A prudent silence therefore became the safest course for those who exceeded their contemporaries in knowledge. […] He assumed the form of her husband Amphitryôn to deceive the modesty of Alcmena, who became the mother of Heracles. […] By Semele he was the father of Dionysos, who became a god. […] their ship became motionless when the sacred image was brought on board. […] Fire being the great agent in reducing and working the metals, the fire-god naturally became an artist.