some writers have imagined

dwelt in a volcanic island. By noticing the clouds of smoke, and how they rose, he was enabled to foretell storms a long ti

d how they rose, he was enabled to foretell storms a long time before they happened; hence the ignorant believed that he cou

severe. If the sacred fire was extinguished through their negligence, they were sometimes cruelly punished, and if any Virgi

their testimony was taken in trials without any form of oath, and if they happened to meet a criminal going to execution, h

fice. They were chosen between the ages of six and ten; for ten years they were employed in learning their duty; they remain

six and ten; for ten years they were employed in learning their duty; they remained in office for ten, and ten other years w

f cymbals, the sound of pipes and other instruments. In their frenzy, they cut their flesh with knives, and performed many o

other extravagances, but the people regarded them with reverence, as they were believed, while in this state, to possess th

wheat and other grains, so that men ate wholesome bread, where before they had lived on roots and acorns. Ques. How is Cere

inian Mysteries. They were named from Eleusis, a town in Greece where they were celebrated. Ques. What rites were practiced

ries. The Athenians were eager to be admitted to these rites, because they believed that the souls of those who had not been

the choir of clowns attend this show, In long procession, shouting as they go; Invoking her to bless their yearly stores, In

d a sword in the other. The scales have been variously explained, but they are generally supposed to be an emblem of justice

brought with them a great block of Parian marble for the trophy which they intended to erect in honor of their expected vict

oddesses, promising to choose from among the nine images, those which they should consider the most beautiful. When the stat

y should consider the most beautiful. When the statues were finished, they were found to be so skillfully wrought, that it w

thia? Ans. These maidens challenged the Muses to a contest in music; they were defeated and transformed into magpies by the

lo at Delphi, Pan suddenly showed himself, and so terrified them that they fled in disorder. Hence it comes that any sudden

prayed the water-nymphs to help her, and change her into reeds, which they did. Pan saw the transformation, and was much gri

reeds away for a remembrance. On applying them to his lips, he found they produced the most melodious sounds, so that he fo

. Landmarks and boundary stones were considered sacred by the Romans; they were crowned with garlands on festivals, offering

he insult offered to their mother, and humble the haughty Niobe. This they effected by slaying, in one day, all the children

o the worship of Diana. We read in the Acts of the Apostles that when they began to make converts in that city, the people w

city, the people were very indignant; in their zeal for their goddess they ran about the streets for the space of about two

h means an oak; the Hamadryades [Hamadry′ades] were so called because they were attached, each to some particular oak. The H

e monsters who had the faces of women, but the bodies of flying-fish; they dwelt near the promontory of Peloris, or in islan

Sirenusæ, south of Italy. By the magical sweetness of their singing, they allured all who sailed by those coasts; and after

their singing, they allured all who sailed by those coasts; and after they had lulled them into a trance, drowned them in th

melodies for the lovers of pleasure, and with still different notes, they drew on the covetous to their destruction. Ques.

til some one who passed by, had listened to their songs unmoved. When they saw themselves overcome by Orpheus, they knew tha

to their songs unmoved. When they saw themselves overcome by Orpheus, they knew that their hour had come, and flung themselv

heir hour had come, and flung themselves headlong into the sea, where they were transformed into rocks. Ques. Who was Circe

Circæum. She presented to all travellers an enchanted cup; and after they had drunk, transformed them into wolves, swine or

nd the dangers of listening to its seductions; by the story of Circe, they showed that when men drink of the cup of sensual

irce, they showed that when men drink of the cup of sensual pleasure, they become soon degraded to the level of the beasts.

de, dark cave, through which the departed souls were obliged to pass; they next came to a gloomy grove, and a black lake, ca

oblivion; it is so called, because when the dead drank of its waters, they forgot all that had passed upon this earth. Ques

as to torment the wicked during life and after death. Ques. How were they represented? Ans. As hideous women with terrible

they represented? Ans. As hideous women with terrible countenances; they had twining serpents instead of hair, and carried

nts said of a man, that the Furies had taken up their abode with him, they meant that the remembrance of his crimes did not

empts to drink. Branches laden with tempting fruit hang over him, but they are carried out of reach by a sudden gust of wind

hters of Danaus [Dan′aus] and grand-daughter of King Belus, from whom they are called. They all murdered their husbands on t

hey all murdered their husbands on the wedding night, for which crime they are obliged to draw water from a deep well until

for which crime they are obliged to draw water from a deep well until they have filled an immense sieve. Their labor is ther

of good men? Ans. After being purified from whatever slight offences they had committed in life, they were conducted to a p

ng purified from whatever slight offences they had committed in life, they were conducted to a place abounding in delights,

were conducted to a place abounding in delights, called Elysium. When they had passed many ages in this blissful abode they

called Elysium. When they had passed many ages in this blissful abode they returned to earth, but before doing so, they dran

s in this blissful abode they returned to earth, but before doing so, they drank of the river Lethe, that they might forget

ed to earth, but before doing so, they drank of the river Lethe, that they might forget the happiness they had enjoyed.

, they drank of the river Lethe, that they might forget the happiness they had enjoyed. Chapter XXIV. Fabulous Monsters.

e in the evening?” The Thebans often met to try their skill, and when they had failed, the Sphinx carried off and devoured o

were, according to some, the children of Mercury and the nymph Lara; they were domestic gods, and presided over houses, str

rth, to the Lares of her family, and another on the cross roads, that they might grant her free passage to her husband’s hou

ly. The noble ladies of Rome were so indignant at this alliance, that they would not permit her to enter the temple of Pudic

at however the patrician ladies should surpass them in power or rank, they might still excel in modest behavior and purity o

appear that their intention was to do them honor. In some instances, they strove to propitiate the powers of evil, that the

In some instances, they strove to propitiate the powers of evil, that they might abstain from doing them harm. When they bui

he powers of evil, that they might abstain from doing them harm. When they built a temple at Rome to Febris, or Fever, they

oing them harm. When they built a temple at Rome to Febris, or Fever, they undoubtedly wished to appease the demon or malign

llustrious actions. After their death, their countrymen believed that they were admitted among the gods, and gave them divin

Pollux, went on board a ship called the Argo, from which circumstance they were called Argonauts [Ar′gonauts]. On arriving a

ance they were called Argonauts [Ar′gonauts]. On arriving at Colchis, they demanded the fleece, which the king, Æetes, promi

father to change for white, in case of his returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete, the youths and maidens were exh

re his immortality with his brother. It was arranged, therefore, that they should live every alternate day. Ques. What Cons

orld, but only on condition that Orpheus did not look upon her before they passed the confines of Pluto’s kingdom. Orpheus f

coldness with which he had treated them. After tearing him to pieces, they threw his head into the river Hebrus, and were su

amassed. During the voyage the mariners agreed among themselves that they would murder Arion, and seize his treasures. The

musician offered in vain to abandon everything to their cupidity, if they would but spare his life. The only favor he could

e of a grave. If he desired to be laid on shore under the green turf, they would carry his lifeless body to land, and give i

own death-song. The mariners granted his request, not from pity, but they desired to hear so famous a minstrel; music had c

ed, he ordered the mariners to be brought before him, and inquired if they knew anything of Arion. They replied confidently

nquired if they knew anything of Arion. They replied confidently that they had left him well and happy at Sarentum. Upon thi

or, the guilty men confessed their crime, and suffered the punishment they had so well deserved. This event was commemorated

Pelione [Peli′one], he had seven daughters, who were called Pleiades; they were changed into stars, and form the beautiful g

tlas had seven other daughters who underwent the same transformation; they were placed in the head of Taurus, and were calle

od speaks of them as the daughters of Night, but according to others, they were the offspring of Atlas and Hesperis. At the

s Mount Atlas. The Hesperides were directed to watch these trees, but they proved unfaithful, and frequently plucked the app

his followers were changed into stone, in the very attitudes in which they fought. Polydectes, who had persecuted Danaë in t

s wife, Pyrrha, were saved. When the waters abated, the ship in which they were carried rested upon Mount Parnassus, and the

the ship in which they were carried rested upon Mount Parnassus, and they consulted the oracle of Themis, to know by what m

what means the earth might again be peopled. The oracle directed that they should cast behind them the bones of their Great

ding by this expression the earth, which is the common mother of all, they gathered stones which they cast behind them, as t

earth, which is the common mother of all, they gathered stones which they cast behind them, as they had been commanded, whe

n mother of all, they gathered stones which they cast behind them, as they had been commanded, when a great prodigy ensued.

markable for their piety and virtue; and that by precept and example, they subdued the ferocity of their subjects. In this m

example, they subdued the ferocity of their subjects. In this manner they softened those who before were hard like stones,

rus [Ic′arus], which were so skilfully contrived, that, by their aid, they mounted boldly in the air, and directed their fli

she beheld the bodies of her murdered brothers. When she learned that they had fallen by the hand of Meleager, the Furies to

e sacred to Ceres, a stately oak which overtopped the trees around as they did the garden shrubs. Erisichthon commanded his

rubs. Erisichthon commanded his attendants to fell the tree, and when they hesitated, he snatched an axe himself, and struck

most distinguished men in Rome; his verses were universally admired, they were sung in the streets and at entertainments, o

of Julius Cæsar into a star. The stories are not themselves original; they are principally Greek and Oriental fictions, inte

when she was gone, he erected a statue to Modesty, on the spot where they parted. When the Grecian princes were called upon

m which drove them southward for nine days, and as many nights, until they reached the country of the Lotus-eaters. When the

friends, and were filled with a sort of indolent contentment, so that they had no other desire than to remain always in that

a by contrary winds; and Ulysses bound his companions by an oath that they would not touch the sacred herds. They were, howe

touch the sacred herds. They were, however, so pressed by famine that they ventured one day, in the absence of Ulysses, to s

im, and placed near him a chest filled with costly gifts, after which they sailed away. Neptune was so much displeased with

tertain any proposal of marriage. The suitors nevertheless persisted; they remained in the palace, which they filled with ri

he suitors nevertheless persisted; they remained in the palace, which they filled with riot and feasting, and continually ur

affectionate greetings, the two heroes consulted as to what measures they should take for the punishment of the suitors, an

tted, in ancient times, to the halls of chieftains and princes, where they entertained the guests with stories of their wand

regaled with a portion of the viands. On their arrival at the palace, they found the usual scene of riot and festivity. The

elemachus interfered, and remarking, with affected indifference, that they might as well gratify the old man, bade him try.

heir weapons, and terrified at the aspect of the injured prince, whom they recognized too late, turned to fly, but Eumæus se

fly from Tauris with her brother. Their plans were so well laid, that they not only succeeded in escaping unobserved, but we

served, but were also enabled to carry off the statue of Diana, which they brought to Argos. Orestes reigned many years in M

] and Polynices [Polyni′ces]. It was agreed between the brothers that they should reign each a year alternately. Eteocles fi

the neighboring mountains until the Greeks had departed, after which they constructed a fleet of twenty sail. In the second

s in search of new settlements. After many wanderings and adventures, they landed at Epirus [Epi′rus], and were rejoiced to

ings, the Trojans were driven by a storm on the coast of Africa; here they were kindly entertained by Dido, who was then eng

either to Æneas or to the Trojans. Forgetful of the decrees of fate, they lingered many months in idle pleasure, and Æneas

ing through regions inhabited by different classes of departed souls, they entered the happy plains of Elysium. This was the

es of Rome. Anchises also recounted to Æneas the glorious deeds which they were one day to perform. In this passage, Virgil

nd in different parts of the world. According to the historian Varro, they were ten in number. The most celebrated was the C

erses. A college of priests was appointed to take charge of them, and they were consulted with the greatest solemnity, whene

n the conflagration. It is believed, however, on good authority, that they were in existence as late as the fourth century,

rity, that they were in existence as late as the fourth century, when they were destroyed by command of the Emperor Honorius

he third class we may place the appetite of the sacred chickens; when they did not eat, the omen was so bad that it was cons

ickens would not eat. He replied, with very natural contempt, that if they would not eat, they might drink, and had them thr

. He replied, with very natural contempt, that if they would not eat, they might drink, and had them thrown into the sea. It

to explain the responses of the oracle could attach whatever meaning they pleased to these inarticulate sounds. Later, the

t them from accusing the priestess of being influenced by bribes when they were dissatisfied with her answers. The oracle of

re sometimes in verse, but more commonly in prose; in the latter case they were immediately versified by poets employed for

nd many illustrious persons were accused of having bought the oracles they desired. The temple of Apollo at Delphi was enric

lo at Delphi. According to one legend, when the edifice was finished, they asked the god to reward them for their labor. Apo

eeded thither, and seeing a swarm of bees enter a chasm in the earth, they followed and discovered a deep cavern. Here they

chasm in the earth, they followed and discovered a deep cavern. Here they found the oracle of Trophonius, and the aid they

a deep cavern. Here they found the oracle of Trophonius, and the aid they sought. Ques. What ceremonies were observed in c

ealed, but not to all in the same manner; some saw, others heard what they desired to know. It has been frequently asserted

and we should judge, from the accounts given by ancient writers, that they were subjected to a treatment closely resembling

e, rice, wheat and fruits. The ruins of the temple are not extensive; they are, however, interesting, as many pieces of scul

g to another account, the priests sent to Rome a sacred serpent which they nourished in the temple. Ques. What was particul

and we should judge, from the accounts given by ancient writers, that they were subjected to a treatment closely resembling

y is a notice of these games appropriate in this place? Ans. Because they were closely connected with the religious observa

t intervals of forty-nine and fifty lunar months alternately, so that they fell sometimes in the month Apollonius, (July); s

persons were admitted to contend in these games who could prove that they were free, of pure Hellenic blood, and that their

kings of Macedon were obliged to prove their Hellenic descent before they were allowed to enter as competitors. It is almos

ed professional readers to recite some of his pieces at Olympia. When they began to read these verses their clear and harmon

d these verses their clear and harmonious voices pleased the ear, and they were listened to at first with great attention, w

stened to at first with great attention, which gradually decreased as they went on, until the whole assembly burst forth int

the serpent Python; according to the more probable historic account, they originated at the time when the Delphic oracle ha

s so called? Ans. They were named from the Isthmus of Corinth, where they were celebrated. They were instituted in honor of

he personages was generally indicated by the particular door at which they entered; that in the centre of the proscenium bei

ed with brass, and so constructed that instead of muffling the voice, they gave it depth and volume, almost as a speaking tr

n the instability of human affairs as exemplified in the scenes which they had just witnessed. At other times the chorus bro

ccasionally permitted to take part in the dialogue. Even in this case they always remained in the orchestra. The singing was

king upwards, prayed the birds to discover and avenge the crime which they alone had seen. The murderers heard this appeal,

y alone had seen. The murderers heard this appeal, to which, however, they paid no heed at the time. The body of Ibycus was

their shadow. Then the blood of the listeners grew cold with fear as they told of the vengeance which it was theirs to wrea

erer, on him whose crime had been vainly hidden from mortal eye. Thus they sang in measured cadence, and passed from view, w

ir own guilty fears, confessed the crime, and suffered the punishment they had deserved. Attempts have been made by French a

ertainments as frequent in ancient times as in our own? Ans. No; but they took place several times in the year, forming a n

tors were engaged long beforehand, and were subject to heavy fines if they failed to appear on the appointed day. When such

ke place, the people hastened to the theatre at the dawn of day, that they might secure good seats, as the performance comme

ring groves, amused themselves, and partook of the refreshments which they brought with them. When different dramatic poets

