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 jre. 
 
 ] 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 % 
 
 . • 
 
 • 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 • 
 
WITH A CLA 
 
 n^tntUpUct, 
 
 APOLLO BELVEDERB, 
 (Rome.) 
 
THE AGE OF FABLE 
 
 OR 
 
 BEAUTIES OF MYTHOLOGY 
 
 BY 
 
 THOMAS BULFINCH 
 
 A NEW, REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION 
 
 I '.. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 REV. J. l.OUGHRAN SCOTT, D.D. 
 
 " O, yc delicious fables I where the wave 
 
 And woods were peopled, and the air, with things 
 So lovely I why, ah ! why has science grave 
 Scattered afar your 'weet imaginings?" 
 
 Barkv Cornw\l^. 
 
 ' » ■'o. 
 
 a ^ •* - 
 
 o . « . i 
 
 "»-■ V 
 
 > 
 
 a ^i 
 
 ■>"■) 
 
 WITH A CLASSICAL INDEX AND DICTIONARY AND NFARLV 
 
 . ..1 
 1 -» 
 
 TWO HUNDR^.D .'LLUSThATICNS \^^V^ o /» ^ 
 
 TORONTO 
 
 THE MUSSON BOOK COMPANY 
 
 LIMITED 
 
 
 '1 
 
 \ 
 
 ,1T 
 
 
 
B'^1) su 
 
 Copyright, 1898, by David McKay. 
 
 
 
 • ■ • 
 
 •• • 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 
 ••• • 
 
 • • • 
 
 • • • •• • 
 
 • »•• • 
 
 ........ 
 
 . . 
 
 . .«• 
 
 • .1 
 
 •:•• 
 
 ••• • 
 
 • • . 
 .•• • 
 
 * • • 
 

 TO 
 HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW, 
 
 THE POET ALIKE OF THE MANY AND OP THE FEW, 
 
 THIS ATTEMPT TO POPULARIZE 
 
 MYTHOLOOY, 
 
 AND EXTEND THE ENJOYMENT OF ELEGANT I-TTERATURE, 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. 
 
 1 
 
 46985 
 
I 
 
 To T. Z. S".— 
 
 Bo'na De'a, Clym'e-ne, 
 Ni'ke, Psy'che, Graces three, 
 Myths, indeed, 
 Compared with thee. 
 
 Editor 
 
 If no ot 
 which help 
 society, th< 
 if that whi 
 useful, thei 
 ogy is the 1 
 allies of vii 
 
 Without 
 ture of our 
 When Byr( 
 she looks a 
 of one far 
 striking thi 
 reader ign< 
 sions. Th 
 and the o^ 
 Through F 
 reason wh] 
 they cann< 
 
Aurora (Reni) 
 
 AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that 
 which helps to enlarge our possessions or to raise our station in 
 society, then Mythology has no claim to the appellation. But 
 if that which tends to make us happier and better can be called 
 useful, then we claim that epithet for our subject ; for Mythol- 
 ogy is the handmaid of literature, and literature is one of the best 
 allies of virtue and promoters of happiness. 
 
 Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant litera- 
 ture of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated. 
 When Byron calls Rome the Niobe of nations, or says, of Venice, 
 she looks a sea-Cybele fresh from ocean, he calls up to the mind 
 of one familiar with our subject illustrations more vivid and 
 striking than the pencil could furnish, but which are lost to the 
 reader ignorant of mythology. Milton abounds in similar allu- 
 sions. The short poem Comus contains more than thirty such, 
 and the ode On the Morning of the Nativity half as many. 
 Through Paradise Lost they are scattered profusely. This is one 
 reason why we often hear persons by no means illiterate say that 
 they cannot enjoy Milton. But were these persons to add to 
 
 (V) 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 ■ 
 
 ; ^1 
 
 !!. J 
 
 4 
 
VI 
 
 AUTHORS PREFACK 
 
 their mjre solid acquirements the easy learning of this little 
 volume, much of the poetry of Milton which has appeared to 
 them harsh and crabbed would be found musical as is Apollo's 
 lute. Our citations, taken from more than twenty-five poets, 
 from Spenser to Longfellow, will show how general has been the 
 practice of borrowing illustrations from mythology. 
 
 The prose writers also avail themselves of the same source of 
 elegant and suggestive illustration. 
 
 But how is mythology to be taught to one who does not learn 
 it through the medium of the languages of Greece and Rome ? 
 To devote study to a species of learning which relates wholly to 
 false marvels and obsolete faiths is not to be expected of the 
 general reader in a practical age like this. The time even of 
 the young is claimed by so many sciences of facts and things 
 that little can be spared for set treatises on a science of mere 
 fancy. 
 
 But may not the requisite knowledge of the subject be acquired 
 by reading the ancient poets in translations ? We reply, the field 
 is too extensive for a preparatory course, and these very transla- 
 tions require some previous knowledge of the subject to make 
 them intelligible. 
 
 Our book is an attempt to solve this problem by telling the 
 stories of mythology in such a manner as to make them a source 
 of amusement. We have endeavored to tell them correctly ac- 
 cording to the ancient authorities, so that when the reader finds 
 them referred to he may not be at a loss to recognize the refer- 
 ence. Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as 
 a relaxation from study ; to give our work the charm of a story- 
 book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important 
 branch of education. 
 
 Most of the classical legends in this book are derived from 
 Ovid and Virgil. They are not literally translated, for, in the 
 author's opinion, poetry translated into literal prose !s very un- 
 attractive reading. Neither are they in verse, as well for othcf 
 
AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 VII 
 
 reasons as from a cunviction that to translate faithfully under all 
 the embarrassments of rhyme and measure is imposKiblc. The 
 attempt has been made to tell the stories in prose, preserving so 
 much of the poetry as resides in the thoughts and is separable 
 from the language itself, and omitting those amplifications which 
 are not suited to the altered form. 
 
 The poetical citations so freely introduced are expected to 
 answer several valuable purposes. They will tend to fix in mem- 
 ory the leading fact of each story, they will help to the attainment 
 of a correct pronunciation of the proper names, and they will 
 enrich the memory with many gems of poetry, some of them 
 such as are most frequently quoted or alluded to in reading and 
 conversation. 
 
 Having chosen mythology as connected with literature for our 
 province, we have endeavored to omit nothing which the reader 
 of elegant literature is likely to find occasion for. Such stories 
 and parts of stories as are offensive to pure taste and good morals 
 are not given. But such stories are not often referred to, and if 
 they occasionally should be, the English reader need feel no 
 mortification in confessing his ignorance of them. 
 
 Our book is not for the learned, nor for the theologian, nor 
 for the philosopher, but for the reader of English literature, of 
 either sex, who wishes to comprehend the allusions so frequently 
 made by public speakers, lecturers, essayists, and poets, and 
 those which occur in polite conversation. 
 
 We trust our young readers will find it a source of entertain- 
 ment ; those more advanced, a useful companion in their reading ; 
 those who travel, and visit museums and galleries of art, an 
 interpreter of paintings and sculptures; those who mingle in 
 cultivated society, a key to allusions which are occasionally made ; 
 and, last of all, those in advanced life, pleasure in retracing a 
 path of literature which leads them back to the days of their 
 childhood, and revives at every step the associations of the morn- 
 ing of life- 
 
 '^1 
 
 I 
 
 ^M 
 
 u 
 
VUl 
 
 AUTHORS PREFACE, 
 
 The permanency of those associations is beautifully expressed 
 in the well-known lines of Coleridge : 
 
 *♦ The intelligible forms of ancient poets, 
 luv fair humanities of old religion, 
 The Power, the Beauty, and the Majesty 
 That had their haunts in dale or piny nioufituin, 
 Or forest, by slow stream, or pebbly spring, 
 Or chasms and watery depths ; all these have vdiiikhcd , 
 They live no longer in the faith of reason ; 
 But still the heart doth need a language ; still 
 Doth the old instinct bring back the old names, 
 Spirits or gods that used to share this earth 
 With man as with their friend ; and at this day 
 'Tis Jupiter who brings whate'er is great 
 And Venus who brings every thing that's fair." 
 
 '! 
 
 m 
 
 ^ 
 
EDITOR'S PREFACE 
 
 j Mythology is the dust of former beliefs. It is man's first 
 effort to know his God.^ The story of that effort this book 
 seeks to relate. There has always been a fascination about the 
 "Age of Fable " unequalled by any similar work. It was first 
 given to the public some forty years ago, but time has failed to 
 lessen the appreciation of its merit. Mythology itself has 
 undergone marked changes, especially on its philosophic and 
 comparative sides ; still the essential story remains uncurpassed. 
 The simplicity of style and purpose has contributed largely to 
 this result. By connecting mythology with literature, the age 
 of fable became the one of fact. Other mythologists were content 
 to introduce the gods to each other; Mr. Bulfinch sought to 
 make them acquainted with men. In this he succeeded, and an 
 intimacy was formed which had not hitherto existed. He also 
 abandoned the conventional manual idea, and treated mythology 
 as a story. The difference between a manual and consecutive 
 history is the difference between a series of stagnant pools and 
 a running stream. In the latter instance one is carried on by 
 the force of the current. The marked changes, however, to 
 which we have referred demand a newer and more complete 
 edition. The Pantheons of Greece and Rome have received no 
 important accessions, but the eastern sky is resplendent with new 
 stars. There has been a resurrection throughout Egypt and 
 Babylon which has entirely transformed the mythologies of those 
 countries. This we have sought to recognize by introducing an 
 entirely new Section on Babylon, Assyi'i. and Phoenicia. We 
 
 * Mythologies are the unaided attempts of man to find out God. They are 
 the efforts of the reason struggling to know the Infinite. — D. G. Brinton, The 
 Myths of the New IVoyld, ^. 1$. 
 
 : («) 
 
 I 
 
 
 %-n 
 
 \ :a 
 
 
 
 
EDITORS PREFACE. 
 
 have also rewritten the Chai)ters on Persia, India, Scandinavia 
 and the Druids. These countries, in some instances, were the 
 sources of our own civilization, and ought to be of interest to 
 every student. 
 
 The classical feature upon which Mr. Bulfinch laid so much 
 stress has received especial attention. The most liberal extracts 
 from the old classics are to be found in almost every chapter. 
 Such names as Virgil, Homer, Euripides, Sophocles and Ovid 
 will become familiar to every student. 
 
 By these references the reader will obtain at least a suggestive 
 knowledge of the thoughts and themes of those master men. 
 Their worth is much, if they do nothing more than serve as 
 guide-boards to the more spacious fields of ancient literature 
 
 The modern poets have also ])een generous in their contribu- 
 tions. Mr. Bulfinch, in his first edition, made "citations from 
 twenty -five poets, ranging from Spenser to Longfellow." But 
 the Muses have not been altogether voiceless for tiie last half- 
 century. Our readers, on their journey through, will meet 
 writers like Edwin Arnold, Charles A, Swinburne and William 
 Morris, not one of whom would have been recognized as a poet 
 forty years ago. Apart from this is the other equally important 
 fact, that some of the finest legendary poems of the older writers, 
 such as Tennyson's "Tithonus," Longfellow's "Tales of a 
 Wayside Inn," and Lowell's " l*rometheus," are all of more 
 recent date. Poetry is the natural language of all mythology. 
 The Zend-Avesta, Rig-Veda, and the Eddas, are but the epics of 
 the gods. They were to other nations what the Odyssey and 
 ^neid were to Greece and Rome. From these various sheaves 
 we have selected a few specimen-straws — enough, perhaps, to 
 suggest the richness of the harvest. Our illustrations have been 
 selected with great care, and we hope with ecjual judgment. They 
 are mainly reproductions from the original statues and paintings, 
 thus giving a picture of the idea as it actually existed in the 
 ancient mind. The purpose of their insertion is not only to 
 
 _, beautify th< 
 from this, tl 
 logical art. 
 
 One of tl 
 uncertainty 
 True, there 
 the words th| 
 sible, but to< 
 of interest, tl 
 mythology uJ 
 something de 
 sought to ren 
 of the chapt 
 appears in th 
 tude of ever 
 cannot be attj 
 
 To know tl 
 mythology, w 
 divinity by hi 
 understands it 
 vocabularies, 
 introduction i: 
 recognize the 
 Rome and Zei 
 idea, by whicl 
 no sympathy, 
 god which ai 
 Jupiter is esse 
 rose by anoth^ 
 Our solar sysl 
 Jupiter were 1 
 dite, and Mei 
 worlds ; not s 
 shadow of an 
 
EDITOES PREFACE. 
 
 XI 
 
 
 beautify the pages, but also to interpret their thought. Apart 
 from this, they form collectively a complete handbook of mytho- 
 logical art. 
 
 One of the chief difficulties in the study of mythology is the 
 uncertainty attached to the pronunciation of the proper names. 
 True, there are rules of pronunciation, often more abstruse than 
 the words themselves. The dictionary may or may not be acces- 
 sible, but too frequent a reference tends to break off continuity 
 of interest, thus rendering study an irksome task. The result is, 
 mythology under these conditions is liable to be laid aside as 
 something devoid of charm or interest. This obstacle we have 
 sought to remove by giving each name, as it appears at the head 
 of the chapter, its proper pronunciation ; also the first time it 
 appears in the body of the text. For this we predict the grati- 
 tude of every student of mythology. Too much importance 
 cannot be attached to this feature of our edition. 
 
 To know the name is often to know the thing, especially in 
 mythology, where names constitute being. We introduce every 
 divinity by his proper name, and so distinctly that the student 
 understands it from the first. One is not compelled to search the 
 vocabularies, and return perhaps without the knowledge; his 
 introduction is sufficient. In doing this we have attempted to 
 recognize the nationality of every god. Thus Jupiter is from 
 Rome and Zeus from Olympus. With this modern Hellenistic 
 idea, by which Rome becomes a suburb to Athens, we confess to 
 no sympathy. There is an affinity between the name and the 
 god which amounts to identity of being. Thus the name of 
 Jupiter is essential to his existence ; as Zeus he ceases to be. A 
 rose by another name may remain unchanged, but a god cannot. 
 Our solar system, we suppose, would suffer no change, although 
 Jupiter were known among the planets as Zeus, Venus as Aphro- 
 dite, and Mercury as Hermes. Behind those names stand real 
 worlds ; not so in mythology. There the name is but the visible 
 shadow of an invisible idea. 
 
 1 
 
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 I a 
 
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 1 's^'j 
 
 •-,^1 
 
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xu 
 
 EDITORS PREFACE, 
 
 There is no law more positive than that of custom. Name 
 and character become inseparable. Thus Vulcan, as Hephaestus, 
 is no longer the "crippled artizan god," — the good-natured, 
 genial fellow who toils away without complaint, — ^but a social 
 gentleman. The name of Vulcan is black with the dust of the 
 forge ; one hears the ring of the anvil in its very accent. Not 
 so with Hephaestus. There is no soot on his face, no halt in his 
 walk ; his associates are Mercury, Apollo and Jupiter. We have 
 thus sought not only to retain the names, but also the ideal per- 
 sonalities which they represent. The index has been enlarged to 
 the proportions of a dictionary, Whenever an important divinity 
 has received but passing notice in the text, we have supplemented 
 the fact by a more extended account in the lexicon. In so doing 
 we have quoted from Smith's "Classical Dictionary" to such 
 an extent that the lexicon may be regarded as a compendium of 
 that valuable work. Three characteristics would seem to be de- 
 sirable in a complete mythology — simple, classic and compre- 
 hensive. So far as the first is concerned, the verdict of forty 
 years is not liable to be reversed. As for the remaining two, we 
 can only trust that time may accord us that degree of recognition 
 we have striven to merit. Whatever Mr. Bulfinch wrote remains 
 largely intact. The changes introduced are incident to time 
 and circumstance. 
 
 Our purpose has been to prompt rather than interrupt these 
 beautiful stories as they were first told by the author, fort) year? 
 ago. J. LouGHRAN Scrvr. 
 
 The Macdowell Church, 
 
 Philadelphia, May, sSgS. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAOI 
 
 Mythology — ^Literature — Structure of the Universe — Olympus — ^Jupiter 
 ( Zeus ) — Saturn Cranus — Rhea — Chaos — Titans — The Elder 
 Gods, Oceanus, Hyperion, lapetus, Ophion, Themis, Mnemosyne, 
 Eurynom — Division of Universe — Neptune — Pluto — ^Juno — Vulcan — 
 Mars— Phoebus Apollo — Diana — Cupid — Minerva — Mercury — Ce- 
 res — Proserpine — Bacchus — The Muses — The Graces — The Fates — 
 The Furies — Nemesis — Pan — ^The Satyrs — Momus — Plutus — Satur- 
 nalia — The Roman Gods — The Olympian Gods—Demigods, . . I 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 'origin of the World — The Golden Age — Prometheus— Epimetheus — 
 Theft of Fire — Pandora — Silver, Brazen, and Iron Ages — The Milky 
 Way — The Deluge — Deucalion — Pyrrha — Origin of Man, . . 19 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 Python— Delphi — Apollo and Daphne — Pyramus and Thisbe — Origin of * 
 the Mulberry Tree — Cephalus and Procris, . . . . • 29 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Juno— lo — Argus — The Syrinx — Callisto— Constellation of Great and Lit- 
 tle Bear — Diana and Actaeon — Actaeon turned into a Stag — His 
 Death — Latona — Rustics transformed into Frogs, . . . .40 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Phaeton — Palace of the Sun — Phoebus — Chariot of the Sun — Dawn — 
 Day-star — The Seasons — The Libyan Desert — The World on Fire — 
 Slain by Jove — His Tomb— The Hcliades — Cycnus, 
 
 51 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 Silenus — Midas— Pan's Challenge— Jud gment of Midas — His Ears— The 
 Gordian Knot — Baucis and Philemon — Entertain Jupiter — Their 
 Hut becomes a Palace — Guardian « of the Temple — Changed into 
 Trees, ...•....'.. 60 
 
 ( xiii ) 
 
 If 
 
 h 
 
 V f 
 
 1 
 
 > fe' )*')! 
 
XIV 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PACk 
 
 Mount ^.a— Cupid Wounds Pluto— Pluto carries off Proserpine — Search 
 of Ceres — She Curses the Earth — Jove Releases Proserpine — The 
 River Alpheus — The Eleusinian Mysteries — Glaucus — Becomes a 
 Fish — Loves Scylla — ^Wrath of Circe — Scylla becomes a Rock, . 66 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Pygmalion — Loves a Statue— Venus gives Life— Dryope and lole — The 
 Lotus Tree — Venus and Adonis — Death of Adonis — Anemone, or 
 Wind-Flower — Apollo and Hyacinthiis— Game of . Quoits — ^The 
 Hyacinthus Flower, 79 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ceyx and Halcyone— Palace of King of Sleep— Cave of Somnus — Flight 
 of Morpheus — Halcyon Birds, 88 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Vertumnus and Pomona — Hamadryades — Iphis, 95 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Cupid and Psyche — Zephyr — ^Jealousy of Psyche— Temple of Venus — ^The 
 Ant Hill — The Golden Fleece — Pluto — Charon— Mysterious Box — 
 Stygian Sleep — Cup of Ambrosia — Birth of Pleasure— Significance of 
 Name, loo 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Cadmus — City of Thebes — Kills the Serpent — Dragon's Teeth — Marries 
 Harmonia — Introduces Letters into Greece — The Myrmidons — 
 Cephalus — Moicms — Pestilence — Origin of the Myrmidons, . » HZ 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Nisus — Scylla betrays Nisus — Her Punishment — Echo— Sentence of Juno 
 — Narcissus — Loves Himself— Turned into a Flower — Clytie — Pas- 
 sion for Apollo— Turned into a Sunflower — Hero and Leander— 
 Swims the Hellespont — Death, 120 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 jMinerva— Mars — Arachne— Challenges Minerva — Minerva's Web— 
 Arachne becomes a Spider — Niobe — Excites Latona's Anger- 
 Death of the Children — Becomes a vStone, . . » . . I3» 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Greese — Gorgons — Acrisius—Danoe— Tower of Brass — Jupiter's Love 
 — Perseus — Polydectes — Medusa — Atlas — Andromeda — The Sea- 
 Monster — The Wedding- Feast — Enemies turned into Stone — Death 
 of Acrisius, I41 
 
 Monsters — La 
 -The 
 msera — Bt 
 
 The Golden 
 Clashing 
 tions of Ml 
 
 Meleager — At^ 
 Golden Ar 
 
 Hercules — ^Twe 
 Gift— Deat 
 
 Cecrops— Ericht 
 — Procruste 
 King— Pint 
 bles— Olym 
 Castor and \ 
 
 Semele— Infancy 
 Worship of 
 Crown, 
 
 Pan— Syrinx— > 
 - Paganism 
 ment— Phoe 
 and Doris- 
 Camenoe— 'l 
 
 Achelous— Cont 
 — Admetus 
 votion— Hs 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XV 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Monsters — Laius, King of Thebes — CEdipus— Slays his Father — Sphinx 
 — The Riddle — CEdipus King — Jacosta — Plague — Pegasus — Chi- 
 msera — Bellerophon — Centaurs — Pygmies — Griffin — Arimaspians, . 151 
 
 CHAPTER XVn. 
 
 The Golden Fleece — Hellespont — Search of Jason — The Argonauts- 
 Clashing Islands — Fiery Bulls — Dragon's Teeth — Mson — Incanta* 
 tions of Medea — Hecate — Hebe — Death of Jason, . , . . i6l 
 
 CHAPTER XVni. 
 
 Meleager — Atalanta — Wild Boar — Atalanta' s Race — Hippomenes — 
 Golden Apples— Ingratitude — Venus' Revenge — Corybantes, . 
 
 171 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Hercules — ^Twelve Labors — Slave of Omphale — Slays Nessus — Dejanirus' 
 Gift — Death of Hercules — Hebe — Ganymede — Fortuna — Victoria, . 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 178 
 
 Cecrops — Erichthonius — Procne — Philomela — Theseus — Moves the Stone 
 — Procrustes' Bed — The Minotaur — Ariadne — Labyrinth — Becomes 
 King — Pirithous — Theseum— Festival of Panathensea — Elgin Mar- 
 bles — Olympic Games — Daedalus — Icarus — Perdix Invents the Saw — 
 Castor and Pollux — Gemini— Dioscuri, I90 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Semele — Infancy of Bacchus — Triumphal March — Acetes — Pentheus — 
 Worship of Bacchus — Ariadne — Bacchus Marries Ariadne — Her 
 Crown 203 
 
 if!! 
 
 f 
 
 
 *A, 
 
 i| 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Pan — Syrinx — Naiades — Oreades — Nereides — Dryades, or Hamadryades 
 - Paganism — Erisichthon — Violation of Ceres' Grove — The Punish- 
 ment — Phoecus — The Water- Deities — Trident — Amphitrite — Nereus 
 and Doris— Triton and Proteus — Thetis — Leucothea and Palaemon — 
 Camenae— The Winds, 21J 
 
 41 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Achelous — Contest with Hercules — Cornucopia — /Esculapius — Cyclopes 
 — Admetus — Alcestis — Ofifers her Life— Antigone — Antigone's De- 
 votion—Her Burial — Penelope, 224 
 
 I 
 
xvi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 frAoa 
 
 Otphens — Marriage with Eurydice — Her Death — Orpheus Descends to 
 Hades — ^Thracian Maidens — Aristaeus — Complains to his Mother — 
 Regains his Bees — Mythical Poets and Musicians — First Prophet — 
 Musseus, 234 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Anon — ^Thrown into the Sea — His Return — Ibycus — His Murder — ^Thea- 
 tre Scene — Cranes of Ibycus — The Punishment — Simonides — Scopas 
 Jest— Sappho — Lover's Leap, 245 
 
 CHAPTER XXVL 
 
 Endymion — Diana — Orion — Made Blind — Kedalion — Sight Restored — 
 Pleiades — ^Aurora — Memnon — Tithonus — Stature of Memnon — 
 Scylla— Acis — Galatea — River Acis, 254 
 
 CHAPTER XXVn. 
 
 The Trojan War — The Contest — Decision of Paris — Abduction of Helen 
 — Ulysses Feigns Madness — Priam — Agamemnon — Kill > the Stag — 
 Iphigenia — The War — The Iliad — Interest of die Divinities — 
 Achilles' Armor — Death of Patroclus — Achilles takes the Field — 
 Slays Hector — Priam visits Achilles — His request Granted — Funeral 
 Solemnities, ...... ... 262 
 
 CHAPTER XXVni. 
 
 Achilles Captivated by Polyxena — Slain in the Temple — Ulysses claims 
 his Armor — Death of Ajax — Hyacinthus — ^Arrows of Hercules — 
 Death of Paris — The Palladium — Wooden Horse — Sea Serpent — 
 Death of Laocoon — Fall of Troy — Menelaus and Helen — Agamem- 
 non — Orestes — Electra, 
 
 285 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Odyssey — Adventiu"es of Ulysses — ^The Cyclopes — iEolus Isle — ^The Laes- 
 trygonians — Circe — Scylla and Charybdis — Oxen of the Sun — Ulys • 
 ses' Raft — Calypso— Telemachus and Mentor's Escape, . . . 294 
 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Ulysses Abandons the Raft — Country of the Phje&cians— Dream of Nau- 
 sicaa— Game of Ball — Palace of Alcinous — The Gardens — Hospi- 
 tality to Ulysses — Game of Quoits— Demodicus — Ulysses' Depar- 
 ture — Arrives at Ithaca — Received by Eumceus — Meets Telemachus — 
 Recognized by his Dog — Penelope — Skill of Archery — Slays the 
 Suitors, 
 
 308 
 
 Modern Monst( 
 
CONTBNTSy. 
 
 xvii 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 rXGB 
 
 Adventures of JEneas — Arrives at Thrace — Delos - Crete — Tue Harpies 
 — Shore of Epirus — Cyclopes — Juno's Anger — Neptune's Inter- 
 vention — Carthage — Abandons Dido— Death of Palinurus — Direc- 
 tions of the Sybil — Arrives at Italy, 319 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 The Infernal Regions — Descent into Hades— Pluto — The Fates — Charon 
 — Meets Palinurus — Cerberus — Minos Judge of Children — Meets 
 Dido — Shades of the Warriors — Judgment Hall of Khadamanthus — 
 Elysian Fields — Ixion — Sisyphus — Tantalus— Orpheus — Meets his 
 Father — Plan of Creation — ^Transmigration of Souls— Elysium — The 
 Sibyl— The Nine Books, 3*7 
 
 ' CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Dream of Latinus — Prediction of the Harpies — ^Juno's Anger — Opening 
 the Gates of Janus — Camilla — Evander — Welcome to ^neas — In- 
 fant Ro'ie — The Rutulians— Turnus — Nisus and Euryalus — Both 
 are Sla' 1 — Mezentius — ^Eneas slays Turnus — Death of yEneas — 
 Romulus and Remus— Foundation of Rome, 340 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Pythagoras — His Teachings — Sybaris and Crotona — Mile— Egyptian 
 Mythology— The Rosetta Stone— The Ritual of the Dead— Hall of 
 Two Truths — Osiris and the Judges — Disposition of the Dead — The 
 Apis — The Tomb of — The Egyptian Gods — Myth of Osiris and Isis 
 — ^The Oracles — Dodona — Delphi— Trophonius — /Esculapius — Apis, 356 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. , 
 
 Origin of Mythology— The Theories— Scriptural, Historical, Allegor- 
 ical, Astro:?omical, Physical, and Philological — Statues of the 
 Gods and Goddesses, Olympian Jupiter, Minerva of the Parthenon, 
 Venus de Medici, Venus de Melos, Apollo Belvedere, Diana of the 
 Hind, Hermes of Olympia — Poets of Mythology, Homer, Virgil, 
 Ovid, ^schylus, Sophocles and Euripides, 375 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Modern Monsters — The Phoenix— Cockatrice — Unicorn — Salamander, . 386 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 Eastern Mythology — Zoroaster — Zend-Avesta — Babylonia — Assyria — 
 Ni'eveh — Phoenician Deities — Hindu Mythology — The Vedas — 
 Brahma — Vishnu — Siva — Laws of Mnnu — The Juggernaut — Castes — 
 Customs— Buddha — Buddhism— The Grand Lama — Presterjohn, . 39I 
 
 :\.rl 
 
 M''" 
 
 k 
 
 4 
 
XVUl 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII 
 
 Northern Mythology-The Vaa ^ 
 
 Mountain Giant his Wages^The f ^°""d-How Thor paid the 
 and Gerda, . . ^^^^The R.coveo^ of the Hanune^I^Fr^ 
 
 * • . - ^ 
 
 409 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 ^or'svisitto^otanhei.:;rr '''''''• 
 
 of UtganiLutgaid I^kiRT'r''"-^^'^'^ falls AsIeep^Citv 
 ^•nking ContSt-Ttr'cTay clt^^^r^^^^ ^"^ «'^The 
 
 B.d„r,theOood^PH^,,^™^^^- 
 
 tIetoe-The Blind Hodi^n.T'f«' ^°"' *° Fensalir-The Mi, 
 
 Go den Age-Runie Let! 'rs^Thrs Jm ^T^^^^*^'-^*'^" of the 
 thology^The Lorelei-Tue N^X Ji:!?-^^^^^^^^ My' 
 
 * ' • • . 433 
 
 • • • -445 
 
 ft«verbial Expressions, 
 Index to Poets. . 
 Index and Dictionwy,. 
 
 • 4SS 
 
 • 457 
 
 • 461 
 
 I. Apo 
 II. Thr( 
 
 III. June 
 
 IV. Apo! 
 V. Jupil 
 
 VI. Heix 
 
 VII. Mine 
 
 VIII. Peise 
 
 IX. Nepti 
 
 X. BaccI 
 
 XI. Sea-G 
 
 XII. Venus 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIV 
 
 X\. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Mars I 
 Mercu 
 Laoco< 
 Miner 
 ^neas 
 Furies, 
 
 Mercui 
 
 Achilles and Lic< 
 Achilles, Thetis 1 
 Actaeon, . 
 Adonis, . 
 
 .<*)sculapius, 
 Ajax, 
 
 Ajax bearing the 1 
 Amazon, . 
 Amazons, Battle o 
 Amun, . 
 Anon, or Dagon, 
 
FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 I. Apollo Belvedere, 
 II. Three Fates, The, 
 
 III. Juno (Hera), 
 
 IV. Apollo Musagetes, 
 V. Jupiter (2^us of Otricoli), 
 
 VI. Hero and Leander, 
 
 VII. Minerva (Pallas Athene), 
 
 VIII. 
 
 IX. 
 
 X. 
 
 XI. 
 
 XII. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIV. 
 X\. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Perseus and Andromeda, 
 Neptune (Poseidon), 
 Bacchus (Dionysus), 
 Sea-God, . 
 
 Venus (Aphrodite), 
 
 Mars (Ares), 
 Mercury (Hermes), 
 Laocoon -Group, . 
 Minerva (Athene), 
 JEneas at the Court of Dido, 
 Furies, The, 
 
 Mercury (Hermes of Praxiteles), 
 
 Rome, . . 
 Paul Thumann, 
 
 Frontispiece 
 Facing 13 
 
 . Villa Lodovisi, Rome, 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 . F. Kellner, . 
 
 f After Pheidias, Found) 
 ■ I at Athens, 1880, J 
 . Coypel, Louvre, Paris, . 
 . Lateran Museum, Rome, 
 . Museum, Capitol, Rome, 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 
 {Head of the Statue from \ 
 Melos, Paris, . / 
 . Glyptothek, Munich, 
 . Bronze Statue, Naples, . 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 Parthenon, 
 . P. Guerin, 
 . E. Bume- Jones, 
 
 f Found in Olympia, 1877. 
 * I Restored by Schaper, 
 
 :•} 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT. 
 
 40 
 86 
 
 "3 
 129 
 
 «3i 
 
 146 
 
 196 
 
 206 
 
 218 
 
 262 
 
 270 
 282 
 289 
 308 
 324 
 332 
 
 380 
 
 rAGS 
 
 Achilles and Licomede Uffizi Gallery, Florence, . 266 
 
 Achilles, Thetis bearing the armor of, F. G6rard, . . . 277 
 
 Actseon, British Museum, . . 47 
 
 Adonis, Thorwaldsen, Munich, . 83 
 
 iEsculapius, Vatican, Rome, . . 226 
 
 Ajax, Vatican, Rome, . . 286 
 
 Ajax bearing the body of Patroclus, . . Capitol, Rome, . . 375 
 
 Amazon, ....... Vatican, Rome, . . 180 
 
 Amazons, Battle of, Vatican, Rome, . . 195 
 
 Amun, 366 
 
 Anon, or Dagon From a Relief at Nimroud, 398 
 
 ( «» ) 
 
 m 
 
 ■.iff 
 
 I 
 
 
XX 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS, 
 
 Apis Bull. 
 Apollo, 
 
 Apollo and Daphne, . 
 Apollo and the Muses, 
 Apollo and the Muses, 
 Arethusa, . 
 Ariadne, . 
 Ariadne, . 
 Astarte, . 
 ^ Atalanta's Race, 
 Athene, . Group from Altar-frieze of 
 Atlas, 
 Aurora, . 
 Aurora, . 
 Bacchus and Silenus, 
 Bacchus and Panther, 
 Brahma with Sarasiwati, 
 Buddha, . 
 
 Cacus and Hercules, . 
 Calliope, . 
 Centaur, . 
 Ceres, 
 
 Charon and Psyche, . 
 Circe and the friends of Ulysses 
 Clio, 
 
 Cronus and Rhea, 
 Ciunaean Sibyl, . 
 Cupid (Eros), . 
 Cupid and Psyche, 
 Cupid, Psyche at the Couch of, 
 Cupid and Psyche on Mount Olympus 
 Dredalus and Icarus, . 
 Days of the Week, Monday, 
 Days of the Week, Tuesday, 
 Days of the Week, Wednesday, 
 Days of the Week, Thursday, 
 Days of the Week, Friday, 
 Days of the Week, Saturday, 
 Days of the Week, Sunday, 
 Diana, 
 Diana, 
 
 Diana of Epbesus, 
 Diana of Versailles, 
 Echo, 
 
 Electra and Orestes, 
 Erato, 
 Euterpe, . 
 
 M, 
 
 . Louvre, Paris, 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 Rome, . 
 . G. Romano, Florence, 
 . Raphael Mengs, 
 . Ch. Crank, . 
 . H. Rae, 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 From a Bronze found in Syria, 
 . Poynter, 
 Pergamon. Restored by Tondeur, 
 . Naples, . 
 
 Reni, . 
 . Reni, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 . Athens, . 
 
 Florence, 
 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 
 A. Zick, 
 
 B. Riviere, 
 
 . Naples, . 
 Angelo ( Sistine Chapel, Rome) 
 
 . Capitol, Rome, 
 
 . Capitol, Rome, 
 
 . P. Thumann, 
 
 . P. Thumann, 
 
 . J. M. Vim, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Raphael, 
 
 . Corregio, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 Louvre, Paris, 
 Guy Head, 
 Villa Ludovisi 
 
 , Rome, 
 
 lAGB 
 
 ^1 
 
 364 
 
 Famese Bufl 
 
 86 
 
 Fenris, the S 
 
 3* 
 
 Fingal's Ca^ 
 
 171 
 
 Flora, • H 
 
 9 
 
 Fortuna, . ■ 
 
 72 i 
 
 Freya, • ■ 
 
 193 
 
 Freyr, . ■ 
 
 209 
 
 Frigga, . ■ 
 
 397 i 
 
 Ganymedes, ■ 
 
 m 
 
 Gods weighiiB 
 
 I 
 
 Hebe, . 1 
 
 145 
 
 Hecate, . 1 
 
 V 
 
 Hector, . 1 
 
 35 
 
 Hector and aI 
 
 61 
 
 Helen, Paris 1 
 
 203 
 
 Helen, Rape! 
 
 403 
 
 Helois, or So 
 
 405 
 
 Hercules, Th 
 
 182 
 
 Hercules and 
 
 10 
 
 Hercules at fe 
 
 159 
 
 Hercules, Far 
 
 214 
 
 Hero and Lea 
 
 329 
 
 Homer, A rea 
 
 301 
 
 Indra, 
 
 " 
 
 Irene, with yoi 
 
 6 
 
 Iris, . 
 
 339 
 
 Isis, . 
 
 XOI 
 
 Janus, 
 
 103 
 
 Jason, 
 
 los 
 
 Jason, 
 
 xxo 
 
 Juno, or Hera 
 
 198 
 
 Jupiter, Veros] 
 
 19 
 
 Jupiter, Group 
 
 51 
 
 Leander, Here 
 
 79 
 
 Lorelei, . 
 
 95 ' 
 
 Mars, 
 
 113 
 
 Mars, 
 
 151 
 
 Medea, 
 
 161 
 
 • Medusa, Heac 
 
 352 
 
 Meleager, 
 
 353 
 
 Melpomene, 
 
 256 
 
 Mercury Belvt 
 
 46 
 
 Mercury, . 
 
 123 
 
 Minerva, . 
 
 292 
 
 Mithras, . 
 
 15 
 
 Naiades, . 
 
 «s 
 
 Narcissus, 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 xxi 
 
 F&mese Bull, . 
 
 Fenris, the Wolf, 
 
 Fingal's Cave, . 
 
 Flora, 
 
 Fortuna, 
 
 Freya, 
 
 Freyr, 
 
 Frigga, 
 
 Ganymedes, 
 
 Gods weighing Actions 
 
 Hebe, 
 
 Hecate, . 
 
 Hector, . 
 
 Hector and Andromache, Parting 
 
 Helen, Paris and, 
 
 Helen, Rape of, 
 
 Helois, or Sol, . 
 
 Hercules, The Infant, 
 
 Hercules and Cacus, . 
 
 Hercules at feet of Omphal 
 
 Hercules, Famese, . 
 
 Hero and Leander, . 
 
 Homer, A reading from, 
 
 Indra, 
 
 Irene, with young Pluto, 
 
 Iris, . 
 
 Isis, . 
 Janus, 
 Jason, 
 Jason, 
 
 Juno, or Hera, 
 Jupiter, Verospi, 
 Jupiter, Group from Altar-frieze 
 Leander, Hero and, 
 Lorelei, . 
 Mars, 
 Mars, 
 Medea, 
 
 • Medusa, Head of, 
 Meleager, 
 Melpomene, 
 Mercury Belvedere, 
 Mercury, . 
 Minerva, . 
 Mithras, . 
 Naiades, . 
 Narcissus, . 
 
 of, 
 
 . Naples, . 
 
 . Naples, . . 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 British Museum, 
 
 . Capitol, Rome, 
 . Venice, . , 
 . A. Maignan, . 
 J. L. Davis (Louvre, 
 . Mantua, , 
 
 . Relief, from Troy, 
 . Louvre, Paris, 
 . Florence, 
 C. G. Glyre (Louvre, 
 . Naples, . 
 . F. Kellner, . 
 . Alma-Tadema, 
 
 Parif) 
 
 Paris) 
 
 . Munich, 
 
 of Pergamon, 
 
 Glyptothek, Rome, 
 Museum, Rome, 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 Vatican, Rome, 
 
 . F. Kellner, . 
 
 . W. Kray, 
 
 . Villa Ludovisi, Rome; 
 
 . Louvre, Paris, 
 
 . N. Sichel, . 
 
 . Wagrez, . 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 Nationa' Museum, Florence, 
 
 . Capitol, Rome, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 
 . Naples, . . 
 
 . Naples, . . 
 
 fAOt 
 
 r\ 
 
 
 343 
 
 1 
 
 431 
 
 " 
 
 449 
 
 U' 
 
 331 
 
 
 188 
 
 
 4*4 
 
 k. 
 
 419 
 
 1- 
 
 434 
 
 'iW^^^^^^H 
 
 187 
 
 i 
 
 363 
 
 ^ 
 
 186. 
 
 u •■■ 
 
 337 
 
 
 379 
 
 '} 
 
 367 
 
 ,1: 
 
 364 
 
 1 
 
 363 
 
 ^ 
 
 305 
 
 ^'1 
 
 179 
 
 f.^^^^^^^^H 
 
 183 
 
 m-'' 
 
 183 
 
 m 
 
 185 
 
 R " 
 
 139 
 
 JM ■ 
 
 394 
 
 mi- 
 
 401 
 
 t^l^^H 
 
 354 
 
 •''< 
 
 ', 
 
 91 
 
 
 ■t 
 
 369 
 
 •1 
 
 9 
 
 1 
 
 34* 
 
 
 ( 
 
 163 
 
 
 1 • 
 
 164 
 
 ' 
 
 v1 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 ;:•• 
 
 1 ■■ *-• '. 
 
 375 
 
 ,■■'( 
 
 1 ■ ' 
 
 139 
 
 ''i ' '' 
 
 443 
 
 ' 
 
 II -''s-^^ 
 
 m 
 
 
 371 
 
 
 mP- 
 
 168 
 
 
 m ^^K 
 
 141 
 
 *T 
 
 
 173 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 • 
 
 mM' ■'>. 
 
 10 
 
 
 1 '"■§",• tU.; 
 
 383 
 
 ^lT?iWik8 
 
 133 
 
 PijfflSH 
 
 39a 
 
 rUfl^fflH 
 
 57 
 
 1 Wi^^Ki 
 
 I3J 
 
 ■ 
 
 ^-iyB - 
 
XXll 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 I 
 
 WAM 
 
 Neptune and Amphitrite, .... Munich, « . . 217 
 
 Nile God, Vatican, Rome, . . 361 
 
 Nin, Assyrian Winged Bull and Genius, ..... 396 
 
 Niobe, Florence, . . . 137 
 
 Odin, 411 
 
 CEdipus and Antigone E. TacbendorfT, . 229 
 
 CEdipus and the Sphinx, .... Louvre, Parii, . .153 
 
 Orestes and Electra, Villa Ludovifi, Kome, . 292 
 
 Orpheus and Eurydice, . . K. Beyicblag, . . 234 
 
 Orpheus, Eurydice and Mercury, . Naples, . . . 237 
 
 Osiris, 367 
 
 Osiris, 368 
 
 Pan, 211 
 
 Pan and Apollo, Naples, .... 212 
 
 Pandora, . N. Sichel, ... 22 
 
 Paris and Helen, J. L. Davis (IvOUvre, Parif), 264 
 
 Patroclus, Athens, , , . 273 
 
 Patroclus, Ajax bearing the body of, . Capitol, Rome, , . 275 
 
 Pegasus and the Nymphs Thorwaldsen, . .156 
 
 Penelope, . Vatican, Rome, . . 233 
 
 Perseus, Canova (Vatican, Rome), 143 
 
 Pleiades, E, Vedder, , , . 257 
 
 Pluto and Proserpine, .... Villa Ludoviii, Rome, . 66 
 
 Polyhymnia, 16 
 
 Pomona, Naples Museum, , 96 
 
 Prometheus Bound, Flaxman, ... 27 
 
 Proserpine, 69 
 
 Proserpine, Abduction of, . .P. Shobeti, ... 70 
 
 Psyche and Cupid, Capitol, Rome, . . 103 
 
 Psyche at Couch of Cupid, .P. Thumann, , . 105 
 
 Psyche with Urn, R. Beyschlag, , . 108 
 
 Psyche and Cupid on Mount Olympus, P. Thumann, , . .110 
 
 Psyche and Charon, A. Zick, . . . 329 
 
 Rosetta Stone, 360 
 
 Sappho and Alcseus, H. Biirck, . . . 253 
 
 Silenus and Bacchus, .... Vatican, Rome, . « 61 
 
 Sirens, . . . . . E. Barrios, . , , 302 
 
 Siva, 400 
 
 Sol, or Helois, Relief, from Troy, . , 305 
 
 Sphinx, CEdipus and the, .... Louvre, Paris, . '153 
 
 Stonehenge, ..... 446 
 
 Terpsichore, Florence, ... 14 
 
 Thalia, Vatican, Rome, , .17 
 
 ITieseus, Temple of Volksgartens, Vienna, 191 
 
 Thetis, bearing the Armor of Achilles, . F. G6rard, , , . 277 
 
 Thor, 418 
 
 Three Graces, Vatican, Rome, . .12 
 
 Trimorti, . 
 Urania, 
 
 Ulysses Feigning 
 Valkyrie baring ; 
 Valkyrior, 
 Venus, CrouchingJ 
 Venus, 
 Venus, Love, and 
 Venus de Milo, 
 Vesta, or Hestia, 
 Victory, or Nike, 
 V\r^\, Tomb of, 
 Vishnu, . 
 Vulcan, Foi^e of, 
 Winds, The, Apeli< 
 WolfFenris, 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 XXlll 
 
 Trimord, 
 
 Urania, Berlin, . 
 
 Ulysses Feigning Madness, . H. Hardy, 
 Valkyrie bearing a hero to Valhalla, . K. Dielitz, 
 
 Valkyrior, P. N. Arbo, 
 
 Venus, Crouching, 
 
 Venus, 
 
 Venus, Love, and Vulcan, 
 
 Venus de Milo, 
 
 Vesta, or Hestia, 
 
 Victory, or Nike, 
 
 Virgil, Tomb of, 
 
 Vishnu, . 
 
 Vulcan, Forge of, 
 
 . Vatican, Rome, 
 . Capitol, Rome, 
 . Tintoretto, 
 , Louvre, Paris, 
 Rome, . 
 Samothrace ( Restored by Zimibusch 
 
 Tintoretto, Venice, 
 
 Winds, The, Apeliotes, Eurus, Lips, Zephyrus, 
 WolfFenris, 
 
 PACK 
 
 14 
 
 265 
 409 
 416 
 67 
 84 
 245 
 
 379 
 354 
 189 
 382 
 399 
 
 5 
 222 
 421 
 
 \ 11 
 
 ft 
 
 1 ' ^1 
 
 ill 
 
 WW*- 
 
 
14 
 
 Efl 
 
 pm 
 
 
 lui- -t ' ' 
 
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 \* 
 
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 tu'i.- 
 
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 ^'%.-,. 
 
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 < * 
 
 4 *'' I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '•;i.,ii.i 
 
GiBA=-P0NTl», 
 
 I 
 
 Nereus. 
 I 
 
 •I 
 
 Thaiimas. 
 
 rRim Oi; Jj TO A 
 
 (Uiibt.i Am 
 
 UHANdJlT-G/itA. 
 
 Cro usaRhea. 
 
 Jupiter _Ceres- [ Juno , Pluto Ki'.iHu] 
 (Zeus). 
 
 (Demete). (Hera). (Hrcics) 
 
 Minerva 
 (Athene). 
 
 Pnorcys=Ceto, 
 
 ptiine=Amphiirite. Galatea. Thetis. Ins. Harpies. Gorgons. Sirens. ScylloJ 
 
 Triton. 
 
 Achilles. 
 
 kniethcus— Ctymene. 
 
 Epl metheus =1 Pandora 
 
 Deucalion =« Pyrrha. 
 Hiilen(i). 
 
 k(a). 
 
 Dorus (3). 
 
 Xuthiis (4). 
 
 > 1 
 
 Achaeui., Ion. 
 
 W .\ncestor of the Greeks. 
 
 I') incestor of thu /F.olians, 
 
 ()) Ancestor of the Doiiiuis, 
 
 U) Ancestor of the Ai:h.i}ans and Ionian*. 
 
 ?KIB. 0; Ml*! ■ ET 
 
 ZHUS—Ifera Uuno). 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 Hebe. Ares iJVIars). He;'hwt»« <Vw . 
 
 I --I 
 
 Apollo. A^eml9(Dlan 
 
 ZBU3=Se 
 
 Tiel«. 
 
 Dionysul (nacchiil)." 
 
 (The U. '"")• 
 
 U.S. ■ 
 
 I . 
 
 (Th. i 
 
 ?'Hf^ -i 
 I 
 
 iM 
 
TRiM ai. || 'I'OMAN. 
 
 (Da.!t»iew) 
 (Ught) Atti 
 
 ^ N NIghtV 
 
 <«rtiiMgiiA(Day). 
 
 ' I 
 !'"• T V mor) (Lov«). 
 
 GAA(Ktii 
 v I 
 
 poim« (Sea). 
 
 a. 
 
 ( PI..!*.- K,'.>'l.l< 
 
 CcetM«-Phceb«. Ipetiu^ 
 
 uno). 
 
 1 
 
 ..H ;v 
 
 M'.iona)i 
 
 /■ ■ 
 
 (Dlan; 
 
 
 
 ,7 ■' \ 
 
 chits). 
 
 lies'." 
 
 
 '/'.I'" 5 
 
 (Th-f ) 
 
 I 
 
 i. 
 
 LatotiA 
 i). (Uto). 
 
 i ilmetheu*. Promethui. Atlas. 
 
 I 
 
 Plumk 
 
 i 
 
 Maia. 
 
 T7RANtTS=G«A. 
 
 \ 
 
 Oceanus=l\jthys. 
 
 1 
 
 Inachus Occanicis, 
 
 and river gods. 
 
 Clymene, 
 
 Doris=Nereus. 
 Nereides. 
 
 Cronu8=Khea. 
 
 I 
 
 Neptune=AmphitrIte,l 
 
 Proteus. 
 
 , TritJn, 
 
 tFAlS,o:,mbnEK, 
 
 ZKU8=»Dcme 
 
 remepnone (tt>cri>ina). 
 
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 STORIES ( 
 
 Ancient mytholo 
 As religions, they b 
 of 0-lym'pus hay( 
 Their dominion is tJ 
 has displaced the t( 
 immortality. Our ( 
 the visionary deities 
 and A-pol'lo — thesi 
 of our best -known ' 
 This similarity of lar 
 The gods, like men 
 we arrive at a moi 
 always found in co 
 constructs one of hii 
 invented and given ] 
 tient beings, and at 
 feelings take upon tl 
 the light of subsequei 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 CHAPTER t 
 
 INTRODUCTION, 
 
 Ancient mythologies have much to do with modem literature. 
 As religions, they belong to the past. The so-called divinities 
 of O-lym'pus have not a single worshipper among living men. 
 Their dominion is that of literature and taste. The school-room 
 has displaced the temple j and here the gods have found their 
 immortality. Our own language, in particular, o\V^es much to 
 the visionary deities of extinct theology. Zeus, Mi-nerVa 
 and A-pol'lo — these are among our literary ancestors. Many 
 of our best -known words are but the harvest of their sowing. 
 This similarity of language presupposes an origin common to all. 
 The gods, like men, were related, and by tracing their kinship 
 we arrive at a more perfect knowledge of our own. Man is 
 always found in company with some god j left to himself, he 
 constructs one of his own. The most extravagant legends are 
 invented and given locality. The fofce<i''of* nature become sen- 
 tient beings, and are clothed witlr conscious p6wer.*' Our own 
 feelings take upon themselv-i:?; a divine' hersonality,' 'cm? these, in 
 the light of subsequent knowledge, becoiV.enwythology. ' In order 
 
 
 4 jw- '. 
 
 
 
 
 Hi 
 
 Vii\i 1 
 
 9 •) 
 
 (i> 
 
 
STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 f.r 
 
 r" 
 
 to understand these legends, it will be necessary to acquaint our- 
 selves with the ideas of the structure of the universe which pre- 
 vailed among the Greeks — the people from whom the Romans 
 
 and oth(:r nations re- 
 ceived much of their 
 mythology. They 
 believed the earth to 
 be flat and circular, 
 their own country 
 occupying the mid- 
 dle of i(^ the central 
 point being either 
 Mount O-lym'pus, 
 the aJ.iode of the 
 gods, ur Del'phi, so 
 famou.4 for its oracle. 
 The circular disk 
 of the earth was 
 crossed from west to 
 east, and divided 
 into two equal parts 
 by the Sea, as they 
 called the Mediter- 
 ranean, and its con- 
 tinuation, the Eux- 
 ine. 
 
 Around the earth 
 flowed the J^iver 
 Ocean, its course 
 being from south to 
 north on the western 
 side of the earth, and 
 in a contrary direc- 
 tion on the eastern 
 side. It flowed in a 
 steady, equable cur- 
 rent, unv^xed by 
 storm of'ienijtesf. 'Rie ye» andiallftl^ji'nvers on earth received 
 their wat^ from it •.•*.*•! : 
 
 Jupiter Ve];G«p!*(VMiacm, Rogie). 
 
 ,••• \ • •• • • * •! .• 
 -• .•••.* ••• ••• •• - t • • 
 
 The northern 
 ited by a happy' 
 in everlasting bliil 
 caverns were supj 
 north wind, whici 
 country was ina< 
 from disease or 
 given us the **So| 
 
 On the south sii 
 dwelt a people ha 
 were named the }. 
 that they were wc 
 and go to share thi 
 
 On the western 
 lay a happy place 
 favored by the go 
 to enjoy an immo 
 called the "Fortui 
 
 ••Theyne 
 They 
 The sun 
 When 
 
 "They till 
 The> 
 Not a te 
 They 
 
 We thus see th 
 jmy real people ej 
 country, or near tl 
 nation, meantime, 
 giants, monsters ai 
 disk of the earth, 
 
 
 t 
 I ( 
 
 
 , I • • • 
 
 I • • • • 
 
 • • • 
 
 
 • • • 
 
 ••• • 
 
 • • • 
 
1 
 
 • 
 
 INTBODUCTION, 3 
 
 The northern portion of the earth was supposed to be inhab< 
 ited by a happy race named the Hyp-er-bo're ans, dwelling 
 in everlasting bliss and spring beyond the lofty mountains whose 
 caverns were supposed to send forth the piercing blasts of the 
 north wind, which chilled the people of Hellas (Greece). Their 
 country was inaccessible by land or sea. They lived exempt 
 from disease or old age, from toils and warfare. Moore has 
 given us the " Song of a Hyperborean," beginning 
 
 *' I come from a land in the sun-bright deep, I 
 
 "Where golden gardens glow, 
 Where the winds of the north, becalmed in sleep. 
 Their conch-shells never blow." 
 
 On the south side of the earth, close to the stream of Ocean, 
 dwelt a people happy and virtuous as the Hyperboreans. They 
 were named the ufEthiopians. The gods favored them so highly 
 that they were wont to leave at times their Olympian abodes, 
 and go to share their sacrifices and banquets. 
 
 On the western margin of the earth, by the stream of Ocean, 
 lay a happy place named the E-lys'i-an Plain, whither mortals 
 favored by the gods were transported without tasting of death, 
 to enjoy an immortality of bliss. This happy region was also 
 called the "Fortunate Fields" and the "Isles of the Blessed." 
 
 ** They need not the moon in that land of delight. 
 They need not the pale, pale star ; 
 The sun is bright, by day and night, 
 Where the souls of the blessed are. 
 
 •• They till not the ground, they plow not the wave, 
 Thej labor not, never ! oh, never 1 
 Not a tear do they shed, not a sigh do they heave i 
 They are happy for ever and ever I"— Pindar. 
 
 We thus see that the Greeks of the early ages knew little of 
 jmy real people except those to the east and south of their own 
 country, or near the coast of the Mediterranean. Their imagi- 
 nation, meantime, peopled the western portion of this sea with 
 giants, monsters and enchantresses, while they placed around the 
 disk of the earth, which they probably regarded as cff no great 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STORIEiS OF OOnS AND HEROES. 
 
 I'. 
 
 width, nations enjoying the pecuh'ar favor of the gods, and 
 blessed with happiness and longevity. 
 
 The Dawn, the Sun and the Moon were supposed to rise crt 
 of the Ocean on the eastern side, and to drive through the air, 
 giving light to gods and men. The stars also, except those form- 
 ing the Wain or Bear, and others near them, rose out of and 
 sank into the stream of Ocean. There the sun-god embarked 
 in a winged boat, which conveyed him round by the northern 
 part of the earth, back to his place of rising in the east. Milton 
 aPudes to this in his ** Comus.*' 
 
 Ul 
 
 ** Now the gilded car of day 
 His golden axle doth allay 
 In the steep Atlantic stream, 
 And the slope Sun his upward beam 
 Shoots against the dusky pole, 
 Pacing towards the other goal 
 Of his chamber in the east.'* 
 
 !l 
 
 The abode of the gods was on the summit of Mount O-lym'- 
 pus, in Thessaly. A gate of clouds, kept by the goddesses naned 
 the Seasons, opened to permit the passage of the Celestials to 
 earth, and to receive them on their return. The gods had their 
 separate dwellings; but all, when summoned, repaired to the 
 palace of Ju'pi-ter, as did also those deities whose usual abode 
 was the earth, the waters or the underworld. It was also in the 
 great hall of the palace of the Olympian king that the gods 
 feasted each day on ambrosia and nectar, their food and drink, 
 the latter being handed round by the lovely goddess He'be. 
 Here they conversed of the affairs of heaven and earth ; and as 
 they quaffed their nectar, A-pol'lo, the god of music, delighted 
 them with the tones of his lyre, to which the Muses sang in re- 
 sponsive strains. When the sun was set, the gods retired to 
 sleep in their respective dwellings. 
 
 The following lines from the "Odyssey" will show hovi 
 Homer conceived of Olympus : 
 ' I- f 
 
 *• So saying, Mi-ner'va, goddess azure-eyed. 
 Rose to 0-lym''pus, the reputed seat 
 Eternal of the gods, which never storms 
 Disturb, rains drench, or snow invades, but caui 
 
BrTRODVCTlON. 
 
 6 
 
 The expanse and cloudless shines with purest day. 
 
 There the inhabitants divine rejoice 
 
 Forever." — Cowper. 
 
 The robes and other parts of the dress of the goddesses were 
 woven by Minerva and the Graces, and everything of a more 
 solid nature was formed of the various metals. Vul'can was 
 
 Foi^e of Vulcan (by Tintoretto, Venice). 
 
 architect, smith, armorer, chariot-builder, and artist of all work 
 in Olympus. He built of brass 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 to place with the speed of the 
 wind, or even of thought. He also shod with brass the celestial 
 steeds which whirled the chariots of the gods through the air or 
 along the surface of the sea. He was able to bestow on his 
 workmanship self-motion, so that the tripods (chairs and tables) 
 could move of themselves in and out of the celestial hall. 
 
 W 
 -i', I 
 
 :i^'-y'* 
 
 
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 k 
 
 
 m 
 
 Mt. 
 
 
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 1 1. 
 
 
 
 
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 .1 
 
6 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 «* Those who labor 
 The sweaty forge, who edge the crooked scythe, 
 Bend stubborn steel, and harden gleaming armor. 
 Acknowledge Vulcan's aid."— Prior. 
 
 Ju'pi-ter, or Jove (Zeus*), though called the father of gock 
 and men, had himself a beginning. Sat'urn (Cro'nus) 
 was his father, and Rhe'a (Ops) his mother. Saturn and 
 Rhea were of the race of Ti'tans, who were the children of 
 
 Cronus and Rhea (Naples). 
 
 Earth and Heaven, which sprang from Cha'os, of which we 
 shall give a further account in our next chapter. 
 
 Saturn and Rhea were not the only Titans. There were 
 others, whose names were O-ce'a-nus, Hy-pe'ri-on, I-ap'e- 
 tus and O-phi'on, males; and The'mis, Mne-mos^y-ne, 
 
 * The names included in parentheses are the Greek, the others being th« 
 Roman or Latin names. 
 
 The represen 
 
 for on the one 1 
 
 of innocence ar 
 
 monster who d 
 
 escaped this fa 
 
 dence), who ad 
 
 to disgorge his 
 
 now rebelled aj 
 
 tans; vanquish 
 
 ta-rus, inflicti 
 
 demned to beai 
 
 On the det] 
 
 Nep'tune (P 
 
 minions. Jup 
 
 ocean, and Plu 
 
 » This inconsisi 
 same with the Gr 
 things which hav« 
 
INTRODUCTION. f 
 
 Eu-ryn' 0-me, females. They are spoken of as the elder gods, 
 whose dominion was afterwards transferred to others. Saturn 
 yielded to Jupiter, Oceanus to Neptune, Hyperion to Apollo. 
 Hyperion was the father of the Sun, Moon and Dawn. He if 
 therefore the original sun-god, and is painted with the splendor 
 and beauty which were afterwards bestowed on Apollo. 
 
 «• Hyperion's curls| the front of Jove himself." — Shakspeare, 
 
 Ophion and Eurynome ruled over Olympus till they were 
 dethroned by Saturn and Rhea. Milton alludes to them in 
 * * Paradise Lost. ' ' He says the heathens seem to have had some 
 knowledge of the temptation and fall of man, 
 
 " And fabled how the serpent, whom they called 
 Ophion, with Eurynome (the wide- 
 Encroaching Eve perhaps), had first the rule 
 Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven." 
 
 The representations given of Sat'urn are not very consistent, 
 for on the one hand his reign is said to have been the golden age 
 of innocence and purity, and on the other he is described as a 
 monster who devoured his own children.* Jupiter, however, 
 escaped this fate, and when grown up espoused Me'tis (Pru- 
 dence), who administered a draught to Saturn which caused him 
 to disgorge his children. Jupiter, with his brothers and sisters, 
 now rebelled against their father Saturn, and his brothers, the Ti- 
 tans ; vanquished them, and imprisoned some of them in Tar'- 
 ta-rus, inflicting other penalties on others. Atlas was con- 
 demned to bear up the heavens on his shoulders. 
 
 On the dethronement of Saturn, Jupiter with his brothers 
 Nep'tune (Po-sei'don) and Plu'to (Dis) divided his do- 
 minions. Jupiter's portion was the heavens, Neptune's the 
 ocean, and Pluto's the realms of the dead. 
 
 *• Pluto, the grisly god, who never spares, 
 Who feels no mercy, who hears no prayers. "- 
 
 -Homer. 
 
 > This inconsistency arises from considering the Saturn of the RomaoH thfl 
 same with the Grecian deity Cronos (Time), which, as it brings an end to all 
 things which have had a beginninaj, may be said to devom- its own offspring. 
 
STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 Earth and Olympus were common property. .Jupiter was 
 king of gods and men. The thunder was his weapon, and he 
 bore a shield called .^'gis, made for him by Vulcan The 
 eagle was his favorite bird, and bore his thunderbolts. 
 
 Ju'no (Hc'ra) was the 
 wife of Jupiter, and (lueen of 
 the gods. Iris, the goddcs.'. 
 of the rainbow, wa« her at 
 tendant and niCHHcnger. The 
 peacock was her favorite 
 bird. 
 
 Vurcan(He-ph8e8'tu8), 
 the celestial artist, was the 
 son of Jupiter and Jimo. He 
 was born lame, and his mother 
 was so displeas(;(l at the sight 
 |of him that she Hung him out 
 of heaven. Other accounts 
 say that Ju'pi-tcr kicked him 
 out for taking part with his 
 mother in a (juarrel which oc- 
 curred between them. Vul'- 
 can's lameness, according to 
 this account, was the conse- 
 quence of his fall. He was 
 a whole uay falling, and at 
 last alighted in the Island of 
 Lem'nos, which wa» thence* 
 forth sacred to him. Milton 
 alludes to this story in " Paradise Lost," Book I. 
 
 Juno, or Hera. (Vatican, Rome.) 
 
 ** From morn 
 ' >. To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 
 
 A summer's day ; and with the setting Kun 
 Dropped from the zenith, like a falling star. 
 On Lemnos, the ^gean isle." 
 
 Mars (A'res), the god of war, was the son of Jupiter and 
 Juno. 
 Phcs'bus A-poVlo, the god of archery, prophecy and 
 
 mtisic, was the son 
 a'na (Ar'^e-mis 
 ter, was the godde 
 Ve'nus (Aph- 
 was the daughter 
 Venus sprang from 
 her along the wai 
 ceived and attired 
 of the gods. All 
 demanded her for 
 
 gratitude for the 
 bolts. So the moj 
 .of the most ill-fav 
 broidered girdle C£ 
 love. Her favorit 
 sacred to her were 
 Cu'pid(E'ros 
 was her constant ( 
 he shot the dart 
 and men. There 
 sometimes represei 
 
INTBODUCTIOK 
 
 music, was the son of Jupiter and Latona, and brother of Di- 
 a'na (Ar'ie-mis). He was god of the sun, as Diana, his sis- 
 ter, was the goddess of the moon. 
 
 Ve'nus (Aph-ro-di'te), the goddess of love and beauty, 
 was the daughter of Jupiter and Di-o'ne. Others say that 
 Venus sprang from the foam of the sea. The zephyr wafted 
 her along the waves to the Isle of Cyprus, where she was re« 
 ceived and attired by the Seasons, and then led to the assembly 
 of the gods. All were charmed with her beauty, and each one 
 demanded her for his wife. Ju'pi-tergave her to Vul'can, in 
 
 ',■■'< ■>,-"*.;iSS^a&V»»'> 
 
 .*S{ 
 
 *^¥S*; 
 
 ^^^^- 
 
 
 1 - ■» 
 
 
 '*r ',. ■■■-.■A. ■ 
 
 \ ,■-■ v 
 
 /. i^. 
 
 ApoHo and the Muses (Raphael Mengs). 
 
 gratitude for the service he had rendered in forging thunder- 
 bolts. So the most beautiful of the goddesses became the wife 
 •of the most ill-favored of the gods. Ve'nus possessed an em- 
 broidered girdle called Cestus, which had the power of inspiring 
 love. Her favorite birds were swans and doves, and the plants 
 sacred to her were the rose and the myrtle. 
 
 Cu'pid (E'ros), the god of love, was the son of Venus. He 
 was her constant companion, and, armed with bow and arrows, 
 he shot the darts of desire into the bosoms of both gods 
 and men. There was a deity named An'te-ros, who was 
 sometimes represented as the avenger of slighted love, and some- 
 
 
 ■» 
 1 ■ 
 
 ' \-. 
 
 h. 
 
 ■« a:. 
 
 
 
rf" 
 
 lO 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 \i:' 
 
 f 
 
 times as the symbol of reciprocal affection. The following 
 legend is told of him : — 
 
 Ve'nus, complaining to The'mis that her son Eros continued 
 always a child, was told by her that it was because he was solitary, 
 and that if he had a brother he would grow apace. Anteros 
 was born soon afterwards, and Eros immediately was seen to 
 increase rapidly in size and strength. 
 
 Mercury Belvedere. 
 (Vatican, Rome.) 
 
 Calliope. 
 
 Mi-ner'va (Pal'las A-the-'ne), the goddess of wisdom, 
 was the offspring of Jupiter, without a mother. She sprang 
 forth from his head, completely armed. Her favorite bird was 
 Ihe owl, and the plant sacred to her the olive. 
 
 Byron, in *< Childe Harold," alludes to the birth of Minerva, 
 thus :— 
 
 Mer'cu-ry (H 
 
 lit presided over c 
 d-jes, even over 
 ipg, and everythii 
 short, which re( 
 skill and dexterity, 
 was the messenger 
 pIter, and wore a ^^ 
 cap and winged 
 He bore in hi:" h 
 rod entwined wit! 
 ssrpents, called th 
 duceus. 
 
 Mercury is sa 
 have invented the 
 He found, one ( 
 tortoise, of whic 
 took the shell, 
 holes in the o\ 
 edges of it, and 
 instrument was cc 
 the nine Muses. '. 
 from him in excha 
 
 ' From this origin 
 Rvnonymous with *'ly 
 in his ode on the * * Pr 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 II 
 
 " Can tyrants but by tyrants conquered be. 
 And Freedom find no champion and no child, 
 Such as Columbia saw arise, when she 
 Sprang forth a Pallas, armed and undefiled/ 
 Or must such minds be nourished in the wild. 
 Deep in the unpruned forest, 'midst the roar 
 Of cataracts, where nursing Nature smiled 
 On infant Washington ? Has earth no more 
 Such seeds within her breast, or Europe no such shore?** 
 
 Mer'cu-ry (Her'mes) was the son of Jupiter and Ma'ia. 
 l)"fc presided over commerce, wrestling and other gymnastic exer' 
 ches, even over thiev- 
 ipg, and everything, in 
 short, which required 
 skill and dexterity. He 
 was the messenger of Ju- 
 piter, and wore a winged 
 cap and winged shoes. 
 He bore in hi::" hand a 
 rod entwined with two 
 serpents, called the Ca- 
 duceus. 
 
 Mercury is said to 
 have invented the lyre. 
 He found, one day, a 
 tortoise, of which he 
 took the shell, made 
 holes in the opposite 
 
 Clio (Louvre). 
 
 edges of it, and drew cords of linen through then», and the 
 instrument was complete. The cords were nine, *.n honor of 
 the nine Muses. Mercury gave the lyre to Apollo, and received | 
 from him in exchange the caduceus.* ♦, 
 
 * From this origin of the instrument, the word '* shell " U often used ai 
 Rvnonymous with "lyre," and figuratively for music and poetiy. Thus Gray, 
 in his ode on the ** Progress of Poesy," says :— 
 
 **0 Sovereign of the willing soul, 
 parent of sweet and solemn-breathing airs. 
 Enchanting shell ! the sullen Cares 
 And frantic Passions hear thy &oft control." 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
ft 
 
 I 
 
 12 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND JiEMOES, 
 
 W 
 
 i^': 
 
 Ce'res (De-me'ter) was the daughter of Satuip and Rhea. 
 
 She had a daughter named Pro ser'pi-ne (Pcr-seph'o-ne), 
 
 who became the wife of Pluto, and queen of the realms of the 
 
 dead. Ceres presided over agriculture. 
 
 Bac'chus (Di-o-nys'us), the god of wine, was the son of 
 
 Jupiter and Sem'e-le. He represents not only the intoxicating 
 
 power of wine, but its social 
 and beneficent influences 
 likewise, so that he is viewed 
 as the promoter of civiliza- 
 tion, and a lawgiver and 
 lover of peace. 
 
 The Mu'ses were the 
 daughters of Jupiter and 
 Mne-mos'y-ne (Mem- 
 ory). They presided over 
 song and prompted the 
 memory. They were nine 
 in number, to each of whom 
 was assigned the presidgjjcc 
 over some particular depart 
 ment of literature, art or sci- 
 ence. Cal-li'o-pe was 'be 
 muse of epic poetry, Cli'o 
 of history, Eu-tcr'pe of ly- 
 ric poetry, Mel-pom'e-ne 
 of tragedy, Tcrp-sich'o-re 
 of choral dance and song, 
 Er'a-to of love-poetry, 
 Pol-y-hym'ni-a of sacred 
 poetry, U-ra'ni-a of astron- 
 omy, Tha-li'a of comedy 
 The Graces were goddesses presiding over the banquet, the 
 
 dance, and all social enjoyments and elegant arts. They were 
 
 three in number. Their names were £u-phros'y-net Ag« 
 
 la'ia and Tha-li'a. 
 Spenser describes the office of the Graces thus!— i 
 
 '•Thtse throe on iiirii u!l fjrncious ^^\{^.<^ beHloW 
 >Vbich de^ the LmxI/ or adoru the mindi 
 
 Three Graces, (Vatican Rome.) 
 
 
 To/nake t 
 As comely 
 Sweet seni 
 And all th 
 They teacl 
 We should 
 To friends 
 
 The Fates were 
 ro-pos. Their of 
 to spin the thread o 
 destiny, and th 
 armed with shea? 
 which they cut it 
 they pleased. Th( 
 the daughters of T 
 (Law), who sits 
 on his throne to g 
 counsel. 
 
 TheE-rin'ny-es 
 
 ries, were three g 
 who punished by tht 
 stings the crimes ( 
 who escaped or aefie 
 justice. The headi 
 Furies were wreath 
 serpents, and thei 
 ■ appearance was ten 
 appalling. Their nai 
 A-lec'to, Ti-si] 
 2\\d Me-gae'ra. T 
 alio called Eu-nie 
 
 Nem'e-sis was 
 avenging goddess, 
 resents the right.eo 
 of the gods, partici 
 
 Pan was the god 
 dence was in Arcad 
 
 The Sa'tyrs wer 
 conceived to be co\ 
 with short, sproutin 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 13 
 
 To/nake them lovely or well-favored show j 
 
 As comely carriage, entertainment kind, } 
 
 Sweet semblance, friendly offices that bind, 
 
 And all the complements of courtesy ; 
 
 They teach us 1 nv to each degree and kind 
 
 We should ourelves demean, to low, to high, 
 
 To friends, to foes ; which skill men call Civility." 
 
 The Fates were also three — Clo'tho, Lach'e-sis and At' 
 ro-pos. Their office was 
 
 < 
 
 to spin the thread of human 
 
 destiny, and they were 
 
 armed with shears, with 
 
 which they cut it; off when 
 
 they pleased. They were 
 
 the daughters of The'mis 
 
 (Law), who sits by Jove 
 
 on his throne to give him 
 
 counsel. 
 The E-rin'ny-es,orFu'- 
 
 ries, were three goddesses 
 
 who punished by their secret 
 
 stings the crimes of those 
 
 who escaped or oefied public 
 
 justice. The heads of the 
 
 Furies were wreathed with 
 
 serpents, and their whole 
 ■ appearance was terrific and 
 
 appalling. Their names were 
 
 A-1 e c't o, Ti-siph'o-ne 
 
 jud Me-gse'ra. They were 
 
 alio called Eu-men'i-des. 
 Nem'e-sis was also an 
 
 avenging goddess. She rep- 
 resents the righteoiib anger 
 
 of the gods, particularly towards the proud and insolent. 
 
 Pan was the god of flocks and shepherds. His favorite resi- 
 dence was in Arcadia. 
 The Sa'tyrs were deities of the woods and fields. They were 
 j conceived to be covered with bristly hair, their heads decorated 
 I with short, sprouting hornsj and their feet lilje goats' feet. 
 
 Melpomeie. (Vatican, Rome. ) 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 4. 
 
 
 
 J!ki 
 
 
14 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 fm 
 
 Mo'mus was the god of laughter, and Plu'tus the god of 
 wealth. 
 
 The preceding are Grecian divinities, though received also by 
 the Romans. They bear the color and form of Grecian thought. 
 But the Greeks and Romans were yet to meet and exchange di- 
 vinities. This they did, and in a single pantheon built an altar 
 
 her mythology to : 
 and their gods are 
 to be remembered, 
 had gods peculiar 
 their own distincti 
 to be identical.' 
 
 Terpsichore. ( Florence. ) 
 
 Urania. (Berlin.) 
 
 common to both. It was a peculiar service, and one which has 
 much to do with modern literature. T'.e Greeks were the more 
 poetic, hence they became the song-writers ot ancient mythology. 
 Rome had a religion, but no mythology. Her people wor- 
 shipped the memory of their ancestors, and seemed to care for 
 little else. Their gods were largely al)stractions, whiie those of 
 Greece were definite personalities. As a result, Greece gave 
 
 Sat' urn was ar 
 identify him with t 
 his dethronement 
 
 » The Jupiter of a 
 literature was more th 
 
 « And we feel stro 
 to our Roman diviniti 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 15 
 
 her mythology to Rome. The same legends are told of each, 
 and their gods are often mistaken one for the other. It ought 
 to be remembered, however, that both the Greeks and Romans 
 had gods peculiar to themselves.^ Zeus and Jupiter retained 
 their own distinctive characteristics long after they were thought 
 to be identical.' 
 
 ^'^'''m. 
 
 Euterpe. 
 
 Erato (l-ouvre). 
 
 ROMAN DIVINITIES. 
 
 Sat'urn was an ancient Italian deity. It was attempted to 
 identify him with the Grecian god Cro'nus, and fabled that after 
 his dethronement by Jupiter he fled to Italy, where he reigned 
 
 * The Jupiter of actual worship was a Roman god ; the Jupiter of Latin 
 literature was more than half Greek. — (Jupiter), Encyclopedia Britanntca. 
 
 ' And we feel stronger and stranger among people who gfive Greek namei 
 to our Roman divinities. — Quo Vadis, 
 
 
 
 
i6 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 " 
 
 ■'i| 
 if 
 
 during what was called the Golden Age. In memory of his be 
 neficent dominion, the feast of Saturnalia was held every year in 
 the winter season. Then all public business was suspended, 
 declarations of war and criminal executions were postponed, 
 friends made presents to one another, and the slaves were in- 
 dulged with great liberties. A feast was given them, at which 
 they sat at table, while their masters served them, to show the 
 natural equality of men, and that all things belonged equally to 
 all in the reign of Saturn. 
 
 Fau'nus,* the grandson of Saturn, was worshipped as the god 
 
 of fields and shepherds, and also as a pro- 
 phetic god. His name in the plural, Fauns, 
 expressed a class of gamesome deities, lik^ 
 the Satyrs of the Greeks. 
 
 Qui-ri'nus was a war god, said to be no 
 other than Romulus, the founder of Rome, 
 exalted after his death to a place among 
 the gods. 
 Bel-lo'na, a war goddess. 
 Ter'mi-nus, the god of landmarks. His 
 statue was a rude stone or post, set in the 
 ground to mark the boundaries of fields. 
 
 Pa'les, the goddess presiding over cattle 
 and pastures. 
 
 Po-mo'na presided over fruit trees. 
 Flo'ra, the goddess of flowers. 
 Lu-ci'na, the goddess of childbirth. 
 Ves'ta (the Hes'ti-a of the Greeks) 
 was a deity presiding over the public and 
 private hearth. A sacred fire, tended by 
 six virgin priestesses called Vestals, flamed 
 in her temples. As the safety of the city was held to be con- 
 nected with its conservation, the neglect of the virgins, if they 
 let it go out, was severely punished, and the fire was rekindled 
 fron the rays of the sun. » 
 
 Lri'ber is the Latin name of Bac'chus ; and Mul'ci-ber of 
 Vulcan. 
 
 Polyhymnia. 
 
 * There was also a goddess called Fauna, or Bona Dea. 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 17 
 
 Ja'nus was the porter of heaven. He opens the year, the 
 {list month being named after him. 
 
 rx ; 
 
 r> 
 
 ^'if'/J' *' I count 
 
 The years that tlirougn my portals come and go." — LoNGFEl,LOW. 
 
 He is the guardian deity of gates, on which account he is com- 
 monly represented with two heads, because every door looks two* 
 ways. His temples at Rome 
 were numerous. In war time the 
 gates of the principal one were 
 always open. In peace they 
 were closed ; but they were shut 
 only once between the reign of 
 Numa and that of Augustus. 
 
 The Pe-na'tes were the 
 ^"[ods who were supposed to at- 
 tend to the welfare and pros- 
 perity of the family. Their 
 name is derived from Penus, 
 the pantry, which was sacred to 
 them. Every master of a family 
 was the priest to the Penates 
 of his own house. 
 
 The La'res, or Lars, were 
 also household gods, but dif- 
 ered from the Penates in being 
 regarded as thp deified spirits 
 of mortals. The family Lars 
 were held to be the souls of the 
 ancestors, who watched over 
 and protected their descend- 
 ants. The words Lemur and 
 
 Thalia. (Vatican, Rome. ) 
 
 Larva more nearly correspond to our word Ghost. 
 
 The Romans believed that every man had his Genius, and 
 every woman her Ju'no ; that, is, a spirit who had given them 
 being, and was regarded as their protector through life. On 
 their birthdays men made offerings to their Genius, women to 
 their Juno. 
 
 Macaulay thus alludes to some of the Roman gods :— . 
 
 %Mm 
 
 
 
 
 . 'invvi-i 
 
 
 
18 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 *' Pomona loves the orchard, 
 And Liber loves the vine, 
 And Pales loves the straw-built shed ' 
 
 Warm with the breath of kine ; 
 And Venus loves the whisper 
 
 Of plighted youth and maid. 
 In April's ivory moonlight, 
 , Beneath the chestnut shade.'* — Prophecy ofCapys, 
 
 The gods were classified as higher or lower according to 
 their rank. The higher order moved in the region of air above 
 the clouds. At times they assembled on the summit of Olympus 
 for consultation ; for which reason they were known as the Olym- 
 pian gods. These were twelve in number: ^u'pi-ter (Zeus), 
 Ju'no (He'ra),l^ep'tune (Po-sei-don),X'eres (De-me'- 
 ter),^A-poPlo, Di-a'na (Ar'te-mis),^Vurcan (He-phses- 
 tus)\Min'er-va (Pal'las A-the'ne)rMars(A'res), (Ve'- 
 nus'^ph-ro-di'te),^Mer'cu-ry (Her'mes), and Ves'ta. 
 
 The inferior gods lived far below and in mansions like to 
 earthly princes. Some of them were restricted to certain locali- 
 ties of earth, such as the Ne-re'i des to fountains, the 0-re'- 
 a-des to the hills, and the Dry'a-des to the trees. 
 
 Demigods. 
 
 The dem'i-gods, as the name implies, were but half-deities. 
 They were the offspring of a god and a mortal. When the mor 
 kal died the immortal was received among the gods. 
 
Monday, Luna (Raphad). 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 I 
 
 » Pro-me'theus and Pan-do'ra. 
 
 The origin of the world was naturally one of the first ques< 
 tions to excite the interest of man. The ancients, having no 
 revelation, were obliged to tell the story in their own way, 
 which was as follows :' 
 
 Before earth and sea and heaven were created, all things wore 
 one aspect, to which we give the name of Chaos. 
 
 *' Ere earth and sea and covering heavens wet'e known. 
 The face of nature, o'er the world, was one ; 
 And men have call'd it Chaos."— Ovid (Elton's tr.). 
 
 Earth, sea and air were all blended together. The earth was 
 not solid, the sea was not fluid, and the air was not transparent. 
 
 *• No sun yet beam'd from yon cerulean height ; 
 No orbing moon repair' d her horns of light ; 
 No earth, self-poised, on liquid ether hung ; 
 No sea its world-enclasping waters flung." — OviD (Elton's tr.). 
 
 * There are many legends as to the earth's creation. One, the " Egg 
 Myth," was quite generally accepted. Er^e-bus, the god of darkness, and 
 Nox, the goddess of night, produced an egg, from which emerged E'ros, the 
 god of Love, to create the earth. A similar legend, related by Hesiod, makes 
 E^ros the child of Chafes. Being the god of Love, he induced U'ra-nus, the 
 Heaven, to marry Qe'a, the Earth, whose children became the TKtans, tha 
 original creatonof man. 
 
 (19) 
 
20 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 i 
 
 God and Nature at last interposed and put an end to this dis 
 cord, separating earth from sea and heaven from both. The 
 fiery part, being the lightest, sprang up and formed the skies ; 
 the air was next in weight and place. The earth, being heavier, 
 sank below, and the water took the lowest place, and buoyed up 
 the earth. 
 
 Here some god — it is not known who — gave his good offices 
 In arranging and disposing the earth. He gave to the rivers 
 and bays their places, raised mountains, excavated valleys, dis- 
 tributed woods, fountains, fertile fields and stony plains. The 
 air being cleared, the stars began to appear, fishes took posses- 
 sion of the sea, birds of the air, and four-footed beasts of the 
 land. 
 
 But a nobler animal was wanted, and Man was made. It is 
 not known whether the Creator made him of divine materials, or 
 whether in the earth, so lately separated from heaven, there 
 lurked still some heavenly seeds. Prometheus took some of this 
 earth, and kneading it up with water, made man in the image of 
 the gods. 
 
 ** Prometheus first transmuted 
 Atoms culled for human cIay."»-HoRACE. 
 
 He gave him an upright stature, so that while all other ani- 
 mals turn their faces downward and look to the earth, he raises 
 his face toward heaven and gazes upon the stars. 
 
 Pro-me'theus was one of the Titans, a gigantic race who 
 inhabited the earth before the creation of man. To him and his 
 brother Epimetheus was committed the office of making man, 
 and providing him and all other animals with the faculties neces- 
 sary for their preservation. Epimetheus undertook to do this, 
 and Prometheus was to overlook his work. Epimetheus accord- 
 ingly proceeded to bestow upon the different animals the various 
 gifts of courage, strength, swiftness, sagacity ; wings to one, 
 claws to another, a shelly covering to a third, etc. But when 
 man came to be provided for, who was to be superior to all other 
 animals, Epimetheus had been so prodigal of his resources that 
 he had nothing left to bestow upon him. In his perplexity he 
 resorted to his brother, Prometheus, who, with the aid of Mi- 
 nerva, went up to heaven and lighted his torch at the chariot 
 of the sun and brought down fire to man. 
 
 With the gift 
 The beasts were 
 .and overcome tl: 
 thus became an i 
 troduced the arts 
 bilities of trade. 
 
 Woman was n< 
 that Jupiter beh( 
 fire upon the ear 
 knew no bounds 
 was determined 
 as a punishment 
 in heaven. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 The gods vie 
 Venus gave her 1 
 because of which 
 
 Thus equippec 
 Epimetheus, wh< 
 brother to bewar 
 his house a jar, 
 which, in fitting 
 Pandora was sei 
 jar contained. 
 
 AM 
 Wl 
 Fo 
 
 Pandora was 
 slipped off the ( 
 a multitude of ] 
 tism and colic f 
 mind, — and scat 
 to replace the li 
 
PBOMETOIJUS AND PANDORA, 
 
 21 
 
 With the gift of fire came man's dominion over the earth. 
 The beasts wt;re his enemy, but fire enabled man to forge weapons 
 .and overcome them. With fire he warmed his dwelling, and 
 thus became an inhabitant of every clime. With it he also in- 
 troduced the arts, coined money, and brought about the possi' 
 bilities of trade. 
 
 Woman was not yet made. The story (absurd enough!) is 
 
 that Jupiter beholding from his throne on Olympus a strange 
 
 fire upon the earth, asked what it meant. When told, his rage 
 
 knew no bounds. The gods were assembled in council, and it 
 
 was determined that woman should be created, and sent to man 
 
 as a punishment for accepting Prometheus* gift. She was made 
 
 in heaven. 
 
 " The crippled artist-god. 
 Illustrious, molded from the yielding day 
 ^ A bashful viigin'i image, as ad vis' d 
 
 i' Satumianjove." — Hesiod (Elton's tr.). 
 
 The gods vied with each other in contributing their gifts, 
 Venus gave her beauty. Mercury persuasion, Apollo music, etc., 
 because of which she was named Pan-do'ra.* 
 
 Thus equipped, she was conveyed to earth and presented to 
 
 Epimetheus, who gladly accepted her, though cautioned by his 
 
 brother to beware of Jupiter and his gifts. Epimetheus had in 
 
 his house a jar, in which were kept certain noxious articles, for 
 
 which, in fitting man for his new abode, he had had no occasion. 
 
 Pandora was seized with an eager curiosity to know what this 
 
 jar contained. 
 
 ** Yon mysterious chest 
 Attracts and fascinates me. Would I knew 
 What there lies hidden 1 But the oracle 
 Forbids." — Masque op Pandora (L.ingfellow). 
 
 Pandora was not equal to the temptation. One day she 
 slipped off the cover and looked in. Forthwith there escaped 
 a multitude of plagues for hapless man, — such as gout, rheuma* 
 tism and colic for his body, and envy, spite and revenge for his 
 mind, — and scattered themselves far and wide. Pandora hastened 
 to replace the lid, but alas ! the whole contents of the jar had es* 
 
 > Grade for Allgiaed. 
 
 
 MM 
 
 
 in 
 
22 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 PRO! 
 
 V. -:n 
 
 I 
 
 Hi 
 
 Hi 
 
 caped, one thing only excepted, which lay at the bottom, and 
 that was /tope. So we see at this day, whatever evils arc abroad, 
 hope never entirely leaves us ; and while we have //ta/, no amount 
 of other ills can make us completely wretched. 
 
 *• Hope sole remain' d within, nor took her flight, 
 Beneath the vessel's verge conceal' d from light." 
 
 —Hmiou (ElUm'» tr.*). 
 
 Another story is that Pandora was sent in good faith, by Ju- 
 piter, to blem man; 
 that she waH furnished 
 with a box, containing 
 her marriage presents, 
 into which every god 
 had put some blessing. 
 She opened the box 
 incautiously, and the 
 blessings all escaped, 
 /lopg only excepted. 
 This story seems more 
 probable than the for- 
 mer ; for how could 
 hope, so precious a 
 jewel as it is, have 
 been kept in a jar full 
 of all manner of evils, 
 as in the former state- 
 ment? 
 
 The world being 
 thus furnished with 
 inhabitants, the first 
 age was one of inno- 
 cence and happiness. 
 Truth and right pre- 
 vailed, though not en- 
 forced by law, nor was 
 there any magistrate 
 to threaten or punish. The forest had not yet been rol)bed of 
 its trees to furnish timbers for vessels, nor had men built for« 
 
 Pandora, by N. Sichel. 
 
 tifications round th( 
 swords, spears, or h( 
 necessary for man, v 
 Perpetual spring rei 
 rivers flowed with n 
 from the oaks. 
 
 1-his was the Go 
 Age, inferior to the 
 
 Jupiter shortened 
 Then, first, men had 
 houses became neces 
 leafy coverts of the 
 would no longer gro^ 
 to sow the seed, and 
 
 «« Succeeding ti 
 Excelling bra 
 Then summei 
 And spring m 
 The sun his a 
 Good days co 
 The air with 
 The wings of 
 And shiverinj 
 Sought shelte 
 Those houses 
 With twining 
 Then plows, 
 And oxen lal 
 
 The Brazen and Ir 
 burst in like a flood : 
 places came fraud £ 
 of gain. Then scan 
 were torn from the i 
 the face of ocean, 
 vated in common, b 
 were not satisfied wi 
 into its bowels, and 
 Mischievous iron, a 
 War sprang up, usii 
 in his friend's house 
 
 'VW^BwrnB".*"- 
 
PROMETHEUS AND PANDORA, 
 
 23 
 
 tifications round their towns. There <vere no such things as 
 swords, spears, or helmets. The earth brought forth all things 
 necessary for man, without his labor in ploughing or sowing. 
 Perpetual spring reigned, flowers sprang up without seed, the 
 rivers flowed with milk and wine, and yellow honey distilled 
 from the oaks. 
 
 This was the Golden Age. It was succeeded by the Silver 
 Age, inferior to the Golden, but better than those that followed. 
 
 Jupiter shortened the spring and divided the year into seasons. 
 Then, first, men had to endure the extremes of heat and cold, and 
 houses became necessary. Caves were the first dwellings, and 
 leafy coverts of the woods, and huts woven of twigs. Crops 
 would no longer grow without planting. The farmer was obliged 
 to sow the seed, and the toiling ox to draw the plough. 
 
 " Succeeding times a silver age behold. 
 Excelling brass, but more excell'd by gold. 
 Then summer, autumn, winter, did appear, 
 
 And spring was but a season of the year ; . • , 
 
 The sun his annual course obliquely made, 
 Good days contracted, and enlarg'd the bad. 
 The air with sultry heats began to glow. 
 The wings of winds were clogg'd with ice and snow ; 
 And shivering mortals into houses driven, : . : 
 
 Sought shelter from the inclemency of heaven. 
 Those houses, then, were caves or homely sheds, 1 
 
 With twining osiers fenc'd, and moss their beds. 
 Then plows, for seed, the fruitful furrows broke. 
 And oxen labor'd first beneath the yoke." — Ovid (Dryden's tr. ). 
 
 The Brazen and Iron Ages followed in rapid succession. Crime 
 burst in like a flood j modesty, truth, and honor fled. In their 
 places came fraud and cunning, violence, and the wicked love 
 of gain. Then seamen spread sails to the wind, and the trees 
 were torn from the mountains to serve for keels to ships and vex 
 the face of ocean. The earth, which till now had been culti- 
 vated in common, began to be divided off into possessions. Men 
 were not satisfied with what the surface produced, but must dig 
 into its bowels, and draw forth from thence the ores of metals. 
 Mischievous iron, and more mischievous gold, were produced. 
 War sprang up, using both as weapons ; the guest was not safe 
 in his friend's house j and sons-in-law and fathers-in-law, brothers 
 
 ifii 
 
 
 %0:m. 
 
 ^\ M \m 
 
 -n 
 
 Uf 
 
 .i ! 
 
 
 
24 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 I* 
 i 
 
 ■A 
 
 w 
 
 1] 
 
 III 
 
 
 i: 
 
 ■M 
 
 8l 
 
 
 ;i!i'; 
 
 It 
 
 and sisters, husbands and wives, could not trust one anothei 
 Sons wished their fathers dead, that they might come to the in 
 heritance ; family love lay prostrate. 'I'he earth was wet witii 
 slaughter, and the gods abandoned it, one by one, till Astraea' 
 alone was left, and finally she also took her departure. 
 
 Jupiter, seeing this state of things, burned with anger. He 
 summoned the gods to council. They obeyed the call, and took 
 the road to the palace of heaven. The road, which any one may 
 see in a clear night, stretches across the face of the sky, and is 
 called the Milky Way. Along the road stand the palaces of the 
 illustrious gods ; the common people of the skies live apart, on 
 either side. Jupiter addressed the assembly. He set forth the 
 frightful condition of things on the earth, and closed by an- 
 nouncing his intention to destroy the whole of its inhabitants, 
 and provide a new race, unlike the first, who would be more 
 worthy of life, and much better worKhij)pers of the gods. So 
 saying, he took a thimderbolt, and was about to launch it at the 
 world, and destroy it by burning ; but recollecting the danger 
 that such a conflagration might set neaven itself on fire, he 
 changed his plan, and resolved to drown it. The north wind, 
 which scatters the clouds, was chained up; the south was sent 
 out, and soon covered all ihe fate nf heaven with a cloak of 
 pitchy darkness. The clouds, dri.en together, resounded with 
 a crash ; torrents of rain fall ; the crops are laid low ; the year's 
 labor of the husbandman perishes in an hour. Jupiter, not satis- 
 fied with his own waters, calls on his iTother Neptune to aid him 
 with his. He lets loose the rivers, and pours them over th^ 
 
 > The goddess of innocence and purity. After leaving earth, she was placed 
 among the stars, where she became the conMtcllation Virgo — the Virgin. 
 Themis (Justice) was the mother of Aslncft. She is represented os holding 
 aloft a pair of scales, in which .she weighs the claiinH of opposing parties. 
 \ It was a favorite idea of the old poets thiit llicso goddesses would one day 
 return, and bring back the Golden Age. Kveii in u (Jluisliun Hymn, the Mrs 
 slab of Pope, this idea occurs. 
 
 "All crimes shall ceas»., and ancient fraud shall fail, 
 Returning Justice lift oloft her .stale, 
 Peace o'er the woild luT olive wand extend, 
 And white-robed J imorence from heaven descend." 
 
 See also, Milton's Ilvmn to the Nativity, slan/aM, xlv. atid xv. 
 
 PRO. 
 
 land. At tl.e same 
 and brings in the ref 
 herds, men and houi 
 sacred enclosures pr 
 it was overwhelmed, 
 Now all was sea, se 
 vidual remained on 
 pulled the oar wher 
 fishes swim among t 
 garden. Where th( 
 sea-calves gambol. 
 lions and tigers stru^ 
 boar serves him not 
 with weary wing int( 
 ing-place. Those 1 
 prey to hunger. 
 
 «• Now hills an 
 And level' d 
 
 Parnassus alone, o 
 and there Deucalion 
 theus, found refuge— 
 the gods. Jupiter, v 
 remembered their 1: 
 the north winds to i 
 to earth and earth to 
 blow on his shell ani 
 obeyed, and the sea 
 channels. 
 
 «* At length 
 But desoh 
 Nature be' 
 A dismal < 
 
 Then Deucalion tl 
 wo?nan, joined to r 
 and now by a comm 
 of our ancestor Pro 
 first made it 1 But 
 
 V • 
 
PROMETHEUS AND PANDORA. 
 
 25 
 
 land. At t'I.e same time he heaves the land with an earthquake, 
 and brings in the reflux of the ocean over the short j. Flocks, 
 herds, men and houses are swept away, and temples with their 
 sacred enclosures profined. If any edifice remained standing 
 it was overwhelmed, and its turrets lay hid beneath the waves. 
 Now all was sea, sea without shore. Here and there an indi- 
 vidual remained on a projecting hill-top, and a few, in boats, 
 pulled the oar where they had lately driven the plough. The 
 fishes swim among the tree-tops; the anchor is let down into a 
 garden. Where the graceful lambs played but now unwieldy 
 sea-calves gambol. The wolf swims among the sheep, the yellow 
 lions and tigers struggle in the water. The strength of the wild 
 boar serves him not, nor his swiftness the stag. The birds fall 
 with weary wing into the water, having found no land for a rest- 
 ing-place. Those living beings whom the water spared fell a 
 prey to hunger. 
 
 •» Now hills and vales no more distincUon know. 
 And level'd nature lies oppress'd below."— OviD (Dryden*8 tr.), 
 
 Parnassus alone, of all the mountains, overtopped the waves ; 
 and t^ere Deucalion and his wife, Pyrrha, of the race of Prome- 
 theus, found refuge — he a just man and she a faithfi il worshipper of 
 the gods. Jupiter, when he saw none left alive but this pair, and 
 remembered their harmless lives and pious demeanor, ordered 
 the north winds to drive away tlie clouds, and disclose the skies 
 to earth and earth to the skies. Neptune also directed Triton to 
 blow on his shell and sound a retreat to the waters. The waters 
 obeyed, and the sea returned to its shores and the rivers to theif 
 channels. 
 
 *« At length the world was all restor'd to view, 
 But desolate, and of a sickly hue ; 
 Nature beheld herself, and stood aghast, 
 A dismal desert and a silent waste."— 0\riD (Dryden*» Tr.). 
 
 Then Deucalion thus addressed T^yrrha: **0 wife, only surviving 
 woman, joined to me first by the ties of kindred and marriage, 
 and now by a common danger, would that we possessed the power 
 of our ancestor Prometheus, and could renew the race as he at 
 first niade it ! But as we cannot, let us seek yonder temple, and 
 
 46985 • 
 
 '>i-:i'. 
 
 
 IB 
 
 Ili^ifli 
 
 
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 MB 
 
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 M m;:, 
 
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 .>i;i!.>Mi-^ 
 
 
 ■W. 
 
 
26 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Kil!! 
 
 f 
 
 H 
 
 inquire of the gods what remains for us to do.'' They entered 
 the temple, deformed as it was with slime, and approached the 
 altar, where no fire burned. There they fell prostrate on the 
 earth, and prayed the goddess to inform them how they might 
 retrieve their miserable affairs. The oracle answered, *' Depart 
 from the temple with head veiled and garments unbound, and 
 cast behind you the bones of your mother," They heard the 
 words with astonishment. Pyrrha first broke silence: "We 
 cannot obey; we dare not profane the remains of our parent'." 
 They sought the thickest shades of the wood, and revolved the 
 oracle in their minds. At length Deucalion spoke: "Either 
 my sagacity deceives me, or the command is one we may obey 
 without : -^jiety. The earth is the great parent of all ; the stones 
 are her bones ; these we may cast behind us ; and I think this is 
 what the oracle means. At least, it will do no harm to try." 
 They veiled their faces, unbound their garments, and picked up 
 stones, and cast them behind them. The stones (wonderful to 
 relate) began to grow soft and assume shape. By degrees they 
 put on a rude resemblance to the human form, like a block half- 
 finished in the hands of the sculptor. The rnoisture and slime 
 that were about them became flesh j the stony part became bones ; 
 the veins remained veins, retaining their name, only changing 
 their use. Those thrown by the hand of the man became men, 
 and those by the woman became women. It was a hard race, 
 and well adapted to labor, as we find ourselves to be at this day, 
 giving plain indications of our origin. 
 
 Milton thus compares Eve to Pandora, changing lapetus, the 
 (ather of Prometheus and Epimetheus, to Japhet : 
 
 ** More lovely than Pandora, whom the godi 
 Endowed with oil their gifts ; and O, too like 
 In sad event, when to the unwiscr son 
 Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she Innnarcd 
 Mankind by her fair looks, to bo avenged 
 On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire." 
 
 -^Parodist Lostf D. IV, 
 
 Prometheus has been a favorite subject with the poets. He 
 Is represented as the friend of mankind, who intcrpoHcd in their 
 behalf when Jove was incensed against them, and who taught 
 
PROMETHEUS AND PANDORA 
 
 27 
 
 Ihem civilization and the arts. But as, in so doing, he trans> 
 gressed the will of Jupiter, and drew down on himself the anger 
 of the ruler of gods and men. Jupiter had him chained to a 
 rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vulture preyed on his liver, 
 which was renewed as fast as devoured. This state of torment 
 
 Prometheus bound, Flaxman. 
 
 might have been brought to an end at any time by Prometheus, 
 if he had been willing to submit to his oppressor ; for he pos- 
 sessed a secret which involved the stability of Jove's throne, and 
 if he would have revealed it, he might have been at once taken 
 into favor.* But this he disdained to do. 
 
 " I would not quit 
 This bleak ravine, these unrepentant pofaut. 
 Pity tlae self-despising slaves of Jove, 
 Not me, within whose mind sits peace serene." 
 
 —Shelley, Promtthem UnbouniL 
 
 * A fatal marriage that Jove was about to maka. 
 
 !■ \' 
 
 it* 
 
 - .« 
 
 
 W 
 
 'm;r 
 
 
 •I*- ■'■% 
 
 
 * 'itiS'ii:.'- ":■ .J- AJn 
 
 
 
 
28 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Prometheus has become the world's symbol of suflering and 
 strength of will resisting wrong. 
 
 ** Therefore, great heart, bear up ! Thou are but type 
 Of what all lofty spirits endure, that fain 
 Would win men back to strength and peace through love." 
 
 — Lowell's Prometheus. 
 
 Lord Byron has also written on the same theme. The fol- 
 lowing are his lines : 
 
 ** Titan I to whose immortal eyes 
 The sufferings of mortality, 
 Seen in their sad reality, 
 Were not as things that gods despise ; 
 What was thy pity's recompense ? 
 A silent suffering, and intense ; 
 The rock, the vulture and the chain ; 
 All that the proud can feel of pain ; 
 The agony they do not show. 
 The suffocating sense of woe."* 
 
 ' The poet ^Eschylus, who lived twenty- five hundred years ago, wrote three 
 tragedies on the subject of Prometheus. Unfortunately but one Promethein 
 Chained is now extant. Vulcan, after much hesitation, chains the Titan to the 
 rock. He is visited by Mercury, who offers release on condition that his secret 
 be revealed. There are many very excellent English translations. The poet 
 Shelley Is perhaps his best interpreter. 
 
 ' / 
 
PYTHON, 
 
 29 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Py'thon — A-pol'lo and Daph'ne — Pyr'a-mus and 
 This'be — Ceph'a-lus and Proc'ris. 
 
 The slime with which the earth was covered by the waters of 
 the flood produced an excessive fertility which called forth every 
 variety of production, both bad and good. Among the rest, 
 Py'thon, an enormous serpent, crept forth, the terror of the 
 people, and lurked in the caves of Mount Parnassus. A-pol'lo 
 slew him with his arrows — ^weapons which he had i-ot before 
 used against any but feeble animals, hares, wild goats, and such 
 game. In commemoration of this illustrious conquest he insti- 
 tuted the Pythian games, in which the victor in feats of strength, 
 swiftness of foot, or in the chariot race, was crowned with a 
 wreath of beech leaves, for the laurel was not yet adopted by 
 Apollo as his own tree. 
 
 At the entrance to one of these mountain caverns was situated 
 the Delphic oracle, the most famous shrine in all the ancient 
 world. 
 
 Apollo was the son of Jupiter and Latona. Juno, jealous of 
 his mother, banished her to Delos, a rock in the .^gean sea. 
 Here was born Apollo and his twin sister Diana. The two seem 
 10 have centred in themselves the highest ideal of their country. 
 Apollo became a god of almost universal worship. 
 
 " I am the eye with which the Universe 
 Beholds itself and knows itself divine. 
 All harmony of instrument and verse, 
 All prophecy, all med'cine, are mine. 
 All light of nrt or nature ; to my song 
 Victory and praise in its own right belong." 
 
 Hymn of AroLLO (Shelley). 
 
 The famous statue of Apollo, called the Belvedere, represents 
 the god after his victory over the serpent Python. To this By- 
 ron alludes in his ^' Childe Harold," iv. x6x :^ 
 
 ■dM 
 
 
 T, f if! 
 
 r 
 hi 
 
 w. 
 
30 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ** The lord of the unerring bow, 
 The God of life, and poetry, and light. 
 The Sun, in human limbs arrayed, and brow 
 All radiant from his triumph in the fight. 
 The shaft has just been shot ; the arrow bright 
 With an immortal's vengeance ; in his eye 
 And nostril, beautiful disdain, and might. 
 And majesty flash their full lightnings by. 
 Developing in that one glance the Deity." 
 
 A-pol'lo and Daph'ne. 
 
 Daph'ne was A-pol'lo*s first love. It was not brought about 
 by accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo saw the boy 
 playing with his bow and arrows, and being himself elated with 
 his recent victory over Python, he said to him, ** What have 
 you to do with warlike weapons, saucy boy ? Leave them for 
 hands worthy of them. Behold the conquest I have won by 
 means of them over the vast serpent who stretched his poison- 
 ous body over acres of the plain ! Be content with your torch, 
 child, and kindle up your flames, as you call them, where you 
 will, but presume not to meddle with my weapons." 
 
 Venus' s boy heard these words and rejoined, " Your arrows 
 may strike all things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike you." 
 So saying, he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew 
 from his quiver two arrows of different workmanship, one to ex- 
 cite love, the other to repel it. The former was of gold and 
 sharp -pointed, the latter blunt and tipped with lead. With the 
 leaden shaft he struck the nymph Daphne, the daughter of the 
 river god Peneus, and with the golden one Apollo, through the 
 heart. Forthwith the god was seized with love for the maiden, 
 while she abhorred the thought of loving. Her delight was in 
 woodland sports and in the spoils of the chase. Many lovers 
 sought her, but she spurned them all, ranging the woods, and 
 taking no thought of Cupid nor of Hymen. Her father often 
 'said to her, " Daughter, you owe me a son-in-law ; you owe hk: 
 grandchildren." She, hating the thought of marriage as a 
 crime, with her beautiful face tinged all over with blushes, threw 
 her arms around her father's neck, and said, "Dearest father, 
 grant me this favor,, that I may always remain unmarried, like 
 Diana." He consented, but at the same time said, *' Your own 
 fece will forbid it." 
 
APOLLO AND DAPHNE. 
 
 31 
 
 Apollo loved her, and longed to obtain her ; but he who gives 
 oracles to all the world was not wise enough to look into his own 
 fortunes. He saw her hair flung loose over her shoulders, and 
 said " If so charming in disorder, what would it be if arranged ?' ' 
 He saw her eyes bright as stars ; he saw her lips, and was not 
 satisfied with only seeing them. He admired her hands and 
 arms, naked to the shoulder, and whatever was hidden from view 
 he imagined more beautiful still. He followed her j she fled, 
 swifter than the wind, and delayed not a moment at his entrea- 
 ties. " Stay,'* said he, ** daughter of Peneus j I am not a foe. 
 Do not fly me as a lamb flies the wolf, or a dove the hawk. It 
 is for love I pursue you. You make me miserable, for fear you 
 should fall and hurt yourself on these stones, and I should be the 
 cause. Pray run slower, and I will follow slower. I am no 
 clown, no rude peasant. Jupiter is my father, and I am lord of 
 Delphos and Tenedos, and know all things, present and future. 
 I am the god of song and the lyre. 
 
 «* Abate, fair fugitive, abate thy speed, 
 Dismiss thy fears, and turn thy beauteous head ; 
 
 •* You fly, alas ! not knowing whom you fly ; 
 No ill-bred swain, nor rustic clown, am I.'*— Prior, 
 
 " My arrows fly true to the mark ; but, alas I an arrow more 
 fatal than mine has pierced my heart I I am the god of medi- 
 cine, and know the virtues of all healing plants. Alas 1 I suff*er 
 a malady that no balm can cure 1" 
 
 The nymph continued her flight, and left his plea half-uttered. 
 And even as she fled she charmed him. The wind blew her 
 garments, and her unbound hair streamed loose behind her. The 
 god grew impatient to find his wooings thrown away, and, sped 
 by Cupid, gained upon her in the race. It was like a hound 
 persuing a hare, with open jaws ready to seize, while the feebler 
 animal darts forward, slipping from the very grasp. So flew the 
 god and the virgin — he on the wings of love, and she on those 
 of fear. The pursuer is the more rapid, however, and gains 
 upon her, and his panting breath blows upon her hair. Her 
 strength begins to fail, and, ready to sink, she calls upon her 
 father, the river-god : " Help me, Peneus ! open the earth to 
 
 fWfM. 
 
 
 
 g^? 
 
 1 •,(: 
 
 m ' f. a* *ifl 
 
 tk i' " 
 
 t' 
 
32 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES 
 
 enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this 
 danger I" Scarcely had she spoken when a stiffness seized all 
 her limbs ; her bosom began to be enclosed in a tender bark ; 
 her hair became leaves; her arms became branches her foo- 
 
 ApoUo and Dapline, Rome. 
 
 Stuck ^^ast in the ground^ as a root j her face became a tree-top, 
 retain;' nothing of itr, former self but its beauty. Apollo stood 
 amazed. He touched the stem, and felt the flesh tremble under 
 the new bark. He embraced the branches and lavished kisses 
 
 on the wood, 
 you cannot be 
 tree. I will wea: 
 my heart and my 
 lead up the trium 
 into wreaths for i 
 also shall be alwa 
 
 The nymph, i 
 in grateful ackno 
 
 That Apollo s] 
 not appear stranj 
 his province ma 
 thus accounts foi 
 
 The followin 
 Byron's early q 
 
 . ^- ^ W^ 
 
aPollo and daphne. 
 
 i 
 
 SJ 
 
 on the wood. The branches shrank fronm his lips. ** Since 
 vou cannot be lay wife," said he, "you shall assuredly be my 
 tree. I will weai you for my crown ; I will decorate with you 
 my heart and my quiver ; and when the great Roman conquerors 
 lead up the triumphal pomp to the Capitol, you shall be woven 
 into wreaths for their brows. And, as eternal youth is mine, you 
 also shall be always green, and your leaf know no decay." 
 
 " I espouse thee for my tree : 
 Be thou the prize of honor and renown ; 
 The deathless poet, and the poem, crown ; 
 Thou shall the Roman festivals adorn. 
 And, after poets, be by victors worn.'* — OviD (Dryden's tr.). 
 
 The nymph, now changed into a Laurel tree, bowed its head 
 in grateful acknowledgment. 
 
 That Apollo should be the god both of music and poetry will 
 not appear strange, but that medicine should also be assigned to 
 his province may. The poet Armstrong, himself a physician, 
 thus accounts for it : — 
 
 ** Music exalts each joy, allays each grief. 
 Expels diseases, softens every pain ; 
 And hence the wise of ancient days adored 
 One power of physic, melody and song." 
 
 The story of Apollo and Daphne is often alluded to by the 
 poets. Waller applies it to the case of one whose amatory verses, 
 though they did not soften the heart of his mistress, yet won for 
 the poet widespread fame. 
 
 " Yet V hat he sung in his immortal strain, 
 Though unsuccessful, was not sung in vain. 
 All but the nymph that should redress his wrong, 
 Attend his passion and approve his song. 
 Like Phoebus thus, acquiring unsought praise, 
 He caught at love and filled his arms with bays." 
 
 The following stanza from Shelley's "Adonais" alludes to 
 Byron's early quarrel with the reviewers : — 
 
 •'The herded wolves, bold only to pursue t \ 
 
 llie obscene ravens, clamorous o'er the dead ; 
 
 ■^^^^f > „. „ 
 
 
 ■fei 
 
 >'*" m 
 
f> 
 
 4 
 
 l'*\ 
 R. 
 
 54 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 The vultures, to the conqueror's banner true, ' , . 
 
 Who feed where desolation first has fed, 
 
 And whose wings rain contagion ; how they fled, 
 
 When like Apollo, from his golden bow. 
 
 The Pythian of the age one arrow sped 
 
 And smiled ! The spoilers tempt no second blow ; 
 
 Tney fawn on the proud feet that spurn them as they go.'* 
 
 Pyr'a-mus and This'bs. 
 
 Pyr'a-mus was the handsomest youth, and This'be the fair- 
 est maiden, in all Babylonia, where Semiramis reigned. Their 
 parents occupied adjoining houses ; thus frequently bringing the 
 young people together, their acquaintance finally ripened into 
 love. They would gladly have married, but their parents forbade. 
 One thing, however, they could not forbid — that love should glow 
 with equal ardor in the bosoms of both. They conversed by 
 signs and glances, and the fire burned more intensely for being 
 covered up. In the wall that parted the two houses there was a 
 crack caused by some fault in the structure. No one had re- 
 marked it before, but the lovers discovered it. What will not 
 love discover ! It afforded a passage to the voice, and tender 
 messages used to pass backward and forward through the crevice. 
 As they stood, Pyramus on this side, Thisbe on that, their breaths 
 would mingle. "Cruel wall," they said, "why do you keep 
 two lovers apart ? But we will not be ungrateful. We owe you, 
 we confess, the privilege of transmitting loving words to willing 
 ears. ' ' Such words they uttered on different sides of the wall ; 
 and when night came and they must say farewell, they pressed 
 their lips upon the wall, she on her side, he on his, as they could 
 come no nearer. 
 
 *' And through wall's chink, poor souls, 
 They are content 
 To whisper." — Shakespeare. 
 
 Next morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the 
 sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the accus- 
 tomed place. Then, after lamenting their hard fate, they agreed 
 that next night, when all was still, they would slip away from 
 watchful eyes, leave their dwellings and walk out into the fields ; 
 and, to insure a meeting, renair to a well-known edifice, standing 
 
 i 
 
 without the city's 
 the one who came 
 certain tree. It wi 
 spring. All was a^ 
 sun to go down I 
 them. Then caut 
 family, her head co 
 ment and sat down 
 light of the eveni 
 
 with recent slaugh 
 thirst. Thisbe fled 
 of a rock. As she 
 drinking at the spri 
 ing the veil on th< 
 mouth. 
 
 Pyramus, having 
 meeting. He saw 
 color fled from his 
 veil all rent and blc 
 Deen the cause of th 
 hast fallen the first '' 
 in tempting thee f 
 myself on the spot 
 the rocks, and tear 
 up the veil, carried 
 it with kisses and ' 
 
PYRAMUS AND THISBE. 
 
 3S 
 
 without the city's bounds, called the Tomb of Ninus, and that 
 the one who came first should await the other at the foot of a 
 certain tree. It was a white mulberry-tree, and stood near a cool 
 spring. All was agreed on, and they waited impatiently for the 
 5un to go down beneath the waters and night to rise up from 
 them. Then cautiously Thisbe stole forth, unobserved by the 
 family, her head covered with a veil, made her way to the monu- 
 ment and sat down under the tree. As she sat alone in the dim 
 light of the evening she descried a lioness, her jaws reeking 
 
 Aurora. (Ren!.) 
 
 with recent slaughter, approaching the fountain to slake her 
 thirst. Thisbe fled at the sight, and sought refuge in the hollow 
 of a rock. As she fled she dropped her veil. The lioness, after 
 drinking at the spring, turned to retreat to the woods, and see - 
 ing the veil on the ground, tossed and rent it with her bloody 
 mouth. 
 
 Pyramus, having been delayed, now approached the place of 
 meeting. He saw in the sand the footsteps of the lion, and the 
 color fled from his cheeks at the sight. Presently he found the 
 veil all rent and bloody. *' O, hapless girl," said he, ** I have 
 Deen the cause of thy death I Thou, more worthy of life than I, 
 hast fallen the first victim. I will follow. I am the guilty cause, 
 in tempting thee forth to a place of such peril, and not being 
 myself on the spot to guard thee. Come forth, ye lions, from 
 the rocks, and tear this guilty body with your teeth." He took 
 up the veil, carried it with him to the appointed tree, and covered 
 it with kisses and with tears. ^*My blood also shall stain youf 
 
 llfeif 1^1'; 
 
 ».' K 
 
 ,f V«VrJ 
 
 >.*; , 
 
 A. :m^-, V'l # 1 
 
 '['•'• ft 
 
36 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 texture," said he, and drawing his sword plunged it into his 
 heart. 
 
 ** In her bosom plunged the sword, 
 All warm and reeking from its slaughtered lord."— OviD (Eiuden's tr.). 
 
 The blood spirted from the wound, and tinged the white 
 mulberries of the tree, and sinking into the earth reached the 
 roots, so that the red color mounted through the trunk to the 
 fruit. 
 
 By this time, Thisbe, still trembling with fear, yet wishing not 
 to disappoint her lover, stepped cautiously forth, looking anx- 
 iously for the youth, eager to tell him the danger she had escaped. 
 When she came to the spot and ej.w the changed color of the 
 mulberries, she doubted whether it was the same place. While 
 she hesitated she saw the form of one struggling in the agonies 
 of death. She started back, a shudder ran through her frame as 
 a ripple on the face of the still water when a sudden breeze 
 sweeps over it. But as soon as she recognized her lover, »he 
 screamed and beat her breast ; embracing the lifeless body, pour 
 ing tears into its wounds, and imprinting kisses on the cold lips. 
 
 **0, Pyramus," she cried, "what has done this? Answer 
 me, Pyramus ; it is your own Thisbe that speaks. Hear tne, 
 dearest, and lift that drooping head !'* At the name of Thisbe, 
 Pyramus opened his eyes, then closed them again. She saw her 
 veil stained with blood, and the scabbard empty of its sword, 
 " Thy own hand has slain thee, and for my sake, ' ' she said. * ' I, 
 too, can be brave for once, and my love is as strong as thine. I 
 will follow thee in death, for I have been the cause j and death, 
 which alone could part us, shall not prevent my joining thee. 
 And ye, unhappy parents of us both, deny us not our united re* 
 quest. As love and death have joined us, let one tomb contain 
 us. And thou, tree, retain the marks of slaughter, I/Ct thy 
 berries still serve for memorials of our blood." So saying, sht 
 plunged the sword into her breast. Her parents consented to 
 her wish, the gods also ratified it. The two bodies were buried 
 in one sepulchre, and the tree ever after brought forth purple 
 berries, as it does to this day. 
 
 Moore, in the Sylph's Ball, speaking of Davy's Safety Lamp, 
 Is reminded of t>>e wall that separated I'hisbe and her lover :«>-• 
 
 
 " O foi 
 
 Tl 
 
 Whi 
 
 A 
 
 " The 
 
 (I 
 Thn 
 
 M 
 
 In Mickle's tra 
 lusion to the stor 
 phosis of the mu 
 Love. 
 
 « 
 
 In cult 
 The fli 
 Then« 
 \ Thect 
 
 \ And St 
 
 The ra 
 
 If any of our y 
 a laugh at the ex 
 find an opportuni 
 summer Night's 
 
 Ceph'a-lus \i 
 
 He would rise be 
 him when she fir 
 him away. But 
 whom he devotee 
 a favorite of Dia 
 <ladog which coul 
 never fail of its 
 husband. Cephi 
 the entreaties of 
 pleasure, saying, 
 if I am not much 
 ever saw again." 
 Cephalus retui 
 
CEPHALUS AND PBOCBJES. 
 
 37 
 
 ** O (or that Lamp's metallic gauze, 
 That curtain of protecting wire. 
 Which Davy delicately draws 
 Around illicit, dangerous fire ! 
 
 " The wall he sets 'twixt Flame and Air, 
 
 (Like that which barred young Thisbe's bliss,) 
 Through whose small holes this dangerous pair 
 May see each other, but not kiss." 
 
 In Mickle's translation of the Lusiad occurs the following al- 
 lusion to the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, and the metamor- 
 phosis of the mulberries. The poet is describing the Island of 
 Love. 
 
 ** ■ here each gift Pomona' s hand bestows 
 In cultured garden, free uncultured flows, 
 The flavor sweeter and the hue more fair 
 Then e'er was fostered by the hand of care. 
 The cherry here in shining crimson glows, 
 \ And stained with lovers' blood, in pendent rows 
 
 The mulberries o'erload the bending boughs." 
 
 If any of our young readers can be so hard-hearted as to enjoy 
 a laugh at the expense of poor Pyramus and Thisbe, they may 
 find an opportunity by turning to Shakespeare' splay of the Mid- 
 summer Night's Dream, where it is most amusingly burlesqued. 
 
 Ceph'a-lus and Pro'cris. 
 
 Ceph'a-lus was a beautiful youth and fond of manly sports. 
 He would rise before the dawn to pursue the chase. Aurora saw 
 him when she first looked forth, fell in love with him, and stole 
 him away. But Cephalus was just married to a charming wife 
 whom he devotedly loved. Her name was Pro'cris. She was 
 a favorite of Diana, the goddess of hunting, who had given her 
 (a dog which could outrun eveiy rival, and a javelin which would 
 never fail of its mark j and Procris gave these presents to her 
 husband. Cephalus was so happy in his wife that he resisted all 
 the entreaties of Aurora, and she finally dismissed him in dis- 
 pleasure, saying, * Go, ungrateful mortal, keep your wife, whom, 
 if I am not much mistaken, you will one day be very sorry you 
 ever saw again.'* 
 
 Cephalus returned, and was as happy as ever in his wife and 
 
 i '! »t ; 
 
 .S', 
 
 
 i' 
 
 I Jf I 
 
 '♦ 
 
 ^ -4, 
 
i8 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 i 
 
 »: 
 
 y-: ':i 
 
 
 ■' r(,',m, 
 
 his woodland sports. Now it hapijened «ome angry deity had 
 sent a ravenous fox to annoy the country, and the hunters turned 
 out in great strength to capture it. Their efforts were in vain ; 
 no dog could run it down ; and at last they came to Cephalus to 
 borrow hit; famous dog, whose name was Lelaps. No sooner was 
 the dog let loose tha i he darted off, (quicker than their eye could 
 follow him. If they had not seen his footprints in the sand, they 
 would have thought he flew. Cephalus and others stood on a ' 
 hill and saw the race. The fox tried every art ; he ran in a cir- 
 cle, and turned on his track, the dog close upon him, with open 
 jaws, snapping at his heels, but biting only the air. Cephalus 
 was about to use his javelin, when suddenly he saw both dog and 
 game stop instantly. The heavenly powers, who had given both, 
 were not willing that either should comiuer. In the very atti- 
 tude of life and action they were turned into stone. So lifelike 
 and natural did they look, you would have thought, as you looked 
 at them, that one was going to bark, the other to leap forward. 
 Cephalus, though he had lost his dog, still continued to take 
 delight in the chase. He would go out at early morning, rang- 
 ing the woods and hills unaccompanied by anyone, needing no 
 help, for his javelin was a sure weapon in all cases. Fatigued 
 with hunting, when the sun got high he would seek a shady 
 nook where a cool stream flowed, and, stretched on the grass, 
 with his garments thrown aside, would enjoy the breeze. Some- 
 times he would say aloud, **Come, Bwcet breeze, come and fan 
 my breast, come and allay the heat that burns me. ' 
 
 I » 
 
 •• A hunter once in a grove reclined, 
 To shun the noon's bright eye, 
 And oft he wooed the wandering wind 
 
 To cool his brow with hs sigh. 
 While mute lay even the wild bee's hum, 
 Nor breath could stir the awpcn's hoir, 
 Hi? song was still, * Sweet Air, O come !' 
 AVhile Echo andwered, ' Come, «weet Air I* " 
 
 ^-M()()KV.—Leggnt/ary Ballads. 
 
 Some one passing by one day heard him talking in this way 
 to the air, and, foolishly believing that he was talking to some 
 maiden, went and told the secret to Procris, Cephalus' s wife. 
 Lo'« 3 is credulous. Procris, at the sudden shock, fainted away. 
 
 presently recoveri: 
 believe it unless I 
 with anxious hearl 
 to hunt as usual, 
 herself in the plac 
 came as he was wc 
 self on the green t 
 fan me ; you know 
 solitary rambles d 
 when he heard, oi 
 bushes. Supposir 
 the spot. 
 
 ** But, i 
 
 He 
 But t 
 
 Of 
 
 A cry from his 
 too surely met its 
 bleeding, and wit! 
 from the v/ound tj 
 from the earth, sti 
 vive and not to 1 
 her death. She 
 utter these few w( 
 uie, if I have ^^vei 
 grant me this las 
 This disclo. ed the 
 disclose it now ? 
 and she looked p 
 he made her und< 
 
CEPHAujUS ANiy PBOCRIS. 
 
 39 
 
 Presently recovering, she said, " It cannot be true; I will not 
 believe it unless I myself am a witness to it." So she waited, 
 with anxious heart, till the next morning, when Cephalus went 
 to hunt as usual. Then she stole out after him, and concealed 
 herself in the place where the informer directed her. Cephalus 
 came as he was wont when tired with sport, and stretched him- 
 self on the green bank, saying, "Come, sweet breeze, come and 
 fan me ; you know how I love you ! you make the groves and my 
 solitary rambles delightful." He was running on in this way 
 when he heard, or thought he heard, a sound as of a sob in the 
 bushes. Supposing it some wild animal, he threw his javelin at 
 the spot. 
 
 ** But, ulas ! it was not the white-homfid doe 
 He saw in the rustling grove, 
 But the bridal vpil, as pure as snow, ' 
 
 Of his own young wedded love." — MoORE. 
 
 A cry from his beloved Procris told him that the weapon had 
 too surely met its mark. He rushed to the place, and found her 
 bleeding, and with sinking strength endeavoring to draw forth 
 from the v/ound the javelin, her own gift. Cephalus raised her 
 from the earth, strove to stanch the blood, and called her to re- 
 vive and not to leave him miserable, to reproach himself with 
 her death. She opened her feeble eyes and forced herself to 
 utter these few words : "I implore you, if you have ever loved 
 uie, if I have ^^ver deserved kindness at your hands, my husband, 
 grant me this last request : do not marry that odious Broeze !" 
 This disclced the whole mystery : but alas ! what advantage to 
 disclose it now ? She died ; but her face wore a calm expression, 
 and she looked pityingly and forgivingly on her husband wben 
 he made her understand the truth. 
 
 ■15! 
 
 
 , Mi';,'!^ 
 
 hi. 
 
 
40 
 
 STORIES OF OOBS AND UEBOES. 
 
 .♦ .. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Ju'no and her Rivals, I'o and Cal-lis'to— Di-a'na and 
 Ac-tae'on — La-to'na and the Rus'tics. , . ^ 
 
 Ju'pi-ter's marriage to Ju'no was one of the most auspicious 
 events that ever took place on Mount Olympus. The gods were 
 all present, and the festivities worthy the occasion. But the 
 alliance was marred by discord and deception. Jupiter was 
 faithless, and Juno passionately jealous. 
 
 One day she perceived it suddenly grow dark, and immedi- 
 ately suspected that her husband had raised a cloud to hide some 
 of his doings that would not bear the light. So she brushed 
 away the cloud, and saw her husband on the banks of a glassy 
 river, with a beautiful heifer standing near him. Juno suspected 
 the heifer's form concealed some fair nymph of mortal mould, — 
 as was, indeed, the case ; for it was I'o< the daughter of the river 
 god Inachus, whom Jupiter had been flirting with, and, when 
 he became aware of the approach of his wife, had changed into 
 that form. 
 
 Juno joined her husband, and noticing the heifer praised its 
 beauty, and asked whose it was, and of what herd. Jupiter, to 
 stop questions, replied that it was a fresh creation from the 
 earth. Juno asked to have it as a gift. Wliat could Jupiter do? 
 He was loath to give his mistress to his wife, yet how refuse so 
 trifling a present as a simple heifer? He could not, without ex- 
 citing suspicion, so he consented. The goddess v/as not y^t re- 
 lieved of her suspicions, so she delivered the heifer to Argus, to 
 be strictly watched. 
 
 Now Argus had a hundred eyes in his head, and never went to 
 sleep with more than two at a time, so that he kept watch on lo 
 constantly. He suffered her to feed during the day, and at night 
 tied her up with a vile rope round her neck. She would have 
 stretched out her arms to implore freedom of Argus, but she had 
 no arms to stretch out, and her voice was a bellow that fright* 
 
 J^* 
 
 
HERA (JUNO), 
 f Villa Lmlovisl, Rome,) 
 
 ft' 
 
 
 
 ,■''.■1.' ;■' ■•■ 
 
 s 1 
 
 ,!J' 
 
 
 ^'$ 
 
 
 itv 
 
 
 -Vu-' 
 
 
ened even hersell 
 
 near them, and su 
 
 admire her beauty, 
 
 she licked the out; 
 
 known to him, ai 
 
 words were wantii 
 
 ing, and inscribed 
 
 on the sand. In 
 
 daughter, whom 1: 
 
 this disguise, mou 
 
 exclaimed, *'Alas 
 
 to have lost you a 
 
 observing, came 
 
 high bank, from \ 
 
 Jupiter was tro 
 
 tress, and calling 
 
 Mercury made has 
 
 on his head, took 
 
 from the heavenly 
 
 wings and kept < 
 
 self as a shephen 
 
 upon his pipes. 
 
 dean pipes. Ar^ 
 
 the instrument I 
 
 take a seat bym 
 
 your flock to grs 
 
 shade such as she 
 
 told stories till it 
 
 soothing strains, 
 
 in vain ; for Argi 
 
 though he shut tl 
 
 ^S^'" 
 
 1 1' 
 ii 
 
 ««The 
 
 The 
 
 , Noi 
 
 , V 
 
 Among other 
 on which he pla) 
 whose name was 
 
JUNO. 
 
 4» 
 
 ened even herself. She saw her father and lier sisters, went 
 near them, and suffered them to pat her back, and heard them 
 admire her beauty. Her father reached her a tuft of grass, and 
 she licked the outotretclied hand. She longed to make herself 
 known to him, and would have uttered her wish ; but, alas 1 
 words were wanting. At length she bethought herself of writ- 
 ing, and inscribed her name — it was a short one — with her hoof 
 on the sand. Inachus recognized it, and discovering that his 
 daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hidden ander 
 this disguise, mourned over her, and, embracing her white neck, 
 exclaimed, ** Alas 1 my daughter, it would have been a less grief 
 to have lost you altogether 1'* While he thus lamented, Argus, 
 observing, came and drove her away, and ccrok his seat on a 
 high bank, from whence he could see in every direction. 
 
 Jupiter was troubled at beholding the sufferings of his mis- 
 tress, and calling Mercury told him to go and despatch Argus. 
 Mercury made haste, put his winged slippers on his feet, and cap 
 on his head, took his sleep -producing wand, and leaped dov/n 
 from the heavenly towers to the earth. There 1.3 laid aside his 
 wings and kept only his wand, with which he presented him- 
 self as a shepherd driving his flock. As he strolled on he blew 
 upon his pipes. These were what are called the Syrinx or Pan- 
 dean pipes. Argus listened with delight, for he had never seen 
 the instrument before. "Young man," said he, "come and 
 take a seat by me on this stone. There is no better place for 
 your flock to graze in than hereabouts, and here is a pleasant 
 shade such as shepherds love." Mercury sat down, talked, and 
 told stories till it grew late, and played upon his pipes his most 
 soothing strains, hoping to lull the watchful eyes to sleep, but all 
 in vain j for Argus still contrived to keep some of his eyes open, 
 though he shut the rest. 
 
 ** The eyes of Argus, sentinel of Heaven t 
 Those thousand eyes that watch alternate kept. 
 Nor all o'er all his body waked or slept." 
 
 .^ • — Statius( Elton' »tr.). 
 
 Among other stories. Mercury told him how the instrument 
 on which he played was invented. " There was a ceruin nymph 
 nrhose name was Syrinx, who was much beloved hy l.\^ Sa*ytw 
 
 M 
 
 t ,, . •■%■ 
 
 ,..»-«Mii' .11,1 hiA-,.M'^ii 
 
 :U. 
 
 'i 
 
 
!-■(, 
 
 i 
 
 42 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 ■fi 
 
 Wi 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 m\ 
 
 and spirits of the wood ; but she would have none of them, but 
 was a faithful worshipper of Di-a'na, and followed the chase. 
 Yciu would have thought it was Diana herself, had you seen her 
 in her hunting -dress, only that her bow was of horn and Diana's 
 of silver. One day, as she was returning from the chase, Pan 
 n.t her, told her just this, and added more of the same sort. 
 She ran away, without stopping to hear his compliments, and he 
 pursued till she came to the bank of the river, where he overtook 
 her, and she had only time to call for help on her friends, the 
 water-nymphs. They heard and consented. Pan threw his 
 arms around what he supposed to be the form of a nymph, and 
 found he embraced only a, tuft of reeds I As he breathed a sigh 
 the air sounded through the reeds and produced a plaintive 
 melody. 
 
 ** Fair, trembling Syrinx fled 
 Arcadian Pan, with such a fearful dread. 
 Poor nymph ! — poor Pan ! — how he did weep to find 
 Naught but a lovely sighing of the wind 
 Along the reedy stream ; a half-heard strain 
 Full of sweet desolation — balmy pain." — KeaTS. 
 
 The god, charmed with the novelty and with the sweetness 
 of the music, said, *Thus, then, at least, you shall be mine.' 
 And he took some 01* the reeds, and placing them together, of 
 unequal lengths, side by side, made an instrument which he 
 called Syrinx, in honor of the nymph." Before Mercury had 
 finished his story he saw Argus's eyes all asleep. As his head 
 nodded forward on his breast. Mercury with one stroke cut his 
 neck through, and tumbled his head down the rocks. O, hap- 
 less Argus I the light of your hundred eyes is quenched at once ! 
 Juno took them and put them as ornaments on the tail of her 
 peacock, where they remain to this day. 
 
 *' From Argus slain a painted peacock grew, 
 Fluttering his feathers stain'd with various hue. "—MOSCHUS. 
 
 But the vengeance of Juno was not yet satisfied. She sent a 
 gadfly to torment lo, who fled over the whole world from its 
 pursuit. She swam through the Ionian Sea, from which circum- 
 stance it derived its name. 
 
 *' In con 
 
 Shall! 
 A mor 
 Unto 8 
 
 She then roamec 
 
 ^Ilaemus, and crosse 
 
 phorus (cow-ford) 
 
 try of the Cimmeri 
 
 Nile. At length Ji 
 
 ising not to pay h« 
 
 store her to her foi 
 
 cover her former se 
 
 horns shrank up, h< 
 
 hands and fingers a 
 
 there was nothing L 
 
 she was afraid to sp 
 
 she recovered her c( 
 
 sisters. 
 
 Cal-lis'to was a 
 
 Juno, and the godd 
 away,*' said she, ** 
 my husband." Do 
 tri>°d to stretch out 
 beginning to be c< 
 rounded, became ar 
 Iier mouth, which J 
 horrid pair of jaws ; 
 moved the heart t( 
 terror. Yet her fc 
 tinual groming, sht 
 well as she could, li 
 that Jove was unkin 
 how often, afraid to 
 dered about the neij 
 frightened by the d( 
 from the hunters ! 
 ting tiiat she was no 
 was afraid of the be 
 
CALLISTO, 
 
 43 
 
 *' In coming time that hollow of the sea 
 Shall bear the name Ionian, and present 
 A monument of lo's passage through, 
 Unto all mortals." — E. B. Browning. 
 
 She then roamed over the plains of lUyria, ascended Mount 
 ^Ilgemus, and crossed the Thracian stniit, thence named the Bos- 
 phorus (cow- ford), rambled on through Scythia and the coun- 
 try of the Cimmerians, and arrived at last on the banks of the 
 Nile. At length Jupiter interceded for her, and upon his prom- 
 ising not to pay her any more attentions Juno consented to re- 
 store her to her form. It was curious to see her gradually re- 
 cover her former self. The coarse hairs fell from her body, hex 
 horns shrank up, her eyes grew narrower, her mouth shorter ; 
 hands and fingers came instead of hoofs to her fore feet ; in fine, 
 there was nothing left of the heifer, except her beauty. At first 
 she was afraid to speak for fear she should low, but gradually 
 she recovered her confidence and was restored to her father and 
 
 sisters, ' 
 
 Cal-lis'to. 
 
 Cal-lis'to was another maiden who excited the jealousy of 
 Juno, and the goddess changed her into a bear. ** I will take 
 away,*' said she, "that beauty with which you have captivated 
 my husband." Down fell Callisto on her hands and knees ; she 
 tri°d to stretch out her arms in supplication, — they were already 
 begmning to be covered with black hair. Her hands grew 
 rounded, became armed with crooked claws, and served for feet ; 
 her mouth, which Jove used to prai^re for its beauty, became a 
 horrid pair of jaws; her voice, which if unchanged would have 
 moved the heart to pity, became a growl, more fit to inspire 
 terror. Yet her former disposition remained, and with con- 
 tinual groming, she bemoaned her fate, and stood upright as, 
 well as she could, lifting up her paws to beg for mercy, and felt 
 that Jove was unkind, though she could not tell him so. Ah, 
 how often, afraid to stay in the woods all night alone, she wan- 
 dered about the neighborhood of her former haunts ; how often, 
 frightened by the dogs, did she, so lately a huntress, fly in terror 
 from the hunters ! Often she fled from the wild beasts, forget- 
 ting tiiat she was now a wild beast herself; and, bear as she waSi 
 was afraid of the bears. 
 
 
 
 if.J" 
 
 
 tf 
 
I# 
 
 r-' 
 
 f 
 
 44 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 One day a youth espied her as he wa hunting. She saw him 
 and recognized him as her own son, now grown a young man. 
 She stopped and felt inclined to embrace him. As she was 
 about to approach, he, alarmed, raised his hunting-spear, and 
 was on the point of transfixing her, when Jupiter, beholding, ar- 
 rested the crime, and snatciiing away both of them placed them 
 in the heavens as the Great and Little Bear. 
 
 Juno was in a rage to see her rival so set in honor, and has 
 tened to anrifrtx 1 ■ iliys o .' C ':eanus, the pc vers of ocean, and, 
 
 in answer to their ii:|uiiie:i thus told the cause of her coming; 
 
 " Do you ask why I, ' ; ; qa .en of the gods, have left the heav- 
 enly plains and sought your dc^^ u>s ? Learn that I am supplanted 
 in heaven — ^my place is given to another. You will hardly be- 
 lieve me J but look when night darkens the world, and you shall 
 see the two of whom I have so much reason to complain exalted 
 to the heavens, in that part where the circle is the smallest, in 
 the neighborhood of the pole. Why should anyone hereafter 
 tremble at the thought of offending Juno, when such rewards are 
 the consequence of my displeasure ? See what I have been able 
 to effect ! I forbade her to wear the human form — she is placed 
 among the stars I So do my punishments result — such is the 
 extent of my power ! Better that she should have resumed her 
 former shape, as I permitted lo to do. Perhaps he means to 
 marry her and put me away 1 But you, my foster-parents, if you 
 feel for me, and see with displeasure this unworthy treatment of 
 me, show it, I beseech you, by forbidding this guilty couple from 
 coming into your waters." The powers of the ocean assented, 
 and, consequently, the two constellations of the Great and Little 
 Bear move round and round in heaven, but never sink, as the 
 other stars do, beneath the ocean. 
 
 *' One after one the stars have risen and set, 
 Sparkling upon the hoar-frost of my chain j 
 The Bear that prowled all night about the fold 
 Of the North-star hath shrunk into his den. 
 Scared by the blithesome footsteps of the Dawn.'* 
 
 — Lowell's Prometheus. 
 
 Milton alludes to the fact that the constellation of the Bcai 
 never setb. when he says :— 
 
 
 «^ Let n 
 Be sei 
 When 
 
 The la; I Stir in the 
 also the '^ ynosure. 
 
 «« Straight 
 While tl 
 
 Towers 
 Bosome( 
 Where p 
 The Cyr 
 
 The reference hei 
 mariners, and to the 
 it also the "Star of. 
 Areas, and they live 
 benigiited in the wo( 
 
 Though 
 Of somf 
 With th 
 And the 
 Or Tyrii 
 
 Thus, fn two ins 
 rivals ; now let us Icc 
 of her privacy. 
 
 It was midday, ?i 
 goal, when young . 
 dressed the youths ^ 
 mountains : — 
 
 ** Friends, our nc 
 of our victims ; we 
 morrow we can ren 
 the earth, let us pi 
 with rest." 
 
 There was a valle 
 
DIANA AND ACTMON. 
 
 *^ Let my lamp at midnight hour 
 Be seen in some high lonely tower, 
 
 45 
 
 Where I may oft o>;twatch the Bear." — // Penseroso, 
 
 The lar t star in the tail A the Little Bear is the Pole-star, called 
 also the '^ ynosure. Milton also says : — 
 
 ** Straight mine eye hath caught new pleasures 
 
 ■\Miile th la.7uscape round it measures. 
 * * * * » 
 
 Towers and battlements it sees 
 
 Bosomed high in tufted trees, ', 
 
 Where perhaps some beauty lies, 
 
 The Cynosure of neighboring eyes, " — V Allegro. 
 
 The reference here is both to the Pole-star as the guide o^ 
 mariners, and to the magnetic attraction of the North. He callsi 
 it also the ** Star of Arcady," because Callisto's boy was nani^a 
 Areas, and they lived in Arcadia. In "Comus," the brotl^er, 
 benigiited in the woods, says : — 
 
 << , 
 
 -Some gentle taper I 
 
 Though a rush candle, from the wicker hole 
 
 Of some clay habitation, visit us 
 
 With thy long levelled rule of streaming light, 
 
 And thou shalt be our star of Arcady, 
 
 Or Tyrian Cynosure." 
 
 Di-a'na and Ac-tse'on. 
 
 Thus, fn two instances, we have seen Juno's severity to her 
 rivals ; now let us learn how a virgin goddess punished an invader 
 of her privacy. 
 
 It was midday, ?.nd the sun stood equally distant from either 
 goal, when young Ac-tse'on, son of King Cadmus, thus ad- 
 dressed the youths who, with him, were hunting the stag in the 
 mountains : — • 
 
 "Friends, our nets and our weapons are wet with the blood 
 of our victims ; we have had sport enough for one day, and to- 
 morrow we can renew our labors. Now, while Phoebus parches 
 the earth, let us put by our implements and indulge ourselves 
 with rest." 
 
 There was a valley thickly enclosed with cypresses and pineS| 
 
 I ■> ji 
 
 I I ^' 
 
 
 ir . . 
 
 
 1'''^^ 
 
 
46 
 
 STOBIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 r 
 
 i, 
 
 I' 
 
 sacred to the huntress queen, Di-a'na. In the extremity of ths 
 valley was a cave, not adorned with art, but nature had counter- 
 feited art in its construction ; for she had turned the arch of its 
 roof with stones as delicately fitted as if by the hand of man, 
 A fountain burst out from one side, whose open basin was 
 
 bounded by a grassy rim. 
 Here the goddess of the 
 woods used to come, when 
 weary with hunting, and 
 lave her virgin limbs i;i 
 the sparkling water. 
 
 One day, having repaired 
 thither with her nymphs, 
 she handed her javelin, her 
 quiver and her bow to one, 
 her robe to another, while 
 a third unbound the san- 
 dals from her feet. Then 
 Crocale, the most skilful 
 of them, arranged her hair, 
 and Nephele, Hyale and 
 the rest drew water in ca- 
 pacious urns. While the 
 goddess was thus employed 
 in the labors of the toilet, 
 behold Actaeon, having 
 quitted his companions, 
 and rambling without any 
 especial object, came to 
 the place, led thither by 
 his destiny. As he pre- 
 sented himself at the entrance of the cave, the nymphs, see- 
 ing a man, screamed and rushed towards the goddess to hide 
 her with their bodies. But she was taller than the rest, and 
 overtopped them all by a head. Such a color as tinges the 
 clouds at sunset or at dawn came over the countenance of Diana, 
 thus taken by surprise. Surrounded as she was by her nymphs, 
 she yet turned half away, and sought, with a sudden impulse, for 
 her arrows. As they were not at hand, she dasheH the water 
 
 Diana of Versailles (Louvre). 
 
 into the face of t] 
 and tell, if you car 
 Immediately a pair 
 head, his neck gain 
 bands became feet^ 
 his arms long legSj 
 his body was cov- 
 ered with a hair) 
 spotted hide. Feai 
 took the place ol 
 his former boldness, 
 and the hero fled. 
 He could not but 
 admire his own 
 speed ; but when he 
 saw his horns in the 
 water, "Ah, wretch- 
 ed me !" he would 
 have said, but nc 
 sound followed th( 
 effort. He groaned, 
 and tears flowec 
 down the face whici 
 had taken the place 
 of his own. Ye 
 his consciousnes! 
 remained. Wha 
 shall he do ? — g( 
 home to seek th( 
 palace, or lie hie 
 in the woods ? Th( 
 .'atter he was afraid 
 the former he was 
 saw him. First M 
 his bark, then Pan 
 gris and all the n 
 Over rocks and c 
 impracticable, he f 
 chased the stag an 
 
DIANA AND ACTJEON. 
 
