He was the judge that settled their disputes, the general that led their armies, and the priest that offered sacrifices to their gods — in short, they regarded him as their father, and they loved all whom he loved. […] Then the priest of Jupiter, who was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.” […] “It becomes us to offer a sacrifice to these gods,” said Baucis. […] As soon as Mercury saw Herse, he determined to have her for a wife, and immediately descended the king’s house that he might be there when she should return from the sacrifice. […] The first act which the founders of cities performed when they began to build a city was to make a sacrifice, and to offer prayers to the gods; therefore Cadmus built an altar, and slew a victim.