To decide who should have the bride, Hercules and Achelous had recourse to a wrestling bout, the fame of which extends through all the intervening centuries. […] It was cleansed by turning the river Alpheus through it. […] His death was brought about through his endeavors to preserve Deianira from the attacks of Nessus, the centaur, whom he killed. […] He made a speedy conquest of the Gorgons, and cut off Medusa’s head, with which he flew through the air, and from the blood sprang the winged horse Pegasus. […] The way to the temple of honor was through the temple of virtue.

Men worshipped Mars, to engage his assistance against their enemies, or through fear of his power. […] She usually harnessed the terrible horses of Mars, and with dishevelled hair, and frantic gestures, drove them through the field of battle. […] True dreams were supposed to pass from the cave of Somnus through gates of horn, to announce future blessings, or to warn men of impending dangers. False dreams passed through a gate of ivory, and suggested imaginary evils. […] This was effected by turning a liver through the stable.