 47 
 
 into the face of the intruder, adding these words : " Now go 
 and tell, if you can, that you have seen Diana unapparelled," 
 Immediately a pair of branching stag's horns grew out of his 
 head, his neck gained in length, his ears grew sharp -pointed, hjs 
 bands became feet, 
 his arms long legs, 
 his body was cov- 
 ered with a hairy 
 spotted hide. Fear 
 took the place of 
 his former boldness, 
 and the hero fled. 
 He could not but 
 admire his own 
 speed ; but when he 
 saw his horns in the 
 water, "Ah, wretch- 
 ed me !" he would 
 have said, but no 
 sound followed the 
 effort. He groaned, 
 and tears flowed 
 down the face which 
 had taken the place 
 of his own. Yet 
 his consciousness 
 remained. What 
 shall he do? — go 
 home to seek the 
 palace, or lie hid 
 in the woods ? The 
 .'alter he was afraid, 
 the former he was ashamed to do. While he hesitated the dogs 
 saw him. First Melampus, a Spartan dog, gave the signal with 
 his bark, then Pamphagus, Dorceus, Lelaps, Theron, Nape, Ti- 
 gris and all the rest rushed after him swifter than the wind. 
 Over rocks and cliffs, through mountain gorges that seemed 
 impracticable, he fled, and they followed. Where he had often 
 chased the stag and cheered on his pack, his pack now chased 
 
 Actaeon, British Museum, 
 
 \ I 
 
 
 'if , , 
 
 If.' ,' -mlh 
 
 mm 
 
 \Mm:. 
 
 .n-i.'f •^^iS 
 
 :Tt:r,f; ;t 
 
48 
 
 STOBIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 him, cheered on by his huntsmen. He longed to cry out, ** I 
 am Actseon ; recognize your master !" but the words came not 
 at his will. The air resounded with the bark of the dogs. 
 Presently one fastened on his back, another seized his shoulder. 
 While they held their master, the rest of the pack came up and 
 buried their teeth in his flesh. 
 
 '* Nearer they came and nearer, bajring loud, 
 With bloodshot eyes and red jaws dripping foam i 
 And when I strove to check their savagery, 
 Speaking with words, no voice articulate came, 
 Only a dumb, low bleat. Then all the throng 
 Leapt swift on me, and tore me as I lay !" — LkWIS MORRIS. 
 
 He groaned — not in a human voice, yet certainly not In a 
 stag's — and falling on his knees, raised his eyes, and would have 
 raised his arms in supplication, if he had had them. His friends 
 and fellow-huntsmen cheered on the dogs, and looked every- 
 where for Actaeon, calling on him to join the sport. At the 
 sound of his name he turned his head, and heard them regret 
 that he should be away. He earnestly wished he was. He 
 would have been well pleased to see the exploits of his dogs, 
 but to feel them was too much. They were all around him, 
 rending and tearing ; and it was not till they had torn out his 
 life that the anger of Diana was satisfied.* 
 
 In Shelley's poem " Adonais " is the following allusion to the 
 story of Actaeon : — 
 
 *' Midst others of less note came one tlftll form, 
 A phantom among men ; companionIes» 
 As the last cloud of an expiring storm. 
 Whose thunder is its knell ; he, as I gueM, 
 Had gazed on Nature's naked loveliness, 
 Actaeon-like, and now he fled astray 
 With feeble steps o'er the world's wildemeM ; 
 And his own Thoughts, along that rugged way, 
 Pursued like raging hounds their father and their prey/' 
 
 — Htan7<*31. 
 
 The allusion is probably to Shelley himself. 
 
 * The history of Diana involves many contradictions. She Wftd originftlly ^ 
 Latin goddess, but finally became identified with the Greek, Artemi*. Diana 
 of the Ephesians had much in common, and was esKentially (be fame deity. 
 Their statues, however, bear no resemblance, and their worship wm marked Iff 
 many contrasts. 
 
 Some thought th 
 just, while others 
 her virgin dignity, 
 ones to mind, and 
 countrymen of Ly^ 
 not with impunity 
 grown too old for ; 
 some choice oxenj 
 where the wonder 
 black with the smc 
 reeds. I inquired 
 the Naiads or some 
 of the country peo] 
 sesses this altar, bu 
 from land to land, 
 her twins. Bearin 
 this land, weary wi 
 chance she espied i 
 water, where the c 
 and osiers. The g 
 would have slaked 
 forbade her. * W 
 is free to all. Nati 
 shine, the air, or 
 common blessing, 
 intention of washi 
 only to quench m] 
 speak. A draugh 
 vive me, and I wo 
 Let these infants 
 arms as if to plei 
 were stretching on 
 
 " Who would n 
 of the goddess ? 
 they even added j 
 the place. Nor v 
 stirred up the muc 
 
LATONA AND THE RUSTICS. 
 
 49 
 
 La-to'na and the Rus'tics. 
 
 Some thought the goddess in this instance more severe than 
 just, while others praised her conduct as strictly consistent with 
 her virgin dignity. As usual, the recent event brought older 
 ones to mind, and one of the bystanders told this story. ** Some 
 countrymen of Lycia once insulted the goddess La-to'na, but 
 not with impunity. When I was young, my father, who had 
 grown too old for active labors, sent me to Lycia to drive thence 
 some choice oxen, and there I saw the very pond and marsh 
 where the wonder happened. Near by stood an ancient altar, 
 black with the smoke of sacrifice and almost buried among the 
 reeds. I inquired whose altar it might be, whether of Faunus or 
 the Naiads or some god of the neighboring mountain, and one 
 of the country people replied, * No mountain or river god pos- 
 sesses this altar, but she whom royal Juno in her jealousy drove 
 from land to land, denying her any spot of earth whereon to rear 
 her twins. Bearing in her arms the infant deities, Latona reached 
 this land, weary with her burden and parched with thirst. By 
 chance she espied in the bottom of the valley this pond of clear 
 water, where the country people were at work gathering willows 
 and osiers. The goddess approached, and kneeling on the bank 
 would have slaked her thirst in the cool stream, but the rustics 
 forbade her. * Why do you refuse me water ? * said she ; * water 
 is free to all. Nature allows no one to claim as property the sun- 
 shine, the air, or the water. I come to take my share of the 
 common blessing. Yet I ask it of you as a favor. I haxe no 
 intention of washing my limbs in it, weary though they be, but 
 only to quench my thirst. My mouth is so dry that I can hardly 
 speak. A draught of water would be nectar to me ; it would re- 
 vive me, and I would c vn myself indebted to you for life itself. 
 Let these infants move your pity, who stretch out their little 
 arms as if to plead for rne;' and the children, as it happened,! 
 were stretching out their arms. 
 
 " Who would not have been moved with these gentle words 
 of the goddess? But these clowns persisted in their rudeness; 
 they even added jeers and threats of violence if she did not leave 
 the place. Nor was this all. They waded into the pond and 
 stirred up the mud with their feet, so as to make the water unfit 
 
 
 
 Ik 
 
 
so 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ^■i 
 
 
 !( 
 
 
 t X 
 
 to drink. Latona was so angry that she ceased to mind her thirst 
 She no longer supplicated the clowns, but lifting her hands ti 
 heaven exclaimed, * May they never (juit that pool, but pass their 
 lives there !' And it came to pass accordingly. They now 
 live in the water, sometimes totally submerged, then raising their 
 heads above the surface or swimming upon it. Sometimes they 
 come out upon the bank, but soon leap back again into the 
 water. The> still use their base voices in railing, and though they 
 have the water all to themselves, are not ashamed to croak in 
 the midst of it. Their voices are harsh, their throats bloated, 
 their mouths have become stretched by constant railing, their 
 necks have shrunk up and disappeared, and their heads are joined 
 to their bodies. Their backs are green, their disproportioned 
 bellies white, and in short they are now frogs, and dwell in the 
 slimy pool.** 
 
 This story explains the allusion in one of Milton's sonnets, 
 " On the detraction which followed upon his writing certain 
 treatises. ' ' 
 
 " I d'd but prompt the age to quit their clogs 
 By the known laws of ancient liberty, 
 When straight a barbaroiw nr)iHe environs me 
 Of owls and cuckoos, assen, npcH and dogs. 
 As when those hinds that were transAjrmed to frogs 
 Railed at Latona' s twin-born progeny. 
 Which after held the «un and moon in fee." 
 
 The persecution which Latona experienced from Juno is al- 
 luded to in the story. The tradition was that the future mothet 
 of Apollo and Diana, flying from the wrath of Juno, besought 
 all the islands of the ^gean to afford her a place of rest, but all 
 feared too much the potent queen of heaven to assist her rival 
 Delos alone consented to become the birthplace of the fiiturt 
 deities. Delos was then a floating island ; but when Latona ar- 
 rived there Jupiter fastened it with adamantine chains to tht 
 bottom of the sea, that it might be a secure res''<ig-place for his 
 beloved. Byron alludes to Delos in his Don Juan :— 
 
 •^ *' The isles of (Ireece ! the IhIch of (Ireeie ! 
 
 Where burning Siippho hjvcd and sung. 
 Where grew the artH of war and pf^ace, 
 Where Delos vo%e and i'hu;bu» sprung!" 
 
 i, 
 
 Pha'e-ton was 
 
 One day a school -1 
 of the god, and P 
 it to his mother, 
 birth, give me, mc 
 to the honor." C 
 skies and said, " 
 upon us, that I ha^ 
 this be the last tim 
 labor to go and ii 
 rises lies next to oi 
 own you as a son. ' 
 to India, which lie 
 of hope and pride, 
 his course. 
 
 The palace of tl 
 ing with gold and 
 the ceilings, and s 
 
■J f^ 
 
 -l,^' 
 
 Tuesday, Mars (Raphael). 
 
 • ■ , \, ' 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Pha'e-ton. 
 
 Pha'e-ton was the son of Apollo and the nymph Clymens, 
 One day a school-fellow laughed at the idea of his being the son 
 of the god, and Phaeton went in rage and shame and reported 
 it to his mother. "If," said he, *' I am indeed of heavenly 
 birth, give me, mother, some proof of it, and establish my claim 
 to the honor. ' ' Clymene stretched forth her hands towards the 
 skies and said, "I call to witness the Sun which looks down 
 upon us, that I have told you the truth. If I speak falsely, let 
 this be the last time I behold his light. But it needs not much 
 labor to go and inquire for yourself; the land whence the Sun 
 rises lies next to ours. Go and demand of him whether he will 
 own you as a son." Phacion heard with delight. He travelled 
 to India, which lies directly in the regions of sunrise, and, full 
 of hope and pride, approached the goal whence his parent begins 
 his course. ...... 
 
 The palace of the Sun stood reaped alt ft oh' c5lun\nr>, glitter* 
 ing with gold and precious s'tones, while polished ivofy 'formed 
 the ceilings, and silver the doors. ' • . • ■ . 
 
 *■ • * ' • • •■ . ••*"#. v ■• ' 
 
 » » » .1 • »1 » ' « • I ^i I ' " 
 
 ■ ,,..■.., ,. , . . , 1 :i" r , , 
 
 -lift > ■ i 
 
 If, " 
 
 ■ \, 
 
 tm 
 
 - 1 1 
 
52 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 R,'- % 
 
 i^^ 
 
 I' 
 
 1 
 
 ^; 
 
 ¥. 
 
 The workmanship surpassed the material,* for upon tht walls 
 Vulcan had represented earth, sea and skies, with their inhabi- 
 tants. In the sea were the nymphs, some sporting in the waves^ 
 some riding on the backs of fishes, while others sat upon the 
 rocks and dried their sea-green hair. Their faces were not all 
 alike nor yet unlike,— but such as sisters ought to be.* The 
 earth had its towns and forests and rivers and rustic divinities. 
 Over all was carved the likeness of the glorious heaven ; and on 
 the silver doors the twelve signs of the zodiac, six on each side. 
 
 * The sun's bright palace, on high columns rais'd. 
 With burnish'd gold and flaming jewcln blaz'd, 
 The folding gates diffus'd a silver light, 
 And with a milder gleam refresh' d the «ight." — Addison. 
 
 Clymene's son advanced up the steep ascent and entered the 
 halls of his disputed father. He approached the paternal pres- 
 ence, but stopped at a distance, for the light was more than he 
 could bear. Phoebus, arrayed in a purple vesture, sat on a 
 throne which glittered as with diamonds. On his right hand 
 and his left stood the Day, the Month, and the Year, and, at 
 regular intervals, the Hours. Spring stood with her head 
 crowned with flowers, and Summer, with garment cast aside, 
 and a garland formed of spears of ripened grain, and Autumn, 
 with his feet stained with grape-juice, and icy Winter, with his hair 
 stiffened with hoar-frost. Surrounded by these attendants, the 
 Sun, with the eye that sees everything, l)eheld the youth daz- 
 zled with the novelty and splendor of the scene, and inquired 
 the purpose of his errand. The youth rei)lied, " (), light of tiie 
 boundless world, Phojbus, my father, — if you permit me to 
 use thav name, — give me some i)roof, I l)eseech you, by which I 
 may be known as yours," He ceased; and his father, laying 
 aside the beams that shone all aroimd his head, bade him ap- 
 proach, and embracing him, said, "My son, yon d<;serve not to 
 be disowned, and I confirm what your mother has told yon. To 
 put an end to your doubts, asl' ; hat you will, [he. gift shall be 
 yours. I call to witness that dreadful lake, whi( h T never saw, 
 but which >ve gods ^^wcc^r-by in \D',ir most solenm engagements." 
 Phaeton iinmediateJy ^sked to be permitted for one day to drivo 
 
 > See I'rox erljiul Kx])res3ion». 
 
 
 V t» Si » •© * 9 i 
 
 II n f <* V '« ** f F- 
 
 " * • * 
 
 ., ,i n „ 
 
 1) I u g « 
 
 1 ^< e e 
 
 •Ibid. 
 
 the chariot of the 
 ihrice and four tim 
 nave spoken rashl 
 fain deny. I beg 
 nor one, my Phaet( 
 lot is mortal, and ) 
 your ignorance yoi 
 themselves may do 
 of day. Not ever 
 thunderbolts. Th( 
 horses when fresh i 
 is high up in the I 
 out alarm, look do^ 
 neath me. The la 
 (juires most careful 
 me, often trembles 
 all this, the heaven 
 the stars with it. 
 movement, which 
 me also away. Si 
 would you do ? C 
 was revolving unde 
 ests and cities, the 
 the way. On the 
 frightful monsters, 
 of the Archer, and 
 stretches its arms i 
 will you find it eas 
 of fire that they bi 
 can scarcely goveri 
 sist the reins. Be 
 gift ; recal . your r 
 for a proof that yo 
 ]) roof in my fears f 
 could look into m 
 anxiety. Finally, 
 choose whatever ] 
 precious, — ask it a 
 to urge. It is not 
 
PHAETOX 
 
 53 
 
 the chariot of the sun. The father repented of his promise ; 
 ihrice and four times he shook his radiant head in warning. ** I 
 nave spoken rashly," said he; "this only request I would 
 fain deny. I beg you to withdraw it. It is not a safe boon, 
 nor one, my Phaeton, suited to your youth and strength. Your 
 lot v.i mortal, and you ask what is beyond a mortal's power. In 
 your ignorance you aspire to do that which not even the gods 
 themselves may do. None but myself may drive the flaming car 
 of day. Not even Jupiter, whose terrible right arm hurls the 
 thunderbolts. The first part of the way is steep, and such as the 
 horses when fresh in the morning can hardly climb ; the middle 
 is high up in the heavens, whence I myself can scarcely, with- 
 out alarm, look down and behold the earth and sea stretched be- 
 neath me. The last part of the road descends rapidly, and re- 
 quires most careful driving. Tethys, who is waiting to receive 
 me, often trembles for me lest I should fall headlong. Add to 
 all this, the heaven is all the time turning round and carrying 
 the stars with it. I have to be perpetually on my guard lest that 
 movement, which sweeps everything else along, should hurry 
 me also away. Suppose I should lend you the chariot, what 
 would you do ? Could you keep your course while the sphere 
 was revolving under you? Perhaps you think that there are for- 
 ests and cities, the abodes of gods, and palaces and temples on 
 the way. On the contrary, the road is through the midst of 
 frightful monsters. You pass by the horns of the Bull, in front 
 of the Archer, and near the Lion's jaws, and where the Scorpion 
 stretches its arms in one direction and the Crab in another. Nor 
 will you find it easy to guide those horses, with their breasts full 
 of fire that they bieathe forth from their mouths and nostrils. I 
 can scarcely govern them myself when they are unruly and re- 
 sist the reins. Beware, my son, lest I be the donor of a fatal 
 gift ; recal . your request while yet you may. Do you ask me 
 for a i)roof that you are sprung from my blood? I give you a 
 ])roof in my fears for you. Look at my face,— I would that you 
 could look into my breast ; you would there see all a father'? 
 anxiety. Finally," he coi.tinucd, "look round the world and 
 choose whatever you will of what earth or sea contains most 
 ),)recious, — ask it and fear no refusal. This only I pray you not 
 to urge. It is not honor, but destruction you seek. 
 
 * I 
 
 ';■ 1 
 
 
 ii'-'^ .'A 
 
 
•*' 
 
 STORIES OF UODS AND HEAOES. 
 
 " Why do you hang round my neck and still entreat me ? You 
 shall have it if you persist, — the oath is sworn and must be kept, 
 — but I beg you to choose more wisely. ' ' 
 
 •* ("hoose out a gift from seas, or earth, or skies. 
 For open to your wish all nature lies ; 
 On'y decline this one unequal task, 
 For 'tis a mischief, not a gift, you ask." — Addison. 
 
 He ended ; but the youth rejected all admonition, and held 
 to his demand. So, having resisted as long as he could, Phoebuii 
 at last led the way to where stood the lofty chariot. 
 
 It was of gold, the gift of Vulcan ; the axle was of gold, the 
 pole and wheels of gold, the spokes of silver. Along the seat 
 were rows of chrysolites and diamonds, which reflected all around 
 the brightness of the sun. While the daring youth gazed in ad- 
 miration, the early Dawn threw open the purple doors of the 
 east, and showed the pathway strewn with roses. The stars with- 
 drew, marshalled by the Daystar, which last of all retired also. 
 The father, when he saw the earth beginning to glow, and the 
 Moon preparing to retire, ordered the Hours to harness up the 
 horses. They obeyed, and led forth from the lofty stalls the 
 steeds full fed with ambrosia, and attached the reins. Then the 
 father bathed the face of his son with a powerful unguent, and 
 made him capable of enduring the brightu/^ss of the flame. He set 
 the rays on his head, and with a foreboding sigh said, * * If, my son, 
 you will in this at least heed my advice, spare the whip and hold 
 tight the reins. They go fast enough of their owy- accord ; the 
 labor is to hold them in. You are not to take the straight road 
 directly between the five circles, but turn off" to the left. Keep 
 within the limit of the middle zone, and avoid the northern and 
 the southern alike. You will see the marks of the wheels, and 
 t^ey will serve to guide you. And, that the skies and the earth 
 lijay ep'h f^ceive their due share of heat, go not too high, or you 
 will lu-rn the heavenly dwellings, nor too low, or you will sot 
 th'i errth -^n fi v^ ; the midc^de course is safest and best.' And 
 n',)w i 'cpve you trj your .hancc, which, I hope, will plan better 
 f jr yon than you ha\ e done for yourself Night is passing out 
 01 tbt V ^tcm ^ntes, aud we can delay no longer. Take the 
 
 * See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
 reins ; but if, at la 
 my advice, stay w 
 and warm the cart 
 stood erect and gr 
 to his reluctant pa 
 
 Meanwhile the 
 breath, and stamp 
 down, and the boi 
 them. They dart 
 outrun the mornin 
 goal. The steedi 
 lighter than usual 
 and thither on tl 
 weight, was dashe( 
 ^eave the travelle( 
 to guide them ; nc 
 the first cim.e, the 
 and would fain, if 
 and the Serpent w 
 pid and harmless, 
 vive. Bootes, th< 
 plough, and all ur 
 
 When hapless 
 spreading in vast 
 knees shook with 
 the sight of his eye 
 his father's horses, 
 in his request. K 
 a tempest, wher^ t 
 to his prayers. \'\ 
 is left behind, but 
 one direction to tl 
 course, now to the 
 reach. He loses h 
 ^\•hether to draw ti 
 the names of the 
 forms scattered ov 
 extended his two 
 stretching over tw 
 
PHAETON. 
 
 55 
 
 reins ; but if, at last, your heart fails you, and you will benefit by 
 my advice, stay where you are in safety, and suffer me to light 
 and warm the c arth. ' ' The agile youth sprang into the chariot, 
 stood erect and grasped the reins with delight, pouring out thanks 
 to his reluctant parent. 
 
 Meanwhile the horses fill the air with their snortings and fiery 
 breath, and stamp the ground impatient. Now the bars are let 
 down, and the boundless plain of the universe lies open before 
 them. They dart forward and cleave the opposing clouds, and 
 outrun the morning breezes which started from the same eastern 
 goal. The steeds soon perceived that the load they drew was 
 lighter than usual ; and as a ship without ballast is tossed hither 
 and thither on the sea, so the chariot, without its accustomed 
 weight, was dashed about as if empty. They rush headlong and 
 ^eave the travelled road, ile is alarmed, and knows not how 
 to guide them ; nor, if he knew, has he the power. Then, for 
 the first cime, the Great and Little Bear were scorched with heat, 
 and would fain, if it were possible, have plunged into the water ; 
 and the Serpent which lies coiled up round the north pole, tcr- 
 l)id and harmless, grew warm, and with warmth felt its rage re- 
 vive. Bootes, they say, fled away, though encumbered with his 
 plough, and all unused to rapid motion. 
 
 When hapless Phaeton looked down upon the earth, now 
 spreading in vast extent beneath him, he grew pale and h's 
 knees shook with terror. In spite of the glare all around hir *, 
 the sight of his eyes grew dim. He wished he had never touci d 
 his father's horses, never learned his parentage, never prevai cd 
 in his request. He is borne along like a vessel that flies before 
 a tempest, wheri the pilot can do no more and betakes hi n -elf 
 to his prayers. What shall he do ? Much of the heaver road 
 is left behind, but more remains beforp. He turns his eye from 
 one direction to the ciher ; now to the goal whence he began his 
 course, now to the realms of sunset which he is not destiiu-d to 
 reach. He loses his self-command, and knows not what to do — 
 whether to draw tight the reins or throw them loose ; he forpjets 
 the names of the horses. He sees with terror the monb*rjus 
 forms scattered over the surface of heaven. Here the Scorpion 
 extended his two great arms, with It's tail and crooked claws 
 stretching over two signs of the zodiac. When the boy beheld 
 
 
 M'^Ik'' 
 
 ,.±.m 
 
 w 
 
 itii 
 
 J &.m 
 
 
',y ' 
 
 1^ iiil:^!' 
 
 Vl!./ 
 
 i\-'i 
 
 5^ 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 him, reeking with poison and menacing with his fangs, his ecu; 
 age failed, and the reins fell from his hands. The horses, when 
 they felt them loose on their backs, dashed headlong, and unre- 
 strained went off into unknown regions of the sky, in among the 
 stars, hurling the chariot over pathless places, now up in high 
 heaven, now dov/n almost to the earth. The Moon saw with 
 iastonishment her brother's chariot running beneath her own. 
 The clouds begin to smoke, and the mountain tops take fire ; the 
 fields are parched with heat, the plants wither, the trees with 
 their leafy branches burn, the harvest is ablaze ! But these are 
 small things. Great cities perished, with their walls and towers ; 
 whole nations with their people were consumed to ashes ! The 
 forest-clad mountains burned, Athos and Taurus and Tmolus and 
 CEte ; Ida, once celebrated for fountains, but now all are dry ; the 
 Muses* mountain Helicon, and Haemus ; JEtna, with fires within 
 and without, and Parnassus, with his two peaks, and Rhodope, 
 forced at last, to part with his snowy crown. Her cold climate 
 was no protection to Scythia, Caucasus burned, and Ossa and 
 Pindus, and, greater than both, Olympus ; the Alps high in air, 
 and the Apennines crowned with clouds. 
 
 Then Phaeton beheld the world on fire, and felt the heat intol- 
 erable. The .air he breathed was like the air of a furnace and 
 full of burning ashto, and the smoke was of a pitchy dark- 
 ness. He dashed forward he knew not whither. Then, it 
 is believed, the people of Ethiopia became black by the blood 
 being forced so suddenly to the surface, and the Libyan desert 
 was dried up to the condition in which it remains to this day. 
 The Nymphs of the fountains, with dishevelled hair, mourned 
 their waters, nor were the rivers safe beneath their banks ; Tanais 
 smoked, and Caicus, Xanthus and Meander. Babylonian Eu- 
 phrates and Ganges, Tagus with golden sands, and Cayster where 
 the swans resort. Nile fled away and hid his head in the desert, 
 and there it still remains concealed. Where he used to discharge 
 his waters through seven mouths into the sea, there seven dry 
 channels alone remained. The earth cracked open, and through 
 the chinks light broke into Tartarus, and frightened the king of 
 shadows and his queen. The sea shrank up. Where before 
 was water, it became n dry plain ; and the mountains that lie 
 beneath the waves lifted uj> their heads and became islands. 
 
 The fishes sought t 
 ventured as usual t^ 
 wife Doris, with th( 
 caves for refuge, 
 above the surface. 
 Earth, surrounded 
 
 shoulders bare, sci 
 heaven, and with j 
 *'0, ruler of th 
 it is your will that 
 bolts? Let me 
 of my fertility, o 
 have supplied herl 
 rense for your alt£ 
 my brother Ocean 
 
 a 
 
PHAETON. 
 
 57 
 
 The fishes sought the lowest depths, and the dolphins no longer 
 ventured as usual to sport on the surface. Even Nereus, and his 
 wife Doris, with the Nereides, their daughters, sought the deepest 
 caves for refuge. Thrice Neptune essayed to raise his head 
 above the surface, and thrice was driven back by the heat. 
 Earth, surrounded as she was by waters, yet with head and 
 
 Naiades (Naples). 
 
 shoulders bare, screening her face with her hand, looked up to 
 heaven, and with a husky voice called on Jupiter, 
 
 "O, ruler of the gods, if IJiave deserved this treatment, and 
 it is your will that I perish ^^:>h fire, why withhold your thunder- 
 bolts? Let me at least fall by your hand. Is this the reward 
 of my fertility, of my obedient service? Is it for this that I 
 have supplied herbage for cattle, and fruits for men, and frankin 
 rense for your altars? But if I am unworthy of regard, what has 
 my brother Ocean done to deserve such a fate ? If neither of us 
 
 'n 
 
 Ki . 
 
58 
 
 STOBIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ll 
 
 ill" 
 
 can excite your pity, think, I pray you, of your own heaven, antj 
 behold how both the poles are smoking which sustain youi 
 palace, which must fall if they be destroyed. Atlas faints, and 
 scarce holds up his burden. If sea, earth, and heaven perish, 
 we fall into ancient Chaos. Save what yet remains to us from 
 the devouring flame. O, take thought for our deliverance in 
 this awful moment ! ' ' 
 
 Thus spoke Earth, and, overcome with heat and thirst, could 
 say no more. Then Jupiter omnipotent, calling to witness all 
 the gods, including him v/ho had lent the chariot, and showing 
 them that all wp.s lost unless some speedy remedy were applied, 
 mounted the lofty tower from whence he diffuses clouds over the 
 earth and hurls the forked lightnings. But at that time not a 
 cloud was to be found to interpose for a screen to earth nor was 
 a shower remaining unexhausted. He thundered, and, brandish- 
 ing a lightning-bolt in his right hand, launched it against the 
 charioteer, and struck him at the same moment from his seat 
 and from existence ! Phaeton, with his hair on fire, fell head- 
 long, like a shooting star which marks the heavens with its bright- 
 ness as it falls, and Eridanus, the great river, received him and 
 cooled his imrning frame. 
 
 ** And Phaethon, caught in mid career, 
 And hurled from the Sun to utter sunlessness, 
 Like a flame-bearded comet, with ghastliest hiss, 
 Fell headlong in the amazed Eridanus, 
 Monarch of streams, who on the Italian fields 
 Let loose, and far beyond his flowery lips 
 Foam- white, ran ruinous to the Adrian deep." — WORSI.EY. 
 
 The Italian Naiades reared a tomb for him, and inscribed these 
 words upon the stone : 
 
 ** Driver of Phoebus' chariot, Phaeton, 
 
 Struck by Jove's thunder, rests beneath this stone. 
 
 He could not rule his ather's car of fire, * 
 
 Yet was it much so nobly to asnire."*— Ovid. 
 
 His three sisters, the He-li'a-deL,as they were called, lamented 
 his fate, and were turned into poplar-trees on the banks of the 
 river, while their tears, which continued to flow, became amber 
 as they dropped into the stream.' 
 
 Fr 
 
 Of 
 E\ 
 O' 
 
 Phaeton's mosf 
 about the scene o: 
 the river and brin 
 the gods grew an 
 this fact, the swai 
 and frequently thi 
 the search. 
 
 In the beautiful 
 the Sea-shell,' ther 
 The water-nymph 
 
 Witb 
 Inth 
 His( 
 Shak 
 Itsp 
 And 
 And 
 
 See Proverbial Expressiong. 
 
 • The iMdx, 
 
PHAETON, 
 
 59 
 
 ** H'm the Thunderer hurled 
 From the empyrean headlong to the gulf 
 Of the half-parched Eridanus, where weep 
 Even now the sister trees their amber tears 
 O'er Phaeton untimely dead." — Milman. 
 
 Phaeton's most intimate friend, Cycnus, continued to lingtr 
 about the scene of his death. He would frequently plunge into 
 the river and bring forth some ghastly relic of the disaster ; but 
 the gods grew angry and changed him into a swan. Owing to 
 this fact, the swan ever sails about in the most pensive manner, 
 and frequently thrusts its head into the water, as if to continue 
 the search. 
 
 In the beautiful lines of Walter Savage Landor, descriptive of 
 the Sea-shell, there is an allusion to the Suu's palace and chariot. 
 The water-nymph says : 
 
 it 
 
 I hcive sinuous shells of pearly hue 
 
 Within, and things that lustre have imbibed 
 
 In the sun's palace porch, where, when unyoked, 
 
 His chariot-wheel stands midway in the wave. 
 
 Shake one and it awakens ; then apply 
 
 Its polished lip to your attentive ear, 
 
 And it remembers its august abodes, 
 
 And murmurs as the ocean murmurs therG."—'Geiirf Book I 
 
 
 5f 
 
. -; t . ■ ;i 
 
 k i I J!j 
 
 f.W 
 
 1#^| 
 
 »<j\,ii I'll 
 
 .- 1 " 
 *■■ ; i 
 
 
 60 
 
 STORIES OF OOnS AND MEMOES, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Mi'das — Bau'cis and Phi-le'mon, 
 
 Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found his old school-mastei 
 'and foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old man had been 
 drinking, and in that state wandered away, and was found by 
 some peasants, who carried him to their king, Mi'das. Midas 
 recognized him and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for 
 ten days and nights with an unceasing round of jollity. On the 
 eleventh day he brought Silenus back and restored him in safety 
 to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his choice of a 
 reward, whatever he might wish. He asked that whatever he 
 might touch should be changed into go/<i. Bacchus consented, 
 though sorry that he had not made a better choice. Midas went 
 his way, rejoicing in his newly -acquired power, which he hast- 
 ened to put to the test. He could scarcely believe his eyes when 
 he found a twig of an oak, which he plucked from the branch, 
 become gold in his hand. He took up a stone ', it changed to 
 gold. He touched a sod ; it did the same. He took an apple 
 from the tree ; you would have thought he had robbed the gar- 
 den of the Hesperides. His joy knew no bounds, and as soon 
 as he got home he ordered the servants to set a splendid repast 
 on the table. Then he found, to his dismay, that whenever he 
 touched bread, it hardened in his hand, or put a morsel to his 
 lips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed 
 down his throat like melted gold. 
 
 In consternation at the unprecedented affliction, he strove to 
 divest himself of his power ; he hated the gift he had lateiy 
 coveted. But all in vain ; starvation seemed to await him. H-^; 
 raised his arms, all shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, beg- 
 ging to be delivered from his glittering destruction. Bacchus, 
 merciful deity, heard and consented. "Go," said he, **to the 
 River Pactolus, trace the stream to its fountain-head ; there 
 plunge in your head and body, and wash away your fault and 
 its punishment." He did so, and scarce had he touched the 
 
 
 waters before the g 
 river-sands became 
 Thenceforth Mi( 
 country, and becan 
 of Pan, the god of 
 a certain occasion 
 merity to compare 
 that of Apollo, an 
 the god of the lyr 
 skill. Thechalleng 
 and Tmolus, the 
 was chosen umpire 
 took his seat, and c 
 trees from his ean 
 a given signal Pa 
 ppes, and with his 
 gave great satisfac 
 and his faithful fo 
 who happened to be 
 Tmolus turned his h 
 Sim-god, and all h 
 with him. Apollo 
 wreathed with Par 
 while his robe of 
 swept the ground, 
 hand he held the 
 his right hand stru 
 Ravished with the 1" 
 Ills at once awarded 
 Midas ac(iuiesced in 
 the justice of the aw 
 pair of ears any 1< 
 ihem to increase ii 
 movable on their n 
 those of an ass. 
 
 ♦'The 
 Claj 
 Ag 
 Wh 
 
MIDAS. 
 
 61 
 
 waters before the gold -creating power passed into them, and the 
 river-sands became changed into ^o/t/, as they remain to this day. 
 Thenceforth Midas, hating wealth and splendor, dwelt in the 
 country, and became a worshipper 
 of Pan, the god of the fields. On 
 a certain occasion Pan had the te- 
 merity to compare his music with 
 that of Apollo, and to challenge 
 the god of the lyre to a trial of j 
 skill. The challenge was accepted, 
 and Tmolus, the mountain-god, 
 was chosen umpire. The senior 
 took his seat, and cleared away the 
 trees from his ears to listen. At 
 a given signal Pan blew on his 
 ppes, and with his rustic melody 
 gave great satisfaction to himself 
 and his faithful follower, Midas, 
 who happened to be present. Then 
 Tmolus turned his head toward the 
 Sun-god, and all his trees turned 
 with him. Apollo rose, his brow 
 wreathed with Parnassian laurel, 
 while his robe of Tyrian purple 
 swept the ground. In 1 is left 
 hand he held the lyre, and with 
 his right hand struck the strings. 
 Ravished with the harmony, Tmo- 
 lus at once awarded the victory to the god of the lyre, and all but 
 Midas actjuiesced in the judgment. He dissented, and (juestioned 
 the justice of the award. Apollo would not suffer such a depraved 
 pair of ears any longer to wear the human form, but caused 
 iheni to increase in length, grow hairy within and without, and 
 movable on their roots — in short, to be on the perfect pattern of 
 those of an ass. 
 
 Silenus an J Bacchus (Vatican, 
 Rome). 
 
 ' The god of wit, to show his grudge, 
 Clapt asses' ears upon the judge ; 
 A goodly pair, erect and wide, 
 Which he could neither gild nor hide." — Swift. 
 
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62 
 
 STOHIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Mortified enough was Kir)g Midas at this mishap ; but he cop 
 soled himself with the thought that * as possible to hide his mis- 
 fortune, which he attempted to do by means of an ample turban 
 or head-dress. But his hair-dresser, of course, knew the secret. 
 He was charged not to mention it, and threatened with dire pun- 
 ishment if he presumed to disobey. But he found it too mucii 
 for his discretion to keep such a secret ; so he went out into the 
 meadow, dug a hole in the ground, and stooping down, whis- 
 pered the story, and covered it up. Before long a thick bed of 
 reeds sprang up in the meadow, and as soon as it had gained its 
 growth, began whispering the story, and has continued to do so, 
 from that day to this, every time a breeze passes over the place. 
 
 The story of King Midas has been told by others with some 
 variations. Dryden, in the "Wife of Bath's Tale," makes 
 Midas' s queen the betrayer of the secret. 
 
 " This Midas knew, and durst communicate 
 To none but to his wife his ears of state." 
 
 Midas was king of Phrygia. He was the son of Gordius, a 
 poor countryman, who was taken by the people and made king 
 in obedience to the command of the oracle, which had said that 
 their future king should come in a wagon. While the people 
 were deliberating, Gordius with his wife and son came driving 
 his wagon into the public square. 
 
 Gordius, being made king, dedicated his wagon to the deity 
 of the oracle and tied it up in its place with a fast knot. This 
 was the celebrated Gordian knot^ which, in after times it was 
 said, whoever should untie should become lord of all Asia. 
 Many tried to untie it, but none succeeded till Alexander the 
 Great, in his career of conquest, came to Phrygia. He tried 
 his skill with as ill success as others, till growing impatient he 
 drew his sword and cut the knot. When he afterwards suc- 
 ceeded in subjecting all Asia to his sway, people began to 
 think that he had complied with the terms of the oracle accord 
 ing to its true meaning. 
 
 Bau'cis and Phi-le'mon. 
 
 On a certain hill in Phrygia stand a linden-tree and an oak, 
 enclosed by a low wall. Not far from the spot is a marsh, for* 
 
 merly good 1 
 sort of fen-b 
 human shape 
 cury (he of 
 themselves a? 
 shelter, but f 
 inhabitants w 
 tion. At las 
 cottage, whe 
 Phi-le'mon 
 ashamed of t 
 desires and 
 master or for 
 ter and serv 
 the humble t 
 low door, th( 
 and attentiv( 
 Then she ral 
 fire, fed it wi 
 blew it into 
 and dry bran 
 small kettle, 
 den, and she 
 the pot. t 
 bacon hangir 
 the pot to bo 
 time. A be( 
 guests might 
 time with co 
 On the ber 
 with sea-wee( 
 hut ancient a 
 lady, with h 
 One leg was 
 restored the ] 
 some .;weet-s 
 nerva's olive 
 added radish 
 ashes. All \ 
 
BAVOIS AND PHILEMON. 
 
 63 
 
 merly good habitable land, but now indented with pools, the re- 
 sort of fen-birds and cormorants. Once on a time, Jupiter, in 
 human shape, visited this country, and with him his son Mer- 
 cury (he of the caduceus), without his wings. They presented 
 themselves as weary travellers at many a door, seeking rest and 
 shelter, but found all closed, for it was late and the inhospitable 
 inhabitants would not rouse themselves to open for their recep- 
 tion. At last a humble mansion received them, a small thatched 
 cottage, where Bau'cis, a pious old dame, and her husband 
 Phi-le'mon, united when young, had grown old together. Not 
 ashamed of their poverty, they made it endurable by moderate 
 desires and kind dispositions. One need not look there for 
 master or for servant ; they two were the whole household, mas- 
 ter and servant alike. When the two heavenly guests crossed 
 the humble threshold, and bowed their heads to pass under the 
 low door, the old man placed a seat, on which Baucis, bustling 
 and attentive, spread a cloth and begged them to sit down. 
 Then she raked out the coals from the ashes and kindled up a 
 fire, fed it with leaves and dry bark, and with her scanty breath 
 blew it into a flame. She brought out of a corner split sticks 
 and dry branches, broke them up, and placed them under the 
 small kettle. Her husband collected some pot-herbs in the gar- 
 den, and she shred them from the stalks and prepared them for 
 the pot. He reached down with a forked stick a flitch of 
 bacon hanging in the chimney, cut a small piece, and put it in 
 the pot to boil with the herbs, setting away the rest for another 
 time. A beechen bowl was filled with warm water, that their 
 guests might wash. While all was doing, they beguiled the 
 time with conversation. 
 
 On the bench designed for the guestsj\vas laid a cushion stuff*ed 
 with sea-weed, and a cloth, produced only on great occasions, 
 hut ancient and coarse enough, was spread over that. The old 
 lady, with her apron on, with trembling hand set the table. 
 One leg was shorter than the rest, but a piece of slate put under 
 restored the level. When fixed, she rubbed the table down with 
 some .;weet -smelling herbs. Upon it she set some of chaste Mi- 
 nerva's olives, some come' berries preserved in vinegar, and 
 added radishes and cheese, with eggs lightly cooked in the 
 ashes. All were served in earthen dishes, and an earthenware 
 
 
 
 V, V-. 
 
 ;vn 
 
 I 
 
 'i 
 
 
64 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES 
 
 pitcher with wooden cups stood beside them. When all was 
 ready, the stew, smoking-hot, was set on the table. Some wine, 
 not of the oldest, was added ; and for dessert, apples and wild 
 honey ; and over and above all, friendly faces, and simple but 
 hearty welcome. 
 
 Now while the repast proceeded, the old folks were astonished } 
 to see that the wine, as fast as it was poured out, renewed itself 
 in the pitcher, of its own accord. Struck with terror, Baucis 
 and Philemon recognized their heavenly guests, fell on their 
 knees, and with clasped hands implored forgiveness for their 
 poor entertainment. There was an old goose, which they kept 
 as the guardian of their humble cottage ; and they bethought 
 them to make this a sacrifice in h >or of their guests. But the 
 goose, too nimble, with the aid of feet and wings, for the old 
 folks, eluded their pursuit, and at last took shelter between the 
 gods themselves. They forbade it to be slain, and spoke in these 
 words : " We are gods. This inhospitable village shall pay the 
 penalty of its impiety ; you alone shall go free from the chastise- 
 ment. Quit your house, and come with us to the top of yonder 
 hill. ' ' They hastened to obey, and, staff in hand, labored up 
 the steep ascent. They had reached to within an arrow's flight 
 of the top, when, turning theiT eyes below, they beheld all 
 the country sunk in a lake, only their own house left standing. 
 While they gazed with wonder at the sight, and lamented the 
 fate of their neighbors, that old house of theirs was changed into 
 a temple. Columns took the place of the corner-posts, the thatch 
 grew yellow and appeared a gilded roof, the floors became mar- 
 ble, the doors were enriched with carving and ornaments of gold. 
 
 " Their little shed, scarce large enough for two, 
 Seems, from the ground increased, in height and bulk to gro^ . 
 A stately temple shoots within the skies, 
 The crotches of their cot in columns rise ; 
 The pavement polish' d marble they behold, 
 The gat«s, with sculpture grac'd, the spires and tiles of gold." ^ 
 
 — Ovid (Dryden's tr.). 
 
 Then spoke Jupiter, in benignant accents : ** Excellent old 
 man, and woman worthy of such a husband, speak ; tell us your 
 wishes ; what favor have you to ask of us ?' ' Philemon took 
 counsel with Baucis a few moments, then declared to the godij 
 
 their unite< 
 your tempi 
 and concor 
 both from 
 in my own 
 keepers of 
 old, as the] 
 and were 
 beginning 
 changing ii 
 over their 1 
 could speal 
 at the san 
 Tyanean si 
 side, made 
 The stor 
 in a burles( 
 ing saints, 
 Philemon 
 specimen : 
 
XAVCiS AND PBILEMOX 
 
 6i 
 
 their united wish. " We ask to be priests and guardians of this 
 your temple ; and since here we have passed our lives in love 
 and concord, we wish that one and the same hour may take us 
 both from life, that I may nofl live to see her grave, nor be laid 
 in my own by her. ' ' Their prayer was granted. They were the 
 keepers of the temple as long as they lived. When grown very 
 old, as they stood one day before the steps of the sacred edifice, 
 and were telling the story of the place, Baucis saw Philemon 
 beginning to put forth leaves, and old Philemon saw Baucis 
 changing in like manner. And now a leafy crown had grown 
 over their heads, while exchanging parting words as long as they 
 could speak. " Farewell, dear spouse," they said, together, and 
 at the same moment the bark closed over their mouths. The 
 Tyanean shepherd still shows the two trees, standing side by 
 side, made out of the two good old people. 
 
 The story of Baucis and Philemon has been imitated by Swift 
 in a burlesque style, the actors in the change being two wander- 
 ing saints, and the house being changed into a church, of which 
 Philemon is made the parson. The following may serve as a 
 specimen : 
 
 •* They scarce had spoke, when, fair and soft, 
 The roof began to mount aloft ; 
 Aloft rose every beam and rafter ; 
 The heavy wall climbed slowly after. 
 The chimney widened and grew higher, 
 Became a steeple with a spire. ^ 
 
 The kettle to the top was hoist, 
 And there stood fastened to a joist, 
 But with the upside down, to show 
 Its inclination for below ; 
 In vain, for a superior force. 
 Applied at bottom, stops its course : 
 Doomed ever in suspense to dwell, 
 *Ti» now no kettle, but a bell." 
 
 I I 
 
66 
 
 JSTOBIES OF OODS ANI» MEMOES. 
 
 V 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Pro-ser'pi-ne, Ce'res, Glau'cus and Scyl'la. 
 
 When Jupiter and his brothers had defeated the Titans and 
 'banished them to Tartarus, a new enemy rose up against the gods. 
 
 They were the giants Typhon, 
 Briareus, Enceladus and others. 
 Some of them had a hundred arms, 
 others breathed out fire. They 
 were finally subdued and buried 
 alive under Mount JEtnay where 
 they still sometimes struggle to 
 got loose, and shake the whole 
 island with earthquakes. Their 
 breath comes up through the moun. 
 tain, and is what men call the 
 eruption of the volcano. 
 
 The fall of these monsters shook 
 the earth, so that Pluto was 
 alarmed, and feared that his king- 
 dom would be laid open to the 
 light of day. Under this appre- 
 hension he mounted his chariot, 
 drawn by black horses, and took 
 a circuit of inspection to satisfy 
 himself of the extent of the dam. 
 age. While be was thus engaged, 
 Venus, who was sitting on Mount 
 Eryx, playing with her boy, Cupid, 
 espied him, and said, **My son, 
 take your darts with which you 
 
 T» . J « . /,„,, conquer all, even Jove himself, 
 Plutoand Proserpine (Villa j j . . .. . . / 
 
 Ludovici, Rome). ^nd send one into the breast of 
 
 yonder dark monarch, who rules 
 the realm of Tartarus. Why should he alone escape? Seize 
 
 the opportui 
 see that eve 
 despise our 
 the wise anc 
 ress defy us ; 
 daughter of ( 
 ens to folk 
 Now, do yoi 
 regard for y( 
 mine, join t' 
 The boy un 
 and selectee 
 truest arrov 
 the bow agj 
 attached th< 
 ing made r 
 row with its 
 into the hea 
 In the Vi 
 is a lake em 
 which scree: 
 rays of the s 
 ground is 
 ers, and Spi 
 ual. Here 
 playing wit! 
 filling her b 
 
PBOSBHPINB. 
 
 67 
 
 the opportunity to extend your erapire and mine. Do you not 
 see that even in heaven some 
 despise our povyrer? Minerva 
 the wise and Diana the hunt- 
 ress defy us ; and there is that 
 daughter of Ce'res,who threat- 
 ens to follow their example. 
 Now, do you, if you have any 
 regard for your own interest or 
 mine, join these two in one." 
 The boy unbound his quiver, 
 and selected his sharpest and 
 truest arrow; then, straining 
 the bow against his knee, he 
 attached the string, and, hav- 
 ing made ready, shot the ar- 
 row with its barbed point right 
 into the heart of Pluto. 
 
 In the vale of Enna there 
 is a lake embowered in woods, 
 which screen it from the fervid 
 rays of the sun, while the moist 
 ground is covered with flow- 
 ers, and Spring reigns perpet- -ucWng Vcnu. (Vatican, Rome), 
 ual. Here Pro-serpi-ne was 
 
 playing with her companions, gathering lilies and violets, and 
 filling her basket and her apron with them. 
 
 «• Sacred Goddess, Mother Earth, 
 
 Thou from whose immortal boiom 
 Gods and men and beasts have birth, 
 
 Leaf and blade, and bud and blossom, 
 Breathe thine influence most divine 
 On thine own child, Proserpine. 
 
 •• If with mists of evening dew 
 
 Thou dost nourish these young iloweri 
 Till they grow in scent and hue 
 Fairest children of the Hours, 
 Breathe thine influence most divine 
 On thine own child, Proserpine."-- SHELLEY. 
 
 'ih^'^':: 
 
68 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 J 
 
 Pluto saw her, loved her, and carried her off. She screamed 
 for help to her mother and her companions, and when, in hei 
 fright', she dropped the corners of her anron and let the flowers 
 fall, childlike, she felt the loss of them as an addition to hei 
 grief. 
 
 *• *Tis he, 'iis he : he comes to us 
 From the depths of Tartarus. 
 
 For what of evil doth he roam , * 
 
 From his red and gloomy home?" — Barry Cornwall. 
 
 The ravisher urged on his steeds, calling them each by name, 
 and throwing loose over their heads and necks his iron-colored 
 reins. When he reached the River Cyane, and it opposed his 
 passage, he struck the river-bank with his trident, and the earth 
 opened and gave him a passage to Tartarus. 
 
 •* Here life has death for neighbor. 
 And far from eye or ear 
 Wan waves and wet wind labor, 
 
 Weak ships and spirits steer." — SwiNBURNE. 
 
 Ceres, sought her daughter throughout the entire world. 
 
 Bright-haired Aurora, when she came forth in the morning, 
 and Hesperus, when he led out the stars in the evening, found 
 her still busy in the search. 
 
 •* What ails her that she comes not home ? 
 Demeter seeks her far and wide, 
 And gloomy-browed doth ceaseless roam 
 From many a morn till eventide. 
 • My life, immortal though it be, 
 Is naught I* she cries, * for want of thee, 
 Persephone — Persephone!'" — Ingelow. 
 
 But it was unavailing. At length, weary and «iad, she sat 
 down upon a stone, and continued sitting nine days and nights, 
 in the open air, under the sunlight and moonlight and falling 
 showers. It was where now stands the city of Eleusis, then the 
 home of an old man named Celeus. 
 
 *• Long was thine anxious search 
 For lovely Proserpine, nor didst thou break 
 Thy mournful fast, till the far-fam'd Eleusis 
 Received thee wandering. " — Orphic Hymn. 'i 
 
 He wa 
 
 and sticl 
 two goatj 
 guise of J 
 name was 
 Ceres—*' 
 alone up 
 old man 
 his load y 
 her to c 
 such as it 
 he urged 
 she repli 
 your dai 
 mine. ' ' 
 or somet 
 gods nev( 
 cheeks u 
 compassi< 
 child wej 
 he, "Co 
 not our 
 your dauj 
 in safety 
 she, *'I 
 peal!" 
 stone an< 
 they wal 
 only son 
 sick, fev( 
 stooped J 
 they foui 
 recovery 
 goddess 
 the palei 
 The who 
 little gir 
 the tabh 
 the com 
 
PBOSEBPINK 
 
 69 
 
 hei 
 '■ers 
 her 
 
 .L. 
 
 me, 
 
 >red 
 
 his 
 
 irth 
 
 Hind 
 
 ' sat 
 
 ;hts, 
 
 ling 
 
 the 
 
 He was out in the field, gathering acorns and blackberries, 
 and sticks for his fire. His little girl was driving home their 
 two goats, and as she passed the goddess, who appeared in the 
 guise of an old woman, she said to her, "Mother" — ^and the 
 name was sweet to the ears of 
 Ceres — "why do you sit here 
 alone upon the rocks?" The 
 old man also stopped, though 
 his load was heavy, and begged 
 her to come into his cottage, 
 such as it was. She declined, and 
 he urged her. " Go in peace," 
 she replied, "and be happy in 
 your daughter; I have lost 
 mine." As she spoke, tears — 
 or something like tears, for the 
 gods never weep — fell down her 
 cheeks upon her bosom. The 
 compassionate old man and his 
 child wept with her. Then said 
 he, " Coiiir wich us, and despise 
 not our humble roof; so may 
 your daughter be restored to you 
 in safety." "Lead on," said 
 she, " I cannot resist that ap- 
 peal !" So she rose from the 
 stone and went with them. As 
 they walked he told her that his 
 only son, a little boy, lay very 
 sick, feverish and sleepless. She 
 stooped and gathered some poppies. As they entered the cottage 
 they found all in great distress, for the boy seemed past hope of 
 recovery. Metanira, his mother, received her kindly, and the 
 goddess stooped and kissed the lips of the sick child. Instantly 
 the paleness left his face, and healthy vigor returned to his body. 
 The whole family were delighted — that is, the father, mother, and 
 little girl, for they were all ; they had no servants. They spread 
 the table, and put upon it curds and cream, apples, and honey in 
 the comb. While they ate, Ceres mingled poppy juice in thr 
 
 Proserpine. 
 
 HI 
 
 - .Hi 
 
 ... Tm 
 
 'f9 
 
\ii 
 
 70 
 
 STOEIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 milk of the boy. When night came and all was still, she arose, 
 and taking the sleeping boy, moulded his limbs with her hands, 
 and uttered over him three times a solemn charm, then went and 
 
 Abduction of Proserpine (P. Schobert). * 
 
 laid him in the ashes. His mother, who had been watching 
 «rhat her guest was doing, sprang forward with a cry and snatched 
 the child from the fire. Then Ceres assumed her own form, and 
 a divine splendor shone all around. 
 
 While I 
 "Mother, 
 would havi 
 tempt. N 
 teach men 
 can win fi 
 cloud aboi 
 
 Ceres cc 
 to land, ar 
 Sicily, wh( 
 River Cyai 
 to his own 
 goddess all 
 so she onl; 
 dropped i 
 Ceres, seei 
 did not ye 
 land, 
 with fertili 
 more shall 
 plough br 
 was too mi 
 seeds — thii 
 the founta 
 said she, ' 
 a passage 
 have seen 
 from Elis. 
 They prai 
 boasted of 
 the wood, 
 flowing, sc 
 The willov 
 
 1 
 
PROSERPINE. 71 
 
 *' From her fragrant robes 
 A lovely scent was scattered, and afar 
 Shone light emitted from her skin divine. 
 And yellow locks upon her shoulders waved ; 
 White as from lightning, all the house was filled 
 With splendor." — Homeric Hymn. 
 
 While they were overcome with astonishment, she said, 
 " Mother, you have been cruel, in your fondness, to your son. I 
 would have made him immortal, but you have frustrated my at- 
 tempt. Nevertheless, he stxall be great and useful. He shall 
 teach men the use of the plough, and the rewards which labor 
 can win from the cultivated soil." So saying, she wrapped a 
 cloud about her, and mounting her chariot rode away. 
 
 Ceres continued her search for her daughter, passing from land 
 to land, and across seas and rivers, till at length she returned to 
 Sicily, whence she at first set out, and stood by the banks of the 
 River Cyane, where Pluto made himself a passage with his prize 
 to his own dominions. The river nymph would have told the 
 goddess all she had witnessed, but dared not, for fear of Pluto ; 
 so she only ventured to take up the girdle which Proserpine had 
 dropped in her flight, and waft it to the feet of the mother, 
 Ceres, seeing this, was no longer in doubt of her loss, but she 
 did not yet know the cause, and laid the blame on the innocent 
 land. ** Ungrateful soil," said she, "which I have endowed 
 with fertility and clothed with herbage and nourishing grain, no 
 more shall you enjoy my favors." Then the cattle died, the 
 plough broke in the furrow, the seed failed to come up ; there 
 was too much sun, there was too much rain ; the birds stole the 
 seeds — thistles and brambles were the only growth. Seeing this, 
 the fountain Arethusa interceded for the land. "Goddess," 
 said she, "blame not the land; it opened unwillingly to yield 
 a passage to your daughter. I can tell you of her fate, for 1 
 have seen her. This is not my native country ; I came hither 
 from Elis. I was a woodland nymph, and delighted in the chase. 
 They praised my beauty, but I cared nothing for it, and rather 
 boasted of my hunting exploits. One day I was returning from 
 the wood, heated with exercise, when I came to a stream silently 
 flowing, so clear that you might count the pebbles on the bottom. 
 The willows shaded it, and the grassy bank sloped down to the 
 
 <> ■iJCiVS 
 
 
72 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 water*s edge. I approached, I touched the water with my foot. 
 I steppedvin knee-deep, and not content with that, I laid my gar- 
 ments on the willows and went in. While I sported in the 
 water I heard an indistinct m mur coming up as out of the 
 depths of the stream, and made hast^ to escape to the nearest 
 bank. The voice said, * Why do you fly, Arethusa? I am Al- 
 
 Arethusa changed into a Fountain (Ch. Crank). 
 
 pheus, the god of this stream.' I ran, he pursued ; he was not 
 more swift than I, but he was stronger, and gained upon me, as 
 my strength failed. At last, exhausted, I cried for help to Diana. 
 * Help me, goddess ! help your votary ! ' The goddess heard, 
 and wrapped me suddenly in a thick cloud The river god 
 looked now this way and now that, and twice came close to me, 
 
 but could not 
 how I tremble 
 side the fold, 
 in streams ; w 
 less time thai 
 this form Alp] 
 with mine. 
 
 ** Diana cle 
 plunged into 
 came out here 
 of the earth I 
 showing alarrr 
 came a queen- 
 monarch of tJ 
 
 When Cere 
 then turned h 
 herself before 
 bereavement, 
 restitution of 
 
 Jupiter con 
 
 should not dv 
 
 * food ; otherw 
 
 Mercury was 
 
 pine of Pluto. 
 
 The wily nc 
 
PBOSEBPIN& 
 
 73 
 
 but could not find me. ' Arethusa ! Arethusa I* he cried. O, 
 how I trembled — like a lamb that hears the wolf growling out- 
 side the fold. A cold sweat came over me, my hair flowed dowa 
 in streams ; where my foot stood there was a pool. In short, in 
 less time than it takes to tell it I became a fountain. But in 
 this form Alpheus knew me, and attempted to mingle his stream 
 with mine. 
 
 ** O Arethtisa, peerless nymph ! why fear 
 Such tenderness as mine ? Great Dian, why. 
 Why didst thou hear her prayer ? Oh that I , 
 
 Were rippling round her dainty fairness now. 
 Circling about her waist, and striving how 
 To entice her to a dive I then stealing in 
 Between her luscious lips and eyelids thin."— Keats. , 
 
 ** Diana cleft the ground, and I, endeavoring to escape him, 
 plunged into the cavern, and through the bowels of the earth 
 came out here in Sicily. While I passed through the lower parts 
 of the earth I saw your Proserpine. She was sad, but no longer 
 showing alarm in her countenance. Her look was such as be- 
 came a queen — the queen of Erebus j the powerful bride of the 
 monarch of the realms of the dead." 
 
 When Ceres heard this she stood for a while like one stupefied, 
 then turned her chariot towards heaven and hastened to present 
 herself before the throne of Jove. She told the story of her 
 bereavement, and implored Jupiter to interfere to procure the 
 restitution of her daughter. 
 
 • *• Arise, and set the maiden free ; 
 
 Why should the world such sorrow dree • '. 
 
 By reason of Persephone ?" — Ingelow. ., 
 
 Jupiter consented on one condition, namely, that Proserpine 
 should not during her stay in the lower world have taken any 
 * food ; otherwise, the Fates forbade her release. Accordingly, 
 Mercury was sent, accompanied by Spring, to demand Proser 
 
 pine of Pluto. 
 
 ** Last, Zeus himself. 
 Pitying the evil that was done, sent forth 
 His messenger beyond the western rim 
 To fetch me back to earth." — Lewis Morris. 
 
 The wily monarch consented ; but alas I the maiden had taken 
 
74 
 
 •IIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 i'lii 
 
 fb 
 
 a pomegranate which Pluto offered her, and had sucked the sweet 
 pulp from a few of the seeds. This was enough to prevent her 
 complete release ; but a compromise was made, by which she 
 was to pass half the time with her mother, and the rest with her 
 husband Pluto. 
 
 Ceres allowed herself to be pacified with this arrangement 
 and restored the earth to her favor. Now she remembered Celeus 
 and his family, and her promise to his infant son Triptolemus. 
 When the boy grew up, she taught him the use of the plough, 
 and how to sow the seed. She took him in her chariot, drawn 
 by winged dragons, through all the countries of the earth, im- 
 parting to mankind valuable grains, and the knowledge of agri- 
 culture. After his return, Triptolemus built a magnificent tern- 
 pie to Ceres in Eleusis, and established the worship of the god- 
 dess, under the name of the Eleusmian mysteries, which, in the 
 splendor and solemnity of their observance, surpassed all other 
 religious celebrations among the Greeks. 
 
 There can be little doubt of this story of Ceres and Proserpine 
 being an allegory. Proserpine signifies the seed-corn which 
 when cast into the ground lies there concealed, — that is, she is 
 carried off by the god of the underworld ; it reappears, — that is, 
 Proserpine is restored to her mother. Spring leads her back to 
 the light cf day. 
 
 "And when, in springtime, with sweet-smelling flowers 
 Of various kinds the earth doth bloom, thoul' t come 
 From gloomy darkness back— a mighty joy 
 To gods and mortal men."— Homeric Hymn. 
 
 Milton alludes to the story o/ Proserpine in ** Paradise Lost," 
 
 Book IV.:— 
 
 ■" Not that fair field 
 Of Enna where Proserpine gathering flowers, 
 Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis 
 Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain y 
 
 To seek her through the world, 
 
 * * * * might with this Paradise 
 Of Eden strive." 
 
 Hood, in his ''Ode to Melancholy," uses the same allusion 
 rery beautifully : — , 
 
 The River 
 
 part of its cou 
 till it again ap 
 fountain Aret 
 under the sa 
 that a cup thr 
 It is this fable 
 ridge alludes t 
 
 Glau'cus ' 
 to land, and h 
 he emptied hii 
 The place wh( 
 solitary spot, i 
 nor ever visite 
 which had b« 
 their fins as if 
 astonished, th< 
 and swam aw 
 whether some 
 herbage. **\ 
 gathering som 
 plant reached 
 longing desire 
 self, but biddi 
 The gods of 
 him to the hoi 
 Oi Oceanus an 
 <viis mortal in 
 
OLAUCUS AND SCYLLA, 75 
 
 ** Forgive, if somewhile I forget, 
 
 In woe to come the present bliss ; 
 As frighted Proserpine let fall 
 
 Her flowers at the sight of Dis.'* ' 
 
 The River Alpheus does in fact disappear under ground, in 
 part of its course, finding its way through subterranean channels, 
 till it again appears on the surface. It was said that the Sicilian 
 fountain Arethusa was the same stream, which, after passing 
 under the sea, came up again in Sicily. Hence the story ran 
 that a cup thrown into the Alpheus appeared again in Arethusa. 
 It is this fable of the underground course of Alpheus that Cole- 
 ridge alludes to in his poem of " Kubla Kahn ": — 
 
 ** In Xanadu did Kubla Khan 
 
 A stately pleasure-dome decree. 
 Where Alph, the sacred river, ran 
 Through caverns measureless to man, 
 . ( Down to a sunless sea." 
 
 Glau'cus and Scyl'la. 
 
 Glau'cus was a fisherman. One day he had drawn his net 
 to land, and had taken a great many fishes of various kinds. So 
 he emptied his net, and proceeded to sort the fishes on the grass. 
 The place where he stood was a beautiful island in the river, a 
 solitary spot, uninhabited, and not used for pasturage of cattle, 
 nor ever visited by any but himself On a sudden, the fishes, 
 which 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 
 astonished, they one and all moved off to the water, plunged in 
 and swarn away. He did not know what to make of this, 
 whether some god had done it, or some secret power in the 
 herbage. ** What herb has such a power?" he exclaimed ; andf 
 gathering some of it, he tasted it. Scarce had the juices of the 
 plant reached his palate when he found himself agitated with a 
 longing desire for the water. He could no longer restrain him- 
 self, but bidding farewell to earth, he plunged into the stream. 
 The gods of the water received him graciously, and admitted 
 him to the honor of their society. They obtained the consent 
 0/ Oceanus and Tethys, the sovereigns of the sea, that all that 
 <v)is mortal in him should be washed away. A hundred rivers 
 
76 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES, 
 
 poured their waters over him. Then he lost all sense of h« 
 former nature and all consciousness. When he recovered h? 
 found himself changed in form and mind. His hair was sea 
 green, and trailed behind him on the water ; his shoulders grew 
 broad, and what had been thighs and legs assumed the form of a 
 fish's tail. The sea- gods complimented him on the change of 
 his appearance, and he fancied himself rather a good-looking 
 
 personage* 
 
 " At first I dwelt 
 Whole days and days in sheer astonishment ; 
 
 • • Moving but with the mighty el)b and flow. 
 
 Then, like a new-fledg'd bird tliat first doth show 
 
 His spreaded feathers to the morrow chil. 
 
 I try'd in fear the pinions of my will. 
 
 'Twas freedom ! and at once I visited 
 
 The ceaseless wonders of this ocean-bed." — Keats. 
 
 One day Glaucus saw the beautiful maiden Scyl'la, the fa- 
 vorite of the water-nymphs, rambling on the shore, and when 
 she had found a sheltered nook, laving her limbs in the clear 
 water. He fell in love with her, and showing himself on the 
 surface, spoke to her, saying such things as he thought most 
 likely to win her to stay ; for she turned to run immediately on 
 the sight of him, and ran till she had gained a cliff overlooking 
 the sea. Here she stopped and turned around to see whether 
 it was a god or a sea -animal, and observed with wonder his 
 shape and color. Glaucus, partly emerging from the water and 
 supporting himself against a rock, said, '* Maiden, I am no mon- 
 ster, nor a sea-animal, but a god, and neither Proteus nor Tri- 
 ton ranks higher than I. Once I was a mortal, and followed 
 the sea for a living; but now I belong wholly to it." Then he 
 told the story of his metamorphosis, and how he had been pro- 
 moted to his present dignity, and added, ** But what avails all 
 this if it fails to move your heart?" He was going on in this 
 strain, but Scylla turned and hastened away. 
 
 Glaucus was in despair, but it occurred to him to consult the 
 enchantress, Circe. Accordingly he repaired to her island—the 
 same where afterwards Ulysses landed, as we shall see in one of 
 our Liter stories. After mutual salutations he said, "Goddess, 
 I entreat your pity ; you alone can relieve the pain T suffer. 'I'he 
 power of herbs I know as well as .nyone, for it is to them T owo 
 
 my change of 
 how I have su 
 has treated m( 
 potent herbs, i 
 love — ^for that 
 me a like reti 
 insensible to 
 better pursue a 
 stead of having 
 own worth, 
 and learned in 
 how to refuse y 
 is ready to me 
 both at once." 
 trees grow at tl 
 the mountains. 
 The goddess 
 neither did sh 
 she turned all 
 took plants of 
 incantations an 
 of gambolling 
 the coast of Si< 
 on the shore t< 
 day, to breathi 
 Here the godd( 
 over it incantal 
 plunged into tl 
 perceive a broc 
 her 1 At first : 
 and tried to ru 
 ran she carriec 
 limbs, she foun 
 sters. Scylla 
 as ugly as her 
 mariners who < 
 of the compan 
 i^neas, till at 
 continues to b< 
 
GLAUCUS AND SCYLLA. 
 
 77 
 
 my change of form. I love Scylla. I am ashamed to tell you 
 how I have sued and promised to her, and how scornfully she 
 has treated me. I beseech you to use your incantations, or 
 potent herbs, if they are more prevailing, not to cure me of my 
 iQve — for that I do not wish — ^but to make her share it and yield 
 me a like return." To which Circe replied — for she was not 
 insensible to the attractions of the sea-green deity — "You had 
 better pursue a willing object ; you are worthy to be sought, in- 
 stead of having to seek in vain. Be not diffident ; know your 
 own worth. I protest to you that even I, goddess though I be, 
 and learned in the virtues of plants and spells, should not know 
 how to refuse you. If she scorns you, scorn her ; meet one who 
 is ready to meet you half-way, and thus make a due return to 
 both at once." To these words Glaucus replied, " Sooner shall 
 trees grow at the bottom of the ocean, and seaweed on tlie top of 
 the mountains, than I will cease to love Scylla, and her alone. ** 
 The goddess was indignant, but she could not punish him, 
 neither did she wish to do so, for she liked him too well ; so 
 she turned all her wrath against her rival, poor Scylla. She 
 took plants of poisonous powers and mixed them together, with 
 incantations and charms. Then she passed through the crowd 
 of gambolling beasto, the victims of her art, and proceeded to 
 the coast of Sicily, where Scylla lived. There was a little bay 
 on the shore to which Scylla used to resort, in the heat of the 
 day, to breathe the air of the sea and to bathe in its waters. 
 Here the goddess poured her poisonous mixture, and muttered 
 over it incantations of mighty power. Scylla came as usual, and 
 plunged into the water up to her waist. What was her horror to 
 perceive a brood of serpents and barking monsters surrounding 
 her 1 At first she could not imagine they were a part of herself, 
 and tried to run from them and to drive theni away ; but as she 
 ran she carried them with her, and when she tried to touch her 
 limbs, she found her hands touch only the yawning jaws of mon- 
 sters. Scylla remained rooted to the spot. Her temper grew 
 as ugly as her form, and she took pleasure in devouring hapless 
 mariners who came within her grasp. Thus she destroyed six 
 of the companions of Ulysses, and tried to wreck the ships of 
 i^neas, till at last she was turned into a rock, and as such still 
 continues to be a terror to mariners. 
 
 • I -i 'la ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% 
 
 78 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Keats, in his " Endymio- has given a new version of the 
 ending of "Glaucus and Scylla." Glaucus consents to Circe's 
 blandishments, till he, by chance, is witness to her transactions 
 with her beasts. Disgusted with her treachery and cruelty, he 
 tries to escape from her, but is taken and brought back, when 
 with reproaches she banishes him, sentencing him to pass a thou- 
 sand years in decrepitude and pain. He returns to the sea, and 
 |here finds the body of Scylla, whom the goddess has not trans- 
 formed but drowned. Glaucus learns that his destiny is that, if 
 he passes his thousand years in collecting all the bodies of 
 drowned lovers, a youth beloved of the gods will appear and 
 help him. Endymion fulfils this prophecy, and aids in restoring 
 Glaucus to youth, and Scylla and all the drowned lovers to life. 
 
 // 
 
 Pyg-ma'l 
 
 Pyg-ma'li 
 
 in women thai 
 live unmarriec 
 ful skill a stati 
 anywhere nea 
 maiden thatse 
 by modesty, 
 its product loc 
 admired his o^ 
 feit creation, 
 himself whethi 
 believe that it 
 ents such as y( 
 ittie birds anc 
 put raiment oi 
 lace about its 
 of pearls upon 
 not less charm 
 spread with c 
 put her head i 
 
Wednesday, Mercury (Raphael). 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Pyg-ma'li-on — Dry'o-pe — Ve'nus and A-do'nis— 
 A-porio and Hy-a-cin'thus. 
 
 Pyg-ma'li-on was a bachelor god. He saw so much to blame 
 in women that he came at last to abhor the sex, and resolved to 
 live unmarried. He was a sculptor, and had made with wonder- 
 ful skill a statue of ivory, so beautiful that no living woman came 
 anywhere near it. It was indeed the perfect semblance of a 
 maiden that seemed to be alive, and only prevented from moving 
 by modesty. His art was so perfect that it concealed itself, and 
 its product looked like the workmanship of nature. Pygmalion 
 admired his own work, and at last fell in love with the counter- 
 feit creation. Oftentimes he laid his hand upon it as if to assure 
 himself whether it were living or not, and could not even then 
 believe that it was only ivory. He caressed it, and gave it pres- 
 ents such as young girls love — ^bright shells and polished stones, 
 ittie birds and flowers of various hues, beads and amber. He 
 put raiment on its limbs, and jewels on its fingers, and a neck- 
 lace about its neck. To the ears he hung ear-rings, and strings 
 of pearls upon the breast. Her dress became her, and she looked 
 not less charming than when unattired. He laid her on a couch 
 spread with cloths of Tyrian dye, and called her his wife, and 
 put her head upon a pillow of the softest feathers. 
 
 (79) 
 
 
8o 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 The festival of Ve'nus was at hand — a. festival celebrated wi*h 
 great pomp at Cyprus. Victims were offered, the altars smoked 
 and the odor of incense filled the air. When Pygmalion had 
 performed his part in the solemnities, he stood before the altar 
 and timidly said, "Ye gods, who can do all things, give me, I 
 pray you, for my wife " — he dared not say **my ivory virgin," 
 • but said instead — " one like my ivory virgin." Venus, who was 
 present at the festival, heard him and knew the thought he would 
 have uttered ; and as an omen of her favor, caused the flame on 
 the altar to shoot up thrice in a fiery point into the air. When 
 he returned home he went to see his statue, and leaning over 
 the couch, gave a kiss to the mouth. It seemed to be warm. 
 He pressed its lips again, he laid his hand upon the limbs ; the 
 ivory felt soft to his touch, and yielded to his fingers like the 
 wax of Hymettus. While he stands astonished and glad, though 
 doubting, and fears he may be mistaken, again and again, with a 
 lover's ardor, he touches the object of his hopes. 
 
 " Yet while he stood and knew not what to do. 
 With yearning, a strange thrill of hope there came, 
 A shaft of new desire now pierced him through, 
 And there withal a soft voice called his name ; 
 And v/hen he turned with eager eyes aflame. 
 He saw betwixt him and the setting sun 
 The lively image of his loved one." — William Morris. 
 
 It was indeed alive ! The veins when pressed yielded to the 
 finger and again resumed their roundness. Then at last the votary 
 of Venus found words to thank the goddess, and pressed his lips 
 upon lips as real as his own. The virgin felt the kisses and 
 blushed, and opening her timid eyes to the light, fixed them at 
 the same moment on her lover. Venus blessed the nuptials she 
 had formed, and from this union Paphos was born, from whom 
 the city, sacred to Venus, received its name. 
 
 Schiller, in his poem the "ideals," applies this tale of Pyg- 
 malion to the love of nature in a youthful heart. The following 
 translation is furnished by a friend :— 
 
 ** As once with prayers in passion flowing, 
 Pygmalion embraced the stone. 
 Till from the frozen marble glowing. 
 The light of feeling o' er him shone> ^ 
 
 Dry'o-pc 
 
 of Andraemc 
 of her first ( 
 a stream tha 
 the upland v 
 
 "A I 
 Wh 
 Th 
 An 
 
 . He 
 Bel 
 
 They wen 
 for the altar 
 her bosom, 
 Near the wa 
 ope gatherec 
 about to do 
 the places w 
 plant was nc 
 base pursue 
 learned fron 
 
 Dry ope, 1 
 
II 
 
 DRYOPE. 8 1 
 
 So did I clasp with young devotion 
 
 Bright nature to a poet' s heart, 
 Till breath and warmth and vital motion 
 
 Seemed through the statue form to dart. ' ' 
 
 ** And then, in all my ardor sharing, '' • 
 
 The silent form expression found ; 
 Returned my kiss of youthful daring. 
 And understood my heart's quick sound. 
 Then lived for me the bright creation, ' *, 
 
 > The silver rill with song was rife ; 
 The trees, the roses, shared sensation, 
 An echo of my boundless life." 
 
 Dry'o-pe. 
 Dry'o-pe and I'o-le were sisters. The former was the wife 
 of Andraemon, beloved by her husband, and happy in the birth 
 of her first child. One day the sisters strolled to the bank of 
 a stream that sloped gradually down to the water's edge, while 
 the upland was overgrown with myrtles. 
 
 *« A lake there was, with shelving banks around, • . 
 
 Whose verdant summit fragrant myrtles crown'd. ' 
 
 Those shades, unknowing of the I'otes, she sought, 
 
 And to the Naiads flowery garlands brought ; 
 . Her smiling babe (a pleasing charge) she press' d 
 
 Between her arms."— Ovid (Pope's tr, ). 
 
 They were intending to gather flowers for forming garlands 
 for the altars of the nymphs, and Dry ope carried her child at 
 her bosom, a precious burden, and nursed him as she walked. 
 Near the water grew a lotus plant, full of purple flowers. Dry- 
 ope gathered some and offered them to the baby, and lole was 
 vabout to do the same, when she perceived blood dropping from 
 the places where her sister had broken them off the stem. The 
 l)lant was no othei than the Nymph Lotis, who, running from a 
 base pursuer, had been changed into this form. This they 
 learned from the country people when it was too late. 
 
 (( 
 
 Lotis the nympli (if rural laics l)e true). 
 As from Priapus' lawless lt)vc she flew, 
 Forsook her form ; and fixing here became 
 A flowery plant, which still prcHcrvcs her name." 
 
 - Ovid (Pope's tr.). 
 
 Dryope, horror-struck when she perceived what she had done^ 
 
 6 
 
 
 
82 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 would gladly have hastened from the spot, but found her fee\ 
 rooted to the ground. She tried to pull them away, but moved 
 nothing but her upper limbs. The woodiness crept upward, 
 and by degrees invested her body. In anguish she attempted to 
 tear her hair, but found her hands filled with leaves. The infant 
 felt his mother's bosom begin to harden, and the milk cease to 
 flow. lole looked on at the sad fate of her sister, and could 
 render no assistance. She embraced the growing trunk, as if 
 she would hold back the advancing wood, and would gladly 
 have been enveloped in the same bark. At this moment, An- 
 drsemon, the husband of Dryope, with her father, approached ; 
 and when they asked for Dryope, lole pointed them to the new- 
 formed lotus. They embraced the trunk of the yet warm tree, 
 and showered their kisses on its leaves. 
 
 Now there was nothing left of Dryope but her face. Her 
 tears still flowed and fell on her leaves, and while she could she 
 spoke. •* I am not guilty. I deserve not this fate. I have in- 
 jured no one. If I speak falsely, may my foliage perish with 
 drought and my trunk be cut down and burned. Take this in- 
 fant and g! /e it to a nurse. Let it often be brought and nursed 
 under my branches, and play in my shade ; and when he is old 
 enough to talk, let him be taught to call me mother, and to say 
 with sadness * My mother lies hid under this bark. ' But bid 
 him be careful of river banks, and beware how he plucks flowers, 
 remembering that every bush he sees may be a goddess in dis- 
 guise. Farewell, dear husband, and sister, and father. If you 
 retain any love for me, let not the axe wound me, nor the flocks 
 bite and tear my branches. Since I cannot stoop to you, climb 
 up hither and kiss me ; and while my lips continue to feel, lift 
 up my child that I may kiss him. I can speak no more, for 
 already the bark advances up my neck, and will soon shoot over 
 me. You need not close my eyes ; the bark will close them 
 without your aid." Then the lips ceased to move, and life was 
 extinct ; but the branches retained for some time longer the vital 
 
 heat. 
 
 ** She ceased at once to speak, and ceased to be, 
 And all the nymph was lost within the tree : . 
 Yet latent life through her new branches reignM, 
 And long the plant a human heatretalnM." 
 
 —Ovid (Pope's tr.). 
 
 fCeats, in 
 
 (« j 
 
 Ve'nus, 
 
 bosom with 
 the wound 
 thought. ] 
 held Adon 
 with him. 
 interest in 
 Paphos, an( 
 rich in mei 
 self even fr< 
 was dearer 
 Him she f 
 company, 
 recline in 
 but to cul 
 rambles thr 
 the hills, c 
 Diana; anc 
 hares and s 
 it is safe to 
 the wolves 
 the slaugh 
 charged A 
 such dange 
 toward the 
 age again! 
 safe. Bewj 
 self to dai 
 iiess to risl 
 weapons. 
 
VENVS AND ADONIS. 
 Keats, in "Endymion," alludes to Dryope thus:— 
 
 •« She took a lute from which there pulsing came 
 A lively prelude, fashioning the way 
 In which her voice should wander. 'Twas a lay 
 More subtle-cadenced, more forest-wild 
 Than Diyope's lone lulUng of her child," etc. 
 
 85 
 
 ,* ''-■('I 
 
 Ve'nus and A-do'nis. 
 
 Ve'nus, playing one day with her boy Cupid, wounded hei 
 bosom with one of his arrows. She pushed him away, but 
 the wound was deeper than she 
 thought. Before it healed she be- 
 held Adonis, and was captivated 
 with him. She no longer took any 
 interest in her favorite resorts, — 
 Paphos, and Cnidos, and Amathos, 
 rich in metals. She absented her- 
 self even from heaven, for A-do'nis 
 was dearer to her than heaven. 
 Him she followed, and bore him 
 company. She who used to love to 
 recline in the shade, with no care 
 but to cultivate her charms, now 
 rambles through the woods and over 
 the hills, dressed like the huntress 
 Diana; and calls her dogs, and chases 
 hares and stags, or other game that 
 it is safe to hunt, but keeps clear of 
 the wolves and bears, reeking with 
 the slaughter of the herd. She 
 charged Adonis, too, to beware of 
 such dangerous animals. * * Be brave 
 toward the timid, ' * said she ; ' * cour- 
 age against the courageous is not 
 safe. Beware how you expose your- , . , 
 self to danger, and put my happi- ^^°"'^ (Thorwaldsen) Munich. 
 
 ness to risk. Attack not the beasts that nature has armed with 
 weapons. I do not value your glory so high as to consent tg 
 
 ml 
 
 >:\ 
 
 
 :, ::nij 
 
84 
 
 STORIES OF Q0D8 AND HEROES. 
 
 purchase it by such exposure. 
 
 
 Venus (Capitol, Rome). 
 
 Your youth, and the beauty that 
 charms Venus, will not touch 
 the hearts of lions and bristly 
 boars. Think of their terrible 
 claws and prodigious strength ! I 
 hate the whole race of them. Do 
 you ask me why ?' ' Then she told 
 him the story of Atalanta and 
 Hippomenes, who were changed 
 into lions for their ingratitude to 
 her. 
 
 Having given him this warn- 
 ing, she mounted her chariot, 
 drawn by swans, and drove away 
 through the air. But Adonis was 
 too noble to heed such counsels. 
 The dogs had roused a wild boar 
 from his lair, and the youth threw 
 his spear and wounded the ani- 
 mal with a sidelong stroke. The 
 beast drew out the weapon with 
 his jaws and rushed after Adonis, 
 who turned and ran ; but the boar 
 overtook him and buried his tusks 
 in his side, and stretched him dy- 
 ing upon the plain. 
 
 *• The youth lieth dead while the dogs howl around, 
 
 And the nymphs weep aloud from the mists on the hill." 
 - — Mrs. Browning. 
 
 Venus, in her swan-drawn chariot, had not yet reached Cy- 
 prus when she heard comhig up through mid-air the groans of 
 her beloved, and turned her white-winged coursers back to earth. 
 As she drew near and saw from on high his lifeless body bathed 
 in blood, she alighted, and, bending over it, bei*t her breast and 
 tore her hair. Reproaching the Fates, she said, "Yet theirs 
 shall be but a partial triumph ; memorials of my grief shall en- 
 dure, and the spectacle of your death, my Adonis, and of my 
 'lamentations, shall be annually renewed. Your blood shall be 
 
 changed 
 Thus spc 
 mingled, 
 in an ho' 
 that of t 
 
 But it 
 
 open, an 
 
 mone, o 
 
 its prodi 
 
 Miltoi 
 
 Comus 
 
 A-po 
 thus, 
 when he 
 lowed h 
 him his 
 quoits t 
 strength 
 watchec 
 seize it, 
 the eart 
 The go( 
 stanch t 
 hurt wa 
 the ster 
 flowers 
 heavy f 
 
APOLLO AND BYACINTHUS. 
 
 SS 
 
 changed into a flower; that consolation none can envy me.'* 
 Thus speaking, she sprinkled nectar on the blood ; and as they 
 mingled, bubbles rose as in a pool on which raindrops fall, and 
 in an hour's time there sprang up a flower o^ bloody hue like 
 that of the pomegranate. 
 
 ** As many drops as from Adonis bled, 
 So many tears the sorrowing Venus shed : 
 For every drop on earth a flower there grows : 
 Anemones for tears ; for blood the rose.' ' — BiON ( Elton' s tr. ). 
 
 But it is short-lived. It is said the wind blows the blossoms 
 open, and afterwards blows the petals away ; so it is called Ane- 
 mone, or Wind Flower, from the cause which assists equally in 
 its production and its decay. 
 
 Milton alludes to the story of Venus and Adonis in his 
 
 Comus" : — . 
 
 ** Beds of hyacinth and roses 
 Where young Adonis oft reposes, ''. 
 
 Waxing well of his deep wound 
 In slumber soft, and on the ground 
 Sadly sits th' Assyrian queen. ' ' 
 
 A-pol'lo and Hy-a-cin'thus. 
 
 A-pol'lo was passionately fond of a youth named Hy-a-cin'- 
 thus. He accompanied him in his sports, carried the nets 
 when he went fishing, led the dogs when he went to hunt, fol- 
 lowed him in his excursions in the mountains, and neglected for 
 him his lyre and his arrows. One day they played a game of 
 quoits together, and Apollo, heaving aloft the discus, with 
 strength mingled with skill, sent it high and far. Hyacinthus 
 watched it as it flew, and excited with the sport ran forward to 
 seize it, eager to make his throw, when the quoit bounded from 
 the earth and struck him in the forehead. He fainted and fell. 
 The god, as pale as himself, raised him and tried all his art to 
 stanch the wound and retain the flitting life, but all in vain ; the 
 hurt was past the power of medicine. As, when one has broken 
 the stem of a lily in the garden it hangs its head and turns its 
 flowers to the earth, so the head of the dying boy, as if too 
 heavy for his neck, fell over on his shoulder. "Thou diest, 
 
 
 I 
 
 i''^\^ 
 
86 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 &!' - i 
 
 m 
 
 V'm 
 
 ml 
 
 
 iSl 
 
 i '■':[« 
 
 I'ipiii 
 
 
 9a,;lli' 
 
 i 'm 
 
 1 
 
 1' ' ' H '1 
 
 1 
 
 I mi 
 
 M 1 'li 
 
 Hyacinth," so spoke Phoebus, "robbed of thy youth by me. 
 
 Thine is the suffering, mine 
 the crime. Would that I 
 could die for thee 1 But 
 since that may not be, thou 
 shalt live with me in mem- 
 ory and in song. My lyre 
 shall celebrate thee, my song 
 shall tell thy fate, and thou 
 shalt become a flower in- 
 scribed with my regrets." 
 While Apollo spoke, be- 
 hold, the blood which had 
 flowed on the ground and 
 stained the herbage ceased 
 to be blood; but a flower 
 of hue more beautiful than 
 the Tyrian sprang up, resem- 
 bling the lily, if it were not 
 that this is puiple and that 
 silvery white. And this 
 was not enough for Phcebua ; 
 but to confer still greater 
 honor, he marked the petals 
 with his arrow, and in- 
 scribed '*Ah! ah!" upon 
 them, as we see to this day. 
 The flower bears the name 
 of Hyacinthus, and with 
 every returniiig spring re- 
 vives the memory of his fate. * 
 It was said that Zephyrus (the West-wind), who was also 
 fond of Hyacinthus and jealous of his preference of Apollo, blew 
 the quoit out of its course to make it strike Hyacinthus. Keats 
 alludes to this in his " Endymion," where he describes the look- 
 ers-on at the game of quoits :^ 
 
 * It is evidently not our modern hyacinth that is here described. It is pen 
 haps some species of iris, or perhaps of larkspur, or of pansy. 
 
 
 vinniiaiiiiiiriHiniR 
 
 liUWIl 
 
 Apollo (Vatican, Rome). 
 
APOLLO MUSAGETES 
 (Vatican, Rome.) 
 
 I 
 
 ,. > 
 
 I 
 
 
 % 
 
 h,-'^ 
 
 
 
 
 • , r if .-„ 
 
 ■' » • ■" r 
 
 w, 
 
» 
 
 An allusii 
 "Lycidas:' 
 
APOLLO AND HYACINTHU& 87 
 
 ** Or they might watch the quoit-pitchers, intent 
 
 On either side, pitying the sad death 
 
 Of Hyacinthus, when the cruel breath 
 Of Zephyr slew hun ; Zephyr penitent, 
 Who now, ere Phoebus mounts the firmament, 
 
 Fondles the flower amid the sobbing rain." 
 
 An allusion to Hyacinthus will also be recognized in Milton'f 
 "Lycidas;"— 
 
 •* Like to that sanguine Hower inscribed with woe," 
 
 rm 
 
 1 1 
 
 <' 'k*. 
 
88 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Ce'yx and Hal-cy'o-ne; or, the Hal'cy-on Birds. 
 
 Ce'yx was king of Thessaly, where he reigned in peace. 
 He waf son of Hesperus, the Day-star, and tne glow of his 
 beauty reminded one of his father. Hal-cy'o-ne, the daughter 
 of ^olus^ was his wife, and devotedly attached to him. Now 
 Ceyx was in deep affliction for the loss of his brother, and dire- 
 ful prodigies following his brother's death made him feel as if 
 the gods were hostile to him. He thought best, therefore, to 
 make a voyage to Claros, in Ionia, to consult the oracle of 
 Apollo. But as soon as he disclosed his intention to his ^vife 
 Halcyone, a shudder ran through her frame, and her face grew 
 deadly pale. ** What fault of mine, dearest husband, has turned 
 your affection from me? Where is that love of me that used to 
 be uppermost in your thoughts? Have you learned to feel easy 
 in the absence of Halcyone? Would you rather have me 
 away?" She also endeavored to discourage him, by describing 
 the violence of the winds, which she had known familiarly when 
 she lived at home in her father's house, ^olus being the god of 
 the winds, and having as much as he could do to restrain thtm. 
 "They rush together," said she, "with such fury that fire 
 flashes from the conflict. But if you must go," she added, 
 "dear husband, let me go with you, otherwise I shall suffer, not 
 ori'.y the real evils which you must encounter, but those also 
 which my fears suggest." 
 
 These words weighed heavily on the mind of King Ccyx, and 
 it was no less his own wish than hers to take her with him, but 
 he could not bear to expose her to the dangers of the sea. He 
 answered, therefore, consoling her as well as he could, and fin- 
 ished with these words : "I promise, ])y the rays of my father, 
 the Day-star, that if fate permits I will return before the moon 
 shall have twice rounded her orb." When he had thus spoken 
 he ordered the vessel to be drawn out of the ship-house, and th# 
 
 oars and sails 
 preparations j 
 With tears an 
 the ground. 
 
 Ceyx woul 
 grasped their 
 long and me 
 eyes, and saw 
 hand to her. 
 bO far that sh^ 
 rest. When i 
 her eyes to cai 
 peared. The 
 her solitary c( 
 
 Meanwhile 
 among the n 
 their sails. ^ 
 night drew or 
 the east wind 
 in sail, but th 
 the wind and 
 own accord, I 
 the ship, to re 
 seems best, th 
 rattling of th 
 with the roar 
 to the heaven 
 ing away to tl 
 ian blackness. 
 
 The vessel 
 beast that rusl 
 rents, as if th 
 When the ligl 
 !ts own darkn 
 ing the darkn 
 fails, courage 
 The men are \ 
 kindred, and 
 Ceyx thinks c 
 
 ;' i 
 
CETX AND ff ALCYONE. 
 
 89 
 
 oars and sails to be put aboard. When Halcyone saw these 
 preparations she shuddered, as if with a presentiment of evil. 
 With tears and sobs she said farewell, and then fell senseless to 
 the ground. 
 
 Ceyx would still have lingered, but now the young men 
 grasped their oars and pulled vigorously through the waves with 
 long and measured strokes. Halcyone raised her streaming 
 eyes, and saw her husband standing on the deck^ v/aving his 
 hand to her. She answered his signal till the vessel had receded 
 so far that she could no longer distinguish his form from the 
 rest. When the vessel itself could no more be seen, she strained 
 her eyes to catch the last glimmer of the sail, till that, too, disap- 
 peared. Then, retiring to her chamber, she threw herself on 
 her solitary couch. 
 
 Meanwhile they glide out of the harbor, and the breeze plays 
 among the ropes. The seamen draw in their oars and hoist 
 their sails. When half or less of their course was passed, as 
 night drew on the sea began to whiten with swelling waves, and 
 the east wind to blow a gale. The master gave the word to take 
 in sail, but the storm forbade obedience, for such is the roar of 
 the wind and waves his orders are unheard. The mei, of their 
 own accord, busy themselves to secure the oars, to strengthen 
 the ship, to reef the sail. While they thus do what to each one 
 seems best, the storm, increases. The shouting of the men, the 
 rattling of the shrouds and the dashing of the waves mingle 
 with the roar of the thunder. The swelling sea seems lifted up 
 to the heavens, to scatter its foam among the clouds ; then, sink- 
 ing away to the bottom, assumes the color of the shoal, — a Styg- 
 ian blackness. 
 
 The vessel shares all these changes. It seems like a wild 
 beast that rushes on the spears of the hunters. Rain falls in tor- 
 rents, as if the skies were coming down to unite with the sea. 
 When the lightning ceases for a moment, the night seems to add 
 !ts own darkness to that of the stom j then comes the flash, rend- 
 ing the darkness asunder, and lighting up all with a glare. Skill 
 fails, courage sinks, and death seems to come on every wave. 
 The men are stupefied with terror. The thought of parents and 
 kindred, and pledges left at home, comes over their minds. 
 Ceyx thinks of Halcyone. No name but hers is on his lips, and 
 
 ¥m 
 
90 
 
 ilTOBIES OF aODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ft: 
 
 
 LteJ ! 
 
 
 while he yearns for her, he yet rejoices in her absence. Pres- 
 ently the mast is shattered by a stroke of lightning, the rudder 
 broken, and the triumphant surge, curling over, looks down upon 
 the wreck, then falls and crushes it to fragments. Some of the 
 seamen, stunned by the stroke, sink, and rise no more ; others 
 cling to fragments of the wreck. Ceyx, with the hand tliat used 
 to grasp the sceptre, holds fast to a plank, calling for help, — ^alas, 
 in vain, — upon his father and his father-in-law. But oftenest 
 on his lips was the name of Halcyone. To her his thoughts 
 cling. He prays that the waves may bear his body to her sight, 
 and that it may receive burial at her hands. At length the 
 waters overwhelm him, and he sinks. The Day-star looked dim 
 that night. Since it could not leave the heavens, it shrouded 
 its face with clouds. 
 
 In the meanwhile Halcyone, ignorant of all these horrors, 
 counted the days till her husband's promised return. Now she 
 gets ready the garments which he shall put on, and now what 
 she shall wear when he arrives. To all the gods she offers fre- 
 quent incense, but more than all to Juno. For her husband, 
 who was no more, she prayed incessantly ; that he might be safe j 
 that he might come home ; that he might not, in his absence, 
 see any one that he would love better than her. But of all these 
 prayers, the last was the only one destined to be granted. The 
 goddess, at length, could not bear any longer to be pleaded with 
 for one already dead, and to have hands raised to her altars that 
 ought rather to bo offering funeral rites. So, calling Iris, she 
 said, **Iris, my faithful messenger, go to the drowsy dwelling of 
 Somnu3, and tell him to send a vision to Halcyone, in the form 
 of Ceyx, to make known to her the event." 
 
 Iris puts on her robe of many colors, and tinging the sky with 
 her bow, seeks the palace of the King of Sleep. Near the Cim- 
 merian country a mountain cave is the abode of the dull god, 
 Somnus. Here Phcebus dares not come, either rising, at mid- 
 day, or setting. Clouds and shadows are exhaled from the 
 ground, and the light glimmers fiiintly. The bird of dawning, 
 with crested head, never there calls aloud to Aurora, nor wat( h- 
 ful dog nor more sagacious goose disturbs the silence. No wild 
 beast, nor cattle, nor branch moved with the wind, nor sound 
 of human conversation, breaks the stillness. Silence reigns 
 
 there ; but fro 
 and by its mui 
 before the doc 
 Night collects 
 earth. There 
 nor any watch: 
 adorned with 
 clines, his lim 
 sleep. Aroun( 
 resembling all 
 many as the hai 
 or the forest le 
 shore sand-gra 
 As soon as 
 tered and bri 
 dreams that 1 
 her, her brighti 
 cave. The go 
 ing his eyes, an 
 dropping his 
 breast, at last 
 free, and leani 
 inquired her 
 knew who she 
 swered, "Som 
 the gods, tranq 
 and soother of 
 Juno sends yo 
 Halcyone, in t 
 and all the eve 
 Having deli 
 could not long 
 ness creeping 
 her bow the v 
 numerous sons 
 forms, and in 
 speaking, even 
 each. But he 
 sonate birds, 1 
 
CEYX AND HALCYONE. 
 
 91 
 
 there ; but from the bottom of the rock the river Lethe flows, 
 and by its murmur invites to sleep. Poppies grow abundantly 
 before the door of the cave, and other herbs, from whose juices 
 Night collects slumbers, which she scatters over the darkened 
 earth. There is no gate to the mansion, to creak on its hinges, 
 nor any watchman ; but in the midst a couch of black ebony, 
 adorned with black plumes and curtains. There the god re- 
 clines, his limbs relaxed with 
 sleep. Around him lie dreams, 
 resembling all various forms, as 
 many as the harvest bears stalks, 
 or the forest leaves, or the sea- 
 shore sand-grains. 
 
 As soon as the goddess en- 
 tered and brushed away the 
 dreams that hovered around 
 her, her brightness lit up all the 
 cave. The god, scarce open- 
 ing his eyes, and ever and anon 
 dropping his beard upon his 
 breast, at last shook himself 
 free, and leaning on his arm, 
 inquired her errand — for he 
 knew who she was. She an- 
 swered, "Somnus, gentlest of 
 the gods, tranquillizer of minds 
 and soother of careworn hearts, 
 
 Juno sends you her commands that you despatch a dream to 
 Halcyone, in the city of Trachine, representing her lost husband 
 and all the events of the wreck. ' ' 
 
 Having delivered her message. Iris hastened away, for she 
 could not longer endure the stagnant air, and as she felt drowsi- 
 ness creeping over her she made her escape, and returned by 
 her bow the way she came. Then Somnus called one of his 
 numerous sons — Morpheus — the most expert in counterfeiting 
 forms, and in imitating the walk, the countenance and mode of 
 speaking, even the clothes and attitudes most characteristic of 
 each. But he only imitates men, leaving it to another to per- 
 sonate birds, beasts and serpents. Him they call Icelos ; and 
 
 if' 'i 
 
 ^ ^if 
 
 ^.\utd 
 
92 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 V\' 
 
 Phantasos is a third, who turns himself into rocks, waters, wood? 
 and other things without life. These wait upon kings and great 
 personages in their sleeping hours, while others move among the 
 common people. Somnus chose, from all her brothers, Mor- 
 pheus, to perform the command of Iris ; then laid his head on 
 his pillow and yielded himself to grateful repose. 
 
 Morpheus flew, making no noise with his wings, and socn 
 came to the Haemonian city, whe^e, laying aside his wings, he as- 
 sumed the form of Ceyx. Under that form, but pale like a dead 
 man, naked, he stood before the couch of the wretched wife. 
 His beard seemed soaked with water, and water trickled from 
 his drowned locks. Leaning over the bed, tears streaming from 
 his eyes, he said, " Do you recognize your Ceyx, unhappy wife, 
 or has death too much changed my visage ? Behold me, know 
 me, your husband's shade, instead of himself. Your prayers, 
 Halcyone, availed me nothing. I am dead. No more deceive 
 yourself with vain hopes of my return. The stormy winds sunk 
 my ship in the ^gean Sea, waves filled my mouth while it called 
 aloud on you. No uncertain messenger tells you this, no vague 
 rumor brings it to your ears. I come in person, a shipwrecked 
 man, to tell you my fate. Arise ! give me tears, give me lamen- 
 tations, let me not go down to Tartarus unwept." To these 
 words Morpheus added the voice which seemed to be that of her 
 husband ; he seemed to pour forth genuine tears j his hands had 
 the gestures of Ceyx. 
 
 Halcyone, weeping, groaned, and stretched out her arms ii\ 
 her sleep, striving to embrace his body, but grasping only the air. 
 ** Stay !" she cried ; " whither do you fly ? let us go together." 
 Her own voice awakened her. Starting up, she gazed eagerly 
 around, to see if he was still present, for the servants, alarmed 
 by her cries, had brought a light. When she found him not, 
 she smote her breast and rent her garments. She cares not to 
 unbind her hair, but tears it wildly. Her nurse asks what is the 
 cause of her grief. " Halcyone is no more," she answers, *' she 
 perished with her Ceyx. Utter not words of comfort, he is ship- 
 wrecked and dead. I have seen him, I have recognized him. I 
 stretched out my hands to seize him and detain him. His shade 
 vanished, but it was the true shade of my husl)and. Not with 
 the accustomed features, not with the beauty that was his, but 
 
 pale, naked, i 
 
 to me. Her 
 
 she looked to 
 
 that my presa 
 
 leave me to i 
 
 thou wouldst I 
 
 been far bette 
 
 spend without 
 
 to live and sti 
 
 than the sea h 
 
 be separated f 
 
 I will keep th( 
 
 elude us, one ( 
 
 my name, at 1 
 
 more words, a 
 
 It was now i 
 
 the spot when 
 
 lingered here. 
 
 While she revi 
 
 dent, looking 
 
 floating in thi 
 
 but by degrees 
 
 l)ody of a mar 
 
 some shipwre( 
 
 tears, saying, 
 
 be, thy wife ! 
 
 more and mo 
 
 Now, now it 
 
 now ai)pear. 
 
 hands towards 
 
 you return to i 
 
 There was 
 break the assai 
 leaped upon 
 she flew, and 5 
 skimmed alon^ 
 poured forth s 
 menting. Wl 
 enfolded its bd 
 
CEYX AND HALOYONE. 
 
 93 
 
 pale, naked, and with his hair wet with sea-water, he appeared 
 to me. Here, in this very spot, the sad vision stood," — and 
 she looked to find the mark of his footsteps. " I'his it was, this 
 that my presaging mind foreboded, when I implored him not to 
 leave me to trust himself to the waves. O, how I wish, since 
 thou wouldst go, thou hadst taken me with thee I It would have 
 been far better. Then I should have had no remnant of life to 
 spend without thee, nor a separate death to die. If I could bear 
 to live and struggle to endure, I should be more cruel to myself 
 than the sea has been to me. But I will not struggle, I will not 
 be separated from thee, unhappy husband. This time, at least, 
 I will keep thee company. In death, if one tomb may not in- 
 clude us, one epitaph shall ; if I may not lay my ashes with thine, 
 my name, at least, shall not be separated." Her grief forbade 
 more words, and these were broken with tears and sobs. 
 
 It was now morning. She went to the sea-shore, and sought 
 the spot where she last saw him, on his departure. "While he 
 lingered here, and cast off his tacklings, he gave me his last kiss." 
 While she reviews every object, and strives to recall every inci- 
 dent, looking out over the sea, she descries an indistinct object 
 floating in the water. At first she was in doubt what it was, 
 but by degrees the waves bore it nearer, and it was plainly the 
 l)ody of a man. Though unknowing of whom, yet, as it was of 
 some shipwrecked one, she was deeply moved, and gave it her 
 tears, saying, "Alas ! unhappy one, and unhappy, if such there 
 be, thy wife !" Borne by the waves, it came nearer. As she 
 more and more nearly views it, she treml)les more and more. 
 Now, now it approaches the shore. Marks that she recognizes 
 now appear. It is her husband ! Stretching out her trembling 
 hands towards it, she exclaims, "O, dearest husband, is it thus 
 you return to me ?' * 
 
 There was built out from the shore a mole, constructed to 
 break the assaults of the sea and stem its violent ingress. She 
 leaped upon this barrier and (it was wonderful she could do so) 
 she flew, and striking the air with wings produced on the instant, 
 skimmed along the surface of the water. As she flew, her throat 
 poured forth sounds full of grief, and like the voice of one la- 
 menting. When she touched the mute and 1)loodless body, she 
 enfolded its beloved limbs with her new-formed wings, and tried 
 
 mm 
 
 'm 
 
 i\ 
 
 
 ^- ill "If 
 
 h\\ 
 
 \-.:'i 
 
 t ' 1 
 
 s 
 
 ifta 
 
 
 
 "',,'*(. 
 
 Ai'ttirjif ^ 
 
94 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ■■t\§. 
 
 r- U 
 
 
 'i ' 
 
 
 to give kisses with her horny beak. Whether Ceyx felt it, or 
 whether it was only the action of the waves, those who looked 
 on doubted, but the body seemed to raise its head. But indeed 
 he did feel it, and by the pitying gods both of them were changed 
 Into birds. They mate and have their young ones. For seven 
 placid days, in winter time, Halcyone broods over her nest, 
 which floats upon the sea. 
 
 •* O magic sleep I O comfortable bird 
 Thatbroodest o'er the troubled sea of the mind 
 Till it is hushed and smooth." — Keats. 
 
 Then the way is safe to seamen, ^olus guards the winds and 
 keeps them from disturbing the deep. The sea is given up, for 
 the time, to his grandchildren. 
 
 *• No song-notes have we but a piping cry, 
 That blends with storm when the wind is high ; 
 When the land-birds wail 
 We sport in the gale. 
 And merrily over the ocean we sail." 
 
 Milton, in his "Hymn to the Nativity," thus alludes to the 
 (able of the Halcyon :— 
 
 ** But peaceful was the night 
 Wherein the Prince of light 
 
 His reign of peace upon the earth began ; 
 The winds with woiider whist 
 Smoothly the waters kist, 
 
 Whispering new joys to the mild ocean, 
 Who now hath quite forgot to rave, 
 While birds of calm sit brooding on the charmed wave* 
 
 The Han 
 
 was of this cl 
 and the culti 
 but loved the 
 apples. Her 
 pruning-knife 
 to repress the 
 that straggled 
 sert therein a 
 own. She t( 
 from droughtj 
 roots might 
 si on ; and sh 
 was not witho 
 locked, and a 
 
Thursday, Jupiter (Raphael). 
 
 CHAPTER X. _ 
 
 Ver-tum'nus and Po-mo'na. 
 
 The Ham-a-dry'a-des were Wood-nymphs. Po-mo'na 
 was of this class, and no one excelled her in love of the garden 
 and the culture of fruit. She cared not for forests and rivers, 
 but loved the cultivated country and trees that bear delicious 
 apples. Her right hand bore for its weapon not a javelin, but a 
 pruning-knife. Armed with this, she busied herself at one time 
 to repress the too luxuriant growths, and curtail the branches 
 that straggled out of place ; at another, to split the twig and in- 
 sert therein a graft, making the branch adopt a nursling not its 
 own. She took care, too, that her favorite should not suffer 
 from drought, and led streams of water by them that the thirsty 
 roots might drink. This occupation was her pursuit, her pas- 
 sion ; and she was free from that which Venus inspires. She 
 was not without fear of the country people, and kept her orchard 
 locked, and allowed not men to enter. 
 
 •* Bear me, Pomona, to thy citron groves, 
 To where the lemon and the piercing lime, 
 With the deep orange, glowing through the green, 
 Their lighter glories blend. Lay me reclined 
 Beneath the spreading tamarind, that shakes. 
 Fanned by the breeze, its fever-cooling fruit." — Thomson, 
 
 (95) 
 
 
 m 
 
 ' ? 
 
 '•y i 
 
 If f ^ 
 
 .^ ; 
 
 
 <*!(. 
 
 ■■♦' ''.'"]*} 
 
 
 
 i'^ 
 
 
 
96 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ^4, ■,.. i-M: 
 
 The Fauns and Satyrs would have given all they possessed to 
 win her, and so would old Sylvanus, who looks young for his 
 years, and Pan, who wears a garland of pine leaves around his 
 head. But Ver-tum'nus loved her best of all ; yet he sped no 
 better than the rest. O, how often, in the disguise of a reaper, 
 
 did he bring her corn in a basket, and 
 looked the very image of a reaper ! 
 With a hay-band tied around him, one 
 would think he had just come from 
 turning over the grass. Sometimes he 
 would have an ox -goad in his hand, 
 and you would have said he had just 
 unyoked his weary oxen. Now he 
 bore a pruning-hook, and personated 
 a vine-dresser ; and again, with a lad- 
 der on his shoulder, he seemed as if 
 he was going to gather apples. Some- 
 times he trudged along as a discharged 
 soldier, and again he bore a fishing- 
 rod, as if going to fish. In this way 
 he gained admission to her, again and 
 again, and fed his passion with the 
 sight of her. 
 
 One day he came in the guise of 
 an old woman, her gray hair siir 
 mounted with a cap, and a staff in his 
 hand. She entered the garden and 
 admired the fruit. **It does you 
 credit, my dear," she said, and kissed 
 her, not exactly with an old woman's 
 kiss. She sat down on a bank, and 
 looked up at the branches laden with 
 fruit which hung over her. Opposite was an elm entwined 
 with a vine loaded with swelling grapes. She praised the tree 
 and its associated vine, equally. ** But," said she, *' if the tree 
 stood alone, and had no vine clinging to it, it would have noth- 
 ing to attract or offer us but its useless leaves. And equally the 
 vine, if it were not twined round the elm, would lie prostrate on 
 the ground. Why will you not take a lesson from the tree and 
 
 Pomona (Naples Museum). 
 
 the vine, ai 
 you would. 
 Penelope, 1 
 them, they 
 that frequei 
 to make a i 
 —who love 
 the rest ar 
 know him i 
 deity, but 1 
 of the love 
 he loves yo 
 some, and 1 
 make hims€ 
 the same th 
 your apple: 
 fruits, nor 
 pity on hin: 
 member th 
 hard hearty 
 prove this, 
 prus to be i 
 more merci 
 
 **Iphis \ 
 loved Anax 
 struggled 1( 
 subdue it, 
 his passion 
 child to fa\ 
 to his side, 
 lets, and of 
 with his te 
 tered his o 
 than the si 
 steel from 
 native clif 
 words to 
 gleam of h 
 
 ** Iphis 
 
VEBTUMNUS AND POMONA. 
 
 97 
 
 the vine, and consent to unite yourself with some one ? I wish 
 you would. Helen herself had not more numerous suitors, nor 
 Penelope, the wife of shrewd Ulysses. Even while you spurn 
 them, they court you, — rural deities and others of every kind 
 that frequent these mountains. But if you are prudent and want 
 to make a good alliance, and will let an old woman advise you, 
 — who loves you better than you have any idea of, — dismiss all 
 the rest and accept Vertumnus, on my recommendation. I 
 know him as well as he knows himself. He is not a wandering 
 deity, but belongs to these mountains. 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 this, he is young and hand- 
 some, and has the art of assuming any shape he pleases, and can 
 make himself just what you command him. Moreover he loves 
 the same things that you do, delights in gardening, and handles 
 your apples with admiration. But now he cares nothing for 
 fruits, nor flowers, nor anything else, but only yourself. Take 
 pity on him, and fancy him speaking now with my mouth. Re- 
 member that the gods punish cruelty, and that Venus hates a 
 hard heart, and will visit such offences sooner or later. To 
 prove this, let me tell you a story, which is well known in Cy- 
 prus to be a fact, and I hope it will have the effect to make you 
 more merciful. 
 
 " Iphis was a young man of humble parentage, who saw and 
 loved Anaxarete, a noble lady of the ancient family of Teucer. He 
 struggled long with his passion, but when he found he could not 
 subdue it, he came a suppliant to her mansion. First he told 
 his passion to her nurse, and begged her as she loved her foster- 
 child to favor his suit. And then he tried to win her domestics 
 to his side. Sometimes he committed his vows to written tab- 
 lets, and often hung at her door garlands which he had moistened ' 
 with his tears. He stretched himself on her threshold, and ut- 
 tered his complaints to the cruel bolts and bars. She was deafer 
 than the surges which rise in the November gale ; harder than 
 steel from the German forges, or a rock that still clings to its 
 native cliff. She mocked and laughed at him, adding cruel 
 words to her ungentle treatment, and gave not the slightest 
 gleam of hope. 
 
 ** Iphis could not any longer endure the torments of hopeless 
 
 ^'M^^ 
 
 li'r ^-^ 
 
 mti.. 
 
 
 
 ^^:M 
 
 
 ■' '^i5a»!i 
 
 
pH 
 
 STOttms OP GODS AND BEROES. 
 
 love, and, standing before her doors, he spake these last words : 
 * Anaxarete, you have conquered, and shall no longer have to 
 bear my importunities. Enjoy your triumph ! Sing songs of 
 joy, and bind your forehead with laurel — you have conquered ! 
 I die ; stony heart, rejoice ! This at least I can do to gratify 
 you, and force you to praise me ; and thus shall I prove that the 
 love of you left me but with life. Nor will I leave it to Vumoi 
 to tell you of my death. I will come myself, and you shall sec 
 me die, and feast your eyes on the spectacle. Yet, O, ye gods, 
 who look down on mortal woes, observe my fate I I ask but 
 this ; let me be remembered in coming ages, and add those yearg 
 to my fame which you have reft from my life.* Thus he said, 
 and, turning his pale face and weeping eyes towards her mansion, 
 he fastened a rope to the gate-post, on which he had often hung 
 garlands, and putting his head into the noose, he murmured, 
 *This garland at least will please you, cruel girl I* and falling, 
 hung suspended with his neck broken. As he fell he struck 
 against the gate, and the sound was as the sound of a groan. 
 The servants opened the door and found him dead, and with ex- 
 clamations of pity raised him and carried him home to his 
 mother, for his father was not living. She received the dead 
 body of her son and folded the cold form to her bosom, while 
 she poured forth the sad words which bereaved mothers utter. 
 The mournful funeral passed through the town, and the pale 
 corpse was borne on a bier to the place of the funeral pile. By 
 chance the home of Anaxarete was on the street where the pro- 
 cession passed, and the lamentations of the mourners met the 
 ears of her whom the avenging deity had already marked for 
 punishment. 
 
 " * Let us see this sad procession,' said she, and mounted to a 
 turret, whence through an open window she looked upon the 
 funeral. Scarce had her eyes rested upon the form of Iphis 
 stretched on the bier when they began to stiffen, and the warm 
 blood in her body to become cold. Endeavoring to step back, 
 she found she could not move her feet ; trying to turn away her 
 face, she tried in vain ; and by degrees all her limbs became 
 stony, like her heart. That you may not doubt the fact, the 
 statue still remains, and stands in the temple of Venus at Salamis, 
 in the exact form of the lady. Now think of these things, c^y 
 
 dear, and 1 
 lover. So 
 nor furious 
 When V( 
 an old won 
 comely you 
 a cloud, 
 no need ; h 
 iiid the Ny 
 
VEBTUMM'S AND POMONA, 
 
 ^ 
 
 dear, and lay aside your scorn and your delays, and accept a 
 lover. So may neither the vernal frosts blight your young fruits, 
 nor furious winds scatter your blossoms T * 
 
 When Vertumnus had spoken thus he dropped the disguise of 
 an old woman and stood before her in his proper person, as a 
 comely youth. It appeared to her like the sun bursting through 
 a cloud. He would have renewed his entreaties, but there was 
 no need ; his arguments and the sight of his true form prevailed, 
 diid the Nymph no longer resisted, but owned a mutual flame. 
 
 • / 
 
 i'l 
 
 ■■i ■l!i 
 
 *tHi 
 
 *i#»'^ 
 
 «A, 
 
 w 
 
 •»._''• 
 
 * <^.- 
 
 .^*M 
 
 ,..^4?j^ 
 
lOO 
 
 STOEIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 * ', i- 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 Cu'pid and Psy'che. 
 
 A CERTAIN king and queen had three daughters. The cnarms 
 of the two elder were more than common, but the beauty or the 
 youngest was so wonderful that the poverty of language is un- 
 able to express its due praise. The fauie of her beauty was so 
 great that strangers from neighboring countries came in crowds 
 to enjoy the sight, and looked on her with amazement, paying her 
 that homage which is due only to Venus herself. In fact Venus 
 found her altars deserted, while men turned their devotion to 
 this young virgin. As she passed along the people sang her 
 praises, and strewed her way with chaplets and flowers. 
 
 This perversion of homage, due only to the immortal powers, 
 to the exaltation of a mortal, gave great offence to the real 
 Venus. Shaking her ambrosial locks with indignation, she ex- 
 claimed, ** Am I, then, to be eclipsed in my honors by a mortal 
 girl ? In vain, then, did that royal shepherd, whose judgment 
 was approved by Jove himself, give me the palm of beauty over 
 my illustrious rivals, Pallas and Juno. But she shall not so 
 quietly usurp my honors. I will give her cause to repent of so 
 unlawful a beauty. ' ' 
 
 Thereupon she calls her winged son Cu'pid, mischievous enough 
 in his own nature, and rouses and provokes him yet more by her 
 complaints. She points out Psy'che to him and says, "My 
 dear son, punish that contumacious beauty ; give thy mother a 
 revenge as sweet as her injuries are great ; infuse into the bosom 
 of that haughty girl a passion for some low, mean, unworthy 
 being, so that she may reap a mortification as great as her i)res- 
 ent exultation and triumiih." 
 
 Cupid prepa'"ed to obey the commands of his mother. There 
 are two fountains in Venus' s garden, one of sweet waters, the 
 other of bitter. Ctipid filled two amber vases, one from each 
 fountain, and, suspending them from the top of his quiver, has- 
 
 tened to 
 shed a fei 
 the sight 
 side with 
 opened e] 
 him that 
 confusion 
 wounded 
 self with 
 arrow. K 
 of his woi 
 whole 1 
 now was 
 pair the r 
 he had do 
 he pour( 
 balmy di 
 joy over 
 silken rin 
 
 Psyche^ 
 forth 
 upon by 
 derived n 
 fit from 
 charms, 
 all eyes w 
 eagerly 
 her, anc 
 mouth sp 
 praises j 
 thcr kin^ 
 youth n 
 beian pr 
 elder sist 
 two roy 
 plored h( 
 libundan 
 
 Her 
 Anger of 
 
 f 
 
 1 
 
CUPID AND PSYCHE. 
 
 lOI 
 
 tened to the chamber of Psyche, whom he found asleep. He 
 shed a few drops from the bitter fountain over her lips, though 
 the sight of her almost tiioved him to pity, then touched her 
 side with the point of his arrow. At the touch she awoke anJ 
 opened eyes upon Cupid (himself invisible), which so startled 
 him that in his 
 confusion he 
 wounded him- 
 self with his own 
 arrow. Heedless 
 ofhis wound, his 
 whole thought 
 now was to re- 
 pair the mischief 
 he had done, and 
 he poured the 
 balmy drops of 
 joy over all her 
 silken ringlets. 
 
 Psyche, hence- 
 forth frowned 
 upon by Venus, 
 derived no bene- 
 fit from all her 
 charms. True, 
 all eyes were cast 
 eagerly upon 
 her, and every 
 mouth spoke her 
 praises ; but nei- 
 ther king, royal 
 youth nor ple- 
 beian presented himself to demand her in marriage. Hti* two 
 elder sisters of moderate charms had now long been married to 
 two royal princes; but Psyche, in her lonely apartment, de 
 plored her solitude, sick of that beauty which, while it procured 
 abundance of flittery, had failed to awaken love. 
 
 Her parents, afraid that they had unwittingly incurred the 
 anger of the gods, consulted the oracle of Apollo, and received 
 
 Cupid, or Eros (Capitol, Rome). 
 
 ^11 
 
 fm t\ 
 
 ' n 
 
 ■ *• Afiii 
 
 4 
 I 
 
 
 .(V*^ 
 
102 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 m 
 
 I'll! 
 
 |ll I 
 
 if ^lii 
 
 i.; .<■ 
 
 this answer : " The virgin is destined for the bride of no mortal 
 lover. Her future husband awaits her on the top of the moun. 
 tain. He is a monster whom neither gods nor men can resist." 
 
 This dreadful decree of the oracle filled all the people with 
 dismay, and her parents abandoned themselves to grief. But 
 Psyche said, "Why, my dear parents, do you now lament me? 
 You should rather have grieved when the people showered upon 
 me undeserved honors, and with one voice called me a Venus 
 I now perceive that I am a victim to that name. I submit, 
 Lead me to that rock to which my unhappy fate has destined 
 me.'* Accordingly, all things being i)repared, the royal maid 
 took her place in the procession, which more resembled a fu- 
 neral than a nuptial pom[), and with her parents, amid the lamen- 
 tations of the people, ascended the mOiUitain, on the summit of 
 which they left her alone, and with sorrowful hearts returned 
 home. 
 
 While Psyche stood on the ridge of the mountain, panting 
 with fear and with eyes full of tears, the gentle Zephyr raised 
 her from the earth and bore her with an easy motion into a 
 flowery d:.le. liy degrees her mind became composed, and she 
 laid herself down on the grassy bank to sleep. When she awoke, 
 refreshed with sleep, she looked round and beheld near by a 
 pleasant grove of tall and stately trees. She entered it, and in 
 the midst discovered a fountain, sending forth clear and crystal 
 waters, and, fast by, a magnificent palace whose august front im- 
 pressed the spectator that it was not the work of mortal hands, 
 but the happy retreat of some god. Drawn by admiration and 
 wonder, she ai)proached the building and ventured to enter. 
 Every object she met filled her with pleasure and amazement. 
 Golden pillars supi)orted the vaulted roof, and the walls were 
 enriched with carvings and i)aintings representing beasts of the 
 chase and rural scenes, adapted to delight the eye of the be- 
 holder. Proceeding onward, she perceived that besides the 
 apartments of state there were others filled with all manner of 
 treasures, and beautiful and precious productions of nature and 
 art. 
 
 While her eys were thus occui)ied, a voice addressed her, 
 ♦hough she saw no one, uttering these words : " Sovereign lady, 
 all that you see is yours. We whose voices you hear are your 
 
 gervants, ai 
 care and dil 
 pose on yoi 
 bath. Supi 
 you to take 
 
 Psyche g; 
 and, after r 
 of the bath 
 cove, when 
 sented itsel 
 from waitei 
 with the g 
 and the mc 
 ears, too, w 
 invisible p 
 sang, anoth 
 all closed 
 of a full ch 
 
 She had 
 husband, 
 of darkness 
 of morning 
 of love, ani 
 her. She 
 and let hei 
 not consei 
 charged ht 
 see him, f< 
 the best of 
 " Why she 
 me?'* hes; 
 of my love 
 gratified ? 
 idore me, 
 you would 
 
CUPID AND PSYCHE. 
 
 103 
 
 eervants, and shall obey all your commands with our utmost 
 care and diligence. Retire, therefore, to your chamber and re- 
 pose on your bed of down, and, when you see fit, repair to the 
 jjath. Supper awaits you in the adjoining alcove when it pleases 
 you to take 3'^our seat there. ' * 
 
 Psyche gave ear to the admonitions of her vocal attendants, 
 and, after repose and the refreshment 
 of the bath, seated herself in the al- 
 cove, where a table immediately pre- 
 sented itself, without any visible aid 
 from waiters or servants, and covered 
 with the greatest delicacies of food 
 and the most nectareous wines. Her 
 ears, too, were feasted with music from 
 invisible performers, of whom one 
 sang, another played on the lute, and 
 all closed in the wonderful harmony 
 of a full chorus. 
 
 She had not yet seen her destined 
 husband. He came only in the hours 
 of darkness and fled before the dawn 
 of morning, but his accents were full 
 of love, and inspired a like passion in 
 her. She otten begged him to stay 
 and let her behold him, but he would 
 not consent. On the contrary, he 
 charged her to make no attempt to 
 see him, for it was his pleasure, for 
 the bes^t of reasons, to keep concealed. 
 '*Why should you wish to behold 
 
 ^'^ 
 
 me?'* he said ; ** have you any doubt 
 
 Cupid and Psyche (Capitol, 
 Rome). 
 
 of my love? have you any wish un- 
 gratified? Ifyousavvine, perhaps you would fear me, perhaps 
 idore me, but all I risk of you is to love me. I would rathei 
 you would love me as an ecpial than adore me as a god." 
 
 •** I am with thee only while I keep 
 
 My visage hidden ; and if thou once shouldst see 
 My face, I must forsake thee : tlic high gods 
 Link Love with Fallh, and ho withchaws himself 
 From the full ga/e of Knowledge.' " — Lewis Morris. 
 
 W .'in 
 
 tl"' 
 
 
 
 .'■■ •' 'A hJf4 
 
 k •'■'ili' ■ ■^■*«l 
 
104 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ■»f , , , 
 
 .%■■ 'A 
 
 This reasoning somewhat quieted Psyche for a time, and while 
 the novelty lasted she felt quite happy. But at length the thought 
 of her parents, left in ignorance of her fate, and of her sisters, 
 precluded from sharing with her the delights of her situation, 
 preyed on her mind and made her begin to feel her palace as 
 but a splendid prison. When her husband came one night, she 
 told him her distress, and at last drew from him an unwilling 
 consent that her sisters should be brought to see her. 
 
 So calling Zephyr, she acquainted him with her husband':-; 
 commands, and he, promptly obedient, soon brought them across 
 the mountain down to their sister's valley. They embraced her 
 and she returned their caresses. ** Come," said Psyche, "enter 
 with me my house and refresh yourselves with whatever your sister 
 has to offer." Then taking their hands she led them into her 
 golden palace, and committed them to the care of her numerous 
 train of attendant voices, to refresh them in her baths and at her 
 table, and to show them all her treasures. The view of these 
 celestial delights caused envy to enter their bosoms, at seeing 
 their young sister i)Ossessed of such state and splendor, so much 
 exceeding their own. 
 
 They asked her numberless ([uestions, among others what sort 
 of a person her husband was. Psyche replied that he was a 
 beautiful youth, who generally spent the daytime in hunting 
 upon the mountains. The sisters, not satisfied with this reply, 
 soon made her confess that she had never seen him. Then they 
 proceeded to fill her bosom with dark suspicions. 
 
 "Tlicy told h(M' tlial lie to whose vows she had listened 
 'I'iirough iii;^lu's iloelliij^ hours was a spirit unblest ; 
 Unholy the eyes that beside her had glistened, 
 And evil the lips she in darkness had pressed. 
 
 When next in thy chamber the bridegroom reclineth, 
 llring near him thy hunp when in slumber he lies, 
 
 And then as the light o'er his dark features s^'Mieth, 
 
 Thou' 11 see what a demon has won all thy sighs." — MooRK. 
 
 that he may 
 yourself with 
 that your huj 
 asleep, slip o 
 self whether 
 to cut oft' the 
 Psyche res 
 
 ** Call to mind," they said, ** the Pythian oracle that declared 
 you destined to marry a direfiil and tremendous monster. 1'he 
 inhabitants of tliis vnllcy say that your husband is a terrible and 
 monstrous serpent, who notirishes you for a while with dainties 
 
 I 
 
 did not fail t 
 ters were go 
 strong for he 
 knife, and hi 
 
CUPID AND PSYCHE. 
 
 105 
 
 that he may by and by devour you. Take our advice. Provide 
 yourself with a lai ip and a sharp knife ; put them in concealment 
 that your husband may not discover them, and when he is sound 
 asleep, slip out of bed, bring forth your lamp, and see for your- 
 self whether what they say is true or not. If it is, hesitate not 
 to cut off the monster's head, and thereby recover your liberty." 
 Psyche resisted these persuasions as well as she could, but they 
 
 Psyche at the couch of Cupid (F. Thumann). 
 
 did not fail to have their effect on her mind, and when her sis- 
 ters were gone, their words and her own curiosity were too 
 strong for her to resist. So she i)rei)ared her lamp and a sharp 
 knife, and hid them out of sight of her husband. When he had 
 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 fallen into his first sleep she silently rose, and uncovering her 
 lamp beheld not a hideous monster, but the most beautiful and 
 charming of the gods, with his golden ringlets wandering over 
 his snowy neck and crimson cheek, with two dewy wings on his 
 shoulders, whiter than snow, and with shining feathers like the 
 tender blossoms of spring. As she leaned the lamp over to have 
 a nearer view of his face a drop of burning oil fell on the shoulder 
 of the god, startled with which he opened his eyes and fixed 
 them full upon her ; then, without saying one word, he spread !iis 
 white wings and flew out of the window. "Psyche, in vain en- 
 deavoring to follow him, fell from the window co the ground. 
 Cupid, beholding her as she lay in the dust, stopped his flight 
 for an instant and said, ** O foolish Psyche, is it thus you repay 
 my love ? After having disobeyed my mother's commands and 
 made you my wife, will you think, me a monster and cut off" my 
 head ? But go ; return to your sisters, whose advice you seem 
 to think preferable to mine. I inflict no other punishment on 
 you than to leave you forever. Love cannot dwell with suspi- 
 
 cion. 
 
 >> 
 
 "Farewell — what a dream thy suspicion hath broken. 
 Thus ever Affection's fond vision is crest ; 
 Dissolved are her spells when a doubt is but spoken, 
 And love once disturbed for ever is lost." — Moore. 
 
 So saying he fled away, leaving poor Psyche prostrate on the 
 ground, filling the [)lace with mournful lamentations. 
 
 When she had recovered some degree of composure she looked 
 around her, but the palace and gardens had vanished, and she 
 found herself in the open field not far from the city where her 
 sisters dwelt. She repaired thither and told them the whole 
 story of her misfortunes, at which, pretending to grieve, those 
 spiteful creatures inwardly rejoiced ; ** for now," said they, "ho 
 will perhaps choose one of us." With this idea, without saying 
 a word of her intentions, each of them rose early the next morn- 
 ing and ascended the mountain, and having reached the to|), 
 called ui'on Zephyr to receive her and bear her to his I'^rd ; then 
 leaping up, and not being sustained by Zephyr, fell down the 
 precipice and was dashed to pieces. 
 
 Psyche meanwhile wandered day and night, without food or 
 repose, in search of her husband. Casting her eyes on a lofty 
 
 mountain hs 
 and said to 1 
 and directed 
 
 She had i 
 in loose ears 
 Scattered ab 
 harvest, witl 
 reapers' han 
 
 This unse( 
 separating ai 
 believing th 
 deavor by h( 
 Ceres, whos< 
 thus spoke t( 
 I cannot shi 
 you how bes 
 surrender yo 
 and submiss 
 will restore ] 
 
 Psyche ol 
 the temple c 
 minating or 
 angry godde 
 fatal. 
 
 Venus rec 
 and faithless 
 that you rea 
 see your sick 
 his loving w 
 the only waj 
 try and dili 
 Then she on 
 pie, where m 
 vetches, beai 
 said, **Take 
 same kind i 
 done before 
 her task. 
 
 But Psych 
 
CUPID AND PSYCHE. 
 
 107 
 
 mountain having on its brow a magnificent temple, she sighed 
 and said to herself, " Perhaps my love, my lord, inhabits there," 
 and directed her steps thither. 
 
 She had no sooner entered than she saw heaps of corn, some 
 in loose ears and some in sheaves, with mingled ears of barley. 
 Scattered about lay sickles and rakes, and all the instruments of 
 harvest, without order, as if thrown carelessly out of the weary 
 reapers' hands in the sultry hours of the day. 
 
 This unseemly confusion the pious Psyche put an end to by 
 separating and sorting every thing to its proper place and kind, 
 believing that she ought to neglect none of the gods, but en- 
 deavor by her piety to engage them all in her behalf. The holy 
 Ceres, whose temple it was, finding her so religiously employed, 
 thus spoke to her : " O Psyche, truly worthy of our pity, though 
 I cannot shield you from the frowns of Venus, yet I can teach 
 you how best to allay her displeasure. Go then and voluntarily 
 surrender yourself to your lady and sovereign, and try by modesty 
 and submission to win her forgiveness, and perhaps her favor 
 will restore you the husband you have lost." 
 
 Psyche obeyed the commands of Ceres and took her way to 
 the temple of Venus, endeavoring to fortify her mind and ru- 
 minating on what she should say and how best propitiate the 
 angry goddess, feeling that the issue was doubtful and perhaps 
 fatal. 
 
 Venus received her with angry countenance. * * Most undutiful 
 and faithless of servants," said she, "do you at last remember 
 that you really have a mistress? Or have you rather come to 
 see your sick husband, yet laid up of the wound given him by 
 his loving wife ? You are so ill-favored and disagreeable that 
 the only way you can merit your lover must be by dint of indus- 
 try and diligence. J will make trial of your housewifery."- 
 'i'hen she ordered Psyche to be led to the storehouse of her tem- 
 j)le, where was laid up a great quantity of wheat, barley, millet, 
 vetches, beans and lentils prepared for food for her pigeons, and 
 said, ''Take and separate all these grains, putting all of the 
 same kind in a parcel by themselves, and see that you get it 
 done before evening." Then Venus departed and left her to 
 her task. • 
 
 But Psyche, in a perfect consternation at the enormous work, 
 
 
 •is.-:., loij 
 
 
 
 i,r. 
 
 
 
io8 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 sat stupid and silent, without moving a finger to the inextricable 
 heap. 
 
 While she sat despairing Cupid stirred up the little ant, a na- 
 tive of the fields, to take compassion on her. I'he leader of 
 the ant-hill, followed by whole hosts of his six-legged subjects, 
 approached the heap, and with the utmost diligence, taking grain 
 
 by grain, they separated 
 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 approach 
 of twilight, returned from 
 the banquet of the gods, 
 breathing odors and 
 crowned with roses. See- 
 ing the task done she ex- 
 claimed, ** This is no work 
 of yours, wicked one, but 
 his, whom to your own and 
 his misfortune you have en- 
 ticed." So saying, she 
 threw her a piece of black 
 bread for her supper and 
 went away. 
 
 Next morning Venus or- 
 dered Psyche to be called, 
 and said to her, ** Behold 
 yonder grove which strelc h- 
 es along the margin of the 
 water. There you will fnid 
 sheep feeding without a shepherd, with golden-shining fleeces 
 on their backs. Clo, fetch me a sample of that precious wool 
 gathered from every one of their fleeces." 
 
 Psyche ol)ediently went to the river side, prepared to do her 
 best to execute the command. But the river god inspired the 
 reeds with harmonious nuirmurs, which seemed to say, ''(), 
 maiden, severely tried, tcm[)t not the dangerous flood, nor ven- 
 ture among the formidable rams on the other side, for as long ii» 
 
 Psyche with the Urn (R. Beyschlag). 
 
 they are und 
 cruel rage t 
 teeth. But 
 shade, and t 
 you may the 
 sticking to t 
 
 Thus the 
 how to acco 
 soon returne 
 but she rece 
 who said, ** 
 that you hav 
 that you haA 
 another task 
 the infernal 
 * My mistres 
 beauty, for i 
 Be not too 1 
 to appear at 
 
 Psyche w; 
 ing obliged 
 Wherefore, 
 goes to the 
 thus to des 
 voice from 1 
 thou design 
 And what c 
 hast been sc 
 the voice tc 
 realms of PI 
 to pass by 
 Charon, the 
 bring her bj 
 has given y( 
 is chiefly to 
 look into th 
 ure of the b 
 
 Psyche ei 
 hking heed 
 
CUPID AND PSYCHE. 
 
 109 
 
 they are under the influence of the rising sun they burn with a 
 cruel rage to destroy mortals with their sharp horns or rude 
 teeth. But when the noontide sun has driven the cattle to the 
 shade, and the serene spirit of the flood has lulled them to rest, 
 you may then <:ross in safety, and you will find the woolly gold 
 sticking to the bushes and the trunks of the trees." 
 
 Thus the compassionate river god gave Psyche instructions 
 how to accomplish her task, and by observing his directions she 
 soon returned to Venus with her arms full of the golden fleece ; 
 but she received not the approbation of her implacable mistress, 
 who said, "I know very well it is by none of your own doings 
 that you have succeeded in this task, and I am not satisfied yet 
 tiiat you have any capacity to make yourself useful. But I have 
 another task for you. Here, take this box, and go your way to 
 the infernal shades, and give this box to Proserpine and say, 
 * My mistress Venus desires you to send her a little of your 
 beauty, for in tending her sick son she has lost some of her own,* 
 Be not too long on your errand, for I must paint myself with it 
 to appear at the circle of the gods and goddesses this evening." 
 
 Psyche was now satisfied that her destruction was at hand, be- 
 ing obliged to go with her own feet directly down to Erebus. 
 Wherefore, to make no delay of what was not to be avoided, she 
 goes to the top of a high tower to precipitate herself headlong, 
 thus to descend the shortest way to the shades below. But a 
 voice from the tower said to her, "Why, poor, unlucky girl, dost 
 thou design to put an end to thy days in so dreadful a manner? 
 And what cowardice makes thee sink under this last danger who 
 hast been so miraculously supported in all thy former?" Then 
 the voice told her how by a certain cave she might reach the 
 realms of Pluto, and how to avoid all the dangers of the road, 
 to pass by Cerberus, the three-headed dog, and prevail on 
 Charon, the ferryman, to take her across the black river and 
 briug her back again. But the voice added, '* When Proserpine 
 has given you the box, filled with her beauty, of all things this 
 is chiefly to be observed by you, that you never once open or 
 look into the box, nor allow your curiosity to pry into the treas- 
 ure of the beauty of the goddesses. ' ' 
 
 Psyche encouraged by this advice obeyed it in all things, and 
 hiking heed to her ways travelled safely to the kingdom of Pluto. 
 
 u,nm 
 
 Mm 
 
 i" '{hf 
 
 1 ' mm\ 
 
 f 
 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 She was admitted to the palace of Proserpine, and without ac^ 
 cepting the delicate seat or delicious banquet that was offered 
 her, but contented with coarse bread for her food, she delivered 
 her message from Venus. Presently the box was returned to her 
 shut and filled with the precious commodity. Then she returned 
 
 Cupid and Psyche on Mt. Olympus (Paul Thumann). 
 
 the way she came, and glad was she to come out once more into 
 the light of day. 
 
 But having got so far successfully through her dangerous task 
 a longing desire seized her to examine the contents of the box. 
 "What," said she, "shall I, the carrier of this divine beauty, 
 not take the least bit to put on my cheeks to appear to more ad- 
 
 vantage in 
 opened the 
 hut an infei 
 from its pri 
 midst of th( 
 
 But Cup 
 able to beai 
 through the 
 happened t( 
 and gatheri 
 box,. and w; 
 "Again," i 
 osity. But 
 my mother, 
 
 Then Ci 
 heaven, pre 
 Jupiter lent 
 so earnestly 
 sent Mercu; 
 when she 
 "Drink th 
 break away 
 shall be pe 
 
 Thus Ps) 
 they had a 
 
 In works 
 •wings of a 
 ,tions descri 
 
 Milton a 
 elusion of 1 
 
CVPW AND PSYCHE. 
 
 Ill 
 
 vantage in the eyes o( my beloved husband !" So she carefully 
 ojjened the box and found nothing there of any beauty at all, 
 but an infernal and truly Stygian sleep, which, being thus set free 
 from its prison, took possession of her, and she fell down in the 
 midst of the road, a sleepy corpse without sense or motion. 
 
 ** But what was there she saw not, for her head 
 Fell back, and nothing she remembered < 
 
 Of all her life." — ^William Morris. 
 
 But Cupid, being now recovered from his wound, and not 
 able to bear longer the absence of his beloved Psyche, slipping 
 through the smallest crack of the window of his chamber which 
 happened to be left opened, flew to the spot where Psyche lay, 
 and gathering up the sleep from her body closed it again in the 
 box, and waked Psyche with a light touch of one of his arrows. 
 " Again," said he, " hast thou almost perished by the same curi- 
 osity. But now perform exactly the task imposed on you by 
 my mother, and I will care for the rest." 
 
 Then Cupid, swift as lightning penetrating the heights of 
 heaven, presented himself before Jupiter with his supplication. 
 Jupiter lent a favoring ear, and pleaded the cause of the lovers 
 so earnestly with Venus that he won her consent. On this he 
 sent Mercury to bring Psyche up to the heavenly assembly, and 
 when she arrived, handing her a cup of ambrosia, he said, 
 " Drink this. Psyche, and be immortal ; nor shall Cupid ever 
 break away from the knot in which he is tied, but these nuptials 
 shall be perpetual." 
 
 Thus Psyche became at last united to Cupid, and in due time 
 they had a daughter born to them whose name was Pleasure. 
 
 In works of art Psyche is represented as a maiden with the 
 wings of a butterfly, along with Cupid, in the difierent situa- 
 tions described in the allegory. 
 
 Milton alludes to the story of Cupid and Psyche in the con- 
 clusion of his " Comus " : — 
 
 '* Celestial Cupid, her famed son, advanced, 
 Holds his dear Psyche sweet entranced, 
 After her wandering labors long, 
 Till free consent the gods among 
 Make her his eternal bride ; 
 
 
 
m 
 
 ST0ttl£3 OF OODS AND HEUOEA. 
 
 And from her fair unspotted side , 
 
 Two blissful twins are to be bom. 
 
 Youth and Joy ; so Jove hath sworn . " — M i lt on. 
 
 '* But never more they met ! since doubts and fears» 
 
 Those phantom-shapes that haunt and blight the earth 
 Had come 'twixther, a child of sin and tears, 
 And that bright spirit of immortal birth : 
 • Until her pining soul and weeping eyes 
 Had learned to seek him only in the skies ; 
 Till wings unto the weary heart were given, 
 And she became Love's angel bride in heaven !" 
 
 — Harvey. 
 
 The story of Cupid and Psyche first. appears in the works ot 
 Apuleius, a writer of the second century of our era. It is there- 
 fore of much more recent date than most of the legends of the 
 " Age of Fable."* It is this that Keats alludes to in his *' Odfl 
 to Psyche" :— 
 
 *'0 latest-bom and loveliest vision far v , 
 
 Of all Olympus' faded hierarchy 1 
 Fairer than Phoebe's sapphire-regioned star 
 
 Or Vesper, amorous glow-worm of the sky ; 
 Fairer than these, though temple thou hast none, 
 
 Nor altar heaped with flowers ; 
 Nor viigin-choir to make delicious moan 
 
 Upon the midnight hours ; 
 No voice, no lute, no pipe, no incense sweet. 
 
 From chain-swung censer teeming; 
 No shrine, no grove, no oracle, no heat 
 
 Of pale-mouthed prophet dreaming." 
 • Pschye is (he Greek name for soul; it also signifies "butterfly/* tlie 
 ancient emblem of the soul. There is no more suggestive illustration of the 
 soul's immortality than the butterfly bursting on brilliant wings from the tomb 
 where it has lain, to flutter in the blaze of day and feed on the most fragranl 
 and delicate productions of the spring. Psyche then is the human soul, whici: 
 b purifled by sufferings and misfortunes, and is thus prepared for the enjoy 
 ■nent of true and pure happiness. 
 
 ** The butterfly the ancient Grecians made .V 
 
 The soul's fair emblem." — Coleridge. 
 
\ 
 
 
 "^' m 
 
 ^V^l^ - 
 
 Iac1 ^- ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 \.„.J \ 
 
 
 ;-</* 
 ^ 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 ■ • 
 
 ZEUS OF OTRICOLl, 
 
 rVaticnn, Koine.) 
 
 ^ 
 
 JUPITERj 
 
 ropa, the c 
 manded hi 
 to return v 
 for his 8ist< 
 imsuccessfi 
 try he shoi 
 find a cov 
 might vvani 
 call it The 
 which the 
 walking b 
 same time 
 passed the 
 plain of V' 
 forehead ^c 
 thanks^ an 
 his eyes, g 
 » sacrifice 
 
Fridayi Venus (Raphael). 
 