When different dramatic poets contended for the prize of excellence, they generally presented two or three pieces each, so

seen in the British Museum. They are called “Elgin Marbles,” because they were brought from Greece by Lord Elgin. Ques. De

seem to have been, at first, different appellations of the Sun; later they assumed another signification, and were applied t

h was so contrived that when a child was laid upon its extended arms, they were lowered, and the little victim immediately f

ues. Was Moloch worshipped by the Jews? Ans. Yes; it would seem that they were addicted to this idolatry before their depar

eved in two independent principles, one of good, and one of evil, but they worshipped only the first. Ques. Did they not wo

good, and one of evil, but they worshipped only the first. Ques. Did they not worship the sun? Ans. They probably did in l

e was kept burning on their altars. The Parsees of Hindostan say that they have sacred fire which has never been extinguishe

tury, those who refused to embrace the Koran fled to Hindostan, where they still exist under the name of Parsees. At Bombay

indostan, where they still exist under the name of Parsees. At Bombay they are an active, intelligent and wealthy class.

s of the Hindoos, and are much reverenced by them. They maintain that they were composed by Brahma, the Supreme Deity, at th

ink that the world was created? Ans. At an incredibly remote period; they say the present arrangement of the Vedas was made

ousand years ago. Ques. What is the more correct opinion? Ans. That they were written in the second thousand years before

doos then conquered the country which now bears their name? Ans. No; they were only crossing the borders of India. Ques. I

sting, but very important to historians. Ques. Why so? Ans. Because they throw light on the early history of the Indian an

elief makes many of the Hindoos afraid to kill animals for food, lest they may possess human souls, and be perhaps their own

feet. Ques. Is there much distinction between the castes? Ans. Yes; they cannot under any circumstances intermarry; nor ca

They cannot enter the house of any one belonging to a pure caste, and they are not only unclean themselves, but are supposed

t only unclean themselves, but are supposed to contaminate everything they touch. Different accounts are given as to the ori

Pariahs are under no restriction whatever. The idea seems to be that they are so vile that no kind of food could pollute th

e castes ancient? Ans. So much so, that it is impossible to say when they were first established. The Pariahs are being gra

of Vishnu, but his followers give a different account. Ques. What do they say? Ans. They say that he was a mortal sage, ca

nal religion in China, but all forms of worship are tolerated, unless they are considered politically dangerous. Among the p

te the only hereditary nobility in China. In the seventeenth century, they numbered eleven thousand males. Ques. What were

ave lost even the last traces of natural religion. Ques. Why then do they persevere in his worship? Ans. The honors paid t

mply national customs to which no superstitious idea was attached. As they were assured of this by the most learned men of t

. As they were assured of this by the most learned men of the Empire, they permitted the newly converted Chinese to continue

heats and jugglers, living on the superstition of the people, to whom they sell charms and spells. Notwithstanding the degra

st poverty. They are not permitted to marry; to keep up their numbers they buy young children, who may be had in China for a

e of Buddha. These Bonzes have sunk so low in public estimation, that they are often hired to perform inferior parts on the

o be working in the interest of the great western nations whose power they so much fear. There are other reasons; the purity

as always succeed in finding the hidden divinity. The child into whom they supposed the Lama’s soul has entered, is required

ysterious fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source, froze into ice,

bones were changed into mountains, his hair into trees; of his skull they made the heavens, and of his brain, clouds charge

sea, admiring their new creation, but seeing that it was uninhabited, they resolved to create man. Aske and Embla, the first

day over the whole world, and on their return report to him all that they have seen. At Odin’s feet lie two wolves, to whom

goat Heidrun supplied them with never-failing draughts of mead, which they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered enemie

they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered enemies. For pastime, they fought, and cut one another to pieces. When the h

ought, and cut one another to pieces. When the hour of feasting came, they recovered from their wounds, and were whole as be

g of the Gnomes. These skillful workmen gave him a head of hair which they had spun from the purest gold, and which was so w

Iduna, his wife, kept in a casket certain apples which the gods, when they felt age approaching, had only to taste to renew

Who are the Valkyrior? Ans. According to the Scandinavian tradition, they are warlike virgins, the messengers of Odin, and

o every battle field to make choice of those who shall be slain. When they ride forth on their errand, mounted upon war stee

and men. Odin, therefore, sent a messenger to bring them to him. When they came, he threw the serpent into the deep ocean by

ickness or old age. The wolf Fenris gave the gods much trouble before they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest

they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest fetters as if they were made of cobwebs. Finally, the mountain spiri

d inanimate upon the earth — stones, plants, rocks and animals — that they would do no harm to Baldur. The gods were so well

do no harm to Baldur. The gods were so well satisfied with this, that they amused themselves with throwing sticks, stones an

he gods were doing at their meetings. The disguised Loki replied that they were throwing darts and stones at Baldur, without

ere the gods were assembled, and put the bough among the sticks which they were casting in sport at Baldur. It was thrown wi

lowed him; his wife Siguna sits by his side, and catches the drops as they fall, in a cup; but when she carries it away to e

heim, and was the domain of Freyr, the god of the sun, in whose light they were always sporting. Ques. Were all the fairies

in the earth. Many stories are related of their malicious pranks; but they sometimes favored the poor and friendless in an u

different lengths. These were shaken up, and from the chance figures they formed, the priests predicted future events. When

nt runes. The magic verses were of various kinds. The noxious, or, as they were called, the bitter runes were recited to bri

Iceland. The inscriptions may, therefore, be read with certainty; but they throw very little light on history, being princip

s to the Celtic gods the names of the Greek and Roman divinities whom they resemble. Ques. What were the principal characte

ated would ever have an end. Notwithstanding these enlightened ideas, they reverenced many other divinities. The Assyrian Ba

Ocean. This island is inhabited by the Hyperboreans, so named because they live beyond the region of the north wind. The god

ercury of Egypt and Phœnicia. The ancient Gauls had no idols, nor did they ever attempt any visible representation of their

eities. When the Romans established their own worship in the country, they endeavored, according to their usual policy, to c

by adopting their gods, and placing their images in the temples which they built. We read that Zenodorus, a famous sculptor,

s with certain mysterious charms. The bards held a still higher rank: they preserved in their verses the mystic learning of

eir heroes. No sacrifice was duly offered without their sacred chant; they encouraged the warrior going to the field of comb

the only gentle art known to the rude tribes of Gaul and Britain, and they were, perhaps for this reason, the more susceptib

heir eyes, on account of the gifts of prophecy and second sight which they were believed to possess in moments of inspiratio

s of Gaul seem to have passed away with the religious system to which they belonged; but in the British islands, they contin

religious system to which they belonged; but in the British islands, they continued, although divested of their sacred char

ystem, and the power of the native princes and chieftains whose glory they sung. Ques. Who were the Druids, properly so cal

ecluded in caves and grottoes, or in the depths of oak forests, where they were supposed to study the deeper mysteries of na

possessed some knowledge of the motions of the heavenly bodies, since they counted the year by lunations; astronomical instr

o been found among the druidical remains in Ireland, which prove that they had made a certain progress in this science. Like

they had made a certain progress in this science. Like the Persians, they mingled astrology and divination with their obser

ertain plants, and rendered efficacious by the magic rites with which they were gathered. The mistletoe, when found growing

aracters used by the ancient Pelasgi. It is probable, therefore, that they received it from the early Greek colonists. Writi

e Druids was handed down by oral tradition only. The few inscriptions they have left are in symbolic writing, which resemble

used in divination. These inscriptions are called in Ireland “ogham;” they are principally straight lines, grouped in differ

s. Ques. Did the Druids exercise any political authority? Ans. Yes; they were the legislators of the people, and had the r

, where, with their bodies painted black, and their hair dishevelled, they joined in a frantic dance, and abandoned themselv

tes. Strabo tells us that when the Cimbri had taken prisoners of war, they were offered in sacrifice by these terrible women

bt, from popular traditions concerning these sorceresses. In Ireland, they do not appear to have played either so terrible o

e entire country united to punish the perpetrators of this sacrilege; they were put to death, and a perpetual fine was impos

propitiate the gods, and obtain victory for their people, or because they were weary of life, and desired to hasten the mom

a great number were enclosed in a huge frame of wicker work in which they were consumed together. In offerings to other god

are heard, and pale phantoms are seen gliding above the waves, which they are not yet spiritual enough to cross without hum

They rise and find strange barks waiting on the shore. Scarcely have they entered these, when the light craft is weighed do

il, for the barks are borne westwardly with incredible velocity. When they touch the misty shores of Britain, there is a hol

rsecuted Druids took refuge in the island of Mona or Anglesea, whence they were driven by the Roman troops with great slaugh

great slaughter. They found a last asylum in the island of Iona. Here they maintained a certain influence up to the latter p

nary height is from seven to twelve feet; but in some rare instances, they exceed thirty feet in height. The purpose of thes

in height. The purpose of these menhirs is not well understood. Where they stand singly, or in groups of two or three, they

ll understood. Where they stand singly, or in groups of two or three, they probably mark a spot rendered memorable by some i

midst of a wide heath, stand rude blocks of gray granite, set on end; they are angular, and show no marks of polish. These m

s are themselves subject to mysterious laws. Once in a hundred years, they are obliged, at the hour of midnight, to pass in

ded them in Mexico, were a comparatively humane and enlightened race; they retained many of the highest principles of natura

of God? Ans. They believed in one Supreme Lord and Creator, to whom they attributed all the divine perfections. The prayer

to whom they attributed all the divine perfections. The prayers which they addressed to Him recall, in many instances, the v

Scripture. Ques. Did the Aztecs worship any other deity? Ans. Yes, they worshipped many subordinate divinities who were s

se privileged souls passed at once into the presence of the Sun, whom they accompanied with songs and choral dances in his j

nd bosom of the infant were sprinkled with water. During the ceremony they implored the Lord, that the holy drops might wash

ians named it Chasca, or “the Youth with the long and curling locks;” they worshipped it as the page of the Sun, whom he att

m: the will of the strongest was the only law; war was their pastime; they worshipped the vilest objects in nature, and feas

o both these traditions, seven persons took refuge in caves, in which they were preserved from the universal destruction; an

es, and in every branch of female industry. They spun garments, which they were taught to embroider with exquisite skill. Th

ed, even from their own nearest relatives. The wives of the Inca, and they were numerous, were chosen from among the Virgins

, were chosen from among the Virgins of the Sun. With this exception, they were forbidden to marry. The unhappy maiden who v

sacrificed on his tomb. The Peruvians believed in an evil spirit whom they called Cupay, but they did not attempt to propiti

The Peruvians believed in an evil spirit whom they called Cupay, but they did not attempt to propitiate him by any form of

. Sophocles is said to have observed that while he represented men as they ought to be, Euripides described them as they wer

e he represented men as they ought to be, Euripides described them as they were. Herodotus, who has been called the F

structures are remarkable for the immense size of the stones of which they are built. Plinius, (Secundus C.) A Roman

ons of the time, and are valuable and interesting for the information they convey with regard to public events, and the mann

its of his contemporaries. The style of these letters is studied, and they have none of the ease and familiarity of friendly

se and familiarity of friendly correspondence. It seems probable that they were intended rather for posterity, than for the

they were intended rather for posterity, than for the persons to whom they were ostensibly addressed. Procopius . On

saying, that was for his part; for what related to Castor and Pollux, they would no doubt bestow a generous recompense. The

eruvians knew nothing of their origin, but had a vague tradition that they were built by giants in a single night. They rega

ecuted such stupendous works, we know absolutely nothing, except that they preceded the Peruvians, and were farther advanced

e telling, an attempt has been made to approach the original tales as they may have existed in the mouths of the people. Emb

ll of the gods and goddesses showed themselves at times on earth, and they were very much like men and women, even on Olympu

ank, and were married, like people of the earth, and we are told that they often quarreled outrageously among themselves. Th

s are mingled with the mould,    Their dust is on the wind; The forms they hewed from living stone Survive the waste of year

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

ithout drawing rein, Pluto caught her up in his arms, and in a moment they were driving like mad across the fields. Then, in

way, in Spain, caring for the crops of rye and barley and seeing that they ripened as they should. Gruff old Pluto tried to

aring for the crops of rye and barley and seeing that they ripened as they should. Gruff old Pluto tried to comfort the godd

ark face. She kept weeping, and would not be comforted. All this time they were rushing over hills and valleys and across ri

le black horses hardly touched the earth or the waters. At last, when they came near the fountain of Arethusa, Pluto struck

Proserpina felt herself sinking, and falling down into the dark. When they reached solid ground again, they were in a new wo

and falling down into the dark. When they reached solid ground again, they were in a new world. The air was cool and close,

ey were in a new world. The air was cool and close, and all the light they had was so faint that it was scarcely light at al

udy sky arched over the whole region. It was the earth, through which they had come; for the sun never shines in the underwo

e grim god seized her. “I hope you will like it here,” said Pluto, as they drove on. “It is very pleasant, and you shall hav

nd he felt sure that it was very bad, indeed, for the eyes. Just then they passed a great river, and Proserpina listened to

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

the right to pass him.” But Proserpina could not even look at him. So they passed on. All the land was full of gloom, and wa

without sunshine and flowers and fresh air and the blue sky. At last, they reached Pluto’s palace. It was rich beyond anythi

riot. The nymphs had all cried out, but there was no help at hand and they had seen their beautiful goddess friend no more.

