Extreme cold, hunger, sickness, and death were unknown. […] But as soon as Danaus’ daughters were quite certain their husbands were fast asleep, they produced their daggers and slew their mates. […] Her daily duties were all neglected. […] The loveliest and noblest among the Roman maidens were chosen to serve this goddess, and were known as Vestals, or Vestal Virgins. […] The last ten years were spent in instructing the novices; and, when their thirty years’ service was ended, they were at liberty either to continue in the temple, where they were treated with the greatest respect, or to leave it, and even marry, if such were their pleasure.