 , ' «■ ►■ . . . 
 
 Z" ' CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Cad'mus — The Myr'mi-dons. 
 
 Jupiter, under the disguise of a bull, bad carried away Eu« 
 ropa, the di.aghter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia. Agenor com- 
 manded his son Cad'mus to go in search of his sister, and not 
 to return without her. Cadmus went and sought long and far 
 for his sister, but could not find her, and not daring to return 
 unsuccessful, consulted the oracle of Apollo to know what coun- 
 try he should settle in. The oracle informed him that he should 
 find a cow in the field, and should follow her wherevei she 
 might wander, and where she stopped should build a city and 
 call it Thebes. Cadmus had hardly left the Castalian cave, from 
 which the oracle was delivered, when he saw a young cow slowly 
 walking before him. He followed her close, offering at the 
 same time his prayers to Phoebus. The cow went on til* sH^ 
 passed the shallow channel of Cephisus and came out into the 
 plain of Panope. There she stood still, and raising her broad 
 forehead ♦o the sky, filled the air with her lowings. Cadmus gave 
 thanks, and stooping down kissed the foreign soil, then lifting 
 his eyes, greeted the surrounding mountains. Wishing to offei 
 » sacrifice to Jupiter, he sent his servants to seek pure water foi 
 
 ( "3 ) 
 
 i-^*" 
 
 .: •;• 
 
 il 
 
 ¥ f 1 
 
114 
 
 STOBIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 I'! ^'li 
 
 
 a libation. Near by there stood an ancient grove which had 
 never been profaned by the axe, in the midst of which was a 
 cave, thick covered with the growth of bushes, its roof forming a 
 low arch, from beneath which burst forth a fountain of purest 
 water. In the cave lurked a horrid serpent, with a crested 
 head and scales glittering like gold. His eyes shone like fire 
 his body was swollen with venom, he vibrated a triple tongue, 
 and showed a triple row of teeth. No sooner had the Tyriaiu 
 dipped their pitchers in the fountain, and the ingushing waters 
 made a sound, than the glittering serpent raised his head out of 
 the cave and uttered a fearful hiss. The vessels fell from their 
 hands, the blood left their cheeks, they trembled in every limb. 
 The serpent, v ' iing his scaly body in a huge coil, raised his 
 head so as to overtop the tallest trees, and while the Tyrians 
 from terror could neither fight nor fly, slew some with his fangs, 
 others in his folds, and others with his poisonous breath. \ 
 
 Cadmus having waited for the return of his men till midday, 
 went in search of them. His covering was a lion's hide^ and 
 besides his javelin he carried in his hand a lance, and in his 
 breast a bold heart, a surer reliance than either. "When he en- 
 tered the wood and saw the lifeless bodies of his men, and the 
 monster with his bloody jaws, he exclaimed, ** O faithful friends, 
 I will avenge you or share your death." So saying, he lifted a 
 huge stone and threw it with all his force at the serpent. Such 
 a block would have shaken the wall of a fortress, but it made no 
 impression on the monster. Cadmus next threw his javelin, 
 which met with better success, for it penetrated the serpent's 
 scales, and pierced through to his entrails. Fierce with pain 
 the monster turned back his head to view the wound, and at- 
 tempted to draw out the weapon with his mouth, but broke it 
 off, leaving the iron point rankling in his flej^h. His neck 
 swelled with rage, bloody foam covered his jaws, and the breath 
 of his nostrils poisoned the air. Now he twisted himself into a 
 circle, then stretched himself out on the ground like the trunk 
 of a fallen tree. As he moved onward, Cadmus retreated before 
 him, holding his spear opposite to the monster's opened jaws. 
 The serpent snapped at the weapon and attempted to bite its 
 iron point. At last Cadmus, watching his chance, thrust the spear 
 at a moment when the animal's head, thrown back, came 
 
 against the 
 its side. I 
 of death. 
 
 While C 
 its vast siz 
 he heard 
 teeth and 
 furrow in 
 duce a cro 
 gan to mo^ 
 face. Ne: 
 next the si 
 and in tim 
 pared to ei 
 " Meddle 
 spoken sm 
 he himself 
 fell victim 
 with each 
 survivors. 
 ** Brothers 
 mus in bi 
 Thebes. 
 
 Cadmus 
 Venus. 7 
 presence, i 
 passing bri 
 the family 
 sacred to 
 and Penth 
 Cadmus a 
 them, and 
 ceived ihe 
 misfortune 
 and one d£ 
 the gods, 
 utterei th< 
 beheld it a 
 became sei 
 
CADMUS. 
 
 "5 
 
 came 
 
 against the trunk of a tree, and so succeeded in pinning him to 
 its side. His weight bent the tree as he struggled in the agonies 
 of death. * 
 
 While Cadmus stood over his conquered foe, contemplating 
 its vast size, a voice was heard (from whence he knew not, but 
 he heard it distinctly) commanding him to take the dragon's 
 teeth and sow them in the earth. He obeyed. He made a 
 furrow in the ground, and planted the teeth, destined to pro- 
 duce a crop of men. Scarce had he done so when the clods be- 
 gan to move, and the points of spears to appear above the sur- 
 face. Next helmets with their nodding plumes came up, and 
 next the shoulders and breasts and limbs of men with weapons, 
 and in time a harvest of armed warriors. Cadmus, alarmed, pre- 
 pared to encounter a new enemy, but one of them said to him, 
 "Meddle not with our civil war." With that, he who had 
 spoken smote one of his earth-born brothers with a sword, and 
 he himself fell pierced with an arrow from another. The latter 
 fell victim to a fourth, and in like manner the whole crowd dealt 
 with each other till all fell slain with mutual wounds except five 
 survivors. One of these cast away his weapons and said, 
 ** Brothers, let us live in peace !" These five joined with Cad- 
 mus in building his city, to which they gave the name of 
 Thebes. 
 
 Cadmus obtained in marriage Harmonia, the daughter of 
 Venus. The gods left Olympus to honor the occasion with their 
 presence, and Vulcan presented the bride with a necklace of sur- 
 passing brilliancy, his own workmanship. But a fatality h'mg over 
 the family of Cadmus, in consequence of his killing the serpent 
 sacred to Mars. Semele and Ino, his daughters, and Actaeon 
 and Pentheus, his grandchildren, all perished unhappily, and 
 Cadmus and Harmonia quitted Thebes, now grown odious to 
 them, and emigrated to the country of the Enchclians, who re- 
 ceived ihem with honor and made Cadmus their king. But the 
 misfortunes of their children still weighed upon their minds ; 
 and one day Cadmus exclaimed, ** If a serpent's life is so dear to 
 the gods, I would I were myself a serpent. ' ' No sooner had he 
 uttered the words than he began to change his form. Harmonia 
 beheld it and prayed to the gods to let her share his fate. Both 
 became serpents. They live in the woods, but mindful of their 
 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 1 
 
 ■ 
 
 origin, they neither avoid the presence of man nor do they ievei 
 injure any one. 
 
 There is a tradition that Cadmus introduced into Greece the 
 letters of the alphabet which were invented by the Phoenicians. 
 This is alluded to by Byron where, addressing the modern Greeks, 
 he says: — 
 
 " You have the letters Cadmus gave, 
 Think you he meant them for a slave ?" • 
 
 Milton, describing the serpent which tempted Eve, is reminded 
 of the serpents of the classical stories, and says : — 
 
 « . 
 
 — pleasing was his shape, 
 And lovely : never since of serpent kind 
 Lovelier j not those that in Illyria changed 
 Hermione and Cadmus, nor the god 
 In Epidaurus." ^ 
 
 For an explanation of the last allusion see Epidaurus. 
 
 The Myr'mi-dons. 
 
 The Myr'mi-dons were the soldiers of Achilles, in the Trojan 
 war. From them all zealous and unscrupulous followers of a 
 political chief are called by that name, down to this day. But 
 the origin of the Myrmidons would not give one the idea of a 
 fierce and bloody race, but rather of a laborious and peaceful 
 one. 
 
 Cephalus, king of Athens, arrived in the island of .^gina to 
 seek assistance of his old friend and ally .^2acus, th- king, in his 
 war with Minos, king of Crete. Cephalus was most kindly re- 
 ceived, and the desired assistance readily promised. **I ha\e 
 people enough," said ^acus, ** to protect myself and spare you 
 such a force as you need." ** I rejoice to see it," replied 
 Cephalus, "and my wonder has been raised, I confess, to find 
 such a host of youths as I see around me, all apparently of about 
 the same age. Yet there are many individuals whom I previ- 
 ously knew, that I look for now in vain. What has become of 
 them?" y^acus groaned, and replied with a voice of sadness, 
 ** I have been intending to tell you, and will now do so, with- 
 out more delay, that you may see how from the saddest begin- 
 ning a happy result sometimes flows. Those whom you form' 
 
 erly kne 
 Juno de\ 
 of one ol 
 peared t( 
 might, b 
 lence wa: 
 beginnin 
 thick clo 
 a deadly 
 and spri] 
 their poi: 
 spent on 
 luckless 
 of their 
 wool fell 
 The hors 
 but groai 
 boar fori 
 attacked 
 in the roj 
 them, 
 birds wc 
 spread t 
 people, i 
 was flush 
 grew rou 
 veins enl 
 heat of t 
 bare gro 
 contrary 
 physiciai 
 tact of t 
 were the 
 men lear 
 ease. 1 
 to ask A 
 restraint 
 and drar 
 not strcr 
 
THE MrBMIDONS. 
 
 117 
 
 erly knew are now dust and ashes ! A plague sent by angry 
 Juno devastated the land. She hated it because it bore the name 
 of one of her husband's female favorites. While the disease ap- 
 [jcared to spring from natural causes we resisted it as we best 
 might, by natural remedies ; but it soon appeared that the pesti- 
 lence was too powerful for our efforts, and we yielded. At the 
 beginning the sky seemed to settle down upon the earth, and 
 thick clouds shut in the heated air. For four months togethei 
 a deadly south wind prevailed. The disorder affected the wells 
 and springs ; thousands of snakes crept over the land and shed 
 their poison in the fountains. The force of the disease was first 
 spent on the lower animals, dogs, cattle, sheep, and birds. The 
 luckless ploughman wondered to see his oxen fall in the midst 
 of their work, and lie helpless in the unfinished furrow. The 
 wool fell from the bleating sheep, and their bodies pined away. 
 The horse once foremost in the race contested the palm no more, 
 but groaned in his stall and died an inglorious death. The wild 
 boar forgot his rage, the stag his swiftness, the bears no longer 
 attacked the herds. Everything languished ; dead bodies lay 
 in the roads, the. fields, and the woods; the air was poisoned by 
 them. I tell you what is hardly credible, but neither dogs nor 
 birds would touch them, nor starving wolves. Their decay 
 spread the infection. Next the disease attacked the country 
 people, and then the dwellers in the city. At first the cheek 
 was flushed, and the breath drawn with difficulty. The tongue 
 grew rough and swelled, and the dry mouth stood open, with its 
 veins enlarged, and gasped for the air. Men could not bear the 
 heat of their clothes or their beds, but preferred to lie on the 
 bare ground ; and the ground did not cool them, but, on the 
 contrary, they heated the spot where they lay. Nor could the 
 physicians help, for the disease attacked them also, and the con- 
 tact of the sick gave them infection, so that the most faithful 
 were the first victims. At last all nope of relief vanished, and 
 men learned to look upon death as the only deliverer from dis- 
 ease. Then they gave way to every inclination, and cared not 
 to ask what was expedient, for nothing was expedient. All 
 restraint laid aside, they crowded around the wells and fountains 
 and drank till they died, without quenching thirst. Many had 
 not strength to get away from the water, but died in the midst 
 
 11;'' 't W". ••'I"* 
 
 fcr / .••1 
 
II8 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 .:!*. '*: 
 
 of the stream, and others would drink of it notwithstanding. 
 Such was their weariness of their sick beds that some would 
 creep forth, and if not strong enough to stand, would die on the 
 ground. They seemed to hate their friends, and got away from 
 their homes, as if, not knowing the cause of their sickness, they 
 charged it on the place of their abode. Some were seen totter- 
 ing along the road, as long as they could stand, while others 
 sank on the earth and turned their dying eyes around to take a 
 last look, then closed them in death. 
 
 **%Vhat heart had I left me, during all this, or what ought I 
 to have had, except to hate life and wish to be with my dead 
 subjects? On all sides lay my people strewn like over-ripened 
 apples beneath the tree, or acorns under the storm-shaken oak. 
 You see yonder a temple on the height. It is sacred to Jupiter. 
 O, how many offered prayers there, husbands for wives, fathers for 
 sons, and died in the very act of supplication ! How often, while 
 the priest made ready for sacrifice, the victim fell, struck down 
 by disease without waiting for the blow ! At length all rever- 
 ence for sacred things was lost. Bodies were thrown out un- 
 buried, wood was wanting for funeral piles, men fought with one 
 another for the possession of them. Finally there was none left 
 to mourn ; sons and husbands, old men and youths, perished 
 alike unlamented. ' 
 
 ** Standing before the altar I raised my eyes to heaven. *0 
 Jupiter,' I said, * if thou art indeed my father, and art not 
 ashamed of thy offspring, give me back my people, or take me 
 also away !* At these words a clap of thunder was heard. * I 
 accept the omen,' I cried ; * O, may it be a sign of a favorable 
 disposition towards me!' By chance there grew by the place 
 where I stood an oak with wide-spreading branches, sacred to 
 Jupiter. I observed a troop of ants busy with their labor, carry- 
 ing minute grains in their mouths and following one another in 
 a line up the trunk of the tree. 01)serving their numbers with 
 admiration I said, *(iive me, () father, citizens as numerous as 
 these, and replenish my empty city.' The tree shook and gave 
 a rustling sound with its l)ran(hes though no wind agitated them. 
 I trembled in every liml), yet 1 kissed the earth and the tree. I 
 would not confess to myself that I hoped, yet I did hope. Night 
 came on and sleep took possession of my frame, oppressed with 
 
 cares. 1 
 ous bran 
 seemed t( 
 multitude 
 appeared 
 by to stai 
 color, an( 
 and my f 
 of a swee 
 still in th 
 voices wi 
 began to 
 open the 
 things su] 
 titude of 
 passing ii 
 wonder a 
 their kin^ 
 vacant ci 
 among 
 mex), fr( 
 their disj 
 shape, 
 and tena 
 your fore 
 and bold 
 
 Thisc 
 count wl 
 of Athei 
 writers a 
 describe 
 
n 
 
 THE MYRMIDONS. 
 
 119 
 
 tares. The tree stood before me in my dreams, with its numer- 
 ous branches all covered with living, moving creatures. It 
 seemed to shake its limbs and throw down over the ground a 
 multitude of those industrious grain-gathering animals, which 
 appeared to gain in size, and grow larger and larger, and by-and- 
 by to stand erect, lay aside their superfluous legs and their black 
 color, and finally to assume the human form. Then I awoke, 
 and my first impulse was to chide the gods who had robbed me 
 of a sweet vision and given me no reality in its place. Being 
 still in the temple, my attention was caught by the sound of niany 
 voices without ; a sound of late unusual to my ears. While I 
 began to think I was yet dreaming, Telamon, my son, throwing 
 open the temple -gates, exclaimed, ' Father approach, and behold 
 things surpassing even your hopes !' I went forth ; I saw a mul- 
 titude of men, such as I had seen in niy dream, and they were 
 passing in procession in the same manner. While I gazed with 
 wonder and delight they approached, and kneeling hailed me as 
 their king. I paid my vows to Jove, and proceeded to allot the 
 vacant city to the new-born race, and to parcel out the fields 
 among them. I called them Myrmidons, from the ant (myr- 
 mex), from which they sprang. You have seen these persons; 
 their dispositions resemble those which they had in their former 
 shape. They are a diligent and industrious r^Lce, eager to gain, 
 and tenacious of their gains. Among them you may recruit 
 your forces. They will follow you to the war, young in years 
 and bold in heart. " 
 
 ** ' No ! No 1' said Rhiulnmnnt, « it were not well 
 With loviny souls to pliu'c a mnrtlnlist ; 
 He died in war, and niiiHt to martial fields, 
 Where wounded Hector lives in lasting pain, 
 And Achillea' MyrmidoriH do scour the plain.' " 
 
 — Kyi), Spanish Tra<:;edy, 
 
 This description of the ))lagiie is copied by Ovid from the ac- 
 count which Thucydides, the (Ircck historian, gives of tlie plague 
 of Athens. The historian drew from life, and all the ])oets and 
 writers of fiction since his day, when they have had occasion to 
 describe a similar scene, have borrowed their details from him. 
 
120 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ■ 'I 
 
 wi"'.' 
 
 1 (':■■"■;■ 
 
 '*-/;■ '.■ 
 
 M 
 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Ni'sus and Scyl'la — Ech'o and Nar cis'sus — Clyt'i-e— 
 
 He'ro and Le-an'der, 
 
 Ni'sus and Scyl'!a. 
 
 Minos, king of Crete, made war upon Megara, Ni'sus was 
 king of Megara, and Scyl'la was his daughter. The siege had 
 now lastel six months, and the city still held out, for it was de- 
 creed by fate that it should not be taken so long as a certain 
 purple lock, which glittered among the bair of King Nisus, re- 
 mained on his head. There was a tower on the city walls which 
 overlooked the plain where Minos and his army were encamped. 
 To this tower Scylla used to repair, and look abroad over the 
 tents of *.he hostile army. The siege had lasted so long that 
 she had learned to distinguish the persons of the leaders. Minos, 
 in particular, excited her admiration. Arrayed in his hemlet, 
 and bearing his shield, she admired his graceful deportment ; if 
 he threw his javelin, skill seemed combined with force in the 
 discharge ; if he drew his bow, Apollo himself could not have 
 done it more gracefully. But when he laid aside his helmet, 
 and in his purple robes b'^strode his white horse with its gay 
 caparisons, and reined-in its foaming mouth, the daughter of 
 Nisus was hardly mistress of herself; she wus almost fra'tic with 
 admiration. She envied the weapon thr.t he grasped, the '•eins 
 that he held. She felt as if shv^ could, if it were possible, go to 
 him through the hostile ranks ; shr felt an impulse to cast her- 
 self down from the tower into the midst of his camp, or to open 
 the gates to him, or to do anything olse, so only it might gratify 
 Minos. As she sat in the tower, she talked thus with herself : 
 "Iknow not whether to rejoice or grie.e ac this sad war. I 
 grieve that IVi inos is our enemy, but I rejoice at any cause that 
 brings him to my sight. Perhaps he would be willing to grant 
 us peace, and receive me as a hotitage. I would Hy down, if I 
 
 
 could, an( 
 selves to h 
 would I n 
 times the 
 queror is 
 his side, 
 the end o 
 stead of 1( 
 slaughter 
 Minos ! 1 
 antly, not 
 myself to 
 the war. 
 keeps the 
 please th( 
 doit? A 
 own hanc 
 any othei 
 and swore 
 and swore 
 cious than 
 While £ 
 palace wa 
 ber and ci 
 entered tl 
 king, and 
 Nisus. I 
 I ask no 
 See here 1 
 his kingd 
 Minos sh 
 stroy thee 
 time J ^ 
 Surely, m 
 polluted 1 
 that equi 
 and that 
 Scylla 
 it thus y< 
 
mSUS AND SCTLLA. 
 
 19\ 
 
 couldi and alight in his camp, and tell him that we yield our- 
 selves to his mercy. But then, to betray my father ! No ! rather 
 would I never see Minos again. And yet no doubt it is some* 
 times the best thing for a city to be conquered, when the con- 
 queror is clement and generous. Minos certainly has right on 
 his side. I think we shall be conquered ; and if that must be 
 the end of it, why should not love unbar the gates to him, in- 
 stead of leaving it to be done by war ? Better spare delay and 
 slaughter if we can. And O, if any one should wound or kill 
 Minos ! No one surely would have the heart to do it ; yet ignor- 
 antly, not knowing him, one might. I will, I will surrender 
 myself to him, with my country as a dowry, and so put an end to 
 the war. But how? The gates are guarded, and my fathet 
 keeps the keys ; he only stands in my way. O that it might 
 please the gods to take him away 1 But why ask the gods to 
 do it ? Another woman, loving as I do, would remove with her 
 own hands whatever stood in the way of her love. And can 
 any other woman dare more than I ? I would encounter fire 
 and sword to gain my object j but here there is no need of fire 
 and sword. I only need my father's purple lock. More pre- 
 cious than gold to me, that will give me all I wish." 
 
 While she thus reasoned night came on, and soon the whole 
 palace was buried in sleep. She entered her father's bedcham- 
 ber and cut off the fatal lock, then passed out of the city and 
 entered the enemy's camp. She demanded to be led to the 
 king, and thus addressed him: **I am Scylla, the daughter of 
 Nisus. I surrender to you my country and my father's house. 
 I ask no reward but yourself ; for love of you I have done it. 
 Sec here the purple lock ! With this I give you my father and 
 his kingdom." She held out her hand with the fatal spoil. 
 Minos shrunk back and refused to touch it. "The gods de- 
 stroy thee, infamous woman 1" he exclaimed; "disgrace of our 
 time I May neither earth nor sea yield thee a resting-place 1 
 Surely, my Crete, where Jove himself was cradled, shall not be 
 polluted with such a monster 1" Thus he said, and gave orderi 
 that equitable terms should be allowed to the comjuered city, 
 and that the fleet should immediately sail from the island. 
 
 Scylla was frantic. "Ungrateful man!" she exclaimed, 'Ms 
 it thus you leave me ? — me who have given you victory— who 
 
 1 
 
 kk!J 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 %'t 
 
123 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 m 
 
 si 
 
 have sacrificed for you parent and country ! I am guilty, I 
 confess, and deserve to die, but not by your hand." As the 
 ships left the shore she leaped into the water, and seizing the 
 rudder of the on* which carried Minos, she was borne along 
 an unw«;lcomed companion of their course. A sea -eagle soaring 
 aloft — it was her father who had been changed into that form — 
 seeing her, pounced down upon her, and struck her with his beak 
 and claws. In terror she let go the ship, and would have fallen 
 into the water, but some pitying deity changed her into a bird. 
 The sea- eagle still cherishes the old animosity ; and whenever he 
 espies her in his lofty flight, you may see him dart down upon 
 her, with beak and claws, to take vengeance for the ancient 
 crime. 
 
 Ech'o and Nar-cis'sus. ^ ^ 
 
 Ech'o was a beautiful nymph, fond of the woods and hills, 
 where she devoted herself to woodland sports. She was a favor- 
 ite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one 
 failing ; she was fond of talking, and whether in chat or argu- 
 ment, would have the last word. One day Juno was seeking 
 her husband, who, she had reason to fear, was amusing himself 
 among the nymphs. Echo by her talk contrived to detain the 
 goddess till the nymphs made their escape. When Juno dis- 
 covered it, she passed sentence upon Echo in these words: 
 *' You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have 
 cheated me, except for that one purpose you are so fond of^ 
 rep/y. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak 
 first." 
 
 *• But her voice is still living immortal, — ' 
 
 The same you have frequently heard 
 I ' In your rambles in valleys and forests, 
 
 ' Repeating your ultimate word/' — Saxe. 
 
 This nymph saw Nar-cis'sus, a beautiful youth, as he pur- 
 sued the chase upon the mountains. She loved him, and fol- 
 lowed his footsteps. O, how she longed to address him in the 
 softest accents, and win him to converse 1 but it was not in her 
 power. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and 
 had her answer ready. One day the youth, being separated from 
 bis companions, shouted aloud, ** Who's here ? " Echo replied, 
 
 "Here." 
 out, "Cc 
 
 Karcissus 
 the same 
 The mai( 
 
ECHO AND NARCISSUS. 
 
 123 
 
 "Here.** Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one, called 
 put, "Come." Echo answered, **Corae." As no one came, 
 
 Echo (Guy Head). 
 
 Karcissus called again, " Why do you shun me ? " Echo asked 
 the same question. " Let us join one another," said the youth. 
 The maid answered with all her heart in the same words, and 
 
 M'liH lit. 
 
 
 
 •##s 
 
124 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about his neck 
 He started back, exclaiming, " Hands off ! I would rather die 
 than you should have me 1" " Have me," said she ; but it was 
 all in vain. He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in 
 the recesses of the woods. From that time forth she lived in 
 caves and among mountain cliffs. Her form faded with grief, 
 till at last all her flesh shrank away. Her bones were changed 
 into rocks, and there was nothing left of her but her voice. 
 With that she is still ready to reply to any one who calls her, 
 and keeps up her old habit of having the last word. 
 
 Narcissus's cruelty in this case was not the only instance. He 
 shunned all the rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo. 
 One day a maiden, who had in vain endeavored to attract him, 
 uttered a prayer that he might some time or other feel what it 
 was to love and meet no return of affection. The avenging god- 
 dess heard and granted the prayer. 
 
 There was a clear fountain, with water like silver, to which the 
 shepherds never drove their flocks, nor the mountain goats re- 
 sorted, nor any of the beasts of the forest ; neither was it defaced 
 with fallen leaves or branches ; but the grass grew fresh around 
 it, and the rocks sheltered it from the sun. 
 
 ■ *• In some delicious ramble, lie had found 
 
 A little space, with boughs all woven round ; 
 
 And in the midst of all, a clearer pool 
 
 Than e'er reflected in its pleasant cool 
 
 The blue sky here, and there, serenely peeping 
 
 Through tendril wreaths fantastically creeping." — KeaTS. 
 
 Hither came one day the youth, fatigued with hunting, heated 
 and thirsty. He stooped down to drink, and saw his own image 
 in the water ; he thought it was some beautiful water-spirit living 
 in the fountain. He stood gazing with admiration at those 
 bright eyes, those locks curled like the locks of Bacchus or 
 Apollo, the rounded cheeks, the ivory neck, the parted lips, and 
 the glow of health and exercise over all. He fell in love with 
 himself. He brought his lips near to take a kiss ; he plunged 
 his arms in to embrace the beloved object. It fled at the touch, 
 but returned again after a moment and renewed the fascination. 
 He could not tear himself away ; he lost all thought of food or 
 
 test, while 
 upon his 
 "Why, bea 
 one to repe 
 not indiffer 
 the same ; \ 
 and answer 
 like." Hi 
 and disturb 
 it depart, J 
 entreat you 
 upon you, i 
 With this 
 same kind, 
 that consul 
 grees he Ic 
 and the be 
 so charmed 
 kept near ] 
 he exclain 
 answered h 
 He pined a 
 his shade p 
 leaned ovei 
 of itself in 
 mourned 
 water-nym] 
 their breasi 
 They prep 
 would hav€ 
 was nowhe 
 and surrou: 
 preserves tl 
 
ECHO AND NABCISSU&. 
 
 125 
 
 test, while he hovered over the brink of the fountain, gazing 
 upon his own image. He talked with the supposed spirit : 
 •* Why, beautiful being, do you shun me ? Surely, my face is not 
 one to repel you. The nymphs love me, and you yourself look 
 not indifferent upon me. When I stretch forth my arms you do 
 the same ; and you smile upon me 
 and answer my beckonings with the 
 like. ' ' His tears fell into the water 
 and disturbed the image. As he saw 
 it depart, he exclaimed, ** Stay, I 
 entreat you 1 Let me at least gaze 
 upon you, if I may not touch you." 
 With this and much more of the 
 same kind, he cherished the flame 
 that consumed him, so that by de- 
 grees he lost his color, his vigor, 
 and the beauty which formerly had 
 so charmed the nymph Echo. She 
 kept near him, however, and when 
 he exclaimed, * * Alas ! alas ! she 
 answered him with the same words. 
 He pined away and died ; and when 
 his shade passed the Stygian river, it 
 leaned over the boat to catch a look 
 of itself in the waters. The nymphs 
 mourned for him, especially the 
 water-nymphs ; and when they smote 
 their breasts, Echo smote hers also. 
 They prepared a funeral pile, and 
 would have burned the body, but it 
 was nowhere to be found ; but in its ^ lace a flower, purple within, 
 and surrounded with white leaves, which bears the name and 
 preserves the memory of Narcissus. 
 
 ** A lonely flower he spied, 
 A meek and >\jrlom flower, with naught of pride, 
 Drooping its beauty o'er the watery clearness, 
 To woo its own sad image into nearness : 
 Deaf to light Zephyrus it would not move, 
 But still would seem to droop, to pine, to love." — Keats. 
 
 Narcissus (Naples). 
 
 wmm 
 
 SIS 
 
 "f^m 
 
 ^W^IM 
 
 i" ■ ■ ! '■■■§ 
 
 1m 
 
 1 ! ' i^ 
 
 tt 
 
 ..::>;.;;• mi 
 
 l^^« 
 
126 
 
 STOBJES OF OODS A2fD HEROES. 
 
 
 Milton alludes to the story of Echo and Narcissus in the Lady's 
 song in " Comus. ' ' She is seeking her brothers in the forest, and 
 sings to attract their attention : — 
 
 *• Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv'st unseen 
 Within thy aery shell 
 By slow Meander's margent green. 
 Ant? '.n the violet-embroidered vale, " 
 
 Where the love-lorn nightingale ' V ■ 
 
 Nightly to thee her sad song niourneth well ; 
 Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair 
 ' That likest thy Narcissus are ? 
 
 O, if thou have 
 Hid thtiu in some flowery cave, 
 Tell -ne but where, 
 Sweet queen of parly, daughter of tlie sphere, 
 ,; So may' St thou oe translated to the skies, 
 
 And give resounding grace to all heaven's harmonies." \ 
 
 He also has imitated the story of Narcissus in the account 
 which he makes Eve give of the first sight of herself leflected in 
 the fountain : — 
 
 ♦' That day I oft remember when from sleep 
 I first awaked, and found myself reposed 
 :, Under a shade on flowers, much wondering where 
 
 And what I was, whence thither brought, and how. 
 Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound 
 Of waters issued from a cave, and spread 
 Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved 
 Pure as the expanse of heaven ; I thither went 
 With unexperienced thought, and laid me down 
 On the gfreen banks to look into the clear 
 Smooth lake that to me seemed another sky. , 
 
 As I bent down to look, just opposite 
 
 i A shppe within the watery gleam appeared, 
 
 ^ , Bending to look on me. I started back ; 
 
 ■ It startetl back ; but pleased I soon returned. 
 
 Pleased it rt'turned as soon, with answering looks , \ 
 Of sympathy and love. There had I fixed 
 Mine eyes til! now, and pined with vain desire. 
 Had not a voice thus warned me : * What thou seest, 
 What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself.' " 
 
 — Faraiiist! Lost, Book IV. 
 
 No one of the fables of antiquity has been oftener alluded to 
 
e Lady's 
 »rest, and 
 
 account 
 lected in 
 
 klV. 
 lludcd to 
 
 ECBO AND NAMCISSUS, 
 
 127 
 
 by the poets than that of Narcissus. The poets have taken great 
 license with Echo and Narcissus. The following is from Gold' 
 smith : — 
 
 1$ 
 
 "ON A BEAUTIFUL YOUTH, STRUCK BLIND BY LIGHTNING. 
 
 •• Sure 'twas by Providence designed, 
 Rather in pity than in hate, 
 That he should be like Cupid blind, 
 ^ To save him from Narcissus' fate." 
 
 Clyt'i-e. 
 
 Clyt'i-e was a water-nymph and in love with Apollo, who made 
 her no return. So she pined away, sitting all day long upon the 
 cold ground, with her unbound tresses streaming over her 
 shoulders. Nine days she sat ard tasted neither food nor drink, 
 her own tears and the chilly dew her only food. She gazed on 
 the sun when he rose, and as he passed through his daily course 
 to his setting ; she saw no other object ; her face turned constantly 
 on him. At last, they say, her limbs rooted in the ground, her 
 face became a flower,* which turns on its stem so as always to 
 face the sun throughout its daily course ; for it retains to that 
 extant the feeling of the nymph from whom it sprang. 
 
 Hood in his " Flowers" thus alludes to Clytie :— 
 
 "I will not have the mad Clytie, 
 
 Whose head is turned by the sun } 
 The tulip is a courtly quean, 
 
 Whom therefore I will shun ; 
 The cowslip is a country wench, 
 The violet is a nun ; — 
 4 But I will woo the dainty rose, 
 
 The queen of every one." 
 
 The sunflower is a favorite emblem of constancy. Thus Moore 
 
 uses it : — '■ 
 
 \ •• The heart that has truly loved never forgets, 
 
 But as truly loves on to the close \ 
 As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets 
 The same look that she turned when he rose." 
 
 ' The belief that the sunflower turns on its stem so as always to face the sun 
 (s not strictly true. Its name was derived f-o.n a fancied resemblance to the 
 radiant beams of the sun rather than from any habit of constancy. 
 
 !i-.. .!;! 
 
 ■M 
 
 III 
 
 *,i 
 
 * 1 , S' 
 
128 
 
 STORIES OF 00D8 AND HEROES, 
 
 ivi 
 
 He'ro and Le-an'der. 
 
 Le-an'der was a youth of Abydos, a town of the Asian side 
 
 of the strait which separates Asia and Europe. On the opposite 
 
 shore, in the town of Sestos, lived the maiden He'ro, apriestes 
 
 of Venus. 
 
 "Alone on Sestos' rocky tower, 
 Where, upward sent in stormy shower, 
 The whirling waters foam, '■ 
 
 Alone the maiden sits, and eyes 
 The cliffs of fair Abydos rise 
 Afar — ^her lover's home." — Schiller (Hempeltr. ). 
 
 Leander loved her, and used to swim the strait nightly to en- 
 joy the company of his mistress, guided by a torch which she 
 reared upon the tower for the purpose. But one night a tem- 
 pest arose and the sea was rough ; his strength failed, and he 
 was drowned. \ 
 
 ** * The night- wind is moaning with mournful sigh, 
 There gleameth no moon in the misty sky, 
 
 No star over Helle' s sea ; 
 Yet, yet there is shining one holy light, 
 One love-kindled star through the deep of night, 
 
 To lead me, sweet Hero, to thee.' > 
 
 • **Thus saying he plunged in the foamy stream, 
 
 Still fixing his gaze on that distant beam 
 
 No eye but a lover could see ; 
 And still, as the surge swept over his head, 
 * To night,' he said, tenderly, * living or dead, 
 
 Sweet Hero, I'll rest with thee.' 
 
 " But fiercer around him the wild waves speed. 
 ■ Oh Love, in that hour cf votary' s need. 
 
 Where, where could thy spirit be ? 
 He struggles — he sinks — while the hurricane's breath 
 Beats rudely away his last farewell in death — 
 * Sweet Hero, I die for thee I' " — Moorr. 
 
 The waves bore his body to the European shore, where Hen 
 became aware of his death. 
 
 ** As shaken on his restless pillow, 
 
 His head heaves with the heaving billows ; 
 That hand, whose motion is not life. 
 Yet feebly seems to menace strife, 
 Flung l)y the tossing tide on high, 
 , , ' Then level'd with the wave." - UyRON. 
 
HtJRO AND LEANDEtL 
 
 1^9 
 
 Hv. 
 
 511 
 
 / 
 
 1 ^H 
 
 \ 
 
 
 iU 
 
 '*4 
 
 
 licru and Leander (F. Kellner)* 
 
 
 
•30 
 
 STOBIES OF OODS AND HEB0E8, 
 
 iHit" i . 
 
 In her despair she cast herself down from the tower into the 
 sea and perished. 
 
 The story of Leander's swimming the Hellespont was looked 
 apon as fabulous, and the feat considered impossible, till Lord 
 Byron proved its possibility by performing it himself. In the 
 ••** Bride of Abydos " he says : — 
 
 '* These limbs that buoyant wave hath borne.* ' 
 
 The distance in the narrowest part is almost a mile, and there 
 is a constant current setting out from the Sea of Marmora into 
 the Archipelago. Since Byron's time the feat has been achieved 
 by others ; but it yet remains a test of strength and skill in the art 
 of swimming sufficient to give a wide and lasting celebrity to 
 any one of our readers who may dare to make the attempt ana 
 succeed in accomplishing it. 
 
 In the beginning of the second canto of the same poem, Byron 
 thus alludes to this story :^ 
 
 ••The wind", are high on Helle' 8 wave, 
 
 As on that night of stormiest water* 
 When Lokre, who sent, forgot to save 
 The young, the beautiful, the brave. 
 
 The lonely hope of Sestos' daughter. 
 Oh, when alone along the sky 
 The tutret-torch was blazing high. 
 Though rising gale and breaking foam, 
 And shrieking sea-birds 'warned him home : 
 And clouds aloft and tides below, 
 V^th signs and sounds forbade to go, < 
 
 He could not see, he would not hear 
 Or sound or sight foreboding fear. , 
 
 His eye but saw that light of love* 
 The only star it hailed above % 
 His ear but rang with Hero's song, y , 
 
 •Ye waves, divide not lovers long.* 
 That tale Is old, but love anew 
 May nerve young hearts to prove as true.*' 
 
: into the 
 
 as looked 
 
 till Lord 
 
 In the 
 
 and there 
 nora into 
 achieved 
 in the art 
 lebrity to 
 empt ano 
 
 m, Byron 
 
 
i?.!l...i>:;i. 
 
 PALLAS ATHENE. 
 (After Pheidias. Found at Athens, i88o,> 
 
 Mi-ne: 
 
 ter. She 
 and in coi 
 
 She pre 
 of men — 
 women — s 
 warlike dij 
 ized, and 
 lence and 
 
 Mars 
 the purpoj 
 had five 
 (Fear), : 
 his body-g 
 associated 
 pie, and e 
 
 It is not 
 dom, shou 
 deity. 
 
 Athens 
 the prize c 
 
MINERVA AND ABACUNK 
 
 131 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Mi-ner'va^-Mars — A-rach'ne — Ni'o-be. 
 
 Mi-ner'va. 
 
 Mi-ner'va, the goddess of wisdom, was the daughter of Jupi« 
 ter. She was said to have leaped forth from his brain, mature, 
 and in complete armor. 
 
 ** From his awful head 
 Whom Jove brought forth, hi warhke tirmor drest. 
 Golden, all radiant," — SllKLLKY. 
 
 She presided over the useful and ornamental arts, both those 
 of men — ^such as agriculture and navigation — ^and those of 
 women — spinning, weaving and needlework. She was also a 
 warlike divinity ; but it was defensive war only that she patron- 
 ized, and she had no sympathy with Mars' s savage love of vio- 
 lence and bloodshed. 
 
 Mars delighted in war for the sake of itself. It was never 
 the purpose but always the conflict that gave him pleasure. He 
 had five attendants, Eris (Discord), Phobos (Alarm), Metis 
 (Fear), Demios (Dread), and Pallor (Terror). These were 
 his body-guard. The war godd'ss Bellona, or Enyo, was also 
 associated with him. 'J'heir altars were side by side in the tem- 
 ple, and each was stained by human sacrifices. 
 
 **And to the fire-eyed itinid of smoky war, 
 All hot and Mecdin^, will we offer them; 
 The mailed Mars mIiiiH on his altar sit 
 Up to the ears hi Jihtod." — SlfAKKSPEARE. 
 
 It is not strange, therefore, that Minerva, the goddess of wis- 
 dom, should have entertained but little respect for this bloody 
 deity. 
 
 Athens was her chosen seat, her own city, awarded to her as 
 the pr^ze of a contest with Neptune, who also aspired to it. The 
 
 
 mil 
 
 
 n .1* 
 
 N 
 
 'mm 
 
132 
 
 STORIES OF GODS ANB HEROES. 
 
 
 tale ran that in the reign of Cecrops, the first king of Athens, the 
 two deities contended for the possession of the city. The gods 
 decreed that it should be awarded to that one who produced the 
 gift most useful to mortals, Neptune gave the horse ; Minerva 
 produced the olive. The gods gave judgment that the olive 
 w»s the more useful of the two, and awarded the city to the god- 
 dess ; and it was named 
 after her, Athens, her nrane 
 • 1 GreelL being Athene. 
 
 There was another con- 
 gest, in which a mortal dared 
 to -:ome in competition wit|j 
 Minerva. That mortal was 
 A-rach'ne, a maiden who 
 had attained such skill in 
 the arts of weaving and em- 
 broidery that the Nymphs 
 themselves would leave their 
 groves and fountains to come 
 and gaze upon her work. It 
 was not only beautiful w hen 
 it was done, but beautiful 
 also in the doing. To watt h 
 her, as she took the wool in 
 its rude state and formed it 
 into rolls, or separated it 
 with her fingers and carded 
 it till it looked as light and 
 soft as a cloud, or twirled 
 the spindle with skillful 
 touch, or wove the Meb, or, 
 after it was woven, adorned 
 it with her needle, one 
 would have said that Minerva herself had taught her. lUit this 
 she denied, and could not bear to be thought a pupil even 
 of a goddess. " Let Minerva try her skill with mine," said she ; 
 "if beaten, Twill pay the i^enalty." Minerva heard this and 
 was displeased. She assumed the form of an old woman, and 
 went and gave Arachne some friendly advice. "I have had 
 
 Minerva (Capitol, Rome). 
 
 much e: 
 
 my cour 
 
 not con 
 
 to ask 1 
 
 merciful 
 
 spinning 
 
 nance. 
 
 or han( 
 
 part, I ] 
 
 and I st£ 
 
 not afrai 
 
 Ipt her t 
 
 dare ve 
 
 comes, ' ' 
 
 and drop 
 
 stood c 
 
 Nymphs 
 
 age, and 
 
 paid rev( 
 
 alone wa 
 
 blushed, 
 
 den colo 
 
 and thei 
 
 But she 
 
 solve, ar 
 
 conceit 
 
 rushed c 
 
 nerva fc 
 
 nor inter 
 
 advice. 
 
 the conti 
 
 her stati 
 
 the web 
 
 and out j 
 
 up the w 
 
 with spe 
 
 ment of 
 
 dye is c 
 
 another s 
 
MINERVA AND ARACHNE. 
 
 133 
 
 much experience," said she, **and I hope you will not despise 
 my counsel. Challenge your fellow -mortals as you will, but do 
 not com! <-te with a goddess. On the contrary, I advise you 
 to ask h'. - forgiveness for what you have said, and as she is 
 merciful, perhaps she will pardon you." Irachne stopped her 
 spinning, and I'^oked at the old dame with anger in her counte- 
 nance. "Keep your counsel," said she, "for your daughters 
 or handmaids- for my 
 part, I know what I say, 
 and I stand to it. I am 
 not afraid of the goddess ; 
 Ipt her try her skill, if she 
 dare venture." "She 
 comes," said Minerva; 
 and dropping her disguise, 
 stood confessed. The 
 Nymphs bent low in hom- 
 age, and all the bystanders 
 paid reverence. Arachne 
 alone was unterrified. She 
 blushed, indeed ; a sud- 
 den color dyed her cheek, 
 and then she grew pale. 
 But she stood to her re- 
 solve, and with a foolish 
 conceit of her own skill 
 rushed on her fate. Mi- 
 nerva forbore no longer, 
 nor interposed any further 
 advice. They proceed to 
 tlie contest. Each takes 
 her station and attaches 
 the web to the beam. Then the slender shuttle is passed in 
 and out among the threads. The reed with its fine teeth strikes 
 up the woof into its place and compacts the web. Both work 
 with speed ; their skillful hands move rapidly, and the excite- 
 ment of the contest makes the labor light. Wool of Tyrian 
 dye is contrasted with that of other colors, shaded off into one 
 another so adroitly that the joining deceives the eye. Like the 
 
 Mars (Villa Ludovisi, Rome), 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 'M 
 
 ■1 
 
 <^ AVI 
 
 ''1 
 
 
 

 it* HI 
 
 134 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 bow, whose long arch tinges the heavens, formed by sunbeams 
 reflected from the shower/ in which, where the colors meet they 
 seem as one, but a little distance from the point of contact are 
 wholly different. 
 
 Minerva wrought on her web the scene of her contest with 
 Neptune. Twelve of the heavenly powers are represented, Jupi- 
 ter, with august gravity, sitting in the midst. Neptune, the 
 ruler of the sea, holds his trident, and appears to have just smit- 
 ten the earth, from which a horse has leaped forth. Minerva 
 depicted herself with helmed head, her ^gis covering her breast. 
 Such was the central circle ; and in the four corners were repre- 
 sented incidents illustrating the displeasure of the gods at such 
 presumptuous mortals as had dared to contend with them. These 
 were meant as warnings to her rival to give up the contest be- 
 fore it was too late. 
 
 Arachne filled her web with subjects designedly chosen to ex- 
 hibit the failings and errors of the gods. One scene represented 
 Leda caressing the swan, under which form Jupiter had dis- 
 guised himself; and another, Danae, in the brazen tower in 
 which her father had imprisoned her, but where the god effected 
 his entrance in the form of a golden shower. Still another de- 
 picted Europa deceived by Jupiter under the disguise of a bull. 
 Encouraged by the tameness of the animal, Europa ventured to 
 mount his back, whereupon Jupiter advanced into the sea, and 
 swam with her to Crete. 
 
 " Sweet Europa' s mantle blew unclaps'd, 
 From off her shoulder backward borne : 
 From one hand droop' d a crocus ; one hand grasp' d 
 The mild bull's golden horn." — Tennyson. 
 
 You would have thought it was a real bull, so naturally was it 
 wrought, and so natural the water in which it swam. She 
 seemed to look with longing eyes back upon the shore she was 
 leaving, and to call to her companions for help. She appeared 
 to shudder with terror at the sight of the heaving waves, and to 
 draw back her feet from the water. 
 
 Arachne filled her canvas with similar subjects, wonderfully 
 
 * This correct description of the rainbow is literally translated from Ovid. 
 
MINERVA AND ABACHNR 
 
 135 
 
 and 
 
 Ovid. 
 
 well done, but strongly marking her presumption and impiety. 
 Minerva could not forbear to admire, yet felt indignant at the in- 
 sult. She struck the web with her shuttle, and rent it in pieces ; 
 she then touched the forehead of Arachne, and made her feel 
 her guilt and shame. She could not endure it, and went and 
 hanged herself. Minerva pitied her as she saw her suspended by 
 a rope. *' Live," she said, " guilty woman ; and, that you may 
 preserve the memory of this lesson, continue to hang, both you 
 and your descendants, to all future times. ' ' She sprinkled her 
 with the juices of aconite, and immediately her hair came off, 
 and her nose and ears likewise. Her form shrank up, and her 
 head grew smaller ; her fingers cleaved to her side, and served 
 for legs. All the rest of her is body, out of which she spins her 
 thread, often hanging suspended by it, in the same attitude as 
 when Minerva touched her and transformed her into a spider. 
 
 Spenser tells the story of Arachne in his Muiopotmos, adher- 
 ing very closely to his master Ovid, but improving upon him in 
 the conclusion of the story. The two stanzas which follow tell 
 what was done after the goddess had depicted her creation of 
 the olive tree : — 
 
 ** Amongst these leaves she made a Butterfly, 
 With excellent device and wondrous slight, 
 ^ Fluttering among the olives wantonly, 
 
 That seemed to live, so like it was in sight ; 
 The velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, 
 The silken down with which his back is dight, 
 His broad outstretched horns, his hairy thighs, 
 His glorious colors, and his glistening eyes." 
 
 ** Which when Arachne saw, as overlaid 
 And mastered with workmanship so rare, 
 She stood astonied long, he aught gainsaid ; 
 And with fast-fixed eyes on her did stare. 
 And by her silence, sign of one dismayed. 
 The victory did yield her as her share ; 
 Yet did she inly fret and felly bum, 
 And all her blood to poisonous rancor turn." 
 
 And so the metamorphosis is caused by Arachne' s own mortifi- 
 cation and vexation, and not by any direct act of the goddess. 
 The following specimen of old-fashioned gallantry is by Giir* 
 rick ; — 
 
 ml 
 
 ii:l>fl 
 
 I-'' 
 
 6 if 
 
O, then beware Arachne's fate ; 
 
 Be prudent, Chloe, and submit. 
 For you'll most surely meet her hate 
 
 Who rival both her art and wit" 
 
 Ni'o-be. 
 
 The fate of Arachne was noised abroad through all the coun- 
 try, and served as a warning to all presumptuous mortals not to 
 compare themselves with the divinities. But one, and she a 
 matron, too, failed to learn the lesson of humility. It was 
 Ni'o-be, the queen of Thebes. She had indeed much to be 
 proud of; but it was not her husband's fame, nor her own beauty, 
 nor their great descent, nor the power of their kingdom that 
 elated her. It was her children ; and truly the happiest of 
 mothers would Niobe have been, if only she had not claimed to 
 be so. It was on occasion of the annual celebration in honor 
 of Latona and her offspring, Apollo and Diana — when the peo- 
 ple of Thebes were assembled, their brows crowned with laurel, 
 bearing frankincense to the altars and paying their vows — that 
 Niobe appeared among the crowd. Her attire was splendid with 
 gold and gems, and her aspect beautiful as the f ice of an angry 
 woman can be. She stood and surveyed the people with 
 haughty looks. "What folly," said she, *' is this ! — to prefer 
 beings whom you never saw to those who stand before your eyes ! 
 Why should Latona be honored with worship, and none be 
 paid to me ? My father was Tantalus, who was received as a 
 guest at the table of the gods ; my mother was a goddess. My 
 husband built and rules this city, Thebes ; and Phrygia is my 
 paternal inheritance. Wherever I turn my eyes I survey the 
 elements of my power ; nor is my form and presence unworthy 
 of a goddess. To all this let me add, I have seven sons and 
 seven daughters, and look for sons-in-law and daughters-in-law 
 of pretentions worthy of my alliance. Have I not cause for pride ? 
 Will you prefer to me this Latona, the Titan's daughter, with 
 
 her two 
 deed an: 
 this ? A 
 for Forti 
 still hav( 
 should h; 
 with yoi 
 brows — 
 with this 
 The peop 
 and left 
 services 
 pleted. 
 
 The g( 
 indignani 
 Cj'^nthian 
 top, w] 
 dwelt, sh( 
 dressed h 
 daughter 
 children, 
 have beer 
 of you 
 have bee 
 hold mys< 
 to none o 
 desses ex^ 
 alone, bej 
 doubt wh( 
 indeed a 
 I shall be 
 of my woi 
 gether ui 
 protect me 
 rupted hei 
 ishment.' 
 in clouds, 
 before th( 
 pursued tl 
 
 1 
 
mOBE. 
 
 13; 
 
 her two children ? I have seven times as many. Fortunate in- 
 deed am I, and fortunate I shall remain ! Will any one deny 
 this? My abundance is my security. I feel myself too strong 
 for Fortune to subdue. She may take from me much ; I shall 
 still have much left. Were I to lose some of my children, I 
 should hardly be left as poor as Latona with her two only. Away 
 with you from these solemnities — put off the laurel from your 
 brows — have done 
 with this worship!" 
 The people obeyed, 
 and left the sacred 
 services uncom- 
 pleted. 
 
 The goddess was 
 indignant. On the 
 Cj'^nthian mountain 
 top, where she 
 dwelt, she thus ad- 
 dressed her son and 
 daughter : ' ' My 
 children, I who 
 have been so proud 
 of you both, and 
 have been used to 
 hold myself second 
 to none of the god- 
 desses except Juno 
 alone, begin now to 
 doubt whether I am 
 indeed a goddess. 
 I shall be deprived 
 of my worship alto- 
 gether unless you 
 protect me. ' ' She was proceeding in this strain, but Apollo inter- 
 rupted her. * * Say no more, ' ' said he ; * * speech only delays pun- 
 ishment." So said Diana also. Darting through the air, veiled 
 in clouds, they alighted on the towers of the city. Spread out 
 before the gates was a broad plain, where the youth of the city 
 pursued their warlike sports. The sons of Niobe were there with 
 
 Niob( (Imperial (Jallery, Florence). 
 
 i\\ 
 
 1 
 
 H 
 
 ':%*. 
 
 
 
 
138 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 the rest — some mounted on spirited horses richly caparisoned, 
 some driving gay chariots. Ismenos, the first-born, as he guided 
 his foaming steeds, struck with an arrow from above cried out, 
 " Ah me !" — dropped the ^eins, and fell lifeless. Another, hear- 
 ing the sound of the bow — like a boatman who sees the storm 
 gathering and makes all sail for the port — gave the rein to his 
 horses and attempted to escape. The inevitable arrow overtook 
 him as he fled. Two others, younger boys, just from their tasks, 
 had gone to the playground to have a game of wrestling. As 
 they stood breast to breast, one arrow pierced them both. They 
 uttered a cry together, together cast a parting look around them, 
 and together breathed their last. Alphenor, an elder brother, 
 seeing them fall, hastened to the spot to render assistance, and 
 fell stricken in the act of brotherly duty. One only was left, 
 Ilioneiis. He raised his arms to heaven, to try whether prayer 
 might not avail. "Spare me, ye godsl'* he cried, addressing 
 all, in his ignorance that all needed not his intercession;; and 
 Apollo would have spared him, but the arrow had already left 
 the string, and it was too late. 
 
 ** Phoebus slew the sons 
 With arrows from his silver bow, incensed 
 At Niobe."— Homer (Bryant's tr. ). 
 
 The terror of the people and grief of the attendants soon made 
 Niobe acquainted with what had taken place. She could hardly 
 think it possible ; she was indignant that the gods had dared, 
 and amazed that they had been able to do it. Her husband, 
 Amphion, overwhelmed with the blow, destroyed himself. Alas ! 
 how different was this Niobe from her who had so lately driven 
 away the people from the sacred rites, and held her stately course 
 through the city, the envy of her friends, now the pity even of 
 her foes I She knelt over the lifeless bodies, and kissed, now 
 one, now another of her dead sons. Raising her ppllid arms to 
 heaven, "Cruel Latona," said she, "feed full your rage with 
 my anguish ! Satiate your hard heart, while I follow to the 
 grave my seven sons. Yet where is your triumph ? Ikreaved 
 as I am, I am still richer than you, my conqueror." Scarce had 
 she spoken when the bow sounded, and struck terror into nil 
 hearts except Niobe' s alone. She was brave from excess of 
 
 grief T 
 of their c 
 on the CO 
 sole her r 
 the earth 
 cealment 
 take. 
 
 Six wei 
 held clasp 
 body. " 
 one of so 
 dead. D 
 dead, and 
 hair, no c 
 movable, 
 cleaved to 
 the tide o 
 her foot n 
 out. Yet 
 to her nat 
 which a ti 
 grief 
 
 The sto 
 of the falh 
 
mOBE, 
 
 139 
 
 '% 
 
 grief. The sisters stood in garments of mourning over the biers 
 of their dead brothers. One fell, struck by an arrow, and died 
 on the corpse she was bewailing. Another, attempting to con- 
 sole her mother, suddenly ceased to speak, and sank lifeless to 
 the earth. A third tried to escape by flight, a fourth by con- 
 cealment ; another stood trembling, uncertain what course tc 
 
 take. ' 
 
 •* But what is this? What means this oozing flood? 
 Her daughters, too, are weltering in their blood : 
 One clasps her mother' s knees, one clings around 
 Her neck, and one lies prostrate on the ground ; 
 One seeks her breast ; one eyes the coming woe 
 And shudders ; one in terror crouches low." — Meleager. 
 
 Six were now dead, and only one remained, whom the mother 
 held clasped in her arms, and covered as it were with her whole 
 body. "Spare me one, and that the youngest! O, spare me 
 one of so many !" she cried ; and while she spoke, that one fell 
 dead. Desolate she sat, among sons, daughters, husbahd, all 
 dead, and seemed torpid with grief. The breeze moved not her '' 
 hair, no color was on her cheek, her eyes glared fixed and hn- 
 movable, there was no sign of life about her. Her very tongue 
 cleaved to the roof of her mouth, and her veins ceased to convey 
 the tide of life. Her neck bent not, her arms made no gesture, 
 her foot no step. She was changed to stone, within and with- 
 out. Yet tears continued to flow ; and, borne on a whirlwind 
 to her native mountain, she still remains, a mass of rock, from 
 which a trickling stream flows, the tribute of her never-ending 
 grief. 
 
 The story of Niobe has furnished Byre u with a fine illustration 
 of the fallen condition of modern Rome : — 
 
 ** The Niobe of naticnis ! there she stands, 
 
 Childless and crownless in her voiceless woe ; 
 
 An empty urn within her withered hands, 
 
 Whose holy dust was scattered long ago ; 
 
 The Scipios' tomb it^ntaiiis no ashes now : 
 
 The very sepuUlires lie teimntless 
 
 Of their heroic dwellers ; dost thou flow, 
 
 Old Tiber 1 through a marble wilderness ? 
 Rise with thy yellow waves, and mantle her distress." 
 
 —Childe Harold, IV. 79, 
 
 "m 
 
 
 )A\ 
 
 1> 
 
 1 -'-j"^ 
 
 mi 
 
I40 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Tragic as is the story of Niobe, we cannot forbear to smile at 
 the use Moore has made of it in " Rhymes on the Road " :— 
 
 ** 'Twas in his carriage the sublime 
 Sir Richard Blackmore used to rhyme, 
 And, if the wits don't do him wrong, 
 'Twixt death and epics passed his time, 
 Scribbling and kilHng all day long ; 
 ' Like Phoebus in his car at ease, 
 
 Now warbling forth a lofty song, 
 Now murdering the young Niobes." 
 
 Sir Richard Blackmore was a physician, and at the same time 
 a very prolific and very tasteless poet, whose works are now for- 
 gotten, unless when recalled to mind by some wit like Moore 
 for the sake of a pleasantry. 
 
 The Gra 
 
 du's£ 
 
 The Gr 
 
 birth, whei 
 of theGor^ 
 mean, resp 
 were cone 
 withered fr 
 tlie commc 
 (lark cavert 
 The Go 
 those of s\v 
 irigs make i 
 whose stor) 
 to introdiic 
 that the G 
 terrors of t] 
 
 »# 
 
v» 
 
 Head of Medusa (Drawing by Wagrez). 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Grse'ae — Gor'gons — A-cris'i-us — Per'seus— Me 
 
 du'sa — At'las — An-Jrom'e-da — Cas-si-o-pe'ia — 
 
 The Wedding-Feast. 
 
 The Grse'se and Gor'gons. 
 
 The Grse' ae wrre three sisters who were gray -haired from their 
 l)irth, whence their name — sisters, and at the same time guardians 
 of tile Gorgons. Their names, Deino, Pephredo, and Enyo, 
 mean, respectively, "alarm," "dread " and ** horror." They 
 were conceived as misshapen, hideous creatures, hoary and 
 withered from their birth, with only one eye and one tooth foi 
 tiie common use of the three, and were supposed to inhabit a 
 (lark cavern near the (Mitrance to Tartarus. 
 
 The Gor'gons were monstrous females with huge teeth like 
 those of swine, brazen claws, and snaky hair. None of these be- 
 ings make much figure in mythology excei)t Medusa, the Gorgon, 
 whose story we shall next advert to. We mention them chiefly 
 to introduce an ingenious theory of some modern writers, namely, 
 that the Gorgons and Grcuai were only personifications of the 
 terrors of the sea, the former denoting the s/ro%^ billows of the 
 
 (141) 
 
 I J 
 
 *. 
 
 \m- 
 
 i 
 
 
 B 
 
 '/?•! 
 
 Mif" 
 
143 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 w\ 
 
 w 
 
 m 
 
 wide open main, and the latter the w^zV^-crested waves that dash 
 against the rocks of the coast. Their names, in Greek, signify 
 the above epithets. 
 
 A-cris'i-us — Per'seus and Me-du'sa. 
 
 A-cris'i-us was the king of Argos ; his only child, Danae, 
 was a beautiful maiden, of whom he was very fond. It had t jen 
 revealed to him by an oracle that his daughter's son would yet be 
 the instrument of his death. Acrisius determined, therefore, 
 that his daughter sliould never marry, so he imprisoned her in a 
 tower of brass. Jupiter looked down from Olympus, and fell in 
 love with the royal captive. In order to escape the notice of 
 the guards he transformed himself into a shower of gold. 
 
 •* Danae, in a brazen tower 
 Where no love was, loved a shower." — Shelley, 
 
 A secret marriage was the result, and Per'seus was born. 
 Acrisius, still fearing the oracle's %varning, caused the mother 
 and child to be shut up in a chest and set adrift on the sea. 
 
 ••When round the well-fram'd ark the blowing blast 
 Roar'd, and the heaving whirlpools of the deep 
 With rough' ning surge seem'd threatening to o'ertum 
 The wide-tost vessel, not with tearless cl eeks 
 The mother round her infant gently twined 
 Her tender arm, and cried, * Ah me ! my child ! 
 What sufferings I endure I thou sleep' st the while, 
 Inhaling in thy milky-breathing breast 
 The balm of slumber.* " — Simonides (Elton's tr. ). 
 
 The chest floated towards Seriphus, where it was found by a 
 fisherman, who conveyed the mother and infant to Polydectes, 
 king of the country, by whom they were treated with kindness. 
 
 I) ere Perseus reniained and grew to manhood. Polydectes, 
 the ^iii^ ^M the meanwhile had fallen in love with his mothi'r, 
 Danae, auu Arished her to become his wife. She refused, and aj)- 
 pfwikii ^? her soa for protertion. The king, hoping for a more 
 favor ;b1r. reijionst to his suit in the absence of Perseus, sent him 
 to atiomi'': the conquest of \fedusa, a terrible monster who had 
 laid waste iho oantr ; She was once a beautiful maiden whose 
 hair was h« r ':h.ef glory, but as she dared to vie in beauty with 
 
 Minerva, 
 her beaut] 
 monster o 
 hold her > 
 where sh< 
 animals w 
 l^een petri 
 
ACBISIUS— PERSEUS ANl) MEDUSA, 
 
 143 
 
 Minerva, the goddess deprived her of her charms and changed 
 her beautiful ringlets into hissing serpents. She became a cruel 
 monster of so frig! tful an aspect that no living thing could be- 
 hold her without being turned into stone. All around the 'cavern 
 where she dwelt might be seen the stony figures of men and 
 animals which had chanced to catch a glimpse of her and had 
 I jjeen petrified with the sight. 
 
 Perseus, by Canova (Vatican, Rome). 
 
 •» What was that snaky-headed Gorgon-shield 
 That wise Minerva wore, unconquered virgin, 
 Wherewith she freezed her foes to cc»ngealed stooe, 
 But rigid looks of chaste austerity, 
 And noble grace that dashed brute violence 
 With sudden adoration and blank awe 1" — MiLTON, 
 
 The gods interested themselves in the success of Perseiis 
 
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 STOttms OP OODS AND HUROm 
 
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 Pluto lent him his helmet, by which he became invisible at vrill ; 
 Mercury his winged shoes, and Minerva her shield. 
 
 •• Minerva thus to Perseus lent her shield ; . . ^ 
 
 Secure of conquest, sent him to the field ; 
 The hero acted what the queen ordain' d. 
 So was his fame complete."— Prior. ' ^, 
 
 The young adventurer, rendering himself invisible by means 
 of Pluto's shield, first visited the cavern of the Graeae. Their 
 single eye was on its way from one sister to another. This he 
 intercepted, and promised to return it only upon the condition 
 that they should direct him to Medusa. Not wishing to live in 
 perpetual darkness, they consented. The Gorgon and her two 
 sisters lived in a desolate cave by the sea. 
 
 ** But a third woman paced about the hall, 
 And ever turned her head from wall to wall, 
 And moaned aloud and shrieked in her despair, 
 Because the golden tresses of her hair 
 Were moved by writhing snakes from side to side, 
 That in their writhing oftentimes would glide 
 On to her breast or shuddering shoulders white ; 
 Or, falling down, the b'deous things would light 
 Upon her feet, and, crawling thence, would twine 
 Their slimy folds about her ankles fine." — William Morris. 
 
 Perseus waited until Medusa had fallen asleep. He took great 
 «ire not to look directly at her, but, guided by her image, reflected 
 in the bright shield which he bore, he cut off her head and gave 
 it to Minerva, who fixed it in the middle of her ^gis.* 
 
 Per'seus and At'las. 
 
 After the slaughter of Medusa, Per'seus, bearing with him the 
 head of the Gorgon, flew far and wide, over land and sea. As 
 night came on he reached the western limit of the earth, where 
 the sun goes down. Here he would gladly liave rested till 
 morning. It was the realm of King At'las, whose bulk sur- 
 passed that of all other men. He was rich in flocks and herds, 
 
 ' There ts a legend that when Perseus fiew over the African desert with Me- 
 dusa's head, a few drops of bluod fell upon the sand, front which came all llii 
 poisonous reptiles that infest the country. 
 
V':,!r.:i^* Notefi _ 1 Q 
 
 PERSEUS AND ANDROMEDA. 
 
 H7 
 
 i 
 
 4 
 
 they sent a prodigious sea -monster to ravage the coast. To ap« 
 pease the deities, Cepheus was directed by the oracle to expose 
 his daughter An-drom'e*da to l)e devoured by the monster. Ag 
 Perseus looked down from his aerial height he beheld the virgin 
 chained to a rock, and waiting the approach of the serpent. She 
 was so pale and motionless that if it had not been for her flow- 
 ing tears, and her hair that moved in the breeze, he would have 
 taken her for a marble statue. He was so startled at the sight 
 that he almost forgot to wave his wings. As he hovered over 
 her he said, " O, virgin, undeserving of those chains, but rather 
 of such as bind fond lovers together, tell me, I beseech you, your 
 name and the name of your country, and why you are thus 
 bound. ' * At first she was silent from modesty, and, if she could, 
 would have hid her face with her hands; but when he repeated 
 his questions, for fear she might be thought guilty of some fault 
 which she dared not tell, she disclosed her name and that of her 
 country, and her mother's pride of beauty. Before she b A done 
 kspeaking a sound was heard off upon the water, and tic sea- 
 monster appeared, with his head raised above the surface, cleav- 
 ing the waves with his broad breast. The virgin shrieked. The 
 father and mother, who had now arrived- at the scene, wretched 
 both, but the mother more justly so, stood by, not able to afford 
 protection, but only to pour forth lamentations and to embrace 
 the victim. Then spoke Perseus : " There will be time enough 
 for tears ; this hour js all we have for rescue. My rank as the 
 son of Jove and my renown as the slayer of the Gorgon might 
 make me acceptable as a suitor ; but I will try to win her by 
 services rendered, if the gods will only be propitious. If she be 
 rescued by my valor, I deman<l that she be my reward." The 
 ])arents consent (how couhl they hesitate?), and promise a royal 
 dowry with her. 
 
 And now the monster was within the range of a stone thrown 
 l)y a skilful slinger, when with a sudden ])ound the youth soared 
 into tlie air. As an eagle, when, from his lofty flight, he sees a 
 serpent basking in the sun, pounces upon him and seizes him by 
 the neck to prevent him from turning his head round and using 
 his fangs, so the youth darted down up^n the back of the mon- 
 ster and plunged his sword into its shoulder. Irritated by the 
 U'oundthe monster raised himself into the air, then plunged into 
 
 
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 148 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
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 the depth ; then, like a wild boar surrounded by a pack of bark- 
 ing dogs, turned swiftly from side to side, while the youth eluded 
 its attacks by means of his wings. Wherever he can find a pas- 
 sage for his sword between the scales he makes a wound, piercing 
 now the side, now the flank, as it slopes towards the tail. The 
 brute spouts from his nostrils water mixed with blood. The 
 wings of the hero are wet with it, and he dares no longer trust 
 to them. Alighting on a rock which rose above the waves, and 
 holding on by a projecting fragment, as the monster floated near 
 he gave him a death stroke. The people who had gathered on 
 the shore shouted so that the lillls reechoed the sound. 
 
 
 .,14.. 
 
 ** On the hills a shout 
 Of joy, and on the rocks the ring of mail ; 
 And while the hungiy serpent's gloating eyes 
 Were fixed on me, a knight in casque of gold \ 
 
 And blazing shield, who with his flashing blade 
 Fell on the monster. Long the conflict raged. 
 Till all the rocks were red with blood and slime. 
 And yet my champion from those horrible jaws 
 And dreadful coils was scathless." — Lewis Morris. 
 
 The parents, transported with joy, embraced their future son- 
 in-law, calling am their deliverer and the savior of their house; 
 and the virgin, both cause and reward of the contest, descended 
 from the rock. 
 
 Cas-si-o-pe'ia. 
 
 Cas-si-o-pe'ia was an ^Ethiopian, and consequently, in spite 
 of her boasted beauty, black ; at least so Milton seems to ha\ e 
 thought, who alludes to this story in his " Penseroso," where he 
 addresses Melancholy as the 
 
 «. 
 
 -goddess, sage and holy, 
 
 Whose saintly visage is too bright 
 
 To hit the sense of human sight, 
 
 And, therefore, to our weaker view 
 
 O'erlaid with black, staid Wisdom's hue. 
 
 Black, but such as in esteem 
 
 Prince Mciniion's sister might beseem. 
 
 Or that starrod ylvthiop queen that strove 
 
 To set her beauty's praise above 
 
 The bcanyuiphs, and their powers offended." 
 
CASSIOPEU. 
 
 149 
 
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 ire son- 
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 in spite 
 to huxe 
 here lie 
 
 Cassiopeia 13 called "the starred ^thiop queen " because after 
 her death she was placed among the stars, forming the conHtella- 
 tion of that name. Though she attained this honor, yet the Sea- 
 Nymphs, her old enemies, prevailed so far as to cause her to be 
 placed in that part of the heavens near the pole, where every 
 night she is half the time held with her head downward, to give 
 her a lesson of humility. 
 
 Memnon was an -Ethiopian prince, of whom we shall tell in 
 a future chapter. 
 
 The Wedding-Feast. 
 
 The joyful parents, with Perseus and Andromeda, repaired to 
 the palace, where a banquet was spread for them, and all was 
 joy and festivity. But suddenly a noise was heard of warlikf 
 clamor, and Phineus, the betrothed of the virgin, with a party 
 of his adherents, burst in, demanding the maiden as his own. 
 It was in vain that Chepheus remonstrated, — '* You should have 
 claimed her when she lay bound to the rock, the monster's vic- 
 tim. The sentence of the gods dooming her to such a fate dis- 
 solved all engagements, as death itself would have done." 
 Phineus made no reply, but hurled his javelin at Perseus, but it 
 missed its mark and fell liarmless. Perseus would have thrown 
 his in turn, but the cowardly assailant ran and took shelter be- 
 hind the altar. But his act was a signal for an onset by his band 
 upon the guests of Cepheus. They defended themselves, and a 
 general conflict ensued, the old king retreating from the scene 
 after fruitless expostulations, calling the gods to witness that he 
 was guiltless of this outrage on the rights of hospitality. 
 
 Perseus and his friends maintained for some time the unequal 
 contest ; but the numbers of the assailants were too great for them, 
 and destruction seemed inevitable, when a sudden thought struck 
 Perseus, — **I will make my enemy defend me." Then with a 
 loud voice he exclaimed, "If I have any friend here let him 
 turn away his eyes !" and held aloft the Gorgon's head. " Seek 
 not to frighten us with your jugglery," said Thescelus, and raised 
 his javelin in act to throw, and became stone in the very atti- 
 tude. Ampyx was about to plunge his sword into the body of a 
 prostrate foe, but his arm stiffened and he could neither thrust 
 forward nor withdraw it. Another, in the midst of a vociferouf 
 
 
 
 
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 challenge, stopped, his mouth open, but no sound issuing. One 
 of Perseus' s friends, Aconteus, caught sight of the Gorgon and 
 stiffened like the rest. Astyages struck him with his sword, but 
 instead of wounding, it recoiled with a ringing noise. 
 
 Phineus beheld this dreadful result of his unjust aggression 
 and felt confounded. He called aloud to his friends, but got no 
 answer ; he touched them and found them stone. Falling on 
 his knees and stretching out his hands to Perseus, but turning his 
 head away, he begged for mercy. "Take all," said he, "give 
 me but my life." " Base coward !" said Perseus, " thus much 
 I will grant you : no weapon shall touch you ; moreover, you 
 shall be preserved in my house as a memorial of these events. ' ' 
 So saying, he held the Gorgon's head to the side where Phineus 
 was looking, and in the very form in which he knelt, with his 
 hands outstretched and face averted, he became fixed immovable. 
 a mass of stone I 
 
 «' As 'mid the fabled Libyan bridal stood 
 Perseu? in stern tranquillity of wrath, 
 Half stood, half floated on his ankle-plumes 
 Out-swelling, while the bright face on his shield 
 Looked into stone the raging fray ; so rose, 
 But with no magic arms, wearing alone 
 Th' appalling and control of his firm look. 
 The Briton Samor, at his rising awe 
 Went abroad, and the riotous hall was mute."— MiLMAN. 
 
 Perseus, with his bride, returned to Seriphus. There he 
 Avenged the king's ill treatment of his mother by showing him 
 the fatal head and changing him into a stone. ' 
 
 He also returned to Argos, and learned that his grandfather, 
 Acrisius, had been driven from his throne and was a prisoner of 
 state. Perseus slew the usurper, and restored, the old king to 
 his rightful place. The prediction of the oracle was slow of ful- 
 fillment, but finally came true. One day Perseus was playing at 
 quoits with his friends. Acrisius, standing by, was accidentally 
 struck by a discus, and killed. Perseus became king, and ruled 
 with great wisdom. At his death he, with Andromeda, joined 
 ihe immortals among the stars in the constellation of Cassiopeia. 
 
 Giants, 
 
 MONS' 
 
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 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Monsters. 
 
 Giants, Sphinx, CEd'i-pus, Peg'a-sus and Chi-mae'ra, 
 Cen'taurs, Griffin, and Pyg'mies. 
 
 Monsters, in the language of mythology, were beings of un- 
 natural proportions or parts, usually regarded with terror, as pos- 
 sessing immense strength and ferocity, which they employed for 
 the injury and annoyance of men. Some of ther. ' were supposed to 
 combine the members of different animals ; such were the Sphinx 
 and Chimsera j and to these all the terrible qualities of wild 
 l)easts were attributed, together with human sagacity and facul- 
 ties. Others, as the giants, differed from men chiefly in their 
 size ; and in this particular we must recognize a wide distinction 
 among them. The human giants, if .,o they may be called, such 
 as the Cyclopes, Antaeus, Orion and others, must be supposed 
 not to be altogether disproportioned to human beings, for they 
 mingled in love and strife with them. But the superhuman 
 giants, who warred with the gods, were of vastly larger dimen- 
 sions. Tityus, we are told, when stretched on the plain, covered 
 nine acres, and Enceladus required the whole of Mount .^tna to 
 be laid upon him to keep him down, 
 
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 (716) •73-4503 
 

1 52 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 •* And the nations far away 
 
 Are watching with eager eyes. ■', 
 
 They talk together, and say 
 
 To-morrow, perhaps to-day, 
 Enceladus will arise." — Longfeilow (Encehdus). 
 
 We have already spoken of the war which the giants waged 
 ,against the gods, and of its results. While this war lasted the 
 giants proved a formidable enemy. Some of them, like Bria- 
 reus, had a hundred arms; others, like Typhon, breathed out 
 fire. At one time they put the gods to such fear that they fled 
 into Egypt, and hid themselves under various forms. Jupiter 
 took the form of a ram, whence he was afterwards worshipped in 
 Egypt as the god Ammon, with curved horns. Apollo be- 
 came a crow, Bacchus a goat, Diana a cat, Juno a cow, Venus a 
 fish. Mercury a bird. At another time the giants attempted to 
 climb up into heaven, and for that purpose took up the moun- 
 tain Ossa and piled it on Pelion.* They were at last subdued by 
 thunderbolts, which Minerva invented, and taught Vulcan anc? 
 his Cyclopes to make for Jupiter. 
 
 The Sphinx— CEd'i-pus. 
 
 Laius, king of Thebes, was warned by an oracle that there waa 
 danger to his throne and life if his new-born son should be suf- 
 fered to grow up. 
 
 *♦ J,aius once, 
 Not from Apollo, but his priests, receiv'd 
 An oracle, which said, it was decreed 
 He should be slain by his own son." 
 
 — Soi'HOCLES (Francklin's tr.). 
 
 He therefore committed the child to the care of a herdsman, 
 with orders to destroy him ; but the herdsman, moved with pity, 
 yet not daring entirely to disobey, tied up the child by the feet, 
 and left him hanging to the branch of a tree. In this condition 
 the infant was found by a peasant, who carried him to his master 
 and mistress, by whom he was adopted and called (£d'i-pus, or 
 Swollen-foot. 
 
 Many years afterwards Laius being on his way to Delphi, ac- 
 companied only by one attendant, met in a narrow road a young 
 
 * See Proverbial Expressioni. 
 
 man, 
 
 I 
 
THE SPHINX. 153 
 
 man, also driving in a chariot On his refusal to leave the way 
 
 CEdipus and the Sphinx ( Louvre, Paris). 
 
 at their command, the attendant killed one of his horses, and 
 the stranger, filled with rage, slew both Laius and his attendant. 
 
 " Beneath my staff 
 At once he sunk, and fromliis chariot rolled. 
 I slew them all." — Sophocles (Potter). 
 
 The young man was CEdipus, who thus unknowingly became 
 the slayer of his own father. 
 
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 jil:-''*f I 
 
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 8T0BIE8 OF QODS AND HEROES, 
 
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 rAjij 
 
 Shortly after this event, the city of Thebes was afflicted with 
 a monster which infested the high-road. It was called th«( 
 Sphinx. It had the body of a lion, and the upper part of a 
 woman. It lay crouched on the top of a rock, and arrested all 
 travellers who came that way, proposing to them a riddle, with 
 the condition that those who could solve it should pass safe, but 
 those who failed should be -killed. Not one had yet succeeded 
 in solving it, and all had been slain. (Edipus was not daunted 
 by these alarming accounts; but boldly advanced to the trial. 
 The Sphinx said:— 
 
 *' Tell me, what animal is that 
 
 / hich has fom* feet at morning bright. 
 Has two at noon, and three at night?'*— Prior. 
 
 CEdipus replied, **Man, who in childhood creeps on hands 
 and knees, in manhood walks erect, and in old age with the aid 
 of a staff, ' ' The Sphinx was so mortified at the solving of her 
 riddle that she cast herself down from the rock and perished. 
 
 The gratitude of the people for their deliverance was so great 
 that they made CEdipus their king, giving him in marriage their 
 t|ueen Jocasta. CEdipus, ignorant of his parentage, had already 
 become the slayer of his father.; in marrying the queen he be- 
 came the husband of his mother. 
 
 (Kl)II'US : «' But tell me what the form 
 
 Of Laius, what his stature and his age? 
 
 J'K'AHTA J *'Tall and of manly port, his locks just tinged 
 
 With grey ; his form much like to thine." — Sophocles (Potter). 
 
 These horrors remained undiscovered, till at length Thebes 
 was afflicted with famine and pestilence, and the oracle being 
 consulted, the ciouble crime of CEdipus came to light. 
 
 \ ** The plague, he said, should cease, 
 
 When those who murder' d I.aius were discover' d, 
 And paid the forfeit ot their crime by death ^^\ 
 
 Or banishment." — Sophocles (Francklin's tr.). 
 
 • 
 Jocasta put an end to her own life, and CEdipus, seized with 
 
 iiuulness, tore out his eyes. 
 
 *' They, in the dark, should look in time to come 
 On those whom they ought never to have seen, 
 Nor know the dear ones whom he fain had known." 
 
 Hetl: 
 by all ej 
 
 These 
 miserabl 
 life. 
 
 When 
 
 the earth 
 and tam( 
 Hippocr 
 kick fror 
 TheC 
 fore part 
 and the 1 
 
 It mad 
 for some 
 court a 
 He brouj 
 ommendi 
 ble hero, 
 put him 1 
 him, susf 
 
PEGASUS AND THE CHIMJEBA, 
 
 ^S$ 
 
 He then wandered away from Thebes, dreaded and abandoned 
 
 by all except his daughters, ^. . 
 
 *' Ye tender props of my old age." ' 
 
 These faithfully adhered to him, till, after a tedious period of 
 miserable wandering, he found the termination of his wretched 
 
 life. 
 
 *' Behold me, now how fallen. 
 How sunk beneath a flood of dreadful woes ! 
 See this, and, mortal as thou art, survey 
 Man' s last deciding day, and none pronoimce 
 Happy the bounds of life till he hath passed 
 Safe and uninjured by the storms of state." 
 
 —Sophocles (Potter). 
 
 Peg'a-sus and the Chi-mae'ra. 
 
 When Perseus cut off Medusa's head, the blood sinking into 
 the earth produced the winged horse Peg'a-sus. Minerva caught 
 and tamed him, and presented him to the Muses. The fountain 
 Hippocrene, on the Muses* mountain Helicon, was opened by a 
 kick from his hoof. 
 
 The Chi-mae'ra was a fearful monster, breathing fire. The 
 fore part of its body was a compound of the liou and the goat, 
 and the hind part a dragon's. 
 
 ** Dire Chlmaera's conquest was enjoin' d ; 
 A mingled monster, of no mortal kind ; 
 Behind, a dragon' s fiery tail was spread ; 
 A goat' s rough body bore a lion's head ; 
 Her pitchy nostrils flaky flames expire j 
 Her gaping throat emits infernal fire." 
 
 —Homer (Pope's tr.). 
 
 It made great havoc in Lycia, so that the king lobates sought 
 for some hero to destroy it. At that time there arrived at his 
 court a gallant young warrior, whose name was Bellerophon. 
 He brought letters from Prcetus, the son-in-law of lobates, rec- 
 ommending Bellerophon in the warmest terms as an unconquera* 
 ble hero, but added at the close a request to his father-in-law to 
 put him to death. The reason was that Prcetus was jealous of 
 him, suspecting that his wife Antea looked with too much adidi* 
 
 \'v '.a 
 
 
 
 
 Ji'J 
 
156 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 M 
 mt 
 
 ration on the young warrior. From this instance of Bellerophon 
 being unconsciously the bearer of his own death-warrant, the ex- 
 pression " Bellerophontic letters" arose, to describe any species 
 of communication which a p-^rson is made the bearer of, contain^ 
 ing matter prejudicial to himself. 
 
 lobates, on perusing the letters, was puzzled what to do, not 
 willing to violate the claims of hospitality, yet wishing to oblige 
 his son-in-law. A lucky thought occurred to him to send Bel- 
 lerophon to combat with the Chimaera. Bellerophon accepted 
 the proposal, but before proceeding to the combjat consulted the 
 soothsayer Polyidus, who advised him to procure if possible the 
 
 Pegasus and the Nymphs (Thorwaldsen). 
 
 horse Pegasus for the conflict. For this purpose he directed him 
 to pass the night in the temple of Minerva. He did so, and as 
 he slept Minerva came to him and gave him a golden bridle. 
 When he awoke the bridle remained in his hand. Minerva also 
 showed him Pegasus drinking at the well of Pirene, and at sight 
 of the bridle the winged steed came willingly and suffered himself 
 to betaken. Bellerophon mounted him, rose with him into the 
 air, soon found the Chimoera, and gained an easy victory over 
 the monster. 
 After the conquest of the Chimjera, Bellerophon wa.* exposed 
 
PE0A8U8 AND T3E CHIMJBRA. 
 
 »$; 
 
 to further trials and labors by his unfriendly host, but by the aid 
 of Pegasus he triumphed in them all ; till at length lobates, see- 
 ing that the hero was a special favorite of the gods, gave him his 
 daughter in marriage and made him his successor on the throne. 
 At last Bellerophon, by his pride and presumption, drew upon 
 himself the anger of the gods ; it is said he even attempted to fly 
 up into heaven on his winged steed ; but Jupiter sent a gadfly 
 which stung Pegasus and made him throw his rider, who became 
 lame and blind in consequence. . 
 
 ** Bold Bellerophon (so Jove decreed 
 In wrath) fell headlong from the fields of air." — Wordsworth. 
 
 After this, Bellerophon wandered lonely through the Aleian 
 field, avoiding the paths of men, and died miserably. 
 
 Milton alludes to Bellerophon in the beginning of the seventh 
 book of ** Paradise Lost":— 
 
 *« Descend from Heaven, Urania, by that name 
 If rightly thou art called, whose voice divine 
 Following, above the Olympian hill I soar, 
 Above the flight of Pegasean wing ! 
 Up led by thee, 
 Lest, from this flying steed unreined (as once 
 Bellerophon, though from a lower sphere) t 
 
 Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall, ^ 
 
 Erroneous there to wander and forlorn." 
 
 Yoimg in his "Night Thoughts," speaking of the sceptic, 
 
 says: — 
 
 *♦ He whose blind thought futurity denies, 
 Unconscious bears, Bellerophon, like thee 
 His own indictment ; he condemns himself. 
 Who reads his bosom reads immortal life, 
 Or nature there, imposing on her sons, 
 Has written fables ; man was made a lie." — ^Vol. II. p. 12. 
 
 Pegasus, being the horse of the Muses, has always been at the 
 service of the poets. Schiller tc'.ls a pretty story of his having 
 been sold by a needy poet, and put to the cart and the plough. 
 He was not fit for such service, and his clownish master could 
 make nothing of him. But a youth stepped forth and asked 
 leave to try him. As soon as he was seated on his back, th« 
 
 
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 Jr.!f' > 
 
 
 
 •Vf'?.**^' 
 
IS» 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 horse, which had appeared at first vicious, and after Is spirit- 
 broken, rose kingly, a spirit, a god i unfolded the splendor of 
 his wings and soared towards heaven. 
 
 ** And the curious country people, 
 Rich and poor and young and old, 
 Came in haste to see this wondrous 
 Winged steed, with mane of gold." — Longfellow. 
 
 his deat 
 
 Sagittar 
 
 The 
 Greek v 
 
 Cen'taurs. 
 
 These monsters were represented as men from the head to the 
 loins, while the remainder of the body was that of a horse. The 
 ancients were too fond of a horse to consider the union of his 
 nature with man's as forming a very degraded compound, and 
 accordingly the Cen'taur is the only one of the fancied mon- 
 sters of antiquity to which any good traits are assigned. The 
 Centaurs were admitted to the companionship of man, and at the 
 marriage of Pirithous with Hippodamia, they were among the 
 guests. At the feast, Eurytion, one of the Centaurs, becoming 
 intoxicated with the wine, attempted to offer violence to the 
 bride ; the other Centaurs followed his example, and a dreadful 
 conflict arose, in which several of them were slain. This is the 
 celebrated battle of the Lapithae and Centaurs, a favorite subject 
 with the sculptors and poets of antiquity. 
 
 But not all the Centaurs were like the rude guests of Piri- 
 thous. Chiron was instructed by Apollo and Diana, and was 
 renowned for his skill in hunting, medicine, music, and the art 
 of prophecy. The most distinguished heroes of Grecian story 
 were his pupils. Among the rest the infant -^sculapius was in- 
 trusted to his charge by Apollo, his father. When the sage re- 
 turned to his home bearing the infant, his daughter Ocyroe came 
 forth to meet him, and at sight ci" the child burst forth into a 
 Iprophetic strain (for she was a prophetess), foretelling the glory 
 that he was to achieve, ^sculapius when grown up became a 
 renowned physici^, and even in one instance succeeded in re- 
 storing the dead to life. Pluto resented this, and Jupiter, at his 
 request, struck the bold physician with lightning and killed him, 
 but after his death received him into the number of the gods. 
 
 Chiron was the wisest and justest of all the Centaurs, and at 
 
 inches, 
 lived n 
 India, 
 
THE PTGMmS. 
 
 159 
 
 fi - '1 -'1 
 
 
 his death Jupiter placed him among the stars as the constellation 
 
 Sagittarius. 
 
 The Pyg'mies. 
 
 The Pyg'mies were a nation of dwarfs, so called from a 
 Greek word which means the cubit of measure of about thirteen 
 
 Young Centaur. 
 
 inches, which wan Haid tc he the hel^jht of these people. They 
 lived near the MOurce» of the Nile, or, according to others, in 
 India. 
 
 J 's-i 
 
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 STOBIES OP QOtoS AND HEUOES, 
 
 
 Ih 
 
 *t 
 
 -like that Pygmaean race > 
 
 Beyond the Indian mount, or fairy elves 
 Whose midnight revels by a forest side. 
 Or fountain, some belated peasant sees, 
 (Or dreams he sees,) while overhead the moon 
 Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 
 Wheels her pale course ; they on their mirth and dance 
 Intent, with jocund music charm his ear. 
 At once with joy and fear his heart reboimds." — Milton. 
 
 Homer tells us that the cranes used to migrate every winter tc 
 the Pygmies' country, and their appearance was the signal of 
 bloody warfare to the puny inhabitants, who had to take up arms 
 to defend their cornfields against the rapacious strangers. The 
 Pygmies and their enemies, the Cranes, form the subject of sev- 
 eral works of art. 
 
 Later writers tell of an army of Pygmies which, finding Her- 
 cules asleep, made preparations to attack him, as if they were 
 about to attack a city. But the hero, awaking, laughed at the 
 little warriors, wrapped some of them up in his lion-skin, and 
 carried them to Eurystheus. 
 
 The Griffin, or Gryph'on. 
 
 The Griffin is a monster with the body of a lion, the head and 
 wings of an eagle, and back covered with feathers. Like birds 
 it builds its nest, and instead of an egg lays an agate therein. It 
 has long claws, and talons of such a size that the people of that 
 country make them into drinking-cups. India was assigned as 
 the native country of the Griffins. They found gold in the 
 mountains and built their nests of it, for which reason their nests 
 urere very tempting to the hunters, and they were forced to keep 
 ifigilant guard over them. Their instinct led them to know 
 where buried treasures lay, and they did their best to keep plun- 
 derers at a distance. 
 
 •* As when a Gryphon through the wilderness, 
 With winged course, o'er hill and moory dale, 
 Pursues the Arimaspian who by stealth ', 
 
 Hath from his wakeful custody purloined 
 His guarded gold. "—Milton. 
 
 The Arimaspians, among whom the Griffins flourished, were 
 a one-eyed people of Scythia. 
 
Sunday, Sol (Raphael). 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 The Golden Fleece— J a'son — Me-de'a. 
 
 The Golden Fleece. 
 
 In very ancient times there lived in Thessaly a king and queen 
 named Athamas and Nephele. They had two children, a boy 
 and a girl. After a time Athamas grew indifferent to his wife, 
 put her away, and took another. Nephele suspected danger to 
 her children from the influence of the step -mother, and took 
 measures to send them out of her reach. Mercury assisted her, 
 and gave her a ram, with a golden fleece ^ on which she set the 
 two children, trusting that the ram would convey them to a 
 place of safety. The ram vaulted into the air with the children 
 on his back, taking his course to the East, till, when crossing the 
 strait that divides Europe and Asia, the girl, whose name was 
 Helle, fell from his back into the sea, which from her was called 
 Ihe Hellespont — now the Dardanelles. \ 
 
 ** Where beauteous Helle found a watery grave." — MeleAGER. 
 
 The ram continued his career till he reached the kingdom of 
 Colchis, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, where he safely 
 landed the boy Phryxus, who was hospitably received by .^etes, 
 the king of the country. Phryxus sacrificed the ram to Jupiter, 
 
 if 
 
 fir 
 
 P 
 
l62 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 
 and gave the golden fleece to -^etes, who placed it in a conse* 
 ' crated grove, under the care of a sleepless dragon. 
 
 There was another kingdom in Thessaly near to that of Atha- 
 mas, and rult over by a relative of his. The king ^son, being 
 tired of the cares of government, surrendered his crown to his 
 brother Pelias, on condition that he should hold it only during 
 the minority of Ja'son, the son of ^son. When Jason was 
 grown up and came to demand the crown from his uncle, Pelias 
 pretended to be willing to yield it, but at the same time sug- 
 gested to the young man the glorious adventure of going in quest 
 of the golden fleece, which it was well-known was in the king- 
 dom of Colchis, and was, as Pelias pretended, the rightful prop- 
 erty of their family. 
 
 " From Colchis' realm to bring the golden fleece 
 ; He charged the youth." — Orphic Argonautics. 
 
 \ 
 
 Jason was pleased with the thought, and forthwith made pre- 
 parations for the expedition. At that time the only species of 
 navigation known to the Greeks consisted of small boats or 
 canoes hollowed out from trunks of trees, so that when Jason 
 employed Argus to build him a vessel capable of containing fifty 
 men, it was considered a gigantic undertaking. 
 
 *• So when the first bold vessel dared the seas, 
 
 High on the stem the Thracian raised his strain. 
 While Argo saw her kindred trees 
 
 Descend from Pelion to the main. 
 Transported demigods stood round, 
 And men grew heroes at the sound." — Pope. 
 
 It was accomplished, however, and the vessel named Argo, 
 from the name of the builder. Jason sent his invitation to all 
 the adventurous young men of Greece, and soon found himself 
 at the head of a band of bold youths, many of whom afterwards 
 were renowned among the heroes and demigods of Greece. 
 Hercules, Theseus, Orpheus and Nestor were among them. 
 
 *' From every region of ^gea's shore 
 The brave assembled ; those illustrious twins 
 Castor and Pollux ; Orpheus, tuneful bard ; 
 Zetes and Calais, as the wind in speed ; 
 Strong Hercules and many a chief renowned."— DvEa. 
 
 They 
 Thei 
 and, ha 
 Mysia, 
 
 Here 
 structior 
 .course, 
 trance o 
 was im 
 small roc 
 floated 
 and in tl 
 heavings 
 came to 
 and gri; 
 any obje 
 caught 
 They wei 
 plegades, 
 ands. P 
 the Arg 
 pass this 
 When tl 
 islands tl 
 which tc 
 tvveen 1 
 passed in 
 ing some 
 tail. Ja 
 seized tl 
 ment of 
 through, 
 grazed t 
 arrived a 
 of Colct 
 
THE GOLDEN FLEECE. 
 
 l6z 
 
 El conse* 
 
 ►f Atha- 
 n, being 
 n to his 
 f during 
 son was 
 e, Pelias 
 me sug- 
 in quest 
 tie king- 
 ill prop- 
 
 ade pre- 
 lecies of 
 boats or 
 in Jason 
 ing fifty 
 
 Argo, 
 m to all 
 himself 
 erwards 
 Greece. 
 
 m. 
 
 They are called the Argonauts, from the name of their vessel. 
 
 The Argo with her crew of heroes left the shores of Thessaly, 
 and, having touched at the Island of Lemnos, thence crossed to 
 Mysia, and thence to Thrace. 
 
 ** Then with a whistling breeze did Juno fill the sail. 
 And Argo, self-impell'd, shot swift before the gale." 
 
 — Onomacritus (Elton's tr.). 
 
 Here they found the sage Phineus, and from him received in- 
 struction as to their future 
 .course. It seems the en- 
 trance of the Euxine Sea 
 was impeded by two 
 small rocky islands, which 
 floated on the surface, 
 and in their tossings and 
 heavings they occasionally 
 came together, crushing 
 and grinding to atoms 
 any object that might be 
 caught between them. 
 They were called the Sym- 
 plegades, or Clashing Isl- 
 ands. Phineus instructed 
 the Argonauts how to 
 pass this dangerous strait. 
 When they reached the 
 islands they let go a dove, 
 which took her way be- 
 tween the rocks, and 
 passed in safety, only los- 
 ing some feathers of her 
 tail. Jason and his men 
 seized the favorable mo- 
 
 Jason (Cilyptothek, Munich). 
 
 Ea. 
 
 ment of the rebound, plied their oars with vigor, and passed safe 
 through, though the islands closed behind them, and actually 
 grazed their stern. They now rowed along the shore till they 
 arrived at the eastern end of the sea, and landed at the kingdom 
 of Colchis. 
 
 
 
 
m 
 
 mm. niflii 
 
 
 «64 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Jason made known his message to the Colchian king, -^Eetes, 
 who consented to give up the golden fleece if Jason would yoke 
 to the plough two fire-breathing bulls with brazen feet, and sow 
 the teeth of the dragon which Cadmus had slain, and from 
 which it was well known that a crop of armed men would spring 
 up who would turn their weapons against their producer. Jason 
 accepted the conditions, and a time was set for making the ex- 
 periment. Previously, however, he found means to plead his 
 cause to Medea, daughter of the king. He promised her mar- 
 
 Jason (Museum, Rome). 
 
 riage, and, as they stood before the altar of Hecate, called the 
 goddess to witness his oath. Medea yielded — and by her aid, 
 for she was a potent sorceress, he was furnished with a c liarm 
 by which he could encounter safely the breath of the fire-breath- 
 Ing bulls and the weapons of the armed men. 
 
 *At the time appointed the people assembled at the grove of 
 Mars, and the king assumed his royal seat, while the multitude 
 
THE GOLDEN FLEECE, 
 
 165 
 
 
 ig, ^etes, 
 rould yoke 
 t, and sow 
 and from 
 uld spring 
 ;er. Jason 
 ng the e\- 
 plead his 
 I her mar- 
 
 called th' 
 )y her aid, 
 th a (liarni 
 ire-brt-ath- 
 
 3 grove of 
 multitude 
 
 covered the hill-sides. The brazen-footed bulls rushed in, 
 breathing fire from their nostrils that burned up the herbage as 
 they passed. The sound was like the roar of a furnace, and the 
 smoke like that of water upon quick-lime. Jason advanced 
 boldly to meet them. His friends, the chosen heroes of Greece, 
 trembled to behold him. Regardless of the burning breath, he 
 soothed their rage with his voice, patted their necks with fearless 
 hand, and adroitly slipped over them the yoke, and compelled 
 them to drag the plough. 
 
 ** And how he yoked the bulls, whose breathings fiery glow'd, 
 And with the dragons' teeth the furrow' d acres sow'd." 
 
 — Onomacritus (Elton's tr. ). 
 
 The Colchians were amazed ; the Greeks shouted for joy. 
 Jason next proceeded to sow the dragon's teeth and plough them 
 in. And soon the crop of armed men sprang up, and — wonder- 
 ful to relate ! — no sooner had they reached the surface than they 
 began to brandish their weapons and rush upon Jason. 
 
 " They, like swift dogs, 
 Ranging in fierceness, on each other tum'd 
 Tumultuous battle." — Apollonius Rhodius (Elton's tr.). 
 
 The Greeks trembled for their hero ; and even she who had 
 provided him a way of safety and taught him how to use it, 
 Medea herself, grew pale with fear. Jason for a time kept his 
 assailants at bay with his sword and shield, till, finding their num- 
 bers overwhelming, he resorted to the charm which Medea had 
 taught him, seized a stone, and threw it in the midst of his foes. 
 They immediately turned their arms against one another, and 
 soon there was not one of the dragon's brood left alive. The 
 Greeks embraced their hero, and Medea, if she dared, would 
 have embraced him, too. 
 
 It remained to lull to sleep the dragon that guarded the fleece, 
 and this was done by scattering over him a few drops of a prepa- 
 ration which Medea had supplied. At the smell he relaxed his 
 rage, stood for a moment motionless, then shut those great round 
 eyes, that had never been known to shut before, and turned over 
 on his side, fast asleep. Jason seized the fleece, 
 
 *• Exulting Jason grasped the shini'ig hide, 
 His last of It lx)rs, and his envied pride." 
 
 — Flaccus (Elton'i tr.), 
 
 1/8 i. ■■ C'l" 
 
 
 f^: 'i. 
 
 w 
 
 
 ' ^3 
 111' '11 
 
 
 
i66 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 and with his friends and Medea accompanying, hastened to theii 
 vessel, before ^etes, the king, could arrest their departure, and 
 made the best of their way back to Thessaly, where they arrived 
 safe, and Jason delivered the fleece to Pelias, and dedicated the 
 Argo to Neptune. What became of the fleece afterwards we do 
 not know, but perhaps it was found, after all, like many other 
 golden prizes, not worth the trouble it had cost to procure it. 
 
 This is one of those mythological tales, says a late writer, in 
 which there is reason to believe that a substratum of truth exists, 
 though overlaid by a mass of fiction. It probably was the first 
 important maritime expedition, and like the first attempts of the 
 kind of all nations, as we know from history, was probably of a 
 half-piratical character. If rich spoils were the result, it was 
 enough to give rise to the idea of the golden fleece. 
 
 Another suggestion of a learned mythologist, Bryant, is that 
 it is a corrupt tradition of the story of Noah and the ark. The 
 name Argo seems to countenance this, and the incident of the 
 dove is another confirmation. 
 
 Hercules left the expedition at Mysia, for Hylas, a youth be- 
 loved by him, having gone for water, was laid hold of and kept 
 by the nymphs of the spring, who were fascinated by his beauty. 
 Hercules went in quest of the lad, and while he was absent the 
 Argo put to sea and left him. 
 
 *' When Plylas was sent with his urn to the fount, 
 
 Through fields full of light and with heart full of play, 
 Light rambled the hoy over meadow and mount, 
 And neglected his task for the flowers in the way. 
 
 «* Thus many like me, who in youth should have tasted 
 The fountain that runs by Philosophy's shrine, 
 Their time with the flowers on the margin have wasted, 
 I And left their light urns all as empty as mine." — Moore. 
 
 Me-de'a and .^'son. 
 
 Amid the rejoicings for the recovery of the Golden Fleece, 
 Jason felt that one thing was wanting, the presence of .ffi'son, his 
 father, who was prevented by his age and infirmities from taking 
 part in them. Jason said to Me-de'a, ** My spouse, would that 
 your arts, whose p-^wer I have seen so mighty for my aid, could 
 do me one further service : take some years from my life and add 
 
MEDEA AND JESON, 
 
 167 
 
 them to my father's. ' ' Medea replied, *' Not at such a cost shall 
 it be done, but if my art avails me, his life shall be lengthened 
 without abridging yours. ' * The next full moon she issued forth 
 alone, while all creatures slept ; not a breath stirred the foliage, 
 and all was still. To the stars she addressed her incantations, 
 and to the moon ; to Hecate,* the goddess of the under world, 
 and to Tellus, the goddess of the earth, by whose power plants 
 potent for enchantments are produced. She invoked the gods 
 of the woods and caverns, of mountains and valleys, of lakes and 
 rivers, of winds and rapors. While she spoke the stars shone 
 brighter, and presently a chariot descended through the air, 
 drawn by flying serpents. She ascended in it, and, borne aloft, 
 made her way to distant regions, where potent plants grew wh'.ch 
 she knew how to select for her purpose. Nine nights she em- 
 ployed in her search, and during that time came not within the 
 doors of her palace nor under any roof, and shunned all inter- 
 course with mortals. 
 
 She next erected two altars, the one to Hecate, the other to 
 Hebe, the goddess of youth, and sacrificed a black sheep, pour- 
 ing libations of milk and wine. She implored Pluto and his 
 stolen bride that they would not hasten to take the old man's 
 life. Then she directed that ^Eson should be led forth, and 
 having thrown him into a deep sleep by a charm, had him laid 
 on a bed of herbs, like one dead. Jason and all others were 
 kept away from the place, that no profane eyes might look upon 
 her mysteries. Then, with streaming hair, she thrice moved 
 round the altars, dipped flaming twigs in the blood, and laid 
 them thereon to burn. Meanwhile the caldron with its contents 
 was got ready. In it she put magic herbs, with seeds and flowers 
 of acrid juice, stones from the distant east, and sand from the 
 shore of all-surrounding ocean ; hoar-frost, gathered by moon- 
 light, a screech-owl's head and wings, and the entrails of a wolf. 
 She added fragments of the shells of tortoises, and the liver of 
 stags, — animals tenacious of life, — and the head and beak of a 
 
 * Hecate was a mysterious divinity sometimes identified with Diana and 
 Bometimes witli Proserpine. As Diana represents the moonlight splendor of 
 night, so Hecate represents its darkness and terrors. She was the goddess of 
 sorcery and witchcraft, and was believed to wander by night along the eartb 
 seen only by the dogs, whose barking told her approach. 
 
 
 
 Hi 
 
 
 Emm 
 
 "M 
 
 W^^^wj 
 
 ■i 
 
 
 
i68 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 4iiiii IPS.: 
 
 i 
 
 crow, that OUtV .6 nine generations of men. These with many 
 Other things * without a name ' ' she boiled together for her pur- 
 posed work, stirring them up with a dry olive branch ; and be- 
 hold I the branch when taken out instantly became green, and 
 before long was covered with leaves and a plentiful growth of 
 
 young olives ; and 
 as the liquor boiled 
 and bubbled, and 
 sometimes ran 
 over, the grass 
 wherever the sprin- 
 klings fell shot 
 forth with a verd- 
 ure like that of 
 spring. 
 
 Seeing that all 
 was ready, Medee 
 cut the throat of 
 the old man and 
 let out all his 
 blood, and poured 
 into his mouth 
 and into his wound 
 the juices of her 
 caldron. As soon 
 as he had com- 
 pletely imbibed 
 them, his hair and 
 beard laid by their 
 whiteness and as- 
 sumed the black- 
 ness of youth ; his 
 paleness and ema- 
 ciation were gone : 
 his vclnH were full of blood, his limbs of vigor and robustness. 
 ^)Hon Is amazed at himself, and remembers that such as he no\v 
 is, he was in his youthful days, forty years before. 
 
 ** MccletiN spells dispersed tlie weight of years, 
 And Mton stood a youth 'raid youthful peers."— Wordsworth 
 
 Medea (N. Sichel). 
 
 Medea 
 another i 
 venge. 
 uncle of 
 must ha\ 
 and whc 
 wished 
 to consei 
 an old si 
 soon a b 
 removed 
 meadow, 
 delight, 
 same ope 
 very diff 
 herbs, 
 ber of th 
 the influ( 
 ters stooc 
 tated to i 
 away the 
 their wej 
 daughter; 
 Their he; 
 but Mede 
 
 Then 1 
 depart in 
 treachery 
 escaped, 
 crime, 
 marry Ci 
 raged at 
 a poison( 
 children 
 drawn c 
 ^Egeus, t 
 we come 
 
 The ii 
 of the w 
 
MEDEA AND JE80N. 
 
 169 
 
 Medea used her arts here for a good purpose ; but not so in 
 another instance, where she made them the instruments of re- 
 venge. Pelias, our readers will recollect, was the usurping 
 uncle of Jason, and had kept him out of his kingdom. Yet he 
 must have had some good qualities, for his daughters loved him, 
 and when they saw what Medea had done for ^Eson, they 
 wished her to do the same for their father. Medea pretended 
 to consent, and prepared her caldron as before. At her request 
 an old sheep was brought and plunged into the caldron.* Very 
 soon a bleating was heard in the kettle, and when the cover was 
 removed, a lamb jumped forth and ran frisking away into the 
 meadow. The daughters of Pelias saw the experiment with 
 delight, and appointed a time for their father to undergo the 
 same operation. But Medea prepared her caldron for him in a 
 very different way. She put in only water and a few simple 
 herbs. In the night she with the sisters entered the bedcham- 
 ber of the old king, while he and his guards slept soundly under 
 the influence of a spell cast upon them by Medea. The daugh- 
 ters stood by the bedside with their weapons drawn, but hesi- 
 tated to strike, till Medea chid their irresolution. Then, turning 
 away their faces, and giving random blows, they smote him with 
 their weapons. He, starting from his sleep, cried out: **My 
 daughters, what are you doing? Will you kill your father?" 
 Their hearts failed them and the weapons fell from their hands, 
 but Medea struck him a fatal blow, and prevented his saying more. 
 
 Then they placed him in the caldron, and Medea hastened to 
 depart in her serpent -drawn chariot before they discovered her 
 treachery, or their vengeance would have been terrible. She 
 escaped, however, but had little enjoyment of the fruits of her 
 crime. Jason, for whom she had done so much, wishing to 
 marry Creusa, princes? of Corinth, put away Medea. She, en- 
 raged at his ingratitude, called on the gods for vengeance, sent 
 a poisoned robe as a gift to the bride, and then killing her own 
 children and setting fire to the palace, mounted her serpent- 
 drawn chariot and fled to Athens, where she married King 
 .Egcus, the father of Theseus, and we shall meet her again when 
 we come to the adventures of that hero. 
 
 The incantations of Medea will remind the reader of those 
 of the witches in Macbeth : 
 
 IP-; •■ 
 
 
 
 
 1 ' ?.'.« 
 
 
 
 
I/O 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 •• Round about the caldron go ; \ 
 
 In the poisoned entrails throw. 
 Fillet of a fenny snake 
 In the caldron boil and bake ; 
 Eye of newt and toe of frog, 
 Wool of bat and tongue of dog. 
 Adder's fork and blind- worm's sting, 
 Lizard's leg and howlet's wing : 
 Maw of ravening salt-sea shark, 
 Root of hemlock digged in the dark," &c. 
 
 — Macbeth^ Act IV. Scene I. 
 
 There is another story of Medea almost too revolting for record 
 even of a sorceress, a class of persons to whom both ancient and 
 modern poets have been accustomed to attribute every degree of 
 
 atrocity. 
 
 Macbeth. — What is' t you do ? 
 
 Witches. — A deed without a name. I 
 
 i 
 
 In her flight from Colchis she had taken her young brother 
 Absyrtus with her. Finding the pursuing vessels of -^etes gain- 
 ing upon the Argonauts, she caused the lad to be killed and his 
 limbs to be strewn over the sea. ^etes on reaching the place 
 found these sorrowful traces of his murdered son ; but while he 
 tarried to collect the scattered fragments and bestow upon them 
 an honorable interment, the Argonauts escaped. 
 
 *' O haggard queen ! to Athens dost thou guide 
 Thy glowing chariot, steeped in kindred gore ; 
 Or seek to hide thy damned parricide 
 Where Peace and Justice dwell for evermore?" 
 
 — Campbell. 
 
 Jason, it is said, depressed by his troubles, repaired to the 
 sanctuary on the Isthmus of Corinth, where the Argo had been 
 consecrated in the grove of Poseidon. On approaching the ship, 
 part of the stern giving way, fell upon him, and caused his death. 
 Another version of the story says that he took his own life. 
 
 / , 
 
)cene i. 
 
 >r record 
 ient and 
 egree of 
 
 : brother 
 tes gain- 
 and his 
 le place 
 ivhile he 
 on them 
 
 IPBELL, 
 
 to the 
 ad been, 
 he ship, 
 s death. 
 fe. 
 
 Apollo and the Muses, G. Romano (Florence). 
 
 " CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Me-le-a'gcr — At-a-lan'ta — Cal-y-do'ni-an Hunt. 
 
 One of the heroes of the Argonautic expedition was Me-le- 
 a'ger, son of (Eneus and Althea, king and queen of Calydon 
 Althea, when her son was born, beheld the three Destinies, who, 
 as they spun their fatal thread, foretold that the life of the 
 child should last no longer than a brand then burning upon the 
 hearth. Althea seized and quenched the brand, and carefully 
 preserved it for years, while Meleager grew to boyhood, youth, 
 and manhood. It chanced, then, that CEneus, as he offered 
 sacrifices to the gods, omitted to pay due honors to Diana; 
 and she, indignant at the neglect, sent a wild boar of enormous 
 size to lay waste the fields of Calydon. Its eyes shone with 
 blood and fire, its bristles stood like threatening spears, its tusks 
 were like those of Indian elephants. The growing corn was 
 trampled, the vines and olive trees laid waste, the flocks and 
 herds were driven in wild confusion by the slaughtering foe. 
 All common aid seemed vain ; but Meleager called on the heroes 
 of Greece to join in a bold hunt for the ravenous monster. 
 Theseus and his friend Pirithous ; Jason ; Peleus, afterwards the 
 father of Achilles ; Telamon, the father of Ajax ; Nestor, then a 
 youth, but who in his age bore arms with Achilles and Ajax in 
 the Trojan war — these and many more joined in the enterprise. 
 With ti em came At-a-lan'ta, the daughter of lasius, king of 
 Arcadia. A buckle of polished gold confined her vest, an ivory 
 
 f 191 \ 
 
 !i:'^'; '".m 
 
 •M- .ii's 
 
 (-■-i: -J.T- 
 
 
 ry^%i 
 
1/2 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 
 
 quiver hung on her left shoulder, and he»" left hand bore the bow. 
 Her face blent feminine beauty with thfi best graces of martiaj 
 youth. 
 
 ** Acadian Atalanta, snowy-souled, 
 Fair as the snow and footed as the wind." — Swinburne, 
 
 The very moment that Meleager saw Atalanta he loved her. 
 But now already they were near the monster's lair. They 
 
 stretched strong nets from 
 tree to tree ; they uncou- 
 pled their dogs, they tried 
 to find the footprints of 
 their quarry in the grass. 
 From the wood was a de- 
 scent to marshy ground. 
 Here the boar, as he lay 
 among the reeds, heard 
 the shouts of his pursuers, 
 and rushed forth against 
 them. One and another 
 is thrown down and slain. 
 Jason throws his spear, 
 with a prayer to Diana for 
 success, and the favoring 
 goddess allows the weapon 
 to touchjbut not to wound, 
 removing the steel point 
 of the spear even in its 
 flight. Nestor, assailed, 
 seeks and finds safety in 
 the branches of a tree. 
 Telamon rushes on, but 
 stumbling at a projecting 
 root, falls prone. But an 
 arrow from Atalanta at length for the first time tastes the mon- 
 ster's blood. It is a slight wound, but Meleager sees and joy- 
 fully proclaims it. Ancoeus, excited to envy by the praise given 
 to a female, loudly proclaims his own valor, and defies alike the 
 boar and the goddess who had sent it ; but as he rushes on, tlit 
 infuriated beast lays him low with a mortal wound. Theseus 
 
 Meleager (Vatican, Rome). 
 
CALYDONIAN HUNT. 
 
 ^'/5 
 
 throws his lance, but it is turned aside by a projecting bough. 
 The dart of Jason misses its object, and kills, instead, one of their 
 own dogs. But Meleager, after one unsuccessful stroke, drives 
 his spear into the monster's side, then rushes on and despatches 
 him with repeated blows. 
 
 "And from raging lips 
 Foam€4 ©ut the latest wrath of all his life." — Swinburne. 
 
 Then rose a shout from those around ; they congratulated the 
 conqueror, crowding to touch his hand. He, placing his foot 
 upon the head of the slain bour, turned to Atalanta and be- 
 stowed on her the head and the rough hide which were the tro- 
 phies of his success. But at this, envy excited the rest to strife. 
 
 " Then one cried, * Lo now .'*',; 
 
 Shall not the Acadian shoot out lips at us, 
 Saying nil we were despoiled by this one girl ?'" — Swinburne. 
 
 Plexippus and Toxeus, the brothers of Meleager's mother, 
 beyon I the rest 0))posed the gift, and snatched from the maiden 
 the trophy she had received. Meleager, kindling with rage 
 at the wrong done to himself, and still more at the insult offered 
 to her whom he loved, forgot the claims of kindred and 
 plunged his sword into the offenders' hearts. 
 
 As Althaea bore gifts of thankfulness to the temples for the 
 victory of her soi^, the bodies of her murdered brothers met 
 her sight. She shrieks, and beats her breast, and hastens to 
 change the garments of rejoicing for those of mourning. But 
 when the author of the deed is known, grief gives way to the 
 stern desire of vengeance on her son. The fatal brand which 
 once she rescued from the flames, the brand which the Destinies 
 had linked with Meleager's life, she brings forth, and commands 
 a fire to be prepared. Then four times she essays to place the 
 brand upon the pile ; four times draws back, shuddering at the 
 thought of bringing destruction on her son. The feelings of 
 the mother and the sister contend within her. Now she is pale 
 at the thought of the purposed deed, now flushed again with 
 unger at the act of her son. As a vessel, driven in one direc- 
 tion by the wind, and in the opposite by the tide, the mind of 
 Althjcahangs suspended in uncertainty. But now the sister pre- 
 
 
 s% 
 
 im 
 
174 
 
 STOBIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 s':i^'i <■'! 
 
 
 I: 
 
 
 vails above the mother, and she begins, as she holds the fatal 
 wood: "Turn, ye Furies, goddesses of punishment ! turn to 
 behold the sacrifice I bring ! Crime must atone for crime. 
 Shall CEneus rejoice in his victor son while the house of Thes- 
 tius is desolate ? But, alas ! to what deed am I borne along ? 
 Brothers, forgive a mother's weakness ! my hand fails me. He 
 deserves death, but not that I should destroy him. l^ut shall he 
 tthen live, and triumph and reign over Calydon, while you, my 
 Drothers, wander unavenged among the shades? No! thou 
 hast lived by my gift ; die, now, for thine own crime. Return 
 the life wnich twice I gave thee, first at thy birth, again when I 
 snatched this brand from the flames. O that thou hadst then 
 died ! Alas ! evil is the conquest ; but, brothers, ye have con- 
 quered. ' ' And, turning away her face, she threw the fatal wood 
 upon the burning pile. 
 
 It gave, or seemed to give, a deadly groan. Meleagei, 
 absent and unknowing of the cause, felt a sudden pang. He 
 burns, and only by courageous pride conquers the pain which 
 destroys him. He mourns only that he perishes by a bloodless 
 and unhonored death. With his last breath he calls upon his 
 aged father, his brother and his fond sisters, upon his beloved 
 Atalanta, and upon his mother, the unknown cause of his fate. 
 The flames increase, and with them the pain of the hero. Now 
 both subside ; now both are quenched. The brand is ashes, and 
 the life of Meleager is breathed forth to the wandering winds. 
 
 Althaea, when the deed was done, laid violent hands upon her- 
 self. The sisters of Meleager mourned their brother with un- 
 controllable grief; tiU Diina, pitying the sorrows of the house 
 that once had aroused her anger, turned them into birds. 
 
 At-a-lan'ta. 
 
 ; The innocent cause of so much sorrow was a maiden whose 
 face you n;ight truly say was boyish for a girl, yet too girlish for 
 a boy. Her fortune had been told, and it was to this effect : 
 *' At-a-lan'ta, do not marry, marriage will be your ruin." 
 Terrified by this oracle, she fled the society of men, and devoted 
 herself to the sports of the chase. To all suitors (for she had 
 many) she imposed a condition which was generally effectual in 
 relieving her of their persecutions, — *' I will be the prize of hrm 
 
 vho sha 
 
 alty of £ 
 some w( 
 " Can it 
 for a wif 
 for the n 
 •I knew n 
 them he 
 any one 
 thoughts, 
 beautiful 
 feet; hei 
 
 garment 
 of her SI 
 All her c 
 out mere 
 eyes on t 
 I offer m 
 pitying c 
 conquer 1 
 handsom( 
 beauty () 
 give up tl 
 me." V 
 tors gro\v 
 prepare. 
 " Help 
 and was ] 
 In the 
 
ATALANTA, 
 
 175 
 
 vfho shall conquer me in the race ; but death must be the pen- 
 alty of all who try and fail." In spite of this hard condition 
 some would try. Hippomenes was to be judge of the race. 
 " Can it be possible that any will be so rash as to risk so much 
 for a wife ?' ' said he. But wnen he saw her lay aside her robe 
 for the race he changed his mind and said, " Pardon me, youths, 
 1 knew not the prize you were competing for. " As he surveyed 
 them he wished them all to be beaten, and swelled with envy of 
 any one that seemed at all likely to win. While such were his 
 thoughts, the virgin darted forward. As she ran she looked more 
 beautiful than ever. The breezes seemed to give wings to her 
 feet ; her hair flew over her shoulders and the gay fringe of her 
 
 Atalanta's Race (Poytner). 
 
 garment fluttered behind her. A ruddy hue tinged the whiteness 
 of her skin, such as a crimson curtain casts on a marble wall. 
 All her competitors were distanced, and were put to death with- 
 out mercy. Hippomenes, not daunted by this result, fixing his 
 eyes on the virgin, said, " Why boast of beating those laggards? 
 I offer myself for the contest.*'' Atalanta looked at him with a 
 pitying countenance, and hardly knew whether she would rather 
 conquer him or not. " What god can tempt one so young and 
 handsome to throw himself away? I pity him, not for his 
 beauty (yet he is beautiful), but for his youth. I wish he would 
 give up the race ; or, if he will be so mad, I hope he may outrun 
 me." While she hesitates, revolving these thoughts, the specta- 
 tors grow impatient for the race, and her father prompts her to 
 prepare. Then Hippomenes addressed a prayer to Venus: 
 "Help me, Venus, for you have' led me on." Venus heard, 
 and was propitious. 
 In the garden of her temple, in her own island of Cyprus, if 
 
 ■'■' 'if 
 
 
 vK-A 
 
 
 
 '1* *■ ' - ri 
 
 1j ^ 1' 
 
 ^z ■ 
 
 
176 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 a tree with yellow leaves and yellow branches, and golden fruit. 
 Hence she gathered three golden apples, and, unseen by any one 
 else, gave them to Hippomenes, and told him how to use them. 
 The signal is given ; each starts for the goal, and skims over the 
 sand. So light their tread, you would almost have thought they 
 might run over the river surface or over the waving grain with- 
 out sinking. The cries of the spectators cheered Hippomenes 
 — *' Now, now do your best ! haste, haste 1 you gain on her ! 
 relax not ! one more effort I" 
 
 «« He felt 
 The rapid and repeated gush of breath 
 Behind his shoulder." — ^W. S. Landor. 
 
 It was doubtful whether the youth or the maiden heard these 
 cries with the greater pleasure. But his breath began to fail him, 
 his throat was dry, the goal yet far off. At that moment he threw 
 down one of the golden apples. The virgin was all amazement. 
 She stopped to pick it up. Hippomenes shot ahead. Shouts 
 burst forth from all sides. She redoubled her efforts, and soon 
 overtook him. Again he threw an apple. She stopped again, 
 but again came up with him. The goal was near ; one chance 
 only remained. **Now, goddess," said he, "prosper your 
 gift !** and threw the last apple off at one side. She looked at 
 it, and hesitated. 
 
 ** She stooped again. 
 Yet swifter than a wren picks up a grain 
 Of millet, raised her head; it was too late. — W.S.T.andor. 
 
 Venus impelled her to turn aside for it. She did so, and was 
 
 vanquished. 
 
 ** Hippomenes turns her astray .1 
 
 By the golden illusions he flings on her way.*'— MooRE. 
 
 Amid the shouts of the crowd the youth carried off his prize. 
 But the lovers were so full of their own happiness that they 
 forgot to pay due honor to Venus, and the goddess was pro- 
 voked at their ingratitude. She caused them to give offence to 
 Cybele. That powerful goddess was not to be insulted with im- 
 punity. She took from them their human form and turned them 
 into animals of characters resembling their own : of the huntress- 
 heroine, triumphing in the blood of her lovers, she made a 
 
ATALANTA, 
 
 «;; 
 
 r 
 
 in fruit, 
 any one 
 >e them. 
 )ver the 
 jht they 
 in with- 
 )omenes 
 >n her ! 
 
 rd these 
 fail him, 
 he threw 
 Lzement. 
 
 Shouts 
 md soon 
 id again, 
 
 chance 
 er your 
 )oked at 
 
 lioness, 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 
 statuary or painting, of the goddess Cybele. 
 
 Cybele is the Latin name of the goddess called by the Greeks 
 Rhea and Ops. She was the wife of Cronus and mbther of Zeus. 
 In works of art she exhibits the matronly air which distinguishes 
 Juno and Ceres. Sometimes she is veiled and seated on a throne 
 with lions at her side, at other times riding in a chariot drawn 
 by lions. She wears a mural crown, that is, a crown whose rim 
 is carved in the form of towers and battlements. Her priests 
 were called Corybantes. 
 
 Byron in describing the city of Venice, which is built on a 
 low island in the Adriatic Sea, borrows an illustration from Cy- 
 bele : — 
 
 ** She looks a sea- Cybele fresh from ocean. 
 Rising with her tiara of proud towers 
 At airy distance, with majestic motion, 
 A rulur of the waters and their powers." 
 
 —Childe Harold, IV. 
 
 nm 
 
 iNDOR. 
 
 and was 
 
 )0RE. 
 
 lis prize, 
 lat they 
 vas pro- 
 ffence to 
 with im- 
 led them 
 luntress- 
 made a 
 
i;S 
 
 aTomm of gols and heroes. 
 
 \ 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 Her'cu-les — ^He'be and Gan'y-mede. 
 
 Hercules. 
 
 Her'cu-les was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. As Juno was 
 always hostile to the offspring of her husband by mortal mothers, 
 she declared war against Hercules from his birth. She sent two 
 serpents to destroy him as he lay in his cradle, but the preco- 
 cious infant strangled them with his own hands. 
 
 ** First two dread Snakes at Juno's vengeful nod 
 Climb' d round the cradle of the sleeping god ; 
 Waked by the shrilling hiss, and rustling sound. 
 And shrieks of fair attendants trembling round, 
 Their gasping throats with clenching hands he holds, 
 And Death untwists their convoluted folds." — Darwin. 
 
 He was, however, by the arts of Juno rendered subject to Eu- 
 rysthcus and compelled to perform all i i . . commands. Eurystheus 
 enjoined upon him a succession of desperate adventures, which 
 are called the twelve " Labors of Hercules." The first was the 
 fight with the Nemean lion. The valley of Nemea was infested 
 by a terrible lion Eurystheus ordered Hercules to bring him 
 the skin of this monster. After using in vain his club and arrows 
 against the lion, Hercules strangled the animri with his hands. 
 He returned, carrying the dead lion on his shoulders. 
 
 ** The lion huge, whose tawny hide 
 And grinning jaws extended wide, 
 He o'er his shoulders threw." 
 f — Euripides (Woodhall). 
 
 But Eurystheus was so frir!;htened at the sight of it, and at this 
 proof of the prodigious strength of the hero, that he ordered hitii 
 to deliver the account of his exjjloits in future outside the town. 
 
 His next labor was the slaughter of the Hydra. This monster 
 ravaged the country of Argos, and dwelt in a swamp near the 
 
HEBCULE1 
 
 179 
 
 well of Amymone. This well had been discovered by Amymone 
 when the country was suffering from drought, and the story was 
 that Neptune, who loved her, had permitted her to touch the 
 rock with his trident, and a spring of three outlets burst forth, 
 Here the Hydra took up his position, and Hercules was sent to 
 destroy him. The Hydra 
 had nine heads, of which the 
 middle one was immortal. 
 Hercules struck off its heads 
 with his club, but in the 
 place of the head knocked 
 off, two new ones grew forth 
 each time. At length, with 
 the assistance of his faithful 
 servant lolaus, he burned 
 away the heads of the Hydra, 
 and buried the ninth, or im- 
 mortal one, under a huge 
 rock. 
 
 Another labor was the 
 cleaning of the Augean sta- 
 bles. Augeas, king of Elis, 
 had a herd of three thou- 
 sand oxen, whose stalls had 
 not been cleansed for thirty years. Hercules brought the rivers 
 Alpheus and Peneus through them, and cleansed them thoroughly 
 in one day. 
 
 ** Nothing else 
 Could the Augean stables clean." — ^WoRDSWORTH. 
 
 His next labor was of a more delicate kind. Admeta, the 
 tlaiighter of Eurystheus, longed to obtain the girdle of the queen 
 of the Amazons, and Eurystheus ordered Hercules to go and get 
 it. 'I'he Amazons were a nation of women. They were very 
 warlike, and held several flourishing cities. It was their custom 
 to bring up only the female children ; the boys were either sent 
 away to the neighboring nations or put to death. Hercules was 
 accompanied by a numl)er of volunteers, and after various adven- 
 tures at last reached the country of the Amazons. Hippolyta, 
 the queen, received him kindly, and consented to yield him hef 
 
 Infant Hercules (Louvre, Paris). 
 
 in 
 
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 J, .-■ *" 
 
 E9m 
 
 
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 m 
 
 !• 
 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 girdle ; but Juno, taking the form of an Amazon, went and per- 
 suaded the rest that the strangers were carrying off their queen. 
 
 " The Amazons array their ranks 
 In painted arms of radiant sheen 
 Around Hippolyte, the queen." 
 
 — ^Virgil (Conington'str.). 
 
 They instantly armed and came in great numbers down to the 
 
 ship. Hercules, thinking that Hippolyta 
 had acted treacherously, slew her, and tak- 
 ing her girdle made sail homewards. 
 
 Another task enjoined him was to bring 
 to Eurystheus the oxen of Geryon, a mon- 
 ster with three bodies, who dwelt in the 
 island Erytheia (the red), so called because 
 it lay at the west, under the rays of the set- 
 ting sun. This description is thought to 
 apply to Spain, of whirh Geryon was king. 
 After traversing various countries, Hercules 
 reached at length the frontiers of Libya and 
 Europe, where he raised the two moun- 
 tains of Calpe and Abyla, as monuments of 
 his progress, or, according to another ac- 
 count, rent one mountain into two and left 
 half on each side, forming the Straits of 
 Gibraltar, the two mountains being called 
 the Pillars of Hercules. The oxen were 
 guarded by the giant Eurytion and his two- 
 headed dog, but Hercules killed the giant 
 and his dog and brought away the oxen in 
 safety to Eurystheus. 
 
 The most difficult labor of all was getting 
 the golden apples of the Hesperides, for 
 Hercules did not know where to find them. These mcio Hie 
 apples which Juno had received at her wedding from the goddess 
 of the Earth, and which she had intrusted to the keeping of tlia 
 daughters of Hesperis, assisted by a watchful dragon. 
 
 " *' amidst llie gardens fair 
 
 Of Hesperus and his dniighlers three, 
 
 That sing about the golden tree. ' '— MiLTQN. 
 
 H|in^ipr'»i'ii"'" 
 
 Amazon 
 (Vatican, Rome). 
 
HERCULES, 
 
 l8i 
 
 After various adventures Hercules arrived at Mount Atlas in 
 Africa. Atlas was one of the Titans who had warred against 
 the gods, and after they were subdued, Atlas was condemned to 
 bv^ar oil his shoulders the weight of the heavens. He was the 
 father of the Hesperides, and Hercules thought might, if any 
 one could, find the apples and bring them to him. But how to 
 send Atlas away from his post, or bear up the heavens while he 
 was gone ? Hercules took the burden on his own shoulders, and 
 sent Atlas to seek the apples. 
 
 '• The wearied Atlas he relieved, 
 His arm the starry realms upheaved, 
 And propped the gods above." — Euripides. 
 
 He returned with them, and, though somewhat reluctantly, 
 took his burden upon his shoulders again, and let Hercules re- 
 turn with the apples to Eurystheus.* 
 
 The poets, led by the analogy of the lovely appearance of 
 the western sky at sunset, viewed the west as a region of bright- 
 ness and glory. Hence they placed in it the Isles of the blest, 
 the ruddy isle Erytheia, on which the bright oxen of Geryon 
 were pastured, and the isle of the Hesperides. The apples Are 
 supposed by some to be the oranges of Spain, of which the 
 Greeks had heard some obscure accounts. 
 
 A celebrated exploit of Hercules was his victory over Antaeus. 
 Antajus, the son of Terra, the Earth, was a mighty giant and 
 wrestler, whose strength was invincible so long as he remained 
 in contact with his mother Earth. He compelled all strangers 
 who came to his country to wrestle with him, on condition that 
 if concjuered (as they all were) they should be put to death. 
 Hercules encountered him, and finding that it was of no avail 
 to throw him, for he always rose with renewed strength from 
 every fall, he lifted him u;. from the earth and strangled him in 
 the air. 
 
 " Lifts prord Antoeus from his mother-plains, 
 And with strong grasp the struggling giant strains ; 
 Back falls his fainting head and clammy hair, 
 Writhe his weak limbs, and flits his life in air."— DarwiN, 
 
 * The same Atlas whom Perseus is said to have changed into a mounttuD 
 This is simply a mythological discrepancy. 
 
 mm 
 
 fi 
 
 ■MM 
 
 1 ■ {,!; »;4 
 
 ».-«-: i? 
 
 
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 w^^^^ 
 
 '% 
 
 
l82 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 li ii 
 
 #1 
 
 ■,r 
 
 Caciis was a huge giant who inhabited a cave on Mount Aven- 
 tine and plundered the surrounding country. When Hercules 
 wan driving home the oxen of Geryon, Cacus stole part of the 
 cattle while the hero slept. That their footprints might not 
 serve to Hhow where they had been driven, he dragged theni 
 backward by their tails U his cave ; so their tracks all seemed to 
 
 show that they had gone 
 in the opposite direc- 
 tion. Hercules was de 
 ceived by this strata- 
 gem, and would have 
 failed to find his oxen 
 if it had not happened 
 that in driving the re- 
 mainder of the herd past 
 the cave where the stolen 
 ones were concealed, 
 those within began to 
 low, and were thus dis- 
 covered. Cacus was 
 slain by Hercules. 
 
 The last exploit we 
 shall record was bring- 
 ing Cerberus from the 
 lower world. Hercules 
 descended into Hades, 
 accompanied by Mer- 
 cury and Minerva. He 
 obtained permission 
 from riuto to carry Cer- 
 berus to the upi)er air, 
 provided he could do it without the use of weapons ; and in sjiite 
 of the monster's struggling he sci/ed him, held him fast, and car- 
 ried him to l!)urysthcus, and afterwards brought him back again. 
 
 •* And thence the dop; 
 With triple head brought to these realms of light." 
 
 — EuRiriDKs (Woodlmll). 
 
 llcrculcs nnd Cacus (Florence). 
 
 When he was in Hades he obtained the liberty of ITicse us, his 
 
SEBOVLES. 
 
 183 
 
 it Aven- 
 iercules 
 t of the 
 ight not 
 id tbem 
 :emed to 
 lad gone 
 e direc- 
 swasde 
 1 strata- 
 Id have 
 his oxen 
 appened 
 
 the re- 
 lerd ]\ist 
 he stolen 
 iicealed, 
 legan to 
 thus dis- 
 :us >\as 
 es. 
 
 ploit ^\•e 
 is hvxw^- 
 rom tlie 
 Hercules 
 
 Hades, 
 jy Mer- 
 va. He 
 Tmissioii 
 irry Cor- 
 oper air, 
 I in spile 
 and car- 
 :k again. 
 
 odiuill). 
 :sous, hia 
 
 admirer and imitator, who had been detained a prisoner there for 
 an unsuccessful attempt to carry off Proserpine. 
 
 Hercules in a fit of madness killed his friend Iphitus, and was 
 
 1 Hercules at the feet of Omphale, C. G. Glyre (Louvre). 
 
 «oncf?frnned for this offence to become the slave of Queen Om- 
 phale for three years. While in this service the hero's nature 
 seen:ed changed. He lived effeminately, wearing at times the 
 
 tv 
 
 M 
 
 im 
 
 
 A * 
 
 ' W 
 
 ./.iii 
 
1 84 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 I 1 
 
 dress of a woman, and spinniiig wool with the handmaidens oi 
 Omphale, while the queen wore his lion's skin. 
 
 «) 
 
 ** His lion spoils the laughing Fair demands, 
 
 And gives the distaff to his awkward hands." — Darvtin. 
 
 When this service was ended he married Dejanir?., and lived in 
 peace with her three years. On one occasion, as he was travel- 
 ling with his wife, they came to a river, across which the Cen- 
 taur Nessus carried travellers for a stated fee. Hercules himself 
 forded the river, but gave Dejanira to Nessus to be carried across. 
 Nessus attempted to run away with her, but Hercules heard her 
 cries, and shot an arrow into the heart of Nessus. The dying 
 Centaur told Dejanira to take a portion of his blood and keep it, 
 as it might be used as a charm to preserve the love of her husband. 
 
 Dejanira did so, and before long fancied she had occasion to 
 use it. Hercules in one of his conquests had taken prisoner a 
 fair maiden, named lole, of whom he seemed more fond than 
 Dejanira approved. When Hercules was about to offer sacrifices 
 to the gods in honor of his victory he sent to his wife for a white 
 robe to use on the occasion. Dejanira, thinking it a good op- 
 portunity to try her love-spell, steeped the garment in the blood 
 of Nessus. We are to suppose she took care to wash out all 
 traces of it ; but the magic power remained, and as soon as the 
 garment became warm on the body of Hercules the poison pene- 
 trated into all his limbs, and caused him the most intense agony. 
 
 " Close to his sides 
 And to each limb, as by some artist fixed, 
 The robe adhered ; and through his bones 
 Shot fierce convulsive pains." — Soi'liocLi'.s. 
 
 In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the fatal 
 robe, and hurled him into the sea. 
 
 "As when Alcides, from ^Tlchalia crowned 
 With conquest, felt the envenomed robe, and tore. 
 Through pain, up by the roots Thessalian pines 
 And Lichas from the top of (Eta threw 
 Into the Euboic Sea." — Milton. 
 
 He wrenched off the garment, but it stuck to his flesh, and 
 with it he tore away whole pieces of his body. In this state he 
 
 embai 
 on se( 
 cules, 
 faner£ 
 
 laid hit 
 his lioi 
 as if h( 
 Philoci 
 won ir 
 
OEBCVLES. 
 
 185 
 
 fmbarked on board a ship and was conveyed home. Dejanira, 
 on seeing what she had unwittingly done, hung herself. Her- 
 cules, prepared to die, ascended Mount CEta, where he built 3 
 taneral pile of trees, gave his bow and arrows to Philoctetes, and 
 
 Fnrnose ITercules (Naples). 
 
 ** Great Alcides, stooping with his toil, 
 Rests on his club." — PorE. 
 
 hid himself down on the pile, his head resting on his club and 
 his lion's skin spread over him. With a countenance as serene 
 as if he were taking his place at a festal board, he commanded 
 Philoctetes to apply the torch. The flames ipread apace and 
 won invested the whole mass. 
 
 lih'! 
 
 B^ 
 
 W'.'H] 
 
 w ■ , M 
 
 Jl: Mf : 
 
 .K .1, 
 
 Wi 
 
1 86 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 N^ 
 
 The gods themselves felt troubled at seeing the champion of 
 the earth so brought to his end. But Jupiter with cheerful 
 countenance thus addressed them : * * I am pleased to see your 
 concern, my princes, and am gratified to perceive that I am the 
 ruler of a loyal people, and that my son enjoys your favor. For 
 although your interest in him arises from his noble deeds, yet it 
 is not the less gratifying to me. But now I say to you. Fear 
 not. He who conquered all else is not to be conquered by those 
 flames which you see blazing on Mount CEta. Only his mother's 
 share in him can perish ; what he derived from me is immortal, 
 
 I shall take him, dead to earth, 
 to the heavenly shores, and I 
 require of you all to receive 
 him kindly. If any of you feel 
 grieved at his attaining this 
 honor, yet no one can deny that 
 he has deserved it. ' ' The gods 
 all gave their assent ; Juno only 
 heard the closing vords with 
 some displeasure that she should 
 be so particularly pointed at, yet 
 not enough to make her regret 
 the determination of her hus- 
 band. So when the flames had 
 consumed the mother's share of 
 Hercules, the diviner part, in- 
 stead of being injured thereby, 
 seemed to start forth with new 
 vigor, to assume a more lofty 
 port and a more awful dignity. 
 Jupiter enveloped him in a cloud, and took him up in a four- 
 horse chariot to dwell among the stars. As he took his place in 
 heaven, Atlas felt the added weight. 
 
 Juno, now reconciled to him, gave him her daughter Hebe in 
 marriage. 
 
 "Olympian hymns receive the escaping soul, 
 And smiling Hebe from the Ambrosial stream 
 . Fills for a god the bowl." — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 The secret of Hercules' power lay not altogether in his physical 
 
 Hebe. 
 
 strei 
 Plea 
 
EERCULE8. 
 
 iSf 
 
 pion of 
 ::heerful 
 >ee your 
 am the 
 Dr. For 
 s, yet it 
 )u, Fear 
 by those 
 nother's 
 imortal. 
 :o eanh, 
 , and I 
 receive 
 you feel 
 ing this 
 leny that 
 rhe gods 
 Lino only 
 rds "svith 
 le should 
 ;d at, yet 
 ir regret 
 ler hus- 
 mes had 
 share of 
 part, in- 
 thereby, 
 vith new 
 ore lofty 
 dignity, 
 in a four- 
 place in 
 
 ■ Hebe in 
 
 il). 
 
 s physical 
 
 strength. When a young man, the two goddesses, Virtue and 
 Pleasure, sought his favor. He preferred the former. 
 
 Ganymedes (Vatican, Rome). 
 
 •• Youni; Hercules with firm disdain 
 
 Bfftved the soft smiles of Pleasure's harlot tndn : 
 
 To vnlirtnt toils his forceful limbs assigned, 
 
 And gave to Virtue all hi3 mighty mind."— Dar WIN. 
 
 1! .il^vi 
 
 >*5 
 
188 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 He'be — Gan'y-mede. \ 
 
 He'be, the daughter of Juno, and goddess of youth, was cup. 
 
 bearer to the gods. 
 
 << 
 
 Fortuna (Vatican, Rome\ 
 
 Hebe, honored of them all, 
 Ministered Nectar." 
 
 — Homer (Bryant). 
 
 The story is, that she resigned 
 her office on becoming the wife 
 of Hercules, But there is another 
 statement which our countryman, 
 Crawford, the sculptor, has 
 adopted in his group of Hebe 
 and Gan'y-mede, now in the 
 Athenaeum gallery. According 
 to this, Hebe was dismissed fro.n 
 her office in consequence of a fall 
 which she met with one day when 
 in attendance on the gods. Her 
 successor was Ganymede, a Tro- 
 jan boy whom Jupiter, in the 
 disguise of an eagle, seized and 
 carried off from the midst of his 
 playfellows on Mount Ida, bore 
 up to heaven, and installed in the 
 vacant place. 
 
 "Pour forth heaven's wine, Tdncan Ganymede, 
 And let it fill the Daedal cups like lire. " — Shelley. 
 
 Tennyson, in his " Palace of Art," describes, among the dec 
 orations on the walls, a picture representing this legend :— 
 
 *• There, too, flushed Ganymede, his rosy thigh 
 
 Half buried in the eagle's down, '^ 
 
 Sole as a flying star shot through the sky 
 Above the pillared town." 
 
 For-tu'na. 
 
 For-tu'na was an attendant upon Jupiter, and worshipped 
 by the Greeks under the name of Ty'che. She was believed to 
 
FORTUNA— VICTORIA. 
 
 189 
 
 dec 
 
 ' • 
 
 guide the destinies of men, whether prosperously or the ^eirerse. 
 In order ro show her in this capacity, she was figured holding a 
 double rudder in her hands — the one to steer the bark of the 
 lucky, the other that of the unlucky. Sometimes she was rep- 
 resented with a ball on her head, or with a cornucopia in her 
 hands. 
 
 Victory, or Nik6 (Samothrace). (Restored by Zumbusch. ) 
 
 Vic-to'ri-a. 
 
 Vic-to'ri-a, or, as the Greeks termed her, Ni'ke, was also an 
 attendant upon Jupiter. She carried the palm -branch and the 
 wreath. Sometimes she is represented with a staff like that of 
 Mercury, as a sign of power, now pointing the way to a victor, 
 now reaching a wreath down to his brow. She was a great 
 favorite with Jupiter, who is frequently seen holding her image 
 in his right hand. 
 
 M 
 
 m- 
 
 ft ^'r^' ^' 
 
 "w 
 
igo 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ;'k''*jil-: 
 
 ^. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Er'ich-tho'ni-us— The'seus— Dad'a-lus— Cas'tor and 
 
 Pol'lux. 
 
 Er'ich-tho'ni-us. 
 