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

y goddess wandered alone, searching; and, when the storms were worst, they could sometimes hear her voice calling, “Proserpi

nd bowed before her and were her subjects; but her face was pale, and they say she has never been known to smile, nor will s

heaven rose in courtesy to her, for Ceres was reverenced by all. Then they sat down again at the long table, where they were

reverenced by all. Then they sat down again at the long table, where they were eating and drinking. Ah, but it was a beauti

glorious hall, the gods ceased their smiling and became earnest, for they saw how the great earth-goddess was grieving. But

rld think it the best of all seasons, for only during those months do they have their beautiful queen in their midst. P

nd trembled with the trembling lea.     “The coal-black horses rise —  they rise.    O mother, mother!” low she cries —    Pe

ere children of old Mother Earth, who is so quiet under our feet, and they were bold and strong. They did not fear Jupiter h

hey were bold and strong. They did not fear Jupiter himself, and once they piled mountain upon mountain and tried to force a

ady for it. After that men were more comfortable, but up to this time they knew nothing of the uses of fire and they shivere

rtable, but up to this time they knew nothing of the uses of fire and they shivered sadly on cold days. Prometheus was wiser

fire and they shivered sadly on cold days. Prometheus was wiser than they . He had seen the eternal fire burning in the grea

ud and angry of temper. They had begun to fight one another. At times they burned each other’s houses and crops with the sac

s they burned each other’s houses and crops with the sacred fire, and they melted ores in it to make swords of steel and arm

r of brass to use against one another. Men were more comfortable, but they were not happier than before, for after that day

g Titan. “For all your pains and mine, men are little better off than they were.” “I know it well,” said Prometheus in his s

war comes to my ears. Men are strong and brave and proud, but how can they ever be happy?” Then Epimetheus said, “I will hel

n were feasting. The air was sweet with the fragrance of the ambrosia they eat and the nectar they drink. Music was sounding

was sweet with the fragrance of the ambrosia they eat and the nectar they drink. Music was sounding, and there was a warm r

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

and came near to the wondrous box, felt a change in themselves. When they left the house of Epimetheus, they were surprised

felt a change in themselves. When they left the house of Epimetheus, they were surprised to find how beautiful the sky was,

e surprised to find how beautiful the sky was, with its white clouds; they wondered at the songs of the birds, which seemed

wondered at the songs of the birds, which seemed new and strange; and they felt ready to die for what is good and true. Ah,

e free and happy. Even Jupiter and the gods of heaven had more joy as they saw how the earth prospered and how their altars

s long before she could tell what had happened. Then, for many hours, they sat without a word to say. What good could come o

y cities into places of utter misery. “What has caused all this woe?” they would ask Epimetheus; and Pandora would answer, “

e it, for I let out the spirits from the box.” “Can nothing be done?” they would ask. “It would be better not to live, than

“It would be better not to live, than to live in this misery.” But as they talked and could find no help, suddenly Pandora g

ard it felt that life was good after all, for with all their troubles they could be brave and strong while hope remained. Af

ckness and sorrow; yet men came from all parts of the earth, and when they heard the music of that imprisoned spirit, they t

f the earth, and when they heard the music of that imprisoned spirit, they took heart and lived better. Song of a Hyperbor

old, and some with lead, but he polished all alike and saw to it that they were neatly winged with white dove-feathers. Then

such music been heard upon earth. The birds would cease singing, for they preferred his songs to their own; the spirits in

r, for Orpheus and his bride were fair and tall, and looked as though they were two of the sunny gods of Olympus. At the end

grief to the gods of the streams and to the spirits of the trees, but they could not help him. He sang of it to the people o

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

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

to. The moment he appeared, a host of monsters made a rush at him. As they came near, Orpheus began to play and to sing. At

gan. In his song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she him, how they were happily married, and how, without cause, she

out whom no spirit can leave the underworld. On through the dark land they went, through hosts of spirits, by Cerberus with

orld above. All the way Orpheus was thinking, “Is she behind me? Have they really let her come? Are we really to begin life

e doubt tormented him — “Is she really following? Is it possible that they intend to give her back to me?” He could not beli

light of day began to show faintly in the cave. A few steps more and they would be out. Again Orpheus walked softly and ask

rn to a great deal of trouble, yet bear it with so light a heart that they never seem to have a care in the world. This was

world. This was the case with Hercules. His troubles began early, and they never ceased until the day he died, but he was al

cradle was the inside of a bronze shield. The babes were healthy, and they had been given a good warm bath and plenty of mil

y, and they had been given a good warm bath and plenty of milk before they were tucked in, so they were asleep in a moment.

en a good warm bath and plenty of milk before they were tucked in, so they were asleep in a moment. Toward midnight two huge

ight two huge snakes came crawling into the nursery. Marvelous snakes they were, and their eyes shone with a light which fil

beautiful goddesses sitting beside the way where it forked. Goddesses they really were, though they seemed more like beautif

ng beside the way where it forked. Goddesses they really were, though they seemed more like beautiful women. One of them, wh

ked Earth to plant them in the magic gardens of the Hesperides. There they were watched by three beautiful maidens, daughter

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

rook or staff, but with music, and the sheep followed him eagerly. As they browsed, he played sweet melodies, and the dapple

heard him stop playing; then he would begin once more. After a while they heard him coming back, and soon he was in sight,

of Thessaly loved her almost to the point of worship. No wonder that they thought not even the longed-for Islands of the Bl

riend Admetus. When Hercules saw the signs of mourning, he asked what they meant; but Admetus kept the truth from him, for h

e was gone. He came just in time, for when he reached the place where they had buried her, there was Death carrying away his

his iron hands and breathing upon him with his pestilent breath. Long they wrestled and strove; then, suddenly, with a fierc

sun’s driver must wear. Last of all, he said: — “Hold the horses in; they will go fast enough in any case. Follow the beate

the reins. They felt that the chariot was not so heavy as usual, and they soon discovered that the hand and arm were not th

be alarmed. He pulled at the reins and called the horses by name, but they went no slower. Suddenly before them the Scorpion

g to the sides of the chariot. The horses were now free to go whither they would. The people of earth had been gazing up

ost to the southern horizon. “Helios has gone mad,” men whispered, as they watched the zigzag course of the chariot. The tim

to all its toil and care, Lo I the strange steed had departed    And they knew not when nor where. But they found upon the

strange steed had departed    And they knew not when nor where. But they found upon the greensward,    Where his strugglin

reat floe of ice. They had only one eye and one tooth among them, and they spent their time quarreling as to which should us

, give me the eye, quickly, that I may see where the wretch is.” Then they all began to talk and rage at each other; and as

he eye to another, Perseus quietly put out his hand and took it. When they discovered that the eye was lost, the poor old cr

r old crazy goddesses began to weep and moan. “Give us back our eye!” they said. “Give us back our eye, man!” “Listen,” said

but tell me first where I shall find the Gorgon Medusa.” “No, no,” they cried; “she is our sister. Give us our eye and go

as not afraid, and when the crones found that he was not to be moved, they told him. “Go on,” they said, “three days to the

the crones found that he was not to be moved, they told him. “Go on,” they said, “three days to the west, across the sea. Th

e door, but the other Gorgons sprang up with a shriek. “He has come!” they cried, and spreading their swift wings, they dart

a shriek. “He has come!” they cried, and spreading their swift wings, they darted after him. They could not see him, but the

their swift wings, they darted after him. They could not see him, but they had the scent of blood-hounds, and as he dashed o

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

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

tireless and their scent was never deceived. For two days and nights they followed him close. Only on the third day did he

the third day did he begin to draw away from them, and in the evening they wavered and at last turned back. The race was won

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

soldiers to seize Danaë and carry her forth from the temple, and when they hesitated, fearing the great; goddess Minerva, he

Theseus out into the woods. They wandered here and there, but at last they turned in the direction of the great stone. “Moth

wish to go out into the world.” Æthra walked on without a word until they came to the stone. “When you can raise this stone

ustes 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 off par

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 were

their heads or feet; if they were too short, he stretched them until they were long enough. But when he tried to put Theseu

the harbor a ship, all black, even to the sails; and the people, when they saw it, broke out into cries of lamentation and w

nd, and watched .the dark vessel slowly disappearing in the distance, they lamented much. “For how can even. Theseus, unarme

mented much. “For how can even. Theseus, unarmed, slay the Minotaur?” they said. The people of Athens mourned, but the black

said not a word. His eyes were always on beautiful Ariadne, and well they might be. She was as lovely as the myrtle that bl

t past the soldiers, who dared not stop them. It was just daybreak as they stood before the door of the vast building of the

Theseus and Ariadne. Calling the young men and the beautiful maidens, they hastened down to the harbor, and before King Mino

ing of the goddesses. At last the crimson light was on the slopes and they appeared. Until now, the shepherd girl Œnone had

ese things are mightier than power and more precious than wealth; and they shall be yours, if you give me the prize. In time

om harm.” “How precious are wisdom and courage!” thought Paris. “Yes, they are beyond all other gifts of gods or men.” But b

athered sailors, and, getting aboard ship, put out to sea. Three days they sped over the waves, but on the third day they ca

out to sea. Three days they sped over the waves, but on the third day they came to Pylos, where Nestor, the wisest of mortal

e to Pylos, where Nestor, the wisest of mortal men, dwelt. From there they went to Sparta, hidden among its pleasant hills.

at the grace and charm of Paris, and set good cheer before him. While they were feasting, the great doors opened and Queen H

ere. Heed his words.” Then Helen went out and found Paris. That night they journeyed to Pylos, and in the darkness went aboa

ght they journeyed to Pylos, and in the darkness went aboard ship. As they were putting out to sea, the aged sea-god Nereus

gainst insult, and now, as the news spread that Paris had stolen her, they remembered their pledge and were resolved to aven

y had become a land of war. Castor and Pollux.5 So like they were, no mortal    Might one from other know; Whi

after that he sat in his tent with his friend Patroclus, and neither they nor their followers would fight any more against

, when the Trojans heard what had happened in the camp of the Greeks, they grew joyful and confident. They no longer remaine

: — “Let us take our men and lead them to the help of the Greeks, for they are in sore need of aid. Many are slain and many

back, even to where the ships were drawn up high upon the beach. Then they hurled firebrands, and the ships began to burn. T

that the Greeks were driven back again toward their ships. But while they fought, Antilochus hastened from the fight and br

d threw dust upon his head and tore his hair. And all his friends, as they saw the great hero lying there, burst out into cr

the great hero lying there, burst out into cries of lamentation, and they stood near him, lest in his grief he should do hi

rench and shouted his terrible battle cry. When the Trojans heard it, they paused and turned and looked, and there was fear

y paused and turned and looked, and there was fear in their hearts as they saw the great form and the shining head of Achill

to Achilles. Many rich .gifts also he gave to the hero, and together they sacrificed to Jupiter, father of gods and of men.

d all the day Achilles moved along the line, looking for Hector. Once they met for a moment, but the god Apollo, who loved H

often as he came near, Hector avoided the combat and retreated. ‘Thus they passed round the city three times. Then, at last,

With that, the two advanced toward Achilles, who waited eagerly. When they came near, he hurled his mighty spear with all hi

ans would not give up Helen. They had no mind to let her go after all they had endured on her account. In the city of Troy,

uise, and stealing quietly into the temple where the Palladium stood; they seized the sacred statue and bore it away, throug

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

in that the Greeks had made this monster in honor of Neptune, so that they might have a safe voyage. “What shall we do with

ve that the Greeks are gone? For my part, I fear the Greeks even when they offer gifts.” With that, he hurled a spear at the

d not gone home. Their fleet was behind an island near the shore, and they had left a number of their greatest warriors in t

ame hurrying to the spot. They were laughing and jeering at a captive they had caught — a dirty, ragged Greek, who had been

d the deceitful Sinon. “The Greeks have not gone for good. It is true they have gone to Greece, but they will return in a fe

eeks have not gone for good. It is true they have gone to Greece, but they will return in a few weeks. This great wooden hor

l return in a few weeks. This great wooden horse is an offering which they made to Minerva before setting out. It was built

happened. Across the ocean came swimming two enormous serpents. When they reached the shore, they went straight to the plac

ean came swimming two enormous serpents. When they reached the shore, they went straight to the place where Laocoön stood wi

aight to the place where Laocoön stood with his two sons. In a moment they coiled about the sons, and when Laocoön came to t

led about the sons, and when Laocoön came to the aid of his children, they caught him also in their folds. After they had sl

o the aid of his children, they caught him also in their folds. After they had slain all three, the serpents glided away and

of arms sounded from within it; but the people’s ears were deaf, and they would not hear. Only Cassandra, the prophetess, d

ere hidden in the horse heard the sweet voice with its Grecian tones, they started and would have answered, but the wise war

enelaus, Diomed, Pyrrhus, and all the other chosen warriors. Silently they descended, and were glad to stretch their limbs a

d were glad to stretch their limbs and to breathe the fresh air; then they went quietly along the silent street until they c

e the fresh air; then they went quietly along the silent street until they came to the city gate. The guards, deep in sleep,

y came to the city gate. The guards, deep in sleep, were slain before they could utter a sound. Then the gates were opened w

he battle-cry of the Greeks in their ears. Hundreds were slain before they were fairly awake. The Greeks brought fire, and s

smoking ruins. Of all its brave inhabitants, only a few remained, and they , under the leadership of Æneas, were now hiding i

y and salt sea-air. All day her brothers chased the deer,    At night they feasted in the hall. There was not even a shadowe

s and smoke    The city’s glorious light was spent, Cassandra’s shade they would invoke.    Ah, then they felt the high inte

ous light was spent, Cassandra’s shade they would invoke.    Ah, then they felt the high intent: Revered the spirit that put

aces each toward his own home. Their labors seemed now at an end, and they rejoiced at the thought of seeing their wives and

was far beyond where any ships had ever been before. On the tenth day they came to a land that looked very sunny and pleasan

only rests and dreams. The messengers of Ulysses ate of it, and when they came back to him they had ceased to think of home

. The messengers of Ulysses ate of it, and when they came back to him they had ceased to think of home and wives and childre

ips found themselves at land. When morning came, the sailors saw that they had come to a beautiful little island near what s

men live there.” So Ulysses and his crew rowed across the strait. As they came near the shore, they saw the huge entrance o

es and his crew rowed across the strait. As they came near the shore, they saw the huge entrance of a cave beside the sea. T

as a gift if there should be need. There was no one in the cave when they entered, but they found, all around, pails of mil

e should be need. There was no one in the cave when they entered, but they found, all around, pails of milk and baskets lade

right in the middle of his forehead, He drove in his flocks, and when they were all in, lifted a huge door-stone which twent

ay Ulysses and his men had sharpened one end of it and hidden it. Now they brought it to the fire and held the sharpened poi

rpened point in the flames until it began to blaze. Then all together they poised it and thrust the burning stake deep into

other Cyclops. They soon came. “Ho, Polyphemus. What is the matter?” they called. “Is some one killing you?” “Noman is kill

. Diseases are sent by the gods; remember that, and be patient.” Thus they spoke, and went away, but Polyphemus groped about

y. Then he sat down with his arms outstretched to catch the Greeks as they came out. And as he sat there, he roared with pai

the Cyclops called his sheep and goats, and the animals went out. As they passed him, Polyphemus felt over their backs and

the fleet. All set sail and made haste to leave that land. After this they voyaged on until they came to an island floating

l and made haste to leave that land. After this they voyaged on until they came to an island floating on the water. They fou

me of Æolus, king of the winds. Æolus received them kindly, and, when they left, gave Ulysses an ox-hide bag. In this he had

th watching. But the sailors had not forgotten the ox-hide bag, which they thought was full of gold. While Ulysses slept, th

x-hide bag, which they thought was full of gold. While Ulysses slept, they took it from beside him and opened it, letting lo

o do anything more for them, and sternly ordered them to leave. Sadly they rowed away, and came to the land of the Læstrygon

n haste, but at last came to a little island with a good harbor. Here they dropped anchor and rested, and gave up two whole

er Eurylochus, to explore the island. The men had not gone far before they came to a strange and lovely palace. There were t

y palace. There were tame lions and wolves about the door, and within they heard sweet singing. The men called, and the shin

alled, and the shining doors were opened by a woman so beautiful that they knew she was a goddess. She invited them to enter

spitality, prepared for them what seemed a refreshing drink. But when they , had all drunk of it, she touched each of them wi

all drunk of it, she touched each of them with her wand, and behold, they all groveled on the ground, and were changed to s

e them away, grunting and squealing, and shut them up in sties, where they wallowed in the mire, not contentedly, like real

wed in the mire, not contentedly, like real swine, but in misery, for they still had the minds of men. Eurylochus waited lon

with a powerful drug. In an instant, the bristles fell from them and they rose up and became once more Ulysses’ men, but yo

Ulysses and his men set sail, and Circe gave them a fair wind. First, they sailed by the Sirens, who sit at the edge of the

im only the more firmly until the ship was far beyond the place. Then they passed Scylla and Charybdis, and came to the plea

shipwrecked Ulysses on the coast of Phæacia; but the Phæacians, when they knew him, received him like a god, for his deeds

es, rounded arms, and bosoms prest To little harps of gold; and while they mused, Whispering to each other half in fear, Shr

ronged to her palace, urging her to marry some one of them. And while they wooed her, they treated her palace as though it w

lace, urging her to marry some one of them. And while they wooed her, they treated her palace as though it were their own. E

The suitors were beside themselves with rage at the sight of him, but they spoke to him with smooth words, and hid the evil

to him with smooth words, and hid the evil of their hearts. Then, as they feasted in the palace, Ulysses came and sat down,

the palace, as usual, and began their revels. When Ulysses appeared, they taunted and insulted him, as it was their nature

d, “This mounting wave will roll us shoreward soon.” In the afternoon they came unto a land, In which it seemed always after

with faces pale, The mild-eyed melancholy Lotus-eaters came. Branches they bore of that enchanted stem, Laden with flower an

hey bore of that enchanted stem, Laden with flower and fruit, whereof they gave To each, but whose did receive of them, And

n foam. Then someone said, “We will return no ‘more”: And all at once they sang, “Our island home Is far beyond the wave; we

sisters of the Gorgons, 131; three old crones, divinities of the sea; they had but one eye and one tooth, which they used in

nes, divinities of the sea; they had but one eye and one tooth, which they used in turn, 132; they told Perseus where to fin

ea; they had but one eye and one tooth, which they used in turn, 132; they told Perseus where to find the Gorgon Medusa, 134

rinces of Greece waged war against Troy, 178, which, after ten years, they destroyed, 211. Helen was then taken back to Spar

e narrow strait between Sicily and Italy. If mariners avoided Scylla, they fell unawares into the jaws of Charybdis. Ser΄ip

age] Preface Almost all boys and girls like fairy tales; they appeal to the imaginative side of the child’s nat

e. The myths of the Greeks and Romans are especially valuable because they have become an inseparable part of art and litera

idea of the thoughts and habits of the beauty-loving people with whom they originated. In this little book I have gathered t

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

r origin, or to point a moral. If they please and interest the child, they will fulfill their purpose. I have avoided the us

l these names, and with a little help here and there from the teacher they need cause the pupil no difficulty. Following man

sculptures by the foremost artists of all ages, and it is hoped that they may awaken the true artistic sense. The poems by

thought their own land the best and the fairest in the world; and as they watched the sunsets and the rising of the moon an

the moon and all the other beautiful things that nature showed them, they were filled with awe and wonder. So they said, “T

ngs that nature showed them, they were filled with awe and wonder. So they said, “There must be some mighty people living ab

the woods and everything else. They are great and happy and good, and they live forever; they can do whatever they please, a

thing else. They are great and happy and good, and they live forever; they can do whatever they please, and from them come a

great and happy and good, and they live forever; they can do whatever they please, and from them come all our joys and sorro

all our joys and sorrows. Let us worship them and sing of them.” And they called these mighty people gods and goddesses. In

he people of Greece had ever climbed to the top of Mount Olympus, and they said it was there that the gods lived, among the

llars and their thrones of gold and silver. The walls of the palaces, they said, were covered with pictures such as no man’s

e down to visit the people on the earth. Once in a great, great while they came in their own true forms; but far oftener the

great, great while they came in their own true forms; but far oftener they took on the shape of animals or human beings, so

ar oftener they took on the shape of animals or human beings, so that they might not be recognized. The people of Greece, wh

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

that if they did anything wrong it would displease the gods, and that they would be punished by sickness or death or some ot

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

be pleased and would love them and send them wealth and happiness. So they built great temples of marble, and in them they s

lth and happiness. So they built great temples of marble, and in them they set up gold and ivory statues of the gods; and th

and in them they set up gold and ivory statues of the gods; and there they came, in time of trouble, to ask for help and com

they came, in time of trouble, to ask for help and comfort; and when they were happy they came to offer up their thanks to

ime of trouble, to ask for help and comfort; and when they were happy they came to offer up their thanks to the kind gods. T

you are going to read stories about some of them, I will tell you who they were. Apollo was the god of the sun, of music, an

n without his bow and arrows. You will hear later what curious arrows they were. Cupid was always young and rosy and dimpled

forest. Her joy in nature was all gone. In vain the brooks gurgled as they sped merrily by; in vain the sun looked down with

ome dark cavern. Often she heard the voices of her former friends, as they went hunting over the hills; and then she tremble

atch the stars over the ocean, you will see that as the night passes, they seem to sink lower and lower, and at last to vani

pace     And their shadows at play on the bright green vale, And here they stretch to the frolic chase,     And there they r

green vale, And here they stretch to the frolic chase,     And there they roll on the easy gale. There’s a dance of leaves

was nowhere to be seen. Ceres searched for her in all the rooms, but they were empty. Then she lighted a great torch from t

ud to Jupiter that he should bring Proserpine back to her mother, for they were sadly in need of great Ceres’ help. At last,

he unhappy mother, and of the men who were changed into frogs because they were so unkind to her. Long ago, there lived in G

rowboat without any oars; and the ripples of water made soft music as they plashed against its sides. The water sounded so q

through the dark water, and the stars looked down in pity, as though’ they wished to comfort Latona. It seemed a long time s

her heart. She never wearied of watching her little boy and girl, as they lay asleep or played with their fingers and toes

pollo, and the girl Diana. 5. “Watching her little boy and girl, as they lay asleep.” Latona and her Children ( Rinehart

renewed their rude talk and threatened that, if she did not go away, they would do her some harm. Then Latona began to plea

ngers, as though to beg these hard-hearted men to be more gentle. But they were very hard-hearted indeed, and for answer the

e more gentle. But they were very hard-hearted indeed, and for answer they began to kick mud and stones into the water, so t

prayer, and the men were at once changed into frogs; and to this day they haunt the quiet pools, now sitting on the rocks,

a, his beautiful twin sister, is the goddess of the moon. So much did they honor their mother that her lightest wish was a l

o the beautiful image, and the red lips in the water parted as though they were answering him; but no sound could he hear. H

the rivers and the wood nymphs all mourned for their dead friend. And they prepared the funeral pile, for in those days peop

days people used to burn the bodies of the dead. When all was ready, they went with garlands to carry him to his bier, but

and all of them lived very happily. Thus it might have gone on until they died, had not Arachne’s head been turned by the p

or pain; Doubt and jealousy and fear, In the magic dance appear. Now they wax and now they dwindle, Whirling with the whirl

d jealousy and fear, In the magic dance appear. Now they wax and now they dwindle, Whirling with the whirling spindle. Twis

rce battle. The people were then very happy; and you may be sure that they made a great ado over Apollo, so that he left the

e other arrows were blunt and made of dull lead, and, strange to say, they made people hate one another. You will hear, in a

When he played his lyre, the trees were so charmed by his music that they followed him as he went along; and the lifeless r

trembled at the beauty of his song. And he could so charm people that they would forget all their bad thoughts, and become f

ll their bad thoughts, and become for a while as lovely as the sounds they heard. Now Orpheus had a fair young wife, Eurydic

ndition, however, — that Orpheus must not look back at his wife until they had passed the bounds of Hades. To this Orpheus g

ountain, he met a band of dancing women who were singing gay songs as they tripped along. Orpheus, to whom the sight of such

nful, would have turned aside; but as soon as the women saw his lyre, they came up to him and ordered him, in a rough manner

on him, and put him to death with stones and arrows. Cruel, mad women they were, and their king afterwards punished them sev

t his dear wife and put his arms about her, happy in the thought that they would never again be parted. ——— Orpheus with Hi

th her quiver of arrows.” Diana of Versailles (Louvre, Paris). When they were tired of the sport, they would seek a shady

na of Versailles (Louvre, Paris). When they were tired of the sport, they would seek a shady place where, perhaps, a cool b

ce where, perhaps, a cool brook sped along over the stones; and there they would bathe their hot limbs, and drink the coolin

the trees. No one ever dared to enter these quiet, hidden groves, for they were sacred to Diana and her nymphs. Actaeon was

d a fine pack of hounds that never failed to track the game when once they had caught scent of the trail. One day, Actaeon h

of his own dogs, coming to join him. Ah! he must hide from them, for they would not know their master hidden in that body o

that every now and then swept over the little boat. She thought that they both would die; but somehow the frail little bark

that one could think of them only as ugly monsters. Instead of skin, they had large scales; their hands were made of brass;

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

irth, and when Mercury came to them and asked them to help the youth, they readily consented. Pluto lent him his wonderful h

f them had the eye, the other two could see nothing at all; and while they were passing the eye from one to another, all thr

hat was going on in the farthest parts of the earth, and that was how they knew the way to Medusa’s home. To this cave, in w

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

us eye was a thing too terrible to think of. So, after a few minutes, they told Perseus all he wanted to know, and he set th

hissing of the snakes on Medusa’s head awakened her two sisters, and they started up to follow Perseus; but on account of P

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

en the people heard what had happened, there was great rejoicing, for they had all feared and hated the cruel king. Perseus

ted the cruel king. Perseus chose a better ruler for them, under whom they lived in peace and happiness. Perseus knew that h

the seashore, and bound her with chains to an overhanging rock. Then they stood sadly around, waiting for the coming of the

en, suddenly, something black was seen above the water, afar off, and they knew that it was the dreaded creature. Nearer and

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

s he stood. When his followers saw what had happened to their master, they turned and fled from the house; and the merrymaki

upted. After that Perseus took his wife to his island home, and there they spent many happy days together in his mother’s li

eyes watching us day and night, we should find it hard to do anything they did not see. Never for a moment was Io left ungua

nd playing; but the watchman never closed more than half his eyes. So they had been sitting for a long time, when at last Ar

nd nimble and fleet of foot, and she led the wood gods, or satyrs, as they were called, many a race through the woods. “Now

and she set his eyes in the tail of her own bird, the peacock, where they shine in splendor to this day. But alas! the quee

by the side of the river Nile, and thought her so fair and good that they made her their queen. She lived happily for many

arved a great statue of the queen, and placed it in their temple; and they called the statue Isis. Hundreds of years after I

s and other gifts at the foot of the statue of Isis, to show how much they loved their beautiful queen. ——— Song to Pan Al

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

gh she, too, were a child. Niobe’s people did not love her so much as they feared her; for although she was gentle and tende

e could not harm her. When Diana and Apollo saw their mother’s anger, they tried to quiet her, and promised to punish the qu

and the king’s daughter had been married, and the feasting was over, they started together to journey to the hero’s native

journey to the hero’s native land. They had gone some distance, when they came to a river that crossed their path. Usually

anira across. It was, in fact, one of the men horses, or centaurs, as they were called, who were like men in the upper parts

ut further trials, arrived safe in the city of Hercules’ birth, where they spent many happy years together. So well did her

ed ever higher and higher, as though eager to devour so great a hero; they had almost reached his head, when suddenly the he

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

gths, and, with his deft fingers, shaped them like birds’ wings. When they were finished he fastened them with soft wax to h

The fishermen and the sailors who saw them passing overhead, thought they must be gods flying near to earth, and fell on th

gods flying near to earth, and fell on their knees. Over sea and land they went, swiftly and steadily, the father ever turni

g the great heat melted the wax by which the wings were fastened, and they dropped from his shoulders. Poor Icarus now had n

moon; That open to the bright, blue sky, And the frolicsome winds as they wander by! They have left their nests on the for

hey have left their nests on the forest bough; Those homes of delight they need not now; And the young and the old they wand

; Those homes of delight they need not now; And the young and the old they wander out, And traverse their green world round

nd hark! at the top of this leafy hall, How, one to the other in love they call: “Come up, come up!” they seem to say, “Wher

fy hall, How, one to the other in love they call: “Come up, come up!” they seem to say, “Where the topmost twigs in the bree

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

. Soon afterwards he married her, and they had one child, a boy, whom they called Theseus. When this baby was a few months o

King Minos. The other birds of the air seemed to shun her, as though they knew her story; so she lived lonely and with no o

y had soon eaten up their store of food, and, as you will understand, they had no way of getting any more; for they could no