 Ce'crops, half-human and half-dragon, was the founder of 
 Athens ; the citadel of which, Cecropia, was named in his 
 honor. Neptune and Minerva strove for the possession of 
 Attica, but he decided in favor of the goddess. His successor, 
 Er'ich-tho'ni-us, was the son of Vulcan and Atthis. When a 
 child, Erichthonius, was concealed in a chest, and the box intrusted 
 to the three daughters of Cecrops, with instructions not to open 
 the lid. But, disobeying the command, they saw the child in 
 the form of a serpent, whereupon they were seized with mad- 
 ness, and threw themselves down the rock of the Acropolis. 
 Erichthonius became king of Athens, and was succeeded by his 
 son Pandion. This king had two daughters, Procne and Philo- 
 mela, the former of whom became queen to Tereus, king of 
 Thrace. After the birth of their son Itylus, the king cut out 
 his wife's tongue, and gave out that she was dead. He then 
 married Philomela. Procne wove her story in a web, by which 
 means Philomela was informed of the terrible fact. The sisten 
 then slew the child Itylus, and served his flesh upon his father's 
 table. The gods were angry, and in vengeance transformed 
 Procne into a swallow, Philomela into a nightingale, ever 
 lamenting the tragedy, and Tereus into a hawk, ever pursuing 
 
 the two, 
 
 ** Hark ! ah, the nightingale. 
 The tawny-throated 1 
 
 Hark, from that moonlit cedar, what a burst I 
 What triumph ! hark ! what pain j 
 O wanderer from a Grecian shore." — Matthew Arnold. 
 
 The'seus. 
 
 The'seus, a descendant of Erichthonius, was a son of -^geus, 
 king of Athens, and of i£thra, daughter of the king of Troezen. 
 
 • 
 
THESEUS, 
 
 191 
 
 He was brought up at Troezen, and when arrived at manhood 
 was to proceed to Athens and present himself to his father. 
 yEgeus, on parting from ^Ethra, before the birth of his son, 
 placed his sword and shoes under a large stone, and directed her 
 to send his son to him when he became strong enough to roll 
 away the stone and take them from under it. When she thought 
 the time had come, his mother led Theseus to the stone, and he 
 removed it with ease, and took the sword and shoes. As the 
 
 Theseus — ^Temple of Volksgartens (Vienna). 
 
 roads were infested with robbers, his grandfather pressed him 
 earnestly to take the shorter and safer way to his father's coun- 
 try, by sea ; but the youth, feeling in himself the spirit and the 
 soul of a hero, and eager to signalize himself like Hercules, with 
 whose fame all Greece then rang, by destroying the evil-doers 
 and monsters that oppressed the country, determined on the more 
 perilous and adventurous journey by land. 
 His first day's journey brought him to Epidaurus, where dwelt 
 
 df, f\ M. 
 
 I&^Ip 
 
 
192 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 a man named Periphetes, a son of Vulcan. This ferocious savage 
 »Jways went armed witli a club of iron, and all travellers stood 
 in terror of his violence. When he saw Theseus approach, he 
 issailed him, but speedily fell beneath the blows of the young 
 hero, who took possession of his club, and bore it ever after- 
 wards as a memorial of his first victory. 
 
 Several similar contests with the petty tyrants and marauders 
 of the country followed, in all of which Theseus was victorious. 
 One of these evil-doers was called Procrustes, or the Stretcher. 
 He had an iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all travellers 
 who fell into his hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he 
 stretched their limbs to make them fit it ; if they were longer 
 than the bed, he lopped off a portion, Theseus served him as 
 he had served others. 
 
 Having overcome all the perils of the road, Theseus at length 
 reached Athens, where new dangers awaited him. Medea, the 
 sorceress, who had fled from Corinth after her separation from 
 Jason, had become the wife of JEgeus, the father of Theseus. 
 Knowing by her arts who he was, and fearing the loss of her influ- 
 ence with her husband if Theseus should be acknowledged as 
 his son, she filled the mind of u^geus with suspicions of the 
 young stranger, and induced him to present him a cup of poison ; 
 b'iit at the moment when Theseus stepped forward to take it, the 
 sight of the sword which he wore discovered to his father who he 
 was and prevented the fatal draught. Medea, detected in her 
 arts, fled once more from deserved punishment, and arrived in 
 Asia, where the country afterwards called Media received its 
 name from her. Theseus was acknowle iged by his father, and 
 declared his successor. 
 
 The Athenians were at that time in deep affliction, on account 
 of the tribute which they were forced to pay to Minos, king of 
 Crete. This tribute consisted of seven youths and seven maidens, 
 who were sent every year to be devoured by the Minotaur, a 
 monster with a bull's body and a human head. It was excx'cd- 
 ingly strong and fierce, and was kept in a labyrinth constructed 
 by Daedalus, so artfully contrived that whoever was enclosed in 
 it could by no means find his way out unassisted. Here the 
 Minotaur roamed, and was fed with human victims. 
 ' Theseus resolved to deliver his countrymen from this calamity 
 
 c-r to d 
 
 mg 
 
 ofl 
 
 accordi 
 self as 
 The sH 
 
s savage 
 rs stood 
 Dach, he 
 e young 
 sr after- 
 
 arauders 
 :torious. 
 tretcher. 
 ravellers 
 bed, he 
 3 longer 
 I him as 
 
 Lt length 
 
 dea, the 
 
 ion from 
 
 rheseiis. 
 
 ler inflii- 
 
 jdged as 
 
 3 of the 
 
 poison ; 
 
 :e it, the 
 
 who he 
 
 1 in her 
 
 rived in 
 
 ived its 
 
 lier, and 
 
 account 
 
 king of 
 naidcns, 
 lotaur, a 
 
 exceed - 
 istrurtcd 
 
 losed in 
 lere the 
 
 calamity 
 
 THESEUS. 
 
 193 
 
 c-r to die in the attempt. Accordingly, when the time of send- 
 ing off the tribute came, and the youths and maidens were, 
 
 Ariadne (H. Rae). , • 
 
 according to custc.n, drawn by lot to be sent, he offered him- 
 self as one of tlie victims, in spite of the entreaties of his father. 
 The shio departed Mnder blark sails, as usual, >«hich Theseui 
 
 
 m 
 
 -^:,if 
 
 #'• 
 
 u 
 
 'If 
 
 '^■t 
 
 ^: 
 
 'f ( 
 
*>■■' 
 
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 '> M 
 
 'i 
 
 fik if 
 
 194 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 promised his father to change for white, in case of his returning 
 victorious. When they arrived in Crete, the youths and 
 maidens were exhibited before Minos ; and Ariadne, the daugh- 
 ter of the king, being present, became deeply enamored of 
 Theseus, by whom her love was readily returned. She furnished 
 him with a sword, with which to encounter the Minotaur, and 
 with a clew of thread by which he might find his way out of the 
 labyrinth. 
 
 *• And the slender clew, 
 
 Prepar'd in secret by th' enamor'd maid, 
 
 Thro' the curv'd labyrinth his steps convey* d." — CATULLUS. 
 
 He was successful, slew the Minotaur, escaped from the laby- 
 rinth, and taking Ariadne as the companion of his way, with his 
 rescued companions sailed for Athens. On their way they 
 stopped at the island of Naxos, where Theseus abandoned 
 Ariadne, leaving her as!eep. , 
 
 ** Thus is it far from my home, O Traitor, and far from its altars, 
 Thus on a desert strand, dost leave me, treacherous Theseus." 
 
 Catullus (Gayley'str.). 
 
 His excuse for this ungrateful treatment of his benefactress 
 was that Minerva appeared to him in a dream and commanded 
 him to do so. 
 
 On approaching the coast of Attica, Theseus forgot the signal 
 appointed by his father, and neglected to raise the white sails, 
 and the old king, thinking his son had perished, put an end to 
 his own life. 
 
 ** But now his father from the ramparts' height, 
 All bath'd in tears, directs his eager sight ; 
 O'er the wide sea, distended by the gale, 
 .' He spies, with dread amaze, the lurid sail." — CATULLUS. 
 
 Thus Theseus on the death of his father became kingof Athens. 
 
 One of the most celebrated of the adventures of Theseus is 
 his expedition against the Amazons. He assailed them before 
 they had recovered from the attack of Hercules, and carried off 
 their queen, Antiope. The Amazons in their turn invaded the 
 country of Athens, and penetrated into the city itself, and the 
 final battle in which Theseus overcame them was fought in the 
 
THESEUS. 
 
 195 
 
 ■ ■ ^x 
 
 etuming 
 ths and 
 z daugh- 
 lored of 
 urnished 
 aur, and 
 ut of the 
 
 LLUS. 
 
 the laby- 
 
 with his 
 
 vay they 
 
 )andoned 
 
 \ 
 
 tars, 
 
 IS." 
 
 iy's tr.). 
 
 lefactress 
 nmanded 
 
 he signal 
 ite sails, 
 n end to 
 
 s. 
 
 Athens, 
 leseus is 
 a before 
 rried off 
 ded the 
 and the 
 t in the 
 
 very midst of the city. This battle was one of the favorite 
 subjects of the ancient sculptors, and is commemorated in several 
 works of art that are still extant. 
 
 The friend hip bet^'een Theseus and Pirithous was of a most 
 intimate nature, yet it originated in the midst of arms. Pirithous 
 had made an irruption into the plain of Marathon, and carried 
 ofT the herds of the king of Athens. Theseus went to repel the 
 j)lunderers. The moment Pirithous beheld him he was seized 
 with admiration ; he stretched out his hand as a token of peace, 
 and cried, **Be judge thyself, — what satisfaction dost thou 
 require?" " Thy friendship, " replied the Athenian, and they 
 swore inviolable fidelity. Their deeds corresponded to their 
 professions, and they ever continued true brothers in arms. Each 
 
 Battle of the Amazons (Vatican, Rome), 
 
 of them aspired to espouse a daughter of Jupiter. Theseus fixed 
 
 his choice on Helen, then but a child, afterwards so celebrated 
 
 as the cause of the Trojan war, and with the aid of his friend 
 
 he carried her off. 
 
 " Then en me a night 
 When I lay longing f jr my love, and knew 
 k Sudden the clang of hoofs, the broken doors, 
 The clash of swords, the gronns, the stains 
 - Of red upon the marble— the fixed gaze 
 Of dead and dying eyes — that was the time 
 When first I looked ou death." — '!orris. 
 
 Pirithous aspired to the wife of the monarch of Erebus ; and 
 Theseus, though aware of the danger, accompanied the ambi- 
 
 
 ''. ( 
 
 
 :);- 
 
 ■■0 
 
 % 
 
 , :W. 
 
 .4 
 
196 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 tious lover in his descent to the under world. But Pluto seized 
 and net them on an enchanted rock at his palace gate, where 
 they remained till Hercules arrived and liberated Theseus, 
 leaving Pirithous to his fate. ' ' ^ 
 
 After the death of Antiope, Theseus married Phaedra, daugh- 
 ter of Minos, king of Crete. Phaedra saw in Hippolytus, the 
 Hon of Theseus, a youth endowed with all the graces and vir- 
 ttlcH of his father, and of an age corresponding to her own. She 
 loved him, but he repulsed her advances, and her love was 
 changed to hate. She used her influence over her infatuated 
 h(tMt)and to cause him to be jealous of his son, and he impre- 
 cated the vengeance of Neptune upon him. As Hippolytus was 
 one day driving his chariot along the shore, a sea -monster raised 
 himHelf above the waters, and frightened the horses so that they 
 ran away and dashed the chariot to pieces. Hippolytus was 
 killed, but by Diana's assistance -^sculapius restored him to Tfe. 
 Diana removed Hippolytus from the power of his deluded father 
 md false step-mother, and placed him in Italy under the protec- 
 tion of the nymph Egeria. 
 
 Theseus at length lost the favor of his people, and retired to 
 the court of Lycomedes, king of Scyros, who at first received 
 him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him. In a later 
 age the Athenian general Cimon discovered the place where his 
 remains were laid, and caused them to be removed to Athens, 
 where they were deposited in a temple called the Theseum, 
 erected in honor of the hero. 
 
 The fiueen of the Amazons whom Theseus espoused is by some 
 called Hippolyta. That is the name she bears in Shakspeare's 
 ** Midsummer Night's Dream," the subject of which is the fes- 
 tivities attending the nuptials of Theseus and Hippolyta. 
 
 Mrs. Hemans has a poem on the ancient Greek tradition that 
 the " Shade of Theseus " appeared strengthening his country- 
 men at the battle of Marathon. 
 
 Theseus is a semi -historical personage. It is recorded of him 
 that he united the several tribes by whom the territory of Attica 
 was then possessed into one state, of which Athens was the capi- 
 tal In commemoration of this important event, he instituted 
 the festival of Panathencea, in honor of Minerva, the patron deity 
 of Athens. This festival differed from the other Grecian games 
 
seized 
 
 where 
 
 'heseus, 
 
 daugh- 
 tus, the 
 ind vir- 
 al. She 
 ove was 
 fatuated 
 : impre- 
 ytus was 
 IT raised 
 hat they 
 ytus was 
 
 1 to rfe. 
 
 sd father 
 
 2 protec- 
 
 jtired to 
 received 
 n a later 
 irhcre his 
 Athens, 
 leseum, 
 
 Dy some 
 
 cspeare's 
 
 the fes- 
 
 tion that 
 country - 
 
 d oi" him 
 3f Attica 
 the capi- 
 nstituted 
 ron deity 
 m games 
 
 
 NEPTUNE (POSEIOONI. 
 Latoraa Muwum* Rom*. 
 

OLYMPIC AND OTHER GAMES, 
 
 197 
 
 chiefly in two particulars. It was peculiar to the Athenians, and 
 its chief feature was a solemn procession in which the Peplus or 
 sacred robe of Minerva was carried to the Parthenon, and sus- 
 pended before the statue of the goddess. The Peplus was cov- 
 ered with embroidery, worked by select virgins of the noblest 
 families in Athens. The procession consisted of persons of all 
 ages and both sexes. The old men carried olive-branches in 
 their hands, and the young men bore arms. The young women 
 carried baskets on their heads, containing the sacred utensils, 
 cakes, and all things necessary for the sacrifices. . The procession 
 formed the subject jf the bas-reliefs which embellished the out- 
 side of the temple of the Parthenon. A considerable portion of 
 these sculptures is now in the British Museum among those 
 known as the ** Elgin marbles." 
 
 O-lym'pic and Other Games. 
 
 It seems not inappropriate to mention here the other celebrated 
 national games of the Greeks. The first and most distinguished 
 were the Olympic, founded, it was said, by Jupiter himself. 
 They were celebrated at Olympia in Elis. Vast numbers of spec- 
 tators flocked to them from every part of Greece, and from 
 Asia, Africa and Sicily. They were repeated every fifth year in 
 midsummer, and continued five days. They gave rise to the cus- 
 tom of reckoning time and dating events by Olympiads. The 
 first Olympiad is generally considered as corresponding with the 
 year 776 B.C. The Pythian games were celebrated in the vi- 
 cinity of Delphi, the Isthmian on the Corinthian isthmus, the 
 Nemean at Nemea, a city of Argolis. 
 
 The exercises in these games were of five sorts, running, leAp- 
 ing, wrestling, throwing the quoit, and hurling the javelin, or 
 boxing. Besides these exercises of bodily strength and agility, 
 there were contests in music, poetry, and eloquence. Thus these 
 games furnished poets, musicians and authors the best oppor- 
 tunities to present their productions to the public, and the fame 
 of the victors was difl'used far and wide. 
 
 Dsed'a-lus. 
 
 The labyrinth from which Theseus escaped by means of the 
 clew of Ariadne was built by Dsed'a-lus, a most skilful artificer, 
 
 :Mm 
 
 V fim 
 ^^w 
 
 m 
 
 5i '?;.! 
 
 VI 
 
 X • L 
 
 
 
 iJ. r' m 
 
198 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 It was an edifice with numberless winding passages and turnings 
 opening into one another, and seeming to have neither begin- 
 ning nor end, like the river Maeander, which returns on itself, 
 and flows now onward, now backward, in its course to the sea. 
 
 Dsedalus and Icarus (J. M. Vim), 
 
 Daedalus built the labyrinth for King Minos, but afterwards lost 
 the favor of the king, and was shut up in a tower. He contrived 
 to make his escape from his jjrison, but could not leave the island 
 by sea, as the king kept strict watch on all the vessels, and 
 
D^DALUS. 
 
 199 
 
 h\ 
 
 turnings 
 sr begin- 
 on itself, 
 • the sea. 
 
 irds lost 
 Dntrived 
 e island 
 els, and 
 
 permitted none to sail without being carefully searched. •* Minos 
 may control the land and sea," said Daedalus, "but not the re- 
 gions of the air. I will try that way." So he set to work to 
 fabricate wings for himself and his young son Icarus. He wrought 
 feathers together, beginning with the smallest and adding larger, 
 so as to form an increasing surface. The larger ones he secured 
 with thread, and the smaller with wax, and gave the whole a 
 gentle curvature like the wings of a bird. Icarus, the boy, stood 
 and looked on, sometimes running to gather up the feathers 
 which the wind had blown away, and then handling the wax and 
 working it over with his fingers, by his play impeding his father 
 in his labors. When at last the work was done, the artist, wav- 
 ing his wings, found himself buoyed upwards and hung suspended, 
 poising himself on the beaten air. He next equipped his son in 
 the same manner, and taught him how to fly, as a bird tempts 
 her young ones from the lofty nest into the air. When all was 
 prepared for flight he said, " Icarus, my son, I charge you to 
 keep at a moderate height, for if you fly too low the damp will 
 clog your wings, and if too high the heat will melt them. Keep 
 near me end you will be safe." 
 
 ** * My Icarus 1' he says ; * I warn thee fly 
 Along the middle track : nor low, nor high ; .^ 
 
 If low, thy plumes may flag with ocean's spray ; 
 If high, the sun may dart his fiery ray.' " 
 
 —OviD (Elton's tr.). 
 
 While he gave him these instructions and fitted the wings to 
 his shoulders, the face of the father was wet with tears, and his 
 hands trembled. He kissed the boy, not knowing that it was 
 for the last time. Then rising on his wings, he flew off, en- 
 couraging him to follow, and looked back from his own flight to 
 see how his son managed his wings. As they flew the ploughman 
 stopped his work to gaze, and the shepherd leaned on his staff 
 and watched them, astonished at the sight, and thinking they 
 were gods who could thus cleave the air. 
 
 They passed Samos and Delos on the left and Lebynthos on 
 the right, when the boy, exulting in his career, began to leave 
 the guidance of his companion and soar upward, as if to reach 
 heaven. The nearness of the blazing sun softened the wax 
 
 ii, 
 
 
 * 1 
 
 
 
 1', 
 
Ulliiiii 
 
 
 
 200 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 which held the feathers together, and they came off. He flut 
 tered with his arms, but no feathers remained to hold the air. 
 While his mouth uttered cries to his father it was submerged in 
 the blue waters of the sea, which thenceforth was called by hig 
 name. His father cried, "Icarus, Icarus, where are you?" 
 At last he saw the feathers floating on the water, and bitterly 
 lamenting his own arts, he buried the body and called the land 
 Icaria, in memory of his child. 
 
 " His scattered plumage danced upon the wave, 
 ■■^ . And sorrowing Nereids decked his watery grave; 
 -^ O'er his pale corse their pearly sea- flowers shed. 
 And strewed with crimson moss his marble bed. 
 Struck in their coral towers the passing bell. 
 And wide in ocean tolled his echoing knell." — DARWIN. 
 
 Dxdalus arrived safe in Sicily, where he built a temple to 
 Apollo, and hung up his wings, an offering to the god. 
 
 Dsedalus was so proud of his achievements that he could not 
 bear the idea of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix 
 under his charge, to be taught the mechanical arts. He was an 
 apt scholar, and gave striking evidences of ingenuity. Walking 
 on the seashore, he picked up the spine of a fish. Imitating it, 
 he took a piece of iron and notched it on the edge, and thus 
 invented the saw. He put two pieces of iron together, con- 
 necting them at one end with a rivet, and sharpening the other 
 ends, and made a //air of compasses. Daedalus was so envious 
 of his nephew's performances that he took an opportunity, 
 when they were together one day on the top of a high tower, 
 to push him off. But Minerva, who favors ingenuity, saw him 
 falling, and arrested his fate by changing him into a bird called 
 after his name, the Partridge. This bird does not build his nest 
 in the trees, nor take lofty flights, but nestles in the hedges; 
 and, mindful of his fall, avoids high places. 
 
 V'^ 
 
 Cas'tor and Po?lux, 
 
 Cas'tor and Pol'lux were the offspring of Leda and the 
 Swan, under which disguise Jupiter had concealed himself. 
 Leda gave birth to an tgg^ from which sprang the twins. 
 Helen, so famous afterwards as the cause of the Trojan war, was 
 their sister. 
 
CACTOR AND POLLUX. 
 
 aoi 
 
 When Theseus and his friend Pirithous had carried off Helen 
 fiom Sparta, the youthful heroes, Castor and Pollux, with theil 
 (ollowers, hastened to her rescue. Theseus was absent from 
 Attica, and the brothers were successful in recovering thdf 
 sister. 
 
 Castor was famous for taming and managing horses, and 
 Pollux for skill in boxing. They were united by the wannest 
 laffection and inseparable in all their enterprises. They accom- 
 panied the Argonautic expedition. During the voyage a storm 
 arose, and Orpheus prayed to the Samothracian gods, and played 
 on his harp, whereupon the storm ceased and stars appeared on 
 the heads of the brothers. From this incident Castor and Pollux 
 came afterwards to be considered the patron deities of seamen 
 and voyagers, and the lambent flames which in certain states 
 of the atmosphere play round the sails and masts of vesoeli 
 were called by their names. 
 
 After the Argonautic expedition, we find Castor and Pollux 
 engaged in a war with Idas and Lynceus. Castor was slain, 
 and Pollux, inconsolable for the loss of his brother, besought 
 Jupiter to be permitted to give his own life as a ransom for him. 
 Jupiter so far consented as to allow the two brothers to enjoy 
 the boon of life alternately, passing one day under the earth 
 and the next in the heavenly abodes. According to another 
 form of the story, Jupiter rewarded the attachment of the 
 brothers by placing them among the stars as Gemini, the 
 Twins. 
 
 They received divine honors under the name of Dioscuri (sons 
 of Jove). They were believed to have appeared occasionally 
 in later times, taking part with one side or the other, in hard 
 fought fields, and were said on such occasions to be m<fivited on 
 magnificent white steeds. 
 
 «* So like they were, no mortal 
 Might one from other know ; 
 ; White as snow their armor was. 
 
 Their steeds were white as snow. 
 Never on earthly anvil 
 
 Did such rare armor gleam. 
 And never did such gallant steedp^ 
 Drink of an earthly stream. 
 
 
 M 
 
 
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202 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 ** Back comes the chief in triumph 
 
 Who in the hour of fight 
 Hath seen the great Twin Brethren 
 
 In harness on his right. 
 Safe comes the ship to haven 
 
 Through billows and through gales, 
 If once the great Twin Brethren 
 
 Sit shining on the sails." — Macaulay. 
 
 Thus in the early history of Rome they are said vo have as- 
 sisted the Romans at the battle of Lake Regillus, and after the 
 victoiy a temple was erected in their honor on the spot where 
 they appeared.^ 
 
 * The ship in which the Apostle Paul sailed from Melita was named the 
 Castor and Pollux. — Ac/s xxviii, ii» 
 
 \ 
 
 I'l^M m 
 
 
BACCHUS. 
 
 203 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Sem'e-le — Bac'chus — A-ri-ad'ne. 
 
 Bac'chus. 
 
 Bac'chus was the son of Jupiter and Sem'e-le. Juno, to 
 
 gratify her resentment against Semele, contrived a plan for her 
 
 destruction. Assuming the form of Beroe, her aged nurse, she 
 
 insinuated doubts whether it was indeed Jove himself who came 
 
 as a lover. 
 
 " A cunning cheat 
 From Attica, disguised as Zeus, 
 And robbing thee of honor, shame and virtue." — SCHILLER. 
 
 Heaving a sigh, she said, " I hope it will turn out so, but I 
 
 Bacchus and Panther (Athens). 
 
 can't help being afraid. People are not always what they pre- 
 tend to be. If he is indeed Jove, make him give some proof of 
 it. Ask him to come arrayed in all his splendors, such as he 
 wears in heaven. That will put the matter beyond a doubt." 
 Semele was persuaded to try the experiment. She asks a favor 
 without naming what it is. Jove gives his promise, and confirms 
 
 
 
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 %^'- 
 
 It' .i^. '^4 
 
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 204 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 .iiJii'li' 
 
 it with the irrevocable oath, attesting the river Styx, terrible tq 
 the gods themselves. 
 
 ** * Bear me witness, Earth, and ye, broad Heavens 
 Above us, and ye, waters of the Styx, 
 That flow beneatli us, mightiest oath of all, 
 Andmort revered by the blessed gods.' " 
 
 — Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 ' Then she made known her request. The god would have 
 stopped her as she spake, but she was too quick for him. The 
 words escaped, and he could neither unsay his promise nor her 
 request. In deep distress he left her and returned to the upper 
 regions. There he clothed himself in his splendors, not putting 
 on all his terrors, as wheii he overthrew the giants, but what is 
 known among the gods as his lesser panoply. Arrayed in this he 
 entered the chamber of Ssmele. * 
 
 *' Th' illustrious god, descending from his height. 
 Came rushing on aer in a storm of light." 
 
 — Ovid (Addison's tr.). 
 
 Her mortal frame could not endure the splendors of the ini- 
 mortal radiance. She was consumed to ashes. 
 
 , *« Semelc of the flowing hair 
 
 Who died in Thunder' . crashing flame. 
 To deified existence came." — Prior. 
 
 The goddess had finally succeeded, but not as she intended. 
 
 Jove took the infant Bacchus and ga\ e him in charge to the 
 Nysaean nymphs, who nourished his infancy and childhood, and 
 for their care were rewarded by Jupiter by being placed, as the 
 Hyades, among the stars. When Bacchus grew up he discovered 
 the culture of the vine and the mode of extracting its precious 
 juice ; but Juno struck him with madness, and drove him forth a 
 wanderer through various parts of the earth. In Phrygia the 
 goddess Rhea cured him and taught him her religious rites, and 
 he set out on a progress through Asia, teaching the people tiio 
 cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of his wanderings 
 if his expedition to India, which is said to have lasted several 
 years. Returning in triumph, he undertook to introduce his wor- 
 ship into Greece, but was opposed by some princes, who dreaded 
 
BACCHUS, 
 
 205 
 
 terrible tq 
 
 mt'str.), 
 
 Duld have 
 im. The 
 le nor her 
 the upper 
 ot putting 
 ut what is 
 in this he 
 
 oil's tr.), 
 
 ' the im- 
 
 tended. 
 •ge to the 
 lood, and 
 lA, as the 
 iscovercd 
 i precious 
 m forth a 
 rygia the 
 rites, and 
 jople tho 
 mderings 
 ;d several 
 his wor- 
 ) dreaded 
 
 i'ts introduction on account of the disorders and madness it 
 brought with it. 
 
 As he approached his native city Thebes, Pentheus, the king, 
 who had no respect for the new worship, forbade its rites to be 
 performed. But when it was known that Bacchus was advanc- 
 ing, men and women, but chiefly the latter, young and old, 
 poured fourth to meet him and to join his triumphal march. 
 
 *• Fauns with youthful Bacchus follow ; 
 Ivy crowns that brow, supernal 
 As the forehead of Apollo, 
 And possessing youth eternal. 
 
 ** Round about him fair Bacchantes, 
 Bearing cymbals, flutes and thyrses, 
 Wild from Naxian groves or Zante's 
 
 Vineyards, sing delirious verses." — Lonopellow. 
 
 It was in vain Pentheus remonstrated, commanded and 
 threatened. " Go," said he to his attendants, ** seize this vaga- 
 bond leader of the rout, and bring him to me. I will soon make 
 him confess his false claim of heavenly parentage and renounce 
 his counterfeit worship." It was in vain his nearest friends 
 and wisest counsellors remonstrated and begged him not to 
 oppose the god. Their remonstrances only made him more 
 
 violent. 
 
 But now the attendants returned whom he had despatched to 
 seize Bacchus. They had been driven away by the Bacchanals, 
 but had succeeded in taking one of them prisoner, whom, with 
 his hands tied behind him, they brought before the king. Pen- 
 theus, beholding him with wrathful countenance, said, ** Fellow ! 
 you shall speedily be put to death, that your fate may be a warn- 
 ing to others ; but though I grudge the delay of your ])unish- 
 ment, speak, tell us who you are, and what are these new ritrs 
 you presume to celebrate." 
 
 The prisoner, unl ^rrified, responded, "My name is Acetes; 
 my country is Maeonk ; my parents were poor people, who had 
 no fields or flocks to leave me, but they left me their fishing- 
 rods and nets and their fisherman's trade. This I followed for 
 some time, till, growing weary of remaining !n one place, I learned 
 the pilot's art and how to guide my course by the stars. It hap* 
 
 §.. m 
 
 
t<^•^^i^■ 
 
 206 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 pened, as I was sailing for Delos, we touched at the island of Dia 
 and went ashore. Next morning I sent the men for fresh water, 
 and myself mounted the hill to observe the wind ; when my men 
 returned bringing with them a prize, as they thought, a boy of 
 delicate appearance, whom they had found asleep. They judged 
 he was a noble youth, perhaps a king's son, and they might get 
 a liberal ransom for him. I observed his dress, his walk, his 
 jface. There was something in them which I felt sure was more 
 than mortal. I said to my men, * What god there is concealed 
 in that form I know not, but some one there certa'nly is. Par- 
 don us, gentle deity, for the violence we have done you, and 
 .(■jve success to our undertakings.' Dictys, one of my best hands 
 kor climbing the mast and coming down by the ropes, and Me- 
 lanthus my steersman, and Epopeus the leader of the sailors' cry, 
 one and all exclaimed, ' Spare your prayers for us.' So blind is 
 the lust of gain ! When they proceeded to put him on board I 
 resisted them. * This ship shall not be profaned by such im- 
 piety,' said I. * I have a greater share in her than any of you.' 
 But Lycabas, a turbulent fellow, seizt d me by the throat and at- 
 tempted to throw me overboard, and I scarcely saved myself by 
 clinging to the ropes. The rest approved the deed. 
 
 ** Then Bacchus (for it was indeed he), as if shaking off his 
 drowsiness, exclaimed, * What are you doing with me ? What is 
 this fighting about ? Who brought me here ? Where are you 
 going to carry me ?' One of them replied, * Fear nothing ; tell 
 us where you wish to go and we will take you there.' * Naxos 
 is my home, ' said Bacchus ; * take me there and you shall be well 
 rewarded. ' They promised so to do, and told me to pilot the 
 ship to Naxos. Naxos lay to the right, and I was trimming the 
 sails to carry us there, when some by signs and others by whis 
 pers signified to me their will that I should sail in the opposite 
 , direction, and take the boy to Egypt, to sell him for a slave. 1 
 was confounded and said, ' liCt some one else pilot the ship v 
 withdrawing myself from any further agency in their wirl-ednoss. 
 They cursed me, and one of them, exclaiming, * Don't flatter your- 
 self that we depend on you for our safety,' took my place as 
 pilot, and bore away from Naxos. 
 
 ** Then the god, pretending that he had just become aware of 
 their treachery, looked out over the sea and said, in a voice of 
 
 m 
 
dof Dla 
 
 h water, 
 my men 
 1 boy of 
 y judged 
 light get 
 valk, his 
 vas more 
 oncealed 
 is. Par- 
 yoii, and 
 jst hands 
 and Me- 
 iors' cry, 
 ) blind is 
 1 board I 
 such im- 
 of you.' 
 it and at- 
 nyself by 
 
 g off his 
 What is 
 
 are you 
 ng ; tell 
 
 * Naxos 
 
 be well 
 )ilot the 
 ming the 
 jy wh's 
 opposite 
 lave. I 
 ship ;' 
 I'cdness. 
 ter your- 
 
 placo as 
 
 aware of 
 voice of 
 
 Si. ' 4)^ 
 
 i til 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 ' ■*» ?' 
 
 DIONYSUS (B/VCCHUS). 
 (Miuoum of the CapUol, Rome.) 
 
 -•i-*" 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 ■') 
 
 
 If' ' 
 
 

 !':i 
 
 \ 
 
BACCHUS. 
 
 207 
 
 weeping, * Sailors, these are not the shores you promised to take 
 me to ; yonder island is not my home. What have I done that 
 you should treat me so ? It is small glory you will gain by cheat- 
 ing a poor boy. * I wept to hear him, but the crew laughed at 
 both of us, and sped the vessel fast over the sea. All at once — 
 strange as it may seem, it is true — the vessel stopped in the mid 
 •sea, as fast as if it was fixed on the ground. The men, aston- 
 jished, pulled at their oars and spread more sail, trying to make 
 progress by the aid of both, but all in vain. Ivy twined round 
 the oars and hindered their motion, and clung to the sails, with 
 heavy clusters of berries. A vine, laden with grapes, ran up the 
 mast and along the sides of the vessel. The sound of flutes was 
 heard and the odor of fragrant wine spread all around. The god 
 himself had a chaplet of vine leaves, and bore in his hand a spear 
 wreathed with ivy. Tigers crouched at his feet, and forms of 
 lynxes and spotted panthers played around him. The men were 
 seized with terror or madness ; some leaped overboard ; others, 
 preparing to do the same, beheld their companions in the water 
 undergoing a change, their bodies becoming flattened and end- 
 ing in a crooked tail. 
 
 j.'i 
 
 
 i 
 
 " f t% 
 
 ■r: I 
 
 ** Bacchus that first from out the purple grape 
 Crushed the sweet poison of misused wine, 
 After the Tuscan mariners transformed, 
 Coasting the Tyrrhene shore as the winds listed 
 On Circe's island fell ; (who knows not Circe, 
 The daughter of the Sun ? whose charmed cup 
 ' Whoever tasted lost his upright shape, 
 And downward fell into a grovelling swine.") 
 
 — Milton's Comus. 
 
 "One exclaimed, * What miracle is this !' and as he spoke his 
 !mouth widened, his nostrils expanded, and scales covered all his 
 body. Another, endeavoring to pull the oar, felt his hand shrink 
 up, and presently to be no longer hands but fins j another, trying 
 to raise his arms to a rope, found he had no arms, and, curving his 
 mutilated body, jumped into the sea. What had been his legs 
 became the two ends of a crescent -shaped tail. The whole crew 
 became dolphins and swam about the ship, now upon the surface, 
 now under it, scattering the spray, and spouting the water from 
 their broad nostrils. Of twenty men, I alone was left. Trcmb* 
 
 
 ;|^ 
 
 
 * 1, • 
 
 ii 
 
 va 
 
 iQ, 
 
 "M.*"' 
 
 f 
 
 • 1I 
 
iill;! Ill 
 ' '1 i 
 
 mil 
 
 III 
 
 i! 
 
 •■3'"' -vraMMiiiiM 
 
 20S 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ling with fear, the god cheered me. * Fear not,* said he ; 'steer 
 towards Naxos. ' I obeyed, and when we arrived there, I kindled 
 the altars and celebrated the sacred rites of Bacchus. ' ' 
 
 *« In chorus we sing of wine, sweet wine, 
 Its power benign and its flavor divine." — De La Rosa. 
 
 Pentheus here exclaimed, "We have wasted time enough on 
 this silly story. Take him away and have him executed without 
 delay. ' * Acetes was led away by the attendants and shut up fast 
 in prison ; but while they were getting ready the instruments of 
 execution the prison doors came open of their own accord and 
 the chains fell from his limbs, and when they looked for him he 
 was nowhere to be found. 
 
 Pentheus would tgike no warning, but instead of sending 
 others, determined to go himself to the scene of the solemnities. 
 The mountain Cithaf ron was all alive with worshippers, and the 
 cries of the Bacchanals resounded on every side. 
 
 ** * We follow Bacchus ! Bacchus on the wing, 
 A conquering ! 
 Bacchus, young Bacchus ! good or ill betide, 
 We dance before him thorough kingdoms wide.' " — Keats. 
 
 Wei 
 
 daught< 
 the lal 
 was lef 
 
 The noise roused the anger of Pentheus as the sound of a 
 trumpet does the fire of a war-horse. He penetrated through 
 the wood and reached an open space where the .chief scene of 
 the orgies met his eyes. At the same moment the women saw 
 him ; and first among them his own mother. Agave, blinded by 
 the god, cried out, ** See there the wild boar, the hugest mon- 
 ster that prowls in these woods ! Come on, sisters ! I will be 
 the first to strike the wild boar. ' ' The whole band rushed u])on 
 him, and while he now talks less arrogantly, now excuses him- 
 self, and now confesses his crime and implores pardon, they 
 press upon and wound him. In vain he cries to his aunts to 
 protect him from his mother. Autonoe seized one arm, Ino 
 the other, and between them he was torn to pieces, while his 
 mother shouted, "Victory! Victory! we have done it ! the 
 glory is ours !" So the worship of Bacchus was established io 
 Greece. '■ 
 
 way he 
 self de 
 on her 
 an imr 
 
iCi 'steef 
 I kindled 
 
 ^A Rosa. 
 
 nough on 
 d without 
 lut up fast 
 iments of 
 :cord and 
 3r him he 
 
 f sending 
 iemnities. 
 , and the 
 
 -Keats. 
 
 >iind of a 
 througli 
 scene of 
 imen saw 
 inded by 
 est mon- 
 I will be 
 hed upon 
 ises him- 
 lon, they 
 aunts to 
 irm, Ino 
 while his 
 e it ! the 
 )lishcd io 
 
 ARIADNE. 
 A-ri-ad'ne. 
 
 209 
 
 We have seen in the story of Theseus how A-ri-ad'ne, the 
 daughter of King Minos, after helping Theseus to escape from 
 the labyT-inth, was carried by him to the island of Naxos, and 
 was left there asleep, while the ungrateful Theseus pursued his 
 
 rt^ay home without her. Ariadne, on waking and finding her- 
 self deserted, abandoned herself to grief. But Venus took pity 
 on her, and consoled her with the promise that she should have 
 an immortal lover, instead of the mortal one she had lost. 
 
 14 
 
 .t»' 
 
 H • 
 
 Si,7 
 
 
 i.' f • f* -V, 
 
 
 
 |k:.,--*..',, ,•• . M 
 ■:.l 
 
 
 ''4 
 

 
 2IO 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 The island where Ariadne was left was the favorite island of 
 Bacchus, the same that he wished the Tyrrhenian mariners to 
 carry him to when they so treacherously attempted to make 
 prize of him. As Ariadne sat lamenting her fate, Bacchus 
 found her, consoled her, and made her his wife. 
 
 ** Seekiqg fair Ariadne — afire with flame of a lover." 
 * 
 
 As a marriage present he gave her a golden crown, enriched 
 with gems, and when she died he took her crown and threw it 
 up into the sky. > 
 
 ^ "And still her sign is seen in heaven, 
 
 And, 'midst the glittering symbols of the sky, 
 The starry crown of Ariadne glides." 
 
 Apollonius Rhodius. 
 
 As it mounted, the gems grew brighter and were turned into 
 stars ; and, preserving its form, Ariadne's crown remains fixed 
 in the heavens as a constellation between the kneeling Hercules 
 and the man who holds the serpent. 
 
 «* Being now placed in the firmament, 
 
 Through the bright heaven doth her beams display, 
 ' And is unto the stars an ornament, 
 
 Which roundabout her move in order excellent." — Spenser 
 
 *' , €'\ 
 
 
 any 
 and 
 
THE BUBAL DEITIES. 
 
 211 
 
 ^- 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The Rural Deities — Pan — Er-i-sich'thon— Rhce'cus— 
 The Water Deities — Ca-me'nae — Winds. 
 
 The Rural Deities. 
 
 Pan, the god of woods and fields, of flocks and shepherds, 
 dwelt in grottos, wandered on the mountains and in valleys, and 
 amused himself with the chase or in 
 leading the dances of the nymphs. 
 
 " From the forests and highlands 
 
 We come, we come ; 
 From the river'girt islands, 
 
 Where loud waves are dumb." 
 
 — Shelley. 
 
 He was fond of music, and, as we 
 have seen, the inventor of the syrinx, 
 or shepherd's pipe, which he him- 
 self played in a masterly manner. 
 Pan, like other gods who dwelt in 
 forests, was dreaded by those whose 
 occupations caused them to pass 
 through the woods by night, for the 
 gloom and loneliness of such scenes 
 dispose the mind to superstitious y^ 
 fears. I fence sudden fright without 
 any visible cause was ascribed to Pan, 
 
 and <:al)ed a Panic terror. He was chief of the Satyrs, and is so 
 reprcbcntcd in art. 
 
 ** The trunk of this tree, 
 Dusky-leaved, shaggy- rooted. 
 Is a pillow well suited 
 To a hybrid Hke me, 
 Goat-bearded, goat-footed." — BUCHANAN. 
 
 Pan. 
 
 M- !ri I 
 
 ^tM 
 
 
 
 wi5 
 
 % 
 
 
 
 
212 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 As the name of the god signifies <z//, Pan came to be consid- 
 ered a symbol of the universe and personification of Nature, and 
 later still to be regarded as a representative of all the gods, and 
 of heathenism itself. 
 
 Sylvanus and Faunus were Latin divinities, whose character- 
 istics are so nearly the same as those of Pan that we may safely 
 consider them as the same personage under different names. 
 
 The wood-nymphs. Pan's partners in the dance, were but ona 
 
 class of nymphs. 
 
 " Universal Pan, 
 Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance. 
 Led on the eternal spring." — Milton. 
 
 There were beside them the Naiades, who presided ovci Irooks 
 
 and fountains, the Oreades, 
 nymphs of mountains and 
 grottos, and the Nereides, 
 sea-nymphs. The three last 
 named were immortal, but 
 the wood-nymphs, called 
 Dryades or Hamadryades, 
 were believed to perish with 
 the trees which had been 
 their abode, and with which 
 they had come into exist- 
 ence. It was therefore an 
 impious act wantonly to 
 destroy a tree, and in some 
 aggravated cases was se- 
 verely punished, as in the in- 
 stance of Er-i-sich'thon, 
 which we are about to re- 
 cord. 
 
 It was a pleasing trait in 
 the old Paganism that it 
 loved to trace in every oper- 
 ation of nature the agency 
 of deity. The imagination 
 of the Greeks peopled all 
 the regions of earth and sea with divinities, to whose agency it 
 
 Pan and Apollo (Naples). 
 
THE BUBAL DEITIES. 
 
 213 
 
 attributed those phenomena which our philosophy ascribes lo 
 the operation of the laws of nature. Sometimes, in our poeti- 
 cal moods, we feel disposed to regret the change, and to think 
 that the heart has lost as much as the head has gained by the 
 substitution. The poet Wordsworth thus strongly expresses 
 this sentiment : — 
 
 " Great God, I'd rather be 
 A Pagan, suckled in a creed outworn. 
 So might I, standing on this pleasant lea. 
 Have gHmpses that would make me less forlorn ; 
 Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea. 
 And hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn." 
 
 Schiller, in his poem Die Gotter Griechenlands, expresses his 
 regret for the overthrow of the beautiful mythology of ancient 
 times in a way which has called forth an answer from a Christian 
 poet, Mrs. E. Barrett Browning, in her poem called "The Dead 
 Pan." The two following verses are a specimen :— • 
 
 ** By your beauty which confesses ■ 
 
 Some chief Beauty conquering you, 
 By our grand heroic guesses 
 Through your falsehood at the True, 
 We will weep nof ! earth shall roll '^^ 
 
 Heir to each god's aureole, 
 
 And Pan is dead. 
 
 ** Earth outgrows the mythic fancies 
 Simg beside her in her youth ; 
 And those debonair romances 
 Sound but dull beside the truth. 
 Phoebus' chariot course is run ! 
 Look up, poets, to the sun ! 
 
 Pan, Pan is dead." 
 
 These lines are founded on an early Christian tradition that 
 when the heavenly host told the shepherds at Bethlehem of the 
 birth of Christ, a deep groan, heard through all the isles of 
 Greece, told that the great Pan was dead, and that all the royalty 
 of Olympus was dethroned, and the several deities were sent 
 wandering in cold and darkness. So Milton, in his ** Hymn to 
 the Nativity": — 
 
 ■,. -.lil 
 
 
 \h'i 
 
 r 
 
 I i 
 
 ml 
 
 '^ .: "I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • m^' 
 
 
 :£ -m 
 
 1*3 
 
214 
 
 STOBIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 ,-,i ?, , 
 
 ** The lonely mountains o'er, 
 And the resounding shore, 
 
 A voice of weeping heard and loud lament ; 
 From haunted spring and dale, . • 
 
 Edged with poplar pale, 
 
 The parting Genius is with sighing sent ; 
 With flower- en woven tresses torn, 
 The nymphs in twilight shade of tangled thickets mourn.'' 
 
 Er-i-sich'thon. 
 
 Er-i-sich'thon was a profane person and a despiser of the 
 gods. On one occasion he presumed to violate with the axe a 
 
 grove scared to 
 Ceres. There 
 stood in this 
 grove a venera- 
 ble oak, so large 
 that it seemed a 
 wood in itself, 
 its ancient trunk 
 towering aloft, 
 whereon votive 
 garlands were 
 often hung and 
 inscriptions 
 carved express- 
 ing the gratitude 
 of suppliants to 
 the nymph of 
 • the tree. Often 
 had the Dryades 
 danced round 
 it hand in hand. 
 Its trunk meas- 
 ured fifteen cu- 
 bits round, and 
 it overtopped 
 
 the other trees as they overtopped the shrubbery. But for all 
 that, Erisichthon saw no reason why he should spare it, and 
 he ordered his servants to cut it down. When he saw them 
 
 Ceres (Vatican, Rome). 
 
ERISICHTHON. 
 
 215 
 
 '*. i 
 
 hesitate, he snatched an axe from one, and thus impiously ex- 
 claimed : " I care not whether it be a tree beloved of the goddess 
 or not ; were it the goddess herself it should come down, if 
 it stood in my way." So saying, he lifted the axe, and the oak 
 seemed to shudder and utter a groan. When the first blow fell 
 upon the trunk, blood flowed from the wound. All the by- 
 standers were horror-struck, and one of them ventured to remon- 
 strate and hold back the fatal axe. Erisichthon, with a scornful 
 look, said to him, "Receive the reward of your piety," and 
 turned against him the weapon which he had held aside from the 
 tree, gashed his body with many wounds, and cut off his head. 
 Then from the midst of the oak came a voice : " I who dwell in 
 this tree am a nymph beloved by Ceres, and, dying by your hands, 
 forewarn you that punishment awaits you. ' * He desisted not 
 from his crime ; and at last the tree, sundered by repeated blows 
 and drawn by ropes, fell with a crash, and prostrated a great part 
 of the grove in its fall. 
 
 The Dryades, in dismay at the loss of their companion, and at 
 seeing the pride of the forest 'laid low, went in a body to Ceres, 
 all clad in garments of mourning, and invoked punishment upon 
 Erisichthon. She nodded her assent, and as she bowed her head 
 the grain, ripe for harvest in the laden fields, bowed also. She 
 planned a punishment so dire that one would pity him, if such a 
 culprit as he could be pitied — to deliver him over to Famine. 
 As Ceres herself could not approach Famine, for the Fates have 
 ordained that these two goddesses shall never come together, she 
 called on Oread from her mountain and spoke to her in these 
 words : ** There is a place in the farthest part of ice -clad Scythia, 
 a sad and sterile region without trees and without crops. Cold 
 dwells there, and Fp-^r, and Shuddering, and Famine. Go and 
 tell the last to take possession of the bowels of Erisichthon. Let 
 not abundance subdue her, nor the power of my gifts drive her 
 away. Be not alarmed at 'he distance, for Famine dwells very 
 far from Ceres, but take my chariot. The dragons are fleet and 
 obey the rein, and will take you through the air in a short 
 time. ' ' So she gave her the reins, and she dro "^e away and 
 soon reached Scythia. On arriving at Mount Caucasus she 
 stopped the dragons and found Famine in a stony field, pulling 
 up with teeth and claws the scanty herbage. Her hair was rough, 
 
 
 

 2l6 
 
 STORIES OF 00 DS AND HEROES. 
 
 ^r"--*; 
 
 ■.I'w 
 
 
 her eyes sunk, her face pale, her lips blanched, her jaws covered 
 with dust, and her skin drawn tight, so as to show all her bones. 
 As the Oread saw her afar off (for she did not dare to come 
 near), she delivered the commands of Ceres ; and though she 
 stopped as short a time as possible, and kept her distance as well 
 as she could, yet she began to feel hungry, and turned the 
 dragons' heads and drove back to Thessaly. ' • 
 
 Famine obeyed the commands of Ceres and sped through 
 the air to the dwelling of Erisichthon, entered the bedchamber 
 of the guilty man, and found him asleep. . She enfolded him 
 with her wings and breathed herself into him, infusing her poison 
 into his ve'.ns. Having discharged her task, she hastened to 
 leave the Ir.nd of plenty and returned to her accustomed haunts. 
 Erisichthon still slept, and in his dreams craved food, and moved 
 his jaws as if eating. When he awoke his hunger was raging. 
 Without a moment's delay he would have food set before him, 
 of whatever kind earth, sea or air produces, and complained 
 of hunger even while he ate. What would have sufficed for a 
 city or a nation was not enough for him. The more he ate the 
 more he craved. 
 
 His property rapidly dimi:iished under the unceasing demands 
 of his appetite, but his hunger continued unabated. At length 
 he had spent all, and had only his daughter left, a daughter 
 worthy of a better parent* J/cr too he sold. She scorned to 
 be the slave o^ a purchaser, and, as she stood by the seaside, 
 raised her hands in prayer to Neptune. He heard her prayer, 
 and, though her new master was not far off, and had his eyes 
 upon her a moment before, Neptun : changed her form, and 
 made her assume that of a fisherman busy at his occupation. 
 Her master, looking for her and seeing her in her altered form, 
 add'-'^ssed her and said: "Good fisherman, whither went the 
 maiden whom 1 saw just now, with hair dishevelled and in 
 humble garb, standing about where you stand? Tell me truly, 
 so may your luck be good, and not a fish nibble at your hook 
 and get away. ' ' She perceived that her prayer was answered, 
 and rejoiced inwardly at hearing herself inquired of about her- 
 self. She replied, "Pardon me, stranger, but I have been so 
 intent upon my line that I have seen nothing else ; but I wish 
 I may never catch another fish if I believe any woman or otJier 
 
RHCECUS. 
 
 2i; 
 
 ^s covered 
 ler bones. 
 ; to conic 
 hough she 
 ce as ^vell 
 Limed the 
 
 i through 
 dchamber 
 )lded him 
 ler poison 
 istened to 
 ;d haunts. 
 nd moved 
 IS raging. 
 fore him, 
 )mplained 
 ced for a 
 le ate the 
 
 demands 
 \X length 
 
 daughter 
 :orned to 
 J seaside, 
 r prayer, 
 
 his eyes 
 orm, and 
 cupation. 
 red form, 
 went the 
 d and in 
 me truly, 
 our hook 
 inswered, 
 )0ut her- 
 I been so 
 it I wish 
 
 or oUier 
 
 person except myself to have been hereabouts for some time." 
 He was deceived and went his way, thinking his slave had es- 
 caped. Then she resumed her own form. Her father was 
 well pleased to find her still with him, and the money, too, that 
 he got by the sale of her; so he sold her again. But she was 
 changed by the favor of Neptune as often as she was sold, — now 
 into a- horse, now a bird, now an ox, and now a stag, — got away 
 from her purchasers, and came home. By this base method the 
 starving father procured food, but not enough for his wants; 
 and at last hunger compelled him to devour his limbs, and he 
 
 Neptune and Amphi trite (Munich). 
 
 strove to nourish himself by eating his body, till death relieved 
 him from the vengeance of Ceres. ^- 
 
 Rhoe'cus. 
 
 The Hamadryades could appreciate services as well as punish 
 injuries. The story of Rhoe'cus proves this. Rhoecus, hap- 
 pening to see an oak just ready to fall, ordered his servants to 
 prop it up. The nympl^, \.ho had been on the point of perish- 
 ing with the tree, came and expressed her gratitude to him for 
 having saved her life, and bade him ask what reward he would. 
 Rhoecus boldly asked her love, and the nymph yielded to his de- 
 
 
 • !* '^f.i 
 
 m 
 
 4 
 
 
2l8 
 
 STOBIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 'f\ 
 
 ,^\ 
 
 Nl 
 
 
 sire. She at the same time charged him to be constant, and told 
 him that a bee should be her messenger, and let him know when 
 she would admit his society. One time the bee came to Rhoecus 
 while he was playing at draughts, and he carelessly brushed it 
 away. This so incensed the nymph that she deprived him of sight. 
 
 " O, Rhoecus ! nevermore '" • 
 
 Shalt thou behold me or by day or night. - . -' : 
 - . . ■ ;.. *Tis thou art blind, 
 
 Not I unmerciful. I can forgive, 
 But have no skill to heal the spirit eyes." — Lowell. 
 
 The Water Deities. 
 
 O-ce'a-nus and Te'thys were the Titans who ruled over the 
 watery element. When Jove and his brothers overthrew the Ti- 
 tans and assumed their power, Neptune and Amphitrite suc- 
 ceeded to the dominion of the waters in place of Oceanus and 
 Tethys. 
 
 Nep'tune. 
 
 Nep'tune was the chief of the water deities. The symbol 
 of his power was the trident, or spear with three points, with 
 which he used to shatter rocks, to call forth or subdue storms, to 
 shake the shores, and the like. 
 
 •^ - •« ** Hail, Neptune, greatest of the gods! 
 Thou ruler of tlfe salt sea floods ; 
 Thou with the deep and dark-green hair, 
 That dost the golden trident bear." — Arion. 
 
 He created the horse and was the patron of horse-races. His 
 own horses had brazen hoofs and golden manes. They drew his 
 chariot over the sea, which became smooth before Y .n, while the 
 monsters of the deep gambolled about his path. 
 
 Am-phi-tri'te. ^ 
 
 Am-phi-tri'te was the wife of Neptune. She was the daughter 
 of Nereus and Doris, and the mother of Triton. Neptune, to 
 pay his court to Amphitrite, came riding on a dolphin. 
 
 " O'er the green waves which gently bend and swell. 
 Fair Amphitrite steers her silver shell ; 
 Her playful dolphins stretch the silken rein, 
 Hear her sweet voice, and glide along the main."— Darwin. 
 
A SEA-GOD. 
 (Vatican, Rome.) 
 
 'Pi 
 
 
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LEUCOTHEA AND PALuEMOK 
 
 219 
 
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 Having won her, he rewarded the dolphin by placing him 
 among the stars. 
 
 Ne're-us and Do'ris. 
 
 Ne're-us and Do'ris were the parents of the Nereides, the 
 most celebrated of whom were Amphitrite, Thetis, the mother 
 of Achilles, and Galatea, who was loved by the Cyclops Poly- 
 phemus. Nereus was distinguished for his knowledge and his 
 love of truth and justice, whence he was termed an elder ; the 
 gift of prophecy was also assigned to him. 
 
 Tri'ton and Pro'teus. 
 
 Tri'ton was the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the poets 
 make him his father's trumpeter. Pro'teus was also a son of 
 Neptune. He, like Nereus, is styled a sea -elder for his wisdom 
 and knowledge of future events. His peculiar power was that 
 of changing his shape at will. 
 
 ** Shouting we seize the god : our force t' evade, 
 His various arts he soon resumes in aid : 
 A lion now, he curls a surgy mane ; 
 Sudden, our hands a spotted pard restrain ; 
 And last, sublime, his stately growth he rears, 
 A tree, and well-dissembled foliage wears." 
 
 —Homer (Pope's tr.). 
 
 The'tis. 
 
 The'tis, the daughter of Nereus and Doris, was so beautiful that 
 Jupji'er himself sought her in marriage ; but having learned from 
 Prometheus, the Titan, that Thetis should bear a son who should 
 be greater than his father, Jupiter desisted from his suit and de- 
 creed that Thetis should be the wife of a mortal. By the aid of 
 Chiron, the Centaur, Peleus succeeded in winning the goddess 
 for his bride, and their son was the renowned Achilles. In our 
 chapter on the Trojan war it will appear that Thetis was a faith- 
 ful mother to him, aiding him in all difficulties, and watching 
 over his interests from the first to the last. 
 
 Leu-co'the-a and Pa-lae'mon. 
 
 Ino, the daughter of Cadmus and wife of Athamas, flying from 
 her frantic husband with her little son Melicertes in her arms, 
 
 L.' *. 
 
 m 
 
i 
 
 220 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 m\. 
 
 sprang from a cliflf into the sea. The gods, out of compassion, 
 made her a goddess of the sea, under the name of Leu-co'the-a, 
 and him a god under that of Pa-lae'mon. Both were held 
 powerful to save from shipwreck and were invoked by sailors. 
 Palaemon was usually represented riding on a dolphin. The 
 Isthmian games were celebrated in his honor. He was called 
 Portunus by the Romans, and believed to have jurisdiction of the 
 ports and shores. 
 
 ** Sabrina fair, 
 Listen and appear to us, 
 In name of great Oceanus ; 
 By the earth-shaking Neptune's mace, 
 And Tethys' grave, majestic pace, 
 By hoary Nereus' wrinkled look, 
 And the Carpathian wizard's hook. 
 By scaly Tritan's winding shell, \ 
 
 And old soothsaying Glaucus' spell. 
 By Leucothea' s lovely hands, 
 And her son who rules the strands 
 By Thetis' tinsel-slippered feet. 
 And the songs of Sirens sweet." — Milton's Comus. 
 
 The Ca-me'nse. 
 
 By this name the Latiixs designated the Muses, but included 
 ander it also some other deities, principally nymphs of fountain ^ 
 Egeria was one of them, whose fountain and grotto are still shown. 
 
 •' Here didst thou dwell, in this enchanted cover, 
 Egeria!" — Byron. 
 
 It was said that Numa, the second king of Rome, was favored 
 by this nymph with secret interviews, in which she taught him 
 those lessons of wisdom and of law which he embodied in the in- 
 stitutions of his rising nation. After the death of Numa the 
 nymph pined away and was changed into a fountain. 
 
 The Winds. . 
 
 When so many less active agencies were personified, it is not 
 to be supposed that the winds failed to be so. They were Bo'- 
 re-as or Aq'ui-lo, the north wind ; Zeph'y-rus or Fa vc' 
 niuSy the west ; No'tus or Aus'ter, the south, and Eu'rus, 
 
THE WINDS. 
 
 221 
 
 ipassion, 
 o'the-a, 
 
 ere held 
 y sailors, 
 in. The 
 /•as called 
 on of the 
 
 Comus. 
 
 included 
 buntain.;. 
 11 shown. 
 
 s favored 
 Light him 
 in the in- 
 [uma the 
 
 it is not 
 ere Bo'- 
 
 Fa vc'- 
 Eu'ius, 
 
 the east. The first two have been chiefly celebrated by the 
 poets, the former as the type 
 of rudeness, the latter of gen- 
 tleness. Boreas loved the 
 nymph Or-i-thy'i-t, and 
 tried to play the lover's part, 
 l)ut met with poor success. 
 It was hard for him to breathe 
 gently, and sighing was out 
 of the question. Weary at 
 last of fruitless endeavors, 
 he acted out his true char- 
 acter, seized the maiden, and 
 carried her off. Their chil- 
 dren were Ze'tes and Cal'- 
 a-is, winged warriors, who 
 accompanied the Argonautic 
 expedition, and did good 
 service in an encounter with 
 those monstrous birds, the 
 Harpies. 
 
 Zephyrus was the lover of 
 Flora. Milton alludes to 
 them in "Paradise Lost," 
 where he describes Adam 
 waking and contemplating 
 
 Eve, still asleep : — 
 
 ** Then with voice 
 Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, 
 Her hand soft touching, whispered thus : * Awake ! 
 My fairest, my espoused, my latest found, 
 Heaven's last, best gift, my ever- new delight,' " 
 
 The character and appearance ascribed to each of these deities 
 was, as usual, in Greek mythology, such as was suggested by the 
 phenomena of each wind — as, for example, the strength and fury 
 of the north wind, or the genial warmth of the south-west. Some 
 were thought to be male, some female, and all winged. Eurus, 
 who brought warmth and rain from the east, was represented 
 holding a vase inverted, as if pouring rain from it. Lips, who 
 
 Flora (Naples). 
 

 
 I 
 
 li':!.„ 
 
 222 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Eurus. Apeliotes. 
 
 The Winds. 
 
THE WINDS. 
 
 221 
 
 I 
 
 from the Muth-east wafted home the ships as they neared the har- 
 bor of Pcirajus at Athens, held the ornament from a ship's stem 
 in her hands. Zephyrus, coming from the warm, mild west, 
 M^as ligh*^':y ciad, and carried a quantity of flowers in his scarf. 
 A-pi'li-o'tCS, the south-v ^;st wind, carried fruits of many kinds, 
 wore boots, and was not so lightly clad as the last mentioned. 
 So they were represented on the "Tower of the Winds" at 
 
 AthciiS.* 
 
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 224 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Ach-e-lo'us and Her'cu-les — Ad-me'tus and Al-ces'tis 
 — An-tig'o-ne — Pe-nel'o-pe. 
 
 Ach-e-lo'us and Her'cu les. 
 
 The river-god Ach-e-lo'us told the story of Erisichthon to 
 Theseus and his companions, whom he was entertaining at his 
 hospitable board, while they were delayed on their journey by 
 the overflow of his waters. Having finished his story he added, 
 " But why should I tell of other persons' transformations, when 
 I myself am an instance of the possession of this power? Some- 
 times I become a serpent, and sometimes a bull, with horns on 
 my head. Or I should say, I once could do so ; but now 1 
 have but one horn, having lost one." And here he groaned 
 and was silent. 
 
 Theseus asked him the cause of his grief, and how he lost his 
 horn. To which question the river-god replied as follows: 
 "Who likes to tell of hisjdefeats? Yet I will not hesitate to 
 relate mine, comforting myself with the thought of the great- 
 ness of my conqueror, for it was Her'cu-les. Perhaps you have 
 heard of the fame of Dejanira, the fairest of maidens, whom a 
 host of suitors strove to win. Hercules and myself were cf the 
 number, and the rest yielded to us two. He urged in his behalf 
 his descent from Jove, and his labors by which he had exceeded 
 the exactions of Juno, his step -mother. I, on the other hand, 
 said to the father of the maiden, ' Behold me, the king of the 
 waters that flow through your land. 
 
 "Achelous came 
 The river-god to ask a fathers voice. "- 
 
 -Sophocles. 
 
 " ' I am no stranger from a foreign shore, but belong to the 
 country, a part of your realm. Let it not stand in my way that 
 royal Juno owes me no enmity, nor punishes me with hea\y 
 tasks. As for this man who boasts himself the son of Jove, it 
 is either a false pretence or disgraceful to him if true, for it can 
 
 jrs. 
 
 
AVHELOUS AND BEBCULES. 
 
 225 
 
 not be true except by his mother's shame.' As I said this 
 Hercules scowled upon me, and with difficulty restrained his 
 rage. * My hand will answer better than my tongue,' said he. 
 ' I yield you the victory in words, but trust my cause to the 
 strife of deeds. ' With that he advanced towards me, and I was 
 ashamed, after what I had said, to yield. I threw off my green 
 vesture, and presented myself for the struggle. He tried to 
 throw me, now attacking my head, now my body. My bulk 
 was my protection, and he assailed me in vain. For a time we 
 stopped, then returned to the conflict. 
 
 " Warm, and more warm the conflict grows: 
 Dire was the noise of rattling bows." — SoPHOCLES (Francklin's tr.). 
 
 "We each kept our position, determined not to yield, foot to 
 foot, I bending over him, clinching his hands in mine, with my 
 forehead almost touching his. Thrice Hercules tried to throw 
 me off, and the fourth time he succeeded, brought me to the 
 ground and himself upon my back. I tell you the truth, it was 
 as if a mountain had fallen on me. I struggled to get my arms 
 at liberty, panting and reeking with perspiration. He gave me 
 no chance to recover, but seized my throat. My knees were on 
 the earth and my mouth in the dust. 
 
 *' Finding that I was no match for him in the warrior's art, I 
 resorted to others, and glided away in the form of a serpent. I 
 curled my body in a coil, and hissed at him with my forked 
 tongue. He smiled scornfully at this, and said, *It was the 
 labor of my infancy to conquer snakes. ' So saying, he clasped 
 my neck with his hands. I was almost choked, and struggled 
 to get my neck out of his grasp. Vanquished in this form, I 
 tried what alone remained to me, and assumed the form of a 
 bull. He grasped my neck with his arm, and dragging my head 
 down to the ground, overthrew me on the sand. Nor was this 
 enough. His ruthless hand rent my horn from my head. The 
 Naiades took it, consecrated it, and filled it with fragrant flow- 
 ers. Plenty adopted my horn and made it her own, and called 
 it Cornucopia." 
 
 The ancients were fond of finding a hidden meaning in their 
 mythological tales. They explain this fight of Achelous with Her- 
 cules by saying Achelous was a river that in seasons of rain over- 
 
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226 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 flowed its banks. When the fable says that Achelous loved De- 
 janira, and sought a union with her, the meaning is that the river 
 in its windings flowed through part of Dejanira's kingdom. It 
 was said to take the form of a snake because of its winding, and 
 of a bull because it made a brawling or roaring in its course. 
 
 When the river swelled, it made 
 itself another channel. Thus 
 its head was homed. Hercules 
 prevented the return of these 
 periodical overflows by embank- 
 ments and canals, and therefore 
 he was said to have vanquished 
 the river-god and cut off" his 
 horn. Finally, the lands for- 
 merly subject to overflow,, but 
 now redeemed, became very fer- 
 tile, and this is meant by the 
 horn of plenty. 
 
 There is another account of 
 the origin of the Cornucopia. 
 Jupiter at his birth was com- 
 mitted by his mother Rhea to 
 the care of the daughters of 
 Melisseus, a Cretan king. They 
 fed the infant deity with the 
 nulk of the goat Amalthea. 
 Jupiter broke off one of tlie 
 horns of the goat and gave it 
 to his nurses, and endowed it 
 with the wonderful power of 
 becoming filled with whatever 
 the possessor might wish. 
 The name of Amalthea is also given by some writers to the 
 mother of Bacchus. It is thus used by Milton : — 
 
 *» That Nyseian isle, 
 Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, 
 Whom Gentiles Ammon call, and Libyan Jove, 
 Hid Amalthea and her florid son, 
 Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye.** 
 
 .^sculapius (Vatican, Rome). 
 
ADMETUS AND ALCESTI& 
 
 227 
 
 oved De« 
 the river 
 iom. It 
 iing, and 
 
 course. 
 , it made 
 Thus 
 Hercules 
 of these 
 embank - 
 therefore 
 nquished 
 
 off his 
 inds for- 
 fiow.. but 
 : very fer- 
 t by the 
 
 count of 
 rnucopia. 
 ivas coni- 
 
 Rhea to 
 jhters of 
 ig. They 
 with the 
 ^malthea. 
 e of the 
 d gave it 
 idowed it 
 power of 
 
 whatever 
 ish. 
 :ers to the 
 
 Ad-me'tus and Al-ces'tis. 
 
 iEsculapius, the son of Apollo, was endowed by his father 
 with such skill in the healing art that he even restored the dead 
 to life. At this Pluto took alarm, and prevailed on Jupiter to 
 launch a thunderbolt at ^sculapius. Apollo was indignant at 
 the destruction of his son, and wreaked his vengeance on the inno- 
 cent workmen who had made the thunderbolt. These were the 
 Cyclopes, who have their workshop under Mount ^tna, from 
 which the smoke and flames of their furnaces are constantly is- 
 suing. Apollo shot his arrows at the Cyclopes, which so in- 
 censed Jupiter that he condemned him as a punishment to be- 
 come the servant of a mortal for the space of one year. Accord- 
 ingly Apollo went into the service of Ad-me'tus, king of 
 Thessaly, and pastured his flocks for him on the verdant banks 
 of the river Amphrysos. 
 
 *' There came a youth upon the earth 
 Some thousand years ago, 
 Whose slender hands were nothing worth 
 Whether to plow, or reap, or sow. 
 
 ** Uf)on an empty tortoise-'Shell 
 
 He stretched some chords, and drew 
 Music, that made men's bosoms swell 
 
 Fearless, or brimmed their eyes with dew." — LoWELL. 
 
 Admetus was a suitor, with others, for the hand of Al-ces'tis, 
 the daughter of Pelias, who promised her to him who should , 
 come for her in a chariot drawn by lions and boars. This task 
 Admetus performed by the assistance of his divine herdsman, 
 and was made happy in the possession of Alcestis. But Ad- 
 metus fe, ' ill, and being near to death, Apollo prevailed on the 
 Fates to si)are him on condition that some one would consent to 
 die in his siead. Admetus, in his joy at this reprieve, thought 
 little of the ransom, and perhaps, remembering the declarations 
 of attachment which he had often heard from his courtiers and 
 dependents, fancied that it would be easy to find a substitute. 
 But it was not so. Brave warriors, who would willingly havv^ 
 perilled their lives for their prince, shrunk from the thought of 
 dying for him on the bed of sickness ; and old servants who 
 had experienced his bounty and that of his house from their 
 
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 228 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 childhood up, were not willing to lay down the scanty remnant 
 of their days to show their gratitude. Men asked, — "Why 
 does not one of his parents do it ? They cannot in the course 
 of nature live much longer, and who can feel like them the call to 
 rescue the life they gave, from an untimely end ?' ' But the pa- 
 rents, distressed though they were at the thought of losing him, 
 shrunk from the call. Then Alcestis, with a generous self-devo- 
 tion, proffered herself as the substitute. 
 
 ** He canvassed every friend, his hoary sire, 
 ■ < ; ./ . The aged mother, too, that gave him birth ; 
 
 : , . , * None but his wife he found." — Euripides (Woodhull). 
 
 Admetus, fond as he was of life, -would not have submitted to 
 receive it at such a cost ; but there was no remedy. The condi- 
 tion imposed by the Fates had been met, and the decree was ir- 
 revocable. Alcestis sickened as Admetus revived, and she was 
 rapidly sinking to the grave. 
 
 Just at this time Hercules arrived at th'^ palace of Admetus, 
 and found all the inmates in great distrrss for the impending loss 
 of the devoted wife and beloved mistress. Hercules, to whom 
 no labor was too arduous, resolved to attempt her rescue. He 
 went and lay in wait at the door of the chamber of the dying 
 queen, and when Death came for his prey he seized him and 
 forced him to resign his victim. 
 
 " Did not Hercules by force 
 Wrest from the guardian monster of the tomb 
 ' • , Alcestis, a leaniroated corse, 
 
 . . ;' • Given back to dwell on earth in vernal bloom?" 
 , , ♦ —Wordsworth. 
 
 Alcestis recovered, and was restored to her husband. Milton 
 
 alludes to the story of Alcestis in his sonnet *' On His Deceased 
 
 Wife": — 
 
 " Methought I saw my late espoused saint 
 
 Brought to me like Alcestis from «!ie grave. 
 Whom Jove's great son to her ^ ^ul husband gave, 
 ' Rescued from Death by force, though pale and faint." 
 
 An-tig'o-ne. 
 
 A large proportion both of the interesting persons and of the 
 exalted acts of legendary Greece belongs to the female sex. An- 
 tlgfo-ne was as bright an example of filial and sisterly fidelity as 
 
^ ANTIGONE. 229 
 
 as Aicestis of connubial devotion. She was the daughter of 
 
 CEdipu* and Antigone (E. Tachendorff ). 
 
 (Edipus and Jocasta, who, with all their descendants, were tfte 
 victims of an unrelenting fate, dooming them to destruction. 
 
 
 
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230 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
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 CEdipus, in his madness, had torn out his eyes, and was driven 
 forth from his kingdom Thebes, dreaded and abandoned by all 
 men, as an object of divine vengeance. Antigone, his daughter, 
 alone shared his wanderings and remained with him till he died, 
 and then returned to Thebes. 
 
 Her brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, had agreed to share the 
 kingdom between them, and reign alternately year by year. 
 The first year fell to the lot of Eteocles, who, when his time ex- 
 pired, refused to surrender the kingdom to his brother. Poly- 
 nices fled to Adrastus, king of Argos, who gave him his daughter 
 in marriage, and aided him with an army to enforce his claim 
 to the kingdom. This led to the celebrated expedition of the 
 ** Seven against Thebes," which furnished ample materials for 
 the epic and tragic poets of Greece. 
 
 Amphiaraus, the brother-in-law of Adrastus, opposed thb en- 
 terprise, for he was a soothsayer, and knew by his art that no 
 one of the leaders except Adrastus would live to return. But 
 Amphiaraus, on his marriage to Eriphyle, the king's sister, had 
 agreed that whenever he and Adrastus should differ in opinion, 
 the decision should be left to Eriphyle. Polynices, knowing 
 this, gave Eriphyle the collar of Harmonia, and thereby gained 
 her to his interest. This collar or necklace was a present which 
 Vulcan had given to Harmonia on her marriage with Cadmus, 
 and Polynices had taken it with him on his flight from Thebes. 
 Eriphyle could not resist so tempting a bribe, and by her decision 
 the war was resolved on, and Amphiaraus went to his certain fate. 
 
 j " 'Twas Polynices that caused 
 
 Thy sire and me to perish when he brought 
 That golden necklace to the Argive land." — EuRiriDES. 
 
 He bore his part bravely in the contest, but could not avert 
 his destiny. Pursued by the enemy he fled along the river, 
 when a thunderbolt launched by Jupiter opened tlie ground, 
 and he, his chariot and his charioteer were swallowed up. 
 
 It would not be in place here to detail all the acts of heroism 
 or atrocity which marked the contest ; but we must not omit 
 to record the fidelity of Evadne as an offset to the weakness of 
 Eriphyle. Capaneus, the husband of Evadne, in the ardcr of the 
 fijfht declared that he would force his way into the city in spitf 
 
 of J 
 
 but 
 
 thui 
 hers 
 
ANTIGONE. 
 
 231 
 
 
 of Jove himself. Placing a ladder against the wall, he mounted ; 
 but Jupiter, offended at his impious language, struck him with a 
 thunderbolt. When his obsequies were celebrated, Evadne cast 
 herself on his funeral pile and perished. 
 
 ** Already have I taken 
 The fatal leap, and hence descend, with joy, 
 Though not indeed to you, yet to myself * 
 
 And to my lord, with whose iremains I bvun." 
 
 The Suppliants (EURIPIDES.) 
 
 Early in the contest Eteocles consulted the soothsayer Tiresias 
 as to the cause. Tiresias in his youth had by chance seen 
 Minerva bathing. The goddess in her wrath deprived him of 
 his sight, but afterwards relenting, gave him, in compensation, the 
 knowledge of future events. When consulted by Eteocles, he 
 declared that victory should fall to Thebes if Menceceus, the 
 son of Creon, gave himself a voluntary victim. The heroic 
 youth, learning the response, threw away his life in the first en- 
 counter. 
 
 The siege continued long, with varying success. At length 
 both hosts agreed that the brothers should decide their (|uarrel 
 by single combat. They fought and fell by each other's hands. 
 
 "Our brothers now both slain, 
 Each by the other's spear." — Antigone. 
 
 The armies then renewed the fight, and at last the invaders 
 were forced to yield, and fled, leaving their dead unburied. 
 Creon, the uncle of the fallen princes, now become king, caused 
 Eteoc;les to be buried with distinguished honor, but suffered the 
 body of Polynices to lie where it fell, forbidding everyone on 
 pain of death to give it burial. 
 
 ** Polynices' wretched carcass lies 
 Unburied, unlamented, left cxpos'd 
 A feast for hungry vultures on the plain." 
 
 — SopiiocLics (Francklin's tr, ). 
 
 Antigone, the sister of Polynices, heard with indignation the 
 revolting edict which consigned her brother's body to the dogs 
 and vultures, depriving it of those rights which were onsidered 
 
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222 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 .it'', 
 
 essential to the repose of the dead. Unmoved by the dissuading 
 counsel of an affectionate but timid sister, and unable to procure 
 assisunce, she determined to brave the hazard and to bury the 
 body with her own hands. She was detected in the act, and 
 Creon gave orders that she should be buried alive, as having 
 deliberately set at nought the solemn edict of the city. 
 
 " Let her be carried instant to the cave, ' 
 And leave her there alone, to live, or die." 
 
 — Sophocles (Francklin'str.). 
 
 Her lover, Ha;mon, the son of Creon, unable to avert her 
 fate, would not survive her, and fell by his own hand. 
 
 Antigone forms the subject of two fine tragedies of the Grecian 
 poet Sophocles. Mrs. Jameson, in her '' Characteristics of 
 Women," has compared her character with that of Cordelia, in 
 Shakspeare's ''King Lear." 
 
 The following is the lamentation of Antigone over lEdipus, 
 when death has at last relieved him from his sufferings : — 
 
 " Alas ! I only wished I might have died 
 With my poor father ; wherefore should I ask 
 For longer life ? 
 
 O, I was fond of misery with him ; 
 E'en what was most u ilovely grew beloved 
 When he was with me. O my dearest father, 
 Beneath the earth now in deep darkness hid, 
 Worn as thou wert with age, to me thou still 
 Wast dear, and shall be ever." 
 
 — Sophocles (Francklin's tr.). 
 
 Pe-nero-pe. 
 
 Pe-nel'O-pe is another of those mythic heroines whose beauties 
 where rather those of character and conduct than of i)erson. She 
 was the daughter of Icarius, a Spartan prince. Ulysses, king 
 l( Tthaca, sought her in marriage, and won her, over all com- 
 petitors. When the moment came for the bride to leave her 
 fith> r's house, carius, unable to bear the thoughts of parting 
 with h\i daug.iter, tried to persuade her to remain with him, and 
 liOw accompai ' her husband to Ithaca. Ulysses gave Penelope 
 I.ei ",h< .'ce, to stay or go with him. Penelope made no reply, 
 litt dropped her veil over her face. Icarius urged her no further, 
 
issoading 
 ' procure 
 bury the 
 act, and 
 s having 
 
 PENELOPE. 
 
 233 
 
 ■•, J" 
 
 str.). 
 Lvert her 
 
 Grecian 
 istics of 
 delia, in 
 
 lEdipus, 
 
 tr.). 
 
 beauties 
 on. She 
 es, king 
 all com- 
 eave her 
 ' parting 
 dim, and 
 Penelope 
 10 reply, 
 I further, 
 
 but when she was gone erected a statue to Modesty on the spot 
 where they parted. 
 
 'Jlysses and Penelope had not enjoyed their union more than 
 a year when it was inter- 
 rupted by the events 
 which called Ulysses to 
 the Trojan war. During 
 his long absence, and 
 when it was doubtful 
 whether he still lived, 
 and highly improbable 
 tliat he would ever re- 
 turn, Penelope was im- 
 portuned by numerous 
 suitors, from whom there 
 seemed no refuge but in 
 choosing one of them for 
 her husband. Penelope, 
 however, employed 
 
 every art to gain time, 
 still hoping for Ulysses' 
 return. One of her arts 
 of delay was engaging in 
 the preparation of a robe 
 for the funeral canopy of 
 Laertes, her husband's 
 father. She pledged her- 
 self to make her choice 
 
 among the suitors when tne robe was finished. During the day 
 she worked at the robe, but in the night she n iid the work of 
 
 the day. 
 , ** Three full years 
 
 She practiced thus, and by the fraud doct sved 
 The Grecian youths-." — HoMKR (Hryant' 3 tr,). 
 
 This is the famous Penelope's web, which is used as a prover- 
 bial expression for anything which is perp-tually doing but 
 never done. The rest of Penelope's history will be told when 
 we give an account of her husband's adventures. 
 
 Penelope (Vatican ;ome). 
 
234 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 |V' i llll|S| 
 
 
 f 
 
 1 r/i 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Or'pheus and Eu-ryd'i-ce — Ar-is-tae'us — Am-phi'on— 
 Li'nus — Tham'y-ris — Mar'sy-as — Me-lam'pus — 
 
 Mu-sse'us. 
 
 Or'pheus and Eu-ryd'i-ce. 
 
 Or'pheus was the son of Apollo and the muse Calliope. He 
 
 was presented by his 
 father with a lyre 
 and taught to play 
 upon it, which he 
 did to such perfec- 
 tion that nothing 
 could withstand the 
 charm of his music. 
 Not only his fellow - 
 mortals but wild 
 beasts were softened 
 by his strains, and, 
 gathering around 
 him, laid by their 
 fierceness, and stood 
 entranced with his 
 lay. Nay, the very 
 trees and rocks wci'^ 
 sensible to tht 
 charm. The fornief 
 crowded round him, 
 and the latter re- 
 laxed somewhat of 
 their hardness, soft 
 ened by his notes. 
 
 Hymen had been 
 
 called to bless with 
 
 Orpheus uiid Eurydice (R. Ueyschlug). his presence the nup- 
 
ORPHEUS AND EUBYDICEi 
 
 phi'on-. 
 3US — 
 
 iope. He 
 
 ted by his 
 :h a lyre 
 t to play 
 which he 
 ::h perfec - 
 nothing 
 istand the 
 lis music, 
 his fellow - 
 but wild 
 e softened 
 lins, and, 
 around 
 
 by their 
 and stood 
 
 with his 
 ', the very 
 rocks were 
 
 to tht 
 "he fonncf 
 ound him, 
 latter re- 
 lewhal of 
 [ness, soft- 
 is notes. 
 
 had l)eon 
 bless with 
 cethenup- 
 
 235 
 
 
 tials of Orpheus with Eu-ryd'i-ce ; but though he attended, he 
 brought no happy omens with him. His very torch smoked and 
 brought tears into their eyes. In coincidence with such prognos- 
 tics; Eurydice, shortly after her marriage, while wandering with 
 the nymphs, her companions, was seen by the shepherd Aristaeus, 
 who was struck with her beauty, and made advances to her. She 
 fled, and in flying trod upon a snake in the grass, was bitten in 
 the foot, and died. Orpheus sang his grief to all who breathed 
 the upper air, both gods and men, and finding it all unavailing, 
 resolved to seek his wife in the regions of the dead. He de- 
 scended by a cave situated on the side of the promontory of 
 Taenarus and arrived at the Stygian realm. He passed through 
 crowds of ghosts and presented himself before the throne of 
 Pluto and Proserpine. Accompanying the words with the lyre, 
 he sung, ' ' O deities of the under world, to whom all we who 
 live must come, hear my words, for they are true. I come not 
 to spy out the secrets of Tartarus, nor to tr; n^y strength against 
 the three-headed dog with snaky hair who t' r.rds the entrance. 
 
 "Onhestept, , 
 And Cerberus held agape his triple jaws." — Landor. 
 
 " I come to seek my wife, whose opening years the poisonous 
 viper's fang has brought to an untimely end. Love has led me 
 here, Love, a god all-powerful with us who dwell on the earth, 
 and, if old traditions say true, not less so here. I implore you 
 by these abodes full of terror, these realms of silence and un- 
 created things^ unite again the thread of Eurydice' s life. We 
 all are destined to you, and sooner or later must pass to your 
 domain. She, too, when she shall have filled her term of life, 
 will rightly be yours. But till then grant her to me, I beseech 
 you. If you deny me, I cannot return alone ; you shall triumph 
 in the death of us both." 
 
 As he sang these tender strains, the very ghosts shed tears. 
 
 *• Such strains as would have won the ear 
 Of Pluto, t(-- have cjuite set free 
 His half-regoi'ed Eurydice." — MlLTON. 
 
 Tantalus, in spitf of his thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts 
 for water, hion's wheel stood still, the vulture ceased to tear the 
 
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236 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 11 
 
 giant's liver, the daughters of Danaiis rested from their task of 
 drawing water in a sieve, and Sisyphus sat on his rock to listen; 
 
 • *' E'en Tantalus ceased from trying to sip 
 The cup that flies from his arid lip ; 
 Ixion, too, the magic could feel, 
 ■ • ' And, for a moment, blocked his wheel ; 
 
 Poor Sisyphus, doomed to tumble and toss 
 
 The notable stone that gathers no moss, 
 
 Let go his burden, and turned to hear 
 
 The charming sounds that ravished his ear." — Saxe. 
 
 V, 
 
 Then for ihe first time, it is said, the cheeks of the Furie? 
 were wet with tears. Proserpine could not resist, and Pluto him • 
 self gave way. 
 
 " Hell consented 
 To hear the Poet's prayer ; 
 Stern Proserpine relented. 
 
 And gave him back the fair."- 
 
 \ 
 
 -Pope. 
 
 Eurydice was calleji. She came from among the new-arrived 
 ghosts, limping with her wounded foot. Orpheus was permitted 
 to take her away with him on one condition, that he should not 
 turn round to look at her till they should have reached the upper 
 cir. Under this condition they proceeded on their way, he 
 leading, she following, through passages dark and steep, in total 
 silence, till they had nearly reached the outlet into the cheerful 
 upper world, when Orpheus, in a moment of forgetfulness, to 
 assure himself that she was still following, cast a glance behind 
 him, when instantly she was borne away. Stretching out their 
 arms to embrace one another, they grasped only the air ! Dying 
 now a second time, she yet cannot reproach her husband, for how 
 can she blame his impatience to behold her ! " Farewell !" lie 
 said, "a last farewell !" — and was hurried away so fast that the 
 sound hardly reached his ears. 
 
 Orpheus endeavored to follow her, and besought permission to 
 return and try once more for her release ; but the stern ferryman 
 repulsed him and refused passage. Seven days he lingered about 
 the brink, without food or sleep ; then bitterly accusing of cruelty 
 the powers of Erebus, he sang his complaints to the rocks and 
 motmtains, melting the hearts of tigers and moving the oaks 
 from their stations. 
 
heir task of 
 ck to listen; 
 
 — Saxe, 
 
 f the Furie? 
 d Pluto him - 
 
 new -arrived 
 as permitted 
 e should not 
 sd the upper 
 eir way, he 
 eep, in total 
 the cheerful 
 etfulness, to 
 ance behind 
 ng out their 
 lir ! Dying 
 md, for how 
 re well !" he 
 fast that the 
 
 ermission to 
 rn ferryman 
 gered about 
 g of cruelty 
 ! rocks and 
 ig the oaks 
 
 ORPHEUS AND EUBYDIOR 
 
 " THe tremulous leaves repeat to me, 
 Eurydice! Eurydice !" — Lowell. 
 
 237 
 
 He held himself aloof from womankind, dwelling constamiy 
 on the recollection of his sad mischance. The Thracian maidens 
 
 Orpheus, Eurydice and Mercury (Niaples). 
 
 >SJ*' ^ wv 
 
 Tied their best to captivate him, but he repulsed their advances. 
 I'hey i)orc with him as long as they could ; but finding him in- 
 sensilile, one day, excited by the rites of Bacchus, one of them 
 excUimed, "See yonder our despiserl" and threw at him hei 
 
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 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES 
 
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 javelin. The weapon, as soon as it came within the sound of 
 his lyre, fell harmless at his feet. So did also the stones that 
 they threw at him. But the women raised a scream and drowned 
 Ihe voice of the music, and then the missiles reached him and 
 soon were stained with his blood. The maniacs tore him limb 
 from limb, and threw his head and his lyre into the river Hebrus, 
 down which they floated, murmuring sad music, to which the 
 shores responded a plaintive symphony. The Muses gathered 
 up the fragments of his body and buried them at Libethra, where 
 the nightingale is said to sing over his grave more sweetly than 
 in any other part of Greece. 
 
 " Singing a love song to his brooding mate, 
 Did Thracian shepherd by the grave 
 Of Orpheus hear a sweeter melody. 
 Though there the spirit of the sepulchre \ 
 
 All his own power infuse, to swell 
 The incense that he loves."— SouTHEY. 
 
 His Ijrre was placed by Jupiter among the stars. His shade 
 passed a second time to Tartarus, where he sought out his Eiiryd- 
 ice and embraced her with eager arms. They roam the ha})py 
 fields together now, sometimes he leading, sometimes she ; and 
 Orpheus gazes as much as he will upon her, no longer incurring 
 a penalty for a thoughtless glance. 
 
 The story of Orpheus has furnished Pope with an illustration 
 of the power of music, for his " Ode for St. Cecilia's Day. " The 
 following stanza relates the conclusion of the story : — 
 
 " But soon, too soon, the lover turns his eyes ; 
 Again she falls, again she dies, she dies ! 
 How wilt thou now the fatal sisters move? 
 No crime was thine, if 'tis no crime to love. 
 ' ,, , Now under hanging mountains, . . 
 
 Beside the falls of fountains, ^ 
 
 Or where Hebrus wanders, 
 Rolling in meanders, ' 
 
 All alone, 
 He makes his moan, 
 And calls her ghost, 
 Forever, ever, ever lost 1 
 Now with furies surrounded, 
 , > Despairing, confounded, 
 
ABIST^US, THE BEE-KEEPER. 
 
 He trembles, he glows. 
 
 Amidst Rhodope's snows. 
 See, wild as the winds o'er the desert he flies ; 
 Hark ! Haemus resounds with the Bacchanals' cries. 
 
 Ah, see, he dies ! 
 Yet even in death Eurydice he sung, 
 Eurydice still trembled on his tongue ; 
 Eurydice the woods, 
 Eurydice the floods, 
 Eurydice the rocks and hollow mountains rung.'* 
 
 239 
 
 Ar-is-tae'us, the Bee-keeper. 
 
 Man avails himself of the instincts of the inferior animals foi 
 his owTti advantage. 
 
 •* True therefore doth heaven divide 
 The state of man in divers functions. 
 Setting endeavor in continual motion. 
 To which is fixed as an aim or butt 
 Obedience; forso work ihe hoi.ey-bees, 
 Creatures that, by a rule in nature, teach 
 The act of order to a peopled kingdom." — Shakespeare. 
 
 Hence sprang the art of keeping bees. Honey must first Lave 
 been known as a wild product, the bees building their structures 
 in hollow trees or holes in the rocks, or any similar cavity that 
 chance offered. Thus occasionally the carcass of a, dead animal 
 would be occupied by the bees for that purpose. It was no 
 doubt from some such incident that the superstition arose that 
 the bees were engendered by tht- decaying flesh of the animal ; 
 and Virgil, in the following story, shows how this supposed fact 
 may be turned to account for renewing 1 ae swarm when it has 
 been lost by disease or accident. 
 
 Ar-is-tae'us, who first taught the management of bees, was 
 the son of the water-n , mph Cyrene. His bees had perished, and 
 he resorted for aid to his mother. He stood at the river side 
 and thus addressed her : " O mother, the pride of my life is taken 
 from me ! I have lost my precious bees. My care and skill 
 have availed me nothing, and you, my mother, have not warded 
 off from me the blow of misfortune." His mother heard these 
 complaints as she sat in her palace at the bottom of the river, 
 with her attendant nymphs around her. They were engaged in 
 
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 female occupations, spinning and weaving, while one told stories 
 . to amuse the rest. The sad voice of Aristaeus interrupting their 
 occupation, one of them put her head above the water, and seeing 
 him, returned and gave information to his mother, who ordered 
 that he should be brought into her presence. The river at her 
 command opened itself and let him pass in, while it stood curled 
 like a mountain on either side. He descended to the region 
 where the fountains of the great rivers lie ; he saw the enormous 
 receptacles of waters and was almost deafened with the roar, 
 while he surveyed them hurrying off in various directions to 
 water the face of the earth. Arriving at his mother's apartment, 
 he was hospitably received by Cyrene and her nymphs, who 
 spread their table with the richest dainties. 
 
 ** Sabrina fair ! 
 Listen where thou art sitting 
 Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave, ' 
 
 In twisted braids of lilies knitting 
 The loose train of thy amber- dropping hair ; 
 Listen for dear honor's sake, 
 Goddess of the silver lake ! 
 
 Listen and save." — Milton's Cbwi/j. 
 
 They first poured out libations to Neptune, then regaled them- 
 selves with the feast, and after that Cyrene thus addressed him : 
 "There is an old prophet named Proteus, who dwells in the sea 
 and is a favorite of Neptune, whose herd of sea-calves he pastures. 
 We nymphs hold him in great respect, for he is a learned sage 
 and knows all things, past, present, and to come. He can tell 
 you, my son, the cause of the mortality among your bees, and 
 how you may remedy it. TJut he will not do it voluntarily, how- 
 ever you may entreat him. You must compel him by force. 
 If you seize him and chain him, he will answer your questions; 
 in order to get released, for he cannot by all his arts get away 
 if you hold fast the chains. I will carry you to his cave, where 
 he comes at noon to take his midday repose. Then you may 
 easily secure him. But when he finds himself captured, his re- 
 sort is to a power he possesses of changing himself into various 
 forms. He will become a wild boar or a fierce tiger, a scaly 
 dragon or lion with yellow mane. Or he will make a noise like 
 the crackling of flames or the rush of water, so as to tempt you 
 
 to let go 
 
 have onl] 
 
 his arts 
 
 your com 
 
 nectar, tl 
 
 vigor fill 
 
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 Aristaeus 
 
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 grove. 
 
 honors ( 
 
 you will 
 
 befall." 
 
ABISTJEUS, THE BEEKEEPER, 
 
 241 
 
 M. 
 
 m 
 
 )ld stories 
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 ind seeing 
 ordered 
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 )od curled 
 lie region 
 enormous 
 the roar, 
 ctions to 
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 phs, who 
 
 led them- 
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 e can tell 
 bees, and 
 rily, how- 
 by force, 
 questionr. 
 get away 
 ve, where 
 you may 
 d, his re- 
 to various 
 r, a scaly 
 noise like 
 empt you 
 
 to let go the chain, when he will make his escape. But you 
 }^ve only to keep him fast bound, and at last, when he finds all 
 his arts unavailing, he will return to his own figure and obey 
 your commands. ' ' So saying, she sprinkled her son with fragrant 
 nectar, the beverage of the gods, and immediately an unusual 
 vigor filled his frame and courage his heart, while perfume, 
 breathed all around him. 
 
 The nymph led her son to the prophet's cave and concealed 
 him among the recesses of the rocks, while she herself took her 
 place behind the clouds. When noon came, and the hour when 
 men and herds retreat from the glaring sun to indulge in quiet 
 slumber, Proteus issued from the water, followed by his herd of 
 sea-calves, which spread themselves along the shore. He sat on 
 the rock and counted his herd, then stretched himself on the 
 floor of the cave and went to sleep. Aristgeus hardly allowed 
 him to get fairly asleep before he fixed the fetters on him and 
 shouted aloud. Proteus, waking and finding himself captured, 
 immediately resorted to his arts, becoming first a fire, then a 
 flood, then a horrible wild beast, in rapid succession. But find- 
 ing all would not do, he at last resumed his own form and ad- 
 dressed the youth in angry accents : " Who are you, bold youth, 
 who thus invade my abode, and what do you want with me?" 
 Aristaeus replied, ** Proteus, you know already, for it is needless 
 for any one to attempt to deceive you. And do you also cease 
 your efforts to elude me. I am led hither by divine assistance, 
 to know from you the cause of my misfortune and how to remedy 
 It." At these words the prophet, fixing on him his gray eyes 
 with a piercing look, thus spoke : ** You receive the merited re- 
 ward of your deeds, by which Eurydice met her death, for in 
 flying from you she trod upon a serpent, of whose bite she died. 
 To avenge her death, the nymphs, her companions, sent this de- 
 struction to your bees. You have to appease their anger, and 
 thus it must be done : Select four bulls, of perfect form and size, 
 and four cows of equal beauty, build four altars to the nymphs, 
 and sacrifice the animals, leaving their carcasses in the leafy 
 grove. To Orpheus and Eurydice you shall pay such funeral 
 honors as may allay their resentment. Returning after nine days, 
 you will examine the bodies of the catde slain and see what will 
 befall." Aristseus faithfully obeyed these directions. He sacri- 
 
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 242 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 ficed the cattle, he left their bodies m the grove, he offered 
 funeral honors to the shades of Orpheus and Eurydice ; then, re- 
 turning on the ninth day, he examined the bodies of the animals, 
 
 The Famese Bull (Naples). 
 
 and, wonderful to relate ! a swarm of bees had taken possession 
 of one of the carcasses and were pursuing their labors there as in 
 a hive. ) 
 
 Other Mythical Poets and Musicians. 
 Am-phi'on. 
 
 Am-phi'on was the son of Jupiter and Antiope, queen of 
 Thebes. With his twin brother Zethus he was exposed at birth 
 on Mount Cithoeron, where they grew up among the she[)herds, 
 not knowing their parentage. Mercury gave Amphion a lyre and 
 
MYTHICAL POETS AND MUSICIANS. 
 
 243 
 
 taught him to play upon it, and his brother occupied himself 
 in hunting and tending the flocks. Meanwhile Antiope, their 
 mother, who had been treated with great cruelty by Lycus, the 
 usurping king of Thebes, and by Dirce, his wife, found means to 
 inform her children of their rights and to summon them to her 
 assistance. With a band of their fellow-herdsmen they at- 
 tacked and slew Lycus, and tying Dirce by the hair of her head 
 to a bull, let him drag her till she was dead. Amphion, having 
 become king of Thebes, fortified the city with a wall. It is said 
 that when he played on his lyre the stones moved of their own 
 accord and took their places in the wall. 
 
 See Tennyson's poem of "Amphion" for an amusing use 
 made of this story. 
 
 '\ Li'nus. 
 
 Li'nus was the instructor of Hercules in music, but having 
 one day reproved his pupil rather harshly, he roused the angei 
 of Hercules, who struck him with his lyre and killed him. 
 
 
 Tham'y-ris. 
 
 An ancient Thracian bard, who in his presumption challenged 
 the Muses to a trial of skill, and being overcome in the contest 
 was deprived by them of his sight. Milton alludes to him with 
 other blind bards, when speaking of his own blindness (** Para- 
 dise Lost," Book HL, 35). 
 
 Mar'sy-as. 
 
 Minerva invented the flute, and played upon it to the delight 
 of all the celestial auditors ; but the mischievous urchin Cupid 
 having dared to laugh at the queer face which the goddess made 
 while playing, Minerva threw the instrument indignantly away, 
 and it fell down to earth, and was found by Mar'sy-as. He 
 blew upon it, and drew from it such ravishing sounds that he 
 was tempted to challenge Apollo himself to a musical contest. 
 The god, of course, triumphed, and punished Marysas by flaying 
 him alive. 
 
 " And the attentive Muses said ; 
 * Marsyas, thou art vanquished !'" 
 
 —Matthew Arnold. 
 
 li, .^: 
 
 -.4 
 
 > J , 
 
244 
 
 ||i 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Me-lam'pus. 
 
 Me-lam' 
 
 8 was the first mortal endowed with prophetic 
 poweri. Before his house there stood an oak tree containing a 
 lerpent's nest. The old serprnts were killed by the servants, 
 but MeUmpus took care of the young ones/ and fed them care- 
 fully. One day, when he was asleep under the oak, the serpents 
 licked his ears with their tongues. On awaking he was aston- 
 iihed to find that he now understood the language of birds and 
 creeping things. This knowledge enabled him to foretell future 
 events, and he became a renowned soothsayer. At one time his 
 enemies took him captive and kept him strictly imprisoned. 
 MeUmpus, in the silence of the night, heard the wood -worms in 
 the timbers talking together, and found out by what they said that 
 the timbers were nearly eaten through and the roof would soon 
 fall in. He told his captors and demanded to be let out, warn- 
 ing them also. They took his warning and thus escaped de 
 struction, and rewarded Melampus and held him in high honor. 
 
 Mu-sse'us. 
 
 A semi -mythological personage who was represented by one 
 tradition to be the son of Orpheus. He is said to have written 
 sacred poems and oracles. Milton couples his name with that 
 of Orpheus in his " II Penseroso " : — 
 
 •• But O, sad virgin, that thy power 
 Might raise Musaeus from his bower, 
 Or bid the soul of Orpheus aing 
 Such notes as warbled to the string, 
 Drew iron tears down Pluto' s cheek. 
 And made Hell grant what love did seek.'' 
 
 r < 
 
 !,;:::■ n 
 
prophetic 
 )ntaining a 
 5 servants, 
 them care- 
 le serpents 
 was aston- 
 
 birds and 
 stell future 
 le time his 
 nprisoned. 
 1 -worms in 
 y said that 
 ^ould soon 
 out, warn- 
 caped de 
 igh honor. 
 
 ed by one 
 
 ve written 
 
 with that 
 
 Venus, Love, wid Vulcan (Tintoretto). 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 A-ri'on — Ib'y-cus — Si-mon'i-des — Sap'pho. 
 
 The p'^ets whose adventures compose this chapter were real 
 persons, some of whose works yet remain, and their influence on 
 poets who succeeded them is yet more important than their 
 poetical remains. The adventures recorded of them in the fol- 
 lowing stories rest on the same authority as other narratives of 
 the Age of Fable, that is, of the poets who have told them. In 
 their present form, the first two are translated from the German — 
 Arion from Schlegel and Ibycus from Schiller. 
 
 A-ri'on. 
 
 A-ri'on was a famous musician, and dwelt in the court of Peri- 
 ander, king of Corinth, with whom he was a great favorite. 
 There was to be a musical contest in Sicily, and Arion longed to 
 compete for the prize. He told his wish to Periander, who be- 
 sought him like a brother to give up the thought. ** Pray stay 
 with me," he said, "and be contented. He who strives to win 
 may lose." Arion answered, ** A wandering life best suits the 
 free heart of a poet. The talent which a god bestowed on me 
 I would fain make a source of pleasure to others. And if I win 
 the prize, how will the enjoyment of it be increased by the con- 
 sciousness of my wide-spread fame !" He went, won the prize, 
 and embarked with his wealth in a Corinthian ship for home. 
 On the second morning after setting sail, the wind breathed mild 
 and fair. **0 Periander," he exclaimed, " dismiss your fears ! 
 Soon shall you forget them in my embrace. With what lavish 
 
 (^5) 
 
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246 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 inrfsiii' 
 
 offerings will we display our gratitude to the gods, c . how 
 merry will we be at the festal board !" The wind and sea con- 
 tinued propitious. Not a cloud dimmed the firmament. He 
 had not trusted too much to the ocean, — ^but he had to man. 
 He overheard the seamen exchanging hints with one another 
 and found they were plotting to possess themselves of his treasure. 
 Presently they surrounded him, loud and mutinous, and said, 
 " Anon, you must die ! If you would have a grave on shore, 
 yield yourself to die on this spot ; but if otherwise, cast yourself 
 into the sea. " " Will nothing satisfy you but my life ?' ' said he. 
 " Take my gold, and welcome. I willingly buy my life at that 
 price." ** No, no ; we cannot spare you. Your life would be 
 too dangerous to us. Where could we go to escape from Peri- 
 ander, if he should know that you had been robbed, by us ? Your 
 gold would be of "ittle use to us, if, on returning home, we 
 could never more be free from fear." " Grant me, then," said 
 he, "a last request, since nought will avail to save my life, that 
 I may die as I have lived, as becomes a bard. When I shall 
 have sung my death-song, and my harp-strings shall have ceased 
 to vibrate, then I will bid farewell to life and yield uncomplain- 
 ing to my fate. ' ' This prayer, like the others, would have been 
 unheeded, — ^they thought only of their booty, — ^but to hear so 
 famous a musician, that moved their rude hearts. " Suffer me," 
 he added, " to arrange my dress. Apollo will not favor me un- 
 less I be clad in my minstrel garb." 
 
 He clothed his well-proportioned limbs in gold and purple fair 
 to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned 
 his arms, his brow was crowned with a golden wreath, and over 
 his neck and shoulders flowed his hair, perfumed with odors. His 
 left hand held the lyre, his right the ivory wand with which he 
 struck its chords. Like one inspired, he seemed to drink the 
 morning air and glitter in the morning ray. The seamen gazed 
 with admiration. • ^ 
 
 ** Meantime some rude Arion's restless hand 
 Wakes the brisk harmony that sailors love ; 
 A circle there of merry listeners stand, 
 Or to some well-known measure featly move 
 Thoughtless, as if on shore they still were free to rove." — Byron. 
 
 He strode forward to the vessel's side and looked down into 
 
 Ae blue 
 
 voice, CO 
 
 may gro\ 
 
 heroes o 
 
 happy so 
 
 my grief 
 
 didst fin( 
 
 when sh< 
 
 cheerful 
 
 look doM 
 
 no more, 
 
 ceive yo 
 
 saying, 1 
 
 and the 
 
 from all 
 
 But tl 
 
 itants of 
 
 if chain( 
 
 phin ofl 
 
 safe to I 
 
 
 Atth 
 wards e 
 the evei 
 
 Whei 
 ment, . 
 faithfulj 
 thou ca 
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 Ario 
 towers 
 ^fv wen 
 mindfu 
 
ABIOK 
 
 247 
 
 the blue sea. Addressing his lyre, he sang "Companion of my 
 voice, come with me to the realm of shades. Though Cerberus 
 may growl, we know the power of song can tame his rage. Ye 
 heroes of Elysium, who have passed the darkling flood, — ye 
 happy souls, soon shall I join your band. Yet can ye relieve 
 my grief? Alas, I leave my friend behind me. Thou, who 
 didst find thy Eurydice, and lose her again as soon as found ; 
 when she had vanished like a dream, how didst thou hate the 
 cheerful light ! I must £,vvay, but I will not fear. The gods 
 look down upon us. Ye who slay me unoffending, when I am 
 no more, your time of trembling shall come. Ye Nereids, re- 
 ceive your guest, who throws himself upon your mercy !" So 
 saying, he sprang into the deep sea. The waves covered him, 
 and the seamen held on their way, fancying themselves safe 
 from all danger of detection. 
 
 But the strains of his music had drawn round him the inhab- 
 itants of the deep to listen, and Dolphins followed the ship as 
 if chained by a spell. While he struggled in the waves, a Dol- 
 phin offered him his back, and carried him mounted thereon 
 safe to land. 
 
 «• Even when as yet the dolphin which him bore 
 Through the ^gean Seas from pirates' view, 
 Stood still, by him astonished at his lore, 
 And all the raging seas for joy forgot to roar." — Spenser. 
 
 At the spot where he landed a monument of brass was after- 
 wards erected upon the rocky shore, to preserve the memory of 
 the event. 
 
 When Arioil and the Dolphin parted, each to his own ele- 
 ment, Arion thus poured forth his thanks : " Farewell, thou 
 faithful, friendly fish 1 Would that I could reward thee ; but 
 thou canst not wend with me, nor I with thee. Companionship 
 we may not have. May Galatea, queen of the deep, accord 
 thee her favor, and thou, proud of the burden, draw her chariot 
 over the smooth mirror of the deep." 
 
 Arion hastened from the shore, and soon saw before him the 
 towers of Corinth. He journeyed on, harp in hand, singing as 
 ^p/ went, full of love and happiness, forgetting his losses, and 
 mindful only of what remained, his friend and his lyre. He 
 
 ly 
 
 'I ,M 
 1 !>tll "^ 
 
 !i 
 
 :i 
 
 i' 
 
24B 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 entered the hospitable walls, and was soon clasped in the 
 embrace of Periander. " I come back to thee, my friend," he 
 said. * * The talent which a god bestowed has been the delight 
 of thousands, but false knaves have stripped me of my well- 
 earned treasure ; yet I retain the consciousness of widespread 
 fame. ' ' Then he told Periander all the wonderful events that 
 ^had befallen him, who heard him with amazement. *• Shall 
 such wickedness triumph?" said he. "Then in vain is power 
 lodged in my hands. That we may discover the criminals, you 
 must remain here in concealment, and so they will approach 
 without suspicion. ' ' When the ship arrived in the harbor, he 
 summoned the mariners before him. "Have you heard any- 
 thing of Arion?" he inquired. "I anxiously look for his re- 
 turn." 
 
 "Arion, whose melodic soul 
 Taught ihe dithyramb to roll."— George Eliot., 
 
 
 They replied, " We left him well and prosperous in Taren- 
 tum." As they said these words, Arion stepped forth and 
 faced them. His well-proportioned limbs were arrayed in gold 
 and purple fair to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, 
 jewels adorned his arms, his brow was crowned with a golden 
 wreath, and over his neck and shoulders flowed his hair, per- 
 fumed with odors. His left hand held the lyre, his right the 
 ivory wand with which he struck its chords. They fell pros- 
 trate at his feet, as if a lightning bolt had struck them. "We 
 meant to murder him, and he has become a god. O Earth, 
 open and receive us!" Then Periander spoke. "He lives, 
 the master of the lay ! Kind heaven protects the poet's life. 
 As for you, I invoke not the spirit of vengeance ; Arion wishes 
 not your blood. Ye slaves of avarice, begone ! Seek some 
 barbarous land, and never may aught beautiful delight your 
 souls 1" 
 
 Ib'y-cus. 
 
 In order to understand the story of Ib'y-cus, which follows^ it 
 is necessary to remember, first, that the theatres of the ancients 
 were immense fabrics capable of containing from ten to thirty 
 thousand spectators, and as they were only used on festal occa- 
 
IBTCUS. 
 
 249 
 
 ped in the 
 Tiend," he 
 the delight 
 f my well- 
 widespread 
 ivents that 
 "Shall 
 in is power 
 linals, you 
 I approach 
 harbor, he 
 leard any- 
 for his re- 
 
 Eliot. 
 
 in Taren- 
 
 forth and 
 ed in gold 
 ::eful folds, 
 I a golden 
 hair, per- 
 i right the 
 
 fell pros- 
 m. ''We 
 
 O Earth, 
 'He lives, 
 loet's life. 
 on wishes 
 Jeek some 
 light your 
 
 follows, it 
 s ancients 
 I to thir^.y 
 stal occa- 
 
 '*r. 
 
 sions, and admission was iree to all, they were usually filled. 
 They were without roofs and open to the sky, and the perform- 
 ances were in the daytime. Secondly, the appalling representa- 
 tion of the Furies is not exaggerated in the story. It is recorded 
 that -^schylus, the tragic poet, having on one occasion repre- 
 sented the Furies in a chorus of fifty performers, the terror of 
 the spectators was such that many fainted and were thrown into 
 convulsions, and the magistrates forbade a like representation 
 for the future. 
 
 Ibycus, the pious poet, was on his way to the chariot races 
 and musical competitions held at the Isthmus of Corinth, which 
 attracted all of Grecian lineage. Apollo had bestowed on 
 him the gift of song, the honeyed lips of the poet, and he pur- 
 sued his way with lightsome step, full of the god. Already the 
 towers of Corinth crowning the height appeared in view, and he 
 had entered with pious awe the sacred grove of Neptune. No 
 living object was in sight ; only a flock of cranes flew overhead, 
 taking the same course as himself in their migration to a southern 
 clime. "Good luck to you, ye friendly squadrons,** he ex- 
 claimed, " my companions from across the sea. 
 
 •* * All hail, beloved birds,' he cried, 
 * My comrades on the ocean tide.' " 
 
 —Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 " I take your company for a good omen. We come from far, and 
 fly in search of hospitality. May both of us meet that kind re- 
 ception which shields the stranger-guest from harm ! ' * 
 
 He paced briskly on, and soon was in the middle of the wood. 
 There suddenly, at a narrow pass, two robbers stepped forth and 
 barred his way. He must yield or fight. But his hand, accus- 
 tomed to the lyre and not to the strife of arms, sank powerless. 
 He called for help on men and gods, but his cry reached no de- 
 fender's ear. "Then here must I die," said he, "in a strange 
 land, unlamented, cut off by the hand of outlaws, and see none 
 to avenge my cause.'* Sore wounded he sank to the earth, 
 when hoarse screamed the cranes overhead. "Take up my 
 cause, ye cranes," he said, "since no voice but yours auswers 
 to my cry. ' * 
 
 !|!i^ :'*'■; -IB 
 liji',. '•■ 
 
 it! 
 
 f> if !;•' :•■ . m^t'.f 
 
 i , » * * ♦' 
 
 a1 
 
 ■\ 
 
 
 '?j« 
 
 ^?r 
 
 
ri" 
 
 250 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ** * Ye whose wild wings above me hover. 
 
 Since never voice save yours alone \ 
 
 The deed can tell— the hand discover — \ ' 
 
 Avenge !' he spoke, and life was gone." 
 
 — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 Ibycus was dead, and the cranes alone knew by what means. 
 The body, despoiled and mangled, was found, and though 
 disfigured with wounds, was recognized by the friend in Corinth 
 who had expected him as a guest. ** Is it thus I find you re- 
 stored to me?" he exclaimed j " I who hoped to entwine your 
 temples with the wreath of triumph in the strife of song !" 
 
 The guests assembled at the festival heard the tidings with dis- 
 may. All Greece felt the wound, every heart owned its loss. 
 They crowded round the tribunal of the magistrates, and de- 
 manded vengeance on the murderers and expiation with their 
 blood. 
 
 But what trace or mark shall point out the perpetrator from 
 amidst the vast multitude attracted by the splendor of the feast ? 
 Did he fall by the hands of robbers or did some private enemy 
 slay him ? The all-discerning sun alone can tell, for no other 
 eye beheld it. Yet not improbably the murderer even now walks 
 in the midst of the throng, and enjoys the fruits of his crime, 
 while vengeance seeks for him in vain. Perhaps in their own 
 temple's enclosure he defies the gods, mingling freely in this 
 throng of men that now presses into the amphitheatre. 
 
 For now, crowded together, row on row, the multitude fill the 
 seats till it seems as if the very fabric would give way. The 
 murmur of voices sounds like the roar of the sea, while the circles, 
 widening in their ascent, rise tier on tier, as if they would reach 
 the sky. 
 
 And now the vast assemblage listens to the awful voice of the 
 chorus personating the Furies, which in solemn guise advances 
 with measured step, and moves around the circuit of the theatre. 
 Can they be mortal women who compose that awful group, and 
 can that vast concourse of silent forms be living beings ! 
 
 The Choristers, clad in black, bore in their fleshless hands 
 torches blazing with a pitchy flame. Their cheeks were blood- 
 less, and in place of hair, writhing and swelling serpents curled 
 around their brows. Forming a circle, these awful beings sang 
 
jmrcus. 
 
 251 
 
 'i(fi/ 
 
 and 
 
 their hymn, rending the hearts of the giiilty, and enchaining 
 all their faculties. It rose and swelled, overpowering the sound 
 of the instruments, stealing the judgment, palsying the heart, 
 curdling the blood. 
 
 "Happy the man who keeps his heart pure from guilt and 
 crime ! Him we avengers touch not ; he treads the path of life 
 secure from us. But woe ! woe ! to him who has done the deed 
 of secret murder. We, the fearful family of Night, fasten ourselves 
 upon his whole being. Thinks he by flight to escape us ? We 
 fly still faster in pursuit, twine our snakes around his feet, and 
 bring him to the ground. Unwearied we pursue ; no pity checks 
 our course ; still on and on, to the end of life, we give him no 
 peace nor rest." Thus the Eumenides sang, and moved in 
 solemn cadence, while stillness like the stillness of death sat over 
 the whole assembly as if in the presence of superhuman beings ; 
 and then, in solemn march completing the circuit of the theatre, 
 they passed out at the back of the stage. 
 
 Every heart fluttered between illusion and reality, and every 
 breast panted with undefined terror, quailing before the awful 
 power that watches secret crimes and winds unseen the skein of 
 destiny. At that moment a cry burst forth from one of the up- 
 permost benches — ** Look ! look ! comrade, jponder are the cranes 
 oflbycus!'* 
 
 ** Just then, amidst the highest tier, 
 Breaks forth a voice that starts the ear : 
 * See there, see there, Timotheus, 
 Behold the cranes oflbycus.' " — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 And suddenly there appeared sailing across the sky a dark ob- 
 ject, which a moment's inspection showed to be a flock of cranes 
 flying directly over the theatre. "Of Ibycus ! did he say?" 
 The beloved name revived the sorrow in every breast. As wave 
 follows wave over the face of the sea, so ran from mouth to mouth 
 the words, ** Of Ibycus ! him whom we all lament, whom some 
 murderer's hand laid low ! What have the cranes to do with 
 him ?' * And louder grew the swell of voices, while like a light- 
 ning's flash the thought sped through every heart, *' Observe the 
 power of the Eumenides ! The pious poet shall be avenged ! 
 the murderer has informed against himself. Seize the man who 
 uttered that cry, and the other io whom he spoke !'* 
 
 1" 
 
 I 
 
 ' . V 
 
 
 i*.., -^ 
 
 
lit!! 
 
 ■"'■/•; »' 
 
 
 2;2 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 The culprit would gladly have recalled his words, but it was 
 
 too late. 
 
 " Scarce had the wretch the words let fall 
 
 Than fain their sense he would recall." 
 
 — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 The faces of the murderers, pale with terror, betrayed their 
 guilt. The people took them before the judge, they confessed 
 their crime, and suffered the punishment they deserved. 
 
 Si-mon'i-des. 
 
 Si-mon'i-des was one of the most prolific of the early poets 
 of Greece, but only a few fragments of his compositions have 
 descended to us. He wrote hymns, triumphal odes and elegies. 
 In the last species of composition he particularly excelled. His 
 genius was inclined to the pathetic, and none could touch with 
 truer effect the chords of human sympathy. 
 
 Simonides passed much of his life at the courts of princes, 
 and often employed his talents in panegyric and festal odes, re- 
 ceiving his reward from the munificence of those whose exploits 
 he celebrated. 
 
 On one occasion, when /eliding at the court of Scopas, king 
 of Thessaly, the prince desired him to prepare a poem in cele- 
 bration of his exploits, to be recited at a banquet. In order to 
 diversify his theme, Simonides, who was celebrated for his pietv, 
 introduced into his poem the exploits of Castor and Pollux. 
 Such digressions were not unusual with the poets on similar 
 occasions. But vanity is exacting ; and as Scopas sat at his 
 festal board, among his courtiers and sycophants, he grudged 
 every verse that did not rehearse his own praises. When Simon- 
 ides approached to receive the promised reward Scopas bestowed 
 but half the expected sum, saying, '<Here is payment for my 
 portion of thy performance ; Castor and Pollux will doubtless 
 compensate thee for so much as relates to them." The discon- 
 certed poet returned to his seat amidst the laughter which fol- 
 lowed the great man's jest. In a little time he received a 
 message that two young men on horseback were waiting without 
 and anxious to see him. Simonides hastened to the door, but 
 looked in vain for the visitors. Scarcely, however, had he Icfi 
 the banqueting-hall when the roof fell in with a loud crash, 
 burying Scopas and all his guests beneath the ruins. On in- 
 
 quii 
 
 for 
 
 Cas 
 
 S 
 
 Grc 
 
 are 
 The 
 
 
 sio 
 in^ 
 pre 
 the 
 8tr( 
 
SAPPHO. 
 
 253 
 
 )ut it was 
 
 [Hempel). 
 
 yed their 
 confessed 
 
 rly poets 
 3ns have 
 i elegies. 
 2d. His 
 'uch with 
 
 princes, 
 odes, re- 
 • e/ploits 
 
 pas, king 
 in cele- 
 order to 
 lis piety, 
 
 Pollux. 
 1 similar 
 It at his 
 grudged 
 1 Simon- 
 )estowed 
 t for my 
 loubtless 
 
 discon- 
 lich fol- 
 :eived a 
 without 
 oor, but 
 i he lefi 
 \ crash, 
 On in- 
 
 
 quiring as to the appearance of the young men who had sent 
 for him, Simonides was satisfied that they were no other than 
 Castor and Pollux themselves. 
 
 Sap'pho. - / 
 
 Sap'pho was a poetess who flourished in a very early age of 
 Greek literature. Of her works few fragments remain, but they 
 are enough to establish her claim to eminent poetical genius. 
 The story of Sappho, commonly alluded to, is that she was pas- 
 
 
 
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 Sappho and AIcecus (H. BUrck). 
 
 sionately in love with a beautiful youth named Phaon, and fail- 
 ing to obtain a return of affection she threw herself from the 
 promontory of Leucadia into the sea, under a superstition that 
 those who should take that " Lover' s-leap " would, if not de-* 
 stroyed, be cured of their love. 
 
 **Childc Harold sailed and passed the barren spot 
 Where sad Penelope o'erlooked the wave, 
 And onward viewed the mount, not yet forgot, 
 The lover's refuge and the Lesbian's grave. 
 Dark Sappho ! could not verse immortal save 
 That breast imbued with such immortal fire?" — Byron, 
 
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254 
 
 STORIES OF O0D& AND HEROES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Di-a'na — En-dyml-on — O-ri'on — Ple'ia-des — Au-ro'ra 
 and Ti-tho'nus — A'cis and Gal-a-te'a. « 
 
 Di-a'na and £n-dyml-on. 
 
 En-dym'i-on was a beautiful youth, who fed his flock on 
 Mount Latmos. One calm, clear night, Di-a'na, the Moon, 
 looked down and saw him sleeping. 
 
 ** How the pale Phcebe, hunting in a grove, 
 First saw the boy Endymion, from whose eyes ^ 
 
 She took eternal fire that never dies." — Fletcher. ^ 
 
 The cold heart of ihe virgin goddess was warmed by his sur- 
 passing beauty, and she came down to him, kissed him, and 
 watched over him while he slept. 
 
 *« There came a lovely vision of a maid, 
 Who seemed to step as from a golden car 
 Out of the low-hung moon." — Morris. 
 
 Another story was that Jupiter bestowed on him the gift of 
 
 perpetual youth, united with perpetual sleep. Of one so gifted 
 
 we can have but few adventures to record. Diana, it was said, 
 
 took care that his fortunes should not suffer by his inactive life, 
 
 for she made his flock increase, and guarded his sheep and Iambs 
 
 from the wild beasts. 
 
 ** The sleeping kine 
 Couched in thy brightness dream of fields divine." — Keats. 
 
 The story of Endymion has a peculiar charm from the human 
 meaning which it so thinly veils. We see in Endymion the 
 young poet, his fancy and his heart seeking in vain for that 
 which can satisfy them, finding his favorite hour in the quiet 
 moonlight, and nursing there, beneath the beams of the bright 
 and silent witness, the m«=^lancholy and the ardor which consumes 
 him. 
 
onioN. 
 
 255 
 
 Dr. Young in "Night Thoughts" alludes to Endymion thus :-*- 
 
 ** These thoughts, O Night, are thine ; 
 From thee they came like lovers' secret sighs, 
 While others slept." 
 
 The story suggests aspiring and poetic love, a life spent more 
 in dreams than in reality, and an early and welcome death. 
 
 O-ri'on. 
 
 O-ri'on was the son of Neptune. He was a handsome giant 
 and a mighty hunter. His father gave him the power of 
 wading through the depths of the sea, or, as others say, of walk- 
 ing on its surface. 
 
 Orion loved Merope, the daughter of CEnopion, king of 
 Chios, and sought her in marriage. He cleared the island of 
 wild beasts, and brought the spoils of the chase as presents to 
 his beloved ; but as CEnopion constantly deferred his consent, 
 Orion attempted to gain possession of the maiden by violence. 
 Her father, incensed at this conduct, having made Orion drunk, 
 deprived him of his sight and cast him out on the seashore. The 
 blinded hero followed the sound of a Cyclops' hammer till he 
 reached Lemnos, and came to the forge of Vulcan, who, taking 
 pity on him, gave him Kedalion, one of his men, to be his guide 
 to the abode of the sun. Placing Kedalion on his shoulders, 
 Orion proceeded to the east, and there meeting the sun -god, was 
 restored to sight by his beam. 
 
 ** When blinded by CEnopion 
 
 He sought tlie blacksmith at his foi^e, 
 And climbing up the narrow gorge, 
 Fixed his blank eyes upon the sun." — LoNGFELLOW. 
 
 After this he dwelt as a hunter with Diana, with whom he was 
 a favorite, and it is even said she was about to marry him. 
 
 '* Queen and huntress, chaste and fair, 
 Now the Sun is laid to sleep. 
 Seated in thy silver chair, 
 State in wonted manner keep." — Ben Jonson. 
 
 Her brother was highly displeased and often chid her, but to 
 no purpose. One day, observing Orion wading through the 
 
 III 
 
 HHE 
 
 ■r<' 
 
 ■ ■;>! 
 
 
 
 I' 'K 
 
 
256 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 |i'r!>!!i|i 
 
 ill 
 
 |i;:li- 
 
 t: ".'■', 
 
 
 ■• . J' 
 
 sea with his head jr above the water, Apollo pointed it put to 
 
 i ■ 
 
 Diana of Ephesus. 
 
 his sister, and maintained that she could not hit that black thing 
 on the sea. The archer-goddess discharged a shaft with fatal 
 

 PLEIADES. 
 
 25; 
 
 
 aim. The waves rolled the dead body of Orion to the land ; and, 
 bewailing her fatal error with many tears, Diana placed him among 
 the stars, where he appears as a giant, with a girdle, sword, lion's 
 skin and club. Sirius, his dog, follows him, and the Pleiades 
 fly before him. 
 
 Ple'ia-des. 
 
 The Ple'ia-des were daughters of Atlas, and nymphs of 
 Diana's train. 
 
 " Many a night I saw the Pleiades, rising through the mellow shade, 
 Glitter like a swarm of fire-flies tangled in a silver braid." — Tennyson, 
 
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 Pleiades (E. Vedder). 
 
 One day Orion saw them and became enamored and pursued 
 them. In their distress they prayed to the gods to change their 
 form, and Jupiter, in pity, turned them into i)igeons, and then 
 made them a constellation in the sky. Though their number 
 was seven, only six stars are visible, for Elcctra, one of them, 
 it is said, left her place that she might not behold the ruin of 
 Troy, for that city was founded by her son Dardanus. 
 
 " Like the lost Pleiad scon no more below." — IWron, 
 
 The sii^^ht liad such an effect on her sisters that they have 
 boked pale ever since. 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 
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|!|S'i' :,',!m 'l 
 
 2$B STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 *' And is there glQiy from the heavens departed ?— 
 O void unmark'd !" — Hemans. 
 
 Au-ro'ra and Ti-tho'nus. 
 
 The goddess of the Dawn, like her sister the moon, was at 
 times innpired with the love of mortals. Her greatest favorite 
 wai Ti-tho'nus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy. She stole 
 him flway, and prevailed on Jupiter to grant him immortality j 
 but forgetting to have youth joined in the gift, after some time 
 the began to discern, to her great mortification, that he was 
 growing old. 
 
 ** Alas, for this gray shadow, once a man. 
 So glorious in his beauty and thy choice." — Tennyson, Tithonus. 
 
 When his hair was quite white she left his society ; but he 
 •till had the range of her palace, lived on ambrosial food, 
 and was clad in celestial raiment. At length he lost the power 
 of iming his limbs, and then she shut him up in his chamber, 
 whence his feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she 
 turned him into a grasshopper. 
 
 Memnon was the son of Au-ro'ra and Tithonus. He was 
 king of the ^Ethiopians, and dwelt in the extreme east, on the 
 shore of Ocean. He came with his warriors to assist the kindred 
 of his father in the war of Troy. King Priam received him with 
 great h jnors, and listened with admiration to his narrative of the 
 wonders of the ocean shore. 
 
 The very day after his arrival, Memnon, impatient of repose, 
 led his troops to the field. Antilochus, the brave son of Nestor, 
 fell by his hand, and the Greeks were put to flight, when 
 Achilles appeared and restored the battle. A long and doubtful 
 contest ensued between him and the son of Aurora. At length 
 victory declared for Achilles, Memnon fell, and the Trojans fled 
 in dismay. 
 
 Aurora, who from her station in the sky had viewed with appre- 
 hension the danger of her son, when she saw him fall directed 
 his brothers the Winds to convey his body to the banks of the 
 river Esepus, in Paphlagonia. In the evening Aurora came, ac- 
 companied by the Hours and the Pleiades, and wept and lamented 
 over her son. Night, in sympathy with her grief, spread the 
 heaven with clouds j all nature mourned for the offspring of the 
 
ACIS AND OALATEA. 
 
 259 
 
 ►n, was at 
 St favorite 
 She stole 
 nortality ; 
 ome time 
 It he was 
 
 Tiihonus. 
 
 ^; but he 
 sial food, 
 -he power 
 chamber, 
 inally she 
 
 He was 
 it, on the 
 e kindred 
 him with 
 ive of the 
 
 f repose, 
 »f Nestor, 
 ht, when 
 doubtful 
 it length 
 3jans fled 
 
 th appre- 
 directed 
 :s of the 
 :ame, ac- 
 lamented 
 read the 
 kg of the 
 
 Dawn. The Ethiopians raised his tomb on the banks of the 
 stream in the grove of the Nymphs, and Jupiter caused the 
 sparks and cinders of his funeral pile to be turned into birds, 
 which, dividing into two flocks, fought over the pile till they 
 fell into the flame. Every year at the anniversary of his death 
 they return and celebrate his obsequies in like manner. Aurora 
 remains inconsolable for the loss of her son. Her tears still 
 flow, and may be seen at early morning in the form of dewdrops 
 on the grass. 
 
 Unlike most of the marvels of ancient mythology, there still 
 exist some memorials of this. On the banks of the river Nile, 
 in Egypt, are two colossal statues, one of which is said to be 
 the statue of Memnon. Ancient writers record that when the 
 first rays of the rising sun fall upon this statue, a sound is heard 
 to issue from it which they compare to the snapping of a harp- 
 string. There is some doubt about the identification of the ex- 
 isting statue with the one described by the ancients, and the 
 mysterious sounds are still more doubtful. Yet there are not 
 wanting some modern testimonies to their being still audible. 
 It has been suggested that sounds produced by confined air 
 making its escape from crevices or caverns in the rocks may 
 have given some ground for the story. Sir Gardner Wilkinson, 
 a late traveller, of the highest authority, examined the statue 
 itself, and discovered that it was hollow, and that "in the lap 
 of the statue is a stone, which, on being struck, emits a metallic 
 sound, that might still be made use of to deceive a visitor who 
 was predisposed to believe its powers. ' ' 
 
 ** So to the sacred Sun in Memnon' s fane" 
 Spontaneous concords choired the matin strain ; 
 Touched by his orient beam responsive rings 
 The living lyre and vibrates all its strings ; 
 Accordant aisles the tender tones prolong, 
 And holy echoes swell the adoring song." — Dapv/in. 
 
 •^ A'cis and Gal-a-te'a. 
 
 Scylla was a fair virgin of Sicily, a favorite of the Sea-Nymphs. 
 She had many suitors, but repelled them all, and would go to 
 the grotto of Gal-a-te'a, and tell her how she was persecuted. One 
 day the goddess, while Scylla dressed her hair, listened to the 
 
 I . f ' ' IV' 
 , i '• ■■ : » 
 
 
 
w6o 
 
 STOBmS OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ;itory, and then replied, '* Yet, maiden, your persecutors are of 
 the not ungentle race of men, whom, if you will, you can repel ; 
 but I, the daughter of Nereus, and protected by such a band of 
 sisters, found no escape from the passion of the Cyclops but in 
 the depths of the sea;" and tears stopped her utterance, which, 
 when the pitying maiden had wiped away with her delicate 
 finger, and soothed the goddess, ''Tell me, dearest," said she, 
 " the cause of your grief." Galatea then said, " A'cis was the 
 son of Faunus and a Naiad. His father and mother loved him 
 dearly, but their love was not equal to mine. For the beautiful 
 youth attached himself to me alone, and he was just sixteen years 
 old, the down just beginning to' darken his cheeks. As much as 
 I sought his society, so much did the Cyclops seek mine ; and if 
 you ask me whether my love for Acis or my hatred of Polyphe- 
 mus was the stronger, I cannot tell you ; they were in equal 
 measure. O VenuG how great is thy power ! this fierce giant, 
 the terror of the woods, wl om no hapless stranger escaped un- 
 harmed, who defied even Jove himself, learned to feel what love 
 was, and, touched with a passion for me, forgot his flocks and 
 his well-stored caverns. Then, for the first time, he began to 
 take some care of his appearance, and to try to make himself 
 agreeable ; he harrowed those coarse locks of his with a comb, 
 and mowed his beard with a sickle, looked at his harsh features 
 in the water, and composed his countenance. His love of 
 slaughter, his fierceness and thirst of blood prevailed no more, 
 and ships that touched at his island went away in safety. He 
 paced up and down the sea-shore, imprinting huge tracks with his 
 heavy tread, and, when weary, lay tranquilly in his cave. 
 
 ** Many a time 
 Would his flocks go home by themselves at eve, 
 Leaving him wasting by the dark sea-shore, 
 And sunrise would beho'id him wasting still.*' 
 
 — Theocritus (Hunt's tr.). 
 
 ** There is a cliff which projects into the sea, which washes it 
 on either side. Thither, one day, the huge Cyclops ascended, 
 and sat down while his flocks spread themselves around. Laying 
 down his staff, which would have served for a mast to hold a ves- 
 sel's sail, and taking his instrument compacted of numerous 
 pipes, he made the hills and the waters echo the music of 
 
ACIS AJSJ) GALATEA. 
 
 261 
 
 his song. I lay hid under a rock by the side of my beloved Acis, 
 and listened to the distant strain. It was full of extravagant 
 praises of my beauty, mingled with passionate reproaches of my 
 coldness and cruelty. 
 
 ' *'When he had finished, he rose up, and like a raging bull 
 that cannot stand still, wandered off inio the woods. Acis and 
 I thought no more of him, till on a sudden he came to a spot 
 which gave him a view of us as we sat. *I see you,' he ex- 
 claimed, *and 1 will make this the last of your love-meetings.' 
 His voice was a roar such as an angry Cyclops alone could utter. 
 JEtna. trembled at the sound. I, overcome with terror, plunged 
 into the water. Acis turned and fled, crying, * Save me, Galatea ; 
 save me, my parents !' The Cyclops pursued him, and tearing 
 a rock from the side of the mountain hurled it at him. Though 
 only a corner of it touched him, it overwhelmed him. 
 
 *' All that fate left in my power I did for Acis. I endowed 
 him with the honors of his grandfather, the river-god. The pur- 
 ple blood flowed out from under the rock, but by degrees grew 
 paler anJ looked like the stream of a river rendered turbid by 
 rains, and in time it became clear. The rock cleaved open, and 
 tiie water, as it gushed from the chasm, uttered a pleasing mur- 
 mur. ' ' 
 
 Thus Acis was changed into a river, and the river retains the 
 name of Acis. This riyer takes its rise at the foot of Mount 
 iEtna. It probably received its name from the Greek w^ord, 
 meaning arrow, owing to the swiftness of the cuirent. 
 

 
 
 If^ 
 
 m'2 
 
 m 
 
 262 
 
 STORIES OF QOlfS AND HEROES, 
 
 \k> i ^ ''i- 
 
 \ i 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. "/;: . 
 
 The Tro'jan War. - ' - 
 
 Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, but on one occasion she 
 did a very foolish thing ; she entered into competition with Jiino' 
 and Venus for the prize of beauty. It happened thus : At the 
 nuptials of Peleus and Thetis all the gods were invited with the 
 exception of Eris, or Discord. 
 
 " The Abominable, that uninvited came 
 Into the fair Peleian banquet- hall." — TenNVSON, 
 
 Enraged at her exclusion, the goddess threw a golden ajjple 
 among the guests, with the inscription, ** For the fairest:" 
 
 Rape of Helen (Mantua). 
 
 Thereupon Juno, Venus and Minerva each claimed the apple. 
 Jupiter, not willing to decide in so delicate a matter, sent the 
 goddesses to Mount Ida, where the beautiful shepherd Paris was 
 tending his flocks, and to him was committed the decision. The 
 goddesses accordingly appeared before him. Juno promised him 
 power and riches, Minerva glory and renown in war, and Venus 
 the fairest of women for his wife, each attempting to bias his de- 
 cision in her own favor. Paris decided in favor of Venus and 
 gave her the golden apple, thus making the other two goddesses 
 his enemies. 
 
rasion ^;hc 
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 fairest." 
 
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 Paris was 
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 nised him 
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 APHRODITE (VENUS). 
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THE TROJAN WAB, 
 
 263 
 
 " Venus prevailed ; her words, tho' sweet of sound. 
 Proved of destructive consequence to Troy." 
 
 — Euripides (Andromache). 
 
 Under the protection of Venus, Paris sailed to Greece, and 
 was hospitably received by Menelaus, king of Sparta. Now 
 Helen, the wife of Menelaus and the fairest of her sex, was the 
 very one whom Venus had destined for Paris. She ha ] been 
 sought as a bride by numerous suitors, and before her decision 
 was made known, they all, at the suggestion of Ulysses, one of 
 their number, took an oath that they would defend her from ail 
 injury and avenge her cause if necessc.y. 
 
 "1 had great beauty ; ask thou not my name ; 
 ' No one can be more wise than destiny. 
 
 Many drew swords and died. Where'er I came 
 I brought calamity." — ^Tennyson. 
 
 She chose Menelaus, and was living with him happily when 
 Paris became their guest. Paris, aided by Venus, persuaded hei 
 to elope with him, and carried her to Troy. 
 
 ** Then from her husband's stranger- sheltering home 
 He tempted Helen o'er the ocean foam." 
 
 _ — CoLUTHUS (Elton's tr.). 
 
 Whence arose the famous Trojan war, the theme of the greatest 
 poems of antiquity, those of Homer and Virgil. 
 
 Menelaus called upon his brother chieftains of Greece to fulfil 
 their pledge, and join him in his efforts to recover his wife. 
 They generally came forward ; but Ulysses, who had married 
 Penelope and was very happy in his wife and child, had no dis- 
 position to embark in such a troublesome affair. He therefore 
 hesitated, and Palamedes was sent to urge him. When Palamedes 
 arrived at Ithaca, Ulysses pretended to be mad. He yoked an 
 ass and an ox together to the plough and began to sow salt. 
 Palamedes, to try him, placed the infant Telemachus before the 
 plough, whereupon the father turned the plough aside, showing 
 plainly that he was no madman, and after that could no longer 
 refuse to fulfil his promise. Being now himself gained for the 
 undertaking, he lent his aid to bring in other reluctant chiefs, 
 especially Achilles. This hero was the son of that Thetis at 
 
 
 
 I'. 
 
 <!* 
 
 
 
 
 
 r, • 
 iif : 
 I ■ 1 
 
 

 
 It*.!-'':': 
 
 264 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 whose marriage the apple of Discord had been thrown among 
 the goddesses. Thetis was herself one of the immortals, a sea- 
 nymph, and knowing that her son was fated to perish before Troy 
 if he went on the expedition, she endeavored to prevent his going. 
 She sent him away to the court of King Lycomedes, and induced 
 him to conceal himself in the disguise of a maiden among the 
 
 Paris and Helen (J, L. Davis) (Louvre, I'nrls). 
 
 idaughters of the king. Ulysses, hearing lie was there, went dis- 
 guised as a merchant to the palace and offered for sale female 
 ornaments, among which he had placed some arms. While the 
 king's daughters were engrossed with the other contents o( the 
 merchant's pack Achilles handled the weapons, aud thereby hc- 
 "■.rayed himself to the keen eye of Ulysses, who found no great 
 difificulty in i)ersuading him to disregard his mother's prudent 
 counsels and join his countrymen in the war. 
 
THE TROJAN WAR, 
 
 265 
 
 i 
 
 ** Sprung from the noblest sire, by carding wool 
 Dost thou belie the glories of thy race." — EURIPIDES. 
 
 Priam was king of Troy, and Paris, the shepherd and seducei 
 of Helen, was his son. Paris had been brought up in obscurity, 
 l)ecause there were certain ominous forebodings connected with 
 him from his infancy that he would be the ruin of the state. 
 rhese forebodings seemed at length likely to be realized, for the 
 Grecian armament now in preparation was the greatest that had 
 ever been fitted out. Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, and brother 
 of the injured Menelaus, was chosen coniinander-in-chief. 
 
 m' I 
 
 Ulysses Feigning Madness (H. Hardy). 
 
 Achilles was their most illustrious warrior. After him ranked 
 Ajax, gigantic in size and of great courage, but dull of intellect ; 
 Dioniedes, second only to Achilles in all the qualities of a hero ; 
 Ulysses, famous for his sagacity ; and Nestor, the oldest of the 
 Grecian chiefs, and one to whom they all looked up for counsel. 
 Hut Troy was no feeble enemy. Priam, the king, was now old j 
 but he had been a wise prince, and had strengthened his state 
 by good government at home and numerous alliances with his 
 neighbors. But the principal stay and support of his throne 
 was his son Hector, one of the noblest characters painted by 
 heathen antiquity. He felt, from the first, a presentiment of tho 
 
 V )*: 
 
 -t 
 
 
266 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 fall of his country, but still persevered in his heroic resistance, 
 yet by no means justified the wrong which brought this danger 
 
 Achilles and Licomede (Uffirf Gallery, Florence). 
 
 upon her. He was united in marriage with Andromache, and 
 as a husband and father his character was not less admirable 
 than as a warrior. The principal leaders on the side of the 
 
c resistance, 
 this danger 
 
 {^/^ 
 
 •omache, and 
 :ss admirable 
 ; side of the 
 
 THE TROJAN WAR. 
 
 267 
 
 Trojans, besides Hector, were -^neas and Deiphobus, Glaucus 
 and Sarpedon. 
 
 After two years of preparation the Greek fleet and army as- 
 sembled in the port of Aulis, in Bceotia. Here Agamemnon, in 
 hunting, killed a stag which was sacred to Diana, and the god- 
 dess, in return, visited the army with pestilence, and produced 
 a calm which prevented the ships from leaving the port. Cal- 
 chas, the soothsayer, thereupon announced that the wrath of the 
 
 Parting of Hector and Andromache (A. Maignan). 
 
 virgin goddess could only be appeased by the sacrifice of a virgin 
 on her altar, and that none other but the daughter of the offender 
 would be acceptable. Agamemnon, however reluctant, yielded 
 his consent, and the maiden Iphigenia was sent for under the 
 pretence that she was to be married to Achilles. 
 
 ** I wrote, I seal'd 
 A letter to my wiie, that she should send 
 Her daughter to Achilles as a bride 
 Aflfianc'd," — Euripides (Potter's tr.). 
 
 # 
 
 When she was about to be sacrificed the goddess relented and 
 snatched her away, leaving a hind in her place, and Iphigenia, 
 enveloped in a cloud, was carried to Tauris, where Diana made 
 her priestess of her temple. 
 
 4' • 
 
 III" ■ '*1 
 
 IVi^'^ ■ 
 
 .>*t-;''i 
 
 ^ 
 
 :>fi 
 
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 -•tf ;«. vi 
 
 268 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ** I was cut off from hope in that sad place, 
 
 Which yet to name my spirit loathes and fears ; 
 My father held his hand upon his face ; > 
 
 I, blinded by my tears, 
 
 ** Still strove to speak ; my voice was thick with sighs, 
 As in a dream. Dir ^y I could descry 
 The stem black- beardea kings, with wolfish eyes, 
 Waiting to see me die. 
 
 ** The tall masts quivered as they lay afloat. 
 The temples and the people and the shore ; 
 One drew a sharp knife through my tender throat 
 
 Slowly, — and — nothing more." — Tennyson. 
 
 The wind now proving fair, the fleet made sail and brought the 
 forces to the coast of Troy. The Trojans came to oppose their 
 landing, and at the first onset Protesilaus fell by the hand of 
 Hector. \ 
 
 ** The Delphic oracle foretold 
 That the first Greek who touched the Trojan strand 
 Should die." — Wordsworth. 
 
 Protesilaus had left at home his wife Laodamia, who was most 
 tenderly attached to him. When the news of his death reached 
 her she implored the gods to be allowed to converse with him 
 only three hours. 
 
 *• Such grace hath crowned thy prayer, 
 Laodamia ! that at Jove' s command 
 Thy husband walks the paths of upper air." 
 
 — ^Wordsworth. 
 