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

eople starved to death, and all the men were so weak from hunger that they had no strength with which to fight the well-fed

diers of Crete. The people consulted their oracle, and were told that they must do whatever King Minos asked, if they wished

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

lt that it would be impossible to do what the king demanded, but then they remembered the words of their oracle, and said, “

young boys and girls were called together in the market place, where they drew lots to decide which should be the victims t

h the Athenians were filled with horror at the cruelty of the demand, they dared not disobey King Minos. But when the time c

e journey Theseus tried to cheer his companions by hopeful words; but they had no hope, for they thought no human being coul

d to cheer his companions by hopeful words; but they had no hope, for they thought no human being could. overcome that monst

ad carried Theseus from Athens flapped to and fro in the breeze. When they had reached the entrance, Ariadne spoke. “Prince

ed, “Fair princess, my arm is strong enough to slay any creature; but they tell me that even if I kill the Minotaur, I can n

oment when first she pitied him and his helpless companions. Together they went into the courtyard, awoke the sleeping youth

p. When all were on board, Theseus lifted the anchor, and, rejoicing, they sailed away from the place where they had expecte

ted the anchor, and, rejoicing, they sailed away from the place where they had expected to die. The Minotaur was dead, and f

trangers and homeless wanderers, and to share with them the best fare they have to offer. In olden times people thought even

his wife Baucis. They were very poor; but, in spite of their poverty, they were contented and happy, and always glad to shar

( Bologna ). The strangers knocked at the door of the first cottage they came to, and asked for a night’s shelter. Not onl

e strangers went on to the next cottage and the next; but nowhere did they receive a welcome. Moreover, a crowd of children

eir day’s work, heard the noise and uproar and went to the door. When they saw the strangers approaching, with the jeering c

saw the strangers approaching, with the jeering crowd at their heels, they hastened to meet them. “Friends,” said old Philem

he garden; yet the wanderers seemed to enjoy their meal very much. As they kept filling and refilling their glasses with the

refilled itself. Baucis whispered to Philemon what she had seen. Then they watched more closely, and noticed that the honey

ple black. Although husband and wife were more than astonished at all they saw, they kept silence about it, quietly waiting

Although husband and wife were more than astonished at all they saw, they kept silence about it, quietly waiting on their g

ting on their guests. At last the latter arose from the table, saying they had eaten enough, and would now like a place in w

y had eaten enough, and would now like a place in which to sleep; for they had come a great distance that day, and were very

e kitchen floor. Early in the morning, Philemon and Baucis arose, for they wanted to kill their one old goose for the strang

anted to kill their one old goose for the strangers’ breakfast. While they were trying to catch it, the two guests appeared

is look and tone that the couple followed in awe-struck silence. When they reached the top of the hill, the strangers turned

ed. At sight of the elder man’s face, the two simple people trembled, they scarcely knew why. Then he spoke. “My good people

he temple for many, many years. Whenever strangers came to the place, they were gladly welcomed and kindly entertained, for

were just as simple and hospitable in their days of good fortune, as they had been in their poverty. So. they grew very old

in their days of good fortune, as they had been in their poverty. So. they grew very old — so old that life no longer seemed

w very old — so old that life no longer seemed beautiful to them, and they no longer cared to live. And one evening, as they

utiful to them, and they no longer cared to live. And one evening, as they were standing hand in hand in front of the temple

hand in hand in front of the temple, thinking of the many happy years they had spent within it, suddenly they both vanished;

, thinking of the many happy years they had spent within it, suddenly they both vanished; and in their stead stood two majes

stead stood two majestic trees, their branches intertwining as though they were whispering loving secrets to each other. Thu

nd Halcyone, a king and queen who loved each other very dearly. After they had lived together happily for many years, the ki

band and wife went down to the place where the boat was moored. There they parted, with many words of tenderness. Through he

a. But she was not drowned. The gods so pitied the loving couple that they changed them into white halcyon birds, or kingfis

e that they changed them into white halcyon birds, or kingfishers, as they are sometimes called, which live forever on the s

king and queen had two children, Phryxus a boy, and Helle a girl, and they were all as happy as the day is long. Only one th

eed, some people said that the clouds were her sisters, and that when they left the sky she had to travel far away with them

e married the dark-eyed girl. Now Ino hated Phryxus and Helle because they were not her own children, and because they were

Phryxus and Helle because they were not her own children, and because they were beautiful and good. Soon she began to ill-tr

ear old rags and live with the shepherds’ children; and all’ day long they guarded the flocks on the hillsides. Still I do n

ds all day long, and healthy young people do not care much about what they eat or wear. Their only grief was at the loss of

thered away. There was not enough food for the people, and everywhere they were dying of hunger. The king at last sent messe

t be killed. I am afraid the messengers were not very good men, since they were willing to help in killing the children for

p in killing the children for the sake of a little gold. In due time, they came back to the king with their false report, th

ut, decked with flowers, as the ancients used to deck the young lambs they offered in sacrifice to the gods. As they neared

sed to deck the young lambs they offered in sacrifice to the gods. As they neared the spot where they were to be put to deat

they offered in sacrifice to the gods. As they neared the spot where they were to be put to death, suddenly there came flyi

sprang upon the ram’s back with Helle behind him, and the next minute they were far beyond the reach of the astonished peopl

at she dropped from the ram’s back, fell into a narrow sea over which they were passing, and was drowned. Since that day thi

he Hellespont. Phryxus, however, clung to the ram’s back, and at last they alighted together in the land of Colchis, far awa

it down and rest himself, and placed food and drink before him. While they were eating, the king told many stories of brave

rd of his intended voyage to his comrades of the old school days, and they all came to join him. These heroes were called th

These heroes were called the Argonauts, from the ship “Argo” in which they sailed. After a long and dangerous voyage, during

t in a great crowd to the field where Jason was to meet his death, as they thought. In the midst of them sat the king himsel

ugly creatures, with hoofs of brass, and horns pointed with iron. As they came tramping along, making the ground tremble at

along, making the ground tremble at each step of their brazen hoofs, they breathed out curling flames from their nostrils,

ought it was his neighbor who had thrown the stone. In a few minutes, they were all fighting and struggling in a confused ma

inutes, they were all fighting and struggling in a confused mass, and they fought so fiercely that in a short time the field

den Fleece with them. After a long, hard journey, full of adventures, they at last reached home. Jason banished his uncle fr

es and branching antlers. He belonged to the nymphs of the grove, and they had hung about his neck a golden necklace, studde

stag had been wandering through the grove for many hours, and at noon they paused in a shady spot by the side of a stream. T

six horrible, loudmouthed, fierce-looking dogs. At first she thought they were only in the water, and she rushed to the sho

d many people who have narrowly escaped shipwreck there have told how they heard the loud, fierce barking of dogs from the b

etty name. You know a flower with a name very much like that? Perhaps they have something to do with each other. Let us read

between a little hunter boy and a great god of heaven. One day, while they were resting in a shady nook, Apollo proposed to

ball. The quoits were flat circular discs about twelve inches across; they were made of iron or some other heavy substance.

he farthest. Apollo and his companion were both fond of the game, and they began to play, and were enjoying themselves very

ng was a lofty hill, not far from the palace of King Midas. As judge, they chose the ruler of the mountain, a mighty king wi

grew a thicket of hollow reeds; and when the wind played through them they gave forth these strange words, “King Midas wears

bjects came to hear of this secret that the reeds whispered, and then they knew how Apollo had punished their king for his s

, guarding flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. It was said that when they spoke in angry tones, the whole mountain shook an

ut in their mountain caves, fire shot forth from those eyes, and then they looked exactly like volcanoes sending forth flame

e, wild-looking creatures, who guarded their flocks all day long when they were not roaring or shooting out flames, would no

ts of the waves, looking almost like white foam on the sea. Sometimes they combed out their yellow hair, which glistened lik

e woods, and all the wild animals hurried into places of shelter when they felt the ground tremble under his angry step, and

origin and destiny of man, their motives for the performance of what they considered duty, and their ground of hope for the

he people who then lived on the earth, men talked of the things which they saw and heard in a manner very different from our

e sun rising and setting as of something which is sure to happen; but they did not know enough to feel sure about these thin

enough to feel sure about these things, and so when the evening came they said, ‘Our friend, the sun, is dead; will he come

id, ‘Our friend, the sun, is dead; will he come back again?’ and when they saw him once more in the east, they rejoiced beca

ill he come back again?’ and when they saw him once more in the east, they rejoiced because he brought back their light and

with him. Knowing but little about themselves and of the things which they saw in the world around them, they fancied that e

themselves and of the things which they saw in the world around them, they fancied that everything had the same kind of life

nd them, they fancied that everything had the same kind of life which they had themselves. In this way they came to think th

hing had the same kind of life which they had themselves. In this way they came to think that the sun and stars, the rivers

ars, the rivers and streams, could see, and feel, and think, and that they shone, or moved, of their own accord. Thus they s

, and think, and that they shone, or moved, of their own accord. Thus they spoke of everything as if it were alive, and inst

before the sunrise, and that the evening twilight follows the sunset, they spoke of the sun as the lover of the dawn, or mor

one like spears. “We talk of the clouds which scud along the sky, but they spoke of the cows of the sun, which the children

eir pastures in the blue fields of heaven. So, too, when the sun set, they said that the dawn with its soft and tender light

ck to him in the evening. “When the sun shone with a pleasant warmth, they spoke of him as the friend of men; when his scorc

him as the friend of men; when his scorching heat brought a drought, they said that the sun was slaying his children, or th

guide them, was driving the horses of his chariot through the sky. As they looked on the dark clouds which rested on the ear

on the dark clouds which rested on the earth without giving any rain, they said that the terrible being whom they named the

earth without giving any rain, they said that the terrible being whom they named the snake or dragon was shutting up the wat

as shutting up the waters in a prison-house. When the thunder rolled, they said that this hateful monster was uttering his h

s uttering his hard riddles; and when, at last, the rain burst forth, they said that the bright sun had slain his enemy, and

en remained in the same place, there was no fear that the words which they spoke would be misunderstood; but as time went on

he words which they spoke would be misunderstood; but as time went on they scattered, and it came to pass that they kept the

erstood; but as time went on they scattered, and it came to pass that they kept the names which they had given to the sun, t

on they scattered, and it came to pass that they kept the names which they had given to the sun, the clouds, and all other t

mply a collection of the sayings by which men once described whatever they saw and heard in the countries where they lived.

men once described whatever they saw and heard in the countries where they lived. This key which has unlocked almost all the

e resemblance between the stories told of the gods and heroes is that they are in reality only slightly different ways of de

rases used by the most ancient tribes in speaking of the things which they saw, heard, or felt in the world around them.” C

sed from west to east, and divided into two equal parts by the Sea as they called the Mediterranean, and its continuation th

They were named the Æthiopians. The gods favored them so highly, that they were wont to leave at times their Olympian abodes

n portion of this sea with giants, monsters, and enchantresses; while they placed around the disk of the earth nations enjoy

equently was supposed to be an attribute of their divinities, to whom they ascribed all perfections. A fluid named Ichor sup

f blood in the veins of the gods. They were not capable of death, but they might be wounded or otherwise injured. They could

se injured. They could make themselves visible or invisible to men as they pleased, and assume the forms of men or of animal

me the forms of men or of animals as it suited their fancy. Like men, they stood in daily need of food and sleep. The food o

od of the gods was called Ambrosia, their drink Nectar. The gods when they came among men often partook of their food and ho

tar, the latter being handed around by the lovely goddess Hebe*. Here they conversed of the affairs of heaven and earth; and

ebe*. Here they conversed of the affairs of heaven and earth; and, as they quaffed their nectar, Apollo, the god of music, d

e abodes of the gods as the Greeks conceived them. The Romans, before they knew the Greek poetry, seem to have had no defini

mily hearth was consecrated. “When the Greeks first settled in Italy, they found there a mythology belonging to the Celtic i

o the Greek custom of paying reverence to all gods, known or unknown, they readily adopted, selecting and appropriating thos

ose divinities which had the greatest affinity to their own; and thus they formed a religious belief which naturally bore th

s*. The interpretation of these divinities is somewhat difficult, but they doubtless represented the elementary forces of na

sprung forward, but, soon aware of the feeble hand that guided them, they ran out of their course, the world was set on fir

He fell into the river Eridanus* (Po). His sisters, the Heliades*, as they lamented his fate, were turned into poplar-trees

anks, and their tears, which still continued to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream. Cycnus*, the friend of t

hose of Thessaly, had an uncontrollable power over the moon, and that they could draw her down from heaven at pleasure by th

her glory vanishes, her flowers fade, and her trees become leafless, they poetically expressed this process of nature under

ybele. They marched to the mountains, and to music of fifes and drums they rushed through the woods with frantic cries, sear

from the mutilated Uranus. From the plains of Phlegra*, in Thessaly*, they sought to storm Olympus by piling Pelion* upon Os

* upon Ossa*. After a fierce battle, in which all the gods took part, they were conquered, and sent to share the fate of the

ptive to Thebes. Her infant sons were exposed on the mountains, where they were found by a shepherd, who reared them, and na

ty by Dirce*, the wife of Lycus, fled for protection to her sons when they were grown up. They attacked and slew Lycus, and,

tion of this myth is somewhat difficult. It is commonly supposed that they were ancient Peloponnesian divinities of light, w

er in battle or in the dangers of shipwreck. In this latter character they are lauded by an Homeric hymn, in which they are

In this latter character they are lauded by an Homeric hymn, in which they are represented as darting through the air on the

ghtning. Zeus and Hermes once came in the evening to a village, where they sought hospitality, but nowhere did they receive

evening to a village, where they sought hospitality, but nowhere did they receive welcome till they reached the cottage of

re they sought hospitality, but nowhere did they receive welcome till they reached the cottage of an old man and his wife, c

summit of a neighboring hill. On looking down towards their village, they saw nothing but a lake, with their cottage standi

y saw nothing but a lake, with their cottage standing on its side. As they gazed, it became a temple. Zeus asked the worthy

azed, it became a temple. Zeus asked the worthy pair to name any wish they particularly desired, and it should be granted. T

larly desired, and it should be granted. They accordingly begged that they might serve the gods in the temple below, and end

below, and end life together. Their wish was granted; and one day, as they were standing before the temple, they were transf

sh was granted; and one day, as they were standing before the temple, they were transformed into trees, remaining forever si

acle a deference and respect unsurpassed by the veneration with which they consulted the oracular deities of Dodona and Delp

no, in whose temple at Rome money was coined. The Roman consuls, when they entered upon office, were always obliged to offer

two giant sons called Otus* and Ephialtes*. When only nine years old, they attempted to scale heaven by piling mighty mounta

hat the dead had gone to Hades, all that was literally meant was that they had gone to the unseen place. The Greek name Plut

he shadowy outline of the human form it had quitted. These shades, as they were called, were driven by Aides into his domini

, as they were called, were driven by Aides into his dominions, where they passed their time in brooding over the vicissitud

passed their time in brooding over the vicissitudes of fortune which they had experienced on earth, or in regretting the lo

ch they had experienced on earth, or in regretting the lost pleasures they had enjoyed in life, but all in a state of semi-c

at gate which closed the opening to Tartarus, into whose awful depths they were hurled, to suffer endless torture. Tartarus

d that, after the shades had inhabited Elysium* for a thousand years, they were destined to animate other bodies on earth, a

destined to animate other bodies on earth, and before leaving Elysium they drank of the river Lethe, in order that they migh

d before leaving Elysium they drank of the river Lethe, in order that they might enter upon their new career without any rem

dly aspect. When represented at the feet of Aides in the lower world, they are clad in dark robes; but when they appear on O

et of Aides in the lower world, they are clad in dark robes; but when they appear on Olympus, they wear bright garments besp

world, they are clad in dark robes; but when they appear on Olympus, they wear bright garments bespangled with stars, and a

le detector and avenger of iniquity.” Fiske . According to Hesiod, they sprung from the blood of Uranus when he was wound

f his rebellious son. Their place of abode was the lower world, where they were employed by Aides and Persephone to chastise

was the earlier and more dreadful idea of the Erinnys. Subsequently, they appear in a milder and more kindly guise. So long

w of retaliation, — the dreadful “eye for eye and tooth for tooth,” — they were able to derive pleasure from the idea of the

shrine should be erected to them on the hill of the Areopagus. After they had taken possession of this sanctuary, they were

of the Areopagus. After they had taken possession of this sanctuary, they were venerated by the Athenians under the name of

able), or Eumenides* (benevolent), as propitious deities, who, though they continued to punish crimes, were ever ready to gr

ed of honey and water called Nephalia*. Besides the shrine in Athens, they had another near the city, a sacred grove in Colo

once playing with the daughters of Oceanus in a flowery meadow, where they were picking flowers and making garlands. Perseph

rifices offered were millet and barley. Swine were sacrificed because they injure the fruits of the earth. Demeter punished

in Rome. Every year in the month of March, which was sacred to Mars, they bore the sacred shields in solemn procession thro

me. Their term of office was thirty years. During the first ten years they were initiated in their religious duties, during

ears they were initiated in their religious duties, during the second they performed them, and during the third they instruc

s duties, during the second they performed them, and during the third they instructed novices. Their chief duty was to watch

e best seats were reserved for their use at all public spectacles. If they met a criminal on his way to execution, they had

ll public spectacles. If they met a criminal on his way to execution, they had the power to pardon him, provided it could be

e palaces in which the gods resided, made the golden shoes with which they trod the air or water, built for them their wonde

ræ were also the deities of the fast-fleeting hours. In this capacity they assisted every morning in yoking the celestial ho

orning in yoking the celestial horses to the chariot of the sun which they help to unyoke when he sinks to rest. They were o

e gates of heaven and causing fruits and flowers to spring forth when they pour down upon them their refreshing and life-giv

on Hera, Aphrodite, Apollo, and the Muses. Representations. When they are depicted separately as personifications of th

her hands filled with clusters of grapes and other fruits. Sometimes they appear as lovely girls dancing, and adorned with

nd eternal youth. Wherever joy or pleasure, grace and gayety reigned, they were supposed to be present. Music, eloquence, po

ed from the Graces additional refinement and beauty, for which reason they are always regarded as the friends of the Muses,

eason they are always regarded as the friends of the Muses, with whom they resided on Mount Olympus. Their special function

tion was to act, with the Seasons, as attendants upon Aphrodite, whom they adorned with wreaths of flowers. Temples and alta

vor. Incense was burned daily upon their altars, and at every banquet they were invoked, and a libation poured out to them.

longed for the society of her sisters. In accordance with her desire, they were conducted by Zephyrus to her fairy-like abod

ducted by Zephyrus to her fairy-like abode. Jealous of her happiness, they wished to destroy it, so they persuaded Psyche th

y-like abode. Jealous of her happiness, they wished to destroy it, so they persuaded Psyche that her husband was a monster,

syche sought long and sorrowfully for him. After many disappointments they were reunited, and Zeus made her immortal.10 “B

s they were reunited, and Zeus made her immortal.10 “But never more they met! since doubts and fears,     Those phantom-sh

ndeed put to flight the cold of winter, but, as their heat increases, they ultimately become the cause of disease and death.

was restored on condition that he should not look back upon her until they reached the upper world. They journeyed on throug

assemble in a shady grove or on the banks of a favorite stream, where they joined in song or the dance. The hind, dog, bear,

Greeks for Troy. The Scythians in Tauris likewise had a goddess whom they propitiated with human sacrifices. This caused he

rain-drops which turn to ice on the mountain-summits, where men fancy they see her form hardened into stone.” Cox . The D

te plants were the vine and ivy. Goats were sacrificed to him because they were destructive to vineyards. The most celebrate

ment of the Tyrrhenian* pirates. Mistaking him for the son of a king, they carried him off and placed him on board their shi

hip, in the hope of obtaining a large ransom. No sooner, however, had they left the shore, than the cords with which the smi

or seized the offenders, who leaped from the ship into the sea, where they were changed into dolphins. A fine representation

ompanies their sweet strains, which gladden the hearts of the gods as they sit assembled in the lofty palace of Father Zeus,

goddesses. Originally, the Muses were only goddesses of song, though they are sometimes represented on vases holding musica

epresented on vases holding musical instruments. In early times, too, they appeared only as a chorus, or company; but at a l

er were false and deceptive. The Muses easily gained the victory, and they punished their rivals by plucking the feathers fr

preferred the peaceful solitude of the woods and the mountains, where they led a merry, joyous life.” Seemann . The water

fresh-water springs, lakes, brooks, rivers, etc. Like all the nymphs, they possessed the gift of prophecy, for which reason

ophecy, for which reason many of the springs and fountains over which they presided were believed to inspire mortals who dra

ceived special names from the particular mountains or districts which they inhabited. The most celebrated among them was the

d-nymphs, were believed to be born with the trees, and to perish when they were destroyed. Sacrifices to the nymphs were goa

ain ambrosia. Juventas* is the corresponding deity of the Romans, but they honored in her the unfading vigor of the State. S

was customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that they cou

of straw, through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that they could thus purify themselves from their sins.

distinct divinities, whose aspect accorded with the winds with which they were identified. The principal winds were Boreas*

ssembled gods weie much pleased with the curious little creature, and they bestowed upon him the name of Pan (all), because

nd on a stone, it became a mass of gold; he touched the ears of corn, they vaved in golden lustre. When he sat down to eat,

hip. Believing that their divinities were enthroned above the clouds, they sought the highest available points, in order to

y on their erection and decoration. So massive were some of them that they have, to a great extent, withstood the ravages of

n a wonderful state of preservation. These ruins are valuable because they are sufliciently complete to assist in the study

ucture. The most ancient temples known to us served a double purpose; they were not only consecrated to the service of the g

n, and offered prayers and sacrifices in the name of the people, whom they also instructed as to what vows, gifts, and offer

ts wore crowns composed of the leaves of the tree sacred to the deity they invoked. This practice of wearing crowns was, at

in the early spring after the frost of winter had disappeared, and so they naturally concluded that man must also have issue

looked upon as authorities in all religious matters, and the doctrine they taught was, that man had been created by the gods

ucalion and Pyrrha left the ark and offered a sacrifice to Zeus. When they saw the earth desolate and devoid of inhabitants,

to Zeus. When they saw the earth desolate and devoid of inhabitants, they were filled with sorrow. They repaired to an anci

g to obtain advice and consolation. On imploring the aid of the gods, they received the following response:                

, Phœnix*, and Cilix* to go in search of her, and not to return until they found her. They went, accompanied by their mother

obtain no intelligence of Europa, and fearing to return without her, they resolved to settle in various countries. Phœnix e

ome of his companions to bring water from a neighboring spring, where they were slain by a dragon, sacred to Ares, which gua

were gray from their births, and had but one eye and one tooth, which they shared in common. They were the only ones who cou

e its wearer invisible. Hermes contrived to take the eye and tooth as they were handing them from one to another, but promis

ere handing them from one to another, but promised to restore them if they would give him the desired information. They were

usa. Warning his friends of the dangerous power of the Gorgon’s head, they turned away their eyes; but on showing it to his

d, they turned away their eyes; but on showing it to his adversaries, they all stiffened into stone. Perseus, accompanied by

ue. Perseus returned to Hermes the shoes, wallet, and helmet, by whom they were taken to the Nymphs. He gave the Gorgon’s he

g a helmet. His next act was to free the Thebans from a tribute which they were compelled to pay to the Minyans*, a neighbor

hem back with arrows and firebrands, and pursued them to Malea, where they took refuge with the good Centaur Chiron. Unfortu

rey whose home was on the shore of Lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia, where they caused great destruction among men and cattle. Wh

d the mares to Eurystheus, who set them loose on Mount Olympus, where they became the prey of wild beasts. 9. The Girdle of

the heroes Theseus* and Pirithous seated on an enchanted rock, where they had been placed by Aides as a punishment for atte

er to change them for white in case of his returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete, the youths and maidens were exh

Ariadne, he with his rescued companions sailed for Athens. On the way they stopped at the island of Naxos, where Theseus aba

tisfaction dost thou require?” “Thy friendship,” replied Theseus, and they swore inviolable fidelity. They ever continued tr

he queen of Aides. Theseus would not forsake his friend, and together they entered the gloomy realm. Aides set them on an en

realm. Aides set them on an enchanted rock at his palace gate, where they remained until Heracles liberated Theseus; but, i

ster raised himself above the waves and frightened the horses so that they ran away and dashed the chariot to pieces. When P

ff his prize. But the lovers were so full of their own happiness that they forgot to pay due honor to Aphrodite. Provoked at

That goddess changed them into lions and yoked them to her car, where they are still to be seen in all representations of th

oids high places. Dædalus fled with his son Icarus to Crete, where they were welcomed by Minos. He built the Labyrinth, b

om the prison, but, as the king kept strict watch on all the vessels, they could not leave the island by sea; so Dædalus mad

ty entertained by the Lemnian women, and after remaining several days they again embarked. On arriving at the coast of Mysia

g several days they again embarked. On arriving at the coast of Mysia they went ashore. Here Hylas was lost, and while Herac

ed by the Harpies. As soon as food was set before the unhappy prince, they came and devoured a portion of it and defiled the

to their further course. He promised to give them ample directions if they would deliver him from the Harpies. Zetes and Cal

earing never to molest Phineus again, their captors released them and they rejoined their companions. In gratitude for his d

w to overcome the dangers awaiting them. They once more set sail, but they had not proceeded far on their course, when they

e more set sail, but they had not proceeded far on their course, when they heard a fearful crash. This was caused by the mee

old the heroes to let loose a dove, and if it ventured to fly through they might safely follow. The bird passed swiftly, but

f her tail, so quickly did the rocks reunite. Seizing the moment when they separated, the Argonauts, aided by Hera, worked v

e in safety. The rocks then became immovable, for it had been decreed they should if any vessel passed through in safety.

d armed him suddenly made them tame and obedient. Without resistance, they bent their necks under the yoke, permitting Jason

uctions of Medea, hurled amidst them the stone she had given him, and they immediately attacked each other. The ground was s

e the coveted treasure. They set out together; Medea led the way, and they advanced boldly into the grove. The tall oak-tree

their voyage. As the Argonauts were sailing by the Absyrtian islands, they were assailed by a storm, and a voice was heard f

a*, where dwelt Circe, a famous enchantress and aunt to Medea. By her they were purified, but she severely reprimanded them

d, but she severely reprimanded them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty. The Argo at length arrived safel

eir father, cut him in pieces, and boil the limbs in a cauldron; this they did in the vain expectation of seeing him restore

seeing him restored to youth. Medea and Jason fled to Corinth, where they lived happily for ten years. At length Jason wear

of any violence or injury being offered to the successful candidate, they would all aid in procuring satisfaction. The hand

r head, the Greeks now made an attempt to take the city by storm, but they were repulsed with terrible loss. After this defe

When the Trojans saw the enemy depart and the Greek camp in flames, they believed themselves safe, and great numbers went

the site of the Greek encampment. They found the wooden horse, which they examined with curiosity. The crafty Odysseus had

y. The Trojans, believing that the siege had been abandoned, and that they now had a sacred object in the place of the Palla

the Palladium, abandoned themselves to festivities, until, exhausted, they were sunk in deep sleep. The Greek fleet quietly

eric unity. That it contains some few grains of actual history is all they venture to urge.” Cox . The Return of the

untry. In consequence of the acts of desecration and cruelty of which they had been guilty during the destruction of Troy, t

lent tempests to the coast of Egypt. After eight years of wanderings, they finally reached their home. Ajax, the Locrian*, h