 The request was granted. Mercury led Protesilaus back to 
 the upper world, and when he died a second time Laodamia died 
 with him. There was a story that the nymphs planted elm trees 
 round his grave which grew very well till they were high enough 
 to command a view of Troy, and then withered away, while 
 fresh branches sprang from the roots . - 
 
 «* The trees' tall sunnnlts withered at the sight j 
 A constant interchange of growth and blight !'* 
 
 •—Wordsworth 
 
)SWORTH. 
 
 DSWORTH 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 The Il'i-ad. 
 
 269 
 
 Tb*i war continued without decisive results for nine years. 
 Then an event occurred which seemed likely to be fatal to the 
 cause of the Greeks, and that was a quarrel between Achilles 
 and /.gamemnon. It is at this point that the great poem of 
 Homer, the Il'i-ad, begins. The Greeks, though unsuccessful 
 against Troy, had taken the neighboring and allied cities, and. 
 in the division of the spoils a female captive, by name Chryseis, 
 daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo, had fallen to the share of 
 Agamemnon. Chryses came bearing the sacred emblems of his 
 office, and begged the release of his daughter. Agamemnon re- 
 fused. Thereupon Chryses implored Apollo to afflict the Greeks 
 till they should be forced to yield their prey. Apollo granted 
 the prayer of his prie^jt, and sent pestilence into the Grecian 
 
 camp. 
 
 *' The people of the camp 
 Were perishing in heaps." — HoMER (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 Then a council was called to deliberate how to allay the wrath 
 of the gods and avert the plague. Achilles boldly charged their 
 misfortunes upon Agamemnon as caused by his withholding 
 Chryseis. Agamemnon, enraged, consented to relinquish his cap- 
 tive, but demanded that Achilles should yield to him in her 
 stead Briseis, a maiden who had fallen to Achilles' share in the 
 division of the spoil. Achilles submitted, but forthwith de- 
 clared that he would take no further part in the war. He with- 
 drew his forces from the general camp and openly avowed his in- 
 tention of returning home to Greece. 
 
 *• The great Achilles, swift of foot, remained 
 Within his ships, indignant for the sake 
 Of the fair-haired Briseis." — Homer (Bryant's tr.). > 
 
 The gods and goddesses interested themselves as much in this 
 famous war as the parties themselves. It was well known to 
 them that fate had decreed that Troy should fall, at last, if her 
 enemies should persevere and not voluntarily abandon the enter- 
 prise. Yet there was room enough left for chance to excite by 
 turns the hopes and fears of the powers above who took part 
 with either side. Juno and Minerva, in consequence of the 
 
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2;o 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
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 llight put upon their charms by Paris, were hostile to the Tro 
 jatiH; Venus, for the opposite cause, favored them. Venus en- 
 Hited her admirer Mars on the same side, but Neptune favored 
 the Greeks. Apollo was neutral, sometimes taking one side, 
 iometimes the other ; and Jove himself, though he loved the good 
 King Priam, yet exercised a degree of impartiality ; not, how- 
 ever, without exceptions. 
 
 j Thetis, the mother cf Achilles, warmly resented the injury 
 done to her son. She repaired immediately to Jove's palace and 
 besought him to make the Greeks repent of their injustice to 
 Achilles by granting success to the Trojan arms. 
 
 " O Father Jove, if ever I have aided thee, 
 Grant but this one desire." — Iliad. 
 
 Jupiter consented ; and in the battle which ensued the Trojans 
 were completely successful. The Greeks were driven from the 
 field and took refuge in their ships. 
 
 Then Agamemnon called a council of his wisest and bravest 
 chiefM. Nestor advised that an embassy should be sent to Achil- 
 leH to persuade him to return to the field ; that Agamemnon 
 Mhould yield the maiden, the cause of the dispute, with ample 
 gifts to atone for the wrong he had done. Agamemnon con- 
 sented, and Ulysses, Ajax and Phoenix were sent to carry to 
 Achilles the penitent message. They performed that duty, but 
 Achilles was deaf to their entreaties. He positively refused to 
 return to the field, and persisted in his resolution to embark for 
 Greece without delay. 
 
 The Greeks had constructed a rampart around their ships, and 
 now, instead of besieging Troy, they were in a manner besieged 
 themselves, within their rampart. The next day, after the un- 
 sur.cessful embassy to Achilles, a battle was fought, and the Tro- 
 jans, favored by Jove, were successful, and succeedt^d in forcing 
 a j)aHHage through the Grecian rampart, and v/ere about to set 
 fire to the ships. Neptune, seeing the Greeks so pressed, came to 
 their re8<:ue. He appeared in the form of Calchas the prophet, 
 encouraged the warriors with his shouts, and appealed to each 
 individually till he raised their ardor to such a pitch tliat they 
 forced the Trojans to give way. Ajax performed prodigies of 
 valor, and at length encountered Hector. Ajax shouted defi- 
 
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 ance, to which Hector replied, and hurled his lance at the huge 
 warrior. 
 
 *• This indeed is Ajax, - - 
 
 " • . The bulwark of the Greeks." — Iliad. 
 
 It was well aimed, and struck Ajax where the belts that bore 
 his sword and shield crossed each other on his breast. The 
 ■double guard prevented its pene- 
 'trating, and it fell harmless. Then 
 Ajax, seizing a huge stone, one of 
 those that served to prop the ships, 
 hurled it at Hector. It struck him 
 in the neck and stretched him on 
 the plain. His followers instantly 
 seized him and bore him off, stunned 
 and wounded. 
 
 While Neptune was thus aiding 
 the Greeks and driving back the 
 Trojans, Jupiter saw nothing of what 
 was going on, for his attention had 
 been drawn from the field by the 
 wiles of Juno. That goddess had 
 arrayed herself in all her charms, 
 and to crown all had borrowed of 
 Venus her girdle, called a cestus, 
 which had the effect of heightening 
 the wearer's charms to such a de- 
 gree that they were quite irresistible. 
 So prepared, Juno went to join her 
 husband, who sat on Olympus 
 watching the battle. When he be- 
 held her she looked so charming 
 that the fondness of his early love 
 
 revived, and, forgetting the contending armies and all other 
 affairs of state, he thought only of her and let the battle go as it 
 would. 
 
 But this absorption did not continue long, and when, upon 
 turning his eyes downward, he beheld Hector stretched on the 
 vplain almost lifeless from pain and bruises, he dismissed Juno in 
 a rage, commanding her to send Iris and Apollo to him. 
 
 Mars (Louvre, Paris). 
 
 
 
 "^.' ,'-, 
 
 
fi'SS'Ji'il'-'- 
 
 mf'* 
 
 « ;,>J1; 
 
 272 
 
 mVKltiS OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 •* Haste, Iris, fleet of wing, and bear my words 
 
 To Hector." — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 \ 
 
 When Iris came, he sent her with a stern message to Neptune, 
 ordering him Jnstantly to quit the field. Apollo was despatched 
 to heal Hector's bruises and to inspirit his heart. These orders 
 were obeyed with such speed that while the battle still raged 
 Hector returned to the field and Neptune betook himself to his! 
 own dominions. 
 
 An arrow from Paris's bow wounded Machaon, son of ^scu- 
 lapius, who inherited his father's art of healing, and was there- 
 fore of great value to the Greeks as their surgeon, besides being 
 one of their bravest warriors. Nestor took Machaon in his chariot 
 and conveyed him from the field. As they passed the ships of 
 Achilles, that hero, looking out over the field, saw the chariot of 
 Nestor and recognized the old chief, but could not discern who 
 the wounded chief was. So calling Patroclus, his companion 
 and dearest friend, he sent him to Nestor's tent to inquire. 
 
 " Seen from behind 
 His form was like Machaon — wholly like 
 That son of ^Esculapius," — Homer (Bryant). 
 
 Patroclus, arriving at Nestor's tent, saw Machaon wounded, 
 and having told the cause of his coming would have hastened 
 away, but Nestor detained him, to tell him the extent of the 
 Grecian calamities. He reminded him also how, at the time of 
 departing for Troy, Achilles and himself had been charged by 
 th' ir respective fathers with different advice : Achilles to aspire 
 to the highest pitch of glory ; Patroclus, as the elder, to keep 
 watch over his friend, and to guide his inexperience. " Now," 
 said Nestor, '* is the time for such influence. If the gods so 
 please, thou mayest win him back to the common cause ; but if 
 not, let him at least send his soldiers to the field ; and come thou, 
 Patroclus, clad in his armor, and perhaps the very sight of it ma^ 
 drive back the Trojans. " 
 
 ** Send me at least into the war. 
 And let me lead thy Myrmidons, that thus , 
 
 The Greeks may have some gleam of hope. ., ( 
 
 The annor from thy shoulders. I will wear 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 273 
 
 > Neptune, 
 despatched 
 tiese orders 
 still raged 
 iself to his 
 
 I of -^SCU- 
 
 was there- 
 sides being 
 . his chariot 
 he ships of 
 : chariot of 
 liscern who 
 companion 
 iquire. 
 
 wounded, 
 e hastened 
 ctent of the 
 the time of 
 charged by 
 es to aspire 
 ler, to keep 
 **No\v," 
 :he gods sO' 
 use ; but if 
 come thou, 
 ht ofitmaj 
 
 Thy mail, and then the Trojans, at the sight. 
 May think I am Achilles, and may pause 
 From fighting, and the •warlike sons of Greece, 
 Tired as they are, may breathe once more, and gain 
 A respite from the conflict." — HoMER (Bryant's tr. ). 
 
 Patroclus was strongly moved by this address, and hastened 
 back to Achilles, revolving in his mind all he had seen and heard. 
 He iold the prince the sad con- 
 dition of affairs at the camp of 
 their late associates ; Diomede, 
 Ulysses, Agamemnon, Macha- 
 on, all wounded, the rampart 
 broken down, the enemy among 
 the ships preparing to burn 
 them, and thus to cut off all 
 means of return to Greece. 
 AVhile they spoke the flames 
 burst forth from one of the 
 ships. Achilles, at the sight, 
 relented so far as to grant Pa- 
 troclus his request to lead the 
 Myrmidons (for so were Achil- 
 les' soldiers called) to the field, 
 and to lend him his armor, that 
 he might thereby strike more 
 terror into the minds of the 
 Trojans. Without delay the 
 soldiers were marshalled, Patro- 
 chis put on the radiant armor 
 and mounted the chariot of 
 Achilles, and led forth the men, 
 ardent for battle. But before he 
 
 Patroclus (Athens). 
 
 went, Achilles strictly charged him that he should be content 
 with repelling the foe. "Seek not," said he, **to press the 
 Trojans without me, lest thou add still more to the disgrace 
 already mine." Then exhorting the troops to do their best he 
 dismissed them, full of ardor, to the fight. 
 
 Patroclus and his Myrmidons at once plunged into the contest 
 where it raged hottest, at the sight of which the joyful Gre- 
 
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 cians shouted and the ships reechoed the acclaim. The Trojans, 
 at the sight of the well-known armor, struck with terror, looked 
 everywhere for refuge. First those who had got possession of 
 the ship and set it on fire left and allowed the Grecians to retake 
 it and extinguish the flames. Then the rest of the Trojans fled 
 in dismay. 
 
 ** Fierce as Mars 
 He charged the squadrons thrice with fearful shouts, 
 And thrice he laid nine warriors in the dust." — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 Ajax, Menelaus and the two sons of Nestor performed prodi- 
 gies of valor. Hector was forced to turn his horses' heads and 
 retire from the enclosure, leaving his men entangled in the fosse 
 to escape as they could. Patroclus drove them before him, slay- 
 ing many, none daring to make a stand against him. 
 
 At last Sarpedon, son of Jove, ventured to oppose himself in 
 fight to Patroclus. Jupiter looked down upon him and would 
 have snatched him from the fate which awaited him, but Juno 
 hinted that if he did so it would induce all others of the inhabi- 
 tants of heaven to interpose in like manner whenever any of their 
 offspring were endangered ; to which reason Jove yielded. Sar- 
 pedon threw his spear but missed Patroclus, but Patroclus threw 
 his with better success. It pierced Sarpedon' s breast and he 
 fell, and, calling to his friends to save his body from the foe, ex- 
 pired. Then a furious contest arose for the possession of the 
 corpse. The Greeks succeeded and stripped Sarpedon of his 
 armor ; but Jove would not allow the remains of his son to be 
 dishonored, and by his command Apollo snatched from the midst 
 of the combatants the body of Sarpedon and committed it to the 
 care of the twin brothers Death and Sleep, by whom it was trans- 
 ported to Lycia, the native land of Sarpedon, where it received 
 due funeral rites. 
 
 ** There shall his friends 
 And kinsmen give him burial, and shall rear 
 His tomb and column — honors due the dead.'' 
 
 — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 Thus far Patroclus had succeeded to his utmost wish in repel- 
 ling the Trojans and relieving his countrymen ; but now came a 
 change of fortune. Hector, borne in his chariot, confronted 
 him. Patroclus threw a vast stone at Hector, which missed its 
 
THE ILIAD, 
 
 275 
 
 fe-r ' 
 
 ^rish in repel- 
 : now came a 
 :, confronted 
 ch missed its 
 
 aim, but smote Cebriones, the charioteer, and knocked him from 
 the car. Hector leaped from the chariot to rescue his friend, 
 and Patroclus also descended to complete his victory. Thus the 
 two heroes met face to face. At this decisive moment the poet, 
 as if reluctant to give Hector the glory, records that Phoebus 
 took part against Patroclus. He struck the helmet from his head 
 
 
 Ajax Bearing the Body of Patroclus (Capitol, Rome). 
 
 and the lance from his hand. At the same moment an obscure 
 Trojan wounded him in the back, and Hector, pressing forward, 
 pierced him with his spear. Patroclus fell mortally wounded. 
 
 " The hero fell 
 With clashing mail, and all the Greeks beheld 
 His fall with grief."— Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
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 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 Then arose a tremendous conflict for the body of Patroclus • 
 
 but his armor was at once taken possession of by Hector, who 
 
 retiring a short distance, divested himself of his own armor and 
 
 put on that of Achilles, then returned to the fight. Ajax and 
 
 Menelaus defended the body, and Hector and his bravest warriors 
 
 struggled to capture it. 
 
 " Patroclus lies 
 A naked corpse, and over it the hosts 
 Are fighting." — Iliad (Bryant). * 
 
 The battle raged with equal fortunes, when Jove enveloped the 
 
 whole face of heaven with a dark cloud. The lightning flashed, 
 
 the thunder roared, and Ajax, looking around for some one 
 
 whom he might despatch to Achilles to tell him of the death of 
 
 his friend and of the imminent danger that his remains would 
 
 fall into the hands of the enemy, could see no suitable messenger. 
 
 Then he prayed : — i 
 
 ** Lord of earth and air I 
 O king ! O father ! hear my humble prayer ! 
 Dispel this cloud, the light of heaven restore ; 
 Give me to see and Ajax asks no more. 
 If Greece must perish we thy will obey, 
 But let us perish in the face of day." — Pope. 
 
 Jupiter heard the prayer and dispersed the clouds. Then Ajax 
 Sent Antilochus to Achilles with the intelligence of Patroclus's 
 death, and of the conflict raging for his remains. The Greeks 
 at last succeeded in bearing off" the body to the ships, closely 
 pursued by Hector and .^neas and the rest of the Trojans. 
 
 Achilles heard the fate of his friend with such distress that 
 Antilochus feared for a while that he would destroy himself. H is 
 groans reached the ears of his mother, Thetis, far down in the 
 depths of ocean, where she abode, and she hastened to him to in- 
 quire the cause. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproac h 
 that he had indulged his resentment so far, and suffered his friend 
 to fall a victim to it. But his only consolation was the hoi)c of 
 
 revenge. 
 
 *• No wIhH 
 
 Have I to live, or to concern myself 
 
 In men's afl'airs, save this : that I lector first, 
 
 Pierced by my spear, shall yi<:ld his life, and pay 
 
 The debt of vengeance for PalrocIiH slain.'' 
 
 —Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
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THE ILIAD, 
 
 V7 
 
 He would fly instantly in search of Hector. But his mothcl 
 reminded him that he was now without armor, and promised him, 
 if he would but wait till the morrow, she would procure for him 
 a suit of armor from Vulcan more than equal to tl^iat he had lost. 
 
 Thetlg Bearing the Annor of Achilles (F. Gerard ), 
 
 We consented, and Thetis immediately repaired to ViUcan'k 
 palace. She found h'm busy at his forge making tripods tor hil 
 own use, so artfully constructed that they moved forv;ard of theil 
 own accord when wanted, and retired again when diomfssed 
 
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 278 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 *• She found him there 
 Sweating and toiling, and with busy hand 
 Plying the bellows. ' ' — Homee . 
 
 On hearing the request of Thetis, Vulcan immediately laid 
 aside his work and hastened to comply with her wishes. He 
 fabricated a splendid suit of armor for Achilles — first a shield 
 adorned with elaborate devices, then a helmet crested with gold, 
 then a corselet and greaves of impenetrable temper, all perfectly 
 adapted to his form and of consummate workmanship. It was all 
 done in one night, and Thetis, receiving it, descended with it to 
 earth and laid it down at Achilles' feet at the dawn of day. 
 
 ** And now receive 
 This sumptuous armor, forged by Vulcan's hand. 
 Beautiful, such as ao man ever wore."— Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 The first glow of pleasure that Achilles had felt since the deatli 
 of Patroclus was at the sight of this splendid armor. And now, 
 arrayed in it, he went forth into the camp, calling all the chiefs 
 to council. When they were all assembled he addressed them. 
 Renouncing his displeasure against Agamemnon and bitterly 
 lamenting the miseries that had resulted from it, he called on 
 them to proceed at once to the field. Agamemnon made a suit- 
 able reply, laying all the blame on Ate, the goddess of discord ; 
 and thereupon complete reconcilement took place between the 
 heroes. 
 
 Then Achilles went forth to battle, inspired with a rage and 
 thirst for vengeance that made him irresistible. The bravest 
 warriors fled before him or fell by his lance. Hector, cautioned 
 by Apollo, kept aloof; but the god, assuming the form of one 
 of Priam's sons, Lycaon, urged ^neas to encounter the ter- 
 rible warrior, -^neas, though he felt himself unequal, did not 
 decline the combat. He hurled his spear with all his force 
 against the shield, the work of Vulcan. It was formed of five 
 metal plates ; two were of brass, two of tin, and one of gold. 
 The spear pierced two thicknesses, but was stopped in the third. 
 Achilles threw his with better success. It pierced through the 
 shield of yEneas, but glanced near his shoulder and made '.lo 
 wound. Then ^'neas seized a stonp, such as two men of mod- 
 en times could hardly lift, and was about to throv/ ii, and 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 279 
 
 Achilles, with sword drawn, was about to rush upon him, when 
 Neptune, who looked out upon the contest, moved with pity 
 for iEneas, who he saw would surely fall a victim if not speedily 
 rescued, spread a cloud between the combatants, and lifting 
 iEneas from the ground, bore him over the heads of warriors 
 and steeds to the rear of the battle. Achilles, when the mist 
 cleared away, looked round in vain for his adversary, and ac- 
 knowledging the prodigy, turned his arms against other cham- 
 pions. 
 
 *• I cannot think 
 That he who gladly fled from death will lind 
 The courage to encounter me again." — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 But none dared stand before him, and Priam, looking down 
 from his city walls, beheld his whole 
 army in full flight towards the city. He 
 gave command to open wide the gates 
 to receive the fugitives, and to shut 
 them as soon as the Trojans should have 
 passed, lest the enemy should enter like- 
 wise. But Achilles was so close in pur- 
 suit that that would have been impossible 
 if Apolloiidd not, in the form of Agenor, 
 Priam's son, encountered Achilles for 
 awhile, then turned to fly, and taken the 
 way apart from the city. Achilles pur- 
 sued and had chased his supposed victim 
 far from the walls, when Apollo disclosed 
 himself, and Achilles, perceiving how he 
 had been deluded, gave up the chase. 
 
 But when the rest had escaped into 
 the town. Hector stood without, deter- 
 mined to await the combat. His old 
 father called to him from the walls and 
 begged him to retire nor tempt the en- 
 counter. His mother, Hecuba, also be- 
 sought him to the same effect, but all in 
 vain. " How can I," said he to him- 
 self, "l)y whose command the people 
 went to this day's contest, where so many have fallen, seek 
 
 Hector (Venice). 
 
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 safety for myself against a single foe ? But what if I offer him to 
 yield up Helen and all her treasures, and ample of our own 
 beside ? Ah, no I it is too late. He would not even hear me 
 through, but slay me while I spoke. ' ' While he thus ruminated, 
 Achilles approached, terrible as Mars, his armor flashing lightning 
 as he moved. At that sight Hector's heart failed him and he fled. 
 Achilles swiftly pursued. They ran, still keeping near the walls, 
 till they had thrice encircled the city. As often as Hector ap 
 proached the walls Achilles intercepted him and forced him to 
 keep out in a wider circle. But Apollo sustained Hector's strength, 
 and would not let him sink in weariness. Then Pallas, assuming 
 the form of Deiphobus, Hector's bravest brother, appeared sud- 
 denly at his side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus 
 strengthened, stopped his flight and turned to meet Achilles. 
 Hector threw his spear, which struck the shield of Achilles and 
 bounded back. He turned to receive another from the hand of 
 Deiphobus, but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector understood 
 his doom and said, "Alas ! it is plain this is my hour to die ! 
 I thought Deiphobus at hand, but Pallas deceived me, and he is 
 still in Troy. But I will not fall inglorious." 
 
 ** My time has come ' 
 
 To slay or be among the dead." — ILIAD. 
 
 So saying he drew his falchion from his side and rushed at once 
 to combat. Achilles, secured behind his shield, waited the aj)- 
 proach of Hector. When he came within reach of his spear, 
 Achilles, choosing with his eye a vulnerable part where the armor 
 leaves the neck uncovered, aimed his spear at that part, and 
 Hector fell, death-wounded, and feebly said, *' Spare my body ! 
 Let my parents ransom it, and let me receive funeral rites from 
 the sons and daughters of Troy." To which Achilles replied, 
 ** Dog, name not ransom nor pity to me, on whom you have 
 brought such dire distress. No ! trust me, nought shall save tliy 
 carcass from the dogs. Though twenty ransoms and thy weight 
 in gold were offered, I will refuse it all." 
 
 So saying, he stripped the body of its armor, and fastening cords 
 to the feet, tied them behind his chariot, leaving the body to trail 
 along the ground. Then mounting the chariot he lashed the 
 Steeds, and so dragged the body to and fro before the city. 
 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 281 
 
 
 ** Who saw the corse 
 Of slaughtered Hector at the victor's car 
 Whirled round the walls." — Euripides. 
 
 ^Vhat words can tell the grief of King Priam and Queen 
 Hecuba at this sight 1 His people could scarce restrain the old 
 king from rushing forth. He threw himself in the dust and be- 
 sought them each by name to give him way. Hecuba's distress 
 \vas not less violent. The citizens stood round them weeping. 
 The sound of the mourning reached the ears of Andromache, the 
 wife of Hector, as she sat among her maidens at work, and antici- 
 pating evil she went forth to the wall. When she saw the sight 
 there presented she would have thrown herself headlong from 
 the wall, but fainted and fell into the arms of her maidens. Re- 
 covering, she bewailed her fate, picturing to herself her country 
 ruined, herself a captive, and her son dependent for his bread 
 on the charity of strangers. " ^ 
 
 When Achilles and the Greeks had taken their revenge on the 
 
 killer of Patroclus they busied themselves in paying due funeral 
 
 rites to their friend. A pile was erected, and the body burned 
 
 with due solemnity ; and then ensued games of strength and skill, 
 
 chariot races, wrestling, boxing, and archery. Then the chiefs 
 
 sat down to the funeral banquet, and after that retired to rest. 
 
 But Achilles neither partook of the feast nor of sleep. Cutting 
 
 off a lock of his hair he placed it in the dead hand of Patroclus, 
 
 saying : — 
 
 ** And now, since I no more 
 
 Shall see my native land, the land I love, 
 
 Let the slain hero bear these locks away."— Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 The recollection of his lost friend kept him awake, remember- 
 \ng their compaaionship in toil and dangers, in battle or on the 
 perilous deep. Before the earliest dawn he left his tent, and 
 joining to his chariot his swift steeds, he fastened Hector's body 
 to be dragged behind. Twice he dragged him round the tomb 
 of Patroclus, leaving him at length stretched in the dust. But 
 Apollo would not permit the body to be torn or disfigured with 
 all this abuse, but preserved it free from all taint or defilement. 
 
 While Achilles indulged his wrath in thus disgracing brave 
 Hector, Jupiter in pity summoned Thetis to his presence. He 
 told her to go to her son and prevail on him to restore the body 
 of Hector to his friends. Then Jupiter sent Iris to King Priam 
 
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282 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 to encourage him to go to Achilles and beg the body of his son. 
 IriH delivered her message, and Priam immediately prepared 
 to obey. He opened his treasuries and took out rich garments 
 and cloths, with ten talents in gold and two spkndid tripods, and 
 a golden cup of matchless workmanship. Then he called to his 
 gonn, and bade them draw forth his litter and place in it the va- 
 rioiw articles designed for a ransom to Achilles. When all was 
 ready, the old king with a single companion as aged as himself, 
 I'he herald Idaeus, drove forth from the gates, parting there with 
 Hecuba his queen and all his friends, who lamented him as 
 going to certain death. 
 
 But Jupiter, beholding with compassion the venerable king, 
 8cnt Mercury to be his guide and protector. Mercury, assuming 
 the form of a young warrior, presented himself to the aged 
 couple ; and, while at the sight of him, they hesitated whether to 
 fly or yield, the god approached, and, grasping Priam's hani, 
 offered to be their guide to Achilles' tent. Priam gladly ac- 
 cepted his offered service, and he, mounting the carriage, as- 
 Hunied the reins and soon conveyed them to the tent of Achilles. 
 Mercury's wand put to sleep all the guards, and without hinder- 
 ancc he introduced Priam into the tent where Achilles sat, at- 
 tended by two of his warriors. The old king threw himself at 
 the feet of Achilles, and kissed those terrible hands which had 
 destroyed so many of his sons. 
 
 *• Think of thy father, an old man like me, 
 God-like Achilles ; on the dreary verge 
 Of closing life he stands, and even now 
 Has none to shield his age 
 From war and disaster." — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 '* Perhaps even now some neighbor chief oppresses him, and 
 there is none at hand to succor him in his distress. Yet doubt- 
 IcHH knowing that Achilles lives he still rejoices, hoping that one 
 day he shall see thy face again. But no comfort cheers nie, 
 whose l)ravest sons, so late the flower of Ilium, all have fallen. 
 Yet one I had, one more than all the rest the strength of my 
 age, whom, fighting for his country, thou hast slain. I come to 
 redeem his body, bringing inestimable ransom with me Achil- 
 lc» t reverence the gods 1 recollect thy father 1 for his sake show 
 compassion to me!" 
 
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THE ILIAD, 
 
 283 
 
 Achilles was not only a brave man upon the field of battle, but 
 merciful to the unfortunate as well. These words moved him 
 until he wept, remembering, as he did, by turns, his absent father 
 and his lost friend. Touched with pity by the sight of Priam's 
 silver locks and beard, and reaching out his hand, he raised him 
 from the earth and said : 
 
 ' ' The gods ordain the lot 
 
 C)f man to suffer. Beside Jove's threshold 
 stand 
 
 Two casks of gifts for men — one cask 
 contains 
 
 The evil, one the good, and he to whom 
 
 The Thunderer gives them mingled, some- 
 times falls 
 
 Into misfortune, and sometimes crowned 
 
 With blessings. But the man to whom he 
 gives 
 
 The evil only, stands a mark exposed 
 
 To wrong — alike unloved by gods and 
 men." — Iliad (Bryant). 
 
 '*I know, Priam, that thou hast 
 reached this place conducted by 
 some god, for without aid divine no 
 mortal, even in his prime of youth, 
 had dared the attempt. I grant thy 
 rec[uest, moved thereto by the evi- 
 dent will of Jove." So saying he 
 arose, and went forth with his two 
 friends, and unloaded of its charge 
 the litter, leaving two mantles and 
 a robe for the covering of the body, 
 which they placed on the litter, and 
 spread the garments over it, that 
 not unveiled it should be borne back 
 to Troy. Then Achilles dismissed 
 the old king with his attendants, 
 
 having first pledged himself to allow a truce of twelve days for 
 the funeral solemnities. 
 
 As the litter approached the city and was descried from the 
 walls, the people poured forth to gaze once more on the face of 
 their hero. Foremost of all, the mother and the wife of Hector 
 
 .,-. - fc. 
 
 
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 (National Museum, Florence). 
 
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284 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
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 came, and at the sight of the lifeless body renewed their lamenta. 
 tions. The people all wept with them, and to the going down 
 of the sun there was no pause or abatement of their grief. 
 
 The next day, preparations were made for the funeral solemni- 
 ties. For nine days the people brought wood and built the pile, 
 and on the tenth they placed the body on the summit and applied 
 the torch, while all Troy, thronging forth, encompassed the 
 pile. When it had completely burned, they quenched the cin 
 ders with wine, collected the bones and placed them in a golden 
 urn, which they buried in the earth, and reared a pile of stonch 
 over the spot. 
 
 " Such honors Ilium to her hero paid, 
 And peaceful slept the mighty Hector's shade. "- 
 
 "Pope. 
 
SHE FALL OF TBOY. 
 
 385 
 
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 nr lamenta. 
 joing down 
 grief. 
 
 ral solemni- 
 lilt the pile, 
 and applied 
 npassed the 
 ed the cin 
 in a golden 
 le of stoneh 
 
 -Pope, 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 The Fall of Troy — Return of the Greeks — Ag-a-mem'> 
 non, O-res'tes and E-lec'tra. 
 
 The Fall of Troy, 
 
 The story of the Iliad ends with the death of Hector, and it 
 is from the Odyssey and later poems that we learn the fate of 
 the other heroes. After the death of Hector, Troy did not im- 
 mediately fall, but receiving aid from new allies, still continued 
 its resistance. One of these allies was Memnon, the Ethiopian 
 prince, whose story we have already told. Another was Pen- 
 thesilea, queen of the Amazons, who came with a band of female 
 warriors. All the authorities attest their valor and the fearful 
 effect of their war-cry. Penthesilea slew many of the bravest 
 warriors, but was at last slain by Achilles. But when the hero 
 bent over his fallen foe, and contemplated her beauty, youth and 
 valor, he bitterly regretted his victory. Thersites, an insolent 
 brawler and demagogue, ridiculed his grief, and was in conse- 
 quence slain by the hero. 
 
 Achilles by chance had seen Polyxena, daughter of King Priam, 
 perhaps on occasion of the truce which was allowed the Trojans 
 for the burial of Hector. He was captivated with her charms, 
 and to win her in marriage agreed to use his influence with the 
 Greeks to grant peace to Troy. 
 
 *« And mirth was in the halls of Troy 
 Before her towers and tem^i'les fell ; 
 High pealed the choral hymns of joy. 
 Melodious to the golden shell. 
 The weary hand reposed from slaughter, 
 The eye forgot the tear it shed, 
 This day King Priam's lovely daughter 
 Shall great Pelides wed." 
 
 — Schiller's Cassandra (Hemptf "* 
 
 While in the temple of Apollo, negotiating the marriage, Paris 
 discharged at him a poisoned arrow, which, guided by the god. 
 
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 STOniES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 
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 wounded Achilles in the heel, the only vulnerable part about 
 him ; for Thetis, his mother, had dipped him when an infant in 
 the river Styx, which made every part of him invulnerable ex- 
 cept the heel by which she held him.* 
 
 The body of Achilles, so treacherously slain, was rescued by 
 Ajax and Ulysses. Thetis directed the Greeks to bestow her 
 son's armor on the hero who of all the survivors should be judged 
 
 most deserving of it. Ajax and 
 Ulysses were the only claimants ; 
 a select number of the other chiefs 
 were appointed to award the prize. 
 It was awarded to Ulysses, thus 
 placing wisdom before valor; 
 whereupon Ajax slew himself. 
 On the spot where his blood sank 
 into the earth a flower sprang up, 
 called the hyacinth, bearing on 
 its leaves the first two letters of 
 the name of Ajax — Ai, the Greek 
 for *'woe." Thus Ajax is a 
 claimant with the boy Hyacin- 
 thus for the honor of giving birth 
 to this flower. There is a species 
 of larkspur which represents the 
 hyacinth of the poets in preserv- 
 ing the memory of this event, 
 
 ^. , , , the Delphinium Ajacis — ^Ajax's 
 
 Ajax (VaUcan, Rome). t b 
 
 It was now discovered that Troy could not be taken but by the 
 aid of the arrows of Hercules. They were in possession of Phil- 
 octetes, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last and 
 lighted his funeral pyre. Philoctetes had joined the Grecian 
 expedition against Troy, but had accidentally wounded his foot 
 with one of the poisoned arrows, and the smell from his wound 
 proved so off*ensive that his companions carried him to the isle 
 of I^mnos, and left him there. 
 
 * The story of the invulnerability of Achilles is not found in Homer, and is 
 inconsistent with his account. For how could Achilles require the aid of celes- 
 
 tial armor if he were invulnerable ? 
 
 \ 
 
THt: FALL OF TttOT, 
 
 387 
 
 " The tenth sad year now rolls its course 
 Since here, with wretchedness and famine pierced, 
 I waste away and feed my rankling wound." 
 
 — Sophocles (Philoctetes). 
 
 Diomedes was now sent to induce him to rejoin the army. He 
 succeeded. Philoctetes was cured of his wound by Machaon, 
 and Paris was the first victim of the fatal arrows. In his distress 
 Paris bethought him of one whom in his prosperity he had for- 
 gotten. This was the nymph CEnone, whom he had married 
 when a youth, and had abandoned for the fatal beauty Helen. 
 O^none, remembering the wrongs she had suffered, refused to 
 heal the wound, and Paris went back to Troy and died. CEnone 
 quickly repented, and hastened after him with remedies, but 
 came too late, and in her grief hung herself. v 
 
 ** Hither came at noon 
 
 Mournful (Enone, wandering forlorn . ' 
 
 Of Paris, once her playmate on the hills. 
 
 Her cheek had lost the rose, and round her neck . 
 
 Floated her hair, or seemed to float in rest. 
 
 She, leaning on a fragment twined with vine, 
 
 Sang to the stillness, till the mountain-shade ' "V 
 
 Sloped downward to her seat from the upper cliff." — TENNYSON. 
 
 There was in Troy a celebrated statue of Minerva called the 
 Palladium. It was said to have fallen from heaven, and the be- 
 lief was that the city could not be taken so long as this statue re- 
 mained within it. Ulysses and Diomed entered the city in dis- 
 guise and succeeded in obtaining the Palladium, which they 
 carried off to the Grecian camp. 
 
 But Troy still held out, and the Greeks began to despair of 
 ever subduing it by force, and by advice of Ulysses resolved to 
 resort to stratagem. They pretended to be making preparations 
 to abandon the siege, and a portion of the ships were withdrawn 
 and lay hid behind a neighboring island. The Greeks then con- 
 structed an immense wooden horse j which they gave out was in- 
 tended as a propitiatory offering to Minerva, but in fact was filled 
 with armed men. The remaining Greeks then betook them- 
 selves to their ships and sailed away, as if for a final departure. 
 The Trojans, seeing the encampment broken up and the fleet 
 gone, concluded that the enemy had abandoned the siege. The 
 
 
 u ", 
 
 r ■ 
 
 llh, ; 
 
 Ml 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 
 . ■/¥. 
 
 ■— v4S 
 
 '."^ 
 
 
 m 
 
 . -Mi 
 
 m 
 
288 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 w 
 
 nm 
 
 gates were thrown open, and the whole population issued forthj 
 rejoicing at the long -prohibited liberty of passing freely over the 
 scene of the late encampment. The great /torse was the chief 
 object of curiosity. All wondered what it could be for. Some 
 recommended to take it into the city as a trophy ; others felt 
 afraid of it. r 
 
 While they hesitate, laocoon, the priest of Neptune, exclaims, 
 "What madness, citizens, is this! Havw you not learned 
 enough of Grecian fraud to be on your guard against it ? For 
 my part, I fear the Greeks, even when they offer gifts."* 
 
 ** What madness, citizens. 
 Is this ? Believe ye then our foes are gone ? 
 
 Either the Ci recks 
 Within this wooden fabric are concealed, 
 , . Or it is framed to bear against our walls. 
 I fear the Greel'.s, 
 Even when they brir^ us gif.s,"— Virgil, Book II (Cranch) 
 
 So saying, he threw his lance at the horse's side. It struck, 
 and a hollow sound reverberated like a groan. Then, perhaps, 
 the people might have taken his advice and destroyed the fatal 
 horse and all its contents ; but just, at that moment a group of 
 people appeared dragging fcrv. ard one who seemed a prisoner 
 and a Greek. Stupefied wiiii nerror he was brought before the 
 chiefs, who reassured him, promising; that his life should be 
 spared on condition of his returning true answers to the questions 
 asked him. He informed thei.i that he was a Greek, Sinon by 
 name, and that in consequence of the malice of Ulysses he had 
 been left behind by his countrymen at tlieir departure, ^^'ith 
 regard to the wooden horse, he told them that it was a propitia- 
 tory offering to Minerva, and made so huge for the express pur- 
 pose of preventing its being carried within the city ; for Cah has 
 the prophet had told them that if the Trojans took possession 
 of it, they would assuredly triunqjh over the Greeks. This lan- 
 guage turned the tide of the i)eoj)le's feelings, and they bei^an 
 to think how they might best secure the monstrous horse and 
 the favorable auguries connected with it, when suddenly a 
 prodigy occurred which left no room to doubt. There appeared 
 
 ( * See Proverbial Kxprcssions. 
 
ssued forthj 
 ily over the 
 s the chief 
 for. Some 
 others felt 
 
 )"i 
 
 e, exclaims, 
 lot learned 
 St it ? For 
 
 :s. 
 
 Ml 
 
 J3' 
 
 I (Cranch) 
 
 It struck, 
 
 jn, perhaps, 
 
 ed the ftital 
 
 a group of 
 
 a prisoner 
 
 before the 
 
 should be 
 
 le questions 
 
 , Sin on by 
 
 jses he had 
 
 ure. With 
 
 a propitia- 
 
 xpress pur- 
 
 for Cahdias 
 
 possession 
 
 This lan- 
 
 hey be.nan 
 
 horse and 
 
 uddenly a 
 
 e appeared 
 
 ■^ 
 
 1-1 
 
 I 
 
 .^8 
 
 l'« 
 
 I 
 
 K„ /S 
 
& - 
 
 I ' w ' 
 
 it H 
 
 \ 
 
 V- 
 
 LAOCOON-OROUP 
 (Vatican, Rome) 
 
THE FALL OF TROY. 
 
 289 
 
 
 advancing over the sea two immense serpents. They came upon 
 the land, and the crowd fled in all directions. The serpents 
 advanced directly to the spot where Laocoon stood with his two 
 sons. 
 
 *' Two snakes 
 Came gliding, on the deep with rings immense. 
 Pressing upon the sea, and side by side 
 
 Toward the shore they move with necks erect ' *" ^ 
 
 And bloody crests that tower above the waves j • * ■ '' . ' r .'• 
 A noise of foaming brine is heard, ' ; 
 
 They reach the sliore, their burning eyes suffused . .?. 
 
 With blood and fire, and lick their hissing mouths 
 ' With quivering tongues." — Virgil, Book II (Cranch), ' " " 
 
 They first attacked the children, winding round their bodies 
 and breathing their pestilential breath in their faces. The father, 
 attempting to rescue them, is next seized and involved in the 
 serpents' coils. He struggles to tear them away, but they over- 
 power all his efforts and strangle him and the children in their 
 
 poisonous folds. 
 
 '♦Onward it moves, ' " " ! ' ; 
 
 And threatening glides into the city's midst." — Virgil. 
 
 This event was regarded as a clear indication of the displeas- 
 ure of the gods at Laocoon' s irreverent treatment of the wooden 
 horse, which they no longer hesitated to regard as a sacred ob- 
 ject and prepared to introduce with due solemnity into the city. 
 This was done with songs and triumphal acclamations, and the 
 day closed with festivity. 
 
 In the night the armed men who were enclosed in the body 
 of the horse, being let out by the traitor Sinon, opened the 
 gates of the city to their friends, who had returned under cover 
 of darkness. The city, sunk in sleep and wine, fell an easy 
 prey to the invaders. 
 
 King Priam lived to see the downfall of his kingdom, and was 
 slain at last on the fatal night when the Greeks took the city. 
 He had armed himself and was about to mingle with the m- 
 batants, but was prevailed on by Hecuba, his aged queen, to take 
 refuge with herself and his daughters as a suppliant at the altar 
 of Jupiter. While there, his youngest son Polites, pursued by 
 I'yrrhus, the son of Achilles, rushed in wounded, and expired at 
 the feet of his father ; whereupon Priam, overcome with indigna- 
 
 
 
 Jl 
 
 m 
 
 It?'* 
 
 
 
 i* 
 
 *: 
 
 M 
 
 •I 
 
 ...I J 
 
 
 ♦1. , 
 
^90 
 
 BTOniES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 hi ' 
 
 -«"' u 
 
 '''\i ''i 
 
 tion, hurled his spear with feeble hand against Pyrrhus,* and wa-; 
 forthwith slain by him. , 
 
 ** He raised his sword, and to the hilt 
 
 Buried it in his side." — Virgil. " ' • 
 
 Queen Hecuba and her daughter Cassandra were carried cap. 
 lives to Greece. Cassandra had been loved by Apollo, and he 
 gave her the gift of prophecy ; but afterwards offended with her, 
 he rendered the gift unavailing by ordaining that her predictions 
 should never be believed. Polyxena, another daughter, who had 
 been loved by Achilles, was demanded by the ghost of that war- 
 rior, and was sacrificed by the Greeks upon his tomb. 
 
 ** The Greeks with one consent 
 Resolve that on the tomb of Peleus' son 
 Thou sHalt be sacrificed." — Sophocles, 
 
 Men-e-la'us and Hel'en. 
 
 I 
 
 Our readers will be anxious to know the fate of Hel'en, the 
 fair but guilty occasion of so much slaughter. On the fall of 
 Troy Men-e-la'us recovered possession of his wife, who had 
 not ceased to love him, though she had yielded to the might of 
 Venus and deserted him for another. After the death of Paris 
 she aided the Greeks secretly on several occasions, and in par- 
 ticular when Ulysses and Diomedes entered the city in disguise to 
 carry off the Palladium. She saw and recognized Ulysses, but 
 kept the secret, and even assisted them in obtaining the image. 
 Thus she became reconciled to her 'nisband, and they were 
 among the first to leave the shores of Troy for their native land. 
 But having incurred the displeasure of the gods, they were driven 
 by storms from shore to shore of the Mediterranean, visiting 
 Cyprus, Phoenicia and Egypt. In Egypt they were kindly treated 
 and presented with rich gifts, of which Helen's share was a golden 
 spindle and a basket on wheels. The basket was to hold the wool 
 and spools for the queen's work. 
 
 Menelaus and Helen at length arrived in safety at Sparta, re- 
 sumed their royal dignity, and lived and reigned in splendor. 
 
 • Pyrrhus's exclamadon, ** Not such aid nor such defp,nders does the timi 
 fVquire,*' has become proverlijal. See Prov. Exp. 
 
AGAMEMNON, OBESTES AND ELECTBA. 
 
 291 
 
 >,* and wasi 
 \ • 
 
 irried cap' 
 lo, and he 
 ;d with her, 
 predictions 
 er, who had 
 )f that war- 
 
 i 
 
 ieVen, the 
 
 I the fall of 
 fe, who had 
 he might of 
 ath of Paris 
 and in par- 
 n disguise to 
 Ulysses, but 
 g the image. 
 i they were 
 native land. 
 r were driven 
 lean, visiting 
 lindly treated 
 was a golden 
 [lold the wool 
 
 at Sparta, re- 
 splendor. 
 
 rs does the timi 
 
 But the glory of the olden Trojan days had gone forever. 
 
 ^ ** The son of Atreus, king of men, 
 
 The muster of the host surveyed ; 
 How dwindled from the thousands, when 
 Along Scamander first arrayed." — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 When Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, arrived at Sparta, in 
 search of his father, he found Menelaus and Helen celebrating 
 the marriage of their daughter Hermione to Neoptolemus, son 
 of Achilles. 
 
 Ag-a-mem'non, O-res'tes and E-lec'tra. 
 
 Ag-a-mem'non, the general-in chief of the Greeks, the 
 brother of Menelaus, and who had been drawn into the quarrel 
 to avenge his brother's wrongs, not his own, v^as not so fortunate 
 in the issue. During his absence his wife Clytemnestra had been 
 false to him, and when his return was expected she, with her 
 paramour, ^Egisthus, laid a plan for his destruction, and at the 
 banquet given to celebrate his return murdered him. 
 
 *** i^gisthus, bent upon my death, 
 Plotted against me with my guilty wife, 
 And bade me to his house, and slew me there, 
 Even at the banquet.' " — Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 It was intended by the conspirators to slay his son 0-res'tes 
 also, a lad not yet old enough to be an object of apprehension, 
 but from whom, if he should be suffered to grow up, there might 
 be danger. E-lec'tra, the sister of Orestes, saved her brother's 
 life by sending him secretly away to his uncle Strophius, King 
 of Phocis. In the palace of Strophius Orestes grew up with the 
 King's son Pylades, and formed with him that ardent friendship 
 which lias become proverbial. Electra frequently reminded her 
 brother by messengers of the duty of avenging his father's death, 
 and when grown up he consulted the oracle of Delphi, which 
 confirmed him in his design. He therefore repaired in disguise 
 to Argos, pretending to be a messenger from Strophius, who had 
 come to announce the death of Orestes, and brought the ashes 
 of the deceased in a funeral urn. After visiting his father's 
 tomb and sacrificing upon it, according to the rites of the ancients, 
 he made himself known to his sister Electra, and soon after slew 
 both iEgisthus and Clytemnestra. 
 
"Ai :i 
 
 292 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 \ 
 
 fi 
 
 *-i 
 
 
 ** The accurst ^gisthus 
 Him first I slew, nor sheathed my vengeful sword 
 Till I had stained it with maternal gore." 
 
 — Euripides (Orestes). 
 
 Ttilp revolting act, the slaughter of a mother by her son, 
 chough alleviated by the guilt of the victim and the express com 
 mand of the gods, did not fail to awaken in the breasts of the 
 
 ancients the same abhor- 
 rence that it does in ours. 
 The Eumenides, avenging 
 deities, seized upon Ores- 
 tes and drove him frantic 
 from land to land. Py lades 
 accompanied him in his 
 wanderings and watched 
 over him. At length, ir 
 answer to a second appeal 
 to the oracle, he was di- 
 rected to go to Tauris in 
 Scythia, and to bring 
 thence a statue of Diana 
 which was believed to 
 have fallen from heaven. 
 Accordingly Orestes and 
 Pylades went to Tauris, 
 where the barbarous peo- 
 ple were accustomed to 
 sacrifice to the goddess 
 all strangers who fell into 
 their hands. The two 
 
 friends were seized and 
 Orestes and Electra (Villa Ludovisi, Rome). • ji j ^ ^l ^ 
 
 ^ earned bound to the tem- 
 
 ple to be made victims. But the priestess of Diana was no other 
 than Iphigenia, the sister of Orestes, who, our readers will re- 
 member, M'as snatched away by Diana at the moment when she 
 wan about to be sacrificed. Ascertaining from the prisoners who 
 they were, Iphigenia disclosed herself to them, and the three 
 made their escape with the statue of ^he goddess, and returneJ 
 
 to Mycense. 
 
 \ 
 
AGAMEMNON, ORESTES AND ELECTBA. 
 
 293 
 
 [Orestes). 
 
 her son, 
 press com 
 ists of the 
 me abhor- 
 es in ours. 
 
 avenging 
 ipon Ores- 
 im frantic 
 d. Pylades 
 im in his 
 d watched 
 
 length, ir 
 ond appeal 
 he was di- 
 ) Tauris in 
 
 to bring 
 e of Diana 
 elieved to 
 »m heaven. 
 )restes and 
 to Tauris, 
 jarous peo- 
 istomed to 
 lie goddess 
 ho fell into 
 
 The two 
 seized and 
 to the tem- 
 as no other 
 lers will re- 
 it when she 
 risoners who 
 d the three 
 nd returned 
 
 But Orestes was not yet relieved from the vengeance of the 
 
 Erinnyes. 
 
 ** Methought 
 I saw three hideous muds arise whose looks 
 Resemble night. " 
 
 At length he took refuge with Minerva at Athens. The goddess 
 afforded him protection, ard appointed the court of Areopagus 
 to decide his fate. The Erinnyes brought forward their accusa- 
 tion, and Orestes made the command of the Delphic oracle his 
 excuse. When the court voted and the voices were equally 
 divided, Orestes was acquitted by the command of Minerva. 
 
 «* O thou who never yet of human wrong 
 Left the unbalanced scale, great Nemesis I 
 Thou who didst call the Furies from the abyss. 
 And round Orestes bade them howl and hiss. 
 For that unnatural retribution, — just. 
 Had it but been from hands less near, — in this. 
 Thy former realm, I call thee from the dust 1"— Byron. 
 
 One of the most pathetic scenes in the ancient drama is that 
 in which Sophocles represents the meeting of Orestes and Electra 
 on his return from Phocis. Orestes, mistaking Electra for one 
 of the domestics, and desirous of keeping his arrival a secret till 
 the hour of vengeance should arrive, produces the urn in which 
 his ashes are supposed to rest. Electra, believing him to be 
 really dead, takes the urn, and, embracing it, pours forth her 
 grief in language full of tenderness and despair. 
 
 *♦ Thou sad memorial, now the sole remains 
 Of what was once Orestes."— Sophocles (Electra). 
 
 It is said that on one occasion the city of Athens was at the 
 (mercy of her Spartan foes, and it was proposed to destroy it, but 
 the thought was rejected upon the accidental quotation, by soidp 
 one, of a chorus of Euripides. 
 
 - '« The reperted air 
 
 Of sad Electra' s poet had the power 
 To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare.**— MlLTON, 
 
 W^ 4 
 lis- i 
 
 if -m 
 
294 
 
 STOEIEkS of gods AJSD HEBOE& 
 
 ^ r:-:^^. 
 
 'W- 
 
 is?'?l'1l;i 
 
 ,«,A>'rli 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Adventures of U-lys'ses — The Lotus-eaters — Cy clo' 
 pes — Cir'ce — Si'rens — Scyl'la and Cha-ryb'dis - 
 Ca-lyp'so. 
 
 Return of U-lys'ses. 
 
 The romantic poem of trio Odyssey is now to engage out 
 attention. It narrates the wanderings of U-lys'ses (Odysseus, 
 in the Greek language) in his return from Troy to his own king' 
 Jom, Ithaca. 
 
 From Troy the vessels first ivj.ide lanj at Ismarus, city of the 
 
 A Reading from Homer (Alma ractexna}, 
 
 Ciconians, where, in a skirmish with the inhabitants, T.^Iysses 
 lost six men from each ship. 
 
 ** Six brave companions from each s^tip we lost ; 
 The rest escape in haste and quit the coast." — HoMK\ (xope.). 
 
 Sfc.jilng thence, they were overtaken by a storm which drove 
 them for nine days along the sea till they reached the country 
 of tlie Lotus-eaters. Here, after watering, Ulysses sent three 
 of his men to discover who the inhabitants ware. These men, 
 on commg among tlie Lotus-eaters, were kindly entertained by 
 

 RETURN OF ULYSSES. 
 
 295 
 
 them, and were given some of their own food, the lotus-plant, 
 to eat. The effect of this food was such that those who partook 
 of it lost all thoughts of home and wished to remain in that 
 country. 
 
 ** How sweet it were, hearing the downward stream, 
 With half- shut eyes ever to seem 
 Falling asleep in a half-dream ! 
 To dream and dream, like yonder amber light 
 ■ Which will not leave the myrrh-bush on the height ; 
 
 To hear each others' whispered speech ; 
 Eating the Lotos, day by day, 
 To watch the crisping ripples on the beach. 
 And tender curving lines of creamy spray ; 
 , To lend our hearts and spirits wholly 
 
 To the influence of mild-minded melancholy ; 
 
 To muse and brood and live again in memoiy, 
 
 With those old faces of our infancy 
 
 Heaped over with a mound of grass. 
 
 Two handfuls of white dust, shut in an vim of brass." 
 
 —Tennyson. 
 
 It was by main force that Ulysses dragged these men away, 
 
 and he was even obliged to tie them under the benches of his 
 
 ship. 
 
 ** Whoever tasted once of that sweet food 
 Wished not to see his native country more. 
 Nor give his friends the knowledge of his fate. '^ 
 
 And then my messengers desired to dwell *' ' i 
 
 Among the Lotus-eaters, and to feed j 
 
 Upon the lotus, never to return." — Homer (Bryant's tr.). * 
 
 They next arrived at the country of the Cy-clo'pes. The 
 Cyclopes were giants, who inhabited an island of which they 
 were the only possessors. The name means ** round eye," and 
 these giants were so called because they had but one eye, and 
 that placed in the middle of the forehead. They dwelt in caves 
 and fed on the wild productions of the island and on what their 
 flocks yielded, for they were shepherds. 
 
 •* A single ball of sight was fix'd 
 In their mid-forehead :— hence the Cyclopes' name : 
 For that one circular eye was broad infix' d 
 In the mid-forehead : — strength was theirs, and force, 
 And craft of curious toil." — Hesiod (Elton's tr. ). 
 
 Ulysses left the main body of his ships at anchor, and with 
 
 ii^^i 
 
 ■.rFi-: /i 
 
 "I < 
 
 i 
 
 nil 
 
 'it 
 
 '■■i 
 
 •4ii*i 
 
296 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 one vessel went to the Cyclopes' island to explore for supplies 
 He landed with his companions, carrying with them a jar of 
 wine for a present, and coming to a large cave they entered it, 
 and finding no one within, examined its contents. They found it 
 stored with the riches of the flock, quantities of cheese, pails and 
 bowls of milk, lambs and kids in their pens, all in nice order. 
 Presently arrived the master of the cave, Polyphemus, bearing 
 ,an immense bundle of firewood, which he threw down before 
 the cavern's mouth. 
 
 *• Near half a forest on his back he bore.** 
 
 He then drove into the cave the sheep and goats to be milked, 
 and, entering, rolled to the cave's mouth an enormous rock, that 
 twenty oxen could not draw. Next he sat down and milked !•: . 
 ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting the rest aside for 
 his customary drink. Then turning round his great eye he dis- 
 cerned the strangers, and growled out to them, demanding who 
 they were, and where from. Ulysses replied most humbly, stat- 
 ing that they were Greeks, from the great expedition that had 
 lately won so much glory in the conquest of Troy ; that they 
 were now on their way home, and finished by imploring his hos- 
 pitality in the name of the gods. Polyphemus deigned no an- 
 swer, but reaching out his hand seized two of the Greeks, whom 
 he hurled against the side of the cave, and dashed out their 
 brains. He proceeded to devour them with great relish, and 
 having made a hearty meal, stretched himself out on the floor to 
 sleep. Ulysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge 
 his sword into him as he slept, but recollected that it would only 
 expose them all to certain destruction, as the rock with whi( h 
 the giant had closed up the door was far beyond their power to 
 remove, and they would therefore be in hopeless imprisonment. 
 Next morning the giant seized two more of the Greeks, and de- 
 spatched them in the same manner as their companions, feasting 
 on their flesh till no fragment was left. He then moved away 
 the rock from the door, drove out his flocks, and went out, care- 
 fully replacing the barrier after him. 
 
 *' Then pleased and whistling drives the flocks before. 
 Removes the rocky mountain from the door, 
 \ And shuts again." — Homer (Pope). 
 
RETURN OF ULYSSES, 
 
 297 
 
 ' supplies 
 L a jar of 
 ntered it, 
 )y found it 
 , pails and 
 lice order. 
 IS, bearing 
 wn before 
 
 )e milked, 
 rock, that 
 milked '. ; . 
 it aside for 
 ;ye he dis- 
 nding who 
 mbly, stat- 
 > that had 
 
 that they 
 ig his hos- 
 ed no an- 
 ;ks, whom 
 
 out their 
 relish, and 
 le floor to 
 ,nd plunge 
 k^ould only 
 i^ith which 
 
 power to 
 risonment. 
 
 , and de- 
 s, feasting 
 )ved away 
 
 out, care* 
 
 When he was gone, Ulysses planned how he might take ven- 
 geance for his murdered friends and effect his escape, with his 
 surviving companions. He made his men prepare a massive bar 
 of wood, cut by the Cyclops for a staff", which they found in the 
 cave. They sharpened the end of it and seasoned it in the fire,- 
 and hid it under the straw on the cavern floor. Then four of 
 the boldest were selected, with whom Ulysses joined himself as 
 a fifth. The Cyclops came home at evening, rolled away the 
 stone and drove in his flock as usual. After milking them and 
 making his arrangements as before, he seized two more of Ulysses' 
 companions and dashed their brains out, and made his evening 
 meal upon them as he had on the others. After he had supped, 
 Ulysses, approaching him, handed him a bowl of wine, saying, 
 " Cyclops, this is wine ; taste and drink after thy meal of man's 
 flesh.'* He took and drank it, and was hugely delighted with 
 it, and called for more. Ulysses supplied him once and again, 
 which pleased the giant so much that he promised him as a favor 
 that he should be the last of the party devoured. He asked bis 
 name", to which Ulysses replied, ** My name is Noman." 
 
 After his supper the giant lay down to repose, and was soon 
 sound asleep. Then Ulysses with his four select friends thrust 
 the end of the stake into the fire till it was all one burning coal ; 
 then poising it exactly above the giant's only eye, they buried it 
 deeply into the socket, twirling it round as a carpenter does his 
 auger. The howling monster with his outcry filled the cavern, 
 and Ulysses with his aids nimbly got out of his w^ay and concealed 
 themselves in the cave. He, bellowing, called aloud on all the 
 Cyclopes dwelling in the caves around him, far and near. They 
 on his cry flocked round the den, and inquired what grievous 
 hurt had caused him to sound such an alarm and break their 
 slumbers. He replied, "O friends, I die, and Noman gives the 
 blow." They answered, "If no man hurts thee it is the stroke 
 of Jove, and thou must bear it." So saying, they left him 
 groaning. 
 
 ** If no man hurts thee, but the hand divine 
 Inflicts disease, it fits thee to resign." — Homer (Pope), 
 
 
 if 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 A . 
 
 m 
 
 Next morning the Cyclops rolled away the stone to let his flock 
 out to pasture, but planted himself in the door of the cave to feel 
 
2gS 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 
 Kl' 
 
 * I 
 
 of all as they went out, that Ulysses and his men should not es 
 tape with them. But Ulysses had made his men harness the 
 rams of the flock three abreast, with osiers which they found on 
 the floor of the cave. To the middle ram of the three one of the 
 Greeks suspended himself, so protected by the exterior rams on 
 either side. As they passed, the giant felt of the animals' backs 
 and sides, but never thought of their bellies ; so the men all 
 passed safe, Ulysses himself being on the last one that passed. 
 
 " The master ram at last approached the gate 
 Charged with his wool and with Ulysses' fate ; 
 The giant spoke, and through the hollow rock 
 Dismissed the ram, the father of the flock." 
 
 —Homer (Pope). 
 
 When they had got a few paces from the cavern, Ulysses and 
 his friends released themselves from their rams, and drove a good 
 part of the flock down to the shore to their boat. They put 
 them aboard with all haste, then pushed off from the shore, and 
 when *t a safe distance Ulysses shouted out : 
 
 ** Cyclops, if any man of mortal birth 
 Note thine unseemly blindness, and inquire 
 The occasion, tell him that Laertes' son, 
 Ulysses, the destroyer of walled towns. 
 Whose home is Ithaca, put out thine eye." 
 
 — Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 The Cyclops, hearing this, seized a rock that projected from the 
 side of the mountain, and rending it from its bed he lifted it 
 high in the air, then exerting all his force, hurled it in the direc- 
 tion of the voice. Down came the mass, just clearing the ves- 
 sel's stem. The ocean, at the plunge of the huge rock, heaved 
 the ship towards the land, so that it barely escaped being* 
 swamped by the waves. 
 
 *• Old ocean shook, and back his surges flew." 
 
 When they had with the utmost difficulty pulled off shore, 
 Ulysses was about to hail the giant again, but his friends be* 
 sought him not to do so. He could not forbear, however, let- 
 ting the giant know that they had escaped his missile, but waited 
 

 THE L^STRYGONIANS. 
 
 299 
 
 ild not es 
 iraess the 
 found on 
 one of the 
 )r rams on 
 lals' backs 
 e men all 
 passed. 
 
 ,R (Pope). 
 
 Jlysses and 
 
 ove a good 
 
 They put 
 
 shore, and 
 
 yant's tr.). 
 
 d from the 
 le lifted it 
 I the direc- 
 ig the ves- 
 ck, heaved 
 ped being* 
 
 off shore, 
 friends be- 
 wever, let- 
 but waited 
 
 till they had reached a safer distance than before. The giant 
 answered them with curses, but Ulysses and his friends plied 
 their oars vigorously, and soon regained their companions. 
 
 Ulysses next arrived at the island of -^olus. To this mon- 
 arch Jupiter had intrusted the government of the winds, to send 
 them forth or retain them at his will. He treated Ulysses hos- 
 pitably, and at his departure gave him, tied up in a leather bag 
 with a silver string, such winds as might be hurtful and danger. 
 oiis, commanding fair winds to blow the barks towards their 
 country. Nine days they sped before the wind, and all that 
 time Ulysses had stood at the helm, without sleep. At last, 
 quite exhausted, he lay down to sleep. While he slept, the 
 crew conferred together about the mysterious bag, and concluded 
 j't must contain treasures given by the hospitable King -^olus 
 to their commander. Tempted to secure some portion for them- 
 selves they loosed the string, when immediately the winds rushed 
 
 forth. 
 
 '* The thongs unbound, <■ 
 
 The gushing tempest sweeps the ocean round. 
 Snatched in the whirl." — Homer (Pope). 
 
 The ships were driven far from their course, and back again 
 to the island they had just left, ^"olus was so indignant at 
 their folly that he refused to assist them further, and they were 
 obliged to labor over their course once more by means of their 
 oars. 
 
 The Laes-try-go'ni-ans. 
 
 Their next adventure was with the barbarous tribe of Laes-try- 
 go ni-ans. The vessels all pushed into the harbor, tempted by 
 the secure appearance of the cove, completely land-locked ; only 
 Ulysses moored his vessel without. As soon as the Laestrygo- 
 nians found the ships completely in their power they attacked' 
 them, heaving huge stones which broke and overturned them, 
 and with their spears despatched the seamen as they struggled in 
 the water. All the vessels with their crews were destroyed, ex- 
 cept Ulysses ^ ,vn ship, which had remained outside, and finding 
 no safety but in flight, he exhorted his men to ply their oars 
 vigorously, and they escaped. 
 
 With grief for their slain companions mixed with joy at theil 
 
 -+^1 
 
 HFm 
 
 ^31 
 .1: f , ' 111 
 
 ■•VIS 
 
 , m 
 

 ■»- )• 
 
 r 
 
 303 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 own escape, they pursued their way till they arrived at the 
 JEdcan isle, where Circe dwelt, the daughter of the sun. Land- 
 ing here, Ulysses climbed a hill, and gazing round, saw no signs 
 of habitation except in one spot at the centre of the island, where 
 he perceived a palace embowered with trees. He sent forward 
 one-half of liis crew, under the command of Eurylochus, to see 
 what prospect of hospitality they might find. As they approached 
 the palace, they found themselves surrounded by lions, tigers and 
 wolves, not fierce, but tamed by Circe's artj for she was a power- 
 ful magician. All these animals had once been men, but had 
 
 been changed by Circe's enchantments into the forms of beasts. 
 ■■\ 
 ^: "I sue not for my happy crown again ; 
 
 I sue not for my phalanx on the plain ; 
 I sue not for my lone, my widowed wife ; 
 I sue not for my ruddy drops of life, . 
 My children fair, my lovely girls and boys ; I 
 
 I will forget them ; I will pass these joys, » 
 
 Ask nought so heavenward ; so too, too high ; 
 Only I pray, as fairest boon, to die ; 
 To be delivered from this cumbrous flesh. 
 From this gross, detestable, fdthy mesh, 
 And merely given to the cold, bleak air. 
 Have mercy, goddess ! Circe, feel my prayer!" — Keats. 
 
 The sounds of soft music were heard from within, and a sweet 
 female voice singing. Eurylochus called aloud, and the goddess 
 came forth and invited them in ; they all gladly entered exeept 
 Eurylochus, who suspected danger. The goddess conducted her 
 guests to a seat, and had them served with wine and other deli- 
 cacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one 
 by one with her wand, and they became immediately changed 
 into S7aine, in ''head, body, voice and bristles," yet with their 
 intellects as before. 
 
 " Then instantly . 
 She touched them with a wand, and shut them up 
 In sties, transformed to swine iii head ond voice, 
 llristles and shape, though still the human mind 
 Remained to them." — IIomkk (Hryant's tr.). 
 
 She shut them in her sties, and supplied them with acorns and 
 such other things as swine love. 
 
rrived at the 
 I sun. Land- 
 , saw no signs 
 ; island, where 
 sent forward 
 lochus, to see 
 ey approached 
 )ns, tigers and 
 ! was a power- 
 men, but had 
 rms of beasts. 
 
 '!" — Keats. 
 
 n, and a sweet 
 id the goddess 
 ntered exeept 
 conducted her 
 ind other deli- 
 hed them one 
 lately changed 
 yet with their 
 
 up 
 
 ■«Cf 
 
 'ith acorns and 
 
 THE LJSSTRY00NIAN8, 301 
 
 •* Huddling they came, with shag sides caked of mirC'^ 
 With hoofs fresh sullied from the troughs o'ertumed — 
 
 Yet eyes in which desire -> 
 
 Of some strange thing unutterably burned 
 Unquenchable." — Dobson. .^ 
 
 Eurylochus hurried back to the ship and told the tale. Ulysses 
 
 hereupon determined to go himself, and try if by anv means he 
 
 might deliver his companions. As he strode onward alone, he 
 
 met a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearirg to be ac- 
 
 Circe and the friends of Ulysses (B. Riviere). 
 
 quainted with his adventures. He announced himself as Mer- 
 cury, and informed Ulysses of the arts of Circe, and of the dan- 
 ger of approaching her. As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded 
 from his attempt. Mercury provided him with a sprig of the 
 plant Moly, of wonderful power to resist sorceries, and instructed 
 him how to act. Ulysses proceeded, and reaching the palace 
 was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she 
 had done his companions, and after he had eaten and drank, 
 touched him with her wand, saying, "Hence, seek the sty and 
 wallow with thy friends. ' ' But he, instead of obeying, drew his 
 sw.ord and rushed upon her with fury in his countenance. She 
 fell on her knees and begged for mercy. He dictated a solemn 
 oath that she would release his companions and practice no fur- 
 ther harm against him oi Lh^^m , and she repeated it, at the same 
 time promising to dismiss them all in safety after hospitably en« 
 
 n: 
 
 
 .^li 
 
 
 «v 
 
302 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 |nifr'«' ' 
 
 ' ■'.'# '♦ J 
 
 tertaining them. She was as good as her word. The men were 
 restored to their shapes, the rest of the crew summoned from the 
 shore, and the whole magnificently entertained day after day, till 
 Ulysses seemed to have forgotten his native land, and to have 
 reconciled himself to an inglorious life of ease and pleusure. 
 
 ** And there from day to day 
 We lingered a full year, and banqueted 
 Nobly on plenteous meats and delicate wines." 
 
 — Homer (Bryant's tr,). 
 
 At length his companions recalled him to nobler sentiments, 
 and he received their admonition gratefully. Circe aided their 
 
 Sirens fE. Barrios). 
 
 departure, and instructed them how to i)ass safely by the coast 
 of the Sirens. The Sirens were sea-nymphs who had the i)o\vcr 
 of charming by their song all who heard them, so that the un- 
 happy mariners were irresistibly impelled to cast themsehes into 
 the sea to their destruction. Circe directed Ulysses to fill the 
 ears of his seamen with wax, so that they should not hear the 
 strain ; and to cause himself to be bound to the jast, and his 
 people to be strictly enjoined, whatever he might say or do, by 
 no means to release hiin till they should have passed the Sirens' 
 island. Ulysses obeyed these directions. He filled the ears of 
 his people with wax, and suffered them to bind him with cords 
 firmly to the mast. As they api)roached the Sirens' island the 
 sea was calm, and over the waters came the notes of music so 
 ravishing and attractive that Ulysses struggled to get loose, and 
 by cries and signs to his people begged to be released ; but they, 
 
 
rhe men were 
 jned from the 
 ' after day, till 
 , and to have 
 pleiciiure. 
 
 (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 ;r sentiments, 
 ;e aided their 
 
 SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS. 
 
 3^3 
 
 y by the coast 
 had the i)0\vcr 
 so that the un- 
 hemseh'es into 
 )Ses to fill the 
 
 not hear the 
 I .last, and his 
 t say or do, by 
 scd the Sirens' 
 led the cars of 
 liin with cords 
 
 n;s' island the 
 c's of music so 
 
 get loose, and 
 lied; but they, 
 
 obedient to his previous orders, sprang forward and bound hira 
 still faster. 
 
 *♦ Now round the masts my mates the fetters rolled, 
 And boimd me limb by limb with fold on fold." 
 
 — Homer ^Pope). 
 
 They held on their course, and the music grew fainter till it 
 ceased to be heard, when with joy Ulysses gave his companions 
 the signal to unseal their ears, and they relieved him from his 
 bonds. 
 
 Scyl'la and Cha-ryb'dis. 
 
 Ulysses had been warned by Circe of the two monsters Scyl'la 
 and Cha-ryb'dis. We have already met with Scylla in the 
 story of Glaucus, and remember that she was once a beautifu'. 
 maiden, and was changed into a snaky monster by Circe. She 
 dwelt in a cave high up on the cliff, from whence she was accus- 
 tomed to thrust forth her long necks (for she had six heads), and 
 in each of her mouths to seize one of the crew of every vessel 
 passing within reach. , . • 
 
 •* No mariner can boast 
 That he has passed by Scylla with a crew ' 
 
 Unharmed ; she snatches from the deck and bears 
 Away in each grim mouth a living man." 
 
 — Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 The other terror, Charybdis, was a gulf, nearly on a level with 
 the water. Thrice each day the water rushed into a frightful 
 chasm, and thrice was disgorged. 
 
 '* And dire Charybdis rolls her thundering wave.'* 
 
 Any vessel coming near the whirlpool when the tide was rush- 
 ing in must inevitably be ingulfed j not Neptune himself could 
 save it.' 
 
 On approaching the haunt of the dread monsters, Ulysses kept 
 strict watch to discover them. The roar of the waters as Cha- 
 rybdis ingulfed them gave warning at a distance, but Scylla 
 
 * See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
 
 i fl 
 
 "i:i'*; 
 
 
304 
 
 STOMIES OF '}ODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and his men watched 
 with anxious eyes the dreadful whirlpool, they were not equally 
 on their guard from the attack of Scylla, and the monster, dan - 
 ing forth her snaky heads, caught six of his men, and bore them 
 away, shrieking, to her den. It was the saddest sight Ulysses had 
 yet seen; to behold his friends thus sacrificed and hear their 
 cries, unable to afford them any assistance. 
 
 Circe had warned him of another danger. After passing Scylla 
 and Charybdis, the next land he would make was Thrinakia, an 
 island whereon were pastured the cattle of Hyperion, the Sun, 
 tended by his daughters, Lampetia and Phaethusa. These floe ks 
 must not be violated, whatever the wants of the voyagers miglu 
 be. If this injunction were transgressed, destruction was sure to 
 fall on the offenders. 
 
 Ulysses would willingly have passed the island of the Sun 
 without stopping, but his companions so urgently pleaded for 
 the rest and refreshment that would be derived from anchoring 
 and passing the night on shore, that Ulysses yielded. He bound 
 them, however, with an oath that they would not touch one of 
 the animals of the sacred flocks and herds, but content them- 
 selves with what provision they yet had left of the supply which 
 Circe had p at on board. So long as this supply lastcvd the peo])le 
 kept their oath, but contrary winds detained them at the island 
 for a month, and after consuming all their stock of provisions, 
 they were forced to rely upon the birds and fishes they ( ould 
 catch. Famine pressed them, and at length one day, in the ab- 
 sence of Ulysses, they slew some of the cattle, vainly attempting 
 to make amends for the deed by offering from them a portion to 
 the offended powers. Ulysses, on his return to the shore, was 
 horror-struck at perceiving what they had done, and the more 
 so on account of the portentous signs which followed. I'he skins 
 crept on the ground, and the joints of meat lowed on the spits 
 while roasting. 
 
 *' The sacred oxen of the Sun, whose flesh 
 Destnied to utter a tremendous voice, 
 The banquet shall embitter."— EURIPIDKS. 
 
 The wind becoming fair, they sailed from the island. They 
 had not gone far when the weather changed, and a storm of 
 
CALYPSO. 
 
 305 
 
 aen watched 
 not equally 
 onster, dart- 
 d bore them 
 ; Ulysses had 
 i hear their 
 
 assing Scylla 
 'hrinakia, an 
 on, the Sun, 
 These flocks 
 yagers might 
 n was sure to 
 
 L of the Sun 
 r pleaded for 
 m anchoring 
 He bound 
 touch one of 
 pntent them- 
 supply which 
 ed the peoi)le 
 
 at the island 
 >f provisions, 
 2S they could 
 ly, in the ab- 
 
 y attemi)ting 
 1 a portion to 
 )e shore, was 
 md the more 
 i. The skins 
 I on the si)its 
 
 land. They 
 id a storm of 
 
 tluinder and lightning ensued. A stroke of lightning shattered 
 ihoir mast, which in its fall killed the pilot. At last the vessel 
 itself went to pieces. The keel and mast floating side by side, 
 
 Helios, or Sol. Relief. (From Troy.) 
 
 Ulysses formed of them a raft, to which he clung, and, the wind 
 changing, the waves bore nim to Calypso's island. All the rest 
 of the crew perished. 
 
 •* I have often heard 
 My mother Circe and the i-'-'-ens three, 
 Amidst the Howery-kirtled Naiades, 
 Culling their potent herbs and baneful drugs, 
 Who as Uicy sung would take the prisoned soul 
 And lap it in Elysium. Scylla wept. 
 And chid her barking waves into attention, 
 And fell Charybdis murmured softapplause."^MlLTOH, 
 
 Ca-lyp'so. 
 
 Ca-lyp'so was a sea-nymph, which name denotes a numerous 
 
 olass of female divinities of lower rank, yet sharing many of the 
 
 attributes of the gods. Calypso received Ulysses hospitably, 
 
 90 
 
 y0* 
 
 I , 
 
 m 
 
 \iH 
 
 ! 
 
 %^ 
 
 ^'i* 
 
 *»;.* 
 
 MM 
 
 \^t 
 
3o6 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 i' 
 
 hi 
 
 
 *%fr.''' 
 
 entertained him magnificently, became enamoured of him, and 
 wiahed to retain him forever, conferring on him immortality. 
 But he persisted in his resolution to return to his country and 
 his wife and son. Calypso at last received the command of Jove 
 to dismiss him. Mercury brought the message to her, and found 
 her in her grotto, which is thus described by Homer :^-' 
 
 " A garden vine, luxuriant on all sides, 
 Mantled the spacious cavern, cluster-hung 
 Profuse ; four fountains of serenest lymph. 
 Their sinuous course pursuing side by side, 
 Strayed all around, and everywhere appeared 
 Meadows of softest verdure, purpled o'er 
 Witii violets ; it was a scene to fill 
 A gcd from heaven with wonder and delight" 
 
 Calypso with much reluctance proceeded to obey the com- 
 mands of Jupiter. She supplied Ulysses with the means 6i con- 
 Htructing a raft, provisioned it well for him, and gave him a 
 favoring gale. He sped on his course prosperously for many 
 days, till at length, when in sight of land, a storm arose tliat 
 broke bis mast and threatened to rend the raft asunder. In this 
 crisis he was seen by a compassionate sea-nymph, who in the 
 form of a cormorant alighted on the raft and presented him a 
 girdle, directing him to bind it beneath his breast, and if he 
 Hhould be compelled to trust himself to the waves it would buoy 
 him up, and enable him by swimming to reach the land. 
 
 Te-lem'a-chus. 
 
 Fenelon, in his romance of Te-lem'a-chus, has given us the 
 adventures of the son of Ulysses in search of his father. Among 
 other places at which he arrived, following on his father's foot- 
 Hteps, was Calypso's isle, and, as in the former case, the goddess 
 tried every art to keep him with her, and offered to share her 
 Immortality with him. But Minerva, who in the shape of 
 Mentor accompanied him and governed all his movements, made 
 him repel her allurements, and when no other means of escape 
 could be found, the two friends leaped from a cliff into the sea 
 and swam to a vessel which lay becalmed off shore. Byron 
 
TELEMACHUS. 
 
 307 
 
 alludes to this leap of Telemachus and Mentor in the following 
 
 stanza : — 
 
 -.^.- 
 
 ** But not in silence pass Calypso's isles. 
 The sister tenants of the middle deep ; 
 There for the weary still a haven smiles, 
 Though the fair godies-: long has ceased to weep, 
 And o'er her cliffs a fruitless watch to keep 
 For him who dared prefer a mortal bride. 
 Here too his boy essayed the dreadful leap, 
 Stem Mentor urged from high to yonder tide ; 
 While thus of both bereft the nymph-queen doubly sijEbed.' 
 
 '"'*» 
 
 ! (• 
 
 sl* '^i 
 
 ^^ 
 
3o8 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 
 
 ' ri , 
 
 
 Wi 
 
 W l 
 
 1/ ,«' 
 
 111. ,». . 
 
 • ' •■■ » \ ij.i Its. ;„•.. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 The Phse-a'ci-ans— Fate of the Suitort 
 Th? Phae-a'ci-ans. ; - • 
 
 tho raft while any of its timbers kept w- 
 ■i<> longer yielded him support, binding the 
 
 gether, and vhv:n 
 girdle around him, he -m. Minerva smoothed the billows 
 before him, and sent him a wind that rolled the waves towards 
 the shore. The surf beat high on the rocks and seemed to for- 
 bid approach ; but at length, finding calm water at the mouth 
 of a gentle stream, he landed, spent with toil, breathless and 
 speechless, and almost dead. After some time, reviving, he kissed 
 the soil, rejoicing, yet at a loss what course to take. At a short 
 distance he perceived a wood, to which he turned his steps. 
 There, finding a covert sheltered by intermingling branches 
 alike from the sun and the rain, he collected a pile of leaves and 
 formed a bed, on which he stretched himself, and heaping the 
 leaves over him, fell asleep. 
 
 The land where he was thrown was Scheria, the country of 
 the Phae-a'ci-ans. These people dwelt originally near the 
 Cyclopes ; but being oppressed by that savage race, they migra- 
 ted to the isle of Scheria, under the conduct of Nausithoiis, 
 their king. They were, the poet tells us, a people akin to the 
 gods, who appeared manifestly and feasted among them when 
 they offered sacrifices, and did not conceal themselves from soli- 
 tary wayfarers when they met them. 
 
 «* The languid Sunset, mother of roses. 
 Lingers a light on the magic seas, i 
 
 The wide fire flames as a flower uncloses, 
 Heavy with odor and loose to the breeze." 
 
 — Lang, Song ofPhacia. 
 
 They liad abundance of wealth, and lived in the enjoyment 
 of it undisturbed by the alarms of war, for, as they dwelt remote 
 

 itort 
 
 ibers kept tu- 
 rt, binding the 
 ;d the billows 
 waves towards 
 seemed to for- 
 at the mouth 
 breathless and 
 ving, he kissed 
 e. At a short 
 ned his steps. 
 ;ling branches 
 e of leaves and 
 heaping the 
 
 lie country of 
 lally near the 
 , they migra- 
 of Nausithoiis, 
 )le akin to the 
 ig them when 
 Ives from soli* 
 
 v of Phacia. 
 
 :he enjoyment 
 ' dwelt remote 
 
 ■4fA 
 
 »% 
 
 
 MINERVA (ATHENE). 
 Parthenon. 
 
 > y 
 
 
 
 
;i 
 
 
 111 
 
THE PH^ACIANS. 
 
 309 
 
 from gain-seeking man, no enemy ever approached their shores, 
 and they did not even require to make use of bows and quivers. 
 Their chief employment was navigation. Their ships, which 
 went with the velocity of birds, were endued with intelligence; 
 they knew every port and needed no pilot. 
 
 " In wondrous ships, self-moved, instinct with mind ; 
 No helm secures their course, no pilot guides ; 
 Like man intelligent they plough the tides, 
 Conscious of every COP St and every bay 
 That lies beneath the sun's all- seeing ray." — Homer. 
 
 Alcinous, the son of Nausithoiis, was now their king, a wise 
 and just sovereign, beloved by his people. 
 
 Now it happened that the very night on which Ulysses was 
 cast ashore on the Phaeacian island, and while he lay sleeping on 
 his bed of leaves, Nausicaa, the daughter of the king, had a 
 dream, sent by Minerva, reminding her that her wedding-day 
 was not far distant, and that it would be but a prudent prepara- 
 tion for that event to have a general washing of the clothes of 
 the family. This was no slight affair, for the fountains were at 
 some distance and the garments must be carried thither. On 
 awaking, the princess hastened to her parents to tell them what 
 was on her mind — not alluding to her wedding-day, but finding 
 other reasons equaily good. Her father readily assented, and 
 ordered the grooms to furnish forth a wagon for the purpose. 
 The clothes were put therein, and the queen-mother placed in 
 the wagon likewise an abundant supply of food and wine. The 
 princess took her seat and plied the lash, her attendant virgins 
 following her on foot. Arrived at the river-side, they turned 
 out the mules to graze, and unlading the carriage, bore the gar- 
 ments down to the water, and working with cheerfulness and 
 alacrity, soon despatched their labor. Then, having spread the 
 garments on the shore to dry, and having themselves bathedj 
 they sat down to enjoy their meal ; after which they rose and 
 amused themselves with a game of ball, the princess singing to 
 them while they played. But when they had refolded the ap- 
 parel and were about to resume their way to the town, Minerva 
 caused the ball thrown by the princess to fall into the water, 
 whereat they all screamed, and Ulysses awaked at the sound. 
 
 » 'I 
 
 Mm 
 
 ¥^ . If 
 
 'if' 
 
 l\ 
 
 
 '■•ii'^ 
 
'^^'iLIt 
 
 it k. a * . 
 
 310 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 Now we must picture to ourselves Ulysses, a shipwrecked 
 mariner, but a few hours escaped from the waves, and utterly 
 destitute of clothing, awaking and discovering that only a few 
 bushes were interposed between him and a group of young 
 maidens, whom by their deportment and attire he discovered to 
 be not mere peasant girls, but of a higher class. Sadly needing 
 help, how could he yet venture, naked as he was, to discover 
 himself and make his wants known? It certainly was a case 
 worthy of the interposition of his patron goddess Minerva, who 
 never failed him at a crisis. Breaking off a leafy branch from a 
 tree, he held it before him and stepped out from the thicket. 
 The virgins at sight of him fled in all directions, Nausicaa alone 
 excepted, for Minerva aided and endowed her with courage and 
 discernment. Ulysses, standing respectfully aloof, told his sad 
 case and besought the fair object (whether queen or goddess he 
 professed he knew not) for food and clothing. The princess re- 
 plied courteously, promising present relief and her father's hos- 
 pitality when he should become acquainted with the facts. She 
 called back her scattered maidens, chiding their alarm, and re- 
 minding them that the Phaeacians had no enemies to fear. This 
 man, she told them, was an unhappy wanderer, whom it was a 
 duty to cherish, for the poor and stranger are from Jove. 
 
 ** 'Tis ours this son of sorrow to relieve, 
 Cheer the sad heart, nor let affliction grieve j 
 By Jove the stranger and the poor are sent, 
 And what to those we give to Jove is lent." 
 
 — Homer (Pope). 
 
 She bade them bring food and clothing, for some of her 
 brothers' garments were among the contents of the wagon. 
 When this was done, and Ulysses, retiring to a sheltered place, 
 had washed his body free from the sea-foam, clothed and re- 
 freshed himself with food, Pallas dilated his form and diffused 
 grace over his ample chest and manly brows. 
 
 The princess, seeing him, was filled with admiration, and scru- 
 pled not to say to her damsels that she wished the gods would 
 send her such a husband. To Ulysses she recommended that 
 he should repair to the city, following herself and train so f;iras 
 the way lay through the fields ; but when they should approach 
 
THE PHJEACIANS, 
 
 3" 
 
 I shipwrecked 
 :s, and utterly 
 lat only a few 
 )up of young 
 
 discovered to 
 Sadly needing 
 ls, to discover 
 ly was a case 
 Minerva, who 
 branch from a 
 m the thicket. 
 S'ausicaa alone 
 ii courage and 
 r, told his sad 
 or goddess he 
 lie princess re- 
 r father's hos- 
 he facts. She 
 ilarm, and re- 
 to fear. This 
 whom it was a 
 
 Jove. 
 
 OMER (Pope). 
 
 some of her 
 
 the wagon. 
 
 eltered place, 
 
 )thed and re- 
 
 and diffused 
 
 tion, and seni- 
 le gods would 
 iimended that 
 train so for as 
 3uld approach 
 
 the city she desired that he would no longer be seen in her com- 
 pany, for she feared the remarks which rude and vulgar people 
 might make on seeing her return accompanied by such a gallant 
 stranger — to avoid which she directed him to stop at a grove 
 adjoining the city, in which were a farm and garden belonging 
 to the king. After allowing time for the princess and her com- 
 panions to reach the city, he was then to pursue his way thither, 
 and would be easily guided, by anyone whom he might meet, to 
 the royal abode. 
 
 Ulysses obeyed the directions, and in due time proceeded to 
 the city, on approaching which he met a young woman bearing 
 a pitcher forth for water. It was Minerva, who had assumed that 
 form. Ulysses accosted her, and desired to be directed to the 
 palace of Alcinous the king. The maiden replied respectfully, 
 offering to be his guide ; for the palace, she informed him, stood 
 near her father's dwelling. Under the guidance of the goddess, 
 and by her power enveloped in a cloud which shielded him from 
 observation, Ulysses passed among the busy crowd, and with 
 wonder observed their harbor, their shi;)s, their forum (the re- 
 sort of heroes), and their battlements, till they came to the palace, 
 where the goddess, having first given him some information of 
 the country, king and people he was about to meet, left him. 
 Ulysses, before entering the court -yard of the palace, stood and 
 surveyed the scene. Its splendor astonished him. Brazen walls 
 stretched from the entrance to the interior house, of which the 
 doors were gold, the door-posts silver, the lintels silver orna- 
 mented with gold. On either side were figures of mastiffs 
 wrought in gold and silver, standing in rows, as if to guard the 
 approach. Along the walls were seats spread through all their 
 length, with mantles of finest texture, the work of Phaeacian 
 maidens. On ti.ose seats the princes sat and feasted, while 
 golden statues of graceful youths held in their hands lighted 
 torches, which shed radiance over the scene. Full fifty female 
 menials served in household offices, some employed to grind the 
 corn, others to wind off the purple wool or ply the loom ; for 
 *.he Phoeacian women as far exceeded all other women in house 
 hold arts as the mariners of that country did the rest of maiikind 
 in the management of ship '. Without the court a spacious garden 
 lay, four acres in extent. In i*; grew many a lofty tree — ^porne* 
 
 
 % 
 
 m 
 
 i, wl 
 
 ^■ If:, 
 
 » ■'■ 
 
 ■■ .* 
 
 
 i 
 
 
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 ■14 
 
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 $12 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 granate, pear, apple, fig, and olive. Neither winter's cold noi 
 summer's drought arrested their growth, but they flourished in 
 constant succession, some budding while others were maturing. 
 The vineyard was equally prolific. In one quarter you might 
 see the vines, .^.ome in blossom, some loaded with ripe grapes, 
 and in another observe the vintagers treading the wine-press. 
 
 ** To Pallas' sacred shades, the holy ground. 
 We bend our way,"— Homer. ' 
 
 On the garden's borders flowers of all hues bloomed all the 
 year round, arranged with neatest art. In the midst two foun- 
 tains poured forth their waters, one flowing by artificial channels 
 over all the garden, the other conducted through the court-yard 
 of the palace, whence every citizen might draw his supplies. 
 
 Ulysses stood gazing in admiration, unobserved himself, for 
 the cloud which Minerva sj)read around him still shielded him. 
 At length, having sufficiently observed the sc^ne, he advanced 
 with rapid step into the hall where the chiefs '^nd senators were 
 assembled, pouring libation to Mercury, whose worship followed 
 the evening meal. Just then Minerva dissolved the cloud and 
 disclosed him to the assembled chiefs. Advancing to the jilace 
 where the queen sat, he knelt at her feet and implored her tavor 
 and assistance to enable him to return to his native country. 
 Then withdrawing, he seated himself in the manner of siii)|)li- 
 ants, at the hearth-side. 
 
 For a time none spoke. At last an aged statesman, addressing 
 the king, said, ** It is not fit that a stranger who asks our hospi- 
 tality should be kept waiting in suppliant guise, none welcoming 
 him. Let him therefore be led to a seat among us and supplied 
 with food and wine." At these words the king, rising, gave his 
 hand to Ulysses and led him to a scat, disj)lacing thence his own 
 Bon to make room for the stranger. 
 
 ** His sage advice iho listening king '^l^eys, 
 
 He stretched his Imnd the prii(l(M)i Jiief to raise, 
 
 And from his seat his son removed." — IIomkr (Pope). 
 
 Food and wine were set before him, and he ate and refreshed 
 himself 
 The king then dismissed his guests, notifying them that the 
 
TH£J PHJEACIANS. 
 
 313 
 
 next day he would call them to council to consider what had 
 best be done for the stranger. 
 
 When the guests had departed and Ulysses was left alone with 
 the king and queen, the queen asked him who he was and whence 
 he came, and (recognizing the clothes which he wore as those 
 which her maidens and herself had made) from whom he re- 
 ceived those garments. He told them of his residence in Ca- 
 lypso's isle and his departure thence ; of the wreck of his raft, 
 tiis escape by swimming, and of the relief afforded by the princess. 
 The parents heard approvingly, and the king promised to furnish 
 a ship in which his guest might return to his own land. 
 
 The next day the assembled chiefs confirmed the promise of 
 the king. A bark was prepared and a crew of stout rowers se- 
 lected, and all betook themselves to the palace, where a bounte- 
 ous repast was provided. After the feast the king proposed that 
 the young men should show their guest their proficiency in manly 
 sports, and all went forth to the arena for games of running, 
 wrestling, and other exercises. After all had done their best, 
 Ulysses, being challenged to show what he could do, at first de- 
 clined, but being taunted by one of the youths, seized a cjuoit of 
 weight far heavier than any the Phteacians had thrown, and sent 
 it farther than the utmost throw of theirs. 
 
 hem that the 
 
 "No more I waive 
 To prove the hero— slander stings the brave. "—HoMER. 
 
 All were astonished, and viewed their guest with greatly in- 
 creased respect. 
 
 After the games they returned to the hall, and the herald led 
 in Demodocus, the blind ban^i, — 
 
 ** Dear to the Muse, 
 Who yet appointed him liolli good and ill, 
 Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine." — Homer. 
 
 He took for his theme the Wooden Horse, by means of which 
 the Greeks found entrance into Troy. Apollo inspired him, and 
 he sang so feelingly the terrors and the exploits of that eventful 
 time that all were delighted, but Ulysses was moved to tears. 
 
 •' And as he sang of war and death 
 The Lhieflain wept." — lIoMER. 
 
 ~ 'HH 
 
 ^Si 
 
 'M 
 
 
3H 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 mm 
 
 H 'f ^ 
 
 i 
 
 Observing which, Alcinous, when the song was done, demanded 
 of him why, at the mention of Troy, his sorrows awaked. Had 
 he lost there a father or brother, or any dear friend ? Ulysses 
 replied by announcing himself by his true name, and at their re- 
 quest recounted the adventures which had befallen him since his 
 departure from Troy. This narrative raised the sympathy and 
 admiration of the Phaeacians for their guest to the highest pitch. 
 The king proposed that all the chiefs should present him with 
 a gift, himself setting the example. They obeyed, and vied 
 with one another in loading the illustrious stranger with costly 
 gifts. , *" ■ 
 
 The next day Ulysses set sail in the Phaeacian vessel, and in a 
 short time arrived safe at Ithaca, his own island. When the ves- 
 sel touched the strand he was asleep. The mariners, without 
 waking him, carried him on shore, and landed with him the 
 chest containing his presents, and then sailed away. 
 
 Neptune was so displeased at the conduct of the Phaeacians ih 
 thus rescuing Ulysses from his hands that on the return of the 
 vessel to port he transformed it into a rock, right opposite the 
 mouth of the harbor. 
 
 " Me drew near 
 ' And smote it with his open palm, and made 
 
 The ship a rock, fast rooted in the bed 
 Of the deep sea." — Homer (Bryant's tr.). 
 
 Lord Carlisle thus speaks of Corfu, which he considers to be 
 the ancient Phaeacian island : 
 
 "The sites explain the Odyssey. The temple of the sea-god 
 could not have been more fitly placed, upon a grassy platfonii 
 of the most elastic turf, on the brow of a crag commanding har- 
 bor, and channel, and ocean. Just at the entrance of the inner 
 harbor there is a picturesque rock with a small convent perched 
 upon it, which by one legend is the transformed pinnace of 
 Ulysses. v 
 
 "Almost the only rivei* in the island is just at the pro|)er 
 distante from the probabie site of the city and palace of the 
 king to justify the princess Nausicaa having had resort to her 
 chariot and to luncheon when she went with the maidens of the 
 court to wash their garments." 
 
isiders to be 
 
 FATE OF THE SUITORS. 3 1 5 
 
 **To gain his home all cceans he explored, .• 
 
 Here Scylla frowned and there Charybdis roared ; 
 Horror OP sea— and horror on land — 
 In hell's dark boat he sought the spectre land, 
 Till borne — a slumberer — to his native spot, 
 He woke — and, sorrowing, knew his country not." 
 
 — Schiller (Hempel). 
 
 Fate of the Suitors. 
 
 Ulysses had now been away from Ithaca for twenty years, and 
 when le awoke he did not recognize his native land. Minerva 
 appeared to him in the form of a young shepherd, informed him 
 where he was, and told him the state of things at his palace. 
 More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca and of the neighboring 
 islands had been for years suing for the hand of Penelope, his 
 wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over his palace and 
 people as if they were owners of both. That he might be able 
 to take vengeance upon them, it was important that he should 
 not be recognized. Minerva accordingly metamorphosed him 
 into an unsightly beggar. 
 
 ** Propped on a staff, a beggar old and bare." 
 
 As such he was kindly received by Eumaeus, the swine-herd, 
 a faithful servant of his house. 
 
 Telemachus, his son, was absent in quest of his father. He 
 had gone to the courts of the other kings, who had returned 
 from the Trojan expedition. While on the search, he received 
 counsel from Minerva to return home. He arrived, and sought 
 luunneus to learn something of the state of affairs at the palace 
 l)efore presenting himself among the suitors. Finding a stranger 
 with EunKPiis, he treated him courteously, though in the garb 
 of a beggar, and promised him assistance. Eumaeus was sent 
 to the palace to inform Penelope privately of her son's arrival, 
 for caution was necessary with regard to the suitors, who, as 
 Telemachus had learned, were i)lotting to intercept and kill 
 liim. When Eum.TUS was gone, Minerva i)resented herself to 
 IHysses, and directed him to make himself known to his son. 
 At the same time she touched him, removed at once from liim 
 the appearance of age and penury, and gave him the asjiect of 
 vigorous manhood that belonged to him. Telemachus viewed 
 
 
 i 
 
 i, (■'] 
 
 i » 
 
 mhi 
 

 316 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 him with istonishment, and at first thought he must be more 
 than mortal. But Ulysses announced himself as his father, and 
 accounted for the change of appearance by explaining that it 
 
 was Minerva's doing. 
 
 ** Then threw Telemachus 
 His arms around his father's neck and wept. 
 Desire intense of lamentation seized 
 On both ; soft murmurs uttering, each indulged 
 His grief." — HoMER. ■, '. 
 
 The father and son took counsel together how they should 
 get the better of the suitors and punish them for their outrag&s. 
 It was arranged that Telemachus should proceed to the palace 
 and mingle with the suitors as formerly ; that Ulysses should also 
 go as a beggar, a character which in the rude old times had dif- 
 ferent privileges from what we concede to it now. As trav ^llcr 
 and story-teller, the beggar was admitted in the halls of chief 
 tains, and often treated like a guest — though sometimes, al: 0, 
 no doubt, with contumely. Ulysses charged his son not to be- 
 tray, by any display of unusual interest in him, that he knew 
 him to be other than he seemed, and even if he saw him insulted 
 or beaten, not to interpose otherwise than he might do for any 
 stranger. At the palace they found the usual scene of feasting 
 and riot going on. The suitors pretended to receive Telema< bus 
 with joy at his return, though secreUy mortified at the failure of 
 their plots to take his life. The old beggar was permitted to 
 enter, and provided with a portion from the table. A touching 
 incident occurred as Ulysses entered the court-yard of the palace. 
 An old dog lay in the yard almost dead with age, and seeing a 
 stranger enter, raised his head, with ears erect. It was Argus, 
 Ulysses' own dog, that he had in other days often led to the 
 
 chase. 
 
 ** Soon as he perceived 
 
 Long lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears 
 
 Clapped close, and with his tail glad sign he gave 
 * Of gratulation, impotent to rise. 
 
 And (() approach his master as of old. 
 
 Ulysses, noting him, wiped off a tear 
 
 Uniuar' ■^ 1." — IIoMER. 
 
 As Uiysscs sat citing his portioii in the hall, the suitors soon 
 bcgar* to extabit their insolence to him. When he mildly re- 
 
FATE OF THE SUITORS, 
 
 31; 
 
 monstrated, one of them raised a stool, and with it gave him a 
 blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his indignation at 
 seeing his father so treated in his own hall, but remembering 
 his father's injunctions, said no more than what became him as 
 master Oi' the house, though young and protector of his guests, 
 
 Penelope had protracted her decision in favor of either of her 
 suitors so long that there seemed to be no further pretence for 
 delay. The continued absence of her husband seemed to prove 
 that his return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile, her 
 son had grown up, and was able to manage his own affairs. She 
 therefore consented to submit the question of her choice to a 
 trial of skill among the suitors. The test selected was shooting 
 with the bow. Twelve rings were arranged in a line, and he 
 whose arrow was sent through the whole twelve was to have the 
 queen for his prize. 
 
 " Who now can bend Ulysses' bow and wing 
 The well-aimed arrow thro' the distant ring 
 Shall end the strife." — Homer (Pope). 
 
 A bow that one of his brother heroes had given to Ulysses in 
 former times was brought from the armory, and with its quiver 
 full of arrows was laid in the hall. Telemachus had taken care 
 that all other weapons should be removed, under pretence that 
 hi the heat of competition there was danger, in some rash mo- 
 ment, of putting them to an improper use. 
 
 All things being prepared for the trial, the first thi to be 
 done was to bend the bow in order to attach the string Telem- 
 achus endeavored to do it, but found all his efforts frui .'ss, and 
 modestly confessing that he had attempted a task b« vond his 
 stiength, he yielded th; ^ow to another. Ife tried : with no 
 better success, and, amidst the laughter and jeers nf his com- 
 panions, gave it up. Another tried it, and another ; tiiey rubbed 
 the bow with tallow, but all to no purpose ; it would i\ot bend, 
 rhen spoke Ulysses, humbly suggesting that he should be per- 
 \nitted to try ; for, said he, 
 
 '♦ Though old and poor, T once bore arms j 
 Nor is the bow yet strange to me." — IIoMER. 
 
 The suitors hooted with derision, and commanded to turn him 
 
 n - 
 
 ;i; 
 
 
 ifi," 
 
 III 
 
 
 
 ■if 
 
318 
 
 STORIES OF aODS AND HEROES 
 
 
 ,.^ <* 
 
 Oiit of the hall for his insolence. But Telemachus spoke up for 
 him, and merely to gratify the old man, bade him try. Ulysses 
 took the bow and handled it with the hand of a master. With 
 ease he adjusted the cord to its notch ; then fitting an arrow to 
 the bow, he drew the string and sped the arrow unerring through 
 the rings. '. • . 
 
 Without allowing them time to express their astonishment he 
 «aid, "Now for another mark!" and aimed direct at the most 
 insolent one of the suitors. The arrow pierced through his throat 
 and he fell dead. Telemachus, Eumaeus and another faithful 
 follower, well armed, now sprang to the side of Ulysses. The 
 suitors, in amazement, looked round for arms, but found none ; 
 neither was there any way of escape, for Eumaeus had secured 
 the door. Ulysses left them not long in uncertainty ; he an- 
 nounced 'himself as the long-lost chief, whose house they had in- 
 vaded, whose substance they had squandered, whose wife and 
 son they had persecuted for ten long years, and told them he 
 meant to have ample vengeance. 
 
 ** Then grimly frowning with a dreadful look 
 •That withered all their hearts, Ulysses spoke : 
 * Dogs, ye have had your day.' " — IIomkr (Pope). 
 
 All were slain, and Ulysses was left master of his palace, and 
 possessor of his kingdom and his wife. 
 
 "Come, my friends, 
 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world. 
 Push off, and sitting well in order smite 
 The sounding furrows ; for my purpose holds 
 To sail heyond the sunset, and the baths 
 Of all the western stars, until I die. 
 It may be that the gulfs will wash us down ; 
 It may be we shall touch the ITappy Isles, 
 And see the great iVchilles whom we knew." — Tknnyscx 
 
ADVENTURES OF MNEAS. 
 
 3J9 
 
 / ■ 
 # 
 
 is palace, and 
 
 "- Tennysc.n 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Adventures of ^-ne'as — The Har'pies — Di'do — Pal-i- 
 
 nu'rus. 
 
 Adventures of ^-ne'as. 
 
 We have followed one of the Grecian heroes, Ulysses, in his 
 wanderings, on his return home from Troy, and now we propose 
 to share the fortunes of the remnant of the conquered people, 
 under their chief ^-ne'as, in their search for a new home, 
 after the ruin of their native city. On that fatal night when the 
 wooden horse disgorged its contents of armed men, and the cap- 
 ture and conflagration of the city were the result, ^neas made 
 his escape from the scene of destruction, with his father, and his 
 wife and young son. The father, Anchises, as no old to walk 
 with the speed required, and ^neas took him upon his shoulders. 
 
 ** Come then, </ts.r father ! on my shoulders I 
 Will bear thee, nor think the task severe." 
 ♦ — Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 Thus burdened, leading his son, and followed by his wife, he 
 made the best of his way out of the burning city j but, in the 
 confusion, his wife was swept away and lost. 
 
 On arriving at the place of rendezvous, numerous fugitives 
 of both sexes were found, who put themselves under the guid- 
 ance of vEneas, Some months were spent in preparation, and 
 at length they embarked. They first landed on the neighboring 
 shores of Thrace, and were preparing to build a city, but yF.neas 
 was deterred by a prodigy. Preparing to offer sacrifice, he tore 
 some twigs from one of the bushes. To his dismay the wounded 
 
 part dropped l)lood. 
 
 ♦* A groan 
 (irievous to hear came from beneath the mound." — ViRGiL. 
 
 When he repeated the act, a voice from the ground cried out 
 to him, " Spare me, .^neas ; I am your kinsman, Polydore, here 
 
 
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 32.0 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 
 I Y y^ljMi 4tJ 
 
 murdered with many arrows, from which a bush has grown, nour- 
 ished with my blood. ' ' These words recalled to the recollection 
 of -^neas that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom his 
 father had sent with ample treasures to the neighboring land of 
 Thrace, to be there brought up, at a distance from the horrors 
 of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him and 
 seized his treasures. ^-Eneas and his companions, considering 
 the land accursed by the stain of such a crime, hastened away. 
 
 They next landed on the island of Delos, which was once a 
 floating island, till Jupiter fastened it by adamantine chains to 
 the bottom of the sea. Apollo and Diana were born there, and 
 the island was sacred to Apollo. Here ^Eneas consulted the 
 oracle of Apollo, and received an answer, ambiguous as usual, — 
 "Seek your ancient mother; there the race of ^neas shall 
 dwell, and reduce all other nations to their sway. ' ' 
 
 *' There shall /Eneas' house, renewed 
 For ages, rule a world subdued." 
 
 — Virgil (Conington's tr.) 
 
 The Trojans heard with joy, and immediately began to ask 
 one another, "Where is the spot intended by the oracle?" 
 Anchises remembered that there was a tradition that their fore- 
 fathers * ame from Crete, and thither they resolved to steer. 
 They ariived at Crete and began to build their city, but sickness 
 broke out among them, and the fields that they had planted 
 failed to yield a crop. In this gloomy aspect of affairs ^Eneas 
 was warned in a dream to leave the country and seek a western 
 land, called Hesperia, whence Dardanus, the true founder of tlie 
 Trojan race, had originally migrated. To Hesperia, now called 
 Italy, therefore, they directed their future course, and not till 
 after many adventures, and the lapse of time sufficient to carry a 
 modern navigator several times round the world, did they arrive 
 there. 
 
 The Har'pies. 
 
 Their first landing was at the island of the Har'pies. These 
 were disgusting birds, with the heads of maidens, with long claws 
 and faces pale with hunger. 
 
 " Crooked claws for hands, 
 And faces with perpetual hunger pale." — ViRGlL. 
 
THE HARPtES. 
 
 3^1 
 
 They were sent by the gods to torment a certain Phineus, 
 v^hom Jupiter had deprived of his sight, in punishment of his 
 cruelty ; and whenever c\ meal was placed before him, the Har- 
 pies darted down from the air and carried it off. They were 
 driven away from Phineus by the heroes of the Argonautic ex- 
 pedition, and took refuge in the island where -^neas now found 
 them. 
 
 When they entered the port the Trojans saw herds of cattle 
 roaming over the plain. They slew as many as they wished, and 
 prepared for a feast. But no sooner had they seated themselves 
 at the table than a horrible clamor was heard in the air, and a 
 flock of these odious harpies came rushing down upon them, 
 seizing in their talons the meat from the dishes, and flying away 
 with it. ^neas and his companions drew their swords and 
 dealt vigorous blows among the monsters, but to no purpose, 
 for they were so nimble it was almost impossible to hit them, 
 and their featifers were like armor, impenetrable to steel. One 
 of them, perched on a neighboring cliff", screamed out, "Is it 
 thus, Trojans, you treat us innocent birds — first slaughter our 
 cattle, and then make war on ourselves ?' ' She then predicted 
 dire sufferings to them in their future course, and, having vented 
 her wrath, flew away. The Trojans made haste to leave the 
 country, and next found themselves coasting along the shore of 
 ■Epirus. Here they landed, and, to their astonishment, learned 
 that certain Trojan exiles, who had been carried there as prison- 
 ers, had become rulers of the country. Andromache, the widow 
 of Hector, became the wife of one of the victcrious Grecian 
 chiefs, to whom she bore a son. Her husband dying, she was 
 left regent of the country, as guardian of her son, and had mar- 
 ried a fellow -captive, Helenus, of the royal race of Troy. Hele- 
 nus and Andromache treated the exiles with the utmost hospi- 
 tality, and dismissed them loaded with gifts. 
 
 "In the palace halls 
 They pour the wine and drink 
 From cups of gold." — Virgil. 
 
 ^' 
 
 u, 
 
 1 ■{* j 
 
 
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 n 
 
 ■ 1 ■ 4 
 
 %^'4 
 
 From hence yEneas coasted along the shore of Sicily, and 
 passed the country of the Cyclopes. Here they were hailed 
 from the shore by a miserable object, whom by his garments, 
 
 
 . 4 
 
322 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEBOMS. 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
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 mi: 
 
 :.;,- .(=1 
 
 
 tattered as they were, they perceived to be a Greek. He told 
 them he was one of Ulyssec's companions, left behind by that 
 chief in his hurried departure. He related the story of Ulysses's 
 adventure with Polyphemus, and besought them to take him off 
 with them, as he had no means of sustaining his existence, where 
 he was, but wild berries and roots, and lived in constant fear of 
 the Cyclopes. While he spoke Polyphemus made his appear 
 ance ; a terrible monster, shapeless, vast, whose only eye had 
 been put out.* He walked with cautious steps, feeling his way 
 with a staff, down to the sea-side, to wash his eye-socket in the 
 waves. When he reached the water he waded out towards 
 them, and his immense height enabled him to advance far into 
 the sea, so that the Trojans, in terror, took to their oars to get 
 out of his way. Hearing the oars, Polyphemus shouted after 
 them, so that the shores resounded, and at the noise the other 
 Cyclopes came forth from their caves and woods, and lined the 
 shore, like a row of lofty pine trees. The Trojans plied their 
 vars, and soon left them out of sight. 
 
 ^neas had been cautioned by Helenus to avoid the strait 
 guarded by the monsters Scylla and Charybdis. 
 
 *' The whirlpool sucks the waters down, 
 Then spouts them forth again, 
 Lashing the very stars." — Virgil. 
 
 There Ulysses, the reader will remember, had lost six of his 
 men, seized by Scylla, while the navigators were wholly intent 
 upon avoiding Charybdis. ^neas, following the advice of 
 Helenus, shunned the dangerous pass and coasted along the 
 island of Sicily. 
 
 Juno, seeing the Trojans speeding their way prosperously to- 
 wards their destined shore, felt her old grudge against them re- 
 vive, for she could not forget the slight that Paris had put upon 
 her in awarding the prize of beauty to another. In heavenly 
 minds can such resentments dwell !" Accordingly she hastened 
 to Mollis, the ruler of the winds, — the same who supplied Ulysses 
 with favoring gales, giving him the contrary ones tied up in a 
 bag. iEolus obeyed the goddess and sent forth his sons, Boreas, 
 
 See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
 » Tbid. 
 
DIDO. 
 
 323 
 
 oid the strait 
 
 Typhon, and the other winds, to toss the ocean. A terrible 
 storm ensued, and the Trojan ships were driven out of their 
 course towards the coast of Africa. They were in imminent dan- 
 ger of being wrecked, and were separated, so that -^neas thought 
 that all were lost except his own. 
 
 At this crisis, Neptune, hearing the storm raging, and knowing 
 that he had given no orders for one, raised his head above the 
 waves, and saw the fleet of .^neas driving before the gale. 
 Knowing the hostility of Juno, he was at no loss to account for 
 it, but his anger was not the less at this interference in his prov- 
 ince. He called the winds, and dismissed them with a severe 
 reprimand. 
 
 ** * Back to your master instant flee, 
 And tell him, not to him but me 
 The imperial trident of the sea 
 Fell by the lot's award.' " 
 
 — Virgil (Comington's tr.). 
 
 He then soothed the waves, and brushed away the clouds from 
 before the face of the sun. Some of the tihips which had got on 
 the rocks he pried off with his own trident, while Triton and a 
 sea-nymph, putting their shoulders under others, set them afloat 
 again. The Trojans, when the sea became calm, sought the 
 nearest shore, which was the coast of Carthage, where ^neas 
 was so happy as to find that one by one the ships all arrived 
 safe, though badly shaken. 
 
 Di'do. 
 
 Carthage, where the exiles had no\ • arrived, was a spot on the 
 coast of Africa opposite .Sicily, where at that time a Tyrian colony 
 under Di'do, their queen, were laying the foir idations of a state 
 destined in later ages to be the rival of Rome itself. Dido was 
 the daughter of Belus, king of Tyre, and sister of Pygmalion, 
 who succeeded his father on the throne. Her husband was 
 Sichaeus, a man of immense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted 
 his treasures, caused him to be put to death. Dido, with a 
 numerous body of friends and followers, both men and women, 
 succeeded in eff"ecting their escape from Tyre in several vessels, 
 carrying with them the treasures of Sichaeus. On arriving at the 
 spot which they selected as the seat of their future home, they 
 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 asked of the natives only so much land as they could enclose with 
 a bull's hide. When this was readily granted, she caused the 
 hide to be cut into strips, and with them enclosed a spot on which 
 ' she built a citadel, and called it Byrsa (a hide). Around this fort 
 the city of Carthage rose, and soon became a powerful and flour- 
 ishing place. 
 
 Such was the state of affairs when ^neas with his Trojans 
 arrived there. Dido received the illustrious exiles with friend- 
 liness and hospitality. ''Not unacquainted with distress," she 
 said, ** I have learned to succcor the unfortunate. ' '* The queen's 
 hospitality displayed itself in festivities, at which games of strength 
 and skill were exhibited. The strangers contended for the palm 
 with her own subjects, on equal terms. The queen consented. 
 
 •* Draw up 
 Your ships. Trojans and Tyrians from me* , 
 
 Shall no distinction know." — Virgil (Cranch). l 
 
 At the feast which followed the games ^neas gave, at her re- 
 quest, a recital of the closing events of the Trojan history and his 
 own adventures after the fall of the city. Dido was charmed with 
 his discourse and filled with admiration of his exploits. She con- 
 ceived an ardent passion for him, and he for his part seemed well 
 content to accept the fortunate chance which appeared to offer 
 him at once a happy termination of his wanderings, a home, a 
 kingdom, and a bride. Months rolled away in the enjoyment 
 of pleasant intercourse, and i'<: seemed as if Italy and the empire 
 destined to be founded on its shores were alike forgotten — seeing 
 which, Jupiter despatched Mercury with a message to .^neas, 
 recalling him to a sense of his high destiny, and commanding him 
 to resume his voyage. 
 
 .^neas parted from Dido, though she tried every allurement 
 and persuasion to detain him. The blow to her affection and 
 her pride was too much for her to endure, and when she found 
 that he was gone she mounted a funeral pile which she had caused 
 to be prepared, and having stabbed herself was consumed with 
 the pile. The flames rising over the city were seen by the de- 
 parting Trojans, and though the cause was unknown, gave to 
 iGneas some intimation of the fatal event. 
 
 2 
 
 to 
 
 ► 
 
 > 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 Z 
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 o 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
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 2 
 
 m^ti 
 
 • See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
 • Ibid. 
 
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 lUurement 
 ction and 
 she found 
 lad caused 
 imed with 
 jy the de- 
 1, gave to 
 
 bid. 
 
PALINUBUS. 325 
 
 •* These flames the crael Trojan on the sea 
 Shall drink in with his eyes." — Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 Pal-i-nu'rus. 
 
 After touching at the island of Sicily, where Acestes, a prince 
 of Trojan lineage, bore sway, who gave them a hospitable recep- 
 tion, the Trojans re-embarked and held on their course for Italy. 
 Venus now interceded with Neptune to allow her son at last to 
 attain the wished-for goal and find an end of his perils on the 
 deep. Neptune consented, stipulating only for one life as a ran- 
 som for the rest. The victim was Pal-i-nu'rus, the pilot. As 
 he sat watching the stars, with his hand on the helm, Somnus, 
 sent by Neptune, approached in the guise of Phorbas and said, 
 " Palinurus, the breeze is fair, the water smooth, and the ship 
 sails steadily on her course. Lie down awhile and take needful 
 rest. I will stand at the helm in your place. ' ' Palinurus replied, 
 " Tell me not of smooth seas or favoring winds, — ^me who have 
 seen so much of their treachery. Shall I trust .^neas to the 
 chances of the weather and the winds ?" 
 
 •* And clinging to the helm 
 Held fast, and fixed his eyes upon the stars." — Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 But Somnus waved over him a branch moistened with Lethaean 
 dew, and his eyes closed in spite of all his efforts. Then Somnus 
 pushed him overboard and he fell ; but, keeping his hold upon 
 the helm, it came away with him. Neptune was mindful of his 
 promise, and kept the ship on her track without helm or pilot, 
 till ^neas discovered his loss, and, sorrowing deeply for his 
 faithful steersman, took charge of the ship himself. 
 
 The ships at last reached the shores of Italy, and joyfully did 
 the adventurers leap to land. 
 
 " And Italy rings first 
 Achates' voice, and Italy with shouts 
 Of joy the comrades greet." — iENEiD (Cranch). 
 
 While his people were employed in making their encampment 
 iEneas sought the abode of the Sibyl. It was a cave connected 
 with a temple and grove, sacred to Apollo and Diana. While 
 ^neas contemplated the scene, the Sibyl accosted him. She 
 
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 If 
 
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 'JM 
 
 
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 326 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 seemed to know his errand, and under the influence of the deity 
 of the place burst forth in a prophetic strain, giving dark inti- 
 mations of labors and perils through which he was destined to 
 make his way to nnal success. She closed with the encouraging 
 words which have become proverbial : "Yield not to disasters, 
 but press onward the more bravely." * ^neas replied that he 
 had prepared himself for whatever might await him. He had 
 but one request to make. Having been directed in a dream to 
 seek the abode of the dead in order to confer with his father, 
 Anchises, to receive from him a revelation of his future fortunes 
 and those of his race, he asked her assistance to enable him to 
 accomplish the task. The Sibyl replied, 
 
 *• To the shades you go a do'vn-hill, easy way ;> 
 But to return and re-enjoy the day, 
 This is a work, a labor !" — ViRGlL. 
 
 1 
 
 She instructed him to seek in the forest a tree on which grew a 
 golden branch. This branch was to be plucked off and borne 
 as a gift to Proserpine, and if fate was propitious it would yield 
 to the hand and quit its parent trunk, but otherwise no force 
 could rend it away. If torn away, another would succeed.* 
 
 ^neas followed the directions of the Sibyl. His mother, 
 Venus, sent two of her doves to fly before him and show him the 
 way, and by their assistance he found the tree, plucked the 
 branch, and hastened back with it to the Sibyl. 
 
 •'With eager hand 
 ^noas grasps and breaks the lingering branch, 
 And to the Sybil's dwelling bears it off." — ^VlRGlL (Crancli). 
 
 ^ See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
 Ibid. 
 
 Ibid. 
 
 M'::t< 
 
TME INFERNAL REGIONS, 
 
 32; 
 
 \\ 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 The Infernal Regions— The Sib'yl. 
 
 The Infernal Regions. 
 
 As at the COlwniencement of our series we have given the 
 pagan aceeuttt ©f the creation of the world, so, as we approach 
 its conelusimi, we present a view of the regions of the dead, de- 
 picted by one of their most en- 
 lightened ^mi%, who drew his 
 doctrines from their most es- 
 teemed philosophers. The re- 
 gion where Virgil locates the 
 entrance Into thl» abode is, per- 
 haps, the most strikingly adapted 
 to excite Ideas of the terrific and 
 preternatural of any on the face 
 of the earth. It Is the volcanic 
 region near Vesuvitis, where the 
 whole country fs cleft with 
 chasms from which sulphurous 
 flames arise, while the ground is 
 shaken with pent-up vapors, and 
 mysterious sounds issue from the 
 bowls of the earth. The lake 
 Avernus Is supposed to fill the 
 crater of an extinct volcano. It 
 is circular, half a mile wide and 
 
 very deep, surrounded by high banks, which in Virgil's time 
 were covered with a gloomy forest. Mephitic vapors rise from 
 its waters, so that no li^i is found on its banks, and no birds fly 
 over it. \\&ve^ a<;cording to the poet, was the cave which afforded 
 access to the infernal regions, and here .4''neas offered sacrifices 
 to the infernal deities, Proserpine, Hecate, and the Furies. Then 
 i roaring was heard in the earth, the woods on the hill -tops were 
 
 Hecate (Capitol, Rome). 
 
 
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 i 
 
 ■1'S 
 
 r 
 
 'm 
 
 \. 
 
 ^ 
 
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 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 shaken, and the howling of dogs announced e approach of the 
 deities. ** Now," said the Sib'yl, "sumn»v,xi up your courage, 
 for you will need it. ' ' She descended into the cave, and ^neas 
 followed. Pluto sat upon his throne, and by him were the three 
 Fates, with their thread and shears. One spun the thread of life, 
 and another twisted its bright and dark lines together, and an- 
 other severed it at will. 
 
 ** Twist ye, twine ye ! even so, 
 Mingle shades of joy and woe, 
 Hope, and fear, and peace, and strife, 
 In the thread of human life." — ScoTT. 
 
 Before the threshold of hell they passed through a group of 
 beings who are enumerated as Griefs and avenging Cares, pale 
 Diseases and melancholy Age, Fear and Hunger that tempt to 
 crime, 'i oil. Poverty and Death, forms horrible to view. The 
 Furies spread their couches there, and Discord, whose hair was 
 of vipers tied up with a bloody fillet. Here also were the mon- 
 sters, Briareus with his hundred arms. Hydras hissing, and Chi- 
 maeras breathing fire, -^neas shuddered at the sight, drew his 
 sword and would have struck, but the Sibyl restrained him. They 
 then came to the black river Cocytus, where they found the ferry- 
 man, Charon, old and squalid, but strong and vigorous, who was 
 receiving passengers of all kinds into his boat, magnanimous 
 heroes, boys and unmarried girls, as numerous as the leaves that 
 fall at autumn, or the flocks that fly southward at the approach 
 of winter. They stood pressing for a passage and longing to 
 touch the opposite shore. But the stern ferryman took in only 
 such as he chose, driving the rest back, ^neas, wondering at 
 the sight, asked the Sibyl, "Why this discrimination?" She 
 answered : 
 
 ••No one may pass 
 Those dreadful waves until his bones repose 
 Within a quiet grave. A hundred years » 
 
 They wander, flitting all around these shores. 
 Until at last they cross the wished-for lake." 
 
 — i^NEiD (Cranch). 
 
 JEnesiS grieved at recollecting some of his own companioni 
 who had perished in the storm. At that moment he beheld 
 
THE INFERNAL EE0I0N3. 
 
 329 
 
 proach of the 
 your courage, 
 e, and ^neas 
 vere the three 
 thread of life, 
 ther, and an- 
 
 gh a group of 
 
 ig Cares, pale 
 
 that tempt to 
 
 view. The 
 
 hose hair was 
 
 yere the mon- 
 
 >ing, and Chi- 
 
 ight, drew his 
 
 !d him. They 
 
 )und the ferry - 
 
 ►rous, who was 
 
 magnanimous 
 
 he leaves that 
 
 the approach 
 
 id longing to 
 
 took in only 
 
 wondering at 
 
 btion?" She 
 
 EiD (Cranch). 
 
 n companiom 
 nt he beheld 
 
 Palinurus, his pilot, who fell overboard and was drowned. He 
 addressed him, and asked him the cause of his misfortune. Pali- 
 
 Charon and Psycbe (A. Zick). 
 
 nurus replied that the rudder was carried away, and he, clinging 
 to it, was swept away with it. He besought ^neas most urgently 
 to extend to him his hand and take him in company to the oppo* 
 
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 '1 
 11 'I 
 
330 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Rill-;' uW.!, : 
 
 Si fe'*''f4l»i.| 
 
 site shore. But the Sibyl rebuked him for the wish thus to trans* 
 gress the laws of Pluto, but consoled him by informing him that 
 the people of the shore where his body had been wafted by the 
 waves should be stirred up by prodigies to give it due burial, 
 and that the promontory should bear the name of Cape Palinurus, 
 which it does to this day. Leaving Palinurus consoled by these 
 words, they approached the boat. Charon, fixing his eyes sternly 
 upon the advancing warrior, demanded by what right he, living 
 and armed, approached that shore. To which the Sibyl replied 
 that they would commit no violence, that -Eneas' s only object 
 was to see his father, and finally exhibited the golden branch, at 
 sight of which Charon's wrath relaxed, and he made haste to turn 
 his bark to the shore and receive them on board. The boat, 
 adapted only to the light freight of bodiless spirits, groaned under 
 the weight of the hero. They were soon conveyed to the oppo- 
 site shore. There they were encountered by the three-headed 
 dog Cerberus, with his necks bristling with snakes. He barked 
 with all his three throats till the Sibyl threw him a medicated 
 cake, which he eagerly devoured, and then stretched himself out 
 in his den and fell asleep, -^neas and the Sibyl sprang to land. 
 The first sound that struck their ears was the wailing of young 
 children who had died on the threshold of life, and near to these 
 were they who had perished under false charges. Minos presides 
 over them as judge, and examines the deeds of each. 
 
 " Minos shakes them ; he calls 
 The silent multitude, and learns from each 
 The story of his life and crimes." — i^NEm (Cranch). 
 
 The next class was of those who had died by their own hand, 
 hating life and seeking refuge in death. O, how willingly would 
 they now endure poverty, labor, and any other infliction, if they« 
 might but return to life 1 Next were situated the regions of sad- 
 ness, divided off into retired paths, leading through groves of 
 myrtle. Here roamed those who had fallen victims to unre- 
 quited love, not freed from pain even by death itself. Among 
 these, .^neas thought he descried the form of Dido, with a wound 
 still recent. In the dim light he was for a moment uncertain, 
 but approaching, perceived it was indeed herself. Tears fell 
 from his eyes, and he addressed her in the accents of love. " Un- 
 
THE INFERNAL REGIONS. 
 
 331 
 
 happy Dido ! was then the rumor true that you had perished? 
 and was I, alas ! the cause ? I call the gods to witness that my 
 departure from you was reluctant, and in obedience to the com- 
 mands of Jove ; nor could I oelieve that my absence would have 
 cost you so dear. Stop, I beseech you, and refuse me not a last 
 farewell." She stood for a moment with averted countenance 
 and eyes fixed on the ground, and then silently passed on, as in- 
 sensible to his pleadings as a rock, ^neas followed for some 
 distance ; then, with a heavy heart, rejoined his companion and 
 resumed his route. 
 
 They next entered the fields where roam the heroes who had 
 fallen in battle. Here they saw many shades of Grecian and 
 Trojan warriors. The Trojans thronged around him, and could 
 not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the cause of his 
 coming, and plied him with innumerable questions. But the 
 Greeks, at the sight of his armor glittering through the murky 
 atmosphere, recognized the hero, and, filled with terror, turned 
 their backs and fled, as they used to do on the plains of Troy . 
 
 *' This way for us 
 Into Elysiiun, while the left way sends 
 The wicked to their punishment." — iENEiD. 
 
 ^neas would have lingered long with his Trojan friends, but 
 the Sibyl hurried him away. They next came to a place where 
 the road divided, the one leading to Elysium, the other to the 
 regions of the condemned, ^neas beheld on one side the walls 
 of a mighty city, around which Phlegethon rolled its fiery 
 waters. Before him was the gate of adainant that neither gods 
 nor men can break through. An iron tower stood by the gate, 
 on which Tisiphone, the avenging Fury, kept guard. From the 
 city were heard groans, and the sound of the scourge, the creak- 
 ing of iron, and the clanking of chains, .^neas, horror-struck, 
 inquired of his guide what crimes were those whose punishments 
 produced the sounds he heard ? The Sibyl answered, ** Here is 
 the judgment -hall of Rhadamanthus, who brings to light crimes 
 done in life, which the perpetrator vainly thought impenetrably 
 hid. Tisiphone applies her whip of scorpions, and delivers the 
 offender over to her sister Furies. ' ' At this moment, with horrid 
 clang, the brazen gates unfolded, and ^Eneas saw within a Hydra, 
 
 
 il.i 
 
Via 
 
 332 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
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 R r>m 
 
 .§ 
 
 i2 
 
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 THE INFERNAL BEOIO. 
 
 tJ^ 
 
 ^Jl 
 
 333 
 
 / 
 
 with fifty heads, guarding the entrance. TbrSibyl tola l((hn that 
 the gulf of Tartarus descended deep, so that its recetsflK were as 
 far beneath their feet aS heaven was high aboVe their pads. In 
 the bottom of this pit the Titan race, who Iwarred igaing^the 
 gods. He prostrate; Salmoneus, also, who prfesumed/to vie wi.h 
 Jupiter, and built a bridge of brass /oyer which he drove his 
 chariot, that the sound might resembl^tMn^r, launching flaming 
 brands at his people in imitation of lightriing^ill Jupiter stnick 
 him with a real thunderbolt, and taught him the difference 
 between mortal weapons and divine. Here also is Tityus, the 
 giant, whose form is so immense that as he lies he stretches over 
 nine acres, while a vulture preys upon his liver, which as fast as 
 it is devoured grows again, so that his punishment will have no 
 end. 
 
 ^neas saw groups seated at tables loaded with dainties, while 
 near by stood a Fury, who snatched away the viands from their 
 
 lips as fast as they prepared to taste them. 
 
 ,- . '. 
 
 '* And beside them sits 
 The queen of Furies, and forbids to touch 
 The food."— Virgil. 
 
 « 
 
 Others beheld suspended over their heads huge rocks, threat- 
 ening to fall, keeping them in a state of constant alarm. These 
 were they who had hated their brothers, or struck their parents, or 
 defrauded the friends who trusted them, or who, having grown 
 rich, kept their money to themselves and gave no share to others — 
 the last being the most numerous class. Here also were those 
 who had violated the marriage-vow, or fought in a bad cause, or 
 failed in fidelity to their employers. Here was one who had sold 
 his country for gold ; another who perverted the laws, making 
 them say one thing to-day and another to-morrow. 
 
 Ixion was there, fastened to the circumference of a wheel cease- 
 lessly revolving. 
 
 '* Proud Ixion, doom'd to feel 
 The tortiu-es of the eternal wheel." 
 
 — Sophocles •( Francklin' s tr. ). 
 
 And Sisyphus, whose task was to roll a hugh stone up to a hill- 
 top, but when the steep was well-nigh gained, the rock, repulsed 
 by some sudden force, rushed again headlong down to the plain. 
 
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334 
 
 STORIES OF &ODS AJfI> HEROES. 
 
 
 'liill 
 
 Again he toiled at it, while the sweat bathed all his weary limbs^ 
 but all to no effect. 
 
 •* With many a weary step and many a groan, 
 Up the high hill he heaves a huge round stone." 
 
 — Homer (Pope's tr.). 
 
 There was Tantalus, who stood in a pool, his chin level with 
 the water, yet he was parched with thirst, and found nothing to 
 assuage it ; for when he bowed his hoary head, eager to quaff, 
 the water fled away, leaving the ground at his feet all dry. Tall 
 trees laden with fruit stooped their heads to him — pears, pome- 
 granates, apples, and luscious figs; but when, with a sudden 
 grasp, he tried to seize them, winds whirled them high above his 
 
 reach. r . 
 
 " The fruit he strives to seize, but blasts arise. 
 
 Toss it on high, and whirl it to the skies." 
 
 — Homer (Pope's tr.). 
 
 The Sibyl now warned .^neas that it was time to turn from 
 these melancholy regions and seek the city of the blessed. They 
 passed through a middle tract of darkness and came upon the 
 Elysian fields, the groves where the happy reside. They breathed 
 a freer air, and saw all objects clothed in a purple light. The 
 region has a sun and stars of its own. The inhabitants were en- 
 joying themselves in various ways — some in sports on the grassy 
 turf, in games of strength or skill ; others dancing or singing. 
 Orpheus struck the chords of his lyre, and called forth ravishing 
 sounds. Here .^neas saw the founders of the Trojan state, 
 magnanimous heroes, who lived in happier times. He gazed 
 with admiration on the war-chariots and glittering arms now re- 
 posing in disuse. Spears stood fixed in the ground, and the 
 horses, unharnessed, roamed over the plain. The same pride 
 'in splendid armor and generous steeds which the old heroes felt 
 in life accompanied them here. He saw another group feast- 
 ing and listening to the strains of music. They were in a laurel 
 grove, whence the great river Po has its origin, and flows out 
 among men. Here dwelt those who fell by v/ounds received in 
 their country's cause ; holy priests, also, and poets who have ut- 
 tered thoughts worthy of Apollo, and others who have contribu- 
 ted to cheer and adorii life by their discoveries in the useful arts^ 
 
THE INFERNAL REGIONS. 
 
 33S 
 
 and have made their memory blessed by rendering service to 
 
 mankind. 
 
 •* Patriots who perished for their country's rights, 
 Or nobly triumphed in the fields of fight ; 
 There holy priests and sacred poets stood. 
 Who sang with all the raptures of a god : 
 Worthies whose lives by useful arts refined, 
 With those who leave a deathless name behind, 
 I Friends of the world and fathers of mankind." — Virgil. 
 
 They wore snow-white fillets about their brows. The Sibyl ad* 
 dressed a group of these, and inquired where Anchises was to 
 be found. They were directed where to seek him, and soon 
 found him in a verdant valley, where he was contemplating the 
 ranks of his posterity, their destinies and worthy deeds to be 
 achieved in coming times. When he recognized .^neas ap- 
 proaching, he stretched out both hands to him, while tears 
 flowed freely. "Have you come at last," said he, "long ex- 
 pected, and do I behold you after such perils past ? O, my son, 
 how have I trembled for you as I have watched your career !" 
 To which ^neas replied, "O, father I your image was always 
 before me to guide and guard me." Then he endeavored to 
 enfold his father in his embrace, but his arms enclosed only an 
 unsubstantial image, 
 
 ** And vanished like a winged di.am away." 
 
 JEneas perceived before him a spacious valley, with trees 
 gently waving to the wind — a tranquil landscape — through which 
 the river Lethe flowed. 
 
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 r'M 
 
 ;-, ,.■ 
 
 " Her wat'ry labyrintj;, whereof who drinks 
 Forthwith his former state and being forgets— 
 Forgets both joy and grief, nleasiu-e and pain."— MiLTON. 
 
 Along the banks of the stream wandered a countless multitude, 
 numerous as insects in the summer air. ^neas, with surprise, 
 inquired who were these. Anchises answered, "They are 
 souls to which bodies are to be given in due time. Meanwhile 
 they dwell on Lethe's bank, and drink oblivion of their former 
 lives." "O, father I" said ^neas, "is it possible that any 
 can be so in love with life as to wish to leave these tranquil seats 
 
 ■■*;"- 
 M 
 
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33^ 
 
 STontlSS OF GODS ANP BtHtOESL 
 
 
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 for the upper world ?" Anchises replied by explaining the plan 
 of creation. The Creator, he told him, originally made the 
 material of which souls are composed of the four elements — fire, 
 air, earth, and water ; all which, when united, took the form of 
 the most excellent part, fire, and became flame. This material 
 was scattered like seed among the heavenly bodies, the sun, 
 moon and stars. 
 
 ** The heavens, the earth, the flowing sea, ^• 
 
 By one interior spirit are sustained ; 
 One mind quickens the mass entire. 
 And mingling, stirs the mighty frame." — ^NEID. • - 
 
 Of this seed the inferior gods created man and all other ani- 
 mals, mingling it with various proportions of earth, by which its 
 purity was alloyed and reduced. Thus the more earth predomi- 
 nates in the composition, the less pure is the individual ; and 
 we see men and women with their full-grown bodies have not 
 the purity of childhood. So, in proportion to the time which the 
 union of body and soul has lasted, is the impurity contracted by 
 the spiritual part. This impurity must be purged away after 
 death, which is done by ventilating the souls in the current of 
 winds, or merging them in water, or burning out their impurities 
 by fire. Some few, of whom Anchises intimates that he is one, 
 are admitted at once to Elysium, there to remain. But the rest, 
 after the impurities of earth are purged away, are sent back to 
 life endowed with new bodies, Tiaving had the remembrance of 
 their former lives effectually washed away by the waters of Lethe. 
 Some, however, there still are, so thoroughly corrupted that they 
 are not fit to be intrusted with human bodies, and these are made 
 into brute animals. 
 
 1 ** Our ills do not depart when life's ' 
 
 i Last ray has fled. We all endure 
 
 Our ghostly retribution." — ^Virgil. 
 
 This is what the ancients called Metempsychosis, or the trans- 
 migration of souls — a doctrine which is still held l)y the natives 
 of India, who scruple to destroy the life even of the most insig- 
 nificant animal, not knowing but it may be one of their relations 
 in an i^kered form. 
 
ELYSIUM. 
 
 337 
 
 ling the plan 
 iy made the 
 ments — fire, 
 the form of 
 'his material 
 es, the sun. 
 
 Anchises, having explained so much, proceeded to point out 
 tw ^neas individuals of his race who were hereafter to be bom, 
 and to relate to him the exploits they should perform in the 
 world. After this he reverted to the present, and told his son 
 of the events that remained to him to be accomplished before 
 the complete establishment of himself and his followers in Italy." 
 
 *' Anchises showed ^neas, in long line, 
 The illustrious shades of those who were to shine 
 One day the glory of the Italian shore." 
 
 — TOMAS DE IrIARTE. 
 
 ■ 111- ' 
 
 ii! 
 
 all other ani- 
 by which its 
 rth predomi- 
 ividual J and 
 ies have not 
 me which the 
 :ontracted by 
 d away after 
 le current of 
 eir impurities 
 lat he is one, 
 But the rest, 
 sent back to 
 lembrance of 
 :ers of Lethe. 
 ited that they 
 lese are made 
 
 , or the trans- 
 >y the natives 
 le most insig- 
 ;heir relations 
 
 Wars were to be waged, battles fought, a bride to be won, and 
 in the result a Trojan state founded, from which should rise the 
 Roman power, to be in time the sovereign of the world. 
 
 ^neas and the Sibyl then took leave of Anchises, and re- 
 turned by some short route, which the poet does not explain, to 
 the upper world. 
 
 E-lys'i-um, 
 
 Virgil, we have seen, places his E-lys'i-um under the earth, 
 and assigns it for a residence to the spirits of the blessed. But 
 in Homer Elysium forms no part of the realms of the dead. He 
 places it on the west of the earth, near Ocean, and describes 
 it as a happy land, where there is neither snow, nor cold, nor 
 rain, and always fanned by the delightful breezes of Zephyrus. 
 Hither favored heroes pass without dying, and live happy under 
 the rule of Rhadamanthus. 
 
 *« And every bird that singeth sweet, 
 Throstle, and merle, and nightingale, 
 Brings blossoms from the dewy vale, 
 Lily, and rose, and asphodel. 
 With these doth each guest twine his crown 
 And wreathe his cup and lay him down 
 Beside some friend he loveth well." — ANDREW Lano. 
 
 The Elysium of Hesiod and Pindar is in the Isles of the 
 Blessed, or Fortunate Islands, in the Western Ocean. From 
 these sprang the legend of the happy island Atlantis. This bliss- 
 ful region may have been wholly imaginary, but possibly may 
 
 23 
 
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 m 
 
 
 I .1 
 
 I'M 
 
 ■V.I, 
 
 y 
 
ill. 
 
 338 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HBttOES. 
 
 havf tuning from the reports of some storm -driven mariners who 
 hac- caught a glimpse of the coast of America. 
 
 ** Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old, 
 Fortunate fields and groves and floweiy vales, 
 Thiice happy isles.**— Milton. 
 
 / The Sib'yl. 
 
 As -^neas and the Sib'yl pursued their way back to earth, he 
 said to her, ** Whether thou be a goddess or a mortal beloved of 
 the gods, by me thou shalt always be held in reverence. When 
 I reach the upper air I will cause a temple to be built to thy 
 honor, and will myself bring offerings." ** I am no goddess," 
 said the Sibyl ; "I have no claim to sacrifice or offering. I am 
 mortal ; yet if I could have accepted the love of Apollo I might 
 have been immortal. He promised me the fulfilment of my 
 wish if I would consent to be his. I took a handful of sand, 
 and holding it forth said, * Grant me to see as many birthdayj as 
 there are sand-grains in my hand.' 
 
 ** For constant youth I asked hlra not, 
 Hence age has come, while yet my death is far away." 
 
 ♦ 
 
 I have lived seven hundred years, and to equal the number of 
 the sand-grains I have still to see three hundred springs and 
 three hundred harvests. My body shrinks up as years increase, 
 and in time I shall be lost to sight j but my voice will remain, 
 and future ages will respect my sayings." 
 
 These concluding words of the Sibyl alluded to her prophetic 
 power. In her cave she was accustomed to inscribe on leaves 
 gathered from the trees the names and fates of individuals. The 
 leaves thus inscribed were arranged in order within the cave, and 
 might be consulted by her votaries. But if perchance at the 
 opening of the door the wind rushed in and dispersed the leaves, 
 the Sibyl gave no aid to restoring them again, and the oracle 
 was irreparably lost. 
 
 ** Do not write 
 Thy prophecies on leaves, lest, blown about, 
 They fly, the sport of fitful winds.*'— Virgil. 
 
 The following legend of the Sibyl is fixed at a later date. In 
 
THE8IBTL. 
 
 330 
 
 oaxiners who 
 
 : to earth, he 
 il beloved of 
 ince. When 
 built to thy 
 lo goddess," 
 ering. I am 
 DoUo I might 
 ilment of my 
 dful of sand, 
 f birthda:yo as 
 
 7' 
 
 »» 
 
 ! number of 
 
 springs and 
 
 lars increase, 
 
 will remain, 
 
 her prophetic 
 be on leaves 
 v^iduals. The 
 the cave, and 
 hance at the 
 ed the leaves, 
 ind the oracle 
 
 L. 
 
 Iter date. In 
 
 the reign of one of the Tarquins there appeared before the king 
 a woman who offered him nine books for sale. The king refused 
 to purchase them, whereupon the woman went away and burned 
 three of the books, and returning offered the remaining books 
 for the same price she had asked for the nine. The king again 
 rejected them ; but when the woman, after burning three books 
 more, returned and asked for the three remaining the same price 
 which she had before asked for the nine, his curiosity was ex- 
 cited, and he purchased the books. 
 
 "As worldly schemes resemble Sibyl's leaves. 
 The good man's days to Sibyl's books compare, 
 The price still rising as in number less." — YouNO. 
 
 They were found to contain the destinies of the RomM 
 state. They were kept in 
 the temple of Jupiter Cap- 
 itclinus, preserved in a 
 stone chest, and allowed to 
 be inspected only by es- 
 pecial officers appointed for 
 that duty, who on great oc- 
 casions consulted them and 
 interpreted their oracles to 
 the people. 
 
 There were numerous 
 Sibyls; but the Cumaean 
 Sibyl, of whom Ovid and 
 Virgil write, is the most cele- 
 brated. Ovid's story of 
 her life protracted to one 
 thousand years may be in- 
 tended to represent the vari- 
 ous Sibyls as being only re- 
 
 appearances of one and the Cumsean Sibyl, M. Angelo (Sistine 
 wme individual. Chapel, Rome). 
 
 • tk 
 
 
 
340 
 
 STOBIES OF QODS AND HEROES, 
 
 i*5 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Opening the Gates of Ja'nus — Ca-miVla — E-van'der~ 
 
 Infant Rome — Ni'sus and £u-ry'a-lus — Me- 
 
 zen'ti-us — Pallas, Ca-mil'la and Tur'- 
 
 nus — Rom'u-lus and Re'mus. 
 
 -^NEAS, having parted from the Sibyl and rejoined hi§ fleet, 
 coasted along the shores of Italy and cast anchor in the mouth 
 of the Tiber. The poet Virgil, having brought his hero to this 
 spot, the destined termination of his wanderings, invokes his 
 Muse to tell him the situation of things at that eventful moment. 
 Latinus, third in descent from Saturn, ruled the country. He 
 was now old and had no male descendant, but had one charming 
 daughter, Lavinia, who was sought in marriage by many neigh- 
 boring chiefs, one of whom, Tumus, king of the Rutulians, was 
 favored by the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been 
 warned in a dream by his father, Faunus, that the destined hus- 
 band of Lavinia should come from a foreign land. From that 
 union should spring a race destined to subdue the world. 
 