. The name means “round eye,” and these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and that was placed in the middl

explore the country, carrying with them a jar of wine. Near the shore they found a vast cave, which they entered. They found

with them a jar of wine. Near the shore they found a vast cave, which they entered. They found it stored with quantities of

n. Having kindled a fire, he discerned the strangers and demanded who they were, and where they were from. Odysseus informed

ire, he discerned the strangers and demanded who they were, and where they were from. Odysseus informed him they were shipwr

manded who they were, and where they were from. Odysseus informed him they were shipwrecked mariners, and claimed his hospit

ch the cave was closed was far beyond their power to remove, and that they would therefore be in hopeless imprisonment. Next

seus and his companions thrust into the fire the end of a stake which they had already sharpened. When it was red hot, they

end of a stake which they had already sharpened. When it was red hot, they thrust it into the eye of Polyphemus and effectua

being heard by the other Cyclopes dwelling in caves not far distant, they flocked around his den and inquired the cause of

ts thee, it is the stroke of Jove, and thou must bear it.” So saying, they left him. Next morning Polyphemus rolled away the

ture, but stationed himself in the door of the cave to feel of all as they went out, that Odysseus and his men should not es

t finding them on the backs of the animals he let them pass, and thus they escaped. The Grreeks now hastened aboard their ve

e gentle winds to blow the barks towards their own country. Nine days they sailed before the wind, all that time Odysseus ha

back to the Æolian island. Æolus refused to assist them further, and they were obliged to labor over their course once more

s soon as the Læstrygonians found the ships completely in their power they attacked them, hurling huge rocks, which sunk ele

ety but in flight, exhorted his men to ply their oars vigorously, and they escaped. They pursued their way till they arrived

their oars vigorously, and they escaped. They pursued their way till they arrived at the island of Ææa*, where dwelt Circe*

under the command of Eurylochus*, to see what prospect of hospitality they might find. They soon came to a magnificent marbl

r. The sorceress had her guests served with wine and delicacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one

had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one with her wand, and they became changed into swine in “head, body, voice,

seus obeyed the directions he had received. Favored by gentle breezes they soon reached their destination in the far west. O

d he fled in terror back to his ship. Having rejoined his companions, they once more put to sea and returned to Ææa, where t

his companions, they once more put to sea and returned to Ææa, where they spent one day with Circe. They then took a final

lled the ears of his men with wax, after having given directions that they should bind him firmly to the mast, and on no acc

d bind him firmly to the mast, and on no account to release him until they were out of sight of the island. The Sirens, when

ease him until they were out of sight of the island. The Sirens, when they heard the dashing of the oars, raised their song

endeavoring to avoid Charybdis, Scylla seized six of them. At length they reached the island of Trinacria (Sicily), where t

d Circe to avoid this island. He urged his companions to pass it, but they insisted upon landing for the night, and took an

, but they insisted upon landing for the night, and took an oath that they would not touch the sacred cattle. During the nig

d not touch the sacred cattle. During the night the wind changed, and they were detained on the island a month. Their provis

tained on the island a month. Their provisions were all consumed, and they lived on what fish and birds they could catch. On

r provisions were all consumed, and they lived on what fish and birds they could catch. One day, in the absence of Odysseus,

fish and birds they could catch. One day, in the absence of Odysseus, they slew some of the cattle, vainly attempting to mak

ortion of them to the offended powers. Odysseus was horrified at what they had done, especially on account of the portentous

meat lowed on the spits while roasting. After feasting for seven days they set sail, but were overtaken by a terrible storm.

o wash the linen which was to form part of her marriage portion. When they had finished their task, they bathed and sat down

form part of her marriage portion. When they had finished their task, they bathed and sat down to a repast, after which they

inished their task, they bathed and sat down to a repast, after which they amused themselves with singing and playing ball.

assed Penelope with their solicitations to select another husband, as they believed Odysseus to be dead. In order to gain ti

and he charged his son not to display any unusual interest in him. As they entered the courtyard his faithful dog Argus, tho

e, recognized his master, and then expired at his feet. At the palace they found the usual scene of feasting and riot. The s

of the deep blue heavens where the bright clouds float lazily, as if they would linger there forever.” “In the legend of Po

was lost. They sought refuge on Mount Ida, where with other fugitives they remained until the following summer. During this

fugitives they remained until the following summer. During this time they constructed a fleet, in which such of the Trojans

ed a tradition that their forefathers came from Crete, to which place they accordingly steered. They began to build a city,

ld a city, but a pestilence broke out among them, and the fields that they had planted yielded no crops, Æneas was warned in

race, had originally migrated. The Trojans sailed without delay, but they were driven by a storm to the Strophades*, island

hen the abode of the Harpies. They saw herds of cattle, some of which they slew, and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had

some of which they slew, and prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves at the table, than the Harpies

, one of the Harpies, perching on a lofty rock, foretold that, though they would reach Hesperia (Italy), they would not be a

lofty rock, foretold that, though they would reach Hesperia (Italy), they would not be able to found a city till famine sho

city till famine should have forced them to eat the tables off which they fed. The adventurers next came to Epirus, and wer

d Andromache treated the exiles with the utmost hospitality, and when they departed loaded them with gifts. After a short vo

and when they departed loaded them with gifts. After a short voyage, they landed at the foot of Mount Ætna, in Sicily, wher

n left behind, and had since lived in constant dread of the Cyclopes, they took him on board and sailed round to the other s

red the dark descent, and proceeded to the river Acheron*, over which they were ferried by Charon*. They encountered the dog

ing through regions inhabited by diflerent classes of departed souls, they entered the plains of Elysium. Here, in a fragran

he men placed their food on biscuits, and when all else was consumed, they ate them also. Iulus cried out in sport, “See; we

ur of the country and the elaborate mysticism of the priesthood, that they not only identified their own deities with those

the eternal Deity. “God created his own members, which are the gods” they said; and so out of one God grew a host of lesser

deities that it has been said, “With the exception of Amun and Neph, they comprise all Egyptian mythology.” Osiris personif

ris. A chosen number of these animals were kept in the temples, where they were given elegant apartments, and treated to eve

, carefully preserved from decay, joined the soul in its travels, and they went on together to new dangers and ordeals. The

ng of the Magi was connected with astrology and enchantment, in which they were so celebrated that their name was applied to

their ancestors fled to the deserts of Kerman and to Hindustan, where they still exist under the name of Parsees*, a name de

, and conciliatory manners. They have numerous temples to Fire, which they adore as the symbol of the divinity. “The Persian

as well as the Persians, were Aryans. In all respects, except color, they resemble the Europeans. It is probable that they

pects, except color, they resemble the Europeans. It is probable that they emigrated from Iran* (Persia) earlier than 1500 b

the morning light. The Greeks regarded them as separate beings, whom they knew as Argynnis*, Briseis*, Daphne*, Eos*, Helen

edic hymns, the Harits are the bright horses of the sun; in the West, they became beautiful women, called by the Greeks, Cha

flowed a fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source they froze into

ed from this fountain, and when they had flowed far from their source they froze into ice, and one layer accumulating over a

sea, admiring their new creation, but seeing that it was uninhabited, they resolved to create man. Aske* and Embla*, the fir

n* (Memory), who flew every day over the whole world and reported all they had seen and heard. At his feet lay two wolves, G

oat Heidrun* supplied them with never-failing draughts of mead, which they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered enemie

they drank from the skulls of their slaughtered enemies. For pastime, they fought and cut one another in pieces. When the ho

ought and cut one another in pieces. When the hour for feasting came, they recovered from their wounds, and were whole as be

eim*, and was the domain of Freyr, the god of the sun, in whose light they were always sporting. The Night Elves, also call

every battle-field to make choice of those who should be slain. When they rode forth mounted upon war steeds and in full ar

st, and men by means of them and of what the sea yields; and it seems they were poetic men these, men who had deep thoughts

ak of or for God. The Druids taught the existence of one God, to whom they gave a name, “Be’al,” which is believed to have m

secluded in caves and grottos, or in the depths of oak forests, where they were supposed to study the deeper mysteries of na

hers of youth. Their teaching was oral. The Roman writers admit that “ they paid much attention to the order and laws of natu

uids used no images to represent the object of their worship, nor did they meet in temples or buildings of any kind for the

d sacrifices to their deity, but there is some uncertainty as to what they offered, and nothing is known of the ceremonies c

religious services. The Roman writers assert that on great occasions they offered human sacrifices. Cæsar gives an account

some elevated spot, in honor of the sun, whose returning beneficence they thus welcomed after the gloom and desolation of w

ving the full moon, and also the sixth day of the moon. On the latter they sought the mistletoe, which grew on their favorit

ng made solemn preparation for feasting and sacrifice under the tree, they drive thither two milk-white bulls, whose horns a

toe with a golden sickle. It is caught in a white mantle, after which they proceed to slay the victims, at the same time pra

rsecuted Druids took refuge in the island of Mona or Anglesea, whence they were driven by the Roman troops with great slaugh

reat slaughter. They found a last asylum in the island of Iona, where they maintained an influence until the latter part of

disappointment of the company on the raft, for what better divers had they than the beaver and the otter? “In the midst of t

down she dived. She, too, remained long — a whole day and night — and they gave her up for lost. But at length she floated t

e raft, and examined her paws one by one. In the last one of the four they found a small speck of mud! that was all that was

he Great Hare, formed the trees by shooting his arrows into the soil; they became tree trunks, and he then transfixed them w

that he married the muskrat that had been of such service to him, and they were the ancestors of the various races of mankin

myth, are called Gijigouai, which means ‘those who make the day,’ and they light the world. He is never identified with the

formed Ioskeha of this, and he set out for his brother’s country, for they had divided the earth between them. He soon came

Greeks, attached great importance to the interment of their dead, as they believed that the spirit of an unburied body was

private dwelling, the inmates shaved their eyebrows; when a dog died, they shaved their entire bodies. The killing of a cat,

On the Morning of the Nativity” half as many. Through “Paradise Lost” they are scattered profusely. This is one reason why w

one reason why we often hear persons by no means illiterate say that they cannot enjoy Milton. But were these persons to ad

anslated into literal prose is very unattractive reading. Neither are they in verse, as well for other reasons as from a con

oses. They will tend to fix in memory the leading fact of each story, they will help to the attainment of a correct pronunci

to the attainment of a correct pronunciation of the proper names, and they will enrich the memory with many gems of poetry,

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

e department of theology, but to those of literature and taste. There they still hold their place, and will continue to hold

There they still hold their place, and will continue to hold it, for they are too closely connected with the finest product

sed from west to east and divided into two equal parts by the Sea, as they called the Mediterranean, and its continuation th

iterranean, and its continuation the Euxine, the only seas with which they were acquainted. Around the earth flowed the Rive

They were named the Æthiopians. The gods favored them so highly that they were wont to leave at times their Olympian abodes

n portion of this sea with giants, monsters, and enchantresses; while they placed around the disk of the earth, which they p

enchantresses; while they placed around the disk of the earth, which they probably regarded as of no great width, nations e

drink, the latter being handed round by the lovely goddess Hebe. Here they conversed of the affairs of heaven and earth; and

Hebe. Here they conversed of the affairs of heaven and earth; and as they quaffed their nectar, Apollo, the god of music, d

the houses of the gods; he made for them the golden shoes with which they trod the air or the water, and moved from place t

ve himself.” Shakspere. Ophion and Eurynome ruled over Olympus till they were dethroned by Saturn and Rhea. Milton alludes

of the temptation and fall of man, “And fabled how the serpent, whom they called Ophion, with Eurynome, (the wide- Encroach

nd Atropos. Their office was to spin the thread of human destiny, and they were armed with shears, with which they cut it of

thread of human destiny, and they were armed with shears, with which they cut it off when they pleased. They were the daugh

iny, and they were armed with shears, with which they cut it off when they pleased. They were the daughters of Themis, (Law,

s were indulged with great liberties. A feast was given them at which they sat at table, while their masters served them, to

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

In war time the gates of the principal one were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only once between

of the principal one were always open. In peace they were closed; but they were shut only once between the reign of Numa and

es, could not trust one another. Sons wished their fathers dead, that they might come to the inheritance; family love lay pr

ed on a projecting hilltop, and a few, in boats, pulled the oar where they had lately driven the plough. The fishes swim amo

was with slime, and approached the altar, where no fire burned. There they fell prostrate on the earth, and prayed the godde

ell prostrate on the earth, and prayed the goddess to inform them how they might retrieve their miserable affairs. The oracl

onderful to relate) began to grow soft, and assume shape. By degrees, they put on a rude resemblance to the human form, like

ulture, and the chain; All that the proud can feel of pain; The agony they do not show; The suffocating sense of woe. “Thy

ts. Waller applies it to the case of one whose amatory verses, though they did not soften the heart of his mistress, yet won

ere Desolation first has fed,     And whose wings rain contagion: how they fled,     When like Apollo, from his golden bow,

tempt no second blow; They fawn on the proud feet that spurn them as they go.” Pyramus and Thisbe. Pyramus was the h

d gladly have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, they could not forbid — that love should glow with equ

tender messages used to pass backward and forward through the gap. As they stood, Pyramus on this side, Thisbe on that, thei

this side, Thisbe on that, their breaths would mingle. “Cruel wall,” they said, “why do you keep two lovers apart? But we w

e privilege of transmitting loving words to willing ears.” Such words they uttered on different sides of the wall; and when

they uttered on different sides of the wall; and when night came and they must say farewell, they pressed their lips upon t

nt sides of the wall; and when night came and they must say farewell, they pressed their lips upon the wall, she on her side

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

d put out the stars, and the sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the accustomed spot. Then, after lamenting

ey met at the accustomed spot. Then, after lamenting their hard fate, they agreed, that next night, when all was still, they

ng their hard fate, they agreed, that next night, when all was still, they would slip away from watchful eyes, leave their d

e mulberry tree, and stood near a cool spring. All was agreed on, and they waited impatiently for the sun to go down beneath

earted as to enjoy a laugh at the expense of poor Pyramus and Thisbe, they may find an opportunity by turning to Shakspere’s

Their efforts were all in vain; no dog could run it down; and at last they came to Cephalus to borrow his famous dog, whose

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

eye could follow him. If they had not seen his footprints in the sand they would have thought he flew. Cephalus and others s

g that either should conquer. In the very attitude of life and action they were turned into stone. So lifelike and natural d

e and action they were turned into stone. So lifelike and natural did they look, you would have thought, as you looked at th

took them and put them as ornaments on the tail of her peacock, where they remain to this day. But the vengeance of Juno was

hands and knees; she tried to stretch out her arms in supplication —  they were already beginning to be covered with black h

lso the “Star of Arcady,” because Callisto’s boy was named Arcas, and they lived in Arcadia. In Comus, the brother, benighte

turned half away, and sought with a sudden impulse for her arrows. As they were not at hand, she dashed the water into the f

liffs, through mountain gorges that seemed impracticable, he fled and they followed. Where he had often chased the stag and

resently one fastened on his back, another seized his shoulder. While they held their master, the rest of the pack came up a

h. They were all around him, rending and tearing; and it was not till they had torn his life out that the anger of Diana was

a favor. I have no intention of washing my limbs in it, weary though they be, but only to quench my thirst. My mouth is so

e words of the goddess? But these clowns persisted in their rudeness; they even added jeers and threats of violence if she d

pplicated the clowns, but lifting her hands to heaven exclaimed, ‘May they never quit that pool, but pass their lives there!

raising their heads above the surface or swimming upon it. Sometimes they come out upon the bank, but soon leap back again

to the water. They still use their base voices in railing, and though they have the water all to themselves, are not ashamed

ir backs are green, their disproportioned bellies white, and in short they are now frogs, and dwell in the slimy pool.”   Th

d it easy to guide those horses, with their breasts full of fire that they breathe forth from their mouths and nostrils. I c

om their mouths and nostrils. I can scarcely govern them myself, when they are unruly and resist the reins. Beware, my son,

ern and the southern alike. You will see the marks of the wheels, and they will serve to guide you. And, that the skies and

d from the same eastern goal. The steeds soon perceived that the load they drew was lighter than usual; and as a ship withou

nd harmless, grew warm, and with warmth felt its rage revive. Boötes, they say, fled away, though encumbered with his plough

s courage failed, and the reins fell from his hands. The horses, when they felt them loose on their backs, dashed headlong,

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

, Yet was it much so nobly to aspire.” His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented his fate, were turned into poplar trees,

the river, and their tears, which continued to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream.   Milman, in his poem o

er passed into them, and the river-sands became changed into gold, as they remain to this day. Thenceforth Midas, hating wea

ted when young, had grown old together. Not ashamed of their poverty, they made it endurable by moderate desires and kind di

kind dispositions. One need not look there for master or for servant; they two were the whole household, master and servant

d with warm water, that their guests might wash. While all was doing, they beguiled the time with conversation. On the bench

rgiveness for their poor entertainment. There was an old goose, which they kept as the guardian of their humble cottage; and

d goose, which they kept as the guardian of their humble cottage; and they bethought them to make this a sacrifice in honor

o within an arrow’s flight of the top, when turning their eyes below, they beheld all the country sunk in a lake, only their

the country sunk in a lake, only their own house left standing. While they gazed with wonder at the sight, and lamented the

ir prayer was granted. They were the keepers of the temple as long as they lived. When grown very old, as they stood one day

keepers of the temple as long as they lived. When grown very old, as they stood one day before the steps of the sacred edif

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

parting words, as long as they could speak. “Farewell, dear spouse,” they said, together, and at the same moment the bark c

e. They were finally subdued and buried alive under Mount Ætna, where they still sometimes struggle to get loose, and shake

esist that appeal!” So she rose from the stone and went with them. As they walked he told her that his only son, a little bo

k, feverish, and sleepless. She stooped and gathered some poppies. As they entered the cottage, they found all in great dist

. She stooped and gathered some poppies. As they entered the cottage, they found all in great distress, for the boy seemed p

ly were delighted — that is, the father, mother, and little girl, for they were all; they had no servants. They spread the t

ed — that is, the father, mother, and little girl, for they were all; they had no servants. They spread the table, and put u

and put upon it curds and cream, apples, and honey in the comb. While they ate, Ceres mingled poppy juice in the milk of the

s assumed her own form, and a divine splendor shone all around. While they were overcome with astonishment, she said, “Mothe

lot the same for shadow or for sun, A type of true love, to the deep they run.” The following extract from Moore’s Rhymes

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 astonis

fins as if they were in the water; and while he looked on astonished, they one and all moved off to the water, plunged in, a

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

and barking monsters surrounding her! At first she could not imagine they were a part of herself, and tried to run from the

o, running from a base pursuer, had been changed into this form. This they learned from the country people when it was too l

ndræmon, the husband of Dryope, with her father, approached; and when they asked for Dryope, Iole pointed them to the new-fo

an envy me.” Thus speaking, she sprinkled nectar on the blood; and as they mingled, bubbles rose as in a pool on which raind

the mountains, and neglected for him his lyre and his arrows. One day they played a game of quoits together, and Apollo, hea

mion, where he describes the lookers-on at the game of quoits: — “Or they might watch the quoit-pitchers, intent On either

ng to her chamber, she threw herself on her solitary couch. Meanwhile they glide out of the harbor, and the breeze plays amo

s to secure the oars, to strengthen the ship, to reef the sail. While they thus do what to each one seems best, the storm in

, leaving it to another to personate birds, beasts, and serpents. Him they call Icelos; and Phantasos is a third, who turns

d allowed not men to enter. The Fauns and Satyrs would have given all they possessed to win her, and so would old Sylvanus,

nor Penelope, the wife of shrewd Ulysses. Even while you spurn them, they court you, — rural deities and others of every ki

ins. Nor is he like too many of the lovers nowadays, who love any one they happen to see; he loves you, and you only. Add to

ad her eyes rested upon the form of Iphis stretched on the bier, when they began to stiffen, and the warm blood in her body

ance of flattery, had failed to awaken love. Her parents, afraid that they had unwittingly incurred the anger of the gods, c

ntations of the people, ascended the mountain, on the summit of which they left her alone, and with sorrowful hearts returne

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

hey proceeded to fill her bosom with dark suspicions. “Call to mind,” they said, “the Pythian oracle that declared you desti

out of bed, bring forth your lamp, and see for yourself whether what they say is true or not. If it is, hesitate not to cut

liberty.” Psyche resisted these persuasions as well as she could, but they did not fail to have their effect on her mind, an

o grieve, those spiteful creatures inwardly rejoiced. “For now,” said they , “he will perhaps choose one of us.” With this id

ached the heap, and with the utmost diligence, taking grain by grain, they separated the pile, sorting each kind to its parc

the pile, sorting each kind to its parcel; and when it was all done, they vanished out of sight in a moment. Venus at the a

r venture among the formidable rams on the other side, for as long as they are under the influence of the rising sun, they b

side, for as long as they are under the influence of the rising sun, they burn with a cruel rage to destroy mortals with th

rpetual.” Thus Psyche became at last united to Cupid, and in due time they had a daughter born to them whose name was Pleasu

ve,     And found his footsteps’ traces every where. “But never more they met since doubts and fears,     Those phantom-sha

hiss. The vessels fell from their hands, the blood left their cheeks, they trembled in every limb. The serpent, twisting his

peace!” These five joined with Cadmus in building his city, to which they gave the name of Thebes. Cadmus obtained in marri

became serpents. They live in the woods, but mindful of their origin, they neither avoid the presence of man nor do they eve

indful of their origin, they neither avoid the presence of man nor do they ever injure any one.   There is a tradition that

bare ground; and the ground did not cool them, but, on the contrary, they heated the spot where they lay. Nor could the phy

d did not cool them, but, on the contrary, they heated the spot where they lay. Nor could the physicians help, for the disea

n learned to look upon death as the only deliverer from disease. Then they gave way to every inclination, and cared not to a

t was expedient, for nothing was expedient. All restraint laid aside, they crowded around the wells and fountains and drank

aid aside, they crowded around the wells and fountains and drank till they died, without quenching thirst. Many had not stre

way from their homes, as if, not knowing the cause of their sickness, they charged it on the place of their abode. Some were

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

forth; I saw a multitude of men, such as I had seen in my dream, and they were passing in procession in the same manner. Wh

procession in the same manner. While I gazed with wonder and delight they approached and kneeling hailed me as their king.

mong them I called them Myrmidons, from the ant, (myrmex,) from which they sprang. You have seen these persons; their dispos

You have seen these persons; their dispositions resemble those which they had in their former shape. They are a diligent an

om life, and all the poets and writers of fiction since his day, when they have had occasion to describe a similar scene, ha

rs. The nymphs mourned for him, especially the water-nymphs; and when they smote their breasts Echo smote hers also. They pr

she saw no other object, her face turned constantly on him. At last, they say, her limbs rooted in the ground, her face bec

sunbeams reflected from the shower,8 in which, where the colors meet they seem as one, but at a little distance from the po

ment.” So said Diana also. Darting through the air, veiled in clouds, they alighted on the towers of the city. Spread out be

eir tasks, had gone to the playground to have a game of wrestling. As they stood breast to breast, one arrow pierced them bo

t possible; she was indignant that the gods had dared and amazed that they had been able to do it. Her husband, Amphion, ove

yed the mother and infant to Polydectes, king of the country, by whom they were treated with kindness. When Perseus was grow

the Sea-Nymphs, which roused their indignation to such a degree that they sent a prodigious sea-monster to ravage the coast

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

arded with terror, as possessing immense strength and ferocity, which they employed for the injury and annoyance of men. Som

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

be supposed not to be altogether disproportioned to human beings, for they mingled in love and strife with them. But the sup

d a hundred arms; others, like Typhon, breathed out fire. At one time they put the gods to such fear that they fled into Egy

n, breathed out fire. At one time they put the gods to such fear that they fled into Egypt and hid themselves under various

. The gratitude of the people for their deliverance was so great that they made Œdipus their king, giving him in marriage th

ompanionship of man, and at the marriage of Pirithous with Hippodamia they were among the guests. At the feast Eurytion, one

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

moon Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth Wheels her pale course; they on their mirth and dance Intent, with jocund musi

, for which reason their nests were very tempting to the hunters, and they were forced to keep vigilant guard over them. The

them. Their instinct led them to know where buried treasures lay, and they did their best to keep plunderers at a distance.

Island of Lemnos, thence crossed to Mysia and thence to Thrace. Here they found the sage Phineus, and from him received ins

neus instructed the Argonauts how to pass this dangerous strait. When they reached the islands they let go a dove, which too

auts how to pass this dangerous strait. When they reached the islands they let go a dove, which took her way between the roc

and actually grazed their stern. They now rowed along the shore till they arrived at the eastern end of the sea, and landed

ause to Medea, daughter of the king. He promised her marriage, and as they stood before the altar of Hecate, called the godd

in, breathing fire from their nostrils that burned up the herbage as they passed. The sound was like the roar of a furnace,

crop of armed men sprang up, and, wonderful to relate! no sooner had they reached the surface than they began to brandish t

and, wonderful to relate! no sooner had they reached the surface than they began to brandish their weapons and rush upon Jas

eir departure, and made the best of their way back to Thessaly, where they arrived safe, and Jason delivered the fleece to P

trong Hercules and many a chief renowned. On deep Iolcos’ sandy shore they thronged, Gleaming in armor, ardent of exploits;

d sails full swelling; to the chiefs Unwonted objects. Now first, now they learned Their bolder steerage over ocean wave, Le

ations of milk and wine. She implored Pluto and his stolen bride that they would not hasten to take the old man’s life. Then

t have had some good qualities, for his daughters loved him, and when they saw what Medea had done for Æson, they wished her

daughters loved him, and when they saw what Medea had done for Æson, they wished her to do the same for their father. Medea

irresolution. Then turning away their faces, and giving random blows, they smote him with their weapons. He, starting from h

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

ron, and Medea hastened to depart in her serpent-drawn chariot before they discovered her treachery, or their vengeance woul

n. Althea, when her son was born, beheld the three Destinies, who, as they spun their fatal thread, foretold that the life o

best graces of martial youth. Meleager saw and loved. But now already they were near the monster’s lair. They stretched stro

ear the monster’s lair. They stretched strong nets from tree to tree; they uncoupled their dogs, they tried to find the foot

y stretched strong nets from tree to tree; they uncoupled their dogs, they tried to find the footprints of their quarry in t

patches him with repeated blows. Then rose a shout from those around; they congratulated the conqueror, crowding to touch hi

ms over the sand. So light their tread, you would almost have thought they might run over the river surface or over the wavi

ff his prize. But the lovers were so full of their own happiness that they forgot to pay due honor to Venus; and the goddess

, and of her lord and master a lion, and yoked them to her car, where they are still to be seen in all representations, in s

tlas was one of the Titans who had warred against the gods, and after they were subdued, Atlas was condemned to bear on his

at sunset, viewed the west as a region of brightness and glory. Hence they placed in it the Isles of the blest, the ruddy Is

o his country to wrestle with him, on condition that if conquered (as they all were) they should be put to death. Hercules e

o wrestle with him, on condition that if conquered (as they all were) they should be put to death. Hercules encountered him,

the hero slept. That their foot-prints might not serve to show where they had been driven, he dragged them backward by thei

d by their tails to his cave; so their tracks all seemed to show that they had gone in the opposite direction. Hercules was

her three years. On one occasion as he was travelling with his wife, they came to a river, across which the Centaur Nessus

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

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

were at that time in deep affliction, on account of the tribute which they were forced to pay to Minos, king of Crete. This

father to change for white, in case of his returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete, the youths and maidens were exh

his way, with his rescued companions sailed for Athens. On their way they stopped at the island of Naxos, where Theseus aba

heseus is his expedition against the Amazons. He assailed them before they had recovered from the attack of Hercules, and ca

ction dost thou require?” “Thy friendship,” replied the Athenian, and they swore inviolable fidelity. Their deeds correspond

violable fidelity. Their deeds corresponded to their professions, and they ever continued true brothers in arms. Each of the

to seized and set them on an enchanted rock at his palace gate, where they remained till Hercules arrived and liberated Thes

er raised himself above the waters, and frightened the horses so that they ran away and dashed the chariot to pieces. Hippol

his remains were laid, and caused them to be removed to Athens, where they were deposited in a temple called the Theseum, er

ked back from his own flight to see how his son managed his wings. As they flew the ploughman stopped his work to gaze, and

on his staff and watched them, astonished at the sight, and thinking they were gods who could thus cleave the air. They

he blazing sun softened the wax which held the feathers together, and they came off. He fluttered with his arms, but no feat

nvious of his nephew’s performances that he took an opportunity, when they were together one day on the top of a high tower,

ounted on magnificent white steeds. Thus in the early history of Rome they are said to have assisted the Romans at the battl

ter the victory a temple was erected in their honor on the spot where they appeared.   Macaulay in his Lays of Ancient Rome

y in his Lays of Ancient Rome thus alludes to the legend: — “So like they were, no mortal     Might one from other know; Wh

urn out so, but I can’t help being afraid. People are not always what they pretend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him giv

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

arents were poor people, who had no fields or flocks to leave me, but they left me their fishing rods and nets and their fis

observe the wind; when my men returned bringing with them a prize, as they thought, a boy of delicate appearance, whom they

ith them a prize, as they thought, a boy of delicate appearance, whom they had found asleep. They judged he was a noble yout

d asleep. They judged he was a noble youth, perhaps a king’s son, and they might get a liberal ransom for him. I observed hi

imed, ‘Spare your prayers for us.’ So blind is the lust of gain! When they proceeded to put him on board I resisted them. ‘T

was led away by the attendants and shut up fast in prison; but while they were getting ready the instruments of execution t

open of their own accord and the chains fell from his limbs, and when they looked for him he was nowhere to be found. Penthe

now excuses himself, and now confesses his crime and implores pardon, they press upon him and wound him. In vain he cries to

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

ed to perish with the trees which had been their abode and with which they had come into existence. It was therefore an impi

k measured fifteen cubits round, and it overtopped the other trees as they overtopped the shrubbery. But for all that, Erisi