 Our readers will remember that in the conflict with the Har- 
 pies, one of those half-human birds had threatened the Trojans 
 with dire sufferings. In particular she predicted that before 
 their wanderings ceased they should be pressed by hunger to 
 devour their tables. This portent now came true ; for as they 
 took their scanty meal, seated on the grass, the men placed their 
 hard biscuit on their laps, and put thereon whatever their glea;!- 
 ings in the woods supplied. Having despatched the latter, they 
 finished by eating the crusts. Seeing which, the boy lulus said, 
 playfully, " See, we are eating our tables. " ^Eneas caught the 
 words and accepted the omen. " All hail, promised land !" he 
 exclaimed; "this is our home, this our country!" He then 
 took measures to find out who were the present inhabitants of the 
 land, and who their rulers. A hundred chosen men were sent 
 to the village of Latinus, bearing presents and a request for 
 
JVNO INCITES WAR 
 
 341 
 
 friendship and allidnce. They went and were favorably received. 
 Latinus immediately concluded that the Trojan hero was no 
 other than the promised son in-law announced by the oracle. 
 He cheerfully granted his alliance, and sent back the messengers 
 mounted on i^teeds from his stables, and loaded with gifts and 
 friendly memagm. 
 
 Juno, seeing things go thus prosperously for the Trojans, felt 
 her old animosity revive, summoned Alecto from Erebus, and 
 sent her to stir tip discord. The Fury first took possession of 
 the queen, Amata^ and roused her to oppose in every way the 
 new alliance, 
 
 * ** Fertliwhh, in fell Gorgonian venom steeped, 
 
 Alecto seeks the realms, and lays her siege 
 fiefere Amatas' silent chamber door." 
 
 — ^Virgil, Book vii. (Cranch), 
 
 Alecto then speeded to the city of Turnus, and, assuming the 
 form of an old priestess, informed him of the arrival of the for- 
 eigners and of the attempt of their prince to rob him of his 
 bride. Next she turned her attention to the camp of the Tro- 
 jans. There she saw the boy lulus and his companions amusing 
 themselves with hunting. She sharpened the scent of the dogs, 
 and led them to rouse up from the thicket a tame stag, the fa- 
 vorite of Silvia, the daughter of Tyrrheus, the king's herdsman. 
 A javelin from the hand of lulus wounded the animal, and he 
 had only strength left to run homewards, and died at his mis- 
 tress's feet. Her cries and tears roused her brothers and the 
 herdsmen, and they, seizing whatever weapons came to hand, 
 furiously assaulted the hunting party. These were protected by 
 their friends, and the herdsmen were finally driven back with 
 the loss of two of their number. 
 
 / These things were enough to rouse the storm of war, and the 
 queen, Tumus, and the peasants, all urged the old king to drive 
 the strangers from the country. 
 
 ** TbI* tli§ fif«>t canse of troubles proved, and lit 
 Tbe flaines of war within the peasant^ hearts." — ViRGiL (Cranch). 
 
 He resisted as long as he could, but finding his opposition un* 
 availingf finally gave way and retreated to his retirement. 
 
 
 mti 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 ml 
 
 ,,Ji 
 
 m 
 
 
 ■■') ' 
 ■;■■ ,*( 
 
342 
 
 k^ V 
 
 f k Vtl It 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEBOES, 
 
 Opening the Gates of Ja'nus. 
 
 custom of 
 
 Janus. 
 
 country, when war was to be under, 
 taken, for the chief mag- 
 istrate, clad in his robes 
 of office, with solemn 
 pomp to open the gates 
 of the temple of j a'nus , 
 which were kept shut as 
 long as peace endured. 
 His people now urged 
 the old king to perform 
 that solemn office, but 
 he refused to do so. 
 While they contested, 
 Juno herself, descend- 
 ing from the skies, 
 smote the doors with 
 irresistible force, and 
 burst them open. 
 
 ** Then the queen of gods, herself 
 Descending from the skies, the unwilling gates 
 Pushed with her hand, then turned the hinges back, 
 And open burst the iron gates of war." 
 
 —Virgil, Book vii. (Cranch). 
 
 Immediately the whole country was in a flame. The people 
 rushed from every side, breathing nothing but war. 
 
 Tumus was recognized by all as leader ; others joined as allies, 
 chief of whom was Mezentius, a brave and able soldier, but of 
 detestable cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neigh- 
 boring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was 
 joined his son Lausus, a generous youth, worthy of a better sire. 
 
 Ca-miHa. 
 
 Ca-tniVla, the favorite of Diana, a huntress and warrior after 
 the fashion of the Amazons, came with her band of mounted 
 followers, including a select number of her own sex, and ranged 
 herself on the side of Turnus. 
 
to be under, 
 e chief mag- 
 in his robes 
 ivith solemn 
 en the gates 
 eofja'nus, 
 kept shut as 
 ice endured. 
 ; now urged 
 g to perform 
 n office, but 
 I to do so. 
 y contested, 
 elf, descend- 
 the skies, 
 doors with 
 force, and 
 open. 
 
 ick, 
 
 rii. (Cranch). 
 The people 
 
 »ined as allies, 
 jldier, but of 
 of the neigh- 
 ^ith him was 
 ' a better sire. 
 
 warrior, after 
 [ of mounted 
 ic, and ranged 
 
 EVANDER 
 
 " Last comes Camilla, of the Volscian race. 
 Leading a band of riders to the field." 
 
 343 
 
 This maiden had never accustomed her fingers to the distaff oi 
 the loom, but had learned to endure the toils of war, and in 
 speed to outstrip the wind. It seemed as if she might run over 
 the standing com without cmshing it, or over the surface of the 
 water without dipping her feet. Camilla's history had been 
 singular from the beginning. Her father Metabus, driven from 
 his city by civil discord, carried with him in his flight his infant 
 daughter. As he fled through the woods, his enemies in hot 
 pursuit, he reached th^ bank of the river Amazenus, which, 
 swelled by rains, seemed to debar a passage. He paused for a 
 moment, then decided what to do. He tied the infant to his 
 lance with wrappers of bark, and, poising the weapon in his up- 
 raised hand, thus addressed Diana: "Goddess of the woods, I 
 consecrate this maid to you;" then hurled the weapon, with 
 its burden, to the opposite bank. The spear flew across the 
 roaring water. His pursuers were already upon him, but he 
 plunged into the river and swam across, and found the spear, 
 with the infant, safe on the other side. Thenceforth he lived 
 among the shepherds and brought up his daughter in woodland 
 arts. While a child she was taught to use the bow and throw the 
 javelin. With her sling she could bring down the crane or the 
 wild swan. Her dress was a tiger's skin. Many mothers sought 
 her for a daughter-in-law, but she continued faithful to Diana 
 and repelled the thought of marriage. 
 
 E-van'der. 
 
 Such were the formidable allies that ranged themselves against 
 JEneas. It was night, and he lay stretched in sleep on the bank 
 of the river, under the open heavens, 
 
 '* His breast disturbed with gloomy thoughts of war." 
 
 The god of the stream, Father Tiber, seemed to raise his head 
 above the willows and to say, "O goddess-born, destined pos- 
 sessor of the Latin realms, this is the promised land, here is to 
 be your home, here shall terminate the hostility of the heavenly 
 powers, if only you faithfully persevere. There are friends not 
 
 
 
 ■ w 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 iill 
 
 ' '"Si 
 

 344 
 
 STOBIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 m. ' ' 
 
 far distant. Prepare your boats and row up my stream ; I wil 
 lead you to £-van'der, the Arcadian chief. He has long been 
 at strife with Turnus and the Rutulians, and is prepared to be- 
 come an ally of yours. Rise I offer your vows to Juno, and de- 
 precate her anger. When you have achieved your victory, then 
 think of me." ./Eneas woke and paid immediate obedience to 
 the friendly vision. He sacrificed to Juno, and invoked the god 
 of the river and all his tributary fountains to lend their aid. 
 Ihen for the first time a vessel filled with armed warriors floated 
 on the stream of the Tiber. The river smoothed its waves, and 
 bade its current flow gently, while, impelled by the vigorous 
 strokes of the rowers, the vessel shot rapidly up the stream. 
 
 About the middle of the day they came in sight of the scat 
 tered buildings of the infant town, where in after times theproud 
 city of Rome grew, whose glory reached the skies. 
 
 «* Then swift . 
 
 They turn their prows and near the city's walls." ' 
 
 By chance the old king, Evander, was that day celebrating an- 
 nual solemnities in honor of Hercules and all the gods. Pallas, 
 his son, and all the chiefs of the little commonwealth stood by. 
 When they saw the tall ship gliding onward through the wood, 
 they were alarmed at the sight, and rose from the tables. But 
 Pallas forbade the solemnities to be interrupted, and seizing a 
 weapon, stepped forward to the river's bank. He called aloud, 
 demanding who they were, and what their object, .^neas, 
 holding forth an olive-branch, replied, ** We are Trojans, friends 
 to you and enemies to the Rutulians. We seek Evander, and 
 offer to join our arms with yours." Pallas, in amaze at the 
 sound of so great a name, invited them to land, and when ^uieas 
 touched the shore he seized his hand, and held it long in friendly 
 grasp. Proceeding through the wood they joined the king and 
 his party, and were most favorably received. Seats were pro- 
 vided for them at the tables, and the repast proceeded. 
 
 Infant Rome. 
 When the solemniiles were ended all moved towards the city 
 
 ** Burdened with old age, 
 The king moves onward, keeping at his side 
 iEneas and his son." — Virgil, Book viii. (Cranch). 
 
INFANT ROME. 
 
 345 
 
 ^neas with delight looked and listened, observing all the beau- 
 ties of the scene, and learning much of heroes renowned in an- 
 cient times. Evander said, "These extensive groves were once 
 inhabited by fauns and nymphs, and a rude race of men who 
 sprang from the trees themselves, and had neither laws nor social 
 culture. They knew not how to yoke the cattle nor raise a har- 
 vest, nor provide from present abundance for future want, but 
 browsed like beasts upon the leafy boughs, or fed voraciously 
 on their hunted prey. Such were they when Saturn, expelled 
 from Olympus by his sons, came among them, and drew together 
 the fierce savages, formed them into society, and gave them laws. 
 Such peace and plenty ensued that men ever since have called 
 his reign the golden age ; but by degrees far other times suc- 
 ceeded, and the thirst of gold and the thirst of blood prevailed. 
 The land was a prey to successive tyrants, till fortune and resist- 
 less destiny brought me hither, an exile from my native land, 
 Arcadia." 
 
 Having thus said, he showed him the Tarpeian rock, and the 
 rude spot, then overgrown with bushes, where in after times the 
 Capitol rose in all its magnificence. He next pointed to some 
 dismantled walls, and said : 
 
 ** Yon two towns, 
 With ruined walls, thou seest, the relics old 
 And monuments of ancient days. This one 
 Was reared by Janus, that by Saturn built— 
 Satumia and Janiculum their names."—-VlRGiL. 
 
 Such discourse brought them to the cottage of poor Evander, 
 whence they saw the lowing herds roaming over the plain 
 where now the proud and stately Forum stands. They entered, 
 and a couch was spread for ^neas, well stuffed with leaves and 
 covered with the skin of a Libyan bear. 
 
 Next morning, awakened by the dawn and the shrill song of 
 birds beneath the eaves of his low mansion, old Evander rose. 
 Clad in a tunic, and a panther's skin thrown over his shoulders, 
 with sandals on his feet, and his good sword girded to his side, 
 he went forth to seek his gue'^t. Two mastiffs followed him, 
 his whole retinue and body-guard. He found the hero attended 
 by his faithful Achates, and, Pallas soon joining them, the old 
 king spoke thus : 
 
 p| 
 
 M 
 
 lit 
 
 % 
 
 
 ■■m 
 
 ^ 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 ',!':? 
 
 
 
 I'. : ,,aa_ 
 
346 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 •HNS 
 
 '. .;v* 
 
 ** Illustrious Trojan, it is but little we can do in so great a 
 cause. Our state is feeble, hemmed in on one side by the river, 
 on the other side by the Rutulians. But I propose to ally you 
 with a people numerous and rich, to whom fate has brought you 
 at the propitious moment. The Etruscans hold the country 
 beyond the river. Mezentius was their king, a monster of 
 cruelty, who invented unheard-of torments to gratify his ven 
 geance. He would fasten the dead to the living, hand to hand 
 and face to face, and leave the wretched victims to die in that 
 dreadful embrace. At length the people cast him out, him and 
 his house. They burned his palace and slew his friends. He 
 escaped and took refuge with Tumus, who protects him with 
 arms. The Etruscans demand that he shall be given up to de- 
 served punishment, and would ere now have attempted to en- 
 force their demand ; but their priests restrain them, telling them 
 that it is the will of heaven that no native of the land shall 
 guide them to victory, and that their destined leader must come 
 from across the sea. They have offered the crown to me, but I 
 am too old to undertake such great affairs, and my son is native- 
 born, which precludes him from the choice. You, equally by 
 birth and time of life, and fame in arms, pointed out by the 
 gods, have but to appear to be hailed at once as their leader. 
 With you I will join Pallas, my son, my only hope and com- 
 fort. Under you he shall learn the art of war, and strive to 
 emulate your great exploits." 
 
 << Pallas himself rode in the midst, 
 Conspicuous with his scarf and shield adorned 
 With painted emblems. Like the Morning Star 
 By Venus beloved more than all the fires 
 Of heaven." — Virgil, Book viii. (Cranch). 
 
 Then the king ordered horses to be furnished for the Trojan 
 chiefs, and ^neas, with a chosen band of followers and Pallas 
 accompanying, mounted and took the way to the Etruscan city,' 
 having sent back the rest of his party in the ships. ^^Cneas and 
 
 * The poet here inserts a famous line which is thought to imitate in its 
 sound the galloping of korses. It may be thus translated : •' Then struck the 
 hoofs of the steeds on the ground with a four-footed trampling."— See Pro" 
 verbial Expressions. 
 
NLSUS AND EUBYALU& 
 
 347 
 
 his band safely arrived at the Etruscan camp, and were received 
 with open arms by Tarchon and his countrymen. 
 
 Ni'sus and Eu-ry'a-lus. 
 
 In the meanwhile Turnus had collected his bands and made 
 all necessary preparations for the war. Juno sent Iris to him 
 with a message inciting him to take advantage of the absence 
 of iEneas and surprise the Trojan camp. \ 
 
 ■* * " Now is the time to call ^ 
 
 For chariots and for steeds." — ^Virgil. 
 
 Accordingly, the attempt was made, but the Trojans were 
 found on their guard, and having received strict orders from 
 JEneas not to fight in his absence, they lay still in their intrench- 
 ments, and resisted all the efforts of the Rutulians to draw them 
 into the field. Night coming on, the army of Turnus, in high 
 spirits at their fancied superiority, feasted and enjoyed them- 
 selves, and finally stretched themselves on the field and slept 
 secure. 
 
 In the camp of the Trojans things were far otherwise. There 
 all was watchfulness and anxiety, and impatience for .^neas's 
 return. Ni'sus stood guard at the entrance of the camp, and 
 Eu-ry''a-lus, a youth distinguished above all in the army for 
 graces of person and fine qualities, was with him. These two 
 were friends and brothers in arms. 
 
 ** These two were bound 
 In closest ties of love, and side by side 
 Had rushed together to the battle-field.*' 
 
 —Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 Nisus said to his friend, " Do you perceive what confidence and 
 carelessness the enemy display ? Their lights are few and dim, 
 and the men seem all oppressed with wine or sleep. You know 
 how anxiously our chiefs wish to send to -^neas, and to get in- 
 telligence from him. Now I am strongly moved to make my 
 way through the enemy's camp and to go in search of our chief. 
 If I succeed, the glory of the deed will be reward enough for me, 
 and if they judge the service deserves anything more, let theia 
 pay it to you." 
 Euryalus, all on fire with the love of adventure, replied^ 
 
 / 
 
 ;;ii 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 h,*i 
 
 Uy 
 
 1 ^ ' 1 
 
 % hi 
 
348 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES 
 
 m 
 
 % h li • % fcl 
 
 rii-4- M 
 
 ** Would you, then, Nisus, refuse to share your enterprise with 
 me ? And shall I let you go into such danger alone ? Not so 
 my brave father brought me up, nor so have I planned for my- 
 self when I joined the standard of ^-Eneas, and resolved to hold 
 my life cheap in comparison with honor." Nisus replied, **I 
 doubt it not, my friend ; but you know the uncertain event of 
 such an undertaking, and whatever may happen to me, I wish 
 you to be safe. You are younger than I and have more of life 
 in prospect. Nor can I be the cause of such grief to your mother, 
 who has chosen to be here in the camp with you rather than stay 
 and live in peace with the other matrons in Acestes' city." 
 Euryalus replied, ** Say no more. In vain you seek arguments 
 to dissuade me. I am fixed in the resolution to go with you. 
 Let us lose no time." They called the guard, and committing 
 the watch to them, sought the general's tent. They found the 
 chief officers in consultation, deliberating how they should send 
 notice to Apneas of their situation. The offer of the two friends 
 was gladly accepted, themselves loaded with praises and prom- 
 ised the most liberal rewards in case of success. lulus especially 
 addressed Euryalus, assuring him of his lasting friendship. Eu- 
 ryalus replied, ** I have but one boon to ask. My aged mother 
 is with me in the camp. Fi r me she left the Trojan soil, and 
 would not stay behind with the other matrons at the city of 
 Acestes. I go now without taking leave of her. I could not 
 bear her tears, nor set at naught her entreaties. 
 
 ** I have a mother bom 
 Of Priam's ancient race, who came with me 
 To Italy. Troy could not ho.d her back, 
 Nor King Acestes' walls. I leave her now 
 Without one farewell kiss, and knowing naught 
 Of this, my dangerous venture. " 
 
 —Virgil, Book ix. (Cranch). 
 
 But do thou, I beseech you, comfort her in her distress. Prom' 
 ise me that, and I shall go more boldly into whatever dangers 
 may present themselves." lulus and the other chiefs were 
 moved to tears, and promised to do all his request. "Your 
 mother shall be mine," said lulus^ "and all that I have promised 
 to you shall be made good to her, if you do not return to re 
 ccivcit." ' 
 
NISUS AND EURYALU& 
 
 349 
 
 •prise with 
 
 ? Not so 
 
 ed for my- 
 
 ed to hold 
 
 eplied, **I 
 
 event of 
 
 me, I wish 
 
 ore of life 
 
 ur mother, 
 
 r than stay 
 
 tes' city." 
 
 argumerts 
 
 with you. 
 
 :ommitting 
 
 found the 
 
 liould send 
 
 two friends 
 
 and proni- 
 
 3 especially 
 
 Iship. Eu- 
 
 jed mother 
 
 n soil, and 
 
 the city of 
 
 could not 
 
 (Cranch). 
 
 ss. Prom" 
 er dangers 
 :hiefs were 
 t. "Your 
 e promised 
 Jturn to re- 
 
 The two friends left the camp and plunged at once into the 
 midst of the enemy. They found no watch, no sentinels posted, 
 but all about the sleeping soldiers strewn'on the grass and among 
 the wagons. The laws of war at that early day did not forbid a 
 brave man to slay a sleeping foe, and the two Trojans slew, as 
 they passed, such of the enemy as they could without exciting 
 
 alarm. 
 
 *• They cross the trenches, and through shades of night 
 Toward the hostile camps pursue their way." — Virgil. 
 
 In one tent Euryalus made prize of a helmet brilliant with 
 gold and plumes. They had passed through the enemy's ranks 
 without being discovered, but now suddenly appeared a troop 
 directly in front of them, which, under Volscens, their leader, 
 were approaching the camp. The glittering helmet of Euryalus 
 caught their attention, and Volscens hailed the two and de- 
 manded who and whence they were. They made no answer, 
 but plunged into the wood. The horsemen scattered in all direc- 
 tions to intercept their flight. Nisus had eluded pursuit and was 
 out of danger, but Euryalus being missing, he turned back to 
 seek him. He again entered the wood, and soon came within 
 sound of voices. Looking through the thicket, he saw the whole 
 band surrounding Euryalus with noisy questions. What should 
 he do ? how extricate the youth ? or would it be better to die 
 with him? 
 
 Raising his eyes to the moon, which now shone clear, he said, 
 ** Goddess, favor my effort !" and, aiming his javelin at one of 
 the leaders of the troop, struck him in the back and stretched 
 him on the plain with a death-blow. In the midst of their 
 amazement another weapon flew, and another of the party fell 
 dead. Volscens, the leader, ignorant whence the darts came, 
 rushed, sword in hand, upon Euryalus. **You shall pay the 
 penalty of both," he said, and would have plunged the sword 
 into his bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment saw the 
 peril of his friend, rushed forward, exclaiming, ** 'Twas I, 'twas 
 I ; turn your swords against me, Rutulians ; I did it ; he only 
 followed me as a friend. ' ' While he spoke the sword fell and 
 pierced the comely bosom of Euryalus. His head fell over on 
 his shoulder, like a flower cut down by the plough. NIfj* 
 
 ^^ - ■■'ll 
 
 
 
 

 M 
 
 >V]< 
 
 350 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 t-- 
 
 rushed upon Volscens and plunged his sword into his body, and 
 was himself slain on the instant by numberless blows. 
 
 *' And dying dealt a death-blow to his foe ; 
 Then on the lifeless body of his friend 
 He throws himself, pierced through with many a wound. 
 And there at last in placid death he slept." — Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 Me-zen'ti-us. 
 
 ^neas, with his Etrurian allies, arrived on the scene of action 
 in time to rescue his beleaguered camp ; and now, the two armies 
 being nearly equal in strength, the war began in good earnest. 
 We cannot find space for all the details, but must simply record 
 the fate of the principal characters whom we have introduced to 
 our readers. The tyrant Me-zen'ti-us, finding himself engaged 
 against his revolted subjects, raged like a wild beast. He slew 
 all who dared to withstand him, and put the multitude to flight 
 wherever he appeared. At last he encountered ^Eneas, and the 
 armies stood still to see the issue. 
 
 " Mezentius stalks, 
 Swelling with rage, across the field. 
 JEneas, in the long battalion, sees 
 His foe and goes to meet him." — Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 Mezentius threw his spear, which, striking Eneas' s shield, 
 glanced off and hit Anthor. He was a Grecian by birth, who 
 had left Argos, his native city, and followed Evander into Italy. 
 l^e poet says of him with simple pathos which has made the 
 words proverbial, ** He fell, unhappy, by a wound intended for 
 another, looked up to the skies, and dying remembered sweet 
 Argos."* .^neas now in turn hurled his lance. It pierced the 
 shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Laiisus, 
 his son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward and inter- 
 posed himself, while the followers pressed round Mezentius and 
 bore him away, -^neas held his sword suspended over Laiisus 
 and delayed to strike, but the furious youth pressed on, and he 
 was compelled to deal the fatal blow. 
 
 " The sad soul left its mortal frame, 
 And thro' the air iled to the realm of shades.'* — Virgil. 
 
 ' See Proverbial Expressions. 
 
PALLAS, CAMILLA, TVRmS, 
 
 35* 
 
 Mneas bent over him in pity. "Hapless youth," he said, 
 "what can I do for you worthy of your praise? Keep those 
 arms in which you glory, and fear not but that your body shall 
 be restored to your friends, and have due funeral honors." So 
 saying, he called the timid followers and delivered the body into 
 their hands. 
 
 Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the river-side, and 
 washed his wound. Soon the news reached him of Lausus's 
 death, and rage and despair supplied the place of strength. He 
 mounted his horse and dashed into the thickest of the fight, 
 seeking ^Eneas. Having found him, he rode roi .d him in a cir- 
 cle, throwing one javelin after another, while .^neas stood 
 fenced with his shield, turning every way to meet them. At last, 
 after Mezentius had three times made the circuit, ^neas threw 
 his lance directly at the horse's head. It pierced his temples and 
 he fell, while a shout from both armies rent the skies. 
 
 " Where is the fierce Mezentius now, and all 
 The wild impetuous force that filled his soul ?'* — ^Virgil. 
 
 Mezentius asked no mercy, but only that his body might be 
 spared the ^^insults of his revolted subjects, and be buried in the 
 same grave with his son. He received the fatal stroke not un- 
 prepared, and poured out his life and his blood together. 
 
 Pal'las, Ca-mil'la, Tur'nus. 
 
 While these things were doing in one part of the field, in an- 
 other Tur'nus encountered the youthful Pal'las. The contest 
 between champions so unequally matched could not be doubtful. 
 Pallas bore himself bravely, but fell by the lance of Turnus. The 
 victor almost relented when he saw the brave youth lying dead 
 at his feet, and spared to use the privilege of a conqueror in de- 
 spoiling him of his arms. The belt only, adorned with studs 
 and carvings of gold, he took and clasped round his own body. 
 The rest he remitted to the friends of the slain. 
 
 After che battle there was a cessation of arms for some days, :o 
 allow both armies to bury their dead. In this interval ^Eneas 
 challenged Turnus to decide the contest by single combat, but 
 Tumus evaded the challenge. Another battle ensued, in which 
 Ca-miVla, the virgin warrior, was chiefly conspicuous. Hei 
 
 '.•'■« 
 
 
 
 
 « « • 1.7 
 
 ; 4 
 
 
 
 ■fel 
 
 v 'J 
 
 
 /M 
 
 u> 
 
'.i 
 
 4; 
 
 352 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 deeds of valor surpassed those of the bravest warriors, and many 
 Trojans and Etruscans fell pierced with her darts or struck down 
 by her battle-axe. At last an Etruscan named Aruns, who had 
 watched her long, seeking for some advantage, observed hei 
 
 Diana (Corregio). 
 
 s 
 
 pursuing a flying enemy whose splendid armor offered s 
 tempting prize. Intent on the chase she observed not her dan- 
 ger, and the javelin of Aruns struck her and inflicted a fetal 
 wound. She fell, and breathed her last in the arms of her at- 
 tendant maidens. ^ 
 
 ** « Go : my last charge to Tumus tell, 
 To haste with succor, and repel 
 r _ The Trojans from the town — farewelL* " 
 
 —Virgil (Conington'str.). 
 
 But Diani, who beheld her fate, suffered not her slaughter to be 
 
DALLAS, CAMILLA, TURNUS. 
 
 353 
 
 , and many 
 truck down 
 s, who had 
 )served hei 
 
 offered a 
 Dt her dan- 
 dled a fotal 
 IS of Iier at- 
 
 gton's tr.). 
 ghter to be 
 
 unavenged. Aruns, as he stole away, glad but frightened, was 
 struck by a secret arrow, launched by one of the nymphs of 
 Diana's train, and died ignobly and unknown. 
 
 At length the final conflict took place between -^neas and 
 Tumus. Tumus had avoided the contest as long as he could, 
 but at last, impelled by the ill -success of his arms and by the 
 murmurs of his followers, he braced himself to the conflict. 
 
 ♦* The trumpet hoarse 
 Rings out the bloody signal for the war. 
 Fired with martial zeal, 
 Ttunushimself is there." — ^Virgil (Cranch). 
 
 It could not be doubtful. On the side of .^neas were the ex- 
 pressed decree of des- 
 tiny, the aid of his god- 
 dess-mother at every 
 emergency, and im- 
 penetrable armor fabri- 
 cated by Vulcan, at her 
 request, for her son. 
 Turnus, on the other 
 hand, was deserted by 
 his celestial allies, Juno 
 having been expressly 
 forbidden by Jupiter to 
 assist him any longer. 
 Turnus threw his lance, 
 but it recoiled harmless 
 from the shield of 
 ^^neas. The Trojan 
 hero then threw his, 
 which penetrated the 
 shield of Turnus, and 
 pierced his thigh. 
 Then Turnus' s fortitude 
 forsook him and he 
 
 begged for mercy. 
 
 Diana (Vatican, Romt). 
 
 ' *• The Auscinans have beheld 
 A vanquished enemy stretch forth his bands."— VlROII# 
 
 rl- I' 
 
 
 
 t; 
 
 :.,t 
 
 .1^1 
 
 M 
 
 'U 
 
 
 I ii 
 
 
354 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ■H," l> k» 
 
 r-ji ^ 
 
 ii' 1' 
 
 . h; 
 
 fx. 
 
 
 iEneas would have given him his life, but at the instant his eye 
 fell on the belt of Pallas, which Turnus had taken from the 
 slaughtered youth. Instantly his rage revived, and exclaiming, 
 "Pallas immolates thee with this blow," he thrust him through 
 with his sword, 
 
 ** And with a groun 
 Down to the shades the soul ind'gnant fled." 
 
 Heie the poem of the ^neid closes, and we are left to infer 
 
 Vesta, or Hestia (Rome). 
 
 Irene, or Peace (Mvinich). 
 
 that ^neas, having triumphed over his foes, obtained Lavinia 
 for his bride. Tradition adds that he founded his city, and 
 
instant his eye 
 aken from the 
 id exclaiming, 
 St him through 
 
 ire left to infer 
 
 ROMULUS AND REMUS. 
 
 355 
 
 called it after hef name, Lavinium. His son lulus founded Alba 
 Longa, wbkh was the birthplace of Romulus and Remus, and 
 the cradle of Eome itself. 
 
 Rom'u-lus and Re'mus. 
 
 Among the descendants were two brothers, Numitor and 
 AmuUus, Amulius is said to have usurped the crown, and in 
 order Xo perpetuate his power made his brother's daughter, 
 Rhea Silvia, a vestal virgin. But she broke her vow to virginity 
 and became by Mars the mother of the twins Roxn'u-lus and 
 Re'muf * Rhea was buried alive, and her sons, having been 
 placed in a baiket, were thrown into the Tiber. The river over- 
 flowed its l>anks and the children were washed ashore. A she- 
 wolf prowling about took pity upon them, carried them to her 
 den, and guekled them with her cubs. Here they were found by 
 a herdsman, who took them home and brought them up as his 
 own sons. Subsequently they learned their kingly origin, and 
 avenged themselves upon Numitor by driving him from his 
 throne, Remu» was slain, and Romulus became the founder of 
 Rome» 
 
 ':'■ i 
 
 
 ;!■■! . 
 
 1 fSliU ' 
 
 ^^ .•-■ 
 
 .",■■* 
 
 ,;j^ 
 
 f:i'!jfM 
 
 m 
 
 ' '$'m 
 
 HI 
 
 ?wi 
 
 H 
 
 'llli' 
 
 m 
 
 ■ ■.,''■?' 
 
 £%:J 
 
 ' ^ ''^h 
 
 W'f} 
 
 , ' '''»,' 
 
 fel 
 
 yiP. 
 
 i^. 
 
 btained Lavinia 
 1 his city, and 
 
 :i;^' 
 
356 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ™, "''nil ' " 
 
 
 
 \tr r ■■{-.- 
 
 
 CHAPTER XXXrV. 
 
 Py-thag'o-ras — Syb'a-ris and Cro-to'na — E-gyp'tian 
 Mythology — Ro-set'ta Stone — Ritual of the Dead- 
 Hall of Two Truths— The A'pis— E-gyp'tian Gods 
 — O-si'ris and I'sis — Oracles — Ju'pi-ter Do-do'na — 
 Derphi— Tro-pho'ni-us — ^s-cu-la'pi-us— A'pis. 
 
 Py-thag'o-ras. 
 
 The teachings of Anchises to ^^neas, respecting the nature 
 of the human soul, were in conformity with the doctrines of the 
 Pythagoreans. Py-thag'o-ras, born five hundred and forty 
 years before our era, was a native of the island of Samos, but 
 passed the chief portion of his life at Croto ia, in Italy. He is 
 therefore sometimes called ** the Samian," and sometimes "the 
 philosopher of Crotona. ' ' When young he travelled extensively, 
 and it is said visited Egypt, where he was instructed by the 
 priests in all their learning, and afterwards journeyed to the 
 East, and visited the Persian and Chaldean Magi, and the Brah- 
 mins of India. 
 
 At Crotona, where he finally established himself, his extraor- 
 dinary qualities collected round him a great number of disciples. 
 The inhabitants were notorious for luxury and licentiousness, but 
 the good effects of his influence were soon visible. Sobriety and 
 temperance succeeded. Six hundred of the inhabitants became 
 his disciples, and en oiled themselves in a society to aid each 
 other in the pursuit of wisdom, uniting their property in one 
 common stock, for the benefit of the whole. They were re- 
 quired to practise the greatest purity and simplicity of manners. 
 The first lesson they learned was silence; for a time they were 
 required to be only hearers. He (Pythagoras) said so.* "Ipse 
 dixit" was to be held by them as sufficient, without any proof. 
 
 * He himself said it 
 
gyp'tian 
 
 Dead— ' 
 
 an Gods 
 
 D-do'na— 
 
 I'pis. 
 
 the nature 
 fines of the 
 . and forty 
 Samos, but 
 ily. He is 
 5times "the 
 extensively, 
 :ted by the 
 ;yed to the 
 d the Brah- 
 
 his extraor- 
 jf disciples, 
 ousness, but 
 lobriety and 
 mts became 
 to aid each 
 erty in one 
 ey were re- 
 of manners. 
 3 they were 
 so.* "Ipse 
 t any proof. 
 
 PYTHAGORAS. 357 
 
 " Then ask me not, nor seek to know 
 Why this is true, or that is so, 
 For truth as such is not to thee. 
 Since I am it, and it is me." — Klopp. 
 
 It was only the advanced pupils, after years of patient submis* 
 sion, who were allowed to ask questions and to state objections. 
 One of his greatest contributions to humanity was the invention 
 of the lyre, which is generally ascribed to him. 
 
 ♦* As great Pythagoras of yore. 
 Standing beside the blacksmith's door. 
 And hearing the hammers as they smote 
 The anvils with a different note. 
 Stole from the varying tones that hung 
 Vibrant on every iron tongue, 
 The secret of the sounding wiie. 
 And formed the seven-chorded lyre." — LoNGFELLOW. 
 
 Pythagoras considered numbers as the essence and principle 
 of all things, and attributed to them a real and distinct exist- 
 ence, so that in his view they were the elements out of which 
 the universe was constructed. How he conceived this process 
 has never been satisfactorily explained. He traced the various 
 forms and phenomena of the world to numbers as their basis and 
 essence. The monad, or unit^ he regarded as the source of 
 all numbers. The number Two was imperfect, and the cause 
 of increase and division. Three was called the number of the 
 whole, because it had a beginning, middle and end ; Four^ rep- 
 resenting the square, is in the highest degree perfect ; and 7>«, 
 as it contains the sum of the four prime numbers, comprehends 
 all musical and arithmetical proportions, and denotes the system 
 of the world. 
 
 As the numbers proceed from the monad, so he regarded the 
 pure and simple essence of the Deity as the source of all the 
 forms of nature. Gods, demons and heroes are emanations of 
 the Supreme ; and there is a fourth emanation, the human soul. 
 This is immortal, and, when fi-eed from the fetters of the body, 
 passes to the habitation ot the dead, where it remains till it re- 
 turns to the world, to dwell in some other human or animal 
 body, and at last, when sufficiently purified, it returns to the 
 source from which it proceeded. This doctrine of the transmi' 
 
 I'tl: 
 
 HI 
 
 u 
 
 
 * if 
 
 < ■■I 
 
 X^, 
 
 
:#i 
 
 '! 
 
 *':9 
 
 t 
 
 358 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 gration of souls, or metempsychosis, which was originally 
 Egyptian, and connected with the doctrine of reward and pun- 
 ishment of human actions, was the chief cause why the Pythag- 
 oreans killed no animals. Ovid represents Pythagoras address- 
 ing his disciples in these words : *•' Souls never die, but always, 
 on quitting one abode, pass to another. I myself can remember 
 that in the time of the Trojan war I was Euphorbus, the son of 
 Panthus, and fell by the spear of Menelaus. Lately, being in 
 the temple of Juno at Argos, I recognized my shield hung up 
 there among the trophies. All things change, nothing perishes. 
 The soul passes hither and thither, occupying now this body, 
 now that, passing from the body of a beast into that of a man, 
 and thence to a beast's again. 
 
 I 
 
 ** Thou almost mak'st me waver in my faith, 
 To hold opinion with Pythagoras, 
 That souls of animals infuse themselves 
 Into the tranks of men ; thy currish spirit 
 Governed a wolf, who, hanged for human slaughter. 
 Infused his soul in thee ; for thy desires 
 Are wolfish, bloody, starved and ravenous." 
 
 — Merchant of Venice. 
 
 As wax is stamped with certain figures, then melted, then stamped 
 anew with others, yet is always the same wax, so the soul, being 
 always the same, yet wears at different times different forms. 
 Therefore, if the love of kindred is not extinct in your bosoms, 
 forbear, I entreat you, to violate the life of those who may 
 haply be your own relatives." 
 
 The relation of the notes of the musical scale to numbers, 
 whereby harmony results from vibrations in equal times, and dis- 
 cord from the reverse, led Pythagoras to apply the word "har- 
 mony ' ' to the visible creation, meaning by it the just adaptation 
 of parts to each other. 
 
 ^. "Ring out, ye crystal spheres I 
 
 Once bless our human ears ; 
 
 (If ye have power to charm our senses so ;) 
 And let your silver chime 
 Move in melodious time, 
 
 And let the base of Heaven's deep organ blow ; 
 And with your ninefold harmony 
 Make up full concert with the angelic symphony."-^MlLTON. 
 
THE ROSETTA STONE. 
 
 359 
 
 Syb'a-ris and Cro-to'na. 
 
 Syb'a-ris, a neighboring city to Cro-to'na, was as cele- 
 brated for luxury and effeminacy as Crotona for the reverse. A 
 war arose between the two cities, and Sybaris was conquered and 
 destroyed. Milo, the celebrated athlete, led the army of Cro- 
 tona. Many stories are told of Milo's vast strength, such as his 
 carrying a heifer of four years old upon his shoulders, and after- 
 wards eating the whole of it in a single day. The mode of his 
 death is thus related. As he was passing through a forest he saw 
 the trunk of a tree which had been partially split open by wood- 
 cutters, and attempted to rend it further, but the wood closed 
 upon his hands and held him fast, in which state he was attacked 
 and devoured by wolves. 
 
 E-gyp'tian Mythology. 
 
 E-gyp'tian Mythology, like Egyptian history, is largely 
 speculative. The researches are too recent to admit of definite 
 conclusions. Egypt, unfortunately, has no great epic. No Homer, 
 Virgil nor Ovid ever sang her gods into immortality. Her his- 
 tory is a grave ; her literature the marks of a hand dead and 
 dust for a nameless age. The great Sphinx, with his stony lips 
 touched by the finger of Silence, was but a fit emblem of what 
 the ancient Egyptians thought and were. But the secrets were 
 yet to be revealed, and in a way that seems almost accidental. 
 
 m\ 
 
 m 
 
 
 W\ 
 
 m 
 
 * The Ro-set'ta Stone. 
 
 During the conquest of Napoleon, an officer, while digging an 
 entrenchment about the town of Rosetta, found a stone on which 
 was an inscription in three languages — the hieroglyphic, demotic,* 
 and Greek. The Greek was a translation of the former two. 
 This served as a key to the sealed chambers of hieroglyphic 
 literature and laid bare the secrets of Egyptian antiquity. Such is 
 the Ro-set'ta Stone, one of the greatest discoveries of the nine- 
 teenth century.'* Since then Egyptology has become a possible 
 science. The monumental inscriptions are read with compara- 
 tive ease ; the tombs of the Pharaohs have been opened, and the 
 
 * Language of the people. 
 ' Marietta Bey, 
 
 m 
 
 im 
 
 ^f {t^M& 
 
 ■Mm 
 
 ' ■■^'■■'*Wp 
 
 '*\',Ws\ 
 
 ^'o^^Wm 
 
 "■-IP* 
 
 .>-M,j 
 
 '"''"*w 
 
 :;:i 
 
 
 ''^'k- f- IP ■ 
 
 ,'1*1 
 
 
 11 
 
360 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 world has looked upon the faces of those who ruled and died 
 thousands of years ago. 
 
 The Egyptians embalmed their dead and deposited in their 
 tombs a papyrus, or scroll, on which was written instructions to 
 guide the soul on its journey through the under world. These 
 
 
 Rosetta Stone. 
 
 are called the * ' Ritual, " or * « nook of t he Dead. ' ' They vary in 
 size and substance according to tiic fortune of the deceased, and 
 are the oldest literature in the world, some of them dating back 
 five thousand years. When the soul entered the other life it 
 followed the ritual until it came to judgment in the hall of Two 
 Truths. 
 
HALL OF TWO TRUTHS, 
 
 361 
 
 iiled and died 
 
 osited in their 
 instructions to 
 kvorld. These 
 
 W^ 
 
 r^rt • 
 
 ml 
 
 '0^ 
 
 They vary in 
 J deceased, and 
 im dating back 
 le other life it 
 he hall of Two 
 
 Hall of Two Truths. 
 Here, upon a chair, beneath a canopy, sat Osiris, the Good 
 
 Being, the Lord of Life, the Great God, the Lord of Abydos, 
 the King of Eternity. A sceptre and flail were in his hand, and 
 
 
 
 
 r. 
 
s: 'i'^ 
 
 ■y if . 
 
 362 
 
 STORIES 0£ OOBS AND HEROES. 
 
 a crown upon his head. Before Osiris stood forty -two judges, 
 each summoned from a different city, to pronounce sentence 
 upon some particular sin ; there also stood before ♦^^he god the 
 human-headed Amset, the ape-headed Hapi, the jackal-headed 
 Duamutef, and the hawk -headed Kebehsenuf. These had charge 
 of the viscera, because of the belief that it was not the soul that 
 sinned, but the internal organs. The deceased was received by 
 the goddess of Truth. He then proceeded to speak in his own 
 behalf, declaring he had committed none of the forty-two mor- 
 
 I'he Gods weighing the Actions of the defunct (From a painting in the British 
 
 Museum ) . 
 
 tal sins. The denials here made indicate a high sense of moral- 
 ity — **I have not brought any to hunger;" "I have not com- 
 mitted wickedness ;" '* I have not taken milk from the mouths 
 of children ;" "I have not caused any to weep ;" ** I have not* 
 added to the weight of the scales;" **I have not committed 
 murder." 
 
 The truth of his words was tested by weighing his heart in the 
 scales against the symbol of truth. Horus superintended the 
 weighing, assisted by Anubis or Thoth. The latter acted as 
 scribe of the gods, and recorded the proceedings. If the dead 
 was found to be righteous he received back his heart and was re- 
 built into a man. He then entered the boat of the Sun, and was 
 
WES. 
 
 d forty -two judges, 
 )ronounce sentence 
 before ♦^^he god the 
 the jackal-headed 
 These had charge 
 as not the soul that 
 ed was received by 
 to speak in his own 
 the forty-two mor- 
 
 APIS. 
 
 a painting in the British 
 
 ligh sense of moral- 
 " I have not com- 
 Ik from the mouths 
 jep ; " * * I have not* 
 ave not committed 
 
 ling his heart in the 
 superintend 'j(l the 
 rhc latter acted as 
 lings. If the dead 
 is heart and was re- 
 of the Sun, and was 
 
 363 
 
 guided by good spirits to the home of the blest. From other 
 sources it would seem that he became the companion of Osiris 
 for three thousand years, when he re-entered his old body and 
 lived on earth again. This process was continued until the man 
 was absorbed into God. As to the disposition of the wicked, 
 the same uncertainty seems to prevail ; presumably they died a 
 second death and ceased to be. In many representations the 
 figure of a female hippopotamus may be seen in the judgment 
 hall. She is termed the " devourer of the under world," and is 
 thought to be present for the purpose of destroying those who 
 failed to pass the ordeal of judgment. 
 
 Elsewhere it is said that the judges of the dead slay the wicked 
 and drink their blood. This was a point, however, on which 
 there seems to have been no uniformity of belief.^ The Egyp- 
 tian's idea of God is as yet but imperfectly understood. Whether 
 he believed in the one Supreme Deity manifesting Himself in a 
 thousand forms, or whether each form was a distinct, separate 
 god, remains to be determined. The question is so complex 
 that many believe there were three orders of gods — one for the 
 priests, one impersonating human powers, and one embodying 
 the forms and forces of nature. In those primitive ages men 
 failed to think of spirit independent of matter. The conse- 
 quence was a belief in the transmigration of souls, and animal 
 worship of the most revolting kind. Almost every beast and 
 reptile had a worshipper somewhere in the valley of the Nile. 
 
 Animals were held sacred because they were thought to em- 
 body some deity, or manifest certain qualities common with the 
 gods. 
 
 The central figure in this particula'" form of worship was Apis, 
 the sacred bull. 
 
 A'pis. 
 
 A'pis, the Bull of Memphis, was worshipped with the great- 
 est reverence by the Egyptians. lie was supposed to be the in- 
 carnation of Osiris, the god of the under world. The Individ jal 
 animal who was held to be Apis was recognized by certain signs. 
 It was requisite that he should be ciuite black, have a white 
 square mark on the forehead, another, in the form of an eagle, 
 
 » Birch. 
 
 > 
 
 (t 
 
 P 
 
 
 r. 
 
 .!•;« 
 
 
 ^' 
 
 '■>s, 
 
 ImM 
 
 .11 
 
 to I.'. 1! . 
 
 ! :, ** 
 
 l)t 
 
364 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES 
 
 on his back, and under his tongue a lump somewhat in the shape 
 of a scarabaeus or beetle.^ As soon as a bull thus marked was 
 found by those sent in search of him, he was placed in a building 
 facing the east, and was fed with milk for four months. At the 
 expiration of this term the priests repaired, at new moon, with 
 great pomp, to his habitation and saluted him Apis. He was 
 pU ced in a vessel magnificently decorated and conveyed down 
 the Nile to Memphis, where a temple, with two chapels and a 
 
 Statue of the Bull Apis. Discovered in its temple by M. Mariette. 
 
 (Louvre, Paris.) 
 
 court for exercise, was assigned to him. Sacrifices were made to 
 him, and once every year, about the time when the Nile began 
 to rise, a golden cup was thrown into the river, and a grand fes- 
 tival was held to celebrate his birthday. The people believed 
 that during this festival the crocodiles forgot their natural ferocity 
 and became harmless. There was, however, one dr^jwback to 
 his happy lot ; he was not permitted to live beyond a certain 
 period ; and if, when he had attained the age of twenty-five years, 
 he still survived, the priests drowned him in the sacred cistern, 
 and then buried him in the temple of Serapis. Several of these 
 tombs have been opened, and the mummies of the animals found 
 just as they were buried. One tomb especially was in such per- 
 
 • The bf. "^tlo signified immortality to the Egyptian, as the butterfly did to tke 
 Greek. 
 
r. 
 
 lat in the shape 
 us marked was 
 d in a building 
 onths. At the 
 ew moon, with 
 Apis. He was 
 onveyed down 
 > chapels and a 
 
 M. Mariette. 
 
 ;s were made to 
 the Nile began 
 nd a grand fes- 
 eople believed 
 natural ferocity 
 e drawback to 
 yond a certain 
 enty-five years, 
 sacred cistern, 
 Jeveral of these 
 I animals found 
 as in such per- 
 
 mtterfly did to tke 
 
 •? 
 
 EGYPTIAN OODS. 
 
 365 
 
 1^- 
 
 feet condition that the footprints of the last Egyptian who left 
 the chamber at the interment of the Apis, three thousand years 
 ago, were still visible.' On the death of this bull, whether it oc- 
 curred in the course of nature or by violence, the whole land was 
 filled wi.h sorrow and lamentations, which lasted until his suc- 
 cessor was found. 
 
 The Apis was believed to have been begotten by a deity, de-^ 
 scending as a ray of moonlight upon the cow which was to be 
 the mother of the beast ; hence he was regarded as the son of a 
 
 god. 
 
 E-gyp'tian Gods. 
 
 The deities were divided into triads, supreme in their own par- 
 ticular locality. Thus Memphis, Thebes, Heliopolis were recog- 
 nized as god centres by the people. 
 
 The Egyptian temples were always dedicated to three gods. 
 The first is the male principle, the second the female, and the 
 third the offspring of the other two. But these three are blended 
 into one. The father engenders himself, and thus becomes his 
 own father and his own son, thereby expressing the eternity of a 
 Being who has had no beginning and shall have no end.' 
 
 The unification of the empire brought with it the unification 
 of the various circles of gods. They were all grouped together 
 under the sovereignty of Ptah while the old empire lasted, of 
 Amun when Thebes gained the supremacy. The Sun may be re- 
 garded as the centre of Egyptian worship. He arose as Horus, 
 ber-ame Ra at noonday, and set as Tum.' 
 
 The principal divinities were represented as follows : 
 
 Phtah or Ptah : In form a mummy, holding the emblem called 
 by some the Nilometer, by others the emblem of Stability, called 
 "the Father of the Beginning, the Creator of the Egg of the 
 Sun and Moon," Chief Deity of Memphis. 
 
 Knephf Knoum or Knouphis : Ram -headed, called the Maker 
 of Gods and Men, the Soul of the Gods. Chief Deity of Ele- 
 phantine and the Cataracts. 
 
 Pa : Hawk-headed, and crowned with the sun-disc, encircled 
 by an asp. The divine disposer and organizer of the world i 
 adored throughout Egypt. 
 
 Amen Pa : Of human form, crowned with a flat -topped cap 
 
 ' Wiedemaa * Mariette Bey. * Sayce. 
 
 1" ;. 
 
 
 ■;« 
 
 
iMi 
 
 I'lm 
 
 n 
 
 fT 
 
 ,*. ,4 
 
 !!' r'Xik 
 
 J 
 
 366 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 and two long, straight plumes ; clothed in the schenti ; his flesh 
 sometimes painted blue. There are various forms of this goJ, 
 but he is most generally described as King of the Gods, chief 
 deity of Thebes. 
 
 ^. 
 
 
 Amun. 
 
 ♦ h 
 
 Khem : Of human form, mummified ; wears head-dress of 
 Amen Ra ; his right hand uplifted, holding a flail. The god of 
 productiveness and generation. Chief deity of Khemmis, oi 
 Ekhmeem, 
 
^s. 
 
 :henti ; his flesh 
 ■ms of this go.^, 
 the Gods, chief 
 
 EGYPTIAN GODS. 
 
 367 
 
 s head-dress of 
 lil. Tliegodof 
 3f Khemmis, oi 
 
 Osin's : Of human form, mummified, crowned with a mitre, 
 and holding the flail and 
 crook. Called the Good ; 
 the Lord above all ; the 
 one Lord. Was the god 
 of the lower world ; judge 
 of the dead ; and repre- 
 sentative of the sun below 
 the horizon. Adored 
 through Egypt. Local 
 deity of Abydos. 
 
 J\^e/er Atum : Human- 
 headed, and crowned with 
 the pschent. This god 
 represented the nocturnal 
 sun, or the sun lighting 
 the lower world. Local 
 deity of Heliopolis. 
 
 Thoth : In form a man, 
 ibis-headed, generally de- 
 picted with the pen and 
 palette of a scribe. Was 
 the god of the moon and 
 of letters. 
 
 S^d: The "Father of 
 the Gods," and deity of 
 terrestrial vegetation. In 
 form like a man with a 
 goose upon his head. 
 
 Sef ; Represented by a 
 symbolic animal, with a 
 muzzle and ears like a 
 jackal, the body of an 
 ass, and an upright tail, 
 like the tail of a lion. 
 Was originally a warlike 
 god, and became in later times the symbol of evil and the 
 enemy of Osiris. 
 
 Khom ; Hawk-headed, crowned with the sun -disc and horns. 
 
 Osiris. 
 
 ; 1 
 
 It- ;i 
 1. 11 
 
 h 
 
r 
 
 
 ?H .1*' 
 
 i| 
 
 
 
 ki 
 
 ^ 
 
 \J« , 
 
 308 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Is sometimes represented as a youth with the side-lock, standing 
 
 on a crocodile. 
 
 Horus : Horus appears variously as Horus, Horus Aroeris, and 
 
 Horus Harpakhrat (Hippocrates), or 
 Horus the child. Is represented under 
 the first two forms as a man, hawk-head- 
 ed, wearing the double crown of Egypt ; 
 in the latter as a child with the side-lock. 
 
 ".Thyself shall, under some rosy bower. 
 Sit mute, with thy finger on thy lip ; 
 
 Like him, the boy, who born among 
 The flowers that on the Nile-stream blush 
 
 Sits ever thus, — his only song 
 To Earth and Heaven, ' Hush all, hush!' " 
 
 MOORK, 
 
 Maut: A woman draped, and crowned 
 with the pschent,^ representing a vul- 
 ture. Adored at Thebes. 
 
 Neith : A woman draped, holding 
 
 sometimes a bow and arrows, crowned 
 
 with the crown of Lower Egypt. She 
 
 presided over war and the loom. 
 
 /$•/>.• A woman crowned with the sun - 
 
 disc, surmounted by a throne, and sometimes enclosed between 
 
 horns. Adored at Abydos. Her soul resided in Sothis on the 
 
 Dog-star. 
 
 JVuf: A woman so bent that her hands touched the earth. 
 She represents the vault of heaven, and is the mother of the 
 gods. 
 
 Hathor : Cow -headed, and crowned with the disc and plumes, 
 Deity of Amenti, or the Egytian Hades. Worshipped at Den- 
 derah. 
 
 Pasht : Pasht and Bast appear to be two forms of the same 
 goddess. As Bast she is represented as a woman, lion-headed,^ 
 with the disc and uroeus ; as Pasht she is cat-headed, and holds a 
 sistrum. Adored at Bubastis, 
 
 In addition to these there were certain foreign deities Intro- 
 duced into Egypt, especially from the North and the interioi 
 
 Osiris. 
 
 * A double crown. 
 
 ' Miss Edwards. 
 
E8. 
 
 de-lock, standing 
 
 orus Aroeris, and 
 Hippocrates), or 
 epresented under 
 man, hawk-head- 
 crown of Egypt ; 
 irith the side-lock. 
 
 ; rosy bower, 
 
 er on thy lip ; 
 
 3orn among 
 
 B Nile-stream blush 
 
 song 
 
 , ' Hush all, hush!' " 
 
 MOORK. 
 
 ,ped, and crowned 
 presenting a vul- 
 3es. 
 draped, holding 
 arrows, crowned 
 iwer Egypt. She 
 . the loom, 
 vned with the sun - 
 enclosed between 
 i in Sothis on the 
 
 )uched the earth, 
 he mother of the 
 
 B disc and plumes. 
 jrshipped at Den- 
 
 forms of the same 
 nan, lion-headed, '^ 
 eaded, and holds a 
 
 •eign deities Intro- 
 and the interioi 
 
 Miss Edwards. 
 
 aM^, 
 
 EGYPTIAN GODS. 
 
 369 
 
 of Africa- B^l, Astarte, Anta, Reshpfi, Kedesh, and the more im- 
 portant He«, Wffe all foreign divinities. For some reason, how- 
 ever, they dlsii f Jitiinated against the gods of Greece and Rome. 
 The worship of trees, stone and water prevailed throughout 
 
 I'-gypt, but only among the lower classes. The priests seem to 
 Imve diwittrdt'd this form of service. 
 
 Myth of O-si ris and I'sis. 
 0-»l'rii nm] I'sis were at one time induced to descend to the 
 earth U) hentow gifts and blessings on its inhabitants. Isis 
 
 24 
 
 %H 
 
3;o 
 
 BTOniES OP OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 WA 
 
 I hi 
 
 I'd 5 ^ 
 
 'a. ^- ii 1 ^ 
 
 
 'K 
 
 •1 
 
 if r 
 
 showed them first the use of wheat and barley, and Osiris made 
 the instruments of agriculture and taught men the use of them, 
 as well as how to harness the ox to the plough. He then gave 
 men laws, the institution of marriage, a civil organization, and 
 taught them how to worship the gods. After he had thus made 
 the valley of the Nile a happy country, he assembled a host, with 
 which he went to bestow his blessings upon the rest of the world. 
 He conquered the nations everywhere only with music and elo 
 queiice. His brother Typhon saw this, and sought during his 
 absence to usurp his throne. But Isis, who held the reins of 
 government, frustrated his plans. Still more embittered, he now 
 resolved to kill his brother. Having organized a conspiracy of 
 seventy-two members, he went with them to the feast which 
 was celebrated in honor of the king's return. He then caused a 
 box or chest to be brought in, which had been made to fit exactly 
 the size of Osiris, and declared that he would give that chest of 
 precious wood to whosoever could get into it. The rest tried in 
 vain, but no sooner was Osiris in it than Typhon and his compan- 
 ions closed the lid and flung the chest into the Nile. When Isis 
 heard of the cruel murder she wept and mourned ; and then, with 
 her hair shorn, clothed in black, and beating her breast, she 
 sought diligently for the body of her husband. In this search 
 she was materially assisted by Anubis, the son of Osiris and 
 Nephthys. They sought in vain for some time ; for when the 
 chest, carried by the waves to the shores of Byblos, had be- 
 come entangled in the reeds that grew at the edge of the 
 water, the divine power that dwelt in the body of Osiris im- 
 parted such strength to the shrub that it grew into a mighty tree, 
 enclosing in its trunk the coffin of the god. This tree, with its 
 sacred deposit, was shortly after felled, and erected as a column 
 in the palace of the king of Phoenicia. But at length, by the 
 aid of Anubis and the sacred birds, Isis ascertained these facts, 
 and then went to the vjyal city. There she offered herself at 
 the Dalace as a servant, and, being admitted, threw off her dis- 
 guise and appeared as the goddess, surrounded with thunder and 
 lightning. Striking the column with her wand, she caused it to 
 split open and give up the sacred coffin. 
 
 ••The brutish gods of Nile as fast, 
 Iris and Horus and the dog Anubis baste. 
 
)siris made 
 8 of them, 
 
 then gave 
 zation, and 
 
 thus made 
 I host, with 
 ' the world, 
 ic and elo 
 
 during his 
 le reins of 
 
 ed, he now 
 ispiracy of 
 'east which 
 en caused a 
 
 fit exactly 
 at chest of 
 jst triec- in 
 lis compan- 
 
 Wben Isis 
 
 1 then, with 
 breast, she 
 this search 
 Osiris and 
 
 r when the 
 )s, had he- 
 dge of the 
 Osiris im- 
 nighty tree, 
 
 ee, with its 
 is a column 
 ^th, by the 
 these facts, 
 1 herself at 
 )ff her dis- 
 hunder and 
 caused it to 
 
 ORACLE OF JUPITER AT DODONA, 37 1 
 
 ' Nor is Osiris seen 
 
 In Memphian grove or green 
 Trampling the unshowered grass with lowings loud \ 
 Nor can he be at rest 
 Within his sacred chest ; 
 Nought but profoundest hell can be his shroud. 
 
 In vain with timbrel' d anthems dark 
 The sable-stoled sorcerers bear his worshipped ark." 
 
 — Milton. 
 
 This she seized, and returned with it, and concealed it in the 
 depth of a forest ; but Typhon discovered it, and cutting the 
 body into fourteen pieces, scattered them hither and thither. 
 After a tedious search, Isis found thirteen pieces, the fishes of 
 the Nile having eaten the other. This she replaced by an imi- 
 tation of sycamore wood, and buried the body at Philoe, which 
 became ever after the great burying-place of the nation, and 
 the spot to which pilgrimages were made from all parts of the 
 country. A temple of surpassing magnificence was also erected 
 there in honor of the god, and at every place where one of 
 his limbs had been found, minor temples and tombs were built 
 to commemorate the event. Osiris became, after that, the tutelar 
 deity of the Egyptians. His soul was supposed always to in- 
 habit the body of the bull Apis, and at his death to transfer 
 itself to his successor. 
 
 Oracles. 
 
 Oracle was the name used to denote the place where answers 
 were supposed to be given by any of the divinities to those who 
 consulted them respecting the future. The word was also used 
 to signify the response which was given. ' 
 
 Oracle of Ju'pi-ter at Do-do'na. 
 
 The most ancient Grecian oracle was that of Ju'pi-ter at Do- 
 do'na. According to one account it was established in the fol- 
 lowing manner : Two black doves took their flight from Thebes 
 in Egypt. One flew to Dodona in Epirus, and alighting in a 
 grove of oaks, it proclaimed in human language to the inhabit- 
 ants of the district that they must establish there an oracle of 
 Jupiter. The other dove flew to the temple of Jupiter Ammon 
 in the Libyan oasis, and delivered a similar command there. 
 
 i 
 
 it pi 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 Mil 
 
 li 
 
 'j'f'i 
 
 "■J 
 
 
 m 
 
'5 S * 
 
 372 STOBIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 «* And I will work in prose and rhyme, 
 
 And praise thee more in both 
 Than bard has honored beech or lime, 
 
 Or that Thessalian growth 
 In which the swarthy ring-dove sat 
 
 And mystic sentence spoke." — ^Tennyson. 
 
 Another account is, that they were not doves, but priestesses ' 
 who were carried off from . Thebes in Egypi^ by the Phoenicians, 
 and set Mp oracles at the Oasis and Dodona. The responses of 
 the oracle were given from the trees, by the branches rustling in 
 the wind, the sounds being interpreted by the priests. 
 
 Oracle of A-pol'lo at Del'phi. 
 
 But the most celebrated of the Grecian oracles was that of 
 A-pol'lo at Del'phi, a city built on the slopes of Parnassus in 
 Phocis, and the supposed centre of the earth. 
 
 •* Now to this land of Delphi am I come, \ 
 
 Where seated on the centre of the world 
 His oracles Apollo to mankind 
 Discloses, ever chanting both events, 
 Present and those to come." — Euripides (Ion). 
 
 It had been observed at a very early period that the goats 
 feeding on Parnassus were thrown into convulsions when they 
 approached a certain long deep cleft in the side of the mountain. 
 This was owing to a peculiar vapor arising out of the cavern, 
 and one of the goat-herds was induced to try its effects upon 
 himself. Inhaling the intoxicating air, he was affected in the 
 same manner as the cattle had been, and the inhabitants of the 
 surrounding country, unable to explain the circumstance, imputed 
 the convulsive ravings to which he gave utterance while under 
 the power of the exhalations to a divine inspiration. 
 
 " For then he was inspired, and from him came, 
 f As from the Pythian' s mystic cave of yore, . 
 
 Those oracles which set the world in flame, 
 
 Nor ceased to bum till kingdoms were no more." 
 
 Byron's Rosseati. 
 
 The fact was speedily circulated widely, and a temple was 
 erected on the spot. The prophetic influence was at first variously 
 attributed to the goddess Earth, to Neptune, Themis, and others, 
 but it was at length assigned to Apollo, and to him alone. A 
 
.1 3 
 
 ORACLE OF TBOPHONIUS. 
 
 373 
 
 priestesses, ' 
 *hoenicians, 
 esponses of 
 
 rustling in 
 
 was that of 
 Parnassus in 
 
 )• 
 
 at the goats 
 ; when they 
 le mountain, 
 the cavern, 
 effects upon 
 cted in the 
 itants of the 
 ice, imputed 
 while under 
 
 j» 
 
 n's Rosseau. 
 
 temple was 
 irst variously 
 , and others, 
 n alone. A 
 
 
 priestess was appointed whose office it was to inhale the hallowed 
 air, and who was named the Pythia. She was prepared for this 
 duty by previous ablution at the fountain of Castalia, and being 
 crowned with laurel was seated upon a tripod similarly adorned, 
 which was placed over the chasm whence the divine afflatus pro- 
 ceeded. Her inspired words while thus situated were interpreted 
 by the priests. 
 
 Oracle of Tro-pho'ni-us, 
 
 Besides the oracles of Jupiter and Apollo, at Dodona and Del- 
 phi, that of Tro-pho'ni-us in Boeotia was held in high estima- 
 tion. Trophonius and Agamedes were brothers. They were 
 distinguished architects, and built the Temple of Apollo at Del- 
 phi, and a treasury for King Hyrieus. In the wall of the treasury 
 they placed a stone in such a manner that it could be taken out, 
 and by this means from time to time purloined the treasure. 
 This amazed Hyrieus, for his locks and seals were untouched, 
 and yet his wealth continually diminished. At length he set a 
 trap for the thief, and Agamedes was caught. Trophonius, un- 
 able to extricate him, and fearing that when found he would be 
 compelled by torture to discover his accomplice, cut off his head. 
 Trophonius himself is said to have been shortly afterwards swal- 
 lowed up by the earth. 
 
 The oracle of Trophonius was at Lebadea in Boeotia. During 
 a great drought the Boeotians, it is said, were directed by the god 
 at Delphi to seek aid of Trophonius at Lebadea. They came 
 thither, but could find no oracle. One of them, however, hap- 
 pening to see a swarm of bees, followed them to a chasm in the 
 earth, which proved to be the place sought. 
 
 Peculiar ceremonies were to be performed by the person who 
 came to consult the oracle. After these preliminaries, he 
 descended into the cave by a narrow passage. This place 
 could be entered only in the night. The person returned from 
 the cave by the same narrow passage, but walking backwards. 
 He appeared melancholy and dejected, and hence the proverb 
 which was applied to a person low-spirited and gloomy, "He 
 has been consulting the oracle of Trophonius. " 
 
 Oracle of .ffis-cu-la'pi-us. 
 There were numerous oracles of ^scu-la'pi-us, but the most 
 
 4 «L 
 
 11 
 
 ,',■■■ 
 
 w 
 
 '■11 
 
 ■/..ill 
 
 mi 
 
 
 '";tiB 
 
 
 ■wm 
 
374 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 
 
 M 
 J 
 
 celebrated one was at Epidaui^s. Here the sick sought responses 
 and the recovery of their health by sleeping in the temple. It 
 has been inferred, from the accounts that have come down to us, 
 that the treatment of the sick resembled what is now called Ani- 
 mal Magnetism or Mesmerism. 
 
 Serpents were sacred to -^sculapius, probably because of a 
 superstition that those animals have a faculty of renewing their 
 youth by a change of skin. The worship of .^sculapius was in- 
 troduced into Rome in a time of great sickness, and an embassy 
 sent to the temple of Epidaurus to entreat the aid of the god. 
 ^sculapius was propitious, and on the return of the ship accom- 
 panied it in the form of a serpent. Arriving in the river Tiber, 
 the serpent glided from the vessel and took possession of an 
 island in the river, and a temple was there erected to his honor. 
 
 Oracle of A'pis. 
 
 At Memphis the sacred bull A' pis gave answer to those who 
 consulted him by the manner in which he received or rejected 
 what was presented to him. If the bull refused food from the 
 hand of the inquirer it was considered an unfavorable sign, and 
 the contrary when he received it. 
 
 It has been a question whether oracular responses ought to l)e 
 ascribed to mere human contrivance or to the agency of evil 
 spirits. The latter opinion has been most general in past ages. 
 A third theory has been advanced, since the phenomena of Mes- 
 merism have attracted attention, that something like the mes- 
 meric trance was induced in the Pythoness, and the faculty of 
 clairvoyance really called into action. 
 
 Another question is as to the time when the Pagan oracles 
 ceased to give responses. Ancient Christian writers assert that 
 they became silent at the birth of Christ, and were heard no 
 more after that date. 
 
 * ' The oracles are dumb ; 
 No voice or hideous hum \ 
 
 Rings through the arched roof in words deceiving. 
 Apollo from his shrine 
 Can no more divine, 
 
 With hollow shriek the steep of Delphos leaving. 
 No nightly trance or breathed spell 
 Inspires ^t^ pale-eyed priest from the prophetic cell."— MiLTON. 
 
iJI 
 
 I."— Milton. 
 
 Jupiter (Group from the altar- frieze of Pergamon). 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Origin of Myth jlogy — Statues of Gods and Goddesses 
 
 — Poets of Mythology. 
 
 Origin of Mythology. 
 
 Having reached the close of our series of stories of Pagan 
 mythology, an inquiry suggests itself. * ' Whence came these 
 stories ? Have they a foundation in truth, or are they simply 
 dreams of the imagination ?' * Philosophers have suggested various 
 theories on the subject ; and i . The Scriptural theory ; accord- 
 ing to which all mythological legends are derived from the nar- 
 ratives of Scripture, though the real facts have been disguised 
 and altered. Thus Deucalion is only another name for Noah, 
 Hercules for Samson, Arion for Jonah, etc. Sir Walter Raleigh, 
 in his History of the World, says, " Jubal, Tubal, and Tubal- 
 Cain were Mercury, Vulcan, and Apollo, inventors of Pasturage, 
 Smithing, and Music. The Dragon which kept the golden ap- 
 ples was the serpent that beguiled Eve. Nimrod's tower was 
 the attempt of the Giants against Heaven." There are doubt- 
 less many curious coincidences like these, but the theory cannot 
 without extravagance be pushed so far as to account for any great 
 proportion of these stories. 
 
 (375) 
 
 !.,, 
 
 «% 
 f*'. 
 
 % 
 
 f 
 
 W^Q 
 
 ' 4i' 
 
 'ipM 
 
 i-i'i'Tii 
 
376 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 M-^ 1 
 
 2. The Historical theory ; according to which all the perso is 
 mentioned in mythology were once real human beings, and the 
 legends and fabulous traditions relating to them are merely the 
 additions and embellishments of later times. Thus the story of 
 iEolus, the king and god of the winds, is supposed to have risen 
 from the fact that ^olus was the ruler of some islands in the 
 Tyrrhenian Sea, where he reigned as a just and pious king, and 
 taught the natives the use of sails for ships, and how to tell from 
 the signs of the atmosphere the changes of the weather and the 
 winds. Cadmus, who, the legend says, sowed the earth with 
 dragons' teeth, from which sprang a crop of armed men, was in 
 fact an emigrant from Phoenicia, and brought with him into 
 Greece the knowledge of the letters of the alphabet, which he 
 taught to the natives. From these rudiments of learning sprung 
 civilization, which the poets have always been prone to describe 
 as a deterioration of man's first estate, the Golden Age of inno- 
 cence and simpMcity. ' 
 
 3. The Allegorical theory supposes that all the myths of the 
 ancients were allegorical and symbolical, and contained some 
 moral, religious, or philosophical truth or historical fact, under 
 the form of an allegory, but came in process of time to oe un- 
 derstood literaUy , Thus Saturn, who devours his own children, 
 is the same pow^r whom the Greeks called Cronos (Time), 
 which may truly be said to destroy whatever it has brought into 
 existence. The story of lo is interpreted in a similar manner. 
 Id is the moon, and Argus the starry sky, which, as it were, 
 keeps sleepless watch over her. The fabulous wanderings of lo 
 represent the continual revolutions of the moon, which also sug- 
 gested to Milton the same idea. 
 
 •* To behold the wandering moon 
 Riding near her highest noon, 
 Like one that had been led astray 
 In the heaven's wide, pathless way." — // Penseroso, 
 
 4. Tba Physical theory ; according to which the elements of 
 air, fire and water were originally the objects of religious adora- 
 tioD, and the principal deities were personifications of tiie powers 
 of natdire. The transition was easy from a personification of the 
 elements to the notion of supernatural beings presiding over and 
 
STATUES OF OODS AND OODDESSES, 
 
 377 
 
 enseroso. 
 
 governing the different objects of nature. The Greeks, whose 
 imagination was lively, peopled all nature with invisible beings, 
 and supposed that every object, from the sun and sea to the 
 smallest fountain and rivulet, was under the care of some par- 
 ticular divinity. Wordsworth, in his Excursion, has beautifully 
 developed this view of Grecian mythology. 
 
 "The Traveller slaked 
 His thirst from rill or gushing fount, and thanked 
 The Naiad. Sunbeams upon distant hills 
 Gliding apace with shadows in their train, 
 Might with small help from fancy> be transfonned 
 Into fleet Oreads sporting visibly. 
 The Zeph)TS, fanning, as they passed, their wings, 
 Lacked not for love fair objects whom they wooed 
 With gentle whisper. Withered boughs grotesque, 
 Stripped of their leaves and twigs by hoary age, 
 From depth of shaggy covert peeping forth 
 In the low vale, or on steep mountain side ', 
 And sometimes intermixed with stirring horns 
 Of the live deer, or goat's depending beard ; 
 These were the lurking Satyrs, a wild brood 
 Of gamesome deities ; or Fan himself. 
 The simple shepherd's awe-inspiring god.'* 
 
 5. A more recent theory would account for myths through 
 the development of language. Thus Zeus originally meant the 
 sky. In the process of time the primitive significance is for- 
 gotten, and what was once said of the sky is applied to a divine 
 personality. This is known as th i Philological theory. 
 
 All the theories which have been mentioned are true to a cer- 
 tain extent. It would therefore be more correct to say vhat the 
 mythology of a nation has sprung from all these sources, com- 
 bined than from any one in particular. 
 
 Statues of Gods and Goddesses. 
 
 To adequately represent to the eye the ideas intended to be 
 conveyed to the mind under the several names of deities was a 
 task which called into exercise the highest powers of genius and 
 art. Of the many attempts seven have been most celebrated, 
 the first two known to us only by the descriptions of the ancients, 
 the others still extant and the acknowledged masterpieces of thfl 
 sculptor's art. 
 
 1)! 
 
 m 
 ill 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
378 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 
 
 The O-lym'pi-an Ju'pi-ter. 
 
 The statue of the Olympian Jupiter by Phidias was con. 
 sidered the highest achievement of this department of Grecian 
 art. It was of colossal dimensions, and was what the ancients 
 called "chryselephantine ;" that is, composed of ivory and gold ; 
 the parts representing flesh being of ivory laid on a core of wood 
 or stone, while the drapery and other ornaments were of gold. 
 The height of the figure was foity feet, on a pedestal twelve feet 
 high. The god was represented seated on his throne. His 
 brows were crowned with a wreath of o'ive, and he held in his 
 right hand a sceptre, and in his left a statue of Victory. 
 
 ** All around . , 
 
 The sovereign's everlasting head his curls 
 Ambrosial shool;, and the huge mountain reeled." — COWPER. 
 
 The throne was of cedar, adorned with gold and precious 
 stones. - ^ 
 
 The idea which the artist essayed to embody was that of the 
 supreme deity of the Hellenic or Grecian nation, enthroned ns a 
 conqueror, in perfect majesty and repose, and ruling with a nod 
 the subject world. Phidias avowed that he took his idea from 
 the representation which Homer gives in the first book of the 
 Iliad, in the passage thus translated by Pope : 
 
 ** He spoke and awful bends his sable brows, 
 Shakes his ambrosial curls and gives the nod, 
 The stamp of fate and sanction of the god. 
 High heaven with reverence the dread signal took, 
 And all Olympus to the centre shook." 
 
 The Mi-ner'va of the Par'the-non. 
 
 This was also the work of Phidias. It stood in the Parthenon, 
 or temple of Minerva, at Athens. The goddess was represented 
 standing. In one hand she held a spear, in the other a statue 
 of Victory. Her helmet, highly decorated, was surmounted by 
 a Sphinx. The statue was forty feet in height, and, like the 
 Jupiter, composed of ivory and gold. The eyes were of marble, 
 and probably ])ainted to represent the iris and pupil. The I'ar- 
 thenon, in which this statue stood, was also constructed under 
 the direction and superintendence of Phidias. Its ej;terior was 
 
STATUES OF GODS AND GODDESSES. 
 
 379 
 
 enriched with sculptures, many of them from the hand of Phidias. 
 The Elgi'i marbles, now in the British Museum, are a part of 
 them. 
 
 Both the Jupiter and Minerva of Phidias are lost, but there it 
 good ground to believe that we have, in several extant statues 
 and busts, the artist's conception of the countenances of both. 
 They are characterized by grave and dignified beauty, and free- 
 dom from any transient expression, which in the language of art 
 is called repose. 
 
 The Ve'nus de* Medici. 
 
 The Venus of the Medici is so called from its having been in 
 the possession of the princes of that name 
 in Rome when it first attracted atten- 
 tion, about two hundred years ago. An 
 inscription on the base records it to be 
 the work of Cleomenes, an Athenian 
 sculptor, of twenty -two hundred years 
 ago, but the authenticity of t>e inscrip- 
 tion is doubtful. There is a iitory that 
 the artist was employed by public au- 
 thority to make a statue exhibiting the 
 perfection of female beauty, and to aid 
 him in his task, the most perfect forms 
 the city could supply were furnished 
 him for models. It is this which Thom- 
 son alludes to in his Summer : 
 
 "So stands the statue that enchants the world ; 
 So bending tries to veil the matchless ooast. 
 The mingled beauties of exulting Greece." 
 
 Ve'nus de Melos. 
 
 This is perhaps the most famous statue 
 in the world. It was found by a peas- 
 ant on the island of Melos in the year 
 1820. Not knowing its value, he sold 
 it for a nominal sum to the French con- 
 sul, who transferred it to the Louvre in 
 Paris. The arms are missing, and many artists have attempted 
 their restoration, but without satisfactory results. 
 
 Venus ii. 
 
 Milo (Louvre, 
 Paris). 
 
 % 
 
 \m 
 
 .ji.j 
 

 I tS 
 
 * 'ma 
 
 
 <} 
 
 ill' 4 
 
 
 380 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 -.-¥. 
 
 The A-pol'lo BelVe-dere'. 
 
 The most highly esteemed of all the remains of ancient sculp. 
 ture is the statue of Apollo, called the Belvedere, from the name 
 of the apartment of the Pope's palace at Rome in which it is 
 placed. The artist is unknown. It is supposed to be a work 
 of Roman art of about the first century of our era. It is a stand- 
 ing figure, in marble, more than seven feet high, naked except 
 for the cloak which is fastened around the neck and hangs over 
 the extended left arm. It is supposed to represent the god in 
 the moment when he has shot the arrow to destroy the monster 
 Python. (See Chapter III. ) The victorious divinity is in the act 
 of stepping forward. The left arm, which seems to have held the 
 bow, is outstretched, and the head is turned in the same direc- 
 tion. In attitude and proportion the graceful majesty of the 
 figure is unsurpassed. The effect is completed by the counte- 
 nance, where, on the perfection of youthful godlike beauty there 
 dwells the consciousness of triumphant power. 
 
 The Di-a'na a la Biche. 
 
 The Diana of the Hind, in the palace of the Louvre, may be 
 considered the counterpart to the Apollo Belvedere. The atti- 
 tude much resembles that of the Apollo ; the sizes correspond, 
 and also the style of execution. It is a work of the highest 
 order, though by no means equal to the Apollo. The attitude 
 is that of hurried and eager motion, the face that of a huntresB 
 in the excitement of the chase. The left hand is extended over 
 the forehead of the Hind, which runs by her side ; the right arm 
 reaches backward over tne shoulder to draw an arrow from the 
 quiver. 
 
 Her'mes of 0-lym'pia. 
 
 This statue was discovered by the German Olympian explora- 
 tion party in 1879. The god is represented as leaning with his 
 his left arm upon a rock, and supporting upon it the infant 
 Bacchus. It is supposed to be the work of Praxiteles. The 
 right arm and legs below the knees were wanting, but these have 
 been restored. 
 
 The Poets of Mythology. 
 
 Ho'mer, from whose poems of the Iliad and Odyssey we havt 
 
s of ancient sculp. 
 
 ;re, from the name 
 
 me in which it is 
 
 )sed to be a work 
 
 era. It is a stand- 
 
 igh, naked except 
 
 ck and hangs over 
 
 present the god in 
 
 estroy the monster 
 
 vinity is in the act 
 
 ns to have held the 
 
 n the same direc- 
 
 ful majesty of the 
 
 ed by the counte- 
 
 )dlike beauty there 
 • \ 
 
 he Louvre, may be 
 vedere. The atti- 
 ; sizes correspond, 
 Drk of the highest 
 )llo. The attitude 
 that of a huntress 
 id is extended over 
 ide ; the right arm 
 an arrow from the 
 
 HERMES OF PRAXITELES. 
 
 (Found at Olympia, 1877. Restored by Schaper.) 
 
 
 id Odyssey wc havt 
 
 :.M»J 
 
 
, \ 
 
 (< 
 
 the 
 
 
IHB POETS OF MTTBOLOOT. 
 
 38« 
 
 taken the chief part o( our chapters of the Trojan war and the re- 
 turn of the Grecians, is almost as mythical a personage as the 
 heroes he celebrates. The traditionary story is that he was a 
 wandering ffliflstrd, blind and old, who travelled from place to 
 place singing hi» lays to the music of his harp, in the courts of 
 princes or the cottages of peasants, and dependent upon the vol- 
 untary offerings of his hearers for support. Byron calls him 
 "the blind old nvtn of Scio's rocky isle," and a well-known 
 epigram, alluding to the uncertainty of the fact of his birth- 
 place, sayi i 
 
 ** Seven wealtliy towns contend for Homer dead, 
 Tbfdtigh which the living Homer begged his bread." 
 
 These seven were Smyrna, Scio, Rhodes, Colophon, Salamis, 
 Argos, and Athens. 
 
 Modern scholars have doubted whether the Homeric poems 
 are the work of any single mind. This arises from the difficulty 
 of believing that poems of such length could have been com- 
 mitted to writing at so early an age as that usually assigned to 
 these, an age earlier than the date of any remaining inscriptions 
 or coins, and when no materials capable of containing such long 
 productions were yet introduced into use. On the other hand, 
 it is asked bow poems of such length could have been handed 
 down from age to age by means of the memory alone. This is 
 answered by the statement that there was a professional body of 
 men, called Khapsodists, who recited the poems of others, and 
 wliose business it was to commit to memory and rehearse for pay 
 the natio»ml and patriotic legends. 
 
 'I'he prevailing opinion of the learned, at this time, seems to 
 be tliat the framework and much of the structure of the poems 
 belongs to Homer, but that there are numerous interpolations 
 and additions by other hands. 
 
 'I'he ihie assigned to Homer, on the authority of Herodotus, 
 is eight hundred and fifty years before our era. 
 
 Vir'gil. 
 Vir'gil, called also by his surname Maro, from whose poem 
 of the /l^neid we have taken the story of Ai\\t2&, was one of the 
 great poets who made the reign of the Roman emperor, Augus- 
 
 ^i! 
 
 "m 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 
 % 
 . .. .aw, 
 
 ♦ »t 
 
Hi. i.t -^l. 
 
 p- -/ill 
 
 ,*■ ".(*u -r* 
 
 IT, -- Wf. .p ■ ,■ * . 
 
 
 382 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 tus, so celebrated, under the name of the Augustan age. VirgH 
 was born in Mantua in the year seventy before Christ. His 
 great poem is ranked next to those of Homer, in the highest 
 
 Tomb of Virgil. 
 
 clays of poetical composition, the Epic. Virgil is far inferior to 
 Homer in originality and invention, but superior to hiin in cor- 
 rectness and elegance. To critics of English lineage Miltop 
 
OTW, 
 
 383 
 
 alone of modern poets seems worthy to be classed with these 
 
 /liustrlous ancients. 
 
 " Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared, 
 And ages ere the Mantuan swan was heard. • 
 
 , To carry nature lengths unknown before, 
 
 To give a Milton birth, asked ages more." — CowPER. 
 
 His poem of Paradise Lost, from which we have borrowed so 
 many illustrations, is in many respects equal, in some superior, to 
 either of the great works of antiquity. 
 
 " Three poets in three different ages bom, ' 
 Greece, Italy, and England did adorn. 
 The first in loftiness of soul surpassed, 
 The next in majesty, in both the last. 
 ' The force of nature could no further go ; 
 
 To make a third she joined the other two." — Dryden. 
 
 Ov'id, 
 
 Often alluded to in poetry by his other name of Naso, was 
 born in the year forty -three before Christ. He was educated for 
 public life, and held some offices of considerable dignity ; but 
 poetry was his delight, and he early resolved to devote himself 
 to it. He accordingly sought the society of the contemporary 
 poets, and was acquainted with Horace and saw Virgil, though 
 the latter died when Ov'id was yet too young and undistinguished 
 to have formed, his acquaintance. Ovid spent an easy life at 
 Rome in the enjoyment of a competent income. He was inti- 
 mate with the family of Augustus, the emperor, and it is sup- 
 posed that some serious offence given to some member of that 
 family was the cause of an event which reversed the poet's happy 
 circumstances and clouded all the latter portion of his life. At 
 the age of fifty he was banished from Rome, and ordered to be- 
 take himself to Tomi, on the borders of the Black Sea. Here, 
 among the barbarous people and in a severe climate, the poet 
 si)ent the last ten years of his life. His only consolation in 
 exile was to address his wife and absent friends, and his letters 
 were all poetical. Though these poems (the Tristia and Let- 
 ters from Pontus) have no other topic than the poet's sorrows, 
 his exquisite taste have redeemed them from being tedious, so 
 they are read with pleasure, and even with sympathy. 
 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 
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 I 
 
 'cnwn 
 
 
 !*« 
 
 ■i' 
 

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 % 1: 
 
 tr i 
 
 fetffli- 
 
 384 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 The two great works of Ovid are his Metamorphoses ani his 
 fasti. They are both mythological poems, and from the former 
 we have taken most of our stories of Grecian and Roman niy. 
 thology. A late writer thus characterizes these poems : — 
 
 ** The rich mythology of Greece furnished Ovid, as it may 
 still furnish the poet, the painter, and the sculptor, with mate- 
 rials for his art. With exquisite taste, simplicity and pathos he 
 has narrated the fabulous traditions of early ages, and given to 
 them that appearance of reality which only a master-hand could 
 impart. The Metamorphoses are read with pleasure by youth, 
 and are re-read in more advanced age with still greater delight. 
 The poet ventured to predict that his poem would survive him, 
 and be read wherever the Roman name was known." 
 
 The prediction above alluded to is contained in the closing 
 lines of the Metamorphoses : 
 
 \ 
 
 ** And now I close my work, which not the ire 
 Of Jove, nor tooth of time, nor sword, nor fire 
 Shall bring to nought. Come when it will that day 
 "Which o' er the body, not the mind, has sway, 
 And snatch the remnant of my life away. 
 My better part above the siars shall soar. 
 And my renown endure forevermore. 
 Where' er the Roman arms and arts shall spread. 
 There by the people shall my book be read ; 
 And, if atight true in poet's visions be. 
 My name and fame have immortality." 
 
 .ffis'chy-lus. 
 
 ^s'chy-lus was born five hundred and twenty-five years 
 before our era, and died at sixty -nine years of age. He is said 
 to have written seventy dramas, but seven of which have come 
 down to us entire. He was a soldier as well as a poet. His 
 life was in itself more tragic, if possible, than anything he ever 
 wrote. He is said to have died from a most peculiar circum- 
 stance. An eagle flew above him with a tortoise in his daws, 
 and, mistaking the poet's bald head for a stone, dropped the 
 reptile upon it, crushing his skull. The story, however, is not 
 generally believed. 
 
 Soph'o-cles. 
 Soph'o-cles was born about five hundred years before the 
 
eUBIPIDES. 
 
 3H 
 
 Christian era. He lived in the same age with .^schylus and 
 Euripides. His written tragedies numbered one hundred and 
 thirteen, of which but seven are extant. He was a soldier, 
 philosopher, and poet ; a man of great personal beauty ; the 
 embodiment of the Athenian ideal of a perfect manhood. Al- 
 though he lived to be ninety-one years of age, his mind suffered 
 no decline. Authorities differ as to the cause of his death. By 
 some it is said he became exhausted from publicly reading 
 Antigone, and by others he died from excessive joy over a 
 dramatic victory. 
 
 £u-rip'i-des. 
 
 Eu-rip'i-des was bom about four hundred and eighty years 
 before Christ. He wrote some say seventy-five and others 
 ninety-two pieces, all but nineteen of which have perished. 
 When about seventy years of age he removed to Macedon by 
 invitation of the king, where, after a three years' residence, he 
 died. Some ascribe the cause to an accident, but the generally 
 accepted tradition is that he was torn to pieces by the royal 
 hounds. When the intelligence of his death reached Athens, 
 Sophocles put on mourning, and ordered the actors to lay aside 
 their crowns on the stage. These are known as the ** Three 
 great Attic poets.*' 
 
 t.«; 
 
 W 
 
 1:S 
 
 ars before the 
 
386 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 wa 
 
 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Modern Monsters— The Phce'nix— Basl-lisk— U'ni- 
 
 corn — Sal'a-man'der. 
 
 Modern Monsters. 
 
 There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been 
 the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimaeras dire" 
 of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the 
 false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an exist- 
 ence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by 
 Christianity. They are mentioned, perhaps, by the classical 
 writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have 
 been in more modem times. 
 
 The Phce'nix. 
 
 Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows : '* Most beings 
 spring from other individuals ; but there is a certain kind which 
 reproduces itself. The Assyrians call it the Phoenix. It does 
 not live on fruit or flowers, but on frankincense and odoriferous 
 gums. When it has lived five hundred years, it builds itself a 
 nest in the branches of an oak, or on the top of a palm tree, 
 In this it collects cinnamon, and spikenard, and myrrh, and of 
 these materials builds a pile on which it deposits itself, and, 
 dying, breathes out its last breath amidst odors. From the 
 body of the parent bird a young Phoenix issues forth, destined 
 to live as long a life as its predecessor. When this has grown, 
 it lifts its nest from the tree (its own cradle and its parent's sep- 
 ulchre), and carries it to the city of Heliopolis, in Egypt, and 
 deposits it in the temple of the Sun." 
 
 "That sole Wrd 
 When, to enshrine his relics in the sun's 
 Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies," — MiLTON. 
 
 Such is the account given by a poet. Now let us see that of a 
 
THE COCKATRICE OB BASILISK. 
 
 387 
 
 philosophic historian. Tacitus says: "In the consulship of 
 Paulus Fabius, just before our era, the miraculous bird known 
 by the name of the Phoenix, after disappearing for a series of 
 ages, revisited Egypt. It was attended in its flight by a group 
 of various birds, all attracted by the novelty, and gazing with 
 wonder at so beautiful an appearance. ' ' 
 
 «* So when the new-born Phoenix first is seen 
 Her feathered subjects all adore their queen, 
 And while she makes her progress through the East, 
 From every grove her numerous train 's increased ; 
 Each poet of the air her glory sings, 
 And round him the pleased audience clap their wings." 
 
 — Dryden. 
 
 • He then gives an account of the bird, not varying materially 
 from the preceding, but adding some details. "The first care 
 of the young bird as soon as able to trust to his wings is, to per- 
 form the obsequies of his father. He collects a quantity of 
 myrrh, and makes frequent excursions with a load on his back. 
 When he has gained sufficient confidence in his own vigor, he 
 takes up the body of his father and flies with it to the altar of 
 the Sun, where he leaves it to be consumed in flames of fra- 
 grance. ' * Other writers say : The myrrh is compacted in the 
 form of an egg, in which the dead Phoenix is enclosed. From 
 the mouldering flesh a worm springs, and when grown large, is 
 transformed into a bird. Herodotus describes the bird, though 
 he says, " I have not seen it myself, except in a picture. Part 
 of his plumage is gold-colored and part crimson, and he is for 
 the most part very much like an eagle in outline and bulk. ' ' 
 
 The first writer who disclaimed a belief in the existence of the 
 Phoenix was Sir Thomas Browne, a writer of two hundred and 
 fifty years ago. 
 
 The Cock'a-trice, or Bas'i-lisk. 
 
 This animal was called the king of the serpents. In confirma- 
 tion of his royalty he was said to be endowed with a crest, or 
 comb upon the head, constituting a crown. He was supposed 
 to be produced from the egg of a cock hatched under toads or 
 serpents. There were several species of this animal. One 
 species burned up whatever they approached ; a second were a 
 
 I 'tern 
 
 ■1, 
 
38S 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 ki « 
 
 
 kind of wandering Medusa's heads, and their look caused an in. 
 stant horror which was immediately followed by death. In 
 Shakspeare's play of Richard the Third, Lady Anne, in answer 
 to Richard's compliment on her eyes, says, "Would they were 
 basilisks', to strike thee dead 1" 
 
 The basilisks were called kings of serpents because all other 
 serpents and snakes fled the moment they heard the distant hiss 
 of their king. 
 
 The Roman naturalist Pliny thus describes him : ** He does 
 not impel his body, like other serpents, by a multiplied flexion, 
 but advances lofty and upright. He kills the shrubs, not only 
 by contact but by breathing on them, and splits the rocks, such 
 power of evil is there in him. ' ' It was formerly believed that 
 if killed by a spear from on horseback the power of the poison 
 conducted through the weapon killed not only the rider but the 
 horse also. 
 
 ** What though the Moor the basilisk hath slain, 
 And pinned him lifeless to the sandy plain. 
 Up through the sp>?ar the subtle venom flies, 
 The Land iLabibes it, and the victor dies.'* — LucAN. 
 
 1 
 
 These wonderful powers of the basilisk are attested by a hosl 
 of learned persons, such as Galen, Avicenna, Scaliger, and 
 other;. OccasiomiUy one would demur to some part of the tale, 
 while he admitted the rest. Jonston, a learned physician, sagely 
 remarks, ** I would scarcely believe that it kills with its look, for 
 who could have seen it and lived to tell the story?" The wor- 
 thy sage was not aware that those who went to hunt the basilisk 
 of this sort took with them a mirror, which reflected back the 
 deadly glare upon its author, and by a kind of poetical justice 
 slew the basilisk with his ova weapon. 
 
 , There is an old saying that " every thing has its enemy," and 
 the cockatrice quailed before the weasel. When bitten, the 
 weasel retired for a moment tc eat some rue, which was the only 
 plant the basilisk could not wither, returned with renewed 
 strength and soundness to the charge, and never left the enemy 
 till he was stretched dead on the plain. The monster, too, as if 
 consc'ous of the irregular way in which he came into the world, 
 was supposed lO have a great antipathy to a cock, auu well hs 
 might, for as soon as he heard the cock crow he expired. 
 
c caused an in> 
 by death. In 
 .nne, in answer 
 ould they were 
 
 3cause all other 
 the distant hiss 
 
 m: "He does 
 tiplied flexion, 
 irubs, not only 
 the rocks, such 
 ' believed that 
 r of the poison 
 le rider but the 
 
 In, 
 
 — LUCAN. 
 
 I 
 
 tested by a host 
 , Scaliger, and 
 part of the tale, 
 hysician, sagely 
 rith its look, for 
 r?" Thewor^ 
 unt the basilisk 
 fleeted back the 
 poetical justice 
 
 ts enemy," and 
 hen bitten, the 
 ch was the only 
 with renewed 
 left the enemy 
 )nster, too, as if 
 into the world, 
 ck, aiiJ ^ell h 
 expired. 
 
 THE UNICOBN. 
 
 389 
 
 The basilisk was of some use after death. Thus we read that 
 its carcass was suspended in the temple of Apollo and in private 
 houses, as a sovereign remedy against spiders, and that if was 
 also hung up in the temple of Diana, for which reason no wal- 
 low ever dared enter ^he sacred place. 
 
 The U'ni-corn. 
 
 Pliny, the Roman naturalist, out cf whose account of the 
 U'ni-corn most of the modern unicorns have been described 
 and figured, records it as "a. very ferocious beast, similar in the 
 rest of its body to a horse, with the hefd of a deer, the feet of 
 an elephant, the tail of a boar, a deep bellowing voice, and a 
 single black horn, two cubits in length, standing out in the 
 middle of its forehead." He adds that "it cannot be taken 
 alive ;" and some such excuse miy have been necessary in those 
 days for not producing the living animal upon the arena of the 
 amphitheatre. 
 
 The unicorn seems to have been a sad puzzle to the hunters, 
 who hardly knew how to come at so valuable a piece of game. 
 Some described the horn as movable at the will of the animal, 
 a kind of small sword, in short, with which no hunter who was 
 not exceedingly cunning in fence could have a chance. Others 
 maintained that all the animal's strength lay in its horn, and 
 that when hard pressed in pursuit it would throw itself from the 
 pinnacle of the highest rocks horn foremost, so as to pitch upon 
 it, and then quietly march off, not a whit the worse for its fall. 
 
 But they found out how to circumvent the unicorn at last. 
 They discovered that it was a great lover of purity and inno- 
 cence, so they took the field with a, young virgin, who was placed 
 in the unsuspecting admirer's way. When the unicorn spied her, 
 he approached with all reverence, crouched beside her, and lay- 
 ing his head in her lap, fell asleep. The treacherous virgin then 
 gave a signal, and the hunters made in and captured the simple 
 beast. 
 
 Modern zoologists disbelieve the existence of the unicorn. 
 Yet there are animals bearing on their heads a bony protuber- 
 ance more or less like a horn, which may have given rise to the 
 story. 
 
 )&' 
 
 %Sin 
 
 i'^M 
 
 W' 
 
 'rfioi 
 
 ' . i.'i 
 
 'n.'. 
 
 n 
 
390 
 
 il'r!ill|P' 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 The Sal'a-man'der. 
 
 The following is from the Life of Benvenuto Cellini, an Italiat. 
 artist of the sixteenth century, written by himself: "When I 
 was about five years of age, my father, happening to be in a 
 little room in which they had been washing, and where there 
 was a good fire of oak burning, looked into the flames and saw a 
 little animal resembling a lizard, which could live in the hottest 
 part of that element. Instantly perceiving what it was, he called 
 for my sister and me, and after he had shown us the creature, 
 he gave me a box on the ear. I fell a crying, while he, sooth- 
 ing me with caresses, spoke these words : * My dear child, I do 
 not give you that blow for any fault you have committed, but 
 that you may recollect that the little creature you see in the fire 
 is a salamander — ^such a one as never was beheld before to my 
 knowledge.' So saying, he embraced me, and gave me some 
 money." 
 
 It seems unreasonable to doubt a story of which Signor Cel- 
 lini was both an eye and ear witness. Add to which the author- 
 ity of numerous sage philosophers, at the head of whom are 
 Aristotle and Pliny, affirms this power of the salamander. Ac- 
 cording to them, the animal not only resists fire, but extinguishes 
 it, and when he sees the flame charges it as an enemy which he 
 well knows how to vanquish. 
 
 The foundation of the above fables is supposed to be the fact 
 that the salamander really does secrete from the pores of his body 
 a milky juice, which when he is irritated is produced in consid- 
 erable quantity, and would doubtless, for a few moments, defend 
 the body from fire. Then it is a hibernating animal, and in 
 winter retires to some hollow tree or other cavity, where it coils 
 itself up and remains in a torpid state till the spring again calls 
 it forth. It may therefore sometimes ' c^ carried with the fuel 
 to the fire, and wake up only time enough to put forth all its 
 faculties for its defence. 
 
ZOBOASTEB. 
 
 391 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 Eastern Mythology — Zo-ro-as'ter — Zend'-A-ves'ta— 
 Bab-y-lo'ni-a— As-syr'i-a, Nin'e-veh, Phce-ni'cian 
 Deities — Hin'du — Brah'ma — Vish'nu — Si'va — 
 Ve'das — Laws of Manu — Jug'ger-naut — Castes — 
 Bud'dha — Grand La'ma — Prester John. 
 
 Zo-ro-as'ter. 
 
 The religion of the ancient Persians was founded by Zo-ro- 
 as'ter, a philosopher of whom we know but little. He is said 
 to have laughed on the very day of his birth, and when but a boy 
 retired to the wilderness, where for thirty years he lived in soli- 
 tude. His age is uncertain. Plato speaks of him four hundred 
 years before Christ, and scholars in general locate him from one 
 to two thousand years before our era. Our knowledge of what 
 he taught is principally derived from the Zend-Avesta, or sacred 
 books of the Persians. 
 
 Zend means comment and Avesta text, so the compound word 
 implies the book itself and its commentary. It is composed 
 largely of Gathas or hymns, of which the following extract, said 
 to have been composed by Zoroaster himself, is an illustration : 
 
 " Hear with your ears what is best, perceive with your minds what is purest, 
 So that each man for himself may, before the great doom cometh, 
 Choose the creed he prefers ; may the wise one be on our side. 
 
 " These two spirits are twins ; they made known in times that are bygone 
 That which is good and evil in thought and word and action, 
 Rightly decide between them the good ; not so the evil. 
 
 *' When these Two came together, first of all they created 
 Life and death, that at last there might be for such as are evil 
 Wretchedness, but for the good a blest existence." 
 
 The dualistic idea as suggested in this poem runs through the 
 entire Zoroastrian system. He taught the existence of a Supreme 
 
 iff If 
 
 't* 
 
 'm 
 

 
 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 ) 
 
 l^< 
 
 
 
 IN 
 
 ' ''I 
 
 '\ '* if 
 
 I?!." 
 
 
 1 
 
 :!i 
 
 392 
 
 8Ti>EIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Being, who created two other mighty beings, and imparted to 
 them as much of his own nature as seemed good to him. Of 
 these, Ormuzd remained faithful to his creator, and was regardefi 
 as the source of all good, wliile Ahriman rebelled, and became 
 the author of all evil upon the earth. Ormuzd created man and 
 supplied him with all the materials of happiness ; but Ahriman 
 marred this happiness by introducing evil into the world, and 
 creating savage beasts and poisonous reptiles and plants. In 
 
 Mithras (Vatican, Rome). 
 
 consequence of this, evil and good are row mingled together in 
 every part of the world, and the followers of good and evil — the 
 adherents of Ormuzd and Ahriman — carry on incessant war. But 
 this state of things will not last forever. The time will come 
 when the adherents of Ormuzd shall everywhere be victorious, 
 and Ahriman and his followers be consigned to darkness forever. 
 Mithra was a sun-god, resembling somewhat in appearance 
 and nature the Grecian Apollo. His worship drifted eastward. 
 and under the name of Mithras entered (lermany at the time of 
 the Roman invasion. He is seen as a young man clad in Asiatic 
 
ZOROASTER. 
 
 393 
 
 garments and wearing a Phrygian cap. The services of Mithras 
 were held in caves and attended by secret rites. Christianity 
 found him the most stubborn of all the pagan deities. 
 
 The religious rites of the ancient Persians were exceedingly 
 bliiiple. They used neither temples, altars nor statues, and per- 
 formed their sacrifices on the tops of mountains. 
 
 " A fit and unwalled temple, there to seek 
 ; The Spirit, in whose honor shrines are weak, 
 
 Upreared of htiman hands." — Byron. r. 
 
 They adored fire, light and the sun as emblems of Ormuzd, the 
 source of all light and purity, but did not regard them as in- 
 dependent deities. 
 
 " the Persian, — zealous to reject 
 
 Altar and Imag.^, and the inclusive walls 
 And roofs of temples built by human hands,— 
 The loftiest heights ascending, from their tops, 
 With myrtle- wreathed Tiara on his brows. 
 Presented sacrifice to Moon and Stars, 
 And to the Winds and mother Elements, 
 And the whole circle of the Heavens, for him 
 A sensitive existence and a God." — ^Wordsworth. 
 
 The religious rites and ceremonies were regulated by the priests, 
 who were called Magi. The learning of the Magi was connected 
 with astrology and enchantment, in which they were so cele- 
 brated that their name was applied to all orders of magicians 
 and enchanters. 
 
 The only emblem of the Supreme Being was a winged circle 
 combined with a human figure wearing a robe and a tiara. The 
 sacred fires were kept constantly burning, and to extinguish them 
 was death. Horses were offered at sacrifice. Agriculture was a 
 religious duty and veracity a cardinal virtue. The youth were 
 taught three things : to ride, to draw the bow, and to speak the 
 truth.* At death the good and bad alike crowded along the 
 same way to the " bridge of the Gatherer." The good were as- 
 sisted across by the angel Serosh. On the other side they were 
 met by another angel, who greeted them with these words: 
 " How happy art thou to exchange mortality for immortality." 
 The wicked fell from the bridge into the abyss and were lost.* 
 
 
 ''i 
 
 %.i 
 
 • Herodotus. 
 
 Rawlinson (G.). 
 
 I- . 
 
394 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ' >.! 
 
 r'V, ai.. ,' ,;i«'»,, '. ■ , ■« ''i,f, ■■: 
 
 The religion of Zoroaster was the dominant religion of West- 
 ern Asia from the time of Cyrus, five hundred and fifty yearg 
 before Christ, to the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great. 
 Under the Macedonian monarchy the doctrines of Zoroaster ap- 
 pear to have been considerably coniipted by the introduction of 
 foreign opinions, but they afterwards recovered their ascendancy. 
 it continued to flourish even after the introduction of Chris- 
 tianity, and in the third century was the dominant faith of the 
 East, till the rise of the Mahometan power and the conquest of 
 Persia by the Arabs in the seventh century, who compelled the 
 greater number of the Persians to renounce their ancient faith. 
 Those who refused to abandon the religion of their ancestors 
 fled to the deserts of Kerman and to Hindustan, where they still 
 exist under the name of Parsees, a name derived from Pars, 
 the ancient name of Persia. The Arabs call tliem Guebers, from 
 an Arabic word signifying unbelievers. 
 
 "Yes! I am of that impious race, 
 
 Those slaves of F're, that morn and even 
 Hail their creator's dwelling-place 
 
 Among the living lights of heaven ; 
 Yes ! I am of that outcast crew 
 To Iran and to vengeance true, 
 f Who curse the hour your Arabs came 
 
 To desecrate our shrines of flame, 
 And swear before God' s burning eye 
 To break our country's chains or die." — ModE. 
 
 At Bombay the Parsees are at this day a very active, intelligent, 
 and wealthy class. For purity of life, honesty and conciliatory 
 manners, they are favorably distinguished. They have numer- 
 ous temples to Fire, which they adore as the symbol of the 
 divinity. 
 
 Bab-y-lo'ni-a. 
 
 Bab-y-lo'ni-a is a general name by which we include both 
 Assyria and Nineveh. Each of those provinces had gods peculiar 
 to herself, but the distinction is too slight to justify recognitioQ 
 in a work like this. Our interest in Babylonian mythology 
 centres largely in the fact that once it came in contact with the 
 monotheism of our civilization. This was the scene of Israel's 
 captivity, one of the most far-reaching events in all history. 
 
 
BABYLONIA. 
 
 39S 
 
 gion of West- 
 nd fifty yearg 
 der the Great. 
 Zoroaster ap- 
 itroduction of 
 ir ascendancy. 
 :tion of Chris 
 it faith of the 
 le conquest of 
 compelled the 
 ancient faith, 
 their ancestors 
 »rhere they still 
 ed from Pars, 
 Guebers, from 
 
 OdE. 
 
 ve, intelligent, 
 id conciliatory 
 r have numer- 
 symbol of the 
 
 ire include both 
 id gods peculiar 
 tify recognition 
 lian mythology 
 intact with the 
 cene of Israel's 
 all history. 
 
 ** Bf Babel's streams we sat smd wept, 
 When Zion we thought on, 
 In midst thereof we hanged our harps 
 The willow trees upon." — Psalms. 
 
 Tlvi chief deity in Babylon was IL, or Ra. He is never rep- 
 resented by an itnage, but seems to have permeated the national 
 worship. 
 
 The god of Assyria was Asshur. He was represented as a 
 man with a horned cap, often carrying a bow, issuing from a 
 winged cirele. The circle implies eternity, the human form 
 inielUgence, and the horned cap power.* The succession to 
 these godi in each country was the triad, A nu, Bel and Hoa. 
 They are nupposed to represent Chaos, Life, and Order, or pos- 
 sibly the gods of the Earth, Air, and Water. The god Bel is 
 mentioned in Scripture,' and is the most conspicuous in Assyrian 
 mythology. He is the Creator of the earth, and made man by 
 mixing his own blood with the ground. He also created the 
 skies and planets. In the * * war of the gods ' ' he fought with Tia- 
 m*vt, the great dragon, and flung a thunderbolt into her mouth.' 
 
 Then follows a second triad. Sin, Shamas and Vul, the gods 
 of the Moon, Sun, and Atmosphere. These divinities, with the 
 exception of IL and Asshur, had their corresponding goddesses. 
 Kilat, the wife of Bel, was the mother of the gods, while Ninazu, 
 the wife of Hoa, was Queen of Hades. In addition to these, 
 there were five deities who corresponded to the five planets, 
 Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. Nin was a fierce 
 Assyrian god, who received his inspiration from Saturn. His 
 emblem was a vinged bull with a human head. Merodach was 
 his counterpart In Babylonia ; the temple Bel was sacred to his 
 worship, Nergel was the god of war, and is represented by the 
 human-headed winged lion, so common in Assyrian art. 
 
 The riabylonians never descended to animal worship ; these 
 two instances afford the only exception where any form but 
 the hutnan entered into the representation of a god. Their 
 legends were most peculiar. They believed that before the crea- 
 tion seven spirits rebelled in heaven, the dwelling-place of Anu, 
 the king, They were finally repulsed by the Sun, Moon, and god 
 Vul, Subsequently the hosts of heaven, to the number of five 
 
 • RtwUflien (G). « Isaiah xlvi. i ; Jer. li. 44. • Rawlinson (G). 
 
 % .H 
 
 M»5| 
 
 tfil 
 
.<'J: 
 
 if 
 
 m 
 
 ;\4 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 396 
 
 STOBmS OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 thousand, were singing a psalm of praise when a portion of the 
 choir rebelled again. Their leader took the form of a dragon, 
 who, with the entire rebellious host, were cast out and forbidden 
 to return. In their stead man was created. In the begi.inin;^ 
 all was chaos and darkness. Monsters of every form oved 
 through the darkness — men with wings, double faces, ■oofs, 
 horns and claws ; dogs with four bodies and fishes' tails ; ' .orses 
 
 Nin, Assyrian Winged Bull and Genius. 
 
 with human heads, and reptiles of every conceivable form— all 
 existing in a wild, chaotic mass. A woman by the name of 
 Omorka ruled them all. Belus appeared and cleft the woman in 
 twain. With the one half he made the heavens and with the 
 other half the earth. He also cleft the darkness and ])iit the 
 world in order. The last creative stage was to order a god to 
 cut off his head and mix the blood with earth. This was done, 
 and man was the result. 
 
 The people believed in a future life and In a system of rewards 
 and punishments, although these do not seem to have been 
 prominent in their minds. 
 
PHCENICIAN DEITIES. 
 
 397 
 
 Recent expfbrations, especially about the sites of Nineveh and 
 Nipur, have given the world a fresh interest in Babylonian his- 
 tory. Vases, tablets and cylinders are constantly being found 
 whose inscriptions speak of an age that touches the very dawn 
 of numan records. The ancients bound their books in stone. 
 Thus the earliest editions of the past become the latest of the 
 
 present. 
 
 " Wh-^ither at Naisnapwr or Babylon, . 
 
 Whether the cup with sweet or bitter run, ( , , ; 
 
 The wine of Life keeps oozing drop by drop. 
 
 The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one." 
 
 — Omar Khayyam. 
 
 Phoe-ni'cian Deities. 
 
 The deities of Phoenicia were few, and at their head stood 
 Baal and Astarte. Baal was the 
 sun-god and Astarte was his god- 
 dess. Astarte had as her especial 
 seat the city of Sidon. She rep- 
 resented the moon, and bore the 
 head of a heifer with crescent 
 horn?. One of her titles was 
 " Queen of Heaven," a name by 
 which she was known to Israel.* 
 
 Dagon was the fish -god. His 
 form was that of a man and fish 
 combined. He was probably the 
 same deity that fell before the 
 Ark of the Covenant when it was 
 carried into captivity.' Tammuz 
 personified the decline and re- 
 vival of Nature. When the rains 
 fell the rivers were reddened with 
 his blood. In times of drouth 
 the women " wept for Tammuz. ' " 
 Moloch, the fiery god, indicates 
 the practice of offering children 
 as sacrifices. This was common. Furnaces were constructed in 
 the form of gods, and to these were offered hundreds every year.* 
 
 Astarte, from a Bronze found in 
 Syria. 
 
 
 ■ ?•; 
 
 
 * Jeremiah, 7 : 18. 
 ' Ezekiel, viii : 14. 
 
 'to 
 *1I 
 
 ' I Samuel, 5 : 3. 
 * Leviticus, xx : 2. 
 
398 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 \(' . 
 
 
 1 
 
 PI 
 
 
 1 
 
 - -rr<Mi ^H 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 wmi 
 
 
 1 
 
 iM 
 
 
 
 f 
 \ 
 
 .m 
 
 31 ['111 
 
 
 H||k1{ 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 
 The whole system was one of licentious, 
 ness and cruelty. * It was finally suppressed 
 by the Roman Tiberius, who was com- 
 pelled to hang the priests before they would 
 desist from their bloody rites. 
 
 Hin'du Mythology. 
 
 The religion of the Hindus is profess- 
 edly founded on the Vedas, a term mean- 
 ing * * knowledge. ' ' These form the Hindu 
 Scriptures, and consist of four separate col- 
 lections, of which theRig-Veda is the largest 
 and best known. The Hindus claim they 
 were composed by Brahma himself at the 
 creation, but modern scholars assign a date 
 Anou, or Dagon, from a ^^^^ ^^e to two thousand years before our 
 Rekef at Nimroud. 
 
 era. 
 
 The Vedas undoubtedly teach the belief of one supreme God. 
 
 ** In the beginning there arose the source of golden light. 
 He was the only born — Lord of all that is, 
 Whose shadow is immortality, whose shadow is death. 
 He measures the light and the air. 
 We call for Thee like cows that have not been milked. 
 We have no friend but Thee, no other father, O mighty !" 
 
 —Rig-Veda, 
 
 The name of this deity is Brahma. His attributes are repre- 
 sented by the three personified 
 powers of creation, preservatiofiy 
 and destruction, which under the 
 respective names of Brahma, 
 Vishnu, and Siva, form the Tri- 
 , murtioT triad of principal Hindu 
 gods. 
 
 Brah'ma. 
 
 Brah'ma is the creator of the 
 universe, and the source from 
 which all the individual deities 
 have sprung, and into which all 
 will ultimately be absorbed. Trimurti. 
 
VISHNU, 
 
 399 
 
 <* As milk changes to curd, and water to ice, so is Brahma vari- 
 ously transformed and diversified, without aid of exterior means 
 of any sort." The human soul, according to the Vedas, is a 
 portion of the supreme ruler, as a spark is of the fire. 
 
 Vish'nu. 
 Vish'nu occupies the second place in the triad of the Hindus, 
 and is the personification of the preserving principle. To pro- 
 tect the world in various epochs of danger, Vishnu descended to 
 the earth in different incarnations or bodily forms, which de- 
 scents are called Avatars. They are very numerous, but ten are 
 
 Vishnu. 
 
 more particularly specified. The first Avatar was as Matsya, the 
 Fish, under which form Vishnu preserved Manu, the ancestor of 
 the human race, during a universal deluge. The second Avatar 
 was in the form of a Tortoise, which form he assumed to support 
 the earth when the gods were churning the sea for the beverage 
 of immortality, Amrita. 
 
 We may omit the other Avatars, which were of the same gen- 
 eral character, that is, interpositions to protect the right or to 
 punish wrong-doers, and come to the ninth, which is the most 
 celebrated of the Avatars of Vishnu, in which he appeared in the 
 human form of Krishna, an invincible warrior, who by his ex- 
 ploits relieved the earth from the tyrants who oppressed it. 
 
 \> . 
 
 
T '1 
 , < ^* 
 
 ? 
 
 'id 
 
 400 
 
 STORIES OF O0D3 AND HEROES, 
 
 m 
 
 • i' 
 
 r * 
 
 
 
 • Buddha is by the followers of the Brahmanical religion re. 
 garded as a delusive incarnation of Vishnu, assumed by him in 
 order to induce the Asuras, opponents of the gods, to abandon 
 the sacred ordinances of the Vedas, by which means they lost 
 their strength and supremacy. 
 
 Kalki is the name of the tenth Avatar, in which Vishnu will 
 appear at the end of the present age of the world to destroy all 
 vice and wickedness, and to restore mankind to virtue and purity. 
 
 Si'va. 
 Si'va is the third person of the Hindu triad. He is the per- 
 sonification of the de- 
 stroying principle. 
 Though the third 
 name, he is, in respect 
 to the number of his 
 worshippers and he ex- 
 tension of his worship, 
 before either of the 
 others. In the Pura- 
 nas (the scriptures of 
 the modem Hindu re- 
 ligion) no allusion is 
 made to the original 
 power of this god as a 
 destroyer, that power 
 not being to be called 
 into exercise till after 
 the expiration of twelve 
 millions of years, or 
 when the universe will 
 come to an end ; and 
 Mahadeva (another name for Siva) is rather the representative 
 of regeneration than of destruction. 
 
 The worshippers of Vishnu and Siva form two sects, each of 
 which proclaims the superiority of its favorite deity, denying the 
 claims of the other ; and Brahma, the creator, having finished his 
 work, seems to be regarded as no longer active, and has now 
 only one temple in" India, while Mahadeva and Vishnu have 
 
 Siva, 
 
THE LAWS OF MajsU. 
 
 401 
 
 religion re< 
 1 by liim in 
 
 to abandon 
 ns they lost 
 
 Vishnu will 
 
 destroy all 
 
 t and purity. 
 
 e is the per* 
 a of the de- 
 >rinciple. 
 the third 
 is, in respect 
 mber of his 
 rsand heex- 
 
 his worship, 
 her of the 
 [n the Pura- 
 scriptures of 
 m Hindu re- 
 o allusion is 
 
 the original 
 this god as a 
 
 that power 
 
 to be called 
 cise till after 
 tion of twelve 
 
 years, or 
 
 of 
 
 universe will 
 in end; and 
 representative 
 
 jccts, each of 
 , denying the 
 ig finished his 
 , and has now 
 Vishnu have 
 
 many. The worshippers of Vishnu are generally distinguished 
 by a greater tenderness for life and cons^^quent abstinence from 
 animal food, and a worship less cruel than that of the followers 
 of Siva. 
 
 When the first Vedic poet subjected the gods to a formal cen- 
 sus, he found there were but thirty -three.* This number, how- 
 ever, soon increased to over three thousand. They were divided 
 into three classes — those of Light, Air, and Earth. Surya was 
 
 Indra. 
 
 the god of the sun ; Indra, the god of heaven, of thunder, light- 
 ning, storm and rain ; Agni, the god of fire ; and Yama, the god 
 0^ the infernal regions. Each of these is attended by a legion 
 of deities quite as great as himself. There are also goddesses 
 without number. Thus Vach, the goddess of learning, became 
 the consort of Brahma, and Laksmi, the queen of beauty, that 
 
 ai Vishnu. 
 
 The Laws of Manu. 
 
 In addition to the Vedas are the Laws of "vlanu, a co-le of 
 
 > Max MQller. 
 26 
 
 "'1 
 
 
 
 f.4 
 
402 
 
 STORIES OF 00D8 AND HEROES. 
 
 
 r f')i , Tit 
 
 '1 
 
 
 
 Vf\' ''tfcii- 
 
 great antiquity. According to it, the self-existing power created 
 an egg, out of which he himself was born as Brahma. The hope 
 of reward is made the motive of all effort. Meditation is en- 
 joined, and the transmigration of souls fully expounded. The 
 chi^nge is shaped by the life — the one who stole grain is reborn 
 as a rat, and a meat thief becomes a vulture. 
 
 " Life runs its round of living, climbing up 
 From mote and gnat, and worm, reptile, and fish, 
 Bird and shagged beast, man, demon, deva God, 
 To clod and mote again ; so are we kin to all that is." 
 
 — Edwin Arnold. 
 
 Jug'ger-naut. 
 
 Whether the worshippers of Juggernaut are to be reckoned 
 among the followers of Vishnu or Siva, our authorities differ. 
 The temple stands near the shore, about three hundred miles 
 south-west of Calcutta. The idol is ? carved block of v ood, 
 with a hideous face, painted blac c, and a distended blood -red 
 mouth. On festival days the t!xione of the image is placed on 
 a tower sixty teet high, moving on wheels. Six long ropes are 
 attached to the tower, by which the people draw it along. The 
 priests and their attendants stand round the throne on the tower, 
 and occasionally turn to the worshippers with songs and ges- 
 tures. While the tower moves along numbers of the devout 
 worshippers throw themselves on the ground, in order to be 
 crushed by the wheels, and the multitude shout in approbation 
 of the act, as a plea.sing sacrifice to the idol.^ Every year, par- 
 ticularly at two great festivals in March and July, pilgrims flock 
 in crowds to the temple. Not less than seventy or eighty thou- 
 sand people are said to visit the place on these occasions, when 
 all castes eat together. 
 
 Castes. 
 
 The division of the Hindus into classes or castes with fixed 
 occupations, existed from uie earliest times. It is sup))osed by 
 some to have been founded upon conquest, the first three castes 
 being composed of a foreign race, who subdued the natives of 
 
 • These deaths are possibly more accidental than otherwise. 
 
lOES. 
 
 sting power created 
 irahma. The hope 
 Meditation is en- 
 y expounded. The 
 ole grain is reborn 
 
 and fish, 
 
 ;va God, 
 
 o all that is." 
 
 -Edwin Arnold. 
 
 ire to be reckoned 
 authorities differ. 
 iree hundred miles 
 'ed block of wood, 
 istended blood -red 
 image is placed on 
 Six long ropes are 
 iraw it along. The 
 throne on the tower, 
 rith songs and ges- 
 ibers of the devout 
 ind, in order to be 
 lOUt in approbation 
 .^ Every year, par- 
 July, pilgrims flock 
 entyor eighty thou- 
 lese occasions, when 
 
 CASTES, 
 
 403 
 
 or castes witli fixed 
 
 It is supi)osed by 
 
 the first three castes 
 
 idued the natives of 
 
 than otherwise. 
 
 
 the country and reduced them to an inferior caste. Others 
 trace it to the fondness of perpetuating, by descent from father 
 to son, certain offices or occupations. 
 
 The Hindu tradition gives the following account of the origin 
 of the various castes. At the creation Brahma resolved to give 
 the earth inhabitants who should be direct emanations from his 
 own body. Accordingly from his mouth came forth the eldest 
 born, Brahma (the priest), to whom he confided the fourVedas; 
 from his right arm issued Shatriya (the warrior), and from his 
 left the warrior's wife. His thighs produced Vaissyas, male and 
 female (agriculturists and traders), and lastly from his feet sprang 
 Sudras (mechanics and laborers). 
 
 Brahma with Saraswati. 
 
 The four sons of Brahma, so significantly brought into the 
 world, became the fathers of the human race, and heads of their 
 respective castes. They were commanded to regard the four 
 Vcdas as containing all the rules of their faith, and all that was 
 necessary to guide them in their religious ceremonies. They 
 were also commanded to take rank in the order of their birth, 
 the Brahmans ui)permost, as having sprung from the head of 
 Brahma. 
 
 A strong line of demarcation is drawn between the first three 
 castes and the Sudras. The former are allowed to receive in* 
 struction from the Vedas, which is not permitted to the Sudras. 
 
 -,: 
 
 M 
 
 m 
 

 iK^ 
 
 
 
 404 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES 
 
 
 <iS ',) i** f't 
 
 lyi''^ 
 
 
 I' 
 
 r ' 
 
 .4 
 
 
 i ^ 
 
 I 
 
 it 
 
 
 f 'tm:- 
 
 The Brahmans possess the privilege of teaching the Vedas, and 
 were in former times in exclusive possession of all knowledge. 
 Though the sovereign of the country was chosen from the Sha- 
 triya class, also called Rajputs, the Brahmans possessed the real 
 power, and were the royal counsellors, the judges and magis- 
 trates of the country ; their persons and property were invio- 
 lable, and though they committed the greatest crimes^ they could 
 only be banished from the kingdom. They were to be treated 
 by sovereigns with the greatest respect, for **a Brahman, whether 
 learned or ignorant, is a powerful divinity.*' 
 
 When the Brahman arrives at years of maturity it becomes his 
 duty to marry. He ought to be supported by the contributions 
 of the rich, and not be obliged to gain his subsistence by any 
 laborious or productive occupation. But as all the Brahmans 
 could not be maintained by the working classes of the com- 
 munity, it was found necessary to allow them to engage ii', pro- 
 ductive employments. 
 
 We need say little of the two intermediate classes, whose rank 
 and privileges may be readily inferred from their occupations. 
 The Sudras or fourth class are bound to servile attendance on 
 the higher classes, especially the Brahmans, but they may follow 
 mechanical occupations and practical arts, as painting and writ- 
 ing, or become traders or husbandmen. Consequently they 
 sometimes grow rich, and it will also sometimes happen that 
 Brahmans become poor. That fact works its usual consequence, 
 and rich Sudras sometimes employ poor Brahmans in menial 
 occupations. 
 
 There is another class lower even than the Suciras, for it is not 
 one of the original pure classes, but springs from in unauthorized 
 union of individuals of different castes. These are the Pariahs, 
 who are employed in the lowest services and treated with the ut- 
 most severity. They are compelled to do what no one else can 
 do without pollution. They are not only considered undean 
 themselves, but they render unclean every thing they touch. 
 They are deprived of all civil rights, and stigmatized by particu- 
 lar laws, regulating their mode of life, their houses, and their 
 furniture. They are not allowed to visit the pagodas or temples 
 of the other castes, but have their own pagodas and religious ex- 
 ercises. They are not suffered to enter the houses of the othe/ 
 
0E8, 
 
 BUD2>SA, 
 
 405 
 
 ing the Vedas, and 
 of all knowledge. 
 3sen from the Sha- 
 3 possessed the real 
 judges and magis- 
 Dperty were invio- 
 crimes^ they could 
 were to be treated 
 I Brahman, whether 
 
 urity it becomes his 
 »y the contributions 
 
 subsistence by any 
 s all the Brahmans 
 ;lasses of the com- 
 n to engage in pro- 
 classes, whose rank 
 
 their occupations. 
 vile attendance on 
 Dut they may follow 
 
 painting and writ- 
 
 Consequently they 
 etimes happen that 
 
 usual consequence, 
 kahmans in menial 
 
 Suclras, for it is not 
 om an unauthorized 
 lese are the Pariahs, 
 treated with the ut- 
 ^hat no one else can 
 ( onsidered unclean 
 thing they touch. 
 jmatized byparticu- 
 ir houses, and their 
 pagodas or temples 
 las and religious ex- 
 houses of the othel 
 
 castes ; if it is done incautiously or from necessity, the place 
 must be purified by religious ceremonies. They must not appear 
 at public markets, and are confined to the use of particular wells, 
 which they are obliged to surround with bones of animals, to 
 warn others against using them. They dwell in miserable hovels, 
 dista'^t from cities and villages,^ and are under no restrictions in 
 regard to food, which last is not a privilege, but a mark of 
 ignominy, as if they were so degraded that nothing could pollute 
 them. The three higher castes are prohibited entirely the use 
 of flesh. The fourth is allowed to eat all kinds except beef, but 
 only the lowest caste is allowed every kind of food without 
 restriction. 
 
 Bud'dha. 
 
 Bud'dha, whom the Vedas represent as a delusive incarna- 
 tion of Vishnu, is said by his followers to have been a mortal 
 «age, whose name was Gautama, 
 called also by the complimentary 
 epithets of Sakyasinha, the Lion, 
 and Buddha, the Sage. 
 
 By a comparison of the various 
 epochs assigned to his birth, it is 
 inferred that he lived about one 
 thousand years before Christ. 
 
 He was the son of a king ; and 
 when, in conformity to the usage 
 of the country, he was, a few days 
 after his birth, presented before the 
 altar of a deity, the image is said 
 to have inclined its head, as a 
 
 presage of the future greatness of the new-born prophet. The 
 child soon developed faculties of the first order, and became 
 equally distinguished by the uncommon beauty of his person. 
 No sooner had he grown to years of maturity than he began to 
 reflect deeply on the depravity and misery of mankind, and he 
 conceived the idea of retiring from society and devoting himself 
 to meditation. His father in vain opposed this design. Buddha 
 escaped the vigilance of his guards, and having found a secure 
 retreat, lived for six years undisturbed in his devout contemj)la- 
 tions. At the expiration of that period he came forward at 
 
 IJuddha. 
 
 
 
4o6 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Benares as a religious teacher. For a day and night h^ sat 
 motionless under a tree, facing the East. Temptations thronged 
 him like Angels of Evil, until the triple science came. This 
 tree afterwards became universally famous. 
 
 •* The BOdhi tree, thenceforth in all years 
 Never to fade and ever to be kept 
 In homage of the world, beneath whose leaves 
 It was ordained that truth snould come to 
 Buddha." — Edwin Arnold. 
 
 w3 ^ 
 
 
 i-^ W 
 
 n,' V 
 
 At first some who heard him doubted of the soundness of his 
 mind ; but his doctrines soon gained credit, and were propa- 
 gated so rapidly that Buddha himself lived to see them spread all 
 over India. 
 
 The name Buddha means learned, and the reformer's life is 
 divided by his followers into twelve sections. He detemined 
 while in the fourth heaven to save the earth, and descended as 
 a white elephant. He was conceived as a nve-colored ray of 
 light, and born amid great miraculous demonstration. His 
 philosophy consisted of four truths : Misery accompanies exist- 
 ence ; existence is desire ; to escape existence desire must be de- 
 stroyed ; this is obtained by reaching Nirvana. By Nirvana is 
 meant an absorption into a condition of absolute indifference. 
 
 rrS 
 
 
 '«. m 
 
 
 ill II 
 
 » <■' 
 
 * 
 
 ^l: 
 
 
 
 *♦ That e.ach who seems a separate whole 
 
 Should move his rounds, and, fusing all, 
 The skirts of" self again should fall, 
 Remerging in the general Soul." — Tennyson. 
 
 These truths, in turn, are only made possible by walking in the 
 four paths of Buddhism. 
 
 The Buddhists reject entirely the authority of the Vedas, and 
 the religious observances prescribed in them and kept by the 
 Hindus. They also reject the distinction of castes, and prohibit 
 all bloody sacrifices, and allow animal food. Their priests are 
 chosen from all classes ; they are expected to procure their main- 
 tenan .e by perambulation and l)egging, and among other things 
 it is their duty to endeavor to turn to some use things thrown 
 asi«.^e as useless by others, and to discover the medicinal power 
 of plants. But in Ceylon three orders of priests are recognized. 
 
/ /■' 
 
 noES. 
 
 r and night he sat 
 jmptations thronged 
 :ience came. This 
 
 ise leaves 
 le to 
 
 the soundness of his 
 
 it, and were propa- 
 
 see them spread all 
 
 le reformer's life is 
 IS. He deternined 
 , and descended as 
 live -colored ray of 
 lemonstration. His 
 r accompanies exist- 
 ce desire must be de- 
 ina. By Nirvana is 
 )lute indifference. 
 
 bole 
 using all, 
 
 .11, 
 -Tennyson. 
 
 le by walking in the 
 
 ty of the Vedas, and 
 3m and kept by the 
 f castes, and prohibit 
 I. Their priests are 
 ) procure their main- 
 I among other things 
 le use things thrown 
 the medicinal power 
 •iests are recognized. 
 
 THE GRAND LAMA. 
 
 407 
 
 Those of the highest order are usually men of high birth and 
 learning, and are supported at the principal temples, most of 
 which have been richly endowed by the former monarchs of the 
 country. 
 
 For several centuries after the appearance cf Buddha his sect 
 seems to have been tolerated by the Brahmans, and Buddhism 
 appears to have penetrated the peninsula of Hindustan in every 
 direction, and to have been carried to Ceylon and to the eastern, 
 peninsula. But afterwa^-ds it had to endure in India a long-con- 
 tinued persecution, which ultimately had the effect of entirely 
 abolishing it in the country where it had originated, but to scat- 
 ter it widely over adjacent countries. Buddhism appears to have 
 been introduced into China about the year sixty -five of our era. 
 From China it was subsequently extended to Corea, Japan, and 
 
 Java. 
 
 Buddha is said to have died in the odor of sanctity at the ad- 
 vanced age of eighty years. There is a legend that when his 
 body was placed upon the funeral pile the wood refused to bum 
 until the * * flame of contemplation ' ' broke out from the breast 
 of a disciple and consumed it to ashes His bones, as his fol- 
 lowers believe, still remain upon the earth as objects of worship, 
 while he himself has gone 
 
 *' Unto Nirvana, where the Silence lives." 
 
 — Edwin Arnold. 
 
 The Grand La'r a. 
 
 It is a doctrine alike of the Brahml cal Hindus and of the 
 Buddhist sect that the confinement of t human soul, an emana- 
 tion of the divine spirit, in a human 1 'ody, is a state of misery, 
 and the consequence of frailties anvi sins committed during 
 former existences. But they hoh' that some few individuals 
 have appeared on this earth, from inie to time, not under the 
 necessity of terrestrial existence, but who voluntarily descended 
 to the earth to promote the welfare of mankind. These indi- 
 viduals have gradually assumed the character of reappearances 
 of Buddha himself, in which capacity the line is continued till 
 the present day, in the several Lamas ' f Thibet, China, and other 
 countries where Buddhism prevails. In consequence" of the 
 victories of Genghis Khan and his successors, the Lama siding 
 
 
 I 
 
4o8 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 *?4 
 
 ( 
 
 t> 1 !^. 
 
 ii(\ 
 
 ft, 
 
 .1 rt L* 
 
 i.!l 
 
 iS 
 
 
 in Thibet was raised to the dignity of chief pontiff of the sect. 
 A separate province was assigned to him as his own territory, 
 and besides his spiritual dignity, he became to a limited extent 
 a temporal monarch. He is styled the Dalai Lama. 
 
 The first Christian missionaries who proceeded to Thibet were 
 surprised to find there in the heart of Asia a pontifical court and 
 several other ecclesiastical institutions resembling those of the 
 Roman Catholic Church. They found convents for priests and 
 nuns ; also processions and forms of religious worship, attended 
 with much pomp and splendor ; and many were induced by these 
 similarities to consider Lamaism as a sort of degenerated Chris- 
 tianity. It is not improbable that the Lamas derived some of 
 these practices from the Nestorian Christians, who were settled 
 in Tartary when Buddhism was introduced into Thibet. 
 
 Prester John. 
 
 An early account, communicated probably by travelling mer- 
 chants, of a Lama or spiritual chief among the Tartars, seems 
 to have occasioned in Europe the report of a Presbyter, or 
 Prester John, a Christian pontiff, resident in Upper Asia. 
 The Pope sent a mission in search of him, as did also Louis IX. 
 of France, some years later ; but both missions were unsuccess- 
 ful, though the small communities of Nestorian Christians, which 
 they did find, served to keep up the belief in Europe that such a 
 personage did exist somewhere in the East. His identify has 
 never been settled. 
 
pontiff of the sect, 
 his own territory, 
 to a limited extent 
 Lama. 
 
 ded to Thibet were 
 pontifical court and 
 tbling those of the 
 ents for priests and 
 s worship, attended 
 ire induced by these 
 degenerated Chris- 
 is derived some of 
 5, who were settled 
 ito Thibet. 
 
 by travelling mer- 
 
 the Tartars, seems 
 
 of a Presbyter, or 
 
 nt in Upper Asia. 
 
 did also Louis IX. 
 
 3ns were unsuccessr 
 
 m Christians, which 
 
 Europe that such a 
 
 His identi*.y has 
 
 Valkyrie bearing a hero to Valhana (K. Dielitz), 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVHL 
 
 Northern Mythology— Valhalla— Origin of Poetry— 
 Saga — The Valkyrior. 
 
 Northern Mythology. 
 
 The hiorien which have engaged our attention thus far relate 
 to th« mythology of southern regions. But there is another 
 braiu' h of ancient superstitions which ought not to be entirely 
 overUjoked, especially as it belongs to the nations from which 
 we, tbroUjtjh our English ancestors, derive our origin. It is that 
 of the northern nations called Scandinavians, who inhabited the 
 comitrici now known as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Ice- 
 land, These mythological records are contained in two coUec- 
 tioiw (^lled the Eddas, of which the oldest is in poetry and dates 
 
 (409) 
 
 
 ', 'li 
 
i '- 
 
 ■J ^ ■■'. ' 
 
 . if- 
 
 410 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 
 
 ^' 
 
 
 "^^ ''T 
 
 back to the year ten hundred and fifty -six, the more modern o» 
 prose Edda being of the date of sixteen hundred and forty.* 
 The Scandinavians also had their golden age. 
 
 **The golden age of the gods, when 
 On the green they played 
 
 In joyful mood, ♦ 
 
 ■ . Nor knew at all 
 
 The want of good." — (Anderson, tr.). 
 
 According to the Eddas there was once no heaven above no/ 
 earth beneath, but only a bottomless deep, and a world of mist 
 in which flowed a fountain. Twelve rivers issued from this foun- 
 tain, and when they had flowed far from their source they froze 
 into ice, and, one layer accumulating over another, the great deep 
 was filled up. 
 
 Southward from the world of mist was the world of light. 
 From this flowed a warm wind upon the ice and melted it. 
 
 ** From the South the Sun 
 Shone on the walls; 
 Then did the earth 
 Green herbs produce. 
 The Moon went ahead, 
 The Sun followed ; 
 His right hand held 
 The steeds of heaven." — Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 The vapors rose in the air and formed clouds, from which sprang 
 Ymir, the Frost giant, and his progeny, and the cow Audhumbla, 
 whose milk afforded nourishment and food for the giant. The 
 cow got nourishment by licking the hoar-frost and salt from the 
 ice. While she was one day licking the salt-stones there ap- 
 peared at first the hair of a man, on the second day the whole 
 head, and on the third the entire form, endowed with beauty, 
 agility, and power. This new being was a god, from whom and 
 his wife, a daughter of the giant race, sprang the three brothers, 
 Odin, Vili, and Ve. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of his 
 
 * The elder Edda consists of thirty-seven poems, and, like the prose Eddi, 
 treats of gods, legends, and Scandinavian wars. The word means " great-grand- 
 mother," and probably refers to the stories told by the graodmotbers to theii 
 children. • . 
 
OES. 
 
 NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY, 
 
 411 
 
 ; more modern 01 
 sd and forty.* 
 
 a 
 
 ON, tr.). 
 
 a heaven above nor 
 ,nd a world of mist 
 iued from this foun- 
 r source they froze 
 ther, the great deep 
 
 the world of light. 
 and melted it. 
 
 DDAS (Anderson). 
 
 is, from which sprang 
 the cow Audhumbla, 
 1 for the giant. The 
 rost and salt from the 
 salt-stones there ap- 
 ;econd day the whole 
 endowed with beauty, 
 god, from whom and 
 ng the three brothers, 
 Ymir, and out of his 
 
 and, like the prose Eddt, 
 word means " great-grand- 
 y the grandmoUiers to theii 
 
 body formed the earth, of his blood the seas, of his bones the 
 mountains, of his hair the trees, of his skull the heavens, and of 
 his brain clouds, charged with hail and snow. Of Ymir's eye- 
 brows the gods formed Midgard (mid earth), destined to become 
 the abode of man. 
 
 Odin. 
 
 "Of Ymir's flesh 
 Was earth created, 
 Of his blood the sea, 
 Of his bones the hills, 
 Of his hair trees and plants, 
 Of his skull the heavens. 
 And of his brows 
 The gentle powers 
 
 Formed Midgard for the sons of men ; 
 But of his brain 
 The heavy clouds are 
 All created."— Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 I' ' * 
 
 l^ 
 
 
,S#';;v1 
 
 "I 
 
 412 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES 
 
 WU' 
 
 ^ 
 
 Odin ther. regulated the periods of day and night and the sea. 
 sons by placing in the heavens the sun and moon, and appoint- 
 ing to them their respective courses. As soon as the sun began 
 to shed its rays upon the earth it caused the vegetable world to 
 bud and sprout. Shortly after the gods had created the world 
 they walked by the side of the sea, pleased with their new work 
 but found that it was still incomplete, for it was without human 
 beings. They therefore took an ash tree and made a man out 
 of it, and they made a woman out of an alder, and called the 
 man Aske and the woman Embla. Odin then gave them life and 
 soul, Vili reason and motion, and Ve bestowed upon them the 
 senses, expressive features, and speech. Midgard was then given 
 them as their residence, and they became the progenitors of the 
 human race. *• 
 
 The mighty ash tree Ygdrasill was supposed to support the 
 whole universe. It sprang from the body of Ymir, and had 
 three immense roots, extending one into Asgard (the dwelling 
 of the gods), the other into Jotunheim (the abode of the giants), 
 and the third to Niffleheim (the regions of darkness and cold). 
 By the side of each of these roots is a spring, from which it is 
 watered. The root that extends into Asgard is carefully tended 
 by the three Norns, goddesses, who are regarded as the dispensers 
 of fate. They are Urdur (the past), Verdandi (the present), 
 Skuld (the future). The spring at the Jotunheim side is Ymir's 
 well, in which wisdom and wit lie hidden ; but that of Niffleheim 
 feeds the adder Nidhogge (darkness), which perpetually gnaws 
 at the root. Four harts run across the branches of the tree and 
 bite the buds ,* they represent the four winds. Under the tree 
 lies Ymir, and when he tries to shake off its weight the earth 
 quakes. 
 
 «« The tree Ygdrasill 
 Bears a sorer burden 
 Than men imagine ; \ 
 
 Above the stags bite it, 
 On its sides age rots it, 
 Nidhogge gnaws below."— Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 Asgard is the name of the abode of the gods, access to which 
 is only gained by crossing the bridge Bifrost (the rainbow). 
 
ES. 
 
 OF THE JOYS OF VALHALLA. 
 
 413 
 
 light and the sea« 
 on, and appoint- 
 as the sun began 
 egetable world to 
 created the world 
 1 their new work, 
 IS without human 
 made a man out 
 and called the 
 gave them life and 
 1 upon them the 
 rd was then given 
 Drogenitors of the 
 
 d to support the 
 )f Ymir, and had 
 jard (the dwelling 
 ode of the giants), 
 irkness and cold). 
 g, from which it is 
 is carefully tended 
 16. as the dispensers 
 ndi (the present), 
 leim side is Ymir's 
 t that of Niffleheim 
 
 perpetually gnaws 
 hes of the tree and 
 . Under the tree 
 s weight the earth 
 
 — Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 ids, access to which 
 DSt (the rainbow). 
 
 "A link 
 That binds us to the skies, 
 A bridge of rainbow thrown across 
 The gulf of tears and sighs." — Barry Cornwall. 
 
 Asgard consists of golden and silver palaces, the dwellings of the 
 gods ; but the most beautiful of these is Valhalla, the residence 
 of Odin. When seated on his throne he overlooks all heaven 
 and earth. Upon his shoulders are the ravens Hugin and Munin. 
 who fly every day over the whole world, and on their return re- 
 port to him all they have seen and heard. At his feet lie his two 
 wolves, Geri and Freki, to whom Odin gives all the meat that is 
 set before him, for he himself stands in no need of food. Mead 
 is for him both food and drink. He invented the Runic charac- 
 ters, and it is the business of the Noms to engrave the runes of 
 fate upon a metal shield. From Odin's name, spelt Woden, as 
 it sometimes is, came Wednesday, the name of the fourth day 
 of the week. 
 
 Odin is frequently called Mfadur (All-father), but this name 
 is sometimes used in a way that shows that the Scandinavians 
 had an idea of a deity superior to Odin, uncreated and eternal. 
 
 Of the Joys of Valhalla. 
 
 Valhalla is the great hall of Odin, wherein he feasts, with his 
 chosen heroes, those who have fallen bravely in battle ; for all 
 who die a peaceful death are excluded. The flesh of the boar 
 Schrinmir is served up to them, and is abundant for all ; for 
 although this boar is cocked every morning, he becomes whole 
 again every night. For drink the heroes are supplied abundantly 
 with mead from the she -goat Heidrun. When the heroes are 
 not feasting they amuse themselves with fighting. Every day they 
 ride out into the court or field and fight until they cut each other 
 in pieces. This is their pastime ; but when meal-time comes they 
 »ecover from their wounds and return to feast in Valhalla. 
 
 ** He crew at dawn a cheerful note, 
 
 To wake the gods and heroes to their tasks, 
 And all the gods and all the heroes woke. 
 And from their beds the heroes rose and donned 
 Their arms, and led their horses from the stall, 
 And mounted them, and in Valhalla' s court 
 
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414 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Were ranged ; and then the daily fray began, 
 
 And all day long they there are hacked and hewn 
 
 ' Mid dust and groans, anu limbs lopped off, and blood ; 
 
 But all at night return to Odin's hall 
 
 Woundless and fresh ; such lot is theirs in heaven " 
 
 — Matthew Arnold. 
 
 Origin of Poetry. 
 
 The Norsemen held the gift of poetry in the highest esteem. 
 Poetry itself was an inspiring drink. This drink was possessed 
 by the giants and guarded by Gunlad. One of the gods en- 
 quired of Bragi how poetry originated. He was told that the 
 Asas and Vans at the close of a long war ratified a treaty of peace 
 by spitting in a jar. From this spittle was created a wise man, 
 whom they called Kvaser. His wisdom transcended all ques- 
 tions. He was slain, however, by two dwarfs, and his blood 
 preserved in Odroerer, a kettle, and two cups, Son and Bodn. 
 By mixing this blood with honey a drink was composed, of 
 which, if one partook, he became a poet. The dwarfs then an- 
 nounced that Kvaser had been suffocated by his own wisdom. 
 The dwarfs also slew a giant by the name of Gilling, and his 
 wife. Their son Suttung induced his parents' murderers to 
 accompany him out to a shoal in the sea, where he left them to 
 perish in the tide. In order to save their lives they gave Sut- 
 tung the poetic-inspiring beverage, which he committed to Gun- 
 lad, his daughter. Odin the god made a special journey to 
 Jotunheim in order to obtain this enchanting mead. He first 
 met nine slaves mowing in a meadow. Entering into conversa- 
 tion, he offered to whet their scythes. This he did, after which 
 he threw the whetstone into the air. The slaves fought for it, 
 and, falling upon their scythes, were killed. Odin then went to 
 the home of the farmer and learned that he was Bauge, the 
 brother of Suttung. In Bauge* s distress over the death of his 
 slaves Odin offered to remain and do the work of nine men for 
 one draught of his brother's mead. Bauge consented, and took 
 Odin to the cave where Gunlad guarded the precious liciuid. 
 They bored through the rock, and Odin, transformed as a ser- 
 pent, crept through the hole, resumed his natural shape, and 
 made love to Gunlad. 
 
TSE VALKYBIOS. 
 
 4^5 
 
 lRNOLD. 
 
 t esteem, 
 possessed 
 
 gods en- 
 
 that the 
 r of peace 
 vise man, 
 
 all ques- 
 his blood 
 ad Bodn. 
 posed, of 
 > then an- 
 \ wisdom. 
 y, and his 
 rderers to 
 ft them to 
 
 gave Sut- 
 
 d to Gun- 
 
 ourney to 
 
 He first 
 
 conversa- 
 fter which 
 ight for it, 
 en went to 
 Bauge, the 
 jath of his 
 le men for 
 , and took 
 3US liquid. 
 [ as a ser- 
 ihape, and 
 
 "Odin, 1 believe, 
 A ring-oath gave ; 
 Who in his faith will trust? 
 Sttttung defrauded, ; 
 
 01 his drink bereft, 
 And Gunlad made to weep." 
 
 — Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 She permitted him to take a single draught from each of the 
 three vessels, but Odin, in his anxiety, drank all three dry. 
 He then, transformed as an eagle, flew toward Asgard. Suttung, 
 aware of the deception, in the same guise followed. The gods, 
 seemg their approach, set out all the jars in their possession. 
 Odin disgorged the inspiring mead through his beak. That which 
 fell in the vessels was true poetry, and that which was spilled upon 
 the ground belongs to the silly poets. Hence a poet became 
 known as one who had drunk the beverage of the gods. 
 
 Sa'ga. 
 
 Odin not only invented poetry, but also favors history. This 
 is called Sa'ga. 
 
 ** Sokvabek, hight the fourth dwelling, 
 Over it flow the cool billows ; 
 Glad drink there Odin and Saga 
 Every day from golden cups." 
 
 Sokvabek is the brook of the deep. From the deep arise the 
 thoughts, and roll as cool, refreshing waves through golden words. 
 Saga can tell, Odin can think about it. Thus they sit together 
 day after day and night after night, and refresh their minds from 
 the fountain of history. Saga is the second of the goddesses. 
 Her favor is the hope of youth and the delight of the old.* 
 
 The Valkyrlor. 
 
 The Valkyrior are warlike virgins, mounted upon horses, and 
 armed with helmets, shields, and spears. Odin, who is desirous 
 to collect a great many heroes in Valhalla, to be able to meet the 
 giants in a day when the final contest must come, sends down to 
 every battle-field to make choice of those who shall be slain. 
 
 * None Mythology (Anderson). 
 
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 416 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES 
 
 The Valkyrior are his messengers, and their name means 
 "Choosers of the slain." 
 
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 Valkyrior (P. N ArboY 
 
 •• They call, invitinfj us above ; 
 The heroes they bid speed 
 To Odin's glorious hnlls, 
 Where they deal out ale and mead." — Edhas. 
 
 r- 
 
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 tieir name means 
 
 -'J)Hr 
 
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 OF THOR AND TIIJS OTHER GODS. 
 
 4J7 
 
 When they ride forth on their errand their armor sheds a strange, 
 flickering light, which flashes up over the northern skies, making 
 what men call the aurora borealis, or northern lights. 
 
 ** And the Valkyries on their steeds went forth 
 loward earth nnd fights of men ; and at their side 
 Skuldn, the youngest of the Nomies, rode ; 
 And over IMfrost, where is Ileimdall's watch, 
 Past Midgard I'ortress, down to Earth they came ; 
 There through some battle-field, where men fall fast, 
 Their horses fetlock-deep in blood, they ride, 
 And pick the bravest warriors out for death. 
 Whom they bring back with them at night to heaven. 
 To glad the gods, and feast in Odin's hall." 
 
 — Matthew Arnold. 
 
 They bore their warrior spirits from the battle-field to Asgard. 
 As they dismounted from their horses at the grove of Glasir the 
 veil of death was removed, revealing the majestic hall of Odin. 
 Here was seated the god himself, who gave the welcome to Val- 
 halla. 
 
 Of Thor and the Other Gods. 
 
 Thor, the Thunderer, Odin's eldest son, is the strongest of 
 gods and men. 
 
 " I am the God Thor, 
 I am the War God, 
 I am the Thunderer ! 
 Here in my Northland, 
 My fastness and fortress, 
 Reign I forever !" — Longfellow. 
 
 He possesses three very precious things. The first is a hammer, 
 which both the Frost and the Mountain giants know to their 
 cost, when they sec it hurled against them in the air, for it has 
 split many a skull of their fathers and kindred. When thrown, 
 it returns to his hand of its own accord. The second rare thing 
 he possesses is called the l)elt of strength. When he girds it 
 about him his divine might is doubled. The third, also very 
 precious, is his iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would 
 use his mallet efficiently. 
 
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 5 •:. 
 
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 1 ,i 
 
 .f .1.1 
 
4lS 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 ** This is my Iiammer, . r . . \\ 
 
 MiSlner the mighty ; ■ ', 
 
 Giants and sorcerers 
 
 Cannot withstand it 1 ' . - 
 
 . These are the gauntlets 
 
 Wherewith I wield it, 
 
 And hurl it afar off ; 
 
 This is my girdle ; 
 
 Whenever I brace it 
 
 Strength is redoubled I" — Longfellow 
 
 ^."^ 
 
 Thor. 
 
 From Thor's name is derived our word Thursday. 
 
 Freyr is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He pre- 
 sides over rain and sunshine and all the fruits of the earth. His 
 sister Frcya is the most propitious of the goddesses. She loves 
 
OF THOB AND THE OTHER 00D8. 
 
 419 
 
 
 music, spring, and flowers, and is particularly fond of the Elves 
 (fairies). She is very fond of love-ditties, and all lovers do 
 well to invoke her. 
 
 Freya is usually identified with Frigga, the wife of Odin, and 
 queen of the Scandinavian heaven. This goddess was the 
 patroness of ships, and brought lovers together after death. She 
 is represented as spinning ou a golden distafl*, the wheel of which 
 
 Freyr. 
 
 was visible to every worshipper as the beU of Orion. Her maids 
 of honor were Fulla, who had charge of her jewels, and Hlin, 
 the friend of the needy. Gna was her messenger ; she rode on 
 winged horses, and kept her mistress informed as to the affairb 
 of mortals. 
 
 •* I fly not, nor do drive, but hurry fast, 
 Hoof-flinger swift thro' clouds and mist and sky." — Edd.\S 
 
 vvfi 
 
 
 
420 
 
 sroniEs OF qods and heroes. 
 
 vm 
 
 Friday was named in her honor. This day was originally re- 
 garded as the most fortunate of the week ; but the historic asso- 
 ciation of the Crucifixion reversed the position, and Friday fell 
 from the highest to the lowest place in the calendar. 
 
 Bragi is the god of poetry, and his song records the deeds of 
 warriors. His wife, Iduna, keeps in a box the apples which the 
 gods, when they feel old age approaching, have only to taste of 
 to become young again. 
 
 Heimdall is the watchman of the gods, and is therefore placed 
 on the borders of heaven, to prevent the giants from forcing their 
 way over the bridge Bifrost (the rainbow). The sound of 
 Heimdall' s horn is heard over the world, and shall be the signal 
 for the great battle between the gods on the day of their ending, 
 or twilight. He require** less sleep than a bird, and sees by 
 night as well as by day a hundred miles around him. So acute 
 is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the 
 grass grow and the wool on a sheep's back. 
 
 Of Loki and His Progeny. 
 
 There is another deity who is described as the calumniator of 
 the gods and the contriver of all fraud and mischief. His name 
 is Loki. He is handsome and well made, but of a very fickle 
 mood, and most evil disposition. He is of the giant race, but 
 forced himself into the company of the gods, and seems to take 
 pleasure in bringing them into difficulties, and in extricating 
 them out of the danger by his cunning, wit, and skill. Loki has 
 three children. The first is the wolf Fenris, 
 
 ** Fearfully fares 
 The Fenris wolf 
 
 Over the fields of men, ^ 
 
 When he is loosed." — Eddas (Anderson). ' 
 
 the second the Midgard serpent, the third Hela ( Death) . The gods 
 were not ignorant that these monsters were growing up, and that 
 they would one day bring much evil upon gods and men. So 
 Odin deemed it advisable to send one to bring them to him. 
 When they came, he threw the serpent into that deep ocean by 
 which the earth is surrounded. But the monster has grown to such 
 an enormous 8i??e that, holding his tail in his mouth, he encircles 
 
or LOKX AND ffJS PROOENT, 
 
 431 
 
 aally re- 
 ric asso- 
 iday fell 
 
 ieeds of 
 
 hich the 
 
 taste of 
 
 re placed 
 ing their 
 ound of 
 he signal 
 • ending, 
 [ sees by 
 So acute 
 hear the 
 
 niator of 
 lis name 
 ery fickle 
 race, but 
 is to take 
 ricating 
 Loki has 
 
 on). 
 
 The gods 
 and that 
 ■len. So 
 
 to him. 
 
 cean by 
 n to such 
 encircles 
 
 the whole earth. Hela he cast into Nifflehcim, and gave her 
 power over nine worlds or regions, into which she distributes 
 those who are sent to her j that is, all who die of sickness or old 
 age. Her hall is called Elvidnir. Hunger is her table, Starva- 
 tion her knife, Delay her man, Slowness her maid, Precipice hei 
 threshold. Care her bed, and Burning-anguish forms the hang- 
 ings of her apartments. She may easily be recognized, for her 
 body is half-flesh color and half-blue, and she has a dreadfully 
 stern and forbidding countenance. 
 
 The wolf Fenris gave the gods a great deal of trouble before 
 they succeeded in chaining him. He broke the strongest fetters 
 
 The Wolf Fenris. 
 
 as if they were made of cobwebs. Finally the gods sent a 
 messenger to the mountain spirits, who made for them the chain 
 called Gleipnir. It is fashioned of six things, viz., the noise 
 made by the footfall of a cat, the beards of women, the roots of 
 stones, the breath of fishes, the nerves (sensibilities) of bears, 
 and the spittle of birds. When finished it was as smooth and 
 soft as a silken string. But when the gods asked the wolf to 
 suffer himself to be bound with this apparently slight ribbon 
 he suspected their design, fearing that it was made by enchant- 
 ment. He therefore only consented to be bound with it upon 
 condition that one of the gods put his hand in his (Fenris' s) 
 
 .^ 
 
 I! I 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 '4 
 
 
 .,. ■)* 
 
4^2 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 y 
 
 mouth as a pledge that the band was to be removed again. Tyi 
 (the god- of battles) alone had courage enough to do this. But 
 when the wolf found that he could not break his fetters, and 
 that the gods would not release him, he bit off Tyr's hand, and 
 he has ever since remained one-handed. 
 
 How Thor Paid the Mountain Giant His Wages. 
 
 Once on a time, when the gods were constructing their abodes,; 
 and had already finished Midgard and Valhalla, a certain artificer'^ 
 came and offered to build them a residence so well fortified that 
 tney should be perfectly safe from the incursions of the Frost 
 giants and the giants of the mountains. But he demanded for 
 his reward the goddess Freya, together with the sun and moon. 
 The gods yielded to his terms, provided he would finish the 
 whole work himself, without any one's assistance, and all within 
 the space of one winter. But if anything remained unfinished 
 on the first day of summer he should forfeit the recompense 
 agreed on. On being told these terms the artificer stipulated 
 that he should be allowed the use of his horse Svadilfari, and 
 this, by the advice of Loki, was granted to him. He accordingly 
 set to work on the first day of winter, and during the night let 
 his horse draw stone for the building. The enormous size of 
 the stones struck the gods with astonishment, and they saw clearly 
 that the horse did one-half more of the toilsome work than his 
 master. Their bargain, however, had been concluded and con- 
 firmed by solemn oaths, for without these precautions a giant 
 would not have thought himself safe among the gods, especially 
 when Thor should return from an expedition he had then under- 
 taken against the evil demons. ' 
 
 As the winter drew to a close the building was far advanced, 
 and the bulwarks were sufficiently high and massive to render the 
 place impregnable. In short, when it wanted but three days to 
 summer the only part that remained to be finished was the gate- 
 way. Then sat the gods on their seats of justice and entered into 
 consultation, inquiring of one another who among them could have 
 advised to give Freya away, or to plunge the heavens in darkness 
 by permitting the giant to carry away the sun and the moon. 
 
 They all agreed that no one but Loki, the author of so many 
 
 ch bad counsel, and that h6 
 
 evil deeds, 
 
 given 
 
THE RECOVERY OF THE HAMMER. 
 
 423 
 
 in. Tyi 
 
 lis. But 
 ters, and 
 and, and 
 
 ages. 
 
 r abodes, j 
 I artificer^ 
 ified that 
 the Frost 
 inded for 
 id moon, 
 inish the 
 ill within 
 mfinished 
 compense 
 stipulated 
 Ifari, and 
 cordingly 
 night let 
 
 size of 
 
 iw clearly 
 
 than his 
 
 and con- 
 
 a giant 
 especially 
 jn under- 
 
 dvanced, 
 ender the 
 le days to 
 the gate- 
 tered into 
 ould have 
 
 darkness 
 moon. 
 
 so many 
 that h6 
 
 should be put to a cruel death if he did not contrive some way 
 to prevent the artificer from completing h s task and obtaining 
 the stipulated recompense. They proceeded to lay hands on 
 Xx>ki, who in his fright promised upon oath that, let it cost him 
 what it would, he would so manage matters that the man should 
 lose his reward. That very night, when the man went with 
 Svadilfari for building-stone, a mare suddenly ran out of a forest 
 and began to neigh. The I.orse thereat broke loose and ran 
 after the mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run 
 after his horse, and thus between one and another the whole 
 night was lost, so that at dawn the work had not made the usual 
 progress. The man, seeing that he must fail of completing his 
 task, resumed his own gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly 
 perceived that it was in reality a mountain giant who had come 
 amongst them. Feeling no longer bound by their oaths, they 
 called on Thor, who immediately ran to their assistance, and 
 lifting up his mallet, paid the workman his wages, not with the 
 sun and moon, and not even by sending him back to Jotunheim, 
 for with the first blow he shattered the giant's skull to pieces and 
 hurled him headlong into Niffleheim. 
 
 The Recovery of the Hammer. 
 Once upon a time it happened that Thor's hammer fell into 
 the possession of the giant Thrym, who buried it eight fathoms 
 deep under the rocks of Jotunheim. Thor sent Loki to nego- 
 tiate with Thrym, but he could only prevail so far as to get the 
 giant's promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to 
 be his bride. Loki returned and reported the result of his mis- 
 sion, but the goddess of love was quite horrified at the idea of 
 bestowing her charms on the king of the Frost giants. In this 
 emergency Loki persuaded Thor to dress himself in Freya' s 
 clothes and accompany him to Jotunheim. Thrym received his 
 veiled bride with due courtesy, but was greatly surprised at seeing 
 her eat for her supper eight salmon and a full-grown ox, besides 
 o:)ier delicacies, washing the whole down with three tons of 
 mead. 
 
 " Spoke then Thrym 
 The king of giants, 
 * Where has* thou seen 
 Such a hungry bride '( . 
 
 i 
 
 ':«' 
 
 I 
 
 m 
 
% < 
 
 Ul 
 
 424 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 I never saw a bride 
 
 Eat $0 much, 
 
 And never a mdd 
 
 Drink more mead.' " — EddAS (Anderson's tr.). 
 
 Loki, however, assured him that she had not tasted anything 
 for eight long nights, so great was her desire to see her lover, 
 the renowned ruler of Jotunheim. Thrym had at length the 
 puriosity to peep under his bride's veil, but started back in 
 
 Freya. /' 
 
 affright and demanded why Freya' s eyeballs glistened with fire. 
 Loki repeated the same excuse, and the giant was satisfied. He 
 ordered the hammer to be brought in and laid on the maiden's 
 lap. Thereupon Thor threw off his disguise, grasped his re- 
 doubted weapon, and slaughtered Thrym and all his followers. 
 
 Freyr also possessed a wonderful weapon, a sword which would 
 of itself spread a field with carnage whenever the owner desired 
 it. Freyr parted with this sword, but was less fortunate than 
 Thor and never recovered it. It happened in this way : Freyr 
 once mounted Odin's throne, from whence one can see over the 
 
TBE RECOVERY OF THE HAMMER, 
 
 42 s 
 
 «^hole universe, and looking round, saw far off in the giant's 
 kingdom a beautiful maid, at the sight of whom he was struck 
 with sudden sadness, insomuch that from that moment he could 
 neither sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skirnir, his messen- 
 ger, drew his secret from him, and undertook to get him the 
 maiden for his bride if he would give him his sword as a reward. 
 Freyr consented and gave him the sword, and Skirnir set off on 
 his journey, and obtained the maiden's promise that within nine 
 (nights she would come to a certain place and there wed Freyr. 
 
 Freyr. — Speak, Skirnir, speak, and tell with speed, 
 Take not the harness from your steed, 
 Nor stir your foot till you have said 
 How fares my love with Gymer's maid. 
 
 ^B- 
 
 Skirnir. — Bar-isle !s hight the seat of love. 
 
 Nine nights elapsed in that known grove. 
 
 To brave Njord, the gallant boy. 
 
 Will Gerda yield the kiss of joy. — ( Herbert's tr.). 
 
 Skirnir having reported the success of his errand, Freyr ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 ** Long Is one night, 
 
 Long are two nights, 
 
 But how shall I hold out three? 
 
 Shorter hath seemed 
 
 A month to me oft 
 
 Than of this longing time the half." 
 
 So Freyr obtained Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for 
 his wife, but he lost his sword. 
 
 This story, entitled Skirnir For, and the one immediately pre- 
 ceding it, ThrynCs Qtiida, will be found poetically told in Long* 
 fellow's Poets and Poetry of Europe, 
 
 m 
 
 • ■■,* 
 1 'i,** 
 
 
 
 
426 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Thor's Visit to Jotunheim. 
 
 One day the god Thor, with his servant Thialfi, and accom< 
 panied by Loki, set out on a journey to the giant's country. 
 Thialfi was of all men the swiftest of foot. He bore Thor's wal- 
 let, containing their previsions. When night came on they 
 found themselves in an immense forest, and searched on ^11 sides 
 for a place where they might pass the night, and at last came to 
 a very large hall, with an entrance that took the whole breadth 
 of one end of the building. Here they lay down to sleep, but 
 towards midnight were alarmed by an earthquake which shook 
 the whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on his companions to 
 seek with him a place of safety. On the right they found an ad- 
 joining chamber, into which the others entered, but Thor re- 
 mained at the doorway with his mallet in his hand, prepared to 
 defend himself, whatever might happen. A terrible groaning 
 was heard during the night, and at dawn of day Thor went out 
 and found lying near him a huge giant, who slept and snored in 
 the way that had alarmed them so. It is said that for once Thor 
 was afraid to use his mallet, and as the giant soon waked up, 
 Thor contented himself with simply asking his name. 
 
 ** My name is Skrymir," said the giant, **but I need not ask 
 thy name, for I know that thou art the god Thor. But what has 
 become of my glove ?' ' Thor then perceived that what they 
 had taken over night for a hall was the giant's glove, and the 
 chamber where his two companions had sought refuge was the 
 thumb. Skrymir then proposed that they should travel in com- 
 pany, and Thor consenting, they sat down to eat their breakfast, 
 and when they had done, Skrymir packed all the provisions into 
 one wallet, threw it over his shoulder, and strode on before them, 
 taking such tremendous strides that they were hard put t(? it to 
 
THORS VISIT TO J0TUNHEI3L 
 
 427 
 
 , and accom- 
 It's country. 
 e Thor's wal- 
 ime on they 
 d on ^11 sides 
 t last Came to 
 irhole breadth 
 to sleep, but 
 which shook 
 )mpanions to 
 found an ad- 
 but Thor re- 
 prepared to 
 ible groaning 
 hor went out 
 md snored in 
 or once Thor 
 m waked up, 
 e. 
 
 need not ask 
 But what has 
 at what they 
 ove, and the 
 jfuge was tlie 
 ravel in com- 
 leir breakfast, 
 rovisions into 
 I before them, 
 i put to it to 
 
 keep up with him. So they travelled the whole day, and at 
 dusk Skrymir chose a place for them to pass the night in under 
 a large oak tree. Skrymir then told them he would lie down to 
 sleep. *' But take ye the wallet," he added, " and prepare your 
 supper." 
 
 Skrymir soon fell asleep and began to snore strongly ; but 
 when Thor tried to open the wallet he found the giant had tied 
 it up so tight he could not untie a single knot. At last Thor 
 became wroth, and, grasping his mallet with both hands, he 
 struck a furious blow on the giant's head. Skrymir, awakening, 
 merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen On his head, and 
 1/hether they had supped and were ready to go to sleep. Thor 
 answered that they were just going to sleep, and so saying went 
 and laid himself down under another tree. But sleep came not 
 that night to Thor, and when Skrymir snored again, so loud that 
 the forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping his 
 mallet launched it ^ith such force at the giant's skull that it 
 made a deep dint in it. Skrymir, awakening, cried out, 
 "What's the matter? are there any birds perched on this tree? 
 I felt some moss from the branches fall on my head. How 
 fares it with thee, Thor?" But Thor went away hastily, saying 
 that he had just then awoke, and that as it was only midnight, 
 there-was still time for sleep. He however resolved that if he 
 had an opportunity of striking a third blow, it should settle all 
 matters between them. A little before (daybreak he perceived 
 that Skrymir was again fast asleep; then Thor, grasping his 
 mallet, dashed it with such violence that it forced its way into 
 the giant's skull up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and, 
 stroking his cheek, said, "An acorn fell on my head. What 1 
 Art thou awake, Thor? Methinks it is time for us to get up and 
 dress ourselves ; but you have not now a long way before you to 
 the city called Utgard. I have heard you whispering to one 
 another that I am not a man of small dimensions ; but if you 
 come to Utgard you will see there many men much taller than 
 I. Wherefore I advise you, when you come there, not to make 
 too much of yourselves, for the followers of Utgard-Loki will not 
 brook the boasting of such little fe'lows as you are. You must 
 take the road that leads eastward ; mine lies northward ; so wtf 
 roust part here." 
 
428 
 
 STORIES OF Q0D8 AND HEROES. 
 
 } 
 
 Hereupon he threw his wallet over his shoulders and turned 
 away from them into the forest, and Thor had no wish to stop 
 him or to ask for any more of his company. 
 
 Thor and his companions proceeded on their way, and towards 
 noon descried a city standing in the middle of a plain. It was 
 so lofty that they were obliged to bend their necks quite back 
 on their shoulders in order to see to the top of it. On arriving 
 they entered the city, and seeing a large palace before them, 
 with the door wide open, they went in, and found a number of 
 men of prodigious stature sitting on benches in the hall. Going 
 farther, they came before the king, Utgard-Loki, whom they 
 saluted with great respect. The king, regarding them with a 
 scornful smile, said : " If I do not mistake me, that stripling 
 yonder must be the god Thor. ' ' Then addressing himself to 
 Thor, he said : ** Perhaps thou mayst be more than thou ap- 
 pearest to be. What are the feats that thou and thy fellows 
 deem yourselves skilled in ? for no one is permitted to remain 
 here who does not, in some feat or other, excel all other men." 
 
 "The feat that I know," said Loki, "is to eat quicker than 
 any one else, and in this I am ready to give a proof against any 
 one here who may choose to compete with me." 
 
 **That will indeed be a feat," said Utgard-Loki, "if thou 
 performest what thou promisest, and it shall be tried forth- 
 with." 
 
 He then ordered one of his men, who was sitting at the far- 
 ther end of the bench, and whose name was Logi, to come for- 
 ward and try his skill with Loki. A trough filled with meat 
 having been set on the hall floor, Loki placed himself at one end 
 and Logi at the other, and each of them began to eat as 
 fast a§ he could, until they met in the middle of the trough. 
 But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while his 
 adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and the trough to 
 boot. All the company, therefore, adjudged that Loki was 
 vanquished. 
 
 Utgard-Loki then asked what feat the young man who accom- 
 panied Thor could perform. Thialfi answered that he would run 
 a race with any one who might be matched against him. The 
 king observed that skill in running was something to boast of, 
 but if the youth would win the match he must display great 
 
THORS VISIT TO JOTUNHEIM. 
 
 429 
 
 nd turned 
 sh to stop 
 
 id towards 
 I. It was 
 [uite back 
 n arriving 
 ore them, 
 lumber of 
 il. Going 
 hom they 
 em with a 
 t stripling 
 himself to 
 thou ap- 
 tly fellows 
 to remain 
 [ler men." 
 icker than 
 gainst any 
 
 "if thou 
 ied forth- 
 
 it the far- 
 come for- 
 ith meat 
 Lt one end 
 to eat as 
 le trough, 
 while his 
 trough to 
 Loki was 
 
 10 accom- 
 would run 
 im. The 
 boast of, 
 )lay great 
 
 agility. He then arose and went with all who were present to 
 a plain where there was good ground for running on, and calling 
 a young man named Hugi, bade him run a match with Thialfi. 
 In the first course Hugi so much outstripped his competitor that 
 he turned back and met him not far from the starting-place. 
 Then they ran a second and a third time, but Thialfi met with 
 no better success. 
 
 Utgard-Loki then asked Thor in what feats he would choose 
 to give proofs of that prowess for which he was so famous. Thor 
 answered that he would try a drinking-match with any one. 
 Utgard-Loki bade his cupbearer bring the large horn which his 
 followers were obliged to empty when they had trespassed in any 
 way against the law of the feast. The cupbearer having pre- 
 sented it to Thor, Utgard-Loki said: ** Whoever is a good 
 drinker will empty that horn at a single draught, though most 
 men make two of it, but the most puny drinker can do it in 
 three." 
 
 Thor looked at the hom, which seemed of no extraordinary 
 size, though somewhat long ; however, as he was very thirsty, he 
 set it to his lips, and, without drawing breath, pulled as long 
 and as deeply as he could, that he might not be obliged to make 
 a second draught of it ; but when he set the horn down and looked 
 in, he could scarcely perceive that the liquor was diminished. 
 
 After taking breath, Thor went to it again with all his might, 
 but when he took the horn from his mouth it seemed to him 
 that he had drank rather less than before, although the horn 
 could now be carried without spilling. 
 
 " How now, Thor," said Utgard-Loki ; " thou must not spare 
 thyself J if thou meanest to drain the horn at the third draught 
 thou must pull deeply ; and I musL needs say that thou wilt not 
 be called so mighty a man here as thou art at home if thou show- 
 est no greater prowess in other feats than methinks will be shown 
 in this." 
 
 Thor, full of wrath, again set the horn to his lips, and did his 
 best to empty it, but on looking in found the liquor was only a 
 little lower; so he resolved to make no further attempt, but gave 
 back the horn to the cupbearer. 
 
 "I now see plainly," said Utgard-Loki, **that thou art not 
 quite so stout as we thought thee ; but wilt thou try any other 
 
 Iv 
 
 ■ (■ 
 
 : 'i 
 
430 
 
 8T0RIF OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 >M i 
 
 
 
 
 Si'.» ° SI 
 
 feat, though methii xs thou are not likely to bear any prize away 
 with thee hence. " 
 
 ** What new trial hast thou to propose? " said Thor. 
 
 " We have a very trifling game here," answered Utgard-Loki, 
 ** in which we exercise none but children. It consists in merely 
 lifting my cat from the ground ; nor should I have dared to men- 
 tion such a feat to the great Thor if I had not already observed 
 that thou art by no means what we took thee for. * ' 
 
 As he finished speaking, a large gray cat sprang on the hall 
 floor. Thor put his hand under the cat's belly and did his ut- 
 most to raise him from the floor; but the cat, bending his back, 
 had, notwithstanding all Thor's eff"orts, only one of his feet lifted 
 up; seeing which, Thor made no further attempt. 
 
 "This trial has turned out," said Utgard-Loki, **just as I 
 imagined it would. The cat is large, but Thor is little in com- 
 parison to our men. " ^, , . - i 
 
 "Little as ye call me," answered Thor, "let me see who 
 among you will come hither, now I am in wrath, and wrestle with 
 
 me. 
 
 >> 
 
 "I see no one here," said Utgard-Loki, looking at the men 
 sitting on the benches, " who would not think it beneath him to 
 wrestle with thee ; let somebody, however, call hither that old 
 crone, my nurse Elli, and let Thor wrestle with her, if he will. 
 She has thrown to the ground many a man not less strong than 
 this Thor is." 
 
 A toothless old woman then entered the hall, and was told by 
 Utgard-Loki to take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The 
 more Thor tightened his hold on the crone the firmer she stood. 
 At length, after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose his foot- 
 ing, and was finally brought down upon one knee, Utgard-Loki 
 then told them to desist, adding that Thor had now no occasioa 
 to ask any one else in the hall to wrestle with him, and it was 
 also getting late ; so he showed Thor and his companions to 
 their seats, and they passed the night there in good cheer. 
 
 The next morning at break of day Thor and his companions 
 dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard- 
 Loki ordered a table to be set for them, on which there was no 
 lack of victuals or drink. After the repast Utgard-Loki led 
 them to the gate of the city, and on parting asked Thor how he 
 
TBOSfS VISIT TO JOTUNHEIM. 
 
 431 
 
 prize away 
 
 gard-Loki, 
 » in merely 
 red to men- 
 y observed 
 
 >n the hall 
 
 did his ut- 
 
 ig his back, 
 
 is feet lifted 
 
 "just as I 
 tie in com- 
 
 ne see who 
 wrestle with 
 
 at the men 
 eath him to 
 er that old 
 if he will. 
 strong than 
 
 was told by 
 ^rtold. The 
 r she stood, 
 ose his foot- 
 Jtgard-Loki 
 no occasion 
 and it was 
 npanions to 
 ±eer. 
 companions 
 Utgard- 
 lere was no 
 rd-Loki led 
 'hor how he 
 
 thought his journey had turned out, and whether he had met 
 with any men stronger than himself. Thor told him that he 
 could not deny but that he had brought great shame on himself. 
 "And what grieves me mest," he added, "is that ye will call 
 me a person of little worth." 
 
 "Nay," said Utgard -Loki, "it behooves me to tell thee the 
 truth, now thou art out of the city, which so long as I live and 
 have my way thou shalt never enter again. And, by my troth, 
 had I known beforehand that thou hadst so much strength in 
 thee, and wouldst have brought me so near to a great mishap, I 
 would not have suffered thee to enter this time. Know, then, 
 that I have all along deceived thee by my illusions ; first in the 
 forest, where I tied up the wallet with iron wire so that thou 
 couldst not untie it. After this thou gavest me three blows with 
 thy mallet ; the first, though the least, would have ended my 
 days had it fallen on me, but I slipped aside and thy blows fell 
 on the mountain, where thou wilt find three glens, one of them 
 remarkably deep. These are the dints made by thy mallet. I 
 have made use of similar illusions in the contests you have had 
 with my followers. In the first, Loki, like hunger itself, de- 
 voured all that was set before him ; but Logi was in reality noth- 
 ing else than Fire, and therefore consumed not only the meat, 
 but the trough which held it. Hugi, with whom Thialfi con- 
 tended in running, was Thought, and it was impossible for Thialfi 
 to keep pace with that. When thou in thy turn didst attempt to 
 empty the horn, thou didst perform, by my troth, a deed so mar- 
 vellous that, had I not seen it myself, I should never have be- 
 lieved it, for one end of that horn reached the sea, which 
 thou wast not aware of; but when thou comest to the shore thou 
 wilt perceive how much the sea has sunk by thy draughts. Thou 
 didst perform a feat no less wonderful by lifting up the cat ; and 
 to tell thee the truth, when we saw that one of his paws was off 
 the floor we were all of us terror-stricken, for what thou tookest 
 for a cat was in reality the Midgard serpent that encompasseth 
 the earth, and he was so stretched by thee that he was barely 
 long enough to enclose it between his head and tail. Thy wrest- 
 ling with Elli was also a most astonishing feat, for there was 
 never yet a man, nor ever will be, whom Old Age, for such in 
 fact was Elli, will not sooner or later lay low. But now, as we 
 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
432 
 
 STOBIES OF 00D8 AND ffEBOES. 
 
 are going to part, let me tell thee that it will be better for both 
 of us if thou never come near me again, for shouldst thou do so 
 I shall again defend myself by other illusions, so that thou wilt 
 only lose thy labor and get no fame from the contest with me." 
 On hearing these words Thor in a rage laid hold of his mallet 
 and would have launched it at him, but Utgard-Loki had disap- 
 peared, and when Thor would have returned to the city to de- 
 stroy it he found nothing around him but a verdant plain. 
 
 ■V ■\ ' / . ^ 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 son 
 hill 
 
 T\r\Y 
 
 t _, 
 
 
 't ' - *■ ■ 
 
 
 '^V: 
 
 UUl 
 
 pas 
 
 i 
 
 ■- i _ 
 
 
 .■ . 
 
 
 * 
 
 d^ir 
 Bal 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 '*. 
 
 
 wor 
 dess 
 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 ,!*4 
 
 
 lTV\0 
 
 • 
 
 1 
 
 
 '\ 
 
 
 Kne 
 that 
 
 
 •' 
 
 
 
 
 
THE DEATH OF SALDUR. 
 
 433 
 
 r for both 
 hou do so, 
 I thou wilt 
 with me." 
 his mallet 
 had disap- 
 city to de- 
 lain. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 The Death of Bardur— The Elves— Runic Letters^ 
 
 Skalds — I celand. 
 
 The Death of Bal'dur. 
 
 Bal'dur the Good, having been tormented with terrible 
 dreams, indicating that his life was in peril, told them to the as- 
 sembled gods, who resolved to conjure all things to avert from 
 him the threatened danger. Then Frigga, the wife of Odin, 
 exacted an oath from fire and water, from iron and all other 
 metals, from stones, trees, diseases, beasts, birds, poisons, and 
 creeping things, that none of them would do any harm to Bal- 
 dur. Odin, not satisfied with all this, and feeling alarmed for 
 the fate of his son, determined to consult the prophetess Anger- 
 bode, a giantess, mother of Fenris, Hela, and the Midgard ser- 
 pent. She was dead, and Odin was forced to seek her in Hela's 
 dominions. This Descent of Odin forms the subject of Gray's 
 fine ode, beginning : 
 
 " Uprose the king of men with speed 
 And saddled straight his coal-black steed." 
 
 But the other gods, feeling that what Frigga had done was 
 quite sufficient, amused themselves with using Baldur as a mark, 
 some hurling darts at him, some stones, while others hewed at 
 him with their swords and battle-axes ; for do what they would, 
 none of them could harm him. And this became a favorite 
 pastime with them, and was regarded as an honor shown to Bal- 
 d\ir. But when Loki beheld the scene he was sorely vexed that 
 Baldur was not hurt. Assuming, therefore, the shape of a 
 woman, he went to Fensalir, the mansion of Frigga. That god- 
 dess, when she saw the pretended woman, inquired of her if she 
 knew what the gods were doing at their meetings. She replied 
 that they were throwing darts and stones at Baldur, without 
 
 28 
 
 'lii;'s 
 
434 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 being able to hurt him. ** Ay," said Frigga, "neither stones, 
 nor sticks, nor anything else can hurt Bpldur, for I have exacted 
 an oath from all of them." "What !" exclaimed the woman. 
 " Have all things sworn to spare Baldur?" "All things," re- 
 plied Frigga, "except one little shrub that grows on the eastern 
 side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I thought 
 too young and feeble to crave an oath from." 
 
 «i 
 
 Frigga. 
 
 As 80on as T.oki heard this he went away, and resuming his 
 natural shai)e, cut off the mistletoe, and repaired to the place 
 where the gods were assembled. There he found Hodur stand- 
 ing apart, without partaking of the sports, on account of his 
 blindness, and going up to him, said, " Why dost thou not also 
 throw something at Baldur? " 
 
 " Because I am blind," answered Hodur, "and see not where 
 Baldur is, and have, moreover, nothing to throw." 
 
THE DEATH OF BALDUR, 
 
 435 
 
 
 "Come, then," said Loki, "do like the rest, and show honor 
 to Baldur by throwing this twig at him, and I will direct thy arm 
 towards the place where he stands." 
 
 Hodur then took the mistletoe, and under the guidance of 
 Loki darted it at Baldur, who, pierced through and through, 
 fell down lifeless. Surely never was there witnessed, either 
 among gods or men, a more atrocious deed than this. When 
 Baldur fell the gods were struck speechless with horror, and then 
 they looked at each other, and all were of one mind to lay hands on 
 him who had done the deed, but they "ere obliged to delay their 
 vengeance out of respect for the sacred place where they were 
 assembled. They gave vent to their grief by loud lamentations. 
 
 «* I heard a voice that cried, 
 * Baldur the Beautiful 
 Is dead ! is dead !' 
 And through the misty air 
 ^ Passed like the mournful cry 
 
 Of sunward-sailing cranes."— LonofelloWs 
 
 When the gods came to themselves, Frigga asked who among 
 them wished to gain all her love and good- will. " For this," 
 said she, "shall he have who will ride to Hel and offer Hela a 
 ransom if she will let Baldur return to Asgard." Whereupon 
 Hermod, surnamed the Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to un- 
 dertake the journey. Odin's horse, Sleipnir, which has eight 
 legs, and can outrun the wind, was then led forth, on which 
 Hermod mounted and galloped away on his mission. For the 
 space of nine days and as many nights he rode through deep 
 glens, so dark that he could not discern anything, until he ar- 
 rived at the river Gyoll, which he passed over on a bridge cov- 
 ered with glittering gold. The maiden who kept the bridge 
 asked him his name and lineage, telling him that the day before 
 five bands of dead persons had ridden over the bridge and did 
 not shake it as much as he alone. "But," she added, "thou 
 hast not death's hue on thee ; why then ridest thou here on the 
 way to Hel?" 
 
 " I ride to Hel," answered Hermod, " to seek Baldur. Hast 
 thou perchance seen him pass this way ? " 
 
 She replied, "Baldur hath ridden over Gyoll's bridge, and 
 yonder lieth the way he took to the abodes of death." 
 
436 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES. 
 
 Vm 
 
 1*' 
 
 Hermod pursued his journey until be came to the barred gates 
 of Hel. Here he alighted, girthed his saddle tighter, and re 
 mounting, clapped both spurs to his horse, who cleared the gate 
 by a tremendous leap without touching it. Hermod then rode 
 on to the palace, where he found his brother Baldur occupying- 
 the most distinguished seat in the hall, and passed the nigh in 
 his company. The next morning he besought Hela to 1^ Bal- 
 dur ride home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamenta- 
 tions were to be heard among the gods. Hela answered that it 
 should ribw be tried whether Baldur was so beloved as he was 
 said to be. **If, therefore," she added, "all things in the 
 world, both living and lifeless, weep for him, then shall he re- 
 turn to life ; but if any one thing speak against him or refuse to 
 weep, he shall be kept in Hel. ' * 
 
 Hermod then rode back to Asgard, and gave an account of all 
 he had heard and witnessed. i 
 
 The gods upon this despatched messengers throughout the 
 world to beg everything to weep, in order that Baldur might be 
 delivered from Hel. All things very willingly complied with 
 this request, both men and every other living being, as well as 
 earths, and stones, and trees, and metals, just as we' have all 
 seen these things weep when they are brought from a cold place 
 into a hot one. As the messengers were returning, they found 
 an old hag, named Thaukt, sitting in a cavern, and begged her 
 to weep Baldur out of Hel. But she answered : 
 
 ** Thaukt will wail with dry tears 
 ' Baldur' s bale-fire. 
 
 Let Hela keep her own.** 
 
 It was Strongly suspected that this hag was no other than Loki 
 himself, who never ceased to work evil among gods and men. 
 So Baldur was prevented from coming back to Asgard. 
 
 The Funeral of Baldur. ^^ 
 
 The gods took up the dead body and bore it to the seashore, 
 where stood Baldur' s ship Hringham, which passed for the largest 
 in the world. Baldur' s dead body was put on the funeral pile, 
 on board the ship, and his wife Nanna was so struck with grief 
 at the sight that she broke her heart, and her body was burned 
 on the same pile with her husband's. There was a vast con* 
 
TBE ELTES, 
 
 437 
 
 red gaten 
 , and re 
 the gate 
 tien rode 
 ccupying 
 nigh in 
 let Bal- 
 lamenta- 
 :d that it 
 s he was 
 ;s in the 
 ,11 he re- 
 refuse to 
 
 unt of all 
 
 I 
 
 jhout the 
 might be 
 lied with 
 L3 well as 
 'have all 
 old place 
 ey found 
 gged her 
 
 han Loki 
 ind men. 
 
 seashore, 
 le largest 
 sral pile, 
 ith grief 
 s burned 
 vast con* 
 
 course of various kinds of people at Baldur's obsequi^. First 
 came Odin, accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrior, and his 
 ravens j then Freyr, in his car drawn by Gullinbursti, X le boar > 
 Heimdall rode his horse GuUtopp, and Freya drove in heer chariot 
 drawn by cats. There were also a great many Frost giants and 
 giants of the mountain present. Baldur's horse was led to the 
 pile, fully caparisoned, and consumed in the same flames with 
 his master. 
 
 But Loki did not escape his deserved punishment. When he 
 saw how angry the gods were he fled to the mountain, and there 
 built himself a hut with four doors, so that he could see every 
 approaching danger. He invented a net to catqh the fishes, 
 such as fishermen have used since his time. But Odin found out 
 his hiding-place, and the gods assembled to take him. He, see- 
 ing this, changed himself into a salmon, and lay hid among the. 
 stones of the brook. 
 
 " Then he knew that the noise good boded him naught ; 
 He knew that 'twas Thor who was coming ; 
 He changed himself straight to a salmon-trout, 
 And leaped in a fright in the Glommen."^ — Oelenschlaeger. 
 
 But the gods took his net and dragged the brook, and I.old, 
 finding he must be caught, tried to leap over the net ; but Thor 
 caught him by the tail and compressed it so that salmons ever 
 since have had that part remarkably fine and thin. They bound 
 him with chains and suspended a serpent over his head, whose 
 venom falls upon his face drop by drop. His wife Siguna sits 
 by his side and catches the drops, as they fall, in a cup ; but 
 when she carries it away to empty it the venom falls upon Loki, 
 which makes him howl with horror and twist his body about so 
 violently that the whole earth shakes, and this produces what 
 men call earthquakes. 
 
 The Elves. 
 
 The Eddas mention another class of beings, inferior to the 
 gods, but still possessed of great power; these were called 
 Elves. The white spirits, or Elves of Light, were exceedingly 
 fair, more brilliant than the sun, and clad in garments of a deli< 
 
 * River in Norway. 
 
 V': 
 
 m 
 
 
438 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 
 cate and transparent texture. They loved the light, were kindly 
 disposed to mankind, and generally appeared as fair and lovely 
 children. Their country was called Alfheim, and was the domain 
 of Freyr, the god of the sun, in whose light they were always 
 sporting. 
 
 The black or night Elves were a different kind of creatures. 
 Ugly, long-nosed dwarfs, of a dirty brown color, they appeared 
 only at night, for they avoided the sun as their most deadly 
 enemy, because whenever his beams fell upon any of them they 
 changed them immediately into stones. Their language was the 
 echo of solitudes, and their dwelling-places subterranean caves 
 and clefts. They were supposed to have come into existence as 
 maggots produced by the decaying flesh of Ymir's body, and 
 were afterwards endowed by the gods with a human form and 
 great understanding. They were particularly distinguished for 
 a knowledge of the mysterious powers of nature, and for the 
 runes which they carved and explained. They were the most 
 skilful artificers of all created beings, and worked in metals and 
 in wood. Among their most noted works were Thor's hammer, 
 and the ship Skidbladnir, which they gave to Freyr, and which 
 was so large that it could contain all the deities with their war 
 and household implements, but so skilfully was it wrought that 
 when folded together it could be put into a side-pocket. 
 
 Rag-na-rok^ the Twilight of the Gods. 
 
 It was a firm belief of the northern nations that a time would 
 come when all the visible creation, the gods of Valhalla and 
 Niffleheim, the inhabitants of Jotunheim, Alfheim, and Midgard, 
 together with their habitations, would be destroyed. The fearful 
 day of destruction will not, however, be without its forerunners. 
 First will come a triple winter, during which snow will fall from 
 the four comers of the heavens, the frost be very severe, the 
 wind piercifng, the weather tempestuous, and the sun impart no 
 gladness. Three such winters will pass away without being tem- 
 pered by a single summer. Three other similar winters will then 
 follow, during which war and discord will spread over the uni- 
 verse. The earth itself will be frightened and begin to tremble, 
 die sea leave its basin, the heavens tear asunder, and men perish 
 in great numbers, and the eagles of the air feast upon their still 
 
e kindly 
 id lovely 
 i domain 
 e always 
 
 features, 
 appeared 
 t deadly 
 lem they 
 5 was the 
 m caves 
 stance as 
 ody, and 
 form and 
 ished for 
 I for the 
 the most 
 etals and 
 hammer, 
 id which 
 :heir war 
 ght that 
 
 le would 
 alia and 
 /lidgard, 
 le fearful 
 irunners. 
 fall from 
 ^ere, the 
 ipart no 
 ing tem- 
 vill then 
 the uni- 
 tremble, 
 n perish 
 leir still 
 
 RAGNABOK, THE TWILIGHT OF THE OODS. 439 
 
 quivering bodies. The wolf Fenris will now break his bands, 
 the Midgard serpent rise out of her bed in the sea, and Loki, 
 released from his bonds, will join the enemies of the gods. Amidst 
 the general devastation the sons of Muspelheim will rush forth 
 under their leader Surtur, before and behind whom are flames and 
 burning fire. Onward they ride over Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, 
 which breaks under the horses' hoofs. But they, disregarding 
 its fall, direct their course to the battle-field called Vigrid. Thither 
 also repair the wolf Fenris, the Midgard serpent, Loki, with all 
 the followers of Hela, and the Frost giants. 
 
 Heimdall now stands up and sounds the Giallar horn to as- 
 semble the gods and heroes for the contest. The gods advance, 
 led on by Odin, who engages the wolf Fenris, but falls a victim 
 to the monster, who is, however, slain by Vidar, Odin's son. 
 Thor gains great renown by killing the Midgard serpent, but re- 
 coils and falls dead, suffocated with the venom which the dying 
 monster vomits over him. Loki and Heimdall meet and fight 
 till they are both slain. The gods and their enemies having 
 fallen in battle, Surtur, who has killed Freyr, darts fire and 
 and flames over the world, and the whole universe is burned up. 
 The sun becomes dim, the earth sinks into the ocean, the stars 
 fall from heaven, and time is no more. 
 
 After this Alfadur (the Almighty) will cause a new heaven and 
 a new earth to arise out of the sea. The new earth, filled with 
 abundant supplies, will spontaneously produce its fruits without 
 labor or care. Wickedness and misery will no more be known, 
 but the gods and men will live happily together. 
 
 " She sees arise 
 The second time 
 From the sea, the earth 
 Completely green ; 
 Cascades do fall. 
 The eagle soars 
 From lofty mounts. 
 Pursues its prey ; 
 All ills cease, 
 Baldur comes, 
 The heavenly gods 
 Together dwell 
 In Odin's halls.'' — Eddas (Anderson). 
 
 iA 
 
 ! -^^ 
 
 V 
 
 h 
 
440 
 
 STORIES OF GODS AND HEROES, 
 
 Runic Letters. 
 
 One cannot travel far in Denmark, Norway or Sweden with, 
 out meeting with great stones, of different forms, engraven with 
 characters called Runic, which appear at first sight very different 
 from all we know. The letters consist almost invariably of 
 straight lines, in the shape of little sticks, either singly or put 
 .together. Such sticks were in early times used by the northern 
 nations for the purpose of ascertaining future events. The sticks 
 were shaken up, and from the figures that they formed a kind of 
 divination was derived. 
 
 The Runic characters were of various kinds. They were 
 chiefiy used for magical purposes. 
 
 *♦ Facing to the nortbem climej 
 Thrice he traced the Runic rhyme ; i 
 
 Thrice pronounced, in accents dread, ' 
 
 The thrilling ver&e that wakes the dead, 
 Till from out the hollow ground 
 Slowly breathed a sullen sound." — Gray. 
 
 The noxious, or, as they called them, the bitter runes, were em- 
 ployed to bring various evils on their enemies ; the favorable 
 averted misfortune. Some were medicinal, oincrs employed to 
 win love, etc. In later times they were frequently used for in- 
 scriptions, of which more than a thousand have been found. 
 The language is a dialect of the Gothic, called Norse, still in use 
 in Iceland. The inscriptions may therefore be read with cer- 
 tainty, but hitherto very few have been found which throw the 
 least light on history. They are mostly epitaphs on tombstones. 
 
 The Skalds. 
 
 The Skalds were the bards and poets of the nation, a very 
 jmporiant class of men in all communities in an early stage of 
 civilization. They are the depositaries of whatever historic lore 
 there is, and it is their office to mingle something of intellectual 
 gratification with the rude feasts of the warriors by rehearsing, 
 with such accompaniments of poetry and music as their skill can 
 afford, the exploits of their heroes, living or dead. The compo- 
 sitions of the Skalds were called Sagas, many of which have come 
 down to us, and contain valuable materials of history, and a 
 
THE LORELEI 
 
 441 
 
 ien with, 
 .ven with 
 
 different 
 riably of 
 ly or put 
 
 northern 
 rhe sticks 
 a kind of 
 
 hey were 
 
 were em- 
 favorable 
 ployed to 
 d for in- 
 n found, 
 till in use 
 with cer- 
 hrow the 
 nbstones. 
 
 n, a very 
 stage of 
 toric lore 
 tellectual 
 hearsing, 
 skill can 
 e compo- 
 ave come 
 y, and a 
 
 faithful picture of the state of society at the time to which they 
 relate. 
 
 Iceland. 
 
 The Eddas and Sagas have come to us from Iceland. The 
 following gives an animated account of the region where the 
 strange stories we have been reading had their origin. Let the 
 reader contrast it for a moment with Greece, the parent of clas- 
 sical mythology : 
 
 <* In that strange island, Iceland, — burst up, the geologists say, 
 by fire from the bottom of the sea, a wild land of barrenness and 
 lava, swallowed many months of every year in black tempests, 
 yet with a wild, gleaming beauty in summer time, towering up 
 there stern and grim in the North ocean, with its snow yokuls 
 (mountains), roaring geysers (boiling springs), sulphur pools, 
 and horrid volcanic chasms, like the waste, chaotic battle-field of 
 Frost and Fire — where, of all places, we least looked for litera- 
 ture or written memorials — the record of these things was written 
 down. On the seaboard of this wild land is a rim of grassy 
 country where cattle can subsist, and men by means of them 
 and of what the sea yields j and it seems they were poetic men 
 these, men who had deep thoughts in them and uttered musically 
 their thoughts. Much would be lost had Iceland not been burst 
 up from the sea, not been discovered by the Northmen !"* 
 
 Teutonic Mythology. 
 
 The mythology of (icrmany proper is identically the same as 
 that of the Northland. Odin becomes Wodan, and Frigga is 
 identical with Freya. The gods become less warlike. The 
 legends are frostlcss, and the hoarseness of winter disappears 
 from the voice of song ; all of which can be readily understood 
 from the wide contrast Ijetween their climatic and social condi- 
 tions. One of the best known myths is that of the Lorelei. 
 
 The Lo're-lei'. 
 
 This was a siren whose name became the terror Of the Rhine. 
 She haunted a rock that still bears her name at one of the most 
 
 > Carlyle. 
 
 
 *:,•'!:■, 
 
 ^hm 
 
 ■ , 1% 
 
442 
 
 STORIES OF Q0D8 AND HEROES. 
 
 > 
 
 dangerous parts of the river. There she sang her bewitching 
 songs and enticed the sailors on to their destruction. 
 
 ^fm; 
 
 :S: 
 
 Lorelei. 
 
 " The air Is cool and darkleth 
 The waters of the Rhine ; 
 The mountain summit sparkleth, 
 While the evening sun doth shine. 
 
 " Yon »lt» a wondrous maiden 
 On hi^h, a maiden fair. 
 With golden jewels laden, 
 She combs her golden hair. 
 

 THE NIBELUNGENLIED, 443 
 
 , . * ■ ** She combs with combs all golden 
 
 And sings a song so fine ; 
 How strange that music olden 
 As it falls upon the Rhine. 
 
 ** It fills with fear the sailor 
 At sea upon his skiff ; 
 He looks, and then grows paler 
 Before the threatening cliff. 
 
 *• The waves dash bark and master 
 Against the cliff so dread, 
 And the Lorelei rejoices. 
 
 For the sailor boy \t dead." — Heine. 
 
 The Ni'be-lun'gen-Lied. 
 The Ni'be-lun'gen-Lied is an epic written in German, and 
 based upon the mythology of -which we have been reading. 
 Odin I^ki and Honir see an otter devouring a sahnon. They 
 kill it and take its skin to Rodmar, who recognizes it as that of 
 his son Otter. The father demands gold sufficient to cover it. 
 Loki catches the dwarf Andwari in the shape of a pike, who 
 covers the entire skin with gold, save a single hair. In order to 
 conceal this particular hair Loki seizes the dwarfs ring, which 
 pos.sesses the magic of producing gold. The dwarf curses the 
 ransom, and his malediction runs through the entire song. The 
 father is slain by his sons Fafnir and Regin. Fafnir seizes the 
 possession, and as a snake guards it on Glistenheath. Regin 
 forges the sword Gram, and with a friend, Sigurd, slays Fafnir. 
 Sigurd learns from the birds that his life is in danger, so he slays 
 Regin, and with his treasure flees to Rhineland. He meets on 
 the way a Valkyrie, Brunhild, whom he ardently loves. Subse- 
 quently he meets the King of Rhineland' s daughter, who gives 
 him an enchanted drink, by which he forgets Brunhild and mar- 
 ries the princess. Gunnar, the king's son, then attempts to 
 make Brimhild his wife. Her castle is on fire, and she prom- 
 ises to marry him who effects her rescue. Gunnar attempts it 
 and fails ; but Sigurd, mounted on his enchanted horse Grani, 
 dashes through the flames and brings her to safety. His form in 
 the meanwhile had been changed into that of Gunnar. They 
 all return to the palace, Sigurd assuming his former self after 
 Gunnar had taken Brunhild as his wife. Brunhild, maddened 
 
 \\ .n> 
 
 ^•Ui 
 
 1 { 
 
 i,4 ft 
 
 "M 
 
 4k\ 
 
 '' k;t|| 
 
444 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 by jealousy, induces Guthorm, another son of the King's, to slay 
 Sigurd. Twice he enters his bedchamber and finds him awake. 
 The third time he gives the fatal thrust. Sigurd awakes, and, 
 hurling his sword at the assassin, cuts him in two. Brunhild 
 dies on the burning pyre of Si. urd. Finally the princess takes 
 as her second husband Brunhild's brother, Atli, King of the 
 Huns. Atli invites her two brothers, Gunnar and Hogni, to 
 visit him. A contest ensues over the treasure which these broth- 
 ers have buried beneath the Rhine. Gunnar' s life is promised 
 on condition that he reveal the secret. To this he agrees, after 
 he has seen his brother Hogni 's heart. The heart of a slave is 
 produced, but when it quakes Gunnar knows it is not that of his 
 brother's. Gunnar still remains resolute. His hands are then 
 tied, and he is thrown into a den of serpents. There he plays 
 with his toes upon a lyre and charms all the reptiles s^ve one, 
 an adder, by which he is stung to death. The Princess, in re- 
 venge, slays the children she has borne to Atli, and finally the 
 King himself. She then throws herself into the sea, and is drifted 
 by the waves to other scenes and kingdoms. This is but an out- 
 line of the Norse version of the poem. It probably dates back 
 to the twelfth century.* 
 
 ^ Encyclopaedia Britannica. 
 
 ; t 
 
 vv 
 
5's, to slay 
 im awake, 
 akes, and, 
 Brunhild 
 icess takes 
 ing of the 
 
 Hogni, to 
 hese broth - 
 s promised 
 grees, after 
 
 a slave is 
 
 that of his 
 is are then 
 e he plays 
 s s^ve one, 
 cess, in re- 
 i finally the 
 id is drifted 
 but an out- 
 
 dates back 
 
 DBUIDS. 
 
 445 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 The Dru'ids— I-o'na. 
 
 Dru'ids. 
 
 The Dru'ids were the priests or ministers of religion among 
 the ancient Celtic nations in Gaul, Britain, and Germany. Our 
 information respecting them is borrowed from notices in the 
 Greek and Roman writers, compared with the remains of Welsh 
 and Gaelic poetry still extant. 
 
 They were organized into a triad, consisting of Bards, Vates 
 or prophets, and Priests. The latter were the dominant power. 
 They lived in the forests, and guarded in secret the mysteries of 
 their religion. 
 
 The Druids combined the functions of the priest, the magis- 
 trate, the scholar, and the physician. They stood to the people 
 of the Celtic tribes in a relation closely analogous to that in 
 which the Brahmans of India, the Magi of Persia, and the priests 
 of the Egyptians stood to the people respectively by whom they 
 were revered. 
 
 The Druids taught the existence of one god, to whom they 
 gave a name "Be' al," which Celtic antiquaries tell us means 
 <'the life of everything," or "the source of all beings," and 
 which seems to have affinity with the Phoenician Baal. What 
 renders this affinity more striking is that the Druids as well as the 
 Phcenicians identified this, their supreme deity, with the Sun. 
 Fire was regarded as a symbol of the divinity. The Latin writers 
 assert that the Druids also worshipped numerous inferior gods. / 
 
 They used no images to represent the object of their worship, 
 nor did they meet in temples or buildings of any kind for the 
 performance of their sacred rites. A circle of stones (each stone 
 generally of vast size) enclosing an area of from twenty feet to 
 thirty yards in diameter, constituted their sacred place. The 
 most celebrated of these now remaining is Stonehenge, on Salis- 
 bury Plain, England. 
 
 i\u 
 
 i. 
 
44« 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 These sacred circles were generally situated near some stream, 
 or under the shadow of a grove or wide-spreading oak. In the 
 centre of the circle stood the Cromlech or altar, which was a 
 large stone, placed in the manner of a table upon other stones 
 set up on end. The Druids had also their high places, ^vhich 
 were large stones or piles of stones on the summits ci hills. 
 These were called Cairns, and were used in the worship of the 
 deity under the symbol of the sun. \, 
 
 Stonehenge. 
 
 *'— — midst the eternal cliffs, whose strength defied 
 The crested Roman in his hour of pride ; 
 And where the Druid's ancient cromlech frownc^d, 
 And the oaks breathed mysterious murmurs round, 
 There thronged the inspired of yore ! on plain or height, 
 i In the sun's face, beneath the eye of light, 
 
 And baring unto heaven each nol)le head, 
 Stood in the circle, where none else might tread," 
 
 — Mrs. IIf.mans. 
 
 That the Druids offered sacrifices to their deity there can be 
 no doubt. But there is some uncertainty as to what they offered, 
 and of the ceremonies connected with their religious services we 
 know almost nothing. The classical Roman writers affirm tliaf 
 
le stream, 
 . In the 
 ich was a 
 ler stones 
 ;es, ^vhlch 
 ; ci hills. 
 iiip of the 
 
 
 DRUIDS. 
 
 H7 
 
 ITrmans. 
 
 icre can be 
 ey offered, 
 lervices we 
 affirm tliat 
 
 they offered on great occasions human sacrifices ; as, for success 
 in war or for relief from dangerous diseases. Caesar has given a 
 detailed account of the manner in which this was done. * * They 
 have images of immense size, the limbs of which are framed with 
 twisted twigs and filled with living persons. These being set on 
 fire, those within are encompassed by the flames." Many at- 
 tempts have been made by Celtic writers to shake the testimony 
 of the Roman historians to this fact, but without success. 
 
 The Druids observed two festivals in each year. The former 
 took place in the beginning of May, and was called Beltane, or 
 •'fire of God." On this occasion a large fire was kindled on 
 some elevated spot, in honor of the sun, whose returning benefi- 
 cence they thus welcomed after the gloom and desolation of 
 winter. Of this custom a trace remains in the name given to 
 Whitsunday in parts of Scotland to this day. Sir Walter Scott 
 uses the word in the Boat Song in the Lady of the Lake : — 
 
 " Ours is no sapling, chance sown by the fountain, 
 Blooming at Beltane in winter to fade," etc. ... 
 
 The other great festival of the Druids was called " Samh'in," 
 or " fire of peace," and was held on Hallow-eve, which still re- 
 tains this designation in the Highlands of Scotland. On this 
 occasion the Druids assembled in solemn conclave, in tlie most 
 central part of the district, to discharge the judicial functions of 
 their order. All questions, whether public or private, all crimes 
 against person or property, were at this time brought before them 
 for adjudication. With these judicial acts were combined cer- 
 tain superstitious usages, especially the kindling of the sacred 
 fire, from which all the fires in the district, which had been be- 
 forehand scrupulously extinguished, might be relighted. This 
 usage of kindling fires on Hallow-eve lingered in the British 
 islands long after the establishment of Christianity. 
 
 Besides these two great annual festivals the Druids were in the 
 habit of observing the full moon, and especially the sixth day of 
 the moon. On the latter they sought the Mistletoe, which grew 
 on their favorite oaks, and to which, as well as to the oak itself, 
 they ascribed a peculiar virtue and sacredness. The discovery 
 of it was an occasion of rejoicing and solemn worship. *' They 
 call it," says Pliny, ''by a word in their language v/hich means 
 
 ml 
 
 ;■ f. 
 
448 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES, 
 
 m 
 
 
 .7'' 
 
 It'' "• t 
 
 ' beal-flll|' and having made solemn preparation for feasting and 
 lacriiice under the tree, they drive thither two milk-white bull-. 
 whose horns are then for the first time bound. The priest then, 
 robed in whitej ascends the tree and cuts off the mistletoe witii 
 a golden sickle. It is caught in a white mantle, after which they 
 proceed to slay the victims, at the same time praying that Goc/ 
 would render his gift prosperous to those to whom he had given 
 it," They drink the water in which it has been infused, and 
 think it a remedy for all diseases. The mistletoe is a parasitic 
 plant, and is not always, nor often, found on the oaks, so that 
 when it is found it is the more precious. 
 
 The oak is supposed to have represented their idea of the 
 Supreme Being, and the mistletoe, when found clinging to it, 
 signiHed man's dependence upon Him. 
 
 The most remarkable of all their superstitions was the snake's 
 egg, which was believed to be produced from the saliva oozing 
 from the mouths of serpents when knotted together. They were 
 said to toss it up into the air as soon as formed. The object was 
 to secure the egg before it fell. Then the fortunate Druid would 
 mount his horse and gallop away, pursued by the serpents, until 
 he had put a running stream between himself and them. Like 
 the Romans, they consulted the flight of birds and the entrails 
 of sacrificed animals in their divinations. 
 
 Associated with the Druidical priesthood were the Druidesses, 
 an order of prophetic women. They seem to have been a de- 
 luded class, who mistook their frantic orgies for worship. 
 
 The Druids were the teachers of morality as well as of religion. 
 Of their ethical teaching a valuable specimen is preserved in the 
 Triads of the Welsh Bards, and from this we may gather that 
 their views of moral rectitude were on the whole just, and that 
 they held and inculcated many very loble and valuable princi- 
 ples of conduct. They were also the men of science and learn- 
 ing of their age and people. Whether they were acquainted; 
 with letters or not has been disputed, though the probability is 
 strong that they were to some extent. But it is certain that they 
 committed nothing of their doctrine, their history or their 
 poetry to writing. Their teaching was oral, and their literature 
 (if such a word maybe used in such a case) was preserved solely 
 by tradition. But the Roman writers admit that " they paid 
 
DRUIDS. 
 
 449 
 
 casting and 
 irhite bull:. 
 )riest then, 
 (tletoe with 
 which they 
 y that Go(i^ 
 ; had given 
 ifused, and 
 ; a parasitic 
 iks, so that 
 
 dea of the 
 iging to it, 
 
 the snake's 
 diva oozing 
 They were 
 B object was 
 Druid would 
 rpents, until 
 hem. Like 
 the entrails 
 
 Druidesses, 
 3een a de- 
 lip. 
 
 of religion. 
 
 rved in the 
 
 gather that 
 
 t, and that 
 
 ible princi- 
 
 and learn- 
 
 acquainted; 
 
 obability is 
 
 in that they 
 
 ry or their 
 
 ;ir literature 
 
 erved solely 
 
 "they paid 
 
 much attention to the order and laws of nature, and investigated 
 and taught to the youth under their charge many things concern- 
 ing the stars and their motions, the ^'ize of the world and the 
 lands, and concerning the nught and power of the immortal 
 gods." 
 
 Their history consisted in traditional tales, in which the 
 heroic deeds of their forefathers were celebrated. These were 
 apparently in verse, and thus constituted part of the poetry as 
 well as the history of the Druids. In the poems of Ossian we 
 
 ** " Fingal Cave. 
 
 have, if not the actual productions of Druidical times, what may 
 be considered faithful representations of the songs of the IJards. 
 
 The Bards were an essential part of the Druidical hierarchy. 
 They were supposed to be endowed with powers Cfjual to inspira- 
 tion. They were the oral historians of all past transactions, pub- 
 lic and private. Before the face of the Roman invader they 
 passed away. 
 
 " My harp hangs on a blasted branch. The sound of its 
 strings is mournful. There is a murmur on the heath 1 The 
 stormy winds abate 1 I hear tho voice of Fingal, 'Come, Os- 
 
 m 
 
 
 if 
 
4SO 
 
 STORIES OF QODS AND HEROES. 
 
 W^'i 
 
 W: 
 p'' 
 
 WW' i 
 
 sian, come away,* he says. *Fingal has received his fame. Wc 
 passed away like flames that have shone for a season. Though 
 the plains of our battles are dark and silent, our fame is in the 
 four gray stones. The harp has been strung in Selma. Come, 
 Ossian, come away. Fly with thy fathers upon the clouds.' 
 Beside the stone of Mora I shall fall asleep. The winds 
 > whistling in my gray hairs shall not awaken me. Depart 
 on thy wings, O wind. Thou canst not disturb the rest of the 
 bard. 
 
 **The night is long, but his eyes are heavy. Depart thou 
 rustling blast. But why art thou sad of Fingal ? Why grows 
 the cloud of thy soul ? The chiefs of other times are forgotten. 
 They have gone without their fame. The sons of future years 
 shall pass away. Another race shall arise. The people are like 
 the waves of the ocean ; like the leaves of woody Morven, they 
 pass away in the rustling blast, and other leaves lift their heads 
 on high. Shalt thou then remain, thou aged bard, when the 
 mighty have failed ? But my fame shall remain, and grow like 
 the oak of Morven, which lifts its broad head to the storm, and 
 rejoices in the *. jurse of the wind. * ' * 
 
 Pennant gives a minute account of the Eisteddfodds or ses- 
 sions of the Bards and Minstrels, which were held in Wales for 
 many centuries, long after the Druidical priesthood in its other 
 departments became extinct. At these meetings none but bards 
 of merit were suffered to rehearse their pieces, and minstrels 
 of skill to perform. Judges were appointed to decide on their 
 respective abilities, and suitable degrees were conferred. In 
 the earlier period the judges were appointed by the Welsh 
 princes, and after the conquest of Wales by commission from 
 the kings of England. Yet the tradition is that Edward I., in 
 revenge for the influence of the Bards in animating the resist- 
 ance of the people to his sway, persecuted them with great 
 cruelty. This tradition has furnished the poet Gray with the 
 subject of his celebrated ode, The Bard. 
 
 The Druidical system was at its height at the time of the Ro' 
 man invasion under Julius Caesar. Against the Druids, as their 
 chief enemies, these conquerors of the world directed their un- 
 sparing fury. The Druids, harassed at all points on the main 
 
 * Ossian. 
 
lONA. 
 
 451 
 
 le. We 
 
 Though 
 \ in the 
 
 Come, 
 clouds.' 
 I winds 
 
 Depart 
 it of the 
 
 .rt thou 
 ly grows 
 )rgotten. 
 ire years 
 I are like 
 en, they 
 ;ir heads 
 vhen the 
 ;row like 
 orm, and 
 
 ds or ses- 
 Wales for 
 its other 
 but bards 
 minstrels 
 ! on their 
 rred. In 
 he Welsh 
 sion from 
 ard I., in 
 :he resist- 
 vith great 
 r with the 
 
 •f the Ro- 
 
 Is, as their 
 
 their un- 
 
 1 the main 
 
 land, fetreated to Anglesey and lona, where for a season they 
 found shelter and continued their now -dishonored rites. 
 
 The Druids retained their predominance in lona and over the 
 adjacent islands and mainland until they were supplanted and 
 their superstitions overturned by the arrival of St. Columba, the 
 apostle of the Highlands, by whom the inhabitants of that dis- 
 trict were first led to profess Christianity. 
 
 I-o'na. 
 
 One of the smallest of the British Isles, situated near a rugged 
 and barren coast, surrounded by dangerous seas, and possessing 
 no sources of internal wealth, I -o'na has obtained an imperishable 
 place in history as the seat of civilization and religion at a time 
 when the darkness of heathenism hung over almost the whole of 
 Northern Europe. lona or Icolmkill is situated at the extremity 
 of the island of Mull, from which it is separated by a strait of 
 half a mile in breadth, its distance from the mainland of Scot- 
 land being thirty-six miles. 
 
 Columba was a native of Ireland, and connected by birth with 
 the princes of the land. Ireland was at that time a land of gos- 
 pel light, while the western and northern parts of Scotland were 
 still immersed in the darkness of heathenism. Columba with 
 twelve friends landed on the island of lona in the year of our 
 Lord, 563, having made the passage in a wicker boat covered 
 with hides. The Druids who occupied the island endeavored to 
 prevent his settling there, and the savage nations on the adjoin- 
 ing shores incommoded him with their hostility, and on several 
 occasions endangered his life by their attacks. Yet by his per- 
 severance and zeal he surmounted all opposition, procured from 
 the king a gift of the island, and established there a monastery 
 of which he was the abbot. He was unwearied in his labors to 
 disseminate a knowledge of the Scriptures throughout the High- 
 lands and Islands of Scotland, and such was the reverence paid 
 him that the entire province became subject to him and his suc- 
 cessors. The Pictish monarch was so impressed with a sense of 
 his wisdom and worth that he held him in the highest honor, and 
 the neighboring chiefs and princes sought his counsel and availed 
 themselves of his judgment in settling their disputes. 
 
 When Columba landed on lona he was attended by twelve 
 
 
 \<iA 
 
 \ ^T, 
 
 " m 
 
 .M.I 
 
 ^Pi 
 
452 
 
 STORIES OF OODS AND HEROES. 
 
 w" 
 
 mm 
 
 K 
 
 Mi 
 
 ti.. 
 
 followers, whom he had formed into a religious body, of which 
 he was the head. To these, as occasion required, others were 
 from time to time added, so that the original number was always 
 kept up. The name by which those who submitted to the rule 
 were known was that of Culdees, probably from the Latin 
 "cultores Dei" — worshippers of God. They were a body of 
 religious persons associated together for the purpose of aiding 
 each other in the common work of preaching the gospel and 
 teaching youth, as well as maintaining in themselves the fervor 
 of devotion by united exercises of worship. 
 
 lona, from its position in the western seas, was exposed to the 
 assaults of the Norwegian and Danish rovers by whom those seas 
 were infested, and by them it was repeatedly pillaged, its dwell- 
 ings burned, and its peaceful inhabitants put to the sword. These 
 unfavorable circumstances led to its gradual decline, which was 
 expedited by the subversion of the Culdees throughout Scotland. 
 
 lona is now chiefly resorted to by travellers on account of the 
 numerous ecclesiastical and sepulchral remains which are found 
 upon it. The principal of these are the Cathedral or Abbey 
 Church, and the Chapel of the Nunnery. Besides these remains 
 of ecclesiastical antiquity there are some of an earlier date, and 
 pointing to the existence on the island of forms of worship and 
 belief different from those of Christianity. These are the circu- 
 lar cairns which are found in various parts, and .tuich seem to 
 have been of Druidical origin. It is in reference to all these 
 remains of ancient religion that Johnson exclaims, "That man 
 is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon 
 the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmei 
 amid the ruins of lona. ' ' 
 
 ** Nature herself, it seemed, would raise 
 A minister to her Maker's praise ! 
 
 Not for a meaner use ascend V • 
 
 Her columns, or her arches bend ; 
 Nor of a theme less solemn tells 
 That mighty surge that ebbs and swells, 
 And still between each awful pause, 
 From the high vault an answer draws, 
 In varied tone, prolonged and high. 
 That mocks the organ's melody ; 
 r Nor doth its entrance front in vain '' 
 
lONA. 453 
 
 To old lona's holy fane. 
 
 That Nature's voire might seem to say, 
 
 Well hast thou done, frail child of clay ! 
 
 Thy humble powers that stately shrine 
 
 Tasked high and hard— but witness mine!" — Scott. 
 
 This little isle, with its crosses and cairns, emblems of an 
 ancient Christianity and more ancient paganism, remained for 
 centuries as one of the most sacred spots on earth. An old 
 prophecy declared that seven years before the end of the world 
 a second deluge would destroy the earth, all but lona, which 
 would float like an ark upon the waters. This tradition made it 
 the favorite cemetery for the nobility and kings. Forty-eight 
 Scottish, four Irish and eight Norwegian monarchs are said to 
 have found sepulture in its hallowed soil. And here, by the 
 grave of Macbeth, surrounded by those mysterious symbols in 
 whose presence the lips of history are forever silent, we con- 
 clude the Stories of Gods and Heroes. 
 
 i !■ 
 
 Mi 
 
 
 ■,r :fe:i 
 
 Wk 
 
^as 
 
 i 
 
 :«»j 
 
 
 
 . • 
 
 Ne 
 
 
 
 Th 
 ough 
 
 
 ■ \ 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 t f 
 
 Hi 
 
 H 
 
 man( 
 

 m 
 
 PROVERBIAL EXPRESSIONS. 
 
 m 
 
 i, ' J 
 
 ; '#, 
 
 No. I. f age 52. 
 MatKRIKM BUperabatopus. — Ovid. 
 The workmanship surpassed the material. 
 
 No. 2. Page 53. . ^ ■ . 
 Fades non omnibus una, 
 Nee diversa tamen, qunlem decet esse sororum. — Ovid. 
 
 Their faces were not all alike, nor yet unlike, but such as those of sisten 
 
 ought to be. 
 
 ' No. 3. Page 54. 
 
 Medio tutissimus ibis. — Ovid. 
 
 You will go most safely in the middle. 
 
 No. 4. Page 58. 
 
 Hie situs est Phaeton, cumis auriga paterni, 
 
 Quem si non tenuit, magnis tamen excidit ausis. — Ovid. 
 
 Here lies Phaeton, the driver of his father's chariot, which if he failed tJ 
 manage, yet he fell in a great undertaking. 
 
 No, s. Page 152. 
 Imponere Pelio Ossam. — Virgil. 
 To pile Ossa upon Pelion. 
 
 No. 6. PageaSS. 
 Tlmeu Danaos et dona ferentes.— FiV^V/. 
 I fear the Greeks even when they offer gifts. ^ 
 
 No. 7. Page 290. 
 Non tali auxilio nee defensoribus istis 
 TempuM eget. — Virgil. • 
 
 Not «uch aid nor such defendeis does the time require. 
 
 No. 8. Pago 303. 
 Incidit In Scyllam, cupiens vitare Charybdim. 
 He rum on Scylla, wishing to avoid Charybdis. 
 
 Vo. 9, Page 322. 
 Monstrum horrendum, Infomie, ingens, cui lumen ademptum. — VirgiK 
 A horrible monster, mUshiipen, vast, whose only eye had been pui out. 
 
 :l 
 
45^ PROVERBIAL EXPRESSIONS. 
 
 No, 10, Page 322. v 
 
 TanUene animis ccelestibus irie ?-- Virgil. ' 
 
 In heavenly minds can such resentments dwell ? 
 
 i 
 
 
 No. II, Page 324. 
 Haud ignara mall, miserls fuccurrere disco. — Virgil. 
 Not unacquainted with distress, I have learned to succor the unfortunate. 
 
 No. 12, Page 324. 
 Tros, Tyriusve mihi nullo discrimine agetur, — Virgil. 
 Whether Trojan or Tyrian shall make no difference to me. 
 
 No. 13. Page 326. 
 
 Facilis descensus Averni ; 
 Noctcs atque dies patet atri janua Ditis ; 
 Sed revocare gradum, superasque evadere ad auras, 
 • • Hoc opus, hie labor est. — Virgil. \ 
 
 The descent of Avernus is ea,9y ; the gate of Pluto stands open night and 
 day ; but to retrace one's steps and return to the upper air, — that is the toil, 
 that the difficulty. 
 
 No. 14. Page 326. 
 
 Uno avulso non deficit alter. — Virgil. 
 When one is torn away another succeeds. 
 
 No. 13, Page 326. 
 Tu ne cede mali.s, sed contra audentior ito. — Virgil. 
 Yield thou not to adversity, but press on the more bravely. 
 
 No, 16. Page 346. 
 Quadrupedante putrem sonitu (juatit ungula campum, — Virgil. 
 
 Then struck the hoofs of the steeds on the ground with a four-footed tramp 
 ling. 
 
 No. 17. Page 350. 
 
 Sternttur InfeKx alleno vulnere, coelumque 
 
 Adspicit et moricns (hikes reminiscitur Argos. — Virgil. 
 
 He falls, unhappy, by n wound intended for another; looks up to the skies 
 and dying remembers sweet Argos. 
 
 \hK 
 
rtunale. 
 
 INDEX TO POETS 
 
 QUOTED IN THIS VOLUME. 
 
 1 
 night aiic] 
 s the toil, 
 
 ted tramp 
 
 > the skicst 
 
 Addison 52, 54, 204 
 
 \iider80U (Translations), . . . 410, 411, 412, 415, 416, 420, 423, 439 
 
 ^rion, 218 
 
 Armstrong; 33 
 
 Arnold, lidwin, 402,406,407 
 
 Arnold, Matthew, 190,243,413,417 
 
 Bion, 85 
 
 Browning, Mrs. E. B., 43, 84, 213 
 
 Bryant (Translations), ( ^^^ ^^S, 204, 233, 269, 272, 274, 275, 276, 278, 279, 
 ^ ^ '' \ 281, 282, 283, 291, 295, 298, 300, 302, 303, 314. 
 
 Bryant's Collection, 94 
 
 Buchanan, 211 
 
 «^_-_ f 11, 28, 30, 50, 116, 128, 130, 139, 177, 220, 246, 253, 
 
 "^ ' ' ' * I 257, 293, 307, 372, 381, 393. 
 
 Campbell, 170 
 
 Catullus, 194,210 
 
 Coleridge, . . . . ' 75,112 
 
 Coluthus, 263 
 
 Connington (Translations), 18u, 320, .^3.. 352 
 
 Cornwall, 68,413 
 
 Cowper, 5, 378, 3T3 
 
 Cranch (Translations). { ^^S. 289, 319, 3-4, 325. 328, 330, 341, 342, 344, 346, 
 v.rmn.uvxi»uB»vuuB;. | 347, 348, 350, 3:>3. 
 
 Darwin, 178,181,184,187,200,218,259 
 
 Do La Rosa, . 208 
 
 DoVson, 301 
 
 Dryc'.en 62, 383, 387 (Translations), 23, 25, 33, 64 
 
 Dyer 162 
 
 Eddas 410, 411, 412, 415, 416, 118, 419, 420, 423. 425, 439 
 
 Eliot ,,..,. 248 
 
 Elton (Translations), . . 19, 21, 22, 41. 85, 142, 163, 165, 199, 263, 295 
 
 Fiirlnh1«« i 178, 181, 182, 228, 230, 231, 263, 265, 267, 281, 292, 
 
 Mripldes, ... I 293,304,372. 
 
 Flaccus, 165 
 
 Fletcher, 244 
 
 Franckliu (Translations), 152, 154, 225, 231, 232, 333 
 
 Garrick, 136 
 
 Oiiyloy (Trauslations), 194,210 
 
 Ooldsmith, . . 127 
 
 (457) 
 
 ■1 
 
 S 4'^ 
 
 
 t> ■ 
 
 I 
 
 "1 
 
 
INDEX TO POETS. 
 
 v.i.. •; 
 
 
 3,i: 
 
 m\ 
 
 ft-] 
 
 458 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Gray, . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 433, 440 
 
 Heine, . . o 442 
 
 Hemans 258, 446 
 
 Hempel (Translations), . . 128, 186, 249, 250, 251, 252, 285, 291, 315 
 
 Herbert (Translation ), 425 
 
 Hesiod, 21,22,295 
 
 4, 7, 71, 74, 138, 155, 188, 204, 219, 233, 269, 270, 
 
 271, 272, 274, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 
 Homer, , . . \ 283, 284, 291, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 
 
 302, 303, 306, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314, 315, 31G, 
 
 317, 318, 334, 378. 
 
 Homeric Hymn, 71, 74 
 
 Hood, 75,127 
 
 Horace, 20 
 
 Hunt (Translation), 260 
 
 Ingelow, 68,73 
 
 Iriarte, Tomas do, 337 
 
 Jonson, Ben, 255 
 
 Keats 42,73,76,83,87,94,112,124,125,203,254,300 
 
 Khayyam, Omar, 397 
 
 Klopp, 357 
 
 Kyd, 119 
 
 Landor 59, 176, 235 
 
 Lang 308,337 
 
 Longfellow 17,21,152,158,205,255,357,417,418,435 
 
 Lowell 28,44,218,227,237 
 
 Lucan, 388 
 
 Macaulay, 18, 201 
 
 Meleager, 139,161 
 
 Mickle, 37 
 
 Milman, 59,150 
 
 4, 7, 8, 26, 45, 50, 74, 85, 87, 94, 111, 116, 126, 143, 
 
 148, 157, 160, 180, 184, 207, 212, 214, 220, 221, 
 
 226, 228, 235, 240, 244, 293, 305, 335, 338, 358, 
 
 370, 371, 374, 376, 386. 
 Moore, . . . . 3, 37, 38, 49, 104, 106, 127, 128, 140, 166, 176, 368, 394 
 
 Morris, Lewis '48,73,103,148,195,254 
 
 Morris, Wm 80,111,144 
 
 Moschus, 42 
 
 Oelenschlaeger, 437| 
 
 Onomacritus, 163,165 
 
 Orphic Argonautics 162 
 
 Orphic Hymn, 68 
 
 Ossian, , 449 
 
 Ovid, 19, 23, 25, 33, 36, 58, 64, 81, 82, 199, 204, 384 
 
 Pindar, 3 
 
 (-24, 162, 185, 236, 238,276, 284 (Translations), 81, 
 Pope, . . . . ] 82,155,219,294,296,297,298,299,303,310,312, 
 
 1 317, 318, 334, 378. 
 
 Potter (Translations) 153, 154, 155, 267 
 
 Prior, 6,31,144,154,204 
 
 Milton, 
 
PAGE 
 
 11, 433, 440 
 
 . 442 
 
 . 258, 446 
 
 285, 291, 315 
 
 . 425 
 
 . 21, 22, 295 
 
 133, 269, 270, 
 
 180, 281, 282, 
 
 198, 299, 300, 
 
 514, 315, 31G, 
 
 71, 74 
 75, 127 
 20 
 . 260 
 68, 73 
 . 337 
 . 255 
 ;, 208, 254,300 
 397 
 . 357 
 . 119 
 59, 176, 235 
 . 308, 337 
 ', 417, 418, 435 
 I, 218, 227, 237 
 . 388 
 18, 201 
 . 139, 161 
 . . 37 
 59, 150 
 116, 126, 143, 
 214, 220, 221, 
 335, 338, 358, 
 
 INDEX TO POETS. 459 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Psalms, 395 
 
 Rhodius, 165,210 
 
 Saxe, 122,236 
 
 Schiller, .... 80, 128, 186, 203, 249, 250, 251, 252, 285, 291, 315 
 
 Scott, 328,447,452 
 
 Shakespeare, 7, 34, 131, 170, 239, 358 
 
 Shelley, 27, 29, 33, 48, 67, 131, 142, 188, 211 
 
 Simonides, 142 
 
 „ , . f 152, 153, 154, 155, 184, 224, 225, 231, 232, 287, 290, 
 
 Sophocles, . . . } 2P3 333 
 
 Southey, 238 
 
 Spenser, 12,135,210,247 
 
 Statius, 41 
 
 Swift, 61, 65 
 
 Swinburne, . 68,172,173 
 
 f 134, 188, 257, 258, 262, 263, 268, 287, 295, 318, 372, 
 Tennyson, ' ' ' [ ^qq 
 
 Theocritus, 260 
 
 Thomson, . 95, 379 
 
 Veda, Rig, 398 
 
 r 180, 288, 289, 290, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 
 
 Virgil,. . . . ] 326,328,330,331,333,335,336,338,341,342,343, 
 
 i 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354 
 
 Waller 33 
 
 Woodhull (Translations), 178, 182, 228 
 
 Wordsworth 157,168,179,213,228,268,377,393 
 
 Worsley, 58 
 
 Young, 157,255,339 
 
 goroaater, 391 
 
 1 t'h 
 
 % J 
 
 r 
 
 '.t 
 
 5, 176, 368, 394 
 3,148,195,254 
 80, 111, 144 
 
 . 42 
 
 . 437, 
 
 163, 165 
 
 . 162 
 
 68 
 
 . 449 
 
 99, 204, 384 
 
 3 
 
 luslations), 81, 
 , 303, 310, 312, 
 
 
 (' 
 
 •^1 ^.l 
 
 1.^, 
 
 3, 154, 155, 267 
 1, 144, 154, 204 
 
 't 
 

 A'toae* an 
 
 . oil the I 
 brated f 
 oracle of 
 the sum 
 
 Ab'a-bis, 
 Apollo, 
 about th 
 his nati 
 plague, 
 mythica 
 no eartb 
 on an a 
 through 
 
 Ab-syr'ti 
 
 A-by'dos, 
 nearly o 
 tie low< 
 bridge o 
 structed 
 480, cone 
 than Ab 
 pean si 
 Madytui 
 
 Ab'y-la, 
 mouutai 
 forming 
 orAfrici 
 {OibralU 
 Spanish 
 imna of 
 tliey we 
 torn asu 
 
 Ac'a-de'm 
 Cephissi 
 longing 
 subsequ 
 ed by C 
 plantati 
 works c 
 who pos 
 ueighbo 
 followei 
 Acndem 
 phers. 
 Academ 
 where 1 
 Academ 
 
 A-CE8'TE8 
 
 the nan 
 was sen 
 

 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 »<(t 
 
 M 
 
 A'toae, an ancient town of Phocis, 
 
 . oil the boundaries of Boeotia ; cele- 
 brated for an ancient temple aud 
 oracle of Apollo, v/ho hence derived 
 the surname of Abacus. 
 
 Ab'a-eis, a Hyperborean priest of 
 Apollo, came from the couu try- 
 about the Caucasus to Greece, while 
 his native land was visited by a 
 plague. His history is entirely 
 mythical; he is said to have taken 
 no earthly food, and to have ridden 
 on an arrow, the gift of Apollo, 
 through the air. 
 
 Ab-syr'tus, 170. 
 
 A-by'dos, a town on the Hellespont, 
 nearly opposite to Sestos, but a lit- 
 tle lower down the stream. The 
 bridge of boats which Xerxes con- 
 structed over the Hellespont, B.C. 
 480, commenced a little higher up 
 than Abydos, and touched the Euro- 
 pean shore between Sestos and 
 Madytus, 128, 361, 367, 368. 
 
 Ab'y-la, Mount, or Columna, a 
 mountain in Mauretania Tingitaua, 
 forming the E. extremity of the S. 
 or African coast. This and M. Calpe 
 (Oibraltar), opposite to it, on the 
 Spanish coast, were called the Col- 
 umna of Hercules, from the fable that 
 tijey were originally one mountain, 
 torn asunder by Hercules, 180. 
 
 Ac'a-de'mi-a, a piece of land on the 
 Cephissus, Athens, originally bo- 
 longing to a hero Academus, and 
 subsequently a gy nnasium, adorn- 
 ed by Cimon with plane and olive 
 plantations, statues, and other 
 works of art. Here taught Plato, 
 who possessed a piece of land in the 
 neighborhood, and after him his 
 followers, who were hence called the 
 Academici, or Academic philoso- 
 phers. Cicero gave the name of 
 Academia to his villa near Puteoll, 
 where he wrote his "Qutestiones 
 AcademicBB." 
 
 A-ces'tes, son of a Trojan woman, of 
 the name of Egesta or Segesta, who 
 was sent by her father to Sicily, 
 
 that she might not be devoured by 
 the monsters which infested the 
 territory of Troy, 325, 348. 
 
 A-ce'tes, 20.5, 208." 
 
 A-cha'tes, the friend and companion 
 of iEneas, 345. 
 
 AcH-E-Lo'us, the largest river in 
 Greece. The god of this river is 
 described as the son of Oceanus and 
 Tethys, and as the eldest of his 3000 
 brothers. He fought with Hercules 
 but was conquered. He then took 
 the form of a bull, but was again 
 overcome by Hercules, who de- 
 prived him of one of his horns, 
 wliich, however, he recovered by 
 giving up the horn of Amalthea. 
 The Naiades changed the horn 
 which Hercules took from Acho- 
 lous into the horn of plenty, 224- 
 226. 
 
 Ach'e-ron, the name of several riv- 
 ers, all of which were, at least at 
 one time, believed to be connected 
 with the lower world. (1) A river 
 in Thesprotia, in Epirus, which 
 flows through the lake Acherusia 
 into the Ionian sea. (2) A river in 
 southern Italy, in Bruttii,on which 
 Alexander of Epirus perished. (3) 
 Theriver of the lower world round 
 which the shades liover, and into 
 which the Pyriphlegethon and 
 Cocytus flow. In late writers the 
 na?ue of Acheron is used to desig- 
 nate the whole of the lower world. 
 
 A-CHiL'LES,the hero of the Iliad, son 
 of Peleus, king of the Mynnidones, 
 and of the Nereid Thetis, 116, 171, 
 219, 258, 263, 204, 265, 2(i6, 2(57, 269, 
 270, 272, 273, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281, 
 282, 283, 285, 280, 289, 290, 291. 
 
 A' CIS, 259-261. 
 
 A-con'ti-u8, a beautiful youth, who, 
 having come to Delos to celebrate 
 the festival of Diana, fell in love 
 with Cydippe, the daughter of a 
 noble Athenian. Wliile she was 
 sitting before the temple of Diana, 
 he threw to her an apple upon 
 which he had written the words, 
 
 ( 461 ) 
 
 
 SM 
 
 ^'; 'kl^ 
 
 
 i 
 
 ip: 
 
 mn 
 
 m 
 
 H 
 
 ■■'■lit;: 
 
 I 
 
462 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 i~ \ 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 1. I,' V'. »< 4 ' 1 
 
 " I Hwoar by the sanctaary of Diana 
 to marry Acontlus." The nurse 
 took up thu apple and handed it to 
 Cydfppo, who read aloud what was 
 written upon it. and then threw the 
 apple away, But the goddess had 
 heard hor vow ; and the repeated 
 illness of the maiden, when she was 
 about to marry another man, at 
 
 ' length conipftlled her father to give 
 her in marriage to Acontius, 150. 
 
 A-cBW'i-U«, mn of Abas, king of Ar- 
 , g08, grandson of Ly nceua, and great- 
 grandson of Danaus, 142, 150. 
 
 A-CBOP'O-LW, UK). 
 
 AcT^'oK, 11 celebrated huntsman, son 
 of Aristtatis and Autonoe, a daugh- 
 ter of Cadmus, 40, 45, 40, 47, 48, 115. 
 
 AD'Mk'ta, 17(), 
 
 Ad.mk'tum, 2!27, 228. 
 
 A-do'nih, ft youth, beloved by Aphro- 
 dite (Venus), but he died of a wound 
 which ho received from a boar dur- 
 ing the ch««o. The grief of the god- 
 dess at his death was so great that 
 the gods of the lower world allowed 
 bira to spend six months of every 
 year with Aphrodite upon the 
 earth. The worship of Adonis ap- 
 pears to have had reference to the 
 death of nature in winter, and to 
 its revival in spring; hence Adonis 
 spends six months in the lower and 
 six months in the upper world, 79, 
 83, 84, 85. 
 
 A-dbah'tus, 2JJ0, 
 
 XI K-ov», ion of Zeus (.Tupiter) and 
 ./^glnfl, ttdatighter of the river-god 
 Asopus. Homo traditions related 
 that at the birth of ^Eacus ^giiia 
 was not yet inhabited, and that 
 Zeus changed the ants of the island 
 into men ( IVf y rmldones), over whom 
 MimxM ruled. TEacus was re- 
 nowned In all (Greece for his, justice 
 and piety, and after his death be- 
 came or» J of the three judges in 
 Hades, MO, 
 
 M-m'k, Isle of, 300. 
 
 iE-E'TKH, or JVsV/rK, son of Helios 
 
 ' (the Hun) and I'erseis, and father 
 of Medea and Abhyrtus. He was 
 king of (Jolchls at tlie time when 
 Phrlxus brought thither the golden 
 fleece, 101, 102, 104, 106, 170. 
 
 m-QviK}9 Hoa, 50, 02. 
 
 .^.ok'ijs. King of Athens, 169, 190, 
 191. 192, 
 
 iE-or NA, a rocky Island In the mid- 
 dle of the Haronlc gulf, said to have 
 obtalucd Its name from ^gina, the 
 
 daughter of the river-god Asopus^ 
 who there bore him a son, iEuciis 
 As the island had then no iuhal)it 
 ants, Zeus (Jupiter) changed the 
 ants into men (Myrmidones), ovoi 
 whom iEacus ruled, 116. 
 
 iE'oiR, the Norse god who presides 
 over the stormy sea. He also en- 
 tertains the gods at harvest-time, 
 and brews their ale. 
 
 iE'Gis, 8, 134. 
 
 iE-GIS'THUS, 291. 
 
 iE-NE'AS, the Trojan hero. JEncas 
 was the son of Anchises and Aphro- 
 dite (Venus), and was born on 
 Mount Ida. At first he took no 
 part in the Trojan war; and it was 
 not till Achilles attacked him on 
 Mount Ida, and drove away his 
 flocks, that be led his Dardaniaus 
 against the Greeks. Henceforth 
 iEneas and Hector appear as tlie 
 great bulwarks of the Trojans 
 against the Greeks, and iEueas is 
 beloved by gods and men. On nior'j 
 than one occasion he is saved in 
 battle by the gods. He was finally 
 slain, and his body, not having been 
 found, was supposed to have been 
 carried up to heaven. The Latins 
 erected a monument to him, with 
 the inscription To the father and 
 native god. The story of the de- 
 scent of the Romans from the Tro- 
 jans through iEneas was believed 
 at an early period, but rests on no 
 historical foundation, 77, 207, 276, 
 278, 279, 319, 320, 321, 322, 32:5, 324, 
 .325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, :m, 
 334, 335, 337, 338, 340, 343, 344. '54'), 
 346, 347, 348, 350, 351, 353, 354, 3,10, 
 381. 
 
 iE-NE'A8 Sil'vi-us, son of Silvias 
 and grandson of Ascanius, is (lie 
 third in the list of the mythical 
 kings of Alba, in Latium. 
 
 ^-NE'iD, 354, 381. 
 
 ^'o-LU8, son of Hellen and tlio 
 nymph Orseis. Son of Hippotes, 
 or, according to others, of Poseidon 
 (Neptune) and Arne, a descendant 
 ol the previous ^olus. He is rep- 
 resented in Homer as the happy 
 ruler of the ^olian islands, to 
 whom. Zeus had given dominion 
 over the winds, which he might 
 soothe or excite, according to his 
 pleasure, 88, 94, 299, 322, .37(5. 
 
 iT^.8'cUY-LUS, 249, 384, 385. 
 
 iEs'cu-iA'Pi-us, the god of the medi- 
 cal art. In Homer he is not a di- 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 403 
 
 ir-god Asopua, 
 a sou, iEuciis 
 jn no inhabit 
 
 changed tlio 
 nidones), ovei 
 .16. 
 
 who presides 
 He also cn- 
 
 harvest-tiiue, 
 
 hero. JEncas 
 ies and Apbro- 
 was born 011 
 b he took no 
 ar; and it was 
 icked him on 
 3ve away his 
 lis Dardaniaus 
 . Henceforth 
 appear as tiie 
 
 the Trojans 
 and iEneas is 
 nen. On nior'j 
 16 is saved in 
 He was finally 
 ot having been 
 
 to have been 
 . The Latins 
 
 to him, witii 
 ■he father and 
 ry of the de- 
 
 frora the Tro- 
 
 was believed 
 it rests on no 
 , 77, 267, 276, 
 , 322, 32;J, 324, 
 >, 330, 331, 333, 
 ), 343, 344. 34-), 
 ., 353, 354, 356, 
 
 on of Silvias 
 icanius, is the 
 the mythical 
 [ium. 
 
 len and the 
 
 of Hippotes, 
 
 rs, of Poseidon 
 
 , a descendant 
 
 lis. He is rep- 
 
 as the happy 
 
 in islands, to 
 
 ven dominion 
 
 ich he might 
 
 cording to his 
 
 322, 376. 
 
 385. 
 
 od ofthemedi' 
 he ia not a di- 
 
 vinity, bat simply the " blameless 
 physician." He not only cured the 
 sick, but recalled the dead to life. 
 Zeus (Jupiter), fearing lest men 
 might contrive to escape death al- 
 together, killed iEsculapius with 
 his thunderbolt; but on request of 
 Apollo Zeus placed him among the 
 stars, 158, 196, 226, 227. Oracles of, 
 373,374. 
 
 jE'siR. The JEsir, whose thrones 
 were in Gladsheim, were twelve in 
 number. Their names were — Thor, 
 Baldr, Freyr, Tyr, Bragi, Hodr, 
 Heimdall, Vithar, Vali, Ullr, Ve, 
 Forseti. Thus, with Odin, the 
 "All-father," whose throne rose 
 above the other twelve the great 
 gods of the Norse Pantheon were 
 thirteen in number. 
 
 JE'soN, 162, 166, 167, 168, 169. 
 
 J:'thi-o'pi-an8, 3, 56, 145, 148, 149, 
 258, 259, 285. 
 
 j:'thi-o'pi-an Queen, 149. 
 
 JI'thra, mother of Theseus by 
 ^geus. She afterwards lived in 
 Attica, from whence she was carried 
 off to Lacedeemon by Castor and 
 Pollux, and became a slave of 
 Helen, with whom she was taken 
 to Troy, 190, 191. 
 
 ^T'NA, 56, 66, 151, 227, 261. 
 
 Ao'a-me'des, brother of Trophonius. 
 Agamedes and Trophonius distin- 
 guished themselves as architects. 
 They built a temple of Apollo at 
 Delphi, and a treasury of Hyrieus, 
 king of Hyria. In the construction 
 of the latter, they contrived to place 
 a stone in such a manner that it 
 could be taken away outside with- 
 out anybody perceiving it. A tra- 
 dition mentioned by Cicero states 
 that Agamedes and Trophonius, 
 after building the temple Apollo 
 at Delphi, prayed to the god 
 to grant them, in reward for their 
 labor, what was best for men. The 
 god promised to do so on a certain 
 (lay, and when the day came the 
 two brothers died, 373. 
 Aq'a-mem'non, son of Plisthenis and 
 grandson of Atreus, king of My- 
 censB. When Helen, the wife of 
 Menelaus, was carried off by Paris, 
 and the Greek chiefs resolved to re- 
 cover her by force of arms, Aga- 
 memnon was chosen their com- 
 mander-in-chief. Agamemnon, al- 
 though the chief commander of the 
 Greeks, is not the hereof the Iliad, 
 
 and in chlvalrouM Hpirit, bravery 
 and character ttltogisther inferior to 
 Achilles. Hut ho, nevortlielcss, 
 rises above all the Greeks by his 
 dignity, power and inajenty, 2(J5, 
 267, 2<{9, 270, 273, ?.'7H, 291. 
 
 A-oa'vk, daughter of Cadmus, wife 
 of Ecliioii, and niothi;r of Pcuthcus. 
 For details sec Pkntukuh. 
 
 Age, 328. 
 
 A-qe'nob, 113, 279. 
 
 Ao-la'i-a, 12. 
 
 AG'Nr,401. 
 
 Ah'bi-man, 392. 
 
 A'JAX, called A I AH by the Greeks. 
 Son of Telanioii, king of Salamis, 
 and grandson of JFjuiiin. He is 
 represented in tlio Iliad as second 
 only to AchiUcM in bravery. In the 
 contest for the armor of Achilles he 
 was conquered by Ulysses, and this, 
 says Honior, was the cause of his 
 death. haU't poets relate that his 
 defeat l)y UlyHseM threw him into 
 an awful 8tat<5 of niadness; that he 
 rushed from his t'jiit, and slaugh- 
 tered the sheep of the (Jreek army, 
 fancying thoy wore his enemies; 
 and that at length he nut an end to 
 his own life. From hia blood there 
 sprang up a purple flower bearing 
 the letters Ai (A/) on its leaves, 
 which were at once the initials of 
 his name and oxpreHsivc of a sigh. 
 (2) Son of OlleuM, king of the Lo- 
 crians, also called the lesser Ajax. 
 He is described as small of stature, 
 but skilled in throwing the spear, 
 and, next to Achilles, the most 
 swift-footed among the Greeks. On 
 his return from Troy his vessel was 
 wrecked; ho IHniMyff got safe upon 
 a r(;ck through the assistance of 
 Poseidon (Neptune); but as he 
 boasted that he would escape in de- 
 fiance of the immortals, Poseidon 
 split the rock with his trident, and 
 Ajax was swallowed up by the s(fa, 
 171, 265, 270, 271, 274, 275, 276, 280. 
 
 Al'BA IiONOA,355. 
 
 Al-cks'tih, 227,228, 
 Al-ci'deh (Hercules), 184. 
 Al-cin'o-uh, 309, 311,314. 
 Alo-mk'na, 17H. 
 A-lkc'to, 13, 341. 
 A-Ln'r-AN. 157. 
 
 Al'ex-an'dkh the (}reat, 62, 394. 
 Al-fa'|)Uh, 413,439. 
 Alp'heim, 43H. 
 
 Alleoouicak Theory of Mythology, 
 370. 
 
 ill 
 
 m 
 
 ''wm 
 
 ',1, V 
 
 '!"■■: 
 
 i!' 
 
 m 
 
 ■1; 
 
 }4m 
 
 M' 
 
 I 'I 
 
 i'.M 
 
464 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONART, 
 
 
 f'» >{ 
 
 
 
 
 Alphabet, 376. 
 Al-phe'nor, 138. 
 Al-phe'us River, 75, 179. 
 Al-phk'u8, a god, 72, 73. 
 Alps, 56. 
 
 AL-THi/A, 171, 173, 174. 
 Am-al-the/a, the nurse of the infant 
 Zeus (Jupiter) in Crete, was, accord- 
 ing to some traditions, the goat 
 which suckled Zeus, and was re- 
 warded by being placed among the 
 stars. According to others, Amal- 
 thea was a nymph who fed Zeus 
 with the milk of a goat. When 
 this goat broke off one of her horns, 
 Amalthea filled it with fresh herbs 
 and gave it to Zeus, who placed it 
 among the stars. According to other 
 accounts, Zeus himself broke off one 
 of the horns of the goat, and en- 
 dowed it with the wonderful power 
 of being filled with whatever the 
 possessor might wish. Hence this 
 horn was commonly called the horn 
 of plenty, or cornucopia, and it was 
 used in later times as the symbol 
 of plenty in general, 226. 
 A-ma'ta, 341. 
 Am'a-thos, 83. 
 Am'a-ze'nus, 343. 
 
 Am'a-zons, a mythical race of war- 
 like females, are said to have come 
 from the Caucasus, and to have set- 
 tled in Asia Minor. They were 
 governed by a queen, and the fe- 
 male children had their right 
 breasts cut off, that they might use 
 the bow with more ease. They con- 
 stantly occur in Greek mythology. 
 One of the labors imposed upon 
 Hercules was to take from Hip- 
 polyte, the queen of the Amazons, 
 her girdle. In the reign of Theseus 
 they invaded Attica. Toward the 
 end of the Trojan war they came, 
 under their queen, Penthesilea, to 
 the assistance of Priam ; but she was 
 killed by Achilles, 179, 180, 194, 195, 
 196, 285, 342, 
 A'men Ra, 365, 366. 
 A-men'ti, 368. 
 Am'mon, 152. 
 
 Am'phi-a-ka'us, a great prophet and 
 hero at Argos. He joined Adrastus 
 in the expedition against Thebos, 
 although he foresaw its fatal ter- 
 mination, through the persuasions 
 of his wife Eriphyle, who had been 
 induced to persuade her husband 
 by the necklace of Harmonia, which 
 Polyuices had given her. On leav- 
 
 ing Argos he enjoined his sons fei 
 punish their mother for his death. 
 Pursued, he fled towards the river 
 Ismenius, and the earth swallowed 
 him up, together with his chariot, 
 before he was overtaken by his en- 
 emy, 230. 
 Am-phi'on, 138, 242, 243. 
 Am-phi-tki'te, same as Salacia— 
 
 wife of Neptune, 217, 218, 219. 
 Am-phyb'sos, a small river in Thes- 
 saly which flowed into the Pagas- 
 eean gulf, on the banks of which 
 Apollo fed the herds of Admetus. 
 227. 
 Am'pyx, 149. 
 Ameita, 399. 
 Am'set, 362. 
 A-mu'li-us, 355. 
 A'mun, 305, 366. 
 
 Am'y-cus, son of Poseidon (Neptune), 
 king of the Bebryces, celebrated 
 for his skill in boxing. He used 
 to challenge strangers to box with 
 him, and slay them; but when tha 
 Argonauts came to his dominions, 
 Pollux killed him in a boxing- 
 match. 
 Am'y-mo'ne, one of the 50 danq;hter3 
 of Danaus, was the motlier by Po- 
 seidon (Neptune) of Nauplius, the 
 father of Palamedes. The fountain 
 of Amymone in Argolis was called 
 after her, 179. 
 An'ax-ae'e-te, a maiden of Cyprus, 
 treated her lover Iphis witii such 
 haughtiness that he hung himself 
 at her door. She looked with in- 
 difference at the funeral of tlie 
 youth, but Venus changed her into 
 a stone statue, 97, 98. 
 An-ce'us, 172. 
 
 An-chi'seh, beloved by Aphrodite 
 (Venus), by whom he became the 
 ftither of iEneas. Having boasted 
 of his intercourse with the goddess, 
 he was struck by a flash of light- 
 ning, which deprived him of his 
 sight. On the capture of Troy by 
 the Greeks, iEneas carried his 
 father on his shoulders from the 
 burning city, 319, 320, 336, 335, 330, 
 337, 356. 
 Ax-dr.e'mon, 81. 
 
 An-dro'oe-os, son of Minos and 
 Pasiphae, conquered all his oppo- 
 nents in the games at Athens, and 
 was in consequence slain at the in- 
 stigation of iEgeus. Minos made 
 war on the Athenians to avenge the 
 death of his son, and compelled 
 
ed his sons to 
 for his death. 
 ards the river 
 irth swallowed 
 th his chariot, 
 ken by his en- 
 
 i3. 
 
 as Salacia— 
 , 218, 219. 
 river in Thes- 
 ito the Pagas- 
 mks of which 
 s of Admetus, 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 465 
 
 ion (Neptune), 
 ces, celebrated 
 iug. Ho used 
 irs to box with 
 
 but when tlie 
 his dominions, 
 
 in a boxing- 
 
 le 50 (Iau9;hter3 
 niotljer by Po- 
 f Nauplius, the 
 , The fountain 
 jolis was called 
 
 den of Cyprus, 
 phis with such 
 9 hung himself 
 aoked with in- 
 Funeral of the 
 langed her into 
 3. 
 
 by Aphrodite 
 he became the 
 Saving boasted 
 ith the goddess, 
 , flash of light- 
 '^ed him of his 
 ;ure of Troy l)y 
 iS carried his 
 ilders from the 
 20,326,335,330, 
 
 of Minos and 
 d all his oppo- 
 
 at Athens, and 
 I slain at the iu- 
 (. Minos made 
 ns to avenge the 
 
 and compelled 
 
 them to send every year to Crete 7 
 youths and 7 damsels to be de 
 voured by thei Minotaur. From 
 this shameful tribute they were 
 delivered by Theseus. 
 
 A.n-drom'a-che, wife of Hector, 266, 
 267, 281, 321. 
 
 An-deom'e-da, 145, 146, 147, 149, 
 150. 
 
 And-wa'ei, 443. 
 
 A-nem'o-ne, 85. 
 
 An-oee'bode, 433. 
 
 An'gle-sey, 451. 
 
 A'NOU, 398. 
 
 An'ses, subjects of Odin. 
 
 An'ta, 369. 
 
 An-t^'us, 151, 181. 
 
 An-te'i-a, 155. 
 
 An'te-bos, 9, 10. 
 
 An-the'don, of Anthedon in Bce- 
 otia, a fisherman, who became a sea- 
 god by eating a part of the divine 
 herb which Cronos (Saturn) had 
 sown. It was believed that Glau- 
 cus visited every year all the coasts 
 and islands of Greece, accompanied 
 by marine monsters, and gave his 
 prophecies. Fishermen and sailors 
 paid particular reverence to him, 
 .and watched his oracles, which 
 were believed to be very trust- 
 worthy. 
 
 An'thob, 350. 
 
 An-tiq'o-ne, 228-232, 385. 
 
 An-til'o-chus, 258-276. 
 
 An-ti'o-pe, 194, 196, 242, 243. 
 
 Anu, 395. 
 
 A-nu'bis, 362, 370. 
 
 A-pe'-li-o'-tes, 222, 223. 
 
 Apennines, 56. 
 
 Aph-ro-di'te (Venus, Dione, etc.), 9. 
 
 A'pis, 363, 364, 365, 371, 374. 
 
 A-pol'lo. (Phoebus Helios Sol.) 
 From the sun comes our physical 
 light, but that light is at the same 
 time an emblem of all mental illu- 
 mination, of knowledge, truth, and 
 right, of all moral purity; and in 
 this respect a distinction was made 
 between it as a mental and a physi- 
 cal phenomenon — a distinction 
 which placed Phoebus Apollo on 
 one side and Helios on the other. 
 Accordingly Phoebus Apollo is the 
 oracular god who throws light on 
 the dark ways of the future, who 
 slays the Python, that monster of 
 darkness which made the oracle at 
 
 ' Delphi inaccessible. He is the god 
 of music and song, which are only 
 heard where light and security 
 
 reign and the possession of herds is 
 free from danger. Helios, on the 
 other hand, is the physical phe* 
 nomenon of light, the orb of the 
 sun, which, summer and winter, 
 rises and sets in the sky, 1, 4, 7, 8, 
 11, 18, 29, 30, 31. 32, 33, 50, 51, 61, 
 79, 85, 86, 88, 101, 113, 120, 124, 136,. 
 137, 138, 152, 158, 200, 227, 234, 243,'< 
 246, 249, 256, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 
 278, 279, 280, 281, 285, 290, 313, 320, 
 325, 334, 338, 373, 375, 389. 
 
 A-pol'lo and Daphne, 29, 30, 31, 
 32,33. 
 
 A-pol'lo and Hyacinthus, 85, 86L 
 87. 
 
 A-pol'lo Belvedere, 29, 380. 
 
 A-pol'lo, Oracle of, 372. 
 
 Apples of the Hespebides, 60, 180, 
 181. 
 
 Ap'u-le'i-us, 112. 
 
 Aq'ui-lo, 220. 
 
 Arabs, 394. 
 
 A-RACHNE, 131-136. 
 
 Ar-ca'di-a, a country in the middle 
 of Peloponnesus, surrounded on all 
 sides by mountains, the Switzer- 
 land of Greece. The Arcadians re- 
 garded themaelves as the most an- 
 cient people in Greece ; the Greek 
 writers call them indigenous and 
 Pelasgians. They were chiefly em- 
 ployed in hunting and the tending 
 of cattle, whence their worship of 
 Pan, who was especially the god of 
 Arcadia and of Artemis. They 
 were passionately fond of music, 
 and cultivated it with success. The 
 Arcadians experienced fewer 
 changes than any other people in 
 Greece, and retained ponsession of 
 their country upon the conquest 
 of the rest of Peloponnesus by the 
 Dcrians, 13, 45, 171, 344, 345. 
 
 ARCADY, 1, 45. 
 
 Ar'cas, 45. 
 
 Archer (constellation), 53. 
 
 A-re-op'a-gus, 293. 
 
 A' res, called Mars by the Romans, 
 the Greek god of war, and one of 
 the great Olympian gods, is called 
 the son of Zeus (Jupiter) and Hera 
 (Juno). He is represented as de- 
 lighting in the din and roar of bat- 
 tles, in the slaughter of men, and 
 in the destruction of towns. His 
 savage and sanguinary character 
 makes him hated by the other gods 
 and by his own parents. He was 
 wounded by Diomedes, who was as- 
 sisted by Athena (Minerva), and in 
 
 
 
 % 
 
 #-' 
 
 1' '! I 
 
 ■fr - 1 
 
 .1 
 
 3? 
 
'1 ,: 
 
 466 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 #■"7 " f I 
 
 
 til ' * ■* 
 
 his fall he roared like ten thousand 
 warriors, 8. 
 Ar-k-thu'sa, 71, 72, 73, 75. 
 Ar'go, 1(52, IrtS, 166, 170, 171. 
 
 Ak'go-lis, 197. 
 
 Ar'go-nauts, 163, 170, 201, 221, 321. 
 
 Ar'gos, 142, 150, 178, 230, 291, 350, 
 .358, 381. 
 
 Ar'qus, 40, 41, 42, 162, 316, 376. 
 
 A-ri-ad'ne, 193, 194, 197, 209, 210. 
 
 A-ri-ad'ne, Vatican, 209. 
 
 Ar'i-mas'pi-ans, 160. 
 A-Ri'oN, 245-248, 375. 
 
 Ar-I8-t^'U8, 235, 239, 241. 
 
 Ar'is-ti'deb, an Athenian, son of 
 Lysimachus, surnamed the "Just," 
 was of an ancient and noble family. 
 He fought as the commander of his 
 tribe at the battle of Marathon, B.C. 
 490, and the next y^ar he was ar- 
 chon. He was the great rival of 
 Themistocles, and it was through 
 the influence of the latter with the 
 people that he suffered ostracism. 
 At the battle of Salamis he did good 
 service by dislodging the enemy 
 with a band raised and armed by 
 himself. He was recalled from 
 banishment, appointed general, and 
 commanded the Athenians at the 
 battle of Plataea. He and his col- 
 league Ciraon had the glory of ob- 
 taining for Athens the command of 
 the maritime confederacy, and to 
 Aristides was by general consent 
 intrusted the task of drawing up 
 its laws and fixing its assessments. 
 The first tribute paid into a com- 
 mon treasury at Delos bore his 
 name, and was regarded by the al- 
 lies in after times as marking their 
 Saturnian age. This is his last re- 
 corded act. He probably died in 
 468. He died so poor that he did 
 not leave enough to pay for his fu- 
 neral ; his daughters were portioned 
 by the state, and his son Lysim- 
 achus received a grant of land and 
 of money. 
 
 Ar'te-mis (Diana), 9. 
 
 A'runs, 352, 353. 
 
 A'SA-FOLK, same as Anses. 
 
 A'sAS, 414. 
 
 As'gard, 412, 413, 415, 417, 435, 436. 
 
 Asia, 62, 128, 161, 197. 
 
 As'KE, 412. 
 
 As'sHUR, 395. 
 
 As-SYR'i-AN, 394, 395. 
 
 As-TAR'TE, 369, 397. 
 
 As-trje'a, 24. 
 
 As-TY'A-aES, 150. 
 
 A-su'rab, 400. 
 
 At-a-lan'ta, 84, 171, 172, 173, 174- 
 177. 
 
 A'tb was the goddess of infatuation, 
 mischief, and guilt, misleading 
 them to actions tiiat involved them 
 in ruin. For this her father, Zeus, 
 cast her in anger from Olympus, 
 and from that time she wandered 
 about the earth in search of vic- 
 tims to her malignant influence. 
 She was spoken of as powerful iii 
 person and swift of foot, running 
 before men to mislead them, 278. 
 
 Ath'a-mas, son of jEolus and Ena- 
 rete, and king of Orchomenus, in 
 Boeotia. At the command of Hera 
 (Juno), Athamas married Nephele, 
 by whom he became the father of 
 Phrixus and Helle. But he was 
 secretly in love with the mortal 
 Ino, the daughter of Cadmus, by 
 whom he begot Learchus and Me- 
 licertes. Having thus incurred the 
 anger both of Hera and of Ntphele, 
 Athamas was seized with madness, 
 and in this state killed his own son, 
 Learchus. Ino threw herself with 
 Melicertes into the sea, and both 
 were changed into marine deities, 
 Ino becoming Lencothea, and Meli- 
 certes Palsemon. Athamas, as the 
 murderer of his son, was obliged to 
 flee from Boeotia, and settled in 
 Thessaly, 161, 162, 219. 
 
 A-the'ne, 10, 132. 
 
 Ath'ens, the capital of Attica, about 
 4 miles from the sea, between the 
 small rivers Cephissus on the W. 
 and Ilissus on the £., the latter of 
 which flowed through the town. 
 The most ancient part of it, the 
 Acropolis, is said to have been built 
 by the mythical Cecrops, but the 
 city itself is said to have owed its 
 origin to Theseus, who united the 
 12 independent states or townships 
 of Attica into one state, and made 
 Athens its capital. The city was 
 burned by Xerxes in B.C. 480, but 
 was soon rebuilt under the admin- 
 istration of Themistocles, and was 
 adorned with public buildings by 
 Cimon, and especially by Pericles, 
 in whose time (b.c. 460-429) it 
 reached its greatest splendor. Un- 
 der the Romans, Athens continued 
 to be a great and flourishing city, 
 and they were accustomed to s(iid 
 their sons to Athens, as to a Uni- 
 versity, for the completion of their 
 
 i 
 
 .11 
 
172, 173, 174^ 
 
 of infatuation, 
 
 It, misleading 
 
 iuvolved them 
 
 er father, Zeus, 
 
 rom Olympus, 
 
 she wandered 
 
 search of vie- 
 
 naut iutlueiice. 
 
 as powerful ic 
 
 f foot, running 
 
 ad them, 278. 
 
 Eolns and Kna- 
 
 Orchomenus, in 
 
 mmaud of Hera 
 
 larried Nephele, 
 
 le the father of 
 
 But he was 
 
 ith the mortal 
 
 of Cadmus, by 
 
 arch us and Me- 
 
 lus incurred the 
 
 and of Ntphele, 
 
 d with madness, 
 
 lied his own son, 
 
 ew herself with 
 
 e sea, and both 
 
 > marine deities, 
 
 iothea, and Meli- 
 
 Athamas, as the 
 
 a, was obliged to 
 
 and settled in 
 
 219. 
 
 of Attica, about 
 3ea, between the 
 issns on the W. 
 
 E., the latter of 
 ough the town. 
 
 part of it, the 
 
 have been built 
 Decrops, but the 
 to have owed its 
 
 who united the 
 ites or townships 
 state, and made 
 . The city was 
 
 in B.C. 480, but 
 nder the admin- 
 istocles, and was 
 lie buildings by 
 ally by Pericles, 
 B.C. 460-429) it 
 t splendor. Un- 
 thens continued 
 flourishing city, 
 ustomed to send 
 ms, as to a Uui- 
 (upletiou of theii 
 
 tNDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 467 
 
 education, 116, 119, 131, 132, 109, 
 190, 191, 192, 194, 195, 196, 197, 223, 
 293^ 37H, 381, 385. 
 
 A.'tho8, the mountainous peninsula, 
 also called Actc, wliich projects 
 from Chulcidl<!(3 in Macedonia. At 
 its oxtromity it rJHcs to the height 
 of 6349 feet; tlio voyage round it 
 was so dreaded by miiriuers that 
 Xerxes had a canal cut through 
 the isthmus which connects the 
 peninsula with the mainland, to 
 afford a passage to his fleet. The 
 isthmus is about 1} miles across; 
 and there are distinct traces of the 
 canal to bo seen in the present day. 
 The peninsula contained several 
 flourishing cities in antiquity, and 
 is now studded with numerous 
 mona«terio8, cloisters, and chapels. 
 In these monasteries some valuable 
 MSS. of ancient anthers have been 
 discovered, 50. 
 
 At-lan'tib, according to an ancient 
 tradition, a great island W. of the 
 Pillars of Hercules, in the ocean, 
 opposite Mount Atlas; it possessed 
 a numerous population, and was 
 adorned with every beauty; its 
 powerful princes invaded Africa 
 and Europe, but were defeated by 
 the Athenians and their allies; 
 its inhabitants afterwards became 
 wicked and impious, and the island 
 was in consequence swallowed up 
 in the ocean in a day and a night. 
 This legend is given by Plato in 
 the Timaui, and is said to have 
 been related to Solon by the Egypt- 
 ian priests. The Canary Islands, 
 or the Azores, which perhaps were 
 visited by the Phceniciana, may 
 have given rise to the legend ; but 
 some modern writers regard it as 
 indicative of a vague belief in an- 
 tiquity In the existence of the W. 
 hemispore, 337. 
 
 At'i-as (god), 7, r»8, 144, 145, 181, 186, 
 257. 
 
 At'las, Mount, was the general name 
 of the great mountain range which 
 covers the surface of N. Africa be- 
 tween the Mediterranean and the 
 Great Desert, 181. 
 
 At'li, 444. 
 
 A'trk-ub, son of Polops and Hippo- 
 damia, grandson of Tantalus, and 
 brother of Tliyosti'S and Niccippe. 
 He was first married to Cleola, by 
 whom he became the father of 
 PliBthouits; then to Aeiope, the 
 
 widow of his son Plisthenes, who 
 was the mother of Agamemnon, 
 Menelaus, and Anaxibia, either by 
 Plisthenes or by Atrensf Agamem- 
 non); and lastly to Pelopia, the 
 daugiiterof his brother Thyestes. 
 The tragic fate of the house of Po- 
 lops afforded materials to the tragic 
 poets of Greece. 
 
 Atro-pos. 13. 
 
 At'ti-ca, 190, 194, 196, 201. 
 
 At'tys, a beautiful shepherd of 
 Phrygia, beloved by Cybele. Hav- 
 ing proved unfaithful to the god- 
 dess, he was thrown by her into a 
 state of madness, and was changed 
 into a fir-tree. 
 
 Aud-hum'bla, the cow from which 
 the giant Ymir was nursed. Her 
 milk was frost melted into rain- 
 drops. Carlyle says the suggestion 
 was a melting iceberg, 410. 
 
 Au-ge'an Stables, 179. 
 
 Au-ge'uh, 179. 
 
 Au-ous'tus, 17, 381. 
 
 Au'.is, 267. 
 
 Au-ro'ea, 34, 35, 68, 90, 258, 259. 
 
 Au-ro'ea Borealis, 417. 
 
 Aus'ter, 220. 
 
 Au-ton'o-e, 208. 
 
 Autumn, 52. 
 
 Av'a-tar,399, 400. 
 
 Av'en-tine, 182. 
 
 A-ver'nus, a lake close to the prom- 
 ontory between Cumte and Puteoli, 
 filling the crater of an extinct vol- 
 cano. It is surrounded by high 
 banks, which in antiquity were 
 covered by a gloomy forest sacred 
 to Hecate. From its waters me- 
 phitic vapors arose, which are said 
 to have killed the birds that at- 
 tempted to fly over it, from which 
 circumstance its Greek name was 
 supposed to be derived. {Aornos, 
 from d priv. and Spvii, a bird.) The 
 lake was celebrated in mythology 
 on account of its connection with 
 the lower world. Near it was the 
 cave of the Cumfean Sibyl, through 
 which iEneas descended to the 
 lower world. 
 
 Ba'al, 397, 445. 
 
 Hab-v-lo'ni-a, 34, 56, 394, 397. 
 
 Bac'cha-na'li-a, a feast to Bacchus 
 that WHS permitted to occur but 
 once in three years. It was at- 
 tended by the most shameless or- 
 gies imaginable. Women raging 
 
 
 
468 
 
 INDEX AND DxCTiONARY. 
 
 4 I' 
 
 
 ^^/ 
 
 'it''' 1 -^ i 
 
 %^ f 
 
 r- ' * i^ *,i 'ink < 
 
 '•V < »* 
 
 >s 
 
 %^ 
 
 iio 
 
 :rPli 
 
 *r||.!^ 
 
 £LjZ£'l8i' %''•',' ill 
 
 
 witb madness ore athusiasm, their 
 heads thrown bad iwards, with dis- 
 heveled hair, and carrying in their 
 hands thyrsus-staflfs (entwined 
 with ivy, and headed with pine- 
 cones), cymbals, swords or serpents. 
 Sileni, Pans, Satyrs, Centaurs, and 
 other beings of a like kind, made 
 np the processions. 
 
 BA<yCHA-NALS, 205. 
 
 Bac'chus (Dionysus), 12, 16, 60, 124, 
 152, 203, 208, 210, 226, 237, 380. 
 
 Bal, 369. 
 
 Bal'dub represented sunlight; he 
 was for a time imprisoned in dark- 
 ness, but returned in the morning, 
 433^37. 
 
 Bab'ba-ri, the name given by the 
 Greeks to all foreigners whose lan- 
 guage was not Greek, and who were 
 therefore regarded by the Greeks 
 as an inferior race. The Romans 
 applied the name to all people who 
 spoke neither Greek nor Latin. 
 
 Bards (Druids), 445, 449. 
 
 Bas'i-lisk, 387, 388. 
 
 Bast. (See Pasht.) 
 
 BAyTUS, a shepherd whom Hermes 
 turned into a stone, because he 
 broke a promise which he had 
 made to the god. 
 
 Bau'cis (Philenun), 62-65. 
 
 Bauoi", 4i'i. 
 
 Bb/al, 415. 
 
 Bkau (Constellation), 4, 44, 45, 55. 
 
 Bel, 395. 
 
 Bel'i-8a'ri-U8, the greatest general 
 of Justinian, overthrew the Vandal 
 kingdom in Africa and the Gothic 
 kingdom in Italy. Ho was accused 
 of a conspiracy against the life of 
 Justinian; according to a popular 
 tradition ho was deprived of his 
 property, liis eyes were put out, 
 and he wandered as a beggar 
 through Constantinople; but ac- 
 cording to the more authentic ac- 
 count he was merely impi-isoncd 
 for a year in his own palace, and 
 then restored to his honors. 
 
 BEL-LER'o-Piroy, 155, 156, 157. 
 
 B»L-lo'na, the Roman goddess r,t 
 war, represented as the sister or 
 wife of Mars. Her priests, called 
 Bellonarii, wounded their own arms 
 or legs when they oflfered tacriflces 
 to her, 16, 131. 
 
 Bel'tanb, 447. 
 
 Be'lus, son of Poseidon (Niptuno) 
 and Libya or Kurynonie, twin 
 brother «f Agouor, and father of 
 
 iEgyptus and Danaus. He was 
 believed to be the founder of 6aby< 
 Ion, 323, 396. 
 
 Ber'o-e, 203. 
 
 Bes, one of the most ancient African 
 gods adopted by the Egytiaus He 
 presided at births. 
 
 Bi' FROST (che Saiubow), 412, 420, 
 439. 
 
 Bi'lat, 395. 
 
 Bi'on, of Smyrna, a bucolic poet, 
 flourished about B.C. 280, and spent 
 the last years of his life in Sicily, 
 where he waa poisoned. The style 
 of Bion is refined, and his versifi- 
 cation fluent and elegant. 
 
 Bi'ton and Cleobis, sons of Cydippe, 
 a priestess of Hera at Argos. They 
 were celebrated for their affection 
 to their mother, whose chariot they 
 once dragged during a festival to 
 the temple of Hera, a distance of 
 over five miles. The priestes-s 
 pra: ed to tL e goddess to grant the m 
 what was best for mortals ; and du- 
 ring the night they both died while 
 asleep in the temple. 
 
 Bod' HI, 406. 
 
 BODN, 414. 
 
 B(E-o'ti-a. 267, 373. 
 
 Bo'na De' a, a Roman divinity, is de- 
 scribed as the sister, wife, or daugh- 
 ter t)f i 's«unus, and was herself calKnl 
 Fcma FatiM, or Oma. She was 
 worbhipped at Rome as a chaste and 
 prophetic divinity; she revealed 
 her oracles only to females, au Fau- 
 nus did only to males. Her festi- 
 val v.ds celebrated every year on 
 the 1st of May, in the house of 
 the consul or prffttoi , as the sac- 
 rifices on that occasion were offered 
 on behalf of the whole Roman peo- 
 ple. The solemnities wereconductwl 
 by the Vestals, and no male person 
 was allowed to be in the house at oue 
 of the festivals. 
 
 Bo-o'tes, 55. 
 
 Bo'reas, 220, 221, 322. 
 
 Bos'po-iiU8 (Bosphorus), 43. 
 
 Brao'i, 414, 420. 
 
 Brah'ma, 398, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404. 
 
 liRAH'MINS, 356, 445. 
 
 Brazen Aor, 23. 
 
 Breeze, 38, 39. 
 
 Bri-a' RE-US, 66, 152, 328. 
 
 Bride op Aby.dos, 130. 
 
 Bri-sk'is, 269. 
 
 Bron'tes, one of the Cyclopes; hll 
 
 name signifies " Thunder." 
 Bbum'iiild, 443, 444. 
 
as. He waa 
 mder of Baby« 
 
 ticiect African 
 Egytians He 
 
 m), 412, 420, 
 
 bucolic poet, 
 
 280, and spent 
 
 life in Sicily, 
 
 led. Tiie style 
 
 ,nd his versifi- 
 
 ;gant. 
 
 onsof Cydippe, 
 t Argos. They 
 their affection 
 )se chariot they 
 g a festival to 
 , a distance of 
 The prie8tes3 
 IS to grant them 
 ortals; anddu- 
 both died while 
 
 divinity, is de- 
 , wife, or daugh- 
 'as herself called 
 Oma. She was 
 3 as a chaste and 
 ; she revealed 
 females, an Fau- 
 des. Her festi- 
 every year on 
 > the house of 
 boi, as the sac- 
 ion were offered 
 lole Roman peo- 
 j wereconductcti 
 no male person 
 I the house at one 
 
 :2. 
 us), 43. 
 
 }1, 402, 403, 404. 
 
 328. 
 30. 
 
 »e Cyclopes; hil 
 huuder." 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 469 
 
 Bttd'dha, 400, 405-407. 
 
 Bud'dhihm. (Sco Buddha.) 
 
 Bud'dhist. (See Buddha,) 
 
 Bull, Apih, 'rm, 3(J4, :wr>, 371, 374. 
 
 Bull, Constellation, 53. 
 
 Bull, Winokd, 3fMJ. 
 
 Bu-si'ris, a king of I'^gypt, who sacri- 
 ficed btrangers to 2^ous (Jupiter), 
 but was slain by Hercules. 
 
 Pu'to, an Egyptian divinity, was the 
 
 ' nurse of Horus and Bubastis, the 
 children of Osiris and IsiH, whom 
 she saved from tho perHccutions of 
 Typhon by concealing them in the 
 floating island of Clicmnis. The 
 Greeks identiilod hor with Leto 
 (Latona), and represented her as 
 the goddess of night. 
 
 By'blos, 370. 
 
 Byb'da, 324. 
 
 Ca-bi'rt, mystic deities worshipped 
 in various parts of tho ancient 
 world. Tho meaning of their 
 name, their character, and nature, 
 are quite uncertain. Divine hon- 
 ors were paid to them at Samo- 
 thrace, Lemnos, and Imbros, and 
 their mysteries at Samothraco were 
 S( emnized with great splendor. 
 Tiiev were also wornhlpped at 
 Thebes, Anthcdon, Pergamus, and 
 t>sewhere. 
 
 Ca'cus, son of Vulcan, was slain by 
 Hercules. In honor of his victory, 
 Hercules dedicated tho ara vinrima, 
 which continued to exist ages after- 
 xvards in Borne, 1H2, 
 
 Cad'mus, son of Agenor. king of 
 Phoenicia, and of TelepitivHsa, and 
 brother of EurofHi. Anotlw-r log- 
 end makes him a native of Tliebos 
 in Egypt. Cadmus is said to have 
 introduced Into ()re«M!(» from Phce- 
 niciaor Egypt an alphabet of six- 
 teen letters, 4r>, 113, 114, 115, 110, 
 104, 210, 230, 370. 
 
 Ca-)>u'ck-uh, U. 
 
 CiHAR, Julius, 447t 
 
 Ca-i'cuh, no, 
 
 Cain, Tubal, 375, 
 
 Caikn, 440. 
 
 Cal'a-ih, 221. 
 
 Cal'chah, the wlsost soothsay r 
 among tlie (IrceliH at Troy. An 
 oracle had declared that he should 
 die if he nx^t with a soothsayer 
 superior to himself; and this came 
 to pass at Clares, near Colophon, for 
 here he met the soothsayer MopsuH, 
 who prediotod things which Calchas 
 
 could not. Thereupon Calchas died 
 of grief, 267, 270, fSS. 
 CAL-Lfo-PE, 10, 12, 234. 
 Cal-lir'rho-e, daughter of .\chelous 
 and wife of Alemffion, indi ced her 
 husband to procure her the peplua 
 and necklace of Harmonia, by 
 which she caused his '? iath. 
 Cal-lis'to, 40, 43, 45. 
 Cal'pe Mount, a mountain in the S. 
 of Spain, on the straits between the 
 Atlantic and Med 'terraneau. This 
 and Mount Abyla, opposite to it on 
 the African coast, were called the 
 Columns of Hercules, 180. 
 Cal'y-don, 171, 174. 
 Ca-LYp'so, 305, 306. 
 Ca-lyp'so Island, 305, 306, 313. 
 Ca-me'n^, prophetic nymphs, be- 
 longing to the religion of ancient 
 Italy, although later traditions 
 represent their worship as intro- 
 duced into Italy from Arcadia, and 
 some accounts idoutify them with 
 the Muses, 220. 
 Ca-mil'la, 342, 343, 351-354. 
 Ca'nis, the constellation of the Great 
 Dog. The most important star in 
 this constellation was specially 
 named Cams, and also Sirius, The 
 Deis Caniculares were as proverbial 
 for the heat of th.^ weather among 
 the Eomans as are the dog-days 
 among ourseWes. 
 Cap'a-neus, 230. 
 Car-men'ta, same as CamensB. 
 Car'thaok, 323, 321 
 Cas-san'dra, daughter of Priam and 
 Hecuba, and twin-sister of Helenus. 
 In hor youth she was the object of 
 Apollo's regard, and when she grew 
 up her beauty w n upon him so 
 much that he conferred upon her 
 the gift of prophecy, upon her 
 promising to comply with his de- 
 sires; but when she had become' 
 possessed of tho prophetic art she 
 refused to fulfill her promise. 
 Thereupon the god, in anger, or- 
 dained that no one should believe 
 her propliecies. On the capture of 
 Troy she fled into the sanctuary of 
 Athena (Minerva), but was torn 
 away from tho statue of tho god- 
 dess by Ajax, son of Oilcus, 290. 
 Cah-sio-pe'ia, 115, 148, 149, 150. 
 C!ap-ta'li-a, 373. 
 Cas-ta'lian Cave, 113. 
 (Uhtes (India), 402. 
 Cah'tor (and Pollux— the Dioscuri), 
 200, 202, 252, 253. 
 
 4:"1 
 
 ■' I'll 1 1 
 
 ■%: 
 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
470 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 mm 
 
 m. V 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cau'ca-8US, 27, 56, 215. 
 
 Ca-ys'teb, 56. 
 
 Ce-bri'o-neh, 275, 
 
 Ce'crops, 132, 190. 
 
 Celestials, 4. 
 
 Ce'le-us, 68, 74. 
 
 Cel-li'ni, Benvenuto, 390, 
 
 Celtic Nations, 445, 
 
 Cen'taurs, that is, tho bull-killers, 
 were aa ancient race, inhabiting 
 Mount Pel ion in ThoHsaly. They 
 led a wild and savage life, and aro 
 hence called savaf^o beaHt«, in 
 Homer. In later accounts they 
 were represented as half horses 
 and half men, and are said to have 
 been the offspring of Ixion and a 
 clovid. We V :>w that hunting tho 
 bull on hort^' ^k was a national 
 custom in Tliessaly, and that tho 
 Thessalians were colebrat(!d riders. 
 Hence may have arinen tho fablo 
 that tho Centaurs were half men 
 and half horses, just as the Ameri- 
 can Indians, when they lirst saw a 
 Spaniard on horseback, believed 
 horse and man to bo onu being, 
 158, 184, 219. 
 
 Ceph'a-lus, 29, 37, 38, 39, 110. 
 
 Ce'phe-U8, 145, 147, 149. 
 
 Cer'be-rus, thodoK that guarded tho 
 entrance of Hades, is called a son 
 of Typhaon and ICchidna. Home 
 poets represent him with 50 or 100 
 heads; but later writitrs d(;S(;ribe 
 him as a monster with only 3 
 heads, with the tail of a serpc^nt, 
 and with serpents round his neck, 
 109, 182, 247, 3.10. 
 
 Ce'res (Denii ter), 12, IH, 66, 67, 08, 
 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 107, 177, 214, 215, 
 216, 217. 
 
 Ces'tus, 9, 27. 
 
 Cey-lon,407. 
 
 Ce'yx (and Halcyono), 88, 04. 
 
 Cha'os, 6, 19, 58, 395. 
 
 Char'i-tes. (See (J races.) 
 
 Cha'ron, fion of Erebus, convoyed in 
 his boat the shadi^s of the di^id 
 across tho rivers of the lower wcu'ld. 
 For this 8(!rvice be was paid with 
 anobolus ordanacts whicli coin was 
 placed in tho month of every corjwo 
 previous to its burial, 109, 32M, :y,i\), 
 330. 
 
 Cha-ryh'dis, 303. 301, 32'.'. 
 
 Cm-MiW'uA, a flnt-ltrcaUiiiij^ mon- 
 ster, tho fore part of whose body 
 was that of a lion, the hind part 
 that of a dragon, and the middle 
 that of a goat. She tnado great 
 
 havoc iti Lycia and the sntronnd^ 
 ing countries, and was at length 
 killed by Bellerophon. The origin 
 of this flre-brcathing monster must 
 probably be sought for in the vol' 
 cano of the name of Chimeera, near 
 Phaselis, in Lycia, 151, 155, 1.56, 
 328, 386. 
 
 China, 407. 
 
 Chi'os, 255. 
 
 Chi' RON, the wisest and most just 
 of all the Centaurs, son of Cronos 
 (Saturn) and Philyra, lived on 
 Mount Pelion. He was instructed 
 by Apollo and Artemis (Diana), and 
 was renowned for his skill in hunt' 
 ing, medicine, music, gymnastic:', 
 and the art of prophecy. All the 
 most distinguished heroes of Gre- 
 cian story, as Peleus, Achilles, 
 Diomedes, etc., are described as tho 
 pupils of Chiron in these arts. He 
 saved Peleus from the other Cen- 
 taurs, who were on the point of ki. I- 
 ing him, and he also restored lo 
 him the sword which Acastus had 
 concealed. Hercules, too, was his 
 friend; but while fighting with tho 
 other Centaurs one of the poisoned 
 arrows of Herculi- struck Chiron, 
 who, although immortal, would not 
 live any longer, and gave his im- 
 mortality to Prometheus. Zeus 
 placed Chiron among the stars us 
 Sagittarius, 158, 219. 
 
 Chlo'ris, daughter of the Theban 
 Amphion and Niobe; she and li-^r 
 brother Amyclas were the only 
 children of Niobe not killed by 
 Apollo and Artemis (Diana). Shu 
 is often confounded with tho god- 
 dess of spring, who was also esi)c.- 
 cially worshipped as a Hora, undc^r 
 the title of Chloris, which corre- 
 sponds to tho Roman Flora. Siwi 
 was the goddess of buds and flow- 
 ers, of whom Boreas, tho nortli 
 winter wind, and Zephyrus, the 
 west spring wind, were rival lovers. 
 Siio chose tho latter, and becamu 
 his faithful wife. 
 
 ('horistkrs, 250. 
 
 Cmrv-se'is, 2(19. 
 
 (!hky'hks, 269. 
 
 Ci-co'Nr-ANs, 294. 
 
 CiM-MK'ur-AN, 43, 90. 
 
 Ci'mom, 196. 
 
 Ciu'cio, 76, 77, 78,300,301,303, 30!^ 
 301. 
 
 Ct-tii^/kon (Mount), 208, 242. 
 
 ( 'LA-Ros ^in Ionia), 88. 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 471 
 
 •I'; 
 
 e snrronnd. 
 s at length 
 The origin 
 onster must 
 ' in the vol' 
 imsera, near 
 I, 155, 156, 
 
 most just 
 
 u of Cronos 
 
 ,, lived on 
 
 s instructed 
 
 Diana), and 
 
 cill in hunt' 
 
 gymnastic?, 
 
 cy. All the 
 
 roes of Gre- 
 
 13, Achilles, 
 
 bribed as the 
 
 ise arts. He 
 
 I other Cen- 
 
 pointof ki.I- 
 
 restored to 
 
 Acastus had 
 
 too, was his 
 
 ing with tho 
 
 the poisoned 
 
 •uck Chiron, 
 
 a1, would not 
 
 ;ave his iin- 
 
 iheus. Zeus 
 
 the stars as 
 
 tho Thoban 
 she and her 
 re the only 
 )t killed l)y 
 Diana). 8liu 
 ith tho g(Ki. 
 as also i\s|H> 
 
 Hora, un(i(!r 
 wliich corm- 
 i Flora. Slit! 
 ds and ilow- 
 s, tho north 
 ephyrus, tlio 
 } rival lovrrs. 
 
 and bocuiuu 
 
 301, 302, 30:\ 
 
 Cli'o, 11, 12. 
 
 Clo'tho, 13. 
 
 Clym'k-ne, 51, 52. 
 
 Clyt-em-nes'tka, 291. 
 
 Clyt'i-b, 127. 
 
 Cni'dob, 83. 
 
 Cock'a-tbice, 387. 
 
 Co-cy'tus, 328. 
 
 Col'chis. 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 170. 
 
 Co-lo'nus, situated a mile from 
 Athens, near the Academy; cele- 
 brated for a temple of Neptune, a 
 grove of the Eumenides, the tomb 
 of (Edipus, and as the birthplace 
 of Sophocles, who describes it in his 
 CEdipus Coloneus. 
 
 Col'o'phon, 381. 
 
 Co-lum'ba, St., 451. 
 
 Co'mus was worshipped as guardian 
 of festal banquets, of mirthful en- 
 joyments, of lively humor, fun, and 
 social p easure, with attributes ex- 
 prcssin/f joy in many ways. For 
 this reason Milton takes this word 
 for the title of his poem Comus. On 
 the other hand, he was represented 
 frequently as an illustration of the 
 consequences ofnightly orgies, with 
 torch reversed, in drunken sleep, or 
 unable to stand. 
 
 Con-8En'te8, the twelve Etruscan 
 gods who formed 'jhe council of Ju- 
 piter, consisting of six male and six 
 female divinities. We do not know 
 the names of all of them, but it is 
 certain that Juno, Minerva, Sum- 
 nianus, Vulcan, Saturn, and Mars 
 were among them. 
 
 Co'iiA (Proserpina); 
 
 CoUDELtA, 232. 
 
 Cok'intii, 169, 170, 192, 245, 247, 249, 
 250. 
 
 Co-rin'thi-an Games, 197. 
 
 (^)U-NU-co'pi.A, 225, 226. 
 
 C/<)-ro'ni8, mother of ^Esculapius. 
 
 Cor-Y-han'tkh, priests of Cybelo, or 
 Rhea, in Piirygia, who celebrated 
 her worship with enthusiastic 
 dances, to tho sound of the drum 
 and tho cymbal. They are often 
 Identified with tho Ciiretesand the 
 Idieau Dactyl i, and thus are said to 
 have been tho nurses of Zeus in 
 Crete, 177. 
 
 Cot'tuh, a giant with one hundred 
 hands, son of Uranus (Heaven) and 
 Qa)a( Earth). 
 
 Cpab (Constellation), 53. 
 
 Cranks, 160. 
 
 Criva'tion, 10, 20. 
 
 Cbu'on, 231, 232. 
 
 Cbe'te, 116, 120, 121, 134, 192, IM, 
 196, 320. 
 
 Cre-u'sa, 169. 
 
 Cro/sus, king of Lydia, reigned B.C. 
 560-546. The fame of his power 
 and wealth drew to his court at 
 Sardis all the wise men of Greece, 
 and among them Solon. In reply 
 to the question, who was the hap- 
 piest man he had ever seen, the 
 Siige taught the king that no man 
 should be deemed happy till he had 
 finished his life in a happy way. 
 In a war with Cyrus, king of Per- 
 sia, Croesus was defeated and his 
 capital, Sardis, wao taken. Croesus 
 was condemned by the conqueror 
 to be burned to death. As he stood 
 before the pyre, the warning of So- 
 lon came to his mind, and he thrice 
 uttered the name of Solon. Cyrus 
 inquired who it was that he called 
 on ; and upon hearing the story re- 
 pented of his purpose, and not only 
 spared the life of Croesus, but made 
 him his frieu.T It is also said that 
 his boy, bom dumb, first spoke at 
 the sight of his father's danger. 
 
 Croc'a-le, 46. 
 
 Crom'lecii, 446. 
 
 Cro'nus, 6, 15, 177, 376. 
 
 Cro-to'na, 356, 359. 
 
 Cul-dee', 452. 
 
 Cu'm;e-an Sibyl, 339. 
 
 Cu'PiD (and Psyche), 100-112. 
 
 CU'PID (Eros), 9, 30, 31, 66, 83, 243. 
 
 Cy'a-ne, 68, 71. 
 
 Cyb'e le (Khoa), 176, 177. 
 
 Cy'clo-pe'an Walls, the name Cy- 
 clopean was given to the walls built 
 of great masses of unhewn stone, 
 of which specimens are still to be 
 seen at Myccmo and other parts of 
 Greece, and also in Italy. They 
 were probably constructed by tho 
 Pelasgians, and later generations, 
 being struck by their grandeur, 
 ascribed tiieir building to a fabu- 
 lous race of Cyclopes. 
 
 Cy-clo'pp:8, that is, creatures with 
 round or circular eyos, are de- 
 scribed differently by did'erent 
 writers. Homer speaks of tlu-m us 
 a gigantic and lawless race of slicp- 
 herds it; Sicily, who devoured hu- 
 man beings and cared naught for 
 Zeus; each of tliein had only one 
 eye in tho centre of his forehead. 
 They were thrown into Tartarus 
 by Cronus, but were released by 
 Zous, and in conaoriueuce tiiey pro 
 
 MY 
 I:. 
 
 •■.'7 
 
 w 
 
 fei: 
 
 it PA 
 
 
 
 I': 
 
 h. 'H ' 
 
 
 :4 
 
 l\i: 
 
 ■ m 
 
 m 
 
472 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 
 ■n. 
 
 
 '1 
 
 I'll 
 
 S ' it, VjS**^ T ' i^ (t iff 
 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 , til*- '4 ' ' f 
 
 
 vided Zeus with thunderbolts and 
 lightning, Pluto with a helmet, 
 and Poseidon with a trident. Thej 
 were afterwards killed by Apollo 
 for having furnished Zeus with 
 the thunderbolts to kill ^scula- 
 pius. A still later tradition re- 
 garded the Cyclopes as the assist- 
 ants of Vulcan. Volcanoes were 
 the workshops of that god, and 
 Mount iEtna in Sicily and the 
 neighboring isles were accordingly 
 considered as their abodes. It is 
 now generally conceded that the 
 Cyclopes were simply the personifi- 
 cation of the forces of the sky, 151, 
 152, 295, 296, 321, 322. 
 
 CVcLOPS, 219, 227, 255, 260, 261, 297, 
 298, 308. 
 
 Cyc/nus, 59. 
 
 Cyl-le'ne, Mount, the highest 
 mountain in Peloponnesus on the 
 frontiers of Arcadia and Achaia, 
 sacred to Hermes (Mercury), who 
 had a temple on the summit, was 
 said to have been born there, and 
 was hence called Cylleuius. 
 
 Cy'no-suee, 45. 
 
 Cyn'thi-a (Diana). 
 
 Cynthian, 137. 
 
 Ckn'thi-us (Apollo). 
 
 Cyp-a-ris'sus, son of Telephus, who, 
 having inadvertently killed his 
 favorite stag, was seized with im- 
 moderate grief, and metamorphosed 
 into a cypress. 
 
 Cy'prus, 9, 80, 84, 175, 290. 
 
 Cy-ke'ne, 239, 240. 
 
 Cyrus, 394. 
 
 Cyth'e-re'a, a name sometimes ap- 
 plied to Venus because of her wor- 
 ship on the Island of Cythera. It 
 was here that tradition says she 
 axose from the foam of the sea. 
 
 Dacd'a-lus, 192, 197, 198, 199, 200. 
 
 Dagon, 397. 
 
 Da' LA La' MA, 408. 
 
 Dan'a-e, 134, 142. 
 
 Da-na'i-de8, the fifty daughters of 
 Danaus, king of Argos, were be- 
 trothed to the fifty sons of iEgyp- 
 tus, but were commanded by their 
 father to slay each her own hus- 
 band on the marriage night. All 
 obeyed his order except llypertii- 
 nestra, who, preferring to bo re- 
 garded aa of weak resolution than 
 as a murderess, spared her husband, 
 LyuceuB, aud became the mother of 
 
 the Argive line of kings. While 
 Zeus approved the murderous deed 
 of her forty-nine sisters, and sent 
 Athene and Hermes to give them 
 expiation, Hypermnestra was cast 
 into a dungeon by her indignant 
 father, her husband, Lynceus, sav- 
 ing himself by flight. On being 
 brought to trial she was, however, 
 publicly acquitted; her husband', 
 returning to Argos, succeeded Dan- 
 aus on the throne, and in after 
 times was widely respected, among 
 other things for having founded 
 the great festival in honor of the 
 Argive Hera. The prize of victory 
 in the games that accompanied that 
 festival was a shield, not a wreath, 
 as was elsewhere usual; the tradi- 
 tion being that on the first occa- 
 sion of these games Lynceus pre- 
 sented his son Abas with the shield 
 which had belonged to Dane us. 
 Whether it was to obtain husbaids 
 for his daughters who had accoiii- 
 plished their own widowhood, or 
 whether it was to decide among a 
 multitude of suitors for their 
 hands, Danaus held a kind of tour- 
 nament, the victors in which were 
 to be accepted as husbands. Ou 
 the morning of the contest he 
 ranged his daughters together on 
 the course, and by noon each liad 
 been carried off by a victorious 
 athlete, a scion of some noble house. 
 
 Dan'a-us, 236. 
 
 Daph'ne (and Apollo), 29, 30, 32, 33. 
 
 Daph'nis, a Sicilian shepherd, sou 
 of Hermes (Mercury) by a nymph, 
 was taught by ^an to play ou tlui 
 flute, and was regarded as the in- 
 ventor of bucolic poetry. A Naiad 
 to whom he proved faithless pun- 
 ished him with blindness, vvhcrc!- 
 upon his father Hermes translated 
 him to heaven. 
 
 Dar-da-nklles, 161. 
 
 Dar'da-nu8, 257, 320. 
 
 Dawn, 4, 7, 54, 258, 259. 
 
 Day 5'' 
 
 Day'-htar, 51, 88, 00. 
 
 Dkath, 22H, 274, 328. (See Hela.) 
 
 De-id' a-aii'a, daughter of Lycomo- 
 des, in the island of Scyrus. When 
 Achilles was concealed there in 
 maiden's attire, she became by hiiu 
 the mother of Pyrrhus or Ncop. 
 tolenms. 
 
 Dki'mos (Dread), an attoudaul* «/ 
 Mars. 
 
 !:*♦• -: ■< ? 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 473 
 
 attoiidau^ v>/ 
 
 Dei'no, 141. 
 
 Dei-o'ne-us, father of Dia, wife of 
 Ixion. PrevioiiH to tlio marriage 
 lie had promised her fatlicr, accord- 
 ing to ancient usage, many valu- 
 able presents, which he afterwards 
 refused to give. Deioneus endeav- 
 ored to indemnify himself, but iu 
 the course of tliu att<tmpt perished 
 in a great hole, full of lire, which 
 had been cunningly prepared for 
 liim by Ixion. The first murder 
 of a relative, it was believed, that 
 had taken place in the world. 
 De-iph'o.bus, 2(57, liHO. 
 De-iph'-obb, a daughter of Glaucus. 
 She lived in a grotto beside the 
 towa of Cumee, in the Campania of 
 Italy, and was known by the name 
 of the Cumaean Bibyl. It was from 
 her that Tarquln the Proud, the 
 last king of Itotno, acquired the 
 three Sibylline books which con- 
 tained important prophecies con- 
 cerning the fate of Hr)me, and were 
 held in great reverence by the Ro- 
 mans. They wtsre i>reserved care- 
 fully in the Capitol down to the 
 time of Sulla, when they perished 
 in a Are. 
 Dkj'a-ni'iia, 184, 18r», 224, 226. 
 De'los, 29, 50, UH), 2«)7, ;J20, 
 Del' PHI, 2, 152, 197, 291, 2m, 372, 273. 
 Del-phin'ia, an annual festival held 
 in May, to commemorate the trib- 
 ute of seven boys and seven girls 
 wliom Athens had been compelled 
 in remote times to send every year 
 to Crete to bo oifered as sacriiices 
 to the Minotaur. 
 DeI/PHIn'-ium Ajacih, 280. 
 Def/phos, 31. 
 Dki/uoe, 24. 
 De-mk'tkii (Ceres), 12. 
 De-mo d'o-cuh, 313. 
 De'mi-08 (Dread), 131. 
 Des'ti-niks, 173. 
 
 Deit-o\'li-on (I'yrrha), 25, 26, 375. 
 Di'a, 200. 
 
 Dr.\'NA ( Art(^mlfl), 9, IH, 2)», .'10, .37, 40, 
 12, 45, 40, 47, 48, 50, 07, 72, 73, H3, 
 l.i2, 130, 1.37, 152,1.5H, 171, 172, 17 1, 
 19(5, 254, 255, 257, 207, 2!L', 320, 325, 
 3 12, 343, 352, 353, 3K0, 'M). 
 Di-a'na Kind, 3ho, 
 Di-a'na Kphkhianh, 4H, 250. 
 Di-a'na Kpiikhianh TKMPr.K. This 
 temple, for the grandeur of its 
 architecture, its siicc, splendor and 
 wealth, was reckoned om^ of tlie 
 seven woadors of the aucient world. 
 
 On the night on which Alexander 
 
 the Great was born it was set fire 
 to and almost completely destroyed 
 by a man named Herostratus, who 
 thus gained his object, which was 
 to enrol his name on the page of 
 history. Afterwards, when Alex- 
 ander had acquired renown by his 
 extraordinary conquests in Asia, 
 this coincidence was remarked and 
 accepted as having been an omen 
 of his future fame. Whether he 
 himself believed so or not, he 
 gladly assisted in the rebuilding of 
 the building, so when finished it 
 was more magnificent than before. 
 Dic'tys, 206. 
 Di'do, 323, 324, 330, 331. 
 Di-o-me'des, 265, 287, 290. 
 Di-o'ne, 9. 
 
 Di-o-NYs'i-A, festivals in honor of 
 Dionysus. In December a festival 
 with all manner of rustic enjoy- 
 ments was held in honor of Dio- 
 nysus in the country about Athens. 
 In January, a festival called Leneea 
 was held iu his honor in the town, 
 at which one of the principal fea> 
 tures was a nocturnal and orgiastic 
 procession of women. Then fol- 
 lowed, in February, the Anthes- 
 teria, the first day of which 
 was called "cask-opening day," 
 and the second "pouring-day." 
 Lastly came the great festival of 
 the year, the Great Dionysia, which 
 was held in the town of Athens, 
 and lasted from the ninth to the 
 fifteenth of March, the religious 
 part of the ceremony consisting of 
 a procession, in which an ancient 
 wooden image of the god was car- 
 ried through the streets from one 
 sanctuary to another, accompanied 
 by excited songs. The theatre of 
 Dionysus was daily the scene of 
 splendid dramatic performances, 
 and the whole town was astir and 
 gay. 
 
 Di-o-nyr'us (Bacchus), 12. 
 
 Dr-os-cu'Ki (Castor and Pollux), 201- 
 
 Di'u-K (rurles). 
 
 Diu'c-K, 213. 
 
 Dts (Pluto). 
 
 1)is-oou'di-a (Eris), 262, 264, 328. 
 
 Do-do'na, 371, 372, 373. 
 
 Dolphin, 247. 
 
 I)oh'ok-us, 47. 
 
 Do'ius, .57,218,219. 
 
 Do'kus, a son of Hellen, and tho 
 mythical ancestor of the Dorians. 
 
 
 
 h .,: i 
 
 l! S\ 
 
Pit 
 
 
 mm i 
 Mi 
 
 
 i V-11 
 
 
 •v-iilili'-;' ,' - ;.*. ' 
 
 474 
 
 INDEX AND DICl/ONABY. 
 
 Drag'on, 375. 
 
 Dru'ids, 445-451. 
 
 Dry'-a-des (or Dryads), 18, 212, 214, 
 
 215. 
 Dby'o-pe, 79, 81.82, 83. 
 Du-a-mu'tef, 3(32. 
 
 Earth (Gae), 6, 8, 57, 58, 180, 181, 
 248, 372. 
 
 E-chid'na, a monster, half woman 
 and half serpent, became by Ty i)h<)n 
 the mother of tlie Chimicra, of tirj 
 many-headed dog Orthus, of the 
 hundred-headed dragoa who guard- 
 ed the apples of the Hesperides, of 
 the Colchian dragon, of the Sphinx, 
 of Cerberus (hence called Echidnem 
 cania), of Scylla, of Gorgon, of the 
 Lernaean Hydra {Echidna Lernica), 
 of the eagle which consumed the 
 liver of Prometheus, and of the 
 Nemean lion. She was killed in 
 her sleep by Argus Panoptos. 
 
 Ech'o (and Narcissus), 122 127. 
 
 Ec-Lu'oN, one of the five soldiers 
 whom Cadmus failed to kill. 
 
 Eddas, 408-413, 437, 441. 
 
 E-gii/ri-a, 196, 220. 
 
 Egg, 3(J5. 
 
 E'OYPT, 152, 200, 259, 290, 356. 
 
 E-gyp'tian Deities, 358, 359-371. 
 
 Ei-Re'nk. (See Irene.) 
 
 Eis-tedd'fod, 450. 
 
 EKHMEEN, 3()(). 
 
 E-lec'tra, 257, 291, 292, 293. 
 
 EL-EU-siyi-AN Festivals. There 
 were two festivals held annually,— 
 the lesser in spring, when the ear- 
 liest flowers appeared, and the 
 greater in the month of Sei)tember. 
 The latter occupied nine days, coni- 
 mencing on the night of the 20th 
 with a torchlight procession. 
 Though similar festivals existed 
 in various parts of Greece, and even 
 of Italy, those of Eleusis in Attica 
 contii\ued to retain sometliing like 
 national importance, and, from the 
 immense concourse of people who 
 came to take part in them, were 
 among the iirincipal attract ions of 
 Athens. The duties of high jtricst 
 were vested in tlu^ fiiinily of Kii- 
 molpidie, whose ancestor Euiiiol- 
 pus, according to one account, luul 
 been insfjilled in the ollice by Cctcs 
 herself. The festival was brought 
 to a close by games, among which 
 was that of bnll-baitiiig. 
 
 El-eu-bin'i-an Mybtkbiks. Those 
 
 mysteries had been Instituted hy 
 Ceres, herself, and we know from 
 the testimony of men like Pindat 
 and iEschylus, who had beeu in< 
 itiated, that they were -well calcu- 
 lated to awaken most profound 
 feelings of piety and a cheerful 
 hope of better life iu the future. It 
 is believed that the ceremony of in- 
 itiatiou consisted, not iu instruc- 
 tion jis to what to believe or how to 
 act to bo worthy of Persephone's 
 favor, but in elaborate and pro- 
 longed representations of the vari- 
 ous scenes and acts on earth and 
 under it connected with her abduc- 
 tion by ILules. The ceremony took 
 place at niglit, and it is probable 
 that advantiige wsis taken of the 
 darkness to make the scenes in the 
 lower world more hideons and im- 
 pressive. Probably these represen- 
 tations were reserved for the Epop. 
 tie, or persons in the final stage of 
 initiation. Those in the earlier 
 stages were called Mystae. Asso- 
 ciated with Ceres and Perseplione 
 in the worship of Eleusis was Di- 
 onysus in his youthful character 
 and under the name of Jaecluis. 
 Rut at what time this first took 
 ]>lace, whether it was duo to some 
 afllnityin the orgiastic nature of 
 his worship, or rather to his IocjU 
 connection with Attica as god of tlie 
 vine, is not known. 
 
 E-i.ku'hih, (i8, 74. 
 
 Emm N Marbles, 197, 379. 
 
 E'lis, 171, 179. 
 
 El' LI, old age. The one successful 
 wrestler against Thor, 430, 431. 
 
 Elvkh, 419, 437, 438. 
 
 El-vid'nik, 421. 
 
 E LYH'r-AN, 331. 
 
 E-lvh'i-an /ikldb, 334. 
 
 E-lvh'i-an Plaix, 3. 
 
 E-LYH'i-ir>f. In Homer Elysium forms 
 no part of the realms of tlie dcjid; 
 he pla(a;s it on the W. of the eartli, 
 near Ocean, and describes it as 
 a happy land, where there is 
 neither snow, nor cold, nor ruin. 
 llitiuT favored heroes, lik<i Mine- 
 laus, pass without dying, and live 
 happy under tho rule of Ithiuhi- 
 niaiitlius. In the Latin pools Klys- 
 in HI is part of the lower world, and 
 tlie residence of the shades of tlie 
 blessed, 217, 336, .337. 
 
 E-m\'tii[-a, a district of Macedonia. 
 betwecu tho lialiaciuou uud tlie 
 
 E-PK' 
 
 of 
 Epji'i 
 
INDEX AND DICTIOJAJRY. 
 
 475 
 
 Axius. The poets frequently save 
 the name of Emathia to the whole 
 of Macedonia, and sometimes even 
 to the neighboring Theasaly. 
 
 Em'bla, the first woman. Tlio Norso 
 gods found two dead trees — the ash 
 and the embla. Fron: the first 
 tliey made man and from the sec- 
 ond woman. There is no certaiiity 
 what tree the embla was, possibly 
 tlio elm or alder, 412. 
 
 Em-panada, a Boman goddess, whose 
 touiple was always open to the 
 lu)or. They were supplied from 
 tlie temple offerings. 
 
 En-cel'a-dus, 66, 151. 
 
 En-che'li-ans, 115. 
 
 En-uym'i-on, 254, 255. 
 
 En'na, 67. 
 
 E-ny'o, the goddess of war, who de- 
 lights in bloodshed and the de- 
 struction of towns, accompanies 
 Ares in battles, 131, 141. 
 
 E'os, in Latin Aurora, the god- 
 dess of the dawn, daughter of Hy- 
 perion and Thia or Euryphassa; or 
 of Pallas, according to Ovid. At 
 the close of every night she rose 
 from the couch of her spouse Ti- 
 thonus, and in a chariot drawn by 
 swift horses ascended up to heaven 
 from the river Oceanus.to announce 
 thecomingliglitoftliosun. Shecar- 
 rictl off several youthsdistinguished 
 for their beauty, such as Orion, Ce- 
 phalus, and Tithonus, whence she 
 is called by Ovid Tithonia conjux. 
 She bore Memnon to Tithonus. 
 
 Ep'a-piius, son of Jupiter and lo, 
 born on the river Nile, after the 
 long wanderings of his mother. 
 Ho became king of Egypt, and built 
 Memphis. 
 
 E-pk'us, son of Panopeus, and builder 
 of tlic Trojan horse. 
 
 Ep!i'k-sus, the chief of the 12 Ionian 
 cities on the coast of Asia Minor. 
 In tlie plain beyond Its walls stood 
 the celebrated temple of Artemis 
 (Diima). With the rest of Ionia, 
 Epiiesus fell under the power suc- 
 ct'Hsively of Croesus, the Persians, 
 the Macedonians, and the Romans. 
 It was always very flourishing, and 
 bocamo even more so as the other 
 Ionian cities decayed. In tlio early 
 history of the Christian Church it 
 is conspicuous as having been vis- 
 ited both by St. Paul and St. .Tolni, 
 who also addressed epistles to the 
 Church established at Ephcsus. 
 
 Eph'i-al'tes. Son of Neptune. He 
 and his brother Otus tried to dis- 
 possess Zeus by scaling heaven. 
 They piled Mount Pelios on Mount 
 Ossa, but were defeated and con- 
 demned to Hades. 
 
 Epi dau'ruh. a town in Argolis, on 
 the Saronic gulf, formed, with its 
 territory, Epidauria. It was the 
 chief seat of the worship of .^i:scu- 
 lapins, whoso temple was 8itnat«'d 
 about 5 miles from the town, 116. 
 19J,374. 
 
 E-PIQ''>-Nr, that is, "tlie Descend- 
 ants," tlio name of the S()ns of the 7 
 heroes who perished before Thebes. 
 Ten years after their death the 
 descendants of the 7 lieroes marched 
 against Thebes, which they took 
 and razed to the ground. The 
 names of the Epigoni are not the 
 same in all accounts; but the com- 
 mon lists couiain Alcnneon, iEgia- 
 leus, Diomedes, Promachus, Stheu- 
 elus, Tiiersander, and Euryalus. 
 
 Ep-i-mk'theus, 20, 21, 26. 
 
 E-pi'rus, 321, .'{71. 
 
 E-P(/pE-us, 20(). 
 
 Eq'ui-tes, Knights of the Equestrian 
 Order. 
 
 Eu'a-to, 12, 15, 
 
 Eu'e-bus, son of Chaos, begot /Ether 
 and H.'mera (Day) liy Nyx (Night), 
 his sister. The naiiio signifies dark- 
 ness, and is therefore applied to the 
 dark and gloomy space under the 
 earth, through which the shades 
 pass into Hades, 19, 73, 109, 195, 
 236,341. 
 
 ER'lCIl-TIIo'Nr-l'H, 1!)0. 
 
 E-rid'a-nus, ,')S. 
 
 E-rin'ny-ks, or E-ri'nys, 13, 293. 
 
 Er'i-phv'm:, 230. 
 
 K'ris (Disrord), 131. 202,261. 
 
 ER-i-sicn'THoy, 212.211, 217,224. 
 
 E'R()H((;npid\ 10, 19. 
 
 Er'y-tii1'/ia Islanj), 180,181. 
 
 E'nvx, m. 
 
 E-si:'pi's, 2r)fl. 
 
 E-tk/o-('m:s, 230, 231. 
 
 E-TRll'l{I-A. .350. 
 
 E-TRUs'i;.\Ns, .316, 317, 352. 
 
 El}-M.K'us.3ir>, 3IH. 
 
 Eu-mkn'i-1)i;s, also tailed Erinys, 
 and by the UoinanH Fnrini or Di- 
 raie, the Avenging Deities. The 
 name Hriiiys is i\w more ancient 
 one; tlio form Eunienides, which 
 sigiiides "the well-meaning," or 
 "soothed goddesses," is a mere eu« 
 phemism, because people dreadQ(9 
 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 
 
 I.;:'' '1 
 
 4 
 
 
 •i 
 
 km 
 
 m4 
 
Pi 
 
 476 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 V nf 
 
 fir I f^' 
 
 7. 
 
 ^w r 
 
 
 '^t-.f 
 
 
 
 yi 
 
 
 <' u 
 
 If- '* 
 
 
 
 ,l*'-tT 
 
 to call thcwo fearful goddesses by 
 thoir rml iiatiio. It was said to 
 bavo Ihjwii fliMfc ^Jven t'aem after the 
 acquittal of Orestes by the Areopa- 
 gtui, witutt the anger of tlie Eriuys 
 had boiti Kootlied, Tluy are rcp- 
 rcHentad an the daughters of Earth 
 or of Night, and as fearful winged 
 malduitH, with serpents twined in 
 thulr hair, and with blood dripping 
 from thoir eyea. They dwelt in 
 the dupthi^ of Tartarus, dreaded by 
 goilH and men. With later writers 
 Iheir nntnher la usually three, and 
 thi'Jr iiameH aro Tisiphone, Alecto, 
 and Mog»ra, They punished ^aen 
 both In tliif* world and after deatl;. 
 Tho sacrlflcej* offered to them con- 
 Histod of black flhe(:p and nophalia, 
 : «,, a drink of honey mixed with 
 watttr. The crimep, which they 
 chkilly vanished were disobedience 
 iowar«b< parctits, violation of the 
 rmpaiit (lue to old age, perjury, 
 murd<»r, violation of the laws of 
 hoHpltlvllty, afid improper conduct 
 toward)* Riippliants, 13, 251, 292. 
 Eu-PHOtt'nuH, .'Ws. 
 
 EUPHBATKW, M, 
 
 E r-PHBOH'V-NK, 12. 
 
 Ej-BlP'r-D'^H, 203, 385. 
 
 Ei/'Bo'i'A, daughter of the Phoeni- 
 uiau kttig Agciior, or, according to 
 cho lllini, daughter of Phcenix. 
 Her beauty charmed Zeus (Jupi- 
 ter), who assumed the form of a 
 bull, and mingled with the herd as 
 Europa and her maidens were 
 ■porting on the sea-shore. Encoui'- 
 agwl by the tamcness of the ani- 
 mal, Europa tried to mount his 
 back; whereupon the god rushed 
 into tho sea, and swam with hor to 
 C.oto. Here she became by Zeus 
 tho mother of Minos, Rhadaman- 
 tluw, and Harpedon, 113, 134. 
 
 EURIW, 220. 221,222. 
 
 Eimiv'a-m;m. 317 34J). 
 
 Eu-liVl/l-cK, 231-238, 241, 242. ?17. 
 
 EuHVl/0'<!iinH, a companion of Ulys- 
 ni'M, wan the oJily one that escaped 
 
 , frooj tho house of Circe when his 
 friiv:;d" v'cre metamorphosed into 
 Hwlno, :««♦, 301. 
 
 Eu-BVN'o IWK, 7. 
 
 Eu-H"h'a-<!KM, Mon of A. ax (Telamo- 
 nla,»).na»ued for his father's sliield, 
 
 En-UVH'TIIK!tS, W), 17H, 179, 180, 181, 
 1H2. 
 
 Eu-liVT't-ON, ir<8, 180. 
 
 iiU-UV'TUH, k'lug of (Eclialia, a cele- 
 
 brated archer, who vied with Her. 
 
 cules. Hercules slew his son, and 
 
 became the slave of Omphale, in 
 
 consequence. 
 Eu-ter'pe, 12, 15. (See Muses.) 
 Eux'iNE (Sea), 2, 163. 
 E-vad'ne, 230, 231. 
 E- van' DEB, 343, 344, 345, 350. 
 Eve, 26, 116, 126, 221, 375. 
 
 Fafiiir. According to the Solar 
 Theory of the Nibelungeulied, Faf. 
 uir, who guards the stolen ticas- 
 "rcs, is simply the Darkness who 
 steals the dav, 443. 
 
 Fa MA, the goddess of fame or re- 
 port, whether good or bad, was siiid 
 to be a daughter of (Jaea, and l)orii 
 at the time of her great i rid ignatiou 
 at the overthrow of the (liaiits. 
 :'5leeples always prying, swift of 
 foot, Fania announced whatever 
 'ihe saw or heard of, at first in a 
 whisper addressed only to a fi'w 
 persons, then by degrees loudci aiid 
 to a larger circle, until finally she 
 had traversed heaven and iartli 
 communicating it. She was npre- 
 seuted as a tender, gentle figure, 
 winged, and holding a trumpet. 
 
 Fam'ine, 215, 216. 
 
 Fatk, tho Greek name l)ein<r 
 Ananke, the Boman Fatuui, was a 
 personification of the unalterable 
 necessity that appeared to control 
 the career of mankind and tlie 
 events of the world. Gods, as well 
 as men, were subject to its un- 
 changing decrees. This deity was 
 the offspring of Night and Krehus. 
 H er sentences were carried out by 
 the Parcic, who, however, were 
 jilso looked upon as independent 
 deities of fate, he was represented 
 standing on a globe, and hoidngan 
 urn. 
 
 Fates. They were des. ril)ed as 
 daughters of Night — to indicate 
 the diirkness and obscurity of hu- 
 man fate — or of Zeus and i'liiniis, 
 that is, " daughters of ilie just 
 heavens " Another story has it 
 thiit it was they who united Tiierais 
 and ''(MIS in marriage, the Kaim; 
 ceremony, according to anotlier ver- 
 sion of t!i0 myth, having hccii |u>r- 
 foruKid by them to Zeus and Hera. 
 It was natural to suppose tlie god- 
 des:3os of fate present and lakini? 
 part at marriages and births. The 
 
ho vied with Her. 
 } slew his son, and 
 ve of Oiuphalc la 
 
 (See Muses.) 
 163. 
 1. 
 
 44, 345, 350. 
 221, 375. 
 
 ing to the Si)lar 
 ibeluiiistenlied, Faf- 
 8 the stolen troas- 
 tlie Darkness who 
 t43. 
 
 ms of fame or re- 
 ood or bad, was said 
 )r of fxsea, and born 
 er great J rid igiiatioii 
 row of the <iiimts. 
 ys prying, swift of 
 inounced whatever 
 ard of, at first in a 
 jsed only to a few 
 y degrees louder and 
 cle, until finally she 
 heaven and earth 
 ; it. She was rcpre- 
 inder, gentle figure, 
 jlding a trumpet. 
 6. 
 
 reek name l)ein,i 
 
 U>rnan Fatuui, was a 
 
 , of the unaltcral)le 
 
 appeared to ((Mitrol 
 
 mankind and tlie 
 
 Yorld. Gods, as well 
 
 subject to its u.i- 
 
 ecs. This deity was 
 
 f Night and i'^rebus. 
 
 I were carried out by 
 
 'ho, however, were 
 
 ipon as independent 
 
 . .be was represented 
 
 globe, and hold' ug an 
 
 were dc8> ribcd as 
 Night — to indicate 
 and Obscurity of hu- 
 of Zeus and Tlicniis, 
 ighters of I'.ie, just 
 notliev story has it 
 sywiio united Themis 
 marriage, the, samo 
 ordingtoanollierver' 
 i^th, having been pr- 
 na to Zeus and Hera. 
 I to finpi)osc the god- 
 present and taUiui,' 
 igcs and birtiis. The 
 
 INDEX AND DICTION AliY. 
 
 47; 
 
 
 names of the three sisters were j 
 Olotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. To 
 express the influence which they 
 were believed to exercise on human 
 life from birth to death, they were 
 conceived as occupied in spinning 
 a thread of gold, silver or wool ; 
 now tightening, now slackening, 
 and at last cutting it off. This oc- 
 cupation was so arranged among 
 the three, that Clotho, the young- 
 est, put the wool round the spindle, 
 Lachesis spun it, and Atropos, the 
 eldest, cut it off when a man had to 
 die. Tyche, or Fortuna, on account 
 of the similarity of her functions, 
 has been regarded, but incorrectly, 
 as a fourth sister. They were rep- 
 resented in art as serious maidens, 
 always side by side, and in most 
 cases occupied as we have men- 
 tioned; there are instances, how- 
 ever, in which Atropos, the " unal- 
 terable," is represented alone. 
 Tiiey were worshipped very seri- 
 ously both in Greece and Italy; 
 sacrifices of honey and flowers, 
 sometimes of ewes, were offered to 
 them, while in Sparta and in Rome 
 they had temples and altars, 13, 73, 
 84, 215, 227, 228, 328. 
 Fauns, 16, 96. 
 
 Fau'nus, son of Picus, grandson of 
 Saturnus, and father of Latinus, 
 was the third in the series of the 
 kings of the Laurentes. He was 
 worshipped as the protecting deity 
 of agriculture and of shepherds, and 
 also as a giver of oracles. After the 
 introduction of the worship of the 
 Greek Pan into Italy, Faunus was 
 identified with Pan, and repre- 
 sented, like tlie latter, with horns 
 »tul goat's feet. At a later time 
 vvo find mention of Fauni in the 
 PiUral. What Faunus was to the 
 male sex, his wife Faula or Fauna 
 was to the female. As the god 
 manifested himself in various ways, 
 the idea arose of a plurality of 
 FauMS (Fauni), who are described 
 as half men, half goats, and with 
 horns. Faunus gradually came to 
 bo identified with the Arcadian 
 Pan, and the Fauni with the Greek 
 Satvrs, 16, 49, 212, 260, 340. 
 Pa-vo'ni-US, 220. 
 Feak, 215, 328. 
 
 Fen'kis. Born of Loki, the Evil 
 Principle of Scandinavia, the hag 
 Angerboda — the offspring were 
 
 three. The Wolf, the Serpent, and 
 Death. The Fenrl« wolf i« supposed 
 to liave perKonat<id the element of 
 fins, destructive except when 
 cliained, 420, 421, 433, 4:H>. 
 
 Fen-sa'lib. Frcya'H paljice, called 
 the Hall of tl»e H<!a. Hero were 
 brought together lovers, husbands 
 and wives who Imd been Heparate<l 
 by deatlj, 433. 
 
 Fe-ro'ni'-a, an ancient Ifcilian di- 
 vinity, wboKo (shief Hanctuary was 
 at Terracina, near Mount Soracte. 
 At her festival at this place a great 
 fair was held. 
 
 Fi'di':8, tile person ifl(!utlon of faithful, 
 ness, worshipped as a goddess at 
 Rome. 
 
 Finoal'r Cavb, 449, 450, 
 
 FiUK, 441. 
 
 FlRI.:-WORHHII>l>KltH, 393. 
 
 Flo'ra, tluj Roman goddess of flowen 
 and spring, wIiom(! annual festival 
 (Floralia) was celelirated from the 
 28th of April till the iHt of May, 
 with extravagant merriment and 
 lasciviouHiieHH, 10, 221. 
 
 For-tu'na, 137. IHH. 
 
 Fortunate Fields, 3, 
 
 Fortunate Islands, 337. 
 
 Forum, 345. 
 
 Fbe'ki, one of Odin's wolves, 413. 
 
 Frev. (See Freyr.) 
 
 Frrv' A, 418, 419, 422, 423, 424, 437, 441. 
 
 Freyr, 418, 419, 424, 425, 437, 438,439. 
 
 Frio'ga. Of all the goddesses, Frig- 
 ga was the bust atid dearest to Odin. 
 She satenthrotiod henide him, and 
 surveyed the world. She knew 
 all, and exercised control over the 
 whole fa<!e of nature. She is usu- 
 ally attended hy her handmaiden 
 Full or Fidla. Hho was also a god- 
 dess and presided over smiling na- 
 ture, seniling Hiitisliinc;, rain, and 
 harvest. She WJls further a god- 
 dess into wlioHo charge the dead 
 passed. As has been said, half the 
 number of iMiroes who fell in l)attle 
 belonged to her. Hlie Is often rep- 
 resented driving In a cartdrawn bv 
 two cats, 419, 433, 434, 435, 437, 441." 
 
 Frost, 441. 
 
 Frost Giants, 422, 433, 437, 4.39., 
 
 Fum/a, 419. 
 
 Fu'biks, 13, 174, 230, 249, 250, 327, .328, 
 331, 333, 341. 
 
 Oee'a, or 0«, ciilhid Tellus by the 
 Uouians, the personification of the 
 
 
 
 1*4'^ 
 
 1' M 
 
 
 ^\^. 
 
m 
 
 478 
 
 i2^DiS;X ^JV2> DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 
 '■i 
 
 
 
 7 k.' 
 
 
 earth, is described as the first being 
 that sprung from Chaos, and gave 
 birth to Uranus (Heaven) and Pon- 
 tu8(Soa). By Uranus she became 
 the mother of the Titans, who were 
 hated by their father. Ge there- 
 fore concealed tliem in the bosom 
 of the earth ; and she made a large 
 iron sickle, with which Cronos 
 (Saturn) mutilated Uranus. Ge or 
 Tell us was regarded by both Greeks 
 and Romans as one of the gods of 
 the nether world, and hence is fre- 
 quently mentioned where they are 
 invoked, 19. 
 
 Gal-a-te'a, 219, 247, 259-261. 
 
 Gal-a-te'a. (See Pygmalion.) 
 
 Games. Tiiese were four in number : 
 the Olympian, Pythian, Nemean, and 
 Isthmian. The first mentioned was 
 held in honor of Zeus, ou the plain 
 of Olympia, in Elis. It occurred 
 every fifth year, and the usual 
 method of reckoning time was ac- 
 cording to its reoccurrence — by 
 Olympiads, as we say. The games 
 with which it was celebrated con- 
 sisted of running, wrestling, box- 
 ing, a combination of the two lat- 
 ter, horse-racing, either with chari- 
 ots or only with riders. The prize 
 of victory was simply a wreath of 
 olive, and yet athletes trained 
 themselves laboriously and trav- 
 elled great distances to compete for 
 it. Kings sent their horses to run 
 in the races, and counted a victory 
 among the highest honors of their 
 lives. The fellow townsmen of a 
 victorious athlete would raise, a 
 statue in his honor. Occasionally 
 writers, as we are told of Herodo- 
 tus, took this occasion of a vast as- 
 semblage of their countrymen to 
 read to them parts of their writings. 
 The Pythian games were held in 
 honor of Apollo, in tiic neighbor- 
 hood of Delphi, and occurred every 
 fifth year, there being competition 
 in music as well as in athletics. 
 The prize was a wreath of laurel. 
 At the Nemean games, which were 
 held in honor of Zens, the prize 
 was a wreatii of ivy. The Isthmian 
 games were held in honor of Posei- 
 don (Neptune) on the Isthmus of 
 
 ^ Corinth, and occurred every third 
 year; the prize was a wreath of 
 pine, 29, 197. 
 
 Gan'oeh, 56. 
 
 Qan'v-mbde sou of Tros aud Cal- 
 
 lirrhoe, and brother of Ilua and 
 Assaracus, was the most beautiful 
 of all mortals, and was carried oflf 
 by the gods that he might fill the 
 cup of Zeus, and live among the 
 immortal gods. This is the Ho- 
 meric account. Later writers state 
 that Zeus himself carried him off 
 in the form of an eagle, or by 
 means of his eagle. There is, 
 further, no agreement as to the 
 place where the event occurred 
 though later writers usually repre- 
 sent him as carried off from Mount 
 Ida. Zeus compensated the father 
 for his loss by a pair of divine 
 horses. Astronomers placed Gany- 
 medes among the stars under the 
 name of Aquarius. His name was 
 sometimes corrupted in Latin into 
 Catamitus, 187, 188. 
 
 Gatherer (Bridge of the), 393. 
 
 Gau'ta-ma, 405. 
 
 Gem'i-ni, 201. i 
 
 Genghis Khan, 407. 
 
 Ge'ni-trix, that is, "the mother," 
 used by Ovid, as a surname of 
 Cybele, in the place of muter, or 
 magnamater ; but it is bettor known 
 as a surname of Venus, to -^vhoni Cte- 
 sar dedicated a temple at Rome, as 
 the mother of the Julia gens. 
 
 Ge'ni-us, a protecting spirit, anal- 
 ogous to the guardian angels in- 
 voked by the Church of Rome. 
 The belief in such spirits existed 
 both in Greece and at Rome. The 
 Greeks called them Dsemoiis, and 
 the poets represented them as 
 dwelling on earth, 17. 
 
 Ger'da, 425. 
 
 Ge'ri, 413. 
 
 Ge'ky-on, 180, 181, 182. 
 
 Ghost, 17. 
 
 Gi-al'lar Horn. The trumpet that 
 Heimdal will blow at the judgment 
 day, 439. 
 
 Giants, The giants sprang from the 
 blood that fell from Uranus upon 
 the earth, so that Ge (the earth) 
 was their nioth<,r. They are repre- 
 sented as beings of a monstrous size, 
 with fearful countenances and the 
 tails of dragons. Tliey made an 
 attack upon heaven, being armed 
 with huge rocks and trunks of 
 trees ; but the gods, with tlie as- 
 sistance of Hercules, destroyed 
 them all, and buried nuuiy of them 
 under yEtna and other vokauoes. 
 It is worthy of remark that most 
 
rother of Ilua and 
 the most beautiful 
 and was carried off 
 t he might fill the 
 nd live amoiiji the 
 This is the Uo- 
 
 Later writers state 
 elf carried him off, 
 >f an eagle, or by 
 
 eagle. There is, 
 reement as to the 
 le event occurred, 
 riters usually ropre- 
 •ried off from Mount 
 pensated the father 
 )y a pair of divine 
 omers placed Gany- 
 the stars under the 
 iu8. His name was 
 •upted in Latin into 
 188. 
 ge of the), 393. 
 
 \ 
 
 407. 
 
 ,t is, "the mother," 
 i, as a surname of 
 5 place of muter, or 
 lut it is better known 
 F Venus, to Tvliom Van- 
 a temple at Rome, as 
 the Julia gens, 
 tecting spirit, anal- 
 guardian angels in- 
 3 Church of Eonie. 
 
 such spirits existed 
 s and at Rome. The 
 
 them Daemons, and 
 presented them as 
 rth, 17. 
 
 81, 182. 
 
 J. The trumpet that 
 )low at the judgment 
 
 iants sprang from the 
 1 from Uranus upon 
 that Ge (the earth) 
 \\i,v. Thej'are ropre- 
 fs of a monstrous size, 
 )untenances and the 
 ms. They made an 
 leaven, being armed 
 icks and trunks of 
 e gods, with the as- 
 Hercules, destroyed 
 buried many of tlieui 
 and other volcanoes. 
 )f remark that most 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 479 
 
 (•:'' 
 
 
 writers place the giants in vol- 
 canic districts; and it is probable 
 that the story of their contest with 
 gods took its origin from volcanic 
 convulsions, 151, 182, 375, 415. 
 
 Gi-bral'tar, 180. 
 
 Glasir, 417. 
 
 Glau'ce. (1) One of the Nereides, 
 the name Glauce being only a per- 
 sonification of the color of the sea. — 
 (2) Daughter of Creon of Corinth, 
 also called Creusa. 
 
 Glau'cus (and Scylla), 66, 75, 76, 77, 
 78, 267, 303. 
 
 Gleip'nir, 421. 
 
 Gna, 419. 
 
 Gods, Statues, 377-380. 
 
 Golden Age, 16, 23, 24, 376. 
 
 Golden Apples, 262, 375. 
 
 Golden Fleece, 161, 165. 
 
 Gor'di-an Knot, 62. 
 
 Gor'di-us, 62. 
 
 Gor'gons, 141, 144, 145, 147, 149, 150, 
 386. 
 
 Gor'qon's Head, 149, 150. 
 
 Graces (Charites). The Graces were 
 the personification of Grace and 
 Beauty. They were the goddesses 
 who enhanced the enjoyments of 
 life by refinement and gentleness. 
 They are mostly described as in 
 the service of other divinities, and 
 they lend their grace and beauty to 
 everything that delights and ele- 
 vates gods and men, 5-12. 
 
 Grac'chi, the name of a celebrated 
 family of the Sempronia gens. 
 
 6r^'^, 141, 144. 
 
 Gram, 443. 
 
 Grand La'ma, 407, 408. 
 
 Great Bear (Constellation), 44, 55. 
 
 Greek Gods, 1-15. 
 
 Gryphon (griflin), a fabulous animal, 
 with the body of a lion and the 
 head and wings of an eagle, dwell- 
 ing in the Rhipsean mountains, be- 
 tween the Hyperboreans and the 
 one-eyed Arimaspians, and guard- 
 ing the gold of the North. The 
 Arimaspians mounted on horse- 
 back and attempted to steal the 
 gold, and hence arose the hostility 
 between the horse and the griflin. 
 The belief in griffins came from 
 the East, where they arc mentioned 
 among the fabuous animals which 
 guarded the gold of India, IGO. 
 
 Gup/bers, 394. 
 
 Gul-lin-burs'ti, 437. 
 
 Gull'topp, 437. 
 
 Qun'lad, 414. 
 
 Gun'nar, 443, 444. 
 
 Gut'horn, 444. 
 
 Gyoll, 435. 
 
 Gy'es, son of Uranus (Heaven) and 
 Ge (Earth), one of the giants with 
 100 hands who made war upon ths 
 gods. 
 
 Ha'des, the god of the nether world. 
 In ordinary life he was usually 
 called Pluto (the giver of wealth), 
 because people did not like to pro- 
 nounce the dreaded name of Hades 
 or Aides. The Roman poets use 
 the names Dis, Orcus and Tartarus 
 as synonymous with Pluto. Hades 
 was the son of Cronus (Saturn) and 
 Rhea, and brother of Zeus (Jupi- 
 iter) and Poseidon (Neptune). His 
 wife was Persephone or Proserpina, 
 the daughter of Ceres, whom he 
 carried off from the upper world, 
 as is related elsewhere. In the 
 division of the world among the 
 3 brothers, Hades obtained the 
 nether world, the abode of the 
 shades, over which he ruled. His 
 character is described as fierce and 
 inexorable, whence of all the gods 
 he was most hated by mortals. 
 The sacrifices offered to him and 
 Persephone consisted of black 
 sheep; and the person who offered 
 the sacrifice had to turn away his 
 face. The ensign of his power was 
 a staff, with which, like Hermes, 
 he drove the shades into the lower 
 world. There he sat upon a throne 
 with his consort Persephone. He 
 possessed a helmet which rendered 
 the wearer invisible, and which he 
 sometimes lent to both gods and 
 men. Like the other gods, he was 
 not a faithful husband; the Furies 
 are called his daughters; the 
 nymph Mintho, whom he loved, 
 was metamorphosed by Persephone 
 into the plant called mint; and the 
 nymph Leuce, whom he likewise 
 loved, was changed by him after 
 death into a white poplar. Being 
 the king of the lower world, Pluto 
 is the giver of all the blessings 
 that came from the earth; hence 
 he gives the metals contained in 
 the earth, and is called Pluto. In 
 works of art he resembles his 
 brothers Zeus and Poseidon, except 
 that his hair falls over his forehead, 
 
 I 
 
4So 
 
 INDEX AND DICTTONAItY. 
 
 -/:fitf V p.* ■: . 
 
 (I I •! '■ 
 
 
 
 
 f ..i- 
 
 
 .f <)k> 
 
 .v, - 
 
 V » 
 
 and that his appearance is dark 
 and gloomy. His ordinary attri- 
 butes are the key of Hades and 
 Cerberus. The word is now com- 
 monly used to designate the state 
 of the dead, 182. 
 
 H^MON, sou of Creon of Thebes, was 
 in love with Antigone, and killed 
 himself on hearing that she was 
 condemned by his father to be en- 
 tomed alive, 232. 
 
 Hje-mo'ni-an, 92. 
 
 H^'mus, 43, 56. 
 
 Hal'cy-on Birds, 88. 
 
 Hal-cy'o-ne (and Ceyx), 88-94. 
 
 Hallow-eve, 447. 
 
 Ham-a-dry'a-de8, 95, 212, 217. 
 
 Ha'pi, 862. 
 
 Hab-mo'ni-a, 115, 230. 
 
 Harpakhbat (Hippocrates), 368. 
 
 Har'pies, 221, 320, 323, 340. 
 
 Ha'thor, 368. 
 
 Heaven, 6, 8. 
 
 He'be, 4, 167, 186, 188. 
 
 He'brus, 238. 
 
 Hec/a-te, a mysterious divinity, 
 commonly represented as a daugh- 
 ter of PersfiBUS or Perses and As- 
 teria, and hence called Perseis. 
 She was one of the Titans, and the 
 only one of this race who retained 
 her power under the rule of Zeus. 
 She was honored by all the im- 
 mortal gods, and the extensive 
 power possessed by her was prob- 
 ably the reason that she was subse- 
 quently identified with several 
 other divinities. Hence she is said 
 to have been Selene or Luna in 
 heaven, Artemis or Diana on earth, 
 and Persephone or Proserpina in 
 the lower world. Being thus, as it 
 were, a threefold goddess, she is 
 described with 3 bodies or 3 heads. 
 Hence her epithets Tergemina, Tri' 
 formis, Triceps, etc. She took an 
 active part in the search after Pro- 
 serpina, and, when the latter was 
 found, remained with her as her 
 attendant aud companion. She 
 thus became a deity of the lower 
 world, and is described in this ca 
 pacity as a mighty and forniidablc 
 divinity. She was supposed to 
 send at night all kinds of demons 
 and terrible phantoms from the 
 lower world. She taught sorcery 
 and witchcraft, and dwelt at 
 places where two roads crossed, on 
 tombs, and near the blood of mur- 
 dered persons. She herself wan- 
 
 dered about with the souls of the 
 dead, aud her approach was an- 
 nounced by the whining and howl- 
 ing of dogs. At Athens, at tho 
 close of every month, dishes witli 
 food were set out for her at tho 
 points where two roads crossed; 
 and tills food was consumed hy 
 poor people. The sacrifices offerell 
 to her consisted of dogs, honey., 
 and black female lambs, 164, KJT 
 327. 
 
 Hec-a-ton-chi'bes, sons of Uranus 
 and GsB. They had one hundred 
 hands, and probably personified 
 the waves of the sea. 
 
 Hec'tob, 265, 267, 268, 270, 271, 27-2, 
 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279. 280, 281, 
 285, 321. 
 
 Hec/u-ba. daughter of Dymas, in 
 Phrygia, or of Cisseus, king of 
 Thrace. Shewasthe wife of Priam, 
 king of Troy, to whom sl>e boro 
 Hector, Paris, and many other cliil- 
 dren. After the fall of Troy slio 
 was carried away as a slave by the 
 Greeks. On the coast of Thrace slie 
 revenged the murder of her son 
 Polydorus by slaying Polymestor. 
 Slie was metamorphosed into a doji;, 
 and leaped into the sea at a itJace 
 called Cvnossema, or " the tomb of 
 the dog," 279, 281, 282, 289, 290. 
 
 Heid'run, 413, 
 
 Heim'dall, 420, 437. 439. 
 
 Hel, the lower world of Scandina/> 
 via, was ruled by the goddess Hel, 
 and to it were consigned tiutse 
 who had not died in battle. 
 It was so far away that Odin's 
 swift horse Sleipnir took nine 
 nights to reach it. The river Gyoll 
 — the Norse Styx — surrounded tliia 
 lower world on every side. Nas- 
 trand was the name of the worst 
 spot in the Norse hell. Its roofs 
 and doors were wattled with Mss- 
 ing snakes, e.jectiug poison, through 
 wliich perjurers and murderers 
 were forced to wade by way of 
 puiiishjuent, 435, 43(>. 
 
 Hela (Death), the daughter of Loki 
 and the mistress of the Scandina- 
 vian Hel. She was a heartless 
 monster, half black and halfliliie, 
 and lived daintily on the brains 
 and marrow of men. Her domin- 
 ion was sometimes called ITellnim, 
 and located under the tree YjJidra- 
 sil. (tlooiny rivers flow through it. 
 A dog like to Cerberus guards it. 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 481 
 
 s, SODS of Uranus 
 had one hundrtw! 
 ibably jyersonifiid 
 sea. 
 
 268, 270, 271, 272, 
 , 278, 279, 280, 281, 
 
 137. 439. 
 
 yorld of Scandiiiac 
 jy the goddess Hel, 
 B consigned those 
 ; died in battle. 
 away that Odin's 
 leipnir took nine 
 it. The river Gyoll 
 X — snrrounded this 
 I every side. Niis- 
 name of the worst 
 rse hell. Its roofs 
 wattled with hiss- 
 ing poison, through 
 rs and murderers 
 1 wade by way of 
 5, 43(). 
 
 le daufflitcr of liuki 
 ss of the Scaniliiiii- 
 e was a lu-artitss 
 lack and half liliie, 
 tily on the bniins 
 men. Her doiniii- 
 lies called Hcllicim, 
 ler the tree Yirdni- 
 ers flow throunh it. 
 Cerberus guardi it. 
 
 Her maids are dead women— the air 
 is fog. This kingdom extends down 
 to nine worlds. This is the prison- 
 bouse of the wicked, and is called 
 Anguish. Her taidu is Famine. 
 Those wlio died from natural causes 
 and had not fallen in battle went to 
 Hel, 420, 421, 433, 43."., A:H\, 4.39. 
 
 Hel' EN, 97, 19r), 200, 201, 263, 264, 
 265, 280, 287, 890, 2f)l. 
 
 Hel'e-nu8, son of Priam and Hecuba, 
 celebrated for his prophetic pow- 
 ers. Ho deserted his country- 
 men and joined the Qreeks. There 
 are various accounts respecting his 
 desertion of the Trojans. Accord- 
 ing to some ho did it of his own 
 accord; according to others he was 
 ensnared by Ulysses, who was anx- 
 ious to obtain his prophecy respect- 
 ing the fall of Troy, 321, 322. 
 
 He-li'a-de8, 58. 
 
 Hel'i-con, 56, 155. 
 
 He-li-op'o-lis, 365, 307, 386. 
 
 He'lios, called Sol by the Romans, 
 the god of the sun. He was the 
 son of Hyperion and Thea, and a 
 brother of Selene and Eos. From 
 his father, ho is frequently called 
 Hyperion. Homer describes Helios 
 as rising in the E. from Oceanus, 
 traversing the heavens, and de- 
 scending in the evening into the 
 darkness of the W. and Oceanus. 
 Later poets have marvellously em- 
 bellished this simple notion. They 
 tell of a magniflcent palace of 
 Helios in the E., from which he 
 starts in the morning in a chariot 
 drawn by four horses. They also 
 assign him a second palace in the 
 W., and describe his horses as 
 feeding upon hcrim growing in the 
 islands of the Blessed. Helios is 
 described as the god who sees and 
 hears everything, and is thus able 
 to reveal to Vulcan the faithless- 
 ness of Aphrodite (Venus) and to 
 Ceres the abduction of her daugh- 
 ter. At a later time Helios became 
 identifled with Apollo, though the 
 two gods were originally quite dis- 
 tinct. Ho was Worshipped in many 
 parts of (Jreiuie, and especially in 
 the island of Uliod"-, where the 
 famous Colossus wafi a representa- 
 tion of the god. The sacrifices 
 oflfered to him consisted of white 
 rams, boars, bulls, goats, lambs, and 
 especially white horses and honey. 
 Among the animals sacred to him 
 
 the cock is especially mentioned, 
 305. 
 
 Hkl'las, 3. 
 
 Hkl'le, 101. 
 
 Hkl'les-i'ont, 130, 161. 
 
 He-me'ra. (Day), daughter of Erebus 
 and Nox. 
 
 He-ph^h'tu8 (See Vulcan), 8. 
 
 He'ra, called Juno by the Romans. 
 The Greek Hera, that is. Mistress, 
 was a daughter of Cronos (Saturn); 
 and Rliea, and sister and wile of 
 Zeus (Jupiter). According to Ho- 
 mer, she was brought up by Oce- 
 anus and Tethys, and afterwards 
 became the wife of Zeus, without 
 the knowledge of her parents. 
 Later writers add that she, like the 
 other children of Cronos, was swal- 
 lowed by her father, but afterwards 
 restored. In the Iliad, ^era is 
 treated by the Olympian gods with 
 the same reverence as her husband. 
 Zeus himself listens to her coun- 
 sels, and communicates his secrets 
 to her. She is, notwithstanding, 
 far inferior to him in power, and 
 must obey him unconditionally. 
 She is not, like Zeus, the queen of 
 gods and men, but simply the wife 
 of the supreme god. The idea of 
 her being the queen of heaven, with 
 regal wealth and power, is of much 
 later date. Her character, as de- 
 scribed by Homer, is not of a very 
 amiable kind; and her jealousy, 
 obstinacy and quarrelsome disposi- 
 tion sometimes make her husband 
 tremble. Hence arise frequent dis- 
 putes between Hera and Zeus ; and 
 on one occasion Hera, in conjunc- 
 tion with Poseidon (Neptune) and 
 Athena (Minerva), contemplated 
 putting Zeus into chains. Zeus, in 
 such cases, not only threatens, but 
 beats her. Once he even hung her 
 up in the clouds, with her hands 
 chained, and with two anvils sus- 
 pended from her feet; and on an- 
 other occasion, when Hephsestus 
 (Vulcan) attempted to help her, 
 Zeus hurled him down from Olym- 
 pus, By Zeus she was the mother of 
 Ares (Mars), Hebe and Hephsestus. 
 Ilera was, properly speaking, the 
 only really married goddess among 
 the Olympians, for the marriage of 
 Aphrodite (Venus) with Hephaestus 
 can scarcely be taken into consider- 
 ation. Hence she is the goddess of 
 marriage and of the birth of chil- 
 
 jT 
 
 Mi 
 
 :i--'J 
 
 
 31 
 
 ';'ii ': 
 
4^1 
 
 482 
 
 JUDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 
 
 I •4 t • ♦ 
 
 -r * ' 
 
 
 1 o 
 
 1 J 
 
 ' I. • ' ' ' i 
 
 I !> ',4;, 1 
 
 
 clren, and is rftyresented as the 
 
 inotlier of the Ihthyise, 8. 
 IIkb'cu-lks, 160, 162, 166, 178-187, 
 
 188, 191, 1!)4, )%', 210, 224, 225, 226, 
 
 228, 243, 286, 1^44, 375. 
 Hkb'cu-lfs (La'jors of), 178. 
 Her'cu-les (Pillars of), 180. 
 Her'mes (Mercury), 11, 380, 
 Hk.b-mi'o-nk, 291. 
 IIeb'mod, 435, 436. 
 IIe'ro (and Le:uider), 128-130. 
 flE-ROD'o-TUS, 381, 387. 
 
 He'si-od, 337. 
 
 He-si'o-ne. daughter of Laomedon, 
 king of Troy, was chained by her 
 father to a rock, in order to be de- 
 voured by a sea-monster, that he 
 might thus appease the auger of 
 Apollo and Poseidon, 
 
 Hes-pe'bi-a, 320. 
 
 Hes-fer' r-juES (Apples of), 60, 180, 181. 
 
 Hes-per'i-des (Gardens of), 60, 181. 
 
 PiES'PE-RU8, 68, 88, 181. 
 
 Hes'ti-a, called Vesta by the Ro- 
 mans, the goddess of the hearth, or, 
 rather, of the fire burning on the 
 hearth, was one of the twelve great 
 divinities of the Greeks. She was 
 a daughter of Cronos (Saturn) and 
 Rhea, and, according to common 
 tradition, was the first-bora of 
 Rhea, and consequently the first 
 of the children swallowed by Cro- 
 nos. She was a maiden divinity; 
 and when Apollo and Poseidon 
 (Neptune) sued for her liaud, she 
 swore by the head of Zeus to re- 
 main a virgin for ever. As the 
 hearth was looked upon as the cen- 
 tre of domestic life, so Hestia v/as 
 th=^ goddess of domestic life, and, as 
 such, was believer; to dwell in the 
 inner part of every house. Being 
 the goddess of the sacred fires of the 
 altar, Hestia had a share in the 
 sacrifices offered to all the gods. 
 Hence the first part of every sacri- 
 fice was presented to her. Solemn 
 oaths were sworn by the gochlcss of 
 the hearth; and th., 'dearth itself was 
 the sacred asylum wliore suppliants 
 implonui the protection of the in- 
 habitants of the house. A town or 
 city is only aii extt'iidcd family, 
 and therefore had likewise its sa- 
 cred hearth. This public hearth 
 usually existed in the prytaneuni 
 of a town, wher« the goddess bud 
 her especial sanctuary. There, as 
 at a private hearth, Jfcstia protect- 
 ed the suppliants. When a colony 
 
 was sent out, the emigrants took 
 the fire which was to burn on the 
 hearth of their new home from 
 that of the mother town. The wor- 
 ship of the Roman Vesta is spoken 
 of under Vesta, 16. 
 
 Hin'du Mythology, 398-408. 
 
 Hip-po-cbe'ne, 155. 
 
 Hip-po-da-mi'a, 158. 
 
 Hip-pol'y-ta, 179, 180, 196. 
 
 Hip-pol'y-tus, 196. 
 
 Hip-pol'y-tus' Girdle, 179, 180. 
 
 Hip-pom' E-NE8, 84, 175, 176. 
 
 Historical Theory of Mythol- 
 ogy, 375. 
 
 Hlin, 419. 
 
 Ho' a, 395. 
 
 Ho'dur,434, 435. 
 
 HooNi, 444. 
 
 Homer, 263, 269, 306, 307, 337, 380, 
 381, 382. 
 
 HoNiR, 443. 
 
 Hope, 22. 
 
 Horace, 383. ' 
 
 Ho'nM. (See Hours.) 
 
 Horse, Wooden. (See Wooden 
 Horse.) 
 
 Ho' BUS, the Egyptian god of the sun. 
 who was also worshipped in Greece 
 and at Rome. He avenged the 
 death of his father, Osiris, who 
 was slain by the darkness, 3G2, 
 365, 368. 
 
 Hours, 52, 54, 258. 
 
 Hring'ham, 436. 
 
 Hrug'nir, giant slain by Thor. 
 
 Hu'gi, 429. 
 
 Hu'gin, 413. 
 
 Hy-a-cin'thub, 79, 85., 86, 87, 286. 
 
 Hy'a-des, 204. 
 
 Hy'a-le, 46. 
 
 Hy'dra, 178, 179, 328, 331, 386. 
 
 Hy-oe'a, the goddess of health, and 
 a daughter of yEsculapius, thoii^'li 
 some traditions make her the wifo 
 of the latter. In works of art siio 
 is represented as a virgin drosst^l 
 in a long robe, and feeding a hop 
 pent from a cup. 
 
 Hv' LAS, 167. 
 
 Hv'mkv, the god of marriage, was 
 conceived as 't handsome youtli, and 
 ' ivoked in the hymeneal or l)ri(ial 
 song. The name originally dcsij,'- 
 nated the bridal song itself, wliicJi 
 was subsequently personified. His 
 par -ntage is differently stiited, hut 
 he is usually called the son < *" 
 Apollo and a Muse. Ho is repre- 
 sented in worku of art as a youth, 
 but taller and with a more seriout) 
 
IKDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 4^3 
 
 307, 337, 380, 
 
 (See Wooden 
 
 expression than Eros (Amor), and 
 carrying in bis liaiid a tiridal torch, 
 30,234. 
 Hy-met'tus, a mountain in Attica, 
 about 3 miles H. of Atliuns, cele- 
 brated for its marhlu and its honey, 
 80. 
 Hyp-er-bo'ek-ak, 3. 
 Hy-pe'ri-on, a Titan, son of Uranus 
 , (Heaven) and Qo( Earth), and father 
 ' of Helios (the Sun), Holono (the 
 Moon), and Eos (Aurora). Helios 
 himself is also called Hyperion, 
 which is a contraction of the patro- 
 nymic Hyperionion, 0, 7, 304. 
 Hy-ri'e-ub, 383. 
 
 I-ap'e-tus, one of the Titans, son of 
 Uranus and Go, and father of Atlas, 
 Prometheus, EpiitUitheuH, and Mu- 
 noBtius. Ho wtM impriHoned with 
 Cronus in Tartarus, 0, 36. 
 
 I-A'8I-TI8, 171. 
 
 iB'y-cuB, 248-252. 
 
 I-ca'bi-a, an island of tho JRfi,G».n 
 sea; one of tho Hporades, W. of 
 Samos. Its common name, and 
 that of the surrounding sea, Icar- 
 ium Mare, were derived from the 
 myth of Icarus. 
 
 I-ca'riU8, 232. 
 
 IcA-RUB, 198, 199, 200. 
 
 Ice'land, 441. 
 
 Ice-lob, attendant of Morpheus, 01. 
 
 Ich'thy-oph'a-oi (i. e. Finh-eatcm) 
 was a vague dtMcrlptive name 
 given by tho ancients to various 
 peoples on the coasts of Asia and 
 Africa, of whom they knew but 
 little. 
 
 Ida, Mountain, M, iHH. 
 
 Ida, Nymph, nurse of tho infant 
 Zeus. 
 
 i-VJB!vB, 282. 
 
 I' DAE. son of Aphareus and Arono, 
 and brother of Lynceus. From tlio 
 name of tlieir faMier, Idas and 
 Lynceus are called AphaMMm or 
 Aphandie. ApoUo was in love with 
 Marpessa, the daughter of I'venus, 
 but Idas carried her off in a winged 
 chariot wiiich Neptune liad givon 
 him. Tlie lovers fought for Ium- 
 possession; l»ut Jupiter separated 
 them, and loft the declHion witli 
 ludrpessa, who chose Idas, fioni 
 fear lest Apollo should desert her 
 if she grow old, 201. 
 
 Id'mon, (1) Father of Arar,hiu% a 
 native of Colophou. (2) dun of 
 
 Apollo and Asteria, or Cyrene, waa 
 a soothsayer, and accompanied the 
 Argonauts, although he knew be- 
 foreliaud that deatli awaited him. 
 I-du'na, 4.0. 
 IL, 395. 
 
 Il'i-ad, 269-284, 285. 
 Ii/i-o'neus, 138. 
 Il'i-um (Troy), 282. 
 Il-lyr'i-a, 43. 
 
 I'lus, son of Tios and Calliirhce, 
 great-grandson of Dardstnus; 
 whence he is called Darda aides. 
 He was the father of Laoniedon 
 and the grandfather of Priaui. He 
 was believed to be tho founder of 
 Uion, which was also called Troy, 
 after his father. 
 In'a-chus, son of Ocoanus and Te- 
 thys, and father of Phoroneus and 
 lo, was the first king of Argos, and 
 Kaid to have given liis i .ame to the 
 river Inachiis, 40, 41. 
 In'di-a, 159, 160, 336. 
 Indra, 401. 
 
 Infernal Regions, 327-337. 
 I' NO, 115, 208, 219. 
 I'o, 40, 42, 376. 
 I-ob'a-tks, 155, 156, 157. 
 I-o-la'us, 179. 
 I'o-le, 81, 82, 184. 
 
 I'oN, the fabulous ancestor of the 
 lonians, son of Xuthus and Creusa, 
 or of Apollo and Creusa, graudson 
 of Helen. According to some tra- 
 ditions ho reigned iu Attica. 
 I-o'na, 451-453. 
 I-o'ni-an Sea, 42. 
 
 Iph'i-cles, son of Amphitryon and 
 Alcmene of Thebes, was one night 
 younger than his half-brotlier 
 Hercules. 
 Tpiiic'ra-trs, a famo"' Athenian 
 general, sou of a shoemaktr, intro- 
 duced into tho Athenian army the 
 peltasta3 or targotoors, a body of 
 troops possessing to a certain extent 
 tho advantages of lieavy and light 
 armed forces. Tills he eflfocted by 
 substituting a small target for the 
 heavy shield, adopting a longer 
 sword and spear, and replacing the 
 old coat of mail bv a linen corslet. 
 Tpii-i-ok-ni'a, 267. 292. 
 iPiM-MivnrA, mother of Ephialtea 
 
 and Otns by Neptune. 
 T'piirs, 97. 
 Ipir'i-Tus, 183. 
 Iick'land, 451. 
 
 Irk'nk. called Pax by tho Romans, 
 the goddess of peace, was, accord- 
 
 1|! ii I 
 
 IS!;. 
 
 
 
 i I 
 
 
 ■i;ii!i 
 
 fill 
 m 
 
484 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 'A.»A't 
 
 ¥ 
 
 1) 
 
 
 
 lii't 
 
 ing to Hesiod, a daughter of Zeus 
 and Themis, and one of the Horte. 
 She was worshipped at AtheuM aud 
 Borne; and in the latter city a 
 magnificent temple was huilt to 
 her hy the emperor VeHpasiaii. Pax 
 is represented on coins as a yoiith- 
 fal female, holding in her left arm 
 a coraucopia, and in her right hand 
 an olive-branch or the staff of Mer- 
 cury, 354. 
 
 I'bis, goddess of the rainbow, was a 
 daughter of Thaumas aud Electra, 
 a granddaughter of Oceanus and 
 GsB, and a sister of the Harpies. 
 As messenger of Juno and Zeus, 
 she lived among the other deities 
 of Olympus, which she only left for 
 the purpose of conveying the di- 
 vine commands to mankind, by 
 whom she was looked on as a guide 
 aud adviser. She travelled, always 
 with the speed of wind, from one 
 end of the world to the other, could 
 penetrate to the bottom of the sea, 
 or to the Styx, and in this respect 
 formed a female counterpart of 
 Mercury in his capacity of messen- 
 ger of the gods, and held much the 
 same position towards Hera as he 
 did towards Zeus. It was Iris, the 
 ancients believe, who charg;ed the 
 clouds with water from lakes and 
 rivers, in order that they might let 
 it fall again upon the earth in 
 gentle fertilizing showers; and, ac- 
 cordingly, when her bow appeared 
 in the clouds the farmer welcomed 
 it as a sign of rain to quicken his 
 fields, aud gladly paid honors to 
 the goddess whose nresence he 
 recognized in the rainbow with its 
 splendid colors. She was repre- 
 sented as a beautiful virgin, with 
 wings of varied hue, in robes of 
 bright colors, and riding on a rain- 
 bow; at other times with a nimhm 
 on her head in which the colors of 
 the rainbow were reflected, 8, UO, 01, 
 272, 281, 282, 347. 
 
 Iron Aok, 23. 
 
 This was the wife of Osiris, also a 
 counterpart of him; for, as he was 
 judge of the dead, so sh<! is di*- 
 scribed as the giver of death. She is 
 identified with Ceies and Perseph- 
 one, and, in this vinw, the grief 
 of Isis for her husband may be re- 
 garded as lui Kgypliun version of 
 the myth representing Difineti^r as 
 mourning for the loss of \\vt daugh- 
 
 ter. Apuleius makes her declare: 
 " I am Nature, the parent of all the 
 gods, mistress of all the eleoieuts, 
 the beginning of all the ages, sov- 
 ereign of the gods, queen of the 
 manes, aud the first of the heaven- 
 ly beings. My divinity, uniform in 
 itself, is honored under numerous 
 forms, various rites, and different 
 names, . . . but the sun-illumed 
 Ethiopians, and the Egyptians re- 
 nowned for ancient lore, worship 
 me with due ceremonies, and call 
 me by my real name, 'Queen Isis.' " 
 Plutarch considers Isis to be the 
 earth, the feminine part of nature, 
 while Diodorus says that the 
 Egyptians, considering the earth to 
 be the parent of all things born, 
 called her Mother, just as the 
 Greeks called earth Demeter, 368, 
 369, 370, 371. 
 
 Isles of the Blessed, 3, 181, 337. 
 
 Ih'ma-rus, 294. 
 
 Is-me'ne, daughter of (Edipus and 
 Jocasta, and sister of Antigone. 
 
 Isme'nos, 138. 
 
 IsTHMi-AN Games, 197, 220. 
 
 ITA-LY, 320, 324, 325, 337, 340. 
 
 Ith'a-ca, 232, 263, 294, 314, 315. 
 
 It'y-lus, 190. 
 
 Iu'lus, 340, 341, 348, 355. 
 
 I-x-i'oN, once a sovereign of Thessaly 
 had, like Tantalus, outraged the 
 gods, and was in consequence sen- 
 tenced to Tartarus, there to be 
 lashed with serpents to a wheel 
 which a strong wind drove contin- 
 ually round and round, 235, 333. 
 
 Ja-iiic'u-luni, a Roman fortress on 
 the Janicnlus, a hill on the other 
 side of the Tiber, as a protection 
 against the Etruscans, and con- 
 nected witii the city by means of 
 the Pons Sublicius, 345. 
 
 J/.''Tuswa3 a deity unknown to the 
 Greeks, b»it from the earliest tinns 
 held in high estimation by tlic 
 Romans, who placed him on ahnost 
 an tiqnal footing with Jupiter, even 
 giving his name precedence in tin ir 
 prayers, and invoking the aid <^f 
 l)oth deities previous to every ini 
 dertaking. To him they ascribctl 
 the origin of all things, the iiitm- 
 duction of the system of years, the 
 (iliange of season, tlie ups mid 
 downs of f(n*tune, and the civili/u- 
 tw<» of the human race by tueuiii 
 
 .»R--. 
 
\- 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 485 
 
 V means of 
 
 of agriculture, industry, arts, and 
 rcl igion. He was represented with 
 two heads, one being that of a 
 youth, to indicate " beginning," the 
 other that of an old man, to indi- 
 cate the end, whence he was styled 
 Bifrons (two-headed). In his left 
 hand is a key, to show that he 
 opens at the beginning and shuts 
 at the end ; the sceptre in his right 
 is a sign that he controls the pro- 
 gress of every undertaking. The 
 first day of January, a month 
 named after him, being the first 
 day of a new year, was the occa- 
 sion of a celebration in his honor. 
 At the beginning of every month 
 the priests offered sacrifice to him 
 at twelve altars. He was invoked 
 every morning as the beginner of a 
 now day. Janus opened and closed 
 all things. Ho sat not only on the 
 confines of the earth, but also at 
 the gates of heaven. Air, sea and 
 land were in the hollow of his 
 hands. The world moved on its 
 hinges at his command. The 
 public worship of Janus as a god 
 was introduced into Bome as early 
 as the time of Numa Pompilius, 
 but a foundation for its establish- 
 ment was laid as early as the reign 
 of Romulus. The story runs that 
 the Sabines, having once made an 
 assault on the newly built town 
 of Rome, a spring of boiling water 
 suddenly appeared, and was the 
 means of destroying these enemies. 
 On this spot a temple was erected 
 in honor of Janus, the gates of 
 which stood open so long as Rome 
 was at war, and were closed with 
 great ceremony and rejoicing only 
 in times of general peace. Rome 
 was, however, so continually en- 
 gaged in war that in the course 
 of the first seven hundred years 
 after the foundation of the city 
 the gates of the temple were closed 
 only three times— in the reign of 
 Numa Pompilius, after tlio first 
 Punic war, and during the reign 
 of Augustus, Hence the temple 
 of Janus with its gates shut came 
 to bo a very emphatic symbol of 
 peace, 17, 342. 
 
 Ja'hon (and the Golden Fleece), Ifil, 
 102, 103, 104, lflr>, 100, 107, 109, 170, 
 171, 172, 173, 192. 
 
 JVsus, father of Atalanta. 
 
 Jo-CAh'ta, 154, 229. r 
 
 Jo'nah, 375. 
 
 Jo'tun-heim (Home of the Giants), 
 412, 414, 423, 424, 426-432, 438. 
 
 Jove (Jupiter Zeus), 0, 13, 27, 43, 66, 
 73, 100, 119, 121, 147, 201, 203, 204, 
 218, 224, 231, 260, 270, 274, 276, 283, 
 297, 306, 310, 331. 
 
 Ju'bal, 375. 
 
 Jug'oer-naut, 402. 
 
 Ju-NO (Feminine of Genius), 17. 
 
 Ju'no, 8, 18, 29, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49, 
 50, 90, 100, 122, 137, 152, 176, 178, 
 180, 186, 188, 203, 204, 225, 262, 269, 
 271, 274, 323, 341, 342, 345, 347, 353, 
 358. 
 
 Ju'pi-TER, 4, 0, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 
 17, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 40, 41, 
 43, 44, 50, 53, 57, 58, 64, 66, 73, 111, 
 113, 118, 131, 134, 142, 145, 152, 158, 
 159, 178, 186, 188, 189, 195, 197, 200, 
 201, 203, 204, 219, 226, 227, 230, 231, 
 238, 242, 254, 257, 258, 259, 262, 270, 
 271, 274, 276, 281, 282, 289, 306, 321, 
 324, 333, 353, 371, 378, 379, 395. 
 
 Ju'pi-TER Ammon, 371, 
 
 Ju'pi-TER Capitolinus, 339. 
 
 Jus'tice (Themis), 24. \ 
 
 Ju-ven'ta8 (Hebe). I 
 
 Kalki, 400. 
 
 Ke-beh-se'nuf, 362. 
 
 Ke-da'lion, 255. 
 
 Ke'desh, 369. 
 
 Khem, is only a special energy or ac- 
 tivity of the universal life. He is 
 a personified attribute, or epithet. 
 He is the god of generation and re- 
 production, and was identified as 
 Pan by tiio Greeks, who called his 
 chief city — Chemmis, in the The- 
 bais— by the name of Panopolis. 
 366. 
 
 Khemmis, 306. 
 
 Khons, 309. 
 
 Kneph moans spirit or breath, in 
 which sense it is still retained in 
 Arabic. He is " the spirit of God 
 moving on the face of the wa- 
 ters." Therefore in this special, 
 physical sense Kneph corresponds 
 to the Teutonic Woden, or Wuotan, 
 as also to Riirama and to Zeus, 365. 
 
 Knou'pmis, or Knoun, 305. 
 
 Krish'na, 399. 
 
 KVASKK, 414. 
 
 Lab'<la-cus,son of the Thoban king 
 Poiodorus. On the death of Lab- 
 dacus, Lycus undertook the guar- 
 
 m ^ 
 
 i 
 
486 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 rile 
 
 
 M^J 
 
 dianship of his son Laius, the 
 father of (Edipus. The name Lab- 
 dacidse is frequently given to the 
 descendants of Labdaciis— (Edipus, 
 Polynices, Eteocles, and Antigone. 
 
 Lab'y-rinth, 194. 
 
 Lach'e-sis, 13. 
 
 La' DON, the dragon who guarded the 
 apples of the Hesperides, was slain 
 by Hercules. 
 
 LiELAPS, the storm wind, personified 
 as the swift dog, which Procris had 
 received from A" „eniis (Diana), and 
 gave to her huaoand Cephalus. 
 When the Teumessian fox was sent 
 to punish the Tiicbans, Cephalus 
 sent the dog Lselaps against the fox. 
 The dog overtook the fox, but Zeus 
 (Jupiter) changed both animals into 
 a stone, whiciv was shown iu the 
 neighborhood of Thebes. 
 
 La-er'tes, 233. 
 
 LiES-TRY-GO'NI-ANS, 299. 
 
 La'ius, 152, 153. 
 
 Laksmi, 401. 
 
 La' MA, 407, 408. 
 
 Lam-pe'tia, 304. 
 
 Lam' PUS (Phaeton). 
 
 La-oc'o-on, 288, 289. 
 
 La-od-a-mi'a, daughter of Aoastus, 
 and wifeof Protcsilaus. When her 
 husband was slain before Troy she 
 begged the gods to bo allowed to 
 converse with him for only three 
 hours. The request was granted. 
 Hermes (Mercury) led Protesilaus 
 back to the upper world ; and when 
 Protcsilaus died a 8(!CPnd time, 
 Laodamia died with him, 208. 
 
 La-om'e-don, 258. 
 
 Lap'i-th;e, 158. 
 
 Lark'spur, 286. 
 
 La' RES, 17. 
 
 La-ris'sa, the name of several Pelas- 
 gian places, whence Larissa is called 
 in mythology the daughter of Pe- 
 hisgus. 
 
 Lar'va, 17. 
 
 La-ti'nith, 340, 311. 
 
 La'ti-um, a country in Italy, was 
 originally the name of tlie small 
 district between tlie Til)er and tlus 
 Numicua. The greater part of tliis 
 country is an exteiisivti plain of 
 volcanic origin, out of wliifh rises 
 an isolated range of mountaiiiH 
 known by the name of Moiis Al- 
 baiius, of whicli the Algidiis and 
 the Tusculan hills are branches. 
 
 Lat'moh, 254. 
 
 La-to'na,9,29, 130,137, 133. 
 
 La-to'na (and the Eustics), 40, 4a 
 50. ' ' 1 
 
 Lau'sus, 342, 350, 351. 
 
 La-vin'i-a, 340, 354, 355. 
 
 La-vin'i-um, 355. 
 
 Law (Themis), 13. 
 
 Le-an'der (and Hero), 128-130. 
 
 Le-ar'chus, son of Atbamas and 
 lone. 
 
 Le-ba-de'a, 373. 
 
 Le-byn'thos, 199. 
 
 Le'da, 200. 
 
 Le'da (and Swan), 134. 
 
 Le'laps, 36, 47. 
 
 Lem'nos, one of the largest islands 
 in the iEgean sea. It was sacred to 
 Vulcan, who is said to have fallen 
 here when he was h urled down from 
 Olympus. Hence the workshop of 
 the god is sometimes placed in this 
 island. The legend appears to have 
 arisen from the volcanic nature of 
 Lemnos, 8, 163, 255, 286. 
 
 Lem'ur, 17, 
 
 Lem' jres, the spectres or spirits of 
 the dead. Some writers describe 
 Lemures as the common name for 
 nil the spirits of the dead, and di- 
 vide them into two classes: The 
 Lares, or the souls of good men, and 
 tbo Larvse, or the souls of wicked 
 men. But the common idea was 
 that the Lemures and Larvse were 
 the same. They were said to wan- 
 der about at night as spectres, and 
 to torment and frighten the living. 
 In order to propitiate them tho 
 Romans celebrated the festival of 
 the Lemuralia or Lemiiria. 
 
 Le-op're-pe8, father of Simouides. 
 
 Le'tiie, 91, 325, 335, 336. 
 
 Leu-ca'dia, 253. 
 
 Lku-co'the-a, 219, 220. 
 
 Li'ber, 16. 
 
 Li-be'tra, 238. 
 
 Lib' Y-A, the Greek name for the con- 
 tinent of Africa in general, 180. 
 
 Lib'y-an Bear, 345. 
 
 Lib'y-an Desert, 56, 37. 
 
 Ll'CHAH, 184. 
 
 Li'nuh, 243. ' 
 
 Lion (Constellation), 53. 
 
 Lri'H, 221. 
 
 Li't.e, sweet-natured goddesses 
 whose special duty was to recom- 
 pi^nso the persons whom Ate had 
 reduced to distress and ruin. Their 
 name signifies " prayers of the peni- 
 tent," and the allegory in this case 
 is not far to seek. Prayers atone 
 and make amends for what a man 
 
m 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 487 
 
 does to the harm of others in 
 - thoughtlessness or from infatua* 
 
 . tiou, without wicked thought or 
 design. In the Homeric poems 
 they are descrit)ed as lame, wrin- 
 kled, and squinting — those defor- 
 mities being caused by the trouble 
 they had in making good the harm 
 done by Ate. Penitent prayers 
 were at best but sorry aid in mak- 
 ing good the evil done, from infatua- 
 tion or carelessness. The Lltse 
 were supposed to bo daughters of 
 Zeus, and to phico before him the 
 prayers of those who invoked his 
 assibtanco. 
 
 Little Bkab (Coustollation), 44, 45, 
 55. 
 
 Lo'oi, 428, 431. 
 
 Lo'ki, the Satan of Norse my thology, 
 dwelt in the land of the dead. He 
 was the son of the giant Farbanti, 
 whose duty it was to ferry the dead 
 over the wa-^rs of the lower world. 
 Loki hail three children as cruel 
 and hateful as he himself was full 
 of mischief. One was the huge wolf 
 Fenris, who, at the hist day, shall 
 hurry gaping to the scene of battle, 
 with his lower jaw scraping the 
 earth and his nose scraping the 
 sky ! The second was the serpent 
 of Midgard- the serpent which 
 Odin throw into the sea, where the 
 monster grow to such length that 
 it embraced the whole world in its 
 folds. The third was the goddess 
 Hela, 420, 422, 42;i, 424, 428, 430, 
 431, 433, 434, 435, 437, 439, 443. 
 
 Lo' BE-LKi, 44 1 -4 13. 
 
 Lo'tis, 81. 
 
 Lo'tuh Eatkkh, 294. 
 
 TiOVK, 2.35. 
 
 Lovkr'h-Lkap, 253. 
 
 Lu-ci'na, in. 
 
 TiYc'A-BAH, 20fl. 
 
 Lv-ca'on. 278. 
 
 Lyc'i-a, 40, 155, 274. 
 
 Lvc-o-MK'nKH, king of the Dolopians, 
 in the island of H<!yroH, to whoso 
 court Achilles was sent, disguised 
 as a maiden, by his mother, The- 
 tis, who was aiixioiis to i)revent 
 his going to the Trojan war, 19(), 
 204. 
 
 Ly'cuh, 243. 
 
 Lvn'okuh, one of tho 50 sons of 
 iEgyptiis whoso life was saved by 
 his wife HypermncHlra, when all 
 his brotlu-rs were murdered by tho 
 daughters of Duiuuis, 201. 
 
 Ma-cha'on, 272, 273, 287. 
 
 MiK- vn'der, 198. 
 
 M^-o'ni-a, 205. 
 
 Ma'gi, 393, 445. 
 
 Ma-ha-de'va, 400. 
 
 Ma-ha-ra'jah, an Indian prince. 
 
 Ma'ia, daughter of Atlas and Pleione, 
 was the eldest of the Pleiades, and 
 the morft beautiful of tho 7 sisters. 
 In a grotto of Mount (^yllene, in 
 Arcadia, she became by Zeus tho 
 mother of Mercury. Areas, tho 
 son of Zeus by Callisto, was given 
 to her to be reared, 11. 
 
 Man (Creation of), 20. 
 
 Ma'nes, the name which the Romans 
 gave to the souls of the departed, 
 who were wirshiped as gods. 
 Hence on sepulcures wo find D. M. 
 S. — that is, Dis Mauibus Sacrum, 
 
 Ma'nu, 399. 
 
 Mar'a-thon, 195, 452. 
 
 Mar'mo-ra (Sea of), 130. 
 
 Ma'ro (Virgil). 
 
 Mars, 8, 18, 115, 131, 270, 355, 395. 
 
 Mar'sy-A8, 243. 
 
 Mats' YA, 399. 
 
 Maut, the second pr-son of the The- 
 ban trinity, meant the Mother — 
 Mother Nature — and thus corre- 
 sponds to the Greek Demeter, 368. 
 
 Me AN-DER, 5G. 
 
 Me-de'a (and Jason), 161-170, 192. 
 
 Medi-ter-ra'ne-an Sea, 3. 
 
 Me-du'sa. This strange myth has 
 been thought to have signified th'j 
 pale moonlight slain by the morn- 
 ing, 141, 142, 144. 
 
 Me-g^e'ra, 13. 
 
 Meg'a-ra, 120. 
 
 Me-lam'pus, 47, 244. 
 
 Me-lat'thus, 206. 
 
 Me-le-a'ger, 171, 172, 173, 174. 
 
 Mel'i-cer'tes, 219. 
 
 Me-lis'se-us, 226. 
 
 Mel-pom'e-ne, 12, 13. 
 
 Mem'non, tho beautiful son of Ti- 
 tlionus and Eos (Aurora), was king 
 of tho Ethiopians, and came to tho 
 iissistance of Priam towards tlie 
 end of the Trojan war. He wore 
 armor made for liim by Vulcan at 
 tho request of his mother. Ho 
 slew Antilochus, tlie son of Nestor, 
 but was himself slain by Achilles 
 after a long and fierce combat. 
 While tlui 2 heroes were fighting, 
 .Tupiter weighed their fates, and 
 the scale containing Memnon'8 
 sank. To soothe tho p;riof of his 
 motlier, ho conferred immortality 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
488 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 
 4\- M ' ' 
 
 I.'. 
 
 
 upon Meiunou, and caused a num- 
 ber of birds to issue out of the 
 funeral pile, which fought over the 
 ashes of the hero. These birds 
 were called Memnonides, and were 
 said to have visited every year the 
 tomb of the hero on the Hellespont. 
 The Gref ks gave the name of Mem- 
 nonia to certain very ancient build- 
 ings and monuments which they 
 supposed to have been erected by 
 or in honor of Memnon. Of these 
 the most celebrated was a great 
 temple of Thebes, behind which 
 was a colossal statue (called the 
 statue of Memnon), which, when 
 struck by the first rays of the ris- 
 ing sun, was said to give forth a 
 sound like the snapping asunder 
 of a chord. It appears, however, 
 that the statue represented in real- 
 ity the Egyptian king Amenophis, 
 149, 258, 259, 285. 
 
 Mem'o-by, 12. 
 
 Mem' PHIS, 364, 365, 374. 
 
 Men-e-la'us, 263, 265, 274, 276, 290, 
 291, 358. 
 
 Me-N(e'ce-U8, 231. 
 
 Men' TOR, son of Alcimusand a faith- 
 ful friend of Ulysses, frequently 
 mentioned in the Odyssey, 306. 307. 
 
 Mer'cu-RY (Hermes), 10, 11. 18, 21, 
 41, 42,73, 111, 144, 152, 1617182 189, 
 242, 268, 282, 301, 306, 312, 3^4, 375, 
 395. 
 
 Me-ko'dach, 395. 
 
 Mer'o-pe, 255. 
 
 Mes'meb-ism, 374. 
 
 Met'a-bus, .343. 
 
 Me'f'a-mor'pho-ses, 334. 
 
 Met-a-ni'ra, 69. 
 
 Me-tem'sv-cho'sis, 336. 
 
 Me'tis, 7, 131. 
 
 Me-zen'ti-us, 342, 346, 350, 351. 
 
 Mi'das, 60, 61, 62. 
 
 Mid'gard, the local heaven or mid- 
 dle world of the Norseman. It cor- 
 responded somcwliiit to Olviiip'irt, 
 411, 412, 420, 422, 431, 433, 43S, 439. 
 
 Milky Way, 24. 
 
 Mi'lo, Venus de, 359. 
 
 Mi-ner'va (Athene), 1, 4, 5, 10, 18, 
 20, 67 (and A-rach'ne, 131-136), 
 143, 144, 152, 15(), 182, 190, 191, 19(!, 
 
 197, 200, 231, 243, 262. 287, 288, 293, 
 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, .378, 379. 
 
 Mi'nos, 116, 120, 121, 122, 192, 194, 196, 
 
 198, 199, 209, 330. 
 Min'o-taur, 192, 194. 
 Mis'tle-toe. 434, 447. 
 MlTURAB, 392, 393. 
 
 »*..<•■ 
 
 Mne-mos'y-ne, 6, 12. 
 
 Mo'loch, tlie fire-god of the Phoeni. 
 cians. Tradition says it was a 
 great brai?s furnace built with out- 
 stretched arms to receive human 
 sacrifices, 397. 
 
 MOLY, 301. 
 
 Mo'mus was a deity whose delight 
 and occupation was to jeer bitterly 
 at the actions both of gods and men, 
 sparing no one with his insinua- 
 tions except Aphrodite, in whom he 
 could find nothing to blame, and 
 vexed himself to death in conse- 
 quence. Asau example of his beha- 
 vior, it is said that he complained 
 of the man that Prometheus had 
 made, because there was not a win- 
 dow in his breast through which 
 his thoughts might be seen, 14. 
 
 Mon'ad, 357 
 
 Mon'sters, 151. 
 
 Month, 52. 
 
 Moon, 4, 7, 54, 56, 254, 258. 
 
 Mor'pheus, the son of Sleep, and the 
 god of dreams. The name signifies 
 the fashioner or moulder, becsiuso 
 ho shaped or formed the dreams 
 which appeared to the sleeper, 91,92. 
 
 Mors, the god of death, was a tsonof 
 Night and twin-brother of Sleep. 
 He was, however, also described as 
 a sou of Earth and Tartarus, to 
 whom it was his office to introduce, 
 some time or other, the whole of 
 mankind. The relentless severity 
 with which he discharged the task 
 caused him to be frequently regard- 
 ed with pain, and to be repre- 
 sented as of a powerful figure, with 
 shaggy beard aud fierce coun- 
 tenance, with great wings to his 
 shoulders, and resembling, on tho 
 whole, tho figure of Boreas, the god 
 of tho wild north wind of winter. 
 
 Mountain Giants, 417. 
 
 Mul'ci-uer, 16. 
 
 Mull (Island), 451. 
 
 MUNIN, 413. 
 
 Mu-8iE'ufl, 244. 
 
 Mu'bes, 11, 12, 50,220, 2:i8, 340. 
 
 Mus'pel-iikim, tho fire-world of the 
 NorsenKiii, 439. 
 
 My-ce'n^-, 26.5, 2{)2. 
 
 Myh'mi-donh, 116-119, 273. 
 
 Myr'ti-luh, son of Mercury, and 
 charioteer of (Enomaus, king of 
 Pisa, thrown into tho sea by Pc- 
 lops. After his death, Myrtilus 
 was placed amoug tho siaiH as Au- 
 ga. 
 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 489 
 
 Mys'i-a, 1B3. 
 
 My-thol'o-gy (Origin of), 375. 
 
 Na-i'a-dcs (or Nt.iads), 49, 57, 58, 
 
 212, 22r., 260. 
 Nanna, 436. 
 Na'pe, 47. 
 
 Nar-cis'sus (and Echo), 122-127. 
 Nau-sic'a-a, 309, 310, 314. 
 ,Nau-sith'o-us, 308, 309. 
 Nax'os, 194, 206, 208, 209. 
 Ne'fer Atum, 367. 
 Neith, who was said to bo the god- 
 dess of the upper heaven (or ether), 
 whereas Sati was the goddess of the 
 lower heaven (or air). If Neith be 
 a sky-deity, and if she be also the 
 mother of the sun-god, the facts 
 are another instance from Egypt- 
 ian mythology of that same process 
 through which the Greeks peopled 
 their Olympus and the Norsemen 
 their Asgard. But further, the 
 functions attributed to Neith seem 
 to show that the idea of this god 
 dess was developed much in the 
 some way as that of the Greek 
 Athene, 368. 
 Ne'le-U8, son of Neptune and of 
 Tyro, the daughter of Salmon- 
 eus. Together with his twin- 
 brother Pelias, he was exposed by 
 bis mother, but the children were 
 found and reared by some country- 
 men. They subsequently learned 
 their parentage; and after the 
 death of Cretheus, kiug of lolcos, 
 who had raarx'ied tlieir mother, 
 they seized the throne of lolcos, 
 excluding ^Eson, the son of Crethe- 
 us and Tyro. Neleus had 12 sons, 
 but they were all slain by Her- 
 cules, when ho attacked Pylos, 
 with the exception of Nestor. 
 Ne'me-a, 178. 
 Ne'me-an Games, 197. 
 Ne'me-an Lion, 178. 
 Nem-e-his, 13. 
 NE'oP-Tor.'E-MUS, 291. 
 Neph'e-le, 46, 161. 
 Nkph'tiiys, 370. , 
 
 Nep'tunb (Poseidon), 7, 18, 24, 25, 
 
 57, 131, 132, 134. 160, 179, 190, 19f), 
 
 216, 217, 218, 219, 240, 249, 255, 270. 
 
 271, 272, 288, 303, 314, 323, 325, 372. 
 
 Ne-ke'i-1)E8 (Nereids), 18, 57, 212, 
 
 219, 247. 
 Ne're-U8, 57, 218, 219, 260. 
 
 NER(iRL, 395. 
 
 Nkih'sus, 184. 
 
 Nes'tor, king of Pylos, son of Nele- 
 us and Chloris, and the only one 
 of the 12 sons of Neleus who was 
 not slain by Hercules. In his early 
 manhood Nestor was a distin- 
 guished warrior. He defeated both 
 th( Arcadians and Eleans. He took 
 par"-- i«i the fight of the Lapithro 
 against the Centaurs, and he is 
 mentioned among the Calydonian 
 hunters and the Argonauts. Al- 
 though far advanced in age, he 
 sailed with tlie other Greek heroes 
 against Troy. Having ruled over 
 three generations of men, ho was 
 renowned for his wisdom, justice, 
 and knowledge of war. After the 
 fall of Troy ho returned home, and 
 arrived safely in Pylos. Respyct- 
 ing the position of this Py'^"*) sec 
 Pylos, 162, 171, 172, 258, 265, 270, 
 272, 274. 
 Ni'be-lun'gen-Liei). The Volsunga 
 Saga and Nibelungen-Lied hardly 
 differ in anything but the name. 
 The one is merely the Norse, the 
 other the German, form of one and 
 the same Nature-myth or epic. Ac- 
 cording to the " Solar myth " theor- 
 ists, this epic serves the common 
 purpose of all Aryan nations: in 
 India as Rainayana and Mabab- 
 harata; in Greece as the Iliad and 
 the Odyssey ; in our more northern 
 lands as the Tale of the Volsungs, 
 and the Nil)cliiiigen Lay; and in 
 England as the tale of King Arthur 
 and his Knights of the Round 
 Table. Sigurd was taught in all 
 the arts and sciences by Regin, the 
 cuni.ing blacksmith, who was also 
 tiie brother of the otter killed by 
 Odin, and the serpent — or worm— 
 Fafnir, who guarded those golden 
 treasures which.iiccording to the So- 
 lar tlieory.moan tlie gladdening and 
 revivifying sunlight, Fafnir him- 
 self being the evil pDVver, the cloud, 
 or the darkness, whicii steals ti»e 
 light. Regin wislu.'d to secure the 
 treasure for liimself, and forged a 
 sword for Sigurd to slay the worm 
 with. But it sliivered into pieces 
 on its very first trial; and Sigurd, 
 in contempt at R(!gin'8 smithing, 
 l)ro(',ures the fragments of his pa- 
 ternal sword Gram, and Regin 
 welds them togethc'r. Gram stood 
 every test. Sigurd drove it, right 
 to the hilt, into Regin's anvil; and 
 after that, a lock of wool, boruo ou 
 
 m 
 
490 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 '-wm'tr.^ 
 
 
 
 the Hurfaco oir tlio gtrcam, divided 
 into two af(<t.iiiMt itu tnotiotiless 
 edge. Sigurd »U)W Fafiiir, and 
 procured tlio tt<;aMttro; and next lie, 
 slew Begin, w\u> wi«l«cd to jiossess 
 the whole of th*; mS'M on the plea 
 that hi» forgiuK of the wea|)ou liad 
 really won th« victory. Alter that 
 Sigurd went to i>o« the Valkyrie 
 Brynhild, a<!<;ordli<g to the Solar 
 myth tho Maidun of Sprin;. for 
 wh i the cold earth \n lo\.;.iiig. 
 Bryuhild lay fn thoMit ^ into h s ; •!' 
 she hatl heen tlirown by the thoifs o) 
 Odin — that i»,'hy the thorn, o . cc :^ , 
 or frost of winUsr. Biynhild ha(\ 
 sworn to marry otily the man who 
 could ride through the flro which 
 surrounded hur dwelling. Tliis 
 Gunnar could not do: but Sigurd 
 did it in (lutinar'n Hliape, where- 
 upon Brynliild agreed to niarry 
 Gunnar. But Gudrun, in her tri- 
 umph, revealud the secret, and 
 compassed tho death of Sigurd. 
 Next, Gudrun, also grieving for 
 Sigurd, leaves her home; but she 
 marries Atli, king of Hunland. It 
 would seem that this Atli must be 
 another nanio for tho powers of 
 darkness, for ho Invited his wife's 
 brother to his court, in order tliat 
 he might seix© the golden treasure, 
 "the sunlight," which they had re- 
 ceived from tlie dead Sigurd. These 
 treasures the liroMters Imricd in the 
 Rhine river, and went on their way 
 to Hunland, though they well knew 
 they were destined never to return, 
 443, 444. 
 
 NiD'noo(tK, &, serpent in tlio lower 
 world that lives on the dead; it 
 also gnaws thu roots of the tree 
 ygdrasil, 41 'J. 
 
 Nii'I-kk'hkim, the mist world of the 
 Norsemen, The Hades of absent 
 spirits, 'H*,^, 'l!*l,4a.'), 4.'i8. 
 
 NroHT, niJM.yoH. 
 
 Ni'kk, lh{>, 
 
 Nn,K, 4:J, nil. inj), 2.10, 3(13, .3(51, 370. 
 
 NtLi'-Goi», ;wii. 
 
 KrM'uoi), 37r». 
 
 NiN, 3»5, 3iWJ. 
 
 Nin'a->:«,', '.WTk 
 
 Nin'k-vk..'. \m. 
 
 Ni'nuh, '.sr,, 
 
 Ni'o-HK, \m I JO. 
 
 KiR-VA'NA, 4<Mi, 
 
 Ni-HUH (and HeylJaj, taO-122, 347-319. 
 KoAH, \m, .375. 
 No'man, !.W. 
 
 NoRNS, tlio three Scandinavian Fates, 
 Urd, Verdande and Skuld, corre- 
 sponding to Past, Present and Fu- 
 ture. They presided at childbirth 
 and cast human destiny, 412, 413. 
 
 Northern Lights, 417. 
 
 nopthern mytholoay, 409-439. 
 
 No'tus, 221. 
 
 Nox, called Nyx by the Greeks, a 
 personification of Night. She is 
 'lose, ibed sis the daughter of Cliao-. 
 :-. d .^io sister of Ereb"'s, by wlioiii 
 sut b ;came tlio mother of ^ther 
 ; S ir) and Hemera (Day). Her resi- 
 iK rice was in the darkness of 
 H.u! 4, 19. 
 
 Nu'M.,i^220. 
 
 NtTT, 3f)8. 
 
 Nu' MI-TOR, 35.'). 
 
 Nymphs, 56, 99, 132, 133, 149, 156, 
 
 259. 
 Ny-s^'an Nymphs, 204. 
 
 O'a-sis, 372. 
 
 O'CEAN, 2, 3, 4, .57, 258, 337. 
 
 O-ce'a-nus, 6, 7, 44, 75, 218. 
 
 0-cyr'o-e, 158. 
 
 O'dix, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 417, 
 419, 420, 424, 433, 435, 437, 441, 443. 
 
 OOIUERER, 41 1, 439. 
 
 0-DYs'sEUS (Ulysses), 294. 
 
 Oi)'ys-sey,4, 285, 294. 380. 
 
 G^.d'i-pus, 152, 153, 154, 229, 230, 231. 
 
 (E'neus, 171, 174. 
 
 (I']-no'ne, 287. 
 
 (E-No'pi-ON, 25,5. 
 
 (E'ta, 56, 185, 186. 
 
 Old Aoe, 431. 
 
 O-i.ym'i'IA, a small plain in Elis, 
 bounded on tho S. by the river 
 Alpheus, and on tho W. by tiio 
 river Cladeus. Here the Olympic 
 games were celebrated. In this 
 j)lain was the sacred grove of Zens 
 called Altis. Tho Altis and its im- 
 mediate neighborhood were adorn- 
 ed with numerous temples, statues, 
 and public buildings, to which tlio 
 general appellation of Olympia was 
 given, but there was no town of tliis 
 name. 
 
 0-lym'pi-at)S, 197. 
 
 O-lym'pi-an .lui'lTKR, 378-379. 
 
 O-lym'pi-an Games, 197. 
 
 0-lym'pi'h. The range of mountaitirt 
 separating Macedonia and Thessuly. 
 but more specifically tlio oastcni 
 l!jul of the chain forming at its ter- 
 mination tho northern wall of fho 
 vale of Tempo. Its height is about 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 491 
 
 9700 feet, and its chief summit is 
 covered with perpetual snow. In 
 the Greek mv choir ;y, Olympus 
 was the residi , o of the dynasty 
 of gods of wi oh Zeus was the 
 head. The Cii. 'y poets believe<^ 
 thaC the gods ac ually lived on the 
 topof this moiu bain. Even the fa- 
 ble of the gi<i ts scuiing heaven 
 mudt be umljfstood in a literal 
 ^civ.:q ; not that they placed Pelio^ 
 and Ossa upon the top ui" Olympus to 
 reach the still higher heaven, but 
 that they piled Pelion on the top 
 of Ossa, and both on the lower slopes 
 of Olympus, to scale the summit of 
 Olympus itself, the abode of the 
 gods. Homer describes the gods as 
 having their several palaces on the 
 summit of Olympus; as spending 
 the day in the palace of Zeus, round 
 whom they sit in solemn conclave, 
 while the younger gods dance be- 
 fore them, and the Muses entertain 
 them with the lyre and song. They 
 are shut out from the view of men 
 upon the tarth by a wall of clouds, 
 the gates of which are kept by the 
 Hours. In the later poets, how- 
 ever, the real abode of the gods is 
 transferred from tlie summit of 
 Olympus to the vault of heaven, 
 (i.e., the sky) itself, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 
 18, 21, 40, 56, 142, 213, 271, 345. 
 
 0-mob'ka, 396. 
 
 Om'pha-le, a queen of Lydia, daugh- 
 ter of lardanus, and wife of Tmo- 
 lus, after whose death she reigned 
 herself. The story of Hercules 
 serving her as a slave, and of his 
 wearing her dress, while Omphale 
 put on the skin and carried the 
 club, is related in the text, 183, 184. 
 
 0-PHl'ON, 6, 7. 
 
 Dps, 177. 
 
 Or'a-cle, 371-374. 
 
 O-re'a-dbs (or Oreads), 18, 212, 215, 
 216. 
 
 O-res'tes, son of Agamemnon and 
 Clyteranestra. On the murder of 
 his father by iEglsthis and Clyteni- 
 nestra, Orestes was saved from the 
 same fate by his sister Electra, 
 ' who caused him to be secretly car- 
 ried to Strophius, king of Phocis, 
 who was married to Anaxibia, th<^ 
 sister of Agamemnon. Because of 
 his crime in killing his mother 
 he was pursued by the Furies 
 until purified by Miucrva, 291, '^9;.', 
 293. 
 
 Origin op Mvtiiof-oov, 375. 
 
 O-Ki'ov, 151, 255 7. 
 
 0-Kl'<>N (Norse), 419. 
 
 Oij-i-'"I£y'(-a, 221, 
 
 Ok'mv/A), 392, .'}9;{, 
 
 Or'phkus, 102, 201, 234 23H, 241, 242, 
 244, :}:{4. 
 
 Orphic Pokmh. V,.uiy pojjtns ancribed 
 to Orplieus were current in tlie 
 flourisliiiig period of (Jrcoic llt<fra- 
 ture; but the extant poems bearing 
 the name of OrplieuH are the for- 
 geries of (/hrlHtlau gnuumariaus 
 and x)hiU)8opherH of tiio Alexan- 
 drian school, though among the 
 fragments which form a part of the 
 collection are some g(!nuine re- 
 mains of the Orphic poetry known 
 to the earlier (Inn-k writers. 
 
 O-hi'ris, tlie n.'OHt ben(;flc(^nt of the 
 Egyptian gods. He i»robably por- 
 soniiies the; Day, whose constant 
 struggle witli Night is repre»ent<!d 
 by the war hi'tw<!en Onirls and Set, 
 301, 302, 3fi3, 307, ;W)H, .'MJ9 370. 
 
 Os'sA, 50, 152. 
 
 Oh'sian, a Celtic poet who lived about 
 the second or thinl century. Many 
 of his poeniH, as we have them, are 
 possibly the composition of moro 
 recent writers, 419. 
 
 Otter, 443, 
 
 Ov'iD, 119, 339, 35H, 383, 384, 388. 
 
 Pac-to'luH, (W. 
 
 Pa-l.e'mon, 219, 220. 
 
 Pal-a-me'i)i;h, 203. 
 
 Pai/a-tink, oue of Rome's Seven 
 Hills. 
 
 Pa'leh, 10. 
 
 Pal-i-nu' kith, 325, 320, 330. 
 
 Pal-la' i)i-u.M, projM'rly any image 
 of Pallas Athejie (Minerva), but 
 specially ap|ilii!(l to an ancient im- 
 age of til is goddeHH at Trcty, on the 
 prcservitiou of which the safety 
 of the town dependifd. It was 
 stolen b.7 IJlyMseH anil I)lomed(!S, 
 and carried by the latter to Oreece, 
 According to Honn. aceoiints, Troy 
 contained two Palludia, one of 
 which was (tarried off by Ulysses 
 and DionuidiiS, while Mk; otimr was 
 eonveyerl by /ICiieas to It;ily, 
 Others relate that the Palhuiium 
 taken by tlm O reeks was a mere 
 imitation, while that which il^neas 
 brouglit to Italy was the genuine 
 image. Hut this twofold Palladium 
 was probably u mere inveutioa to 
 
 1 4l 
 
 ■ { 
 
492 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 If If* I ,' ^ '. 
 fe*- f I' > ^ 
 
 Ul.. ,'f >ti . - ^ 
 
 >; 
 
 
 
 >v 
 
 account for its existence at Borne, 
 287, 290. 
 
 Pal' LAS (son of Evander), 344, 345, 
 346, 351-354. 
 
 Pal'las Atu'ene (Minerva), 10, 100, 
 280, 310. 
 
 Pal-lob (Terror), 131. 
 
 Pam'pha-gus, 47. 
 
 Pan, 13, 42. fil, 96, 211. 212-213. 
 
 Pan'a-ce'a, a daughter of iEscula- 
 pius. 
 
 Pan-ath-e-n^'a, 196. 
 
 Pan-de'an Pipes, 41. 
 
 Pan-di'on, 190. 
 
 Pan-do'ra, 19, 21, 22, 26. 
 
 Pan' OPE (Plain of), 113. 
 
 Pan'thus, 358. 
 
 Paph'la-go'ni-a, 258. 
 
 Pa'phos, 80, 83. 
 
 PAR'ciE. (See Fates.) 
 
 Pa'ri-ah, 404. 
 
 Par' IS, 262, 263, 265, 270, 272, 285, 
 287, 290. 323. 
 
 Par-nas'sian Laurel, 61. 
 
 Par-nas'sus, 25, 30, 56, 372. 
 
 Par' see, 394. 
 
 Par'the-non {the virghVs chamber), 
 the usual name of the temple of 
 Athena Parthenos on tho Acropolis 
 of Athens, 197, 378. 
 
 Pasht, 368. 
 
 Pa-siph'a-e, daughter of Helios (the 
 Sun) and Perseis, wife of Miuos, 
 and mother of Androgeos, Ariadui, 
 and Phaedra. Hence Phsedrt^ is 
 called Pasiphaeia by Ovid. Pasi- 
 phae was also the mother of the 
 Minotaurus. 
 
 Pa-tro'clus, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 
 278, 281. 
 
 Peq'a-sus, 155, 156, 157. 
 
 Pe'leus, son of iEacus and Endeis, 
 and king of the Myrmidons, in 
 Thcssaly. Having, in coiy unction 
 with his brother Telamon, mur- 
 dered his half-brother Phocus, he 
 was expelled, and went to Phthia, 
 in Thessaly. Here he was purified 
 from the murder by Eurytion, the 
 son of Actor, who gave Peleus his 
 daughter Antigone in marriage, 
 and a third part of his kingdom. 
 Peleus accompanied Eurytion to 
 the Calydonian hunt; but having 
 involuntarily killed his father-in- 
 law with his spear, he became a 
 wanderer a second time. He now 
 took refuge at lolcus, where he was 
 again purified by Acastus, the king 
 of the place. Here he was falsely 
 accused by Astydamia, tho wife of 
 
 Acastus, and in conseqaence nearly 
 perished on Mount Pelion (Acas- 
 tus). While on Mount Pelion, 
 Peleus married the Nereid Tiietis. 
 She was destined to marry a mortal, 
 but having the power, like Prot<!us, 
 of assuming any form she pleased, 
 she endeavored in this way to es- 
 cape from Peleus. The latter, 
 however, previously taught l>y 
 Chiron, held the goddess fast till 
 she promised to marry him. Tin; 
 gods took part in the marri»};c 
 solemnity, and Eris, or Strife, was 
 the only goddess who was not in- 
 vited to the nuptials. By Tliotis 
 Peleus became the father <>f 
 Achilles. Peleus was too old to 
 accompany Achilles against Troy ; 
 he remained at home, and surviviMl 
 the death of his son, 171, 219, 202, 
 
 Pe'li-as, 162, 167, 169, 227. 
 
 Pe'li-on, 152. 
 
 Pe'lops, grandson of Zeus (Jui i- 
 ter), and son of Tantalus, kiii<; 
 of Phrygia. Being expelled from 
 Phrygia, he came to Elis, where lie 
 married Hippodamia, daughter of 
 CEnomaus, whom he succeeded ou 
 the throne. 
 
 Pe-na'tes, 17. 
 
 Pe-nel'o-pe, 97, 232, 233, 263, 315, 
 317. 
 
 Pe-ne'us, 30, 31, 179. 
 
 Pen-the-si-le'a, 285. 
 
 PEN'THE-us,8on of Echion and Agave, 
 the daughter of Cadmus. He suc- 
 ceeded Cadmus as king of Thebes; 
 and having resisted the introduc- 
 tion of the worshipof Bacchus into 
 his kingdom, he was driven mad 
 by the god, his palace was hurled 
 to the ground, and he himself was 
 torn to pieces by his own mother 
 and her two sisters, Ino and Auto- 
 noe, who, in their Bacchic frenzy, 
 believed him to be a wild beast. 
 The place where Pentheus suffered 
 death is said to have been Mount 
 Cithseron, or Mount Parna.ssus. It 
 is related that Pentheus got upon a 
 tree, for the purpose of witnessing 
 in secret the revelry of the Bacchic 
 women, but on being discovered 
 bv them was torn to pieces, 11^ 
 205, 208. 
 
 Pe'nus, 17. 
 
 Pe-phre'do, 141. 
 
 Pep'lus, 197. 
 
 Per'dix, 200. 
 
 Peb'i-an'der, 245, 246, 248, 
 
 
INLBX AND DICTlONAttY, 
 
 4^3 
 
 », 
 
 eqaence nearly 
 
 Pelion (Acas- 
 
 tfouut Pelion, 
 
 Nereid Tlietis. 
 
 narry a mortal, 
 
 ir, like Protons, 
 
 •m she pleased, 
 
 this way to cs- 
 
 The latter, 
 
 ly taught hy 
 
 :oddess fast till 
 
 arry him. Tlic 
 
 the marriajic 
 
 or Strife, was 
 
 rho was not in- 
 
 als. By Thetis 
 
 the father of 
 
 vas too old to 
 
 against Troy ; 
 
 le, and survived 
 
 1, 171, 219, 2G.>. 
 
 ), 227. 
 
 of Zeus (Jill i- 
 Taatalus, kin<r 
 g expelled from 
 o Elis, where he. 
 lia, daughter of 
 le succeeded on 
 
 2, 233, 263, 315, 
 
 chion and Agave, 
 idmus. He suc- 
 king of Thehes; 
 ed the introduc- 
 pof Bacchus into 
 was driven mad 
 ilace was hurled 
 I he himself was 
 his own mother 
 s, Ino and Auto- 
 ' Bacchic frenzy, 
 je a wild l)east. 
 •entheus suffered 
 ave been Mount 
 [it Parnassus. It 
 theus got upon a 
 3se of witnessing 
 ry of the Bacchic 
 leing discovered 
 a to pieces, 11:3^ 
 
 i 
 
 S46, 248. 
 
 Peb-i-pheTtes, 192. 
 
 Pee-seph'o-ne. (See Proserpine.) 
 
 Per'seus, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 
 149, 150. 
 
 Peb'sia, 356, 393. 
 
 PHiB-A'ci-ANS, 308, 315. 
 
 Ph^'ura, 196. 
 
 Ph^-thu'sa, 304. 
 
 Pha'e-ton, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 59. 
 
 Phantasos, 92. 
 
 Ph a' ON, a boatman atMitylene,issaid 
 to have been originally an ugly old 
 man ; but having carried Aphrodite 
 (Venus) across the sea without ac- 
 cepting payment, the goddess gave 
 him youth and beauty. After this 
 Sappho is said to have fallen in love 
 with him, and, when he slighted 
 her, to have leaped from the Leu- 
 cad ian rock, 253. 
 
 Pharaohs (Tombs of), 359. 
 
 Phe'mi-us, a celebrated minstrel, who 
 sang to the suitors in the palace of 
 Ulysses in Ithaca. 
 
 Phid'i-A8, 378, 379. 
 
 Phi-le'mon (and Baucis), 60, 62, 63, 
 64, 65. 
 
 Phil-oc-te'tes, 185, 286, 287. 
 
 Philoe, 371. 
 
 Phil-o-me'la, 190. 
 
 Phin'e-U8, 149, 150, 163, 321. 
 
 Phleg'e-thon, 331. 
 
 Pho'bos, a Greek war-god. 
 
 Pho'cis, 291-293, 372. 
 
 Ph(e'be, one of the sisters of Phaeton. 
 
 Ph«:'bu8 (Apollo), 45, 52, 86, 90, 113, 
 275. 
 
 Ph(e'cus, father of the Medusst 
 
 PHfE-Ni'ciA, 113, 290, 370, 372, 376, 
 397. 
 
 Phce'nix, 270, 386, 387. 
 
 Pho'lus, a Centaur, accidentally 
 slain by one of the poisoned arrows 
 of Hercules, and buried in the 
 mountain called Pholoe after him. 
 
 Phor'bas, 325. 
 
 Phryo'ia, 62, 136, 204. 
 
 Phryx'us, 161. 
 
 Pi'ous, a Latin prophetic divinity, 
 son of Saturnus, husband of Canens, 
 and father of Faunus. The legend 
 of Picus is founded on the notion 
 that the woodpecker is a prophetic 
 bird, sacred to Mars. Pomona was 
 beloved by him; and when Circe's 
 love for him was not requited, she 
 changed him into a woodpecker, 
 who retained the prophetic powers 
 which he had formerly possessed 
 as a man. 
 
 Pil'labs of Hercules, 180. 
 
 Pin'dar, 337. 
 
 Pin'dus, 56. 
 
 Pi-re' NE, a celebrated fountain at 
 Corinth, at which Bellerophon is 
 said to have caught the horse Pe- 
 gasus. It gushed forth from the 
 rock, was conveyed down the hill 
 by subterraneous conduits, and fell 
 into a marble basin, from which 
 the greater part of the town was 
 supplied with water, 156. 
 
 Pi-rith'o-us, son of Ixion and Dia, 
 and king of the Lapithse in Thes- 
 saly. Wuen Pirithous was cele- 
 brating his marriage with Hippo- 
 damia, the intoxicated Centaur, 
 Eurytus, carried her off, and this 
 act occasioned the celebrated fight 
 between the Centaurs and Lapithse, 
 in which the Centaurs were de- 
 feated. Theseus, who was present, 
 assisted him in his battle against 
 the Centaurs. Hippodamia after- 
 wards died, and each of the two 
 friends resolved to wed a daughter 
 of Zeus. With the assistance of 
 Pirithous, Theseus carried off Helen 
 from Sparta. Pirithous was still 
 more ambitious, and resolved to 
 carry off Persephone (Proserpina), 
 the wife of the king of the lower 
 world. Theseus would not desert 
 his friend in the enterprise, though 
 he knew the risk which they ran. 
 The two friends accordingly de- 
 scended to the lower world'; but 
 they were seized by Pluto and 
 fastened to a rock, where they both 
 remained till Hercules visited the 
 lower world. Hercules delivered 
 Theseus, who had made the daring 
 attempt only to please his friend; 
 but Pirithous remained forever in 
 torment, 158, 171, 195, 196, 201. 
 
 Pleasure, 111, 187. 
 
 Ple'ia-des, 257. 
 
 Plenty, 225. 
 
 Plex-ip'pus, 173. 
 
 Pliny, 388, 389. 
 
 Plu'to, (Dis), 7, 12, 66, 67, 68, 71, 73, 
 74, 144, 158, 167, 182, 196, 235, 236, 
 328, 330. 
 
 Plu'tus, the god of wealth, is de- 
 described as a son of lasion and Ce- 
 res. Jupiter is said to have de- 
 prived him of sight, that he might 
 distribute his gifts blindly, and 
 without any regard to merit, 14. 
 
 Po, .334. 
 
 Pod-a-lir'i-us, son of JEsculapius, 
 and brother of Machaon, along with 
 
 I 
 

 494 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 
 '.»l' 
 
 
 
 J, J. :J 
 
 
 
 
 1^ r J< ^ 
 
 la' •'•'ii I '. 
 
 ' .' " ^ 4 
 '- > . 1, 
 
 whom he led the Thessalians of 
 Tricca against Troy. He was, like 
 his brother, skilled in the medical 
 art. On liis return from Troy he 
 was cast by a storm on the coast of 
 Syros, in Oaria, where he is said to 
 have settled. 
 
 Po-dar'ces, the original name of 
 Priam. 
 
 Poetry (Origin of), 414. 
 
 Pole-star, 45. 
 
 Po-li'tes, 289. 
 
 Pol'lux (and Castor), 200, 202, 252, 
 253. 
 
 Pol-y-dec'tes, 142. 
 
 Pol-y-do're, 319, 320, 
 
 Pol-y-hym'ni-a, 12, 16. 
 
 Po-ly'i-dus, 15fi. 
 
 POL-Y-Nl'CE8, 230, 231. 
 
 Pol-y-phe'mus, 219, 260, 296, 322. 
 
 Po-lyx'e-na,285, 290. 
 
 Po-mo'na (and Vertumnus\ 16, 95- 
 
 99. 
 Poe-phyr'i-on, one of the giants who 
 
 fought against the gods, slain by 
 
 Jupiter. 
 Pob-tun'us, 220. 
 Po-sei'don (Neptune), 7, 170. 
 
 PR AX-XT' E-LES, 380. 
 
 Pbester John, 408. 
 
 Pbi'am, 258, 265, 270, 278, 279, 281, 
 282, 283, 285, 289. 
 
 Pri-a'pus, son of Bacchus and Venus, 
 was born at Lampsacus, on the Hel- 
 lespont, whence he is sometimes 
 called Hellespontiacus. He was re- 
 garded as the god of fruitfulness in 
 general, and was worshipped as the 
 protector of flocks of sheep and 
 goats, of bees, of the vine, and of 
 all garden produce. 
 
 Pboc'ne 190. 
 
 Pro' ORIS (and Cephalus), 29, 37, 38, 
 39. 
 
 Pro-crus'tes, 192. 
 
 Pr(e'tu8, 155. 
 
 Pro-me'theus, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 
 28, 219. 
 
 Pro-ser'pi-na (Proserpine, Proseph- 
 one), 12, 6(5, 67, 70, 71, 73, 74, 109, 
 \ 110, 183, 235, 236, 326, 327. 
 
 Pro-tes-i-la'us, 268. 
 
 Pro'teus, the prophetic old man of 
 the sea, is described in the earli- 
 est legends as a subject of Neptune, 
 whose flocks, the seals, he tended. 
 According to Homer, he resided in 
 the island of Pharos, at the distance 
 of one day's journey from the river 
 Nile; whereas Virgil places his 
 resideuce iu the island of Carpa- 
 
 thos, between Crete and Bhodes. 
 At midday Proteus rose from the 
 sea, and slept in the shade of the 
 rocks, with the monsters (t^' the 
 deep lying around him. Anyone 
 wishing to learn futurity fromhim 
 was obliged to catch hold of him 
 at that time; as soon as he was 
 seized he assumed every possible 
 shape, in order to escape the neces- 
 sity of prophesying, but whenever 
 he saw that his endeavors were of 
 no avail he resumed his usual form, 
 and told the truth. After finishing 
 his profihecy he returned into the 
 sea. Homer ascribes to him a 
 daughter Idothea. Another set of 
 traditions describes Proteus as a 
 son of Poseidon, and as a king of 
 Egypt, who had two sons, Telego- 
 nus and Polygonus or Tmolus, 76, 
 219, 241. 
 
 Proverbial Expressions, 455. 
 
 Pru'dence (Metis), 7. ' 
 
 Psy'che (and Cupid), 100-112. 
 
 Ptah (or Phtah), 36.5. 
 
 Pthah, is only Kneph under a new 
 name; or, to express it otherwise, 
 he represents a special energy of 
 that god. He is the creator, or the 
 universal life in action. Jamblic- 
 hus calls him the demiourgos, or ar- 
 tisan of the world ; and the Greeks 
 regarded him as the counterpart of 
 their artisan god, Hephaestus, or 
 Vulcan. As the creator he was 
 thought of as the father and sov- 
 ereign of the gods. He was wor- 
 shipped chiefly jn Memphis. He 
 appears as a mumnjy-shaped malo 
 figure ; also as the pigmy-god. 
 
 Pu-ra'nas, 400. 
 
 Pyg-ma'li-on, 79, 80, 323. 
 
 Pyg'mies, 159, 160. 
 
 Pyl'a-des, 291, 292. 
 
 Pyr'a-mus (and Thisbe), 29, 34, 3u 
 36, 37. 
 
 Pvu'rha (and Deucalion). 25, 26. 
 
 Pvk'uhus (Ncoptolenuis), 289, 290. 
 
 Py-thag'o-ras, 356-358. 
 
 Pytii'i-a, 373. 
 
 Pyth'i-an Games, 29, 197. 
 
 Pyth'i-an Oracle, 104. 
 
 Py'thon, 29, 30, 380. 
 
 Py'tiion-ess, 374. 
 
 Qui-ri'iius, a Sabine word, perhaps 
 derived from quiris, a lance or 
 spear. Tt occurs first of all as tlio 
 name of Romulus, after he had beeu 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 495 
 
 and Bhodes. 
 
 rose from the 
 
 B shade of the 
 
 ansters (t*' the 
 
 lim. Anyone 
 
 irityfrom hiiw 
 
 I hold of liini 
 
 oou as he waa 
 
 every possible 
 
 cape the neces- 
 
 but whenever 
 
 eavors were of 
 
 his usual form, 
 
 After finishing 
 
 urned into the 
 
 )es to him a 
 
 Another set of 
 
 Proteus as a 
 
 as a king of 
 
 sons, Telego- 
 
 or Tmolus, 70, 
 
 3I0NS, 455. 
 
 100-112. 
 
 >h under a new 
 33 it otherwise, 
 jcial energy of 
 e creator, or the 
 ction. Jamblio- 
 emiourgos, or ar- 
 and the Greeks 
 e counterpart of 
 
 Hephaestus, or 
 creator he was 
 father and sov- 
 1. He was wor- 
 
 Memphis. He 
 jy-shaped malo 
 pigmy-god. 
 
 323. 
 
 she), 29, 34, 3'* 
 
 lion). 25, 20. 
 uus), 289, 290. 
 
 358. 
 
 ), 197. 
 L04. 
 
 3 word, perhaps 
 ris, a lance or 
 rst of all as the 
 ,fter he had been 
 
 jraised to the rank of a divinity; 
 and the festival celebrated in his 
 honor boro the name of Qiiir'nialin. 
 It is also used an a Hurnarnu of Mars, 
 Janus, and evuu of Augustus, 16. 
 
 Ra, 365, 395. 
 
 Rao-na-bok', 438, 439. 
 
 Raj'put, 404. 
 
 Be-qil'luh, a lake in Latinra, mem- 
 orable for the victory gained on its 
 banks by the lioinans over tlie Lat- 
 ins. It was E. of Uotiie, in tlie ter- 
 ritory of Tusculuin, and between 
 Lavicum and (iabii; but it cannot 
 be identified with certainty with 
 any modern lake, 202. 
 
 REaiN, 443. 
 
 Be'mus, 355. 
 
 Reshpu, 369. 
 
 Bhad-a-man'thu», son of Jupiter and 
 Europa, and brother of king Minos 
 of Crete. From fear of his brother 
 he fled to 0(;alea in B(cotia, and 
 there married Alcmenc. In conse- 
 quence of bis justice throughout 
 life, he became after his death one 
 of the judges in the lower world, 
 331, 337. 
 
 Rhap'so-dist. 381. 
 
 Rhe'a, 6, 7, 12. 177, 2ai, 226. 
 
 Rhe'a Sil'via, 355. 
 
 Rhodes, 381. 
 
 Rhod'o-pe (Mountain In Thrace), 56. 
 
 Rh(e'cu8, 217, 218. 
 
 RivEE Ocean, 2. 
 
 Rod'mae, 443. 
 
 Rome, 16, 17, 33, 202, 220, 337, 339, 
 344, 355, 
 
 Rom'u-lus, 16, 355. 
 
 Ro-set'ta Stone, 359, 360. 
 
 Ru'nic, 413, 440, 
 
 Ru-tu'li-anr, an ancient people in 
 Italy, inhabiting a narrow slip of 
 country on the coast of Latii n, a 
 little to the 8, of the Tiber. 'J cir 
 chief town was Ardea, which was 
 the residence of Turnus. Tlicy 
 were subdtied at an early period l»> 
 the Romans, and disappear from 
 history, 340, 344, :iW, 347, 3-19. 
 
 Sa-bri'no, a river in the W. of 
 Britain, which (lowed by Venta 
 Silurum into the ocean, 240. 
 
 BiEHRiMNEK, the boar on which the 
 Norse gods feed every day. 
 
 Saga, goddess of history. 
 
 Sa'oA8,415,440,441. 
 
 Sa-oit-ta'ri-ub, 159. 
 
 Sak-ya-hin'ha, 405. 
 
 Sal'a-man'deu, 390. 
 
 Sal'a-mi8, 98, :wi, 
 
 Sal-mo' NKUH, son of iEolus and Ena- 
 rete, and i)rotlier of Sisyphus. He 
 originally lived in Tliessaly, but 
 emigrated to Elis, where he built 
 the town of Salmone. His pre- 
 sumption and arrogance were so 
 great that he deemed himself equal 
 to Jupiter, and ordered sacri- 
 fices to be offered to himself; nay, 
 he even imitated the thunder and 
 lightning of Zeus, but the father of 
 the gods killed him with his thun- 
 derbolt, destroyed his town, and 
 punished him in the lower world. 
 His daughter Tyro bears the pa- 
 tronymic Salmonis, 333. 
 
 Samh'in,447. 
 
 Sa'mos, an island in the .^geau sea, 
 199, 356. 
 
 Sam'o-thra'ce, 201. 
 
 Samson, 375. 
 
 Sap'pho, 253. 
 
 Saraswati. Brahma had his aacti, 
 or wife, or female counterpart. 
 Brahma'8 sacti is Saraswati, the 
 goddess of poetry, wisdom, elo- 
 quence, and fine art, 403. 
 
 Sar'pe-don, 267, 274. 
 
 Sat'urn, 6, 7, 12, 15, 16, 340, 345, 376, 
 395. 
 
 Sat'ur-na'li-a. Once a year, in the 
 month of December, the Romans 
 held a festival, called Saturnalia, 
 in his honor. It lasted from five 
 to seven days, and was accompanied 
 by amusements of all kinds. During 
 those days the ordinary distinc- 
 tions between master and ser- 
 vant or slave were done away with. 
 No assemblies were held to discuss 
 public affairs, and no punishments 
 for crime were inflicted. Servants 
 or slaves went about dressed like 
 their masters, and received from 
 them costly presents. Children re- 
 ceived from their parents or rela- 
 tives presents of pictures, probably 
 of a gaudy type, purchased in the 
 street where the picture-dealers 
 lived, Tliere was a temple of 
 Saturn in Rome, at the foot of the 
 Capitoline Hill, containing a figure 
 of him, with his feet wrapped 
 round with pieces of woolen cloth, 
 which could only be removed 
 during the festival of the Saturna- 
 lia. In one hand he held a curved 
 
 ■J I 
 
49^ 
 
 INDEX AND DICTION ABY. 
 
 
 
 %'.4.<r • r-fip 
 ''Sj'*'- ;-...'''L' 
 
 garden-knife, as a sign of his hav- 
 ing been the first to teach the peo- 
 ple how to trim the vine and olive. 
 In this temple were preserved the 
 state chest and the standards of the 
 army. 16. 
 
 Sa-tue Ni-A, an ancient name of 
 Italy. 
 
 Sa'tyrs, 13,41,96,211. 
 
 Savitab, an Indian god, the per- 
 
 ! Bonification of the sun. His name 
 means the " Inciter, or Enlivener." 
 As the sun-god he is spoken of as 
 the golden-eyed, goldeu-tongued, 
 and golden-handed ; and the Hin- 
 doo commentators, in their absurd 
 attempts to give a literal prosaic 
 explanation of a highly appropriate 
 poetic epithet, say that Savitar cut 
 off his hand at a sacrifice, and that 
 the priests gave him a golden one 
 instead. Savitar thus corresponds 
 to the Teutonic god Tyr, whose 
 hand was cut off by the wolf Fen- 
 ris. Like other gods in the Hindoo 
 and Norse mythologies, Savitar is 
 regarded as all-powerful. That 
 Savitar is a sun-gor" appears from 
 the following passages, among 
 many others, from the Rig- Veda: 
 "He steps forth, the splendor of 
 the sky, the wide-seeming, the far- 
 shining, the shining wanderer; 
 surely enlivened by the sun do 
 men go to their tasks and do their 
 work. May the golden-eyed Savi- 
 tar arise hither !" 
 
 Scandinavia, 409-413. 
 
 Sche'ri-a, 308. 
 
 Schrim'nir, 413. 
 
 Sci'ron, a famous robber, who in- 
 fested the frontier between Attica 
 and Megaris. He not only robbed 
 the travellers who passed through 
 the country, but compelled them 
 on the Scironian rock to wash his 
 feet, and kicked them into the sea 
 while they were thus employed. 
 At the foot of the rock there was a 
 tortoise which devoured the bodies 
 of the robber's victims. Ho was 
 slain by Theseus. 
 
 Sco'PAP, 252. 
 
 Scorpion (Constellation), 53, 55. 
 
 Scotland, 451, 452, 453. 
 
 Soyl'la (and Glaucus), 66, 75. Y6, 77, 
 78. 
 
 Scvl'la, .304, 322, and Nisus, 120- 
 122, 255), 303. 
 
 Scy'koh. 196. 
 
 Soytu'i-a, 43. 56, 160, 215, 292. 
 
 \ 
 
 Sea-Monsteb (and Perseus), 147, 148. 
 
 Sea' SONS, 4, 9. 
 
 See, 367. 
 
 Se-le'ne, the moon. 
 
 Sem'e-le, 12, 115, 203, 204. 
 
 SE-MIR'A-Misand NiNUS, the mythi- 
 cal founders of the Assyrian empire 
 of Ninus or Nineveh. Ninus was 
 a great warrior, who built the town ' 
 of Ninus or Nineveh. Semiramis 
 was the daughter of the fibh -god- 
 dess Derceto, of Ascalon, in Syria, 
 by a Syrian youth. Derceto, being 
 ashamed of her frailty, made away 
 with the youth, and exposed lier 
 infant daughter; but the child 
 was miraculously preserved by 
 doves, who fed her until she was 
 discovered by the shepherds of 
 the neighborhood. At the siege of 
 Bactra, Semiramis planned an at- 
 tack upon the citadel, mounted the 
 walls with a few brave followers, 
 and obtained possession of the plact 
 Ninus was so charmed by he- brav- 
 ery and beauty that he resoi ved to 
 make her his wife, wherp .pon her 
 unfortunate husband put an end to 
 his life. By Ninus Semiramis had a 
 son, Ninyas, and on the death of Ni- 
 nus shesucceeded him on the throne. 
 She built numerous cities and 
 erected many wonderful buildings. 
 In Nineveh she erected a tomb for 
 her husband ; she built the city of 
 Babylon, with all its wonders ; and 
 she constructed the hanging gar- 
 dens in Media, of which hiter 
 writers give us such strange ac- 
 counts. Besides conquering many 
 nations of Asia, she subdued Egypt 
 and a gre:it part of Ethiopia, ])ut 
 was unsuccessful in an attack which 
 she made upon India. After a reign 
 of 42 years, she resigned the sov- 
 ereignty to her son Ninyas, and dis- 
 appeared from the earth, taking 
 her flight to heaven in the form of 
 a dove, 34. 
 
 Se-ra'pis, 364. 
 
 Se-ri'piiu8, an island in the iEgeim 
 sea, and one of the ycliules. Ills 
 celebrated in mythology as the 
 island wliore Dante and Perseus 
 landed after they had })een exposed 
 by Acrisius, where Perseus was 
 brought up, and where he after- 
 wards turned the inhabitants into 
 stone witli the Gorgon's head, M;i, 
 150. 
 
 Se'rohu, 393. 
 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 49; 
 
 ), 147, 148, 
 
 e mythi- 
 an empire 
 T\n\\% was 
 ttlie town' 
 Semiraniis 
 flbh -god- 
 in Syria, 
 ceto, being 
 iiade away 
 cposed her 
 the child 
 served by 
 il she was 
 spherds of 
 he siege of 
 ned an at- 
 ounted the 
 followers, 
 (ftheplact. 
 y he- brav- 
 resoj ved tt) 
 ipp .pou her 
 it an end to 
 ramis had a 
 leathof Ni- 
 i the throne, 
 cities and 
 1 buildings. 
 a tomb for 
 the city of 
 nders; and 
 tnging gar- 
 hich later 
 strange ao- 
 ring many 
 lued Egypt 
 hiopia, but 
 tack which 
 fter a reign 
 id the 80V- 
 us, and dis- 
 •th, taking 
 he form of 
 
 tlio iEgeiui 
 ades. It is 
 ury as the 
 id Perseus 
 en exposed 
 irseus was 
 ) he after- 
 itants into 
 head, 11;.', 
 
 Serpent, 55, 114, 374. 
 
 Seb'tos, 128. 
 
 Set, 367. 
 
 Shamas, 395. 
 
 Shat-ey'a, 403, 404. 
 
 Si'byl, 325, 326, 328, 330, 831, 333, 
 
 334, 335, 337, 338, 339, 340. 
 Sl-CHiE'U8, 323, 
 
 Sic'iL-Y, 73, 75, 77, 197, 200, 321, 323. 
 
 Si-gu'na, 437. 
 
 SioUBD, 443, 444. 
 
 Si-le'nus, Like the other Satyrs, he 
 is called the sou of Mercury; but 
 some make him a soti of Pan by a 
 nymph, or of Geea. Being the con- 
 stant companion of Dionysus, ho 
 is said, like the god, to have been 
 born at Nysa. Moreover, ho took 
 part in the contest with the Gi- 
 gantes, and slew Knceladus. He is 
 mentioned along with Marsyus and 
 Olympus as the in yentor of the flute, 
 which he is often soon playing, 60. 
 
 Silver Age, 23. 
 
 SiL-VI-A, 341. 
 
 Si-mon'i-des, 252, 263. 
 
 Sin, 395. 
 
 Si'non, 288. 
 
 Sip'y-lus (Mount), in Lydia. Niobe 
 is said to have died there. 
 
 Si' BENS, 302. 
 
 Sir'i-U8, 257. 
 
 Sib'y-phus, 236, 333. 
 
 Si'VA, 398, 400, 401, 402. 
 
 Skalds, 440. 
 
 Skid-blad'nir (Proyr's ship), 438. 
 
 Skir'nir, 42.5. 
 
 Skry'mir, 426, 427. 
 
 Skuld (the Norn of tho Futtire), 412, 
 
 Sleep, 90, 274. 
 
 Sleip'nib (Odin's bono), 435. 
 
 Soad-l-pa'ri. 
 
 sokvabek, 415. 
 
 Sol (Helios), 161, 3U5. 
 
 Soma. In some respects tho myth 
 of Soma is tho most curious of all 
 the Vedic gods, Hotna, uh tiie in- 
 toxicating Juice of the Soma plant, 
 corresponds to that mixture of 
 honey and blood of the (^i 'usir 
 which, in tho Norse mytiiology, 
 imparts prolonged life to the gods. 
 In tho Rig- Veda tim Homa is Himi- 
 larly described ; as ills*) the procc^ss 
 by which it is convjii'ted into in- 
 toxicating liquid. Hut ill tli(« HiiiiK^ 
 hymns Homa is also dcHcrib'd m 
 an all-powerful god. It Is be who 
 gives strength to Indrii, and onables 
 him to connuer Ills enemy Vritra, 
 the snake of darkness. 
 
 Som'nus, 90, 91, 92. 325. 
 
 Son, 414. 
 
 Soph'o-cles, 293, 384. 
 
 So'this, 368. 
 
 Spab'ta, 290, 291, 293. 
 
 Sphinx, 151, 152, 153, 154, 359, 378. 
 
 Spring, 52, 74. 
 
 Stone' HEN GE, 446. 
 
 Stbo'phi-us, 291. 
 
 Stygian (Realm), 235. 
 
 Styx, 204, 285. 
 
 Su'dras, 403, 404. 
 
 Suitors (Fate of the), 315-318. 
 
 Summer, 52. 
 
 Sun, 4, 7, 53, 304, 386, 445. 
 
 Sun-god, 61. 
 
 Sur'tur, 439. 
 
 Sur'ya corresponds to the Greek 
 Helios. That is, he was not so 
 much the god of light as the spe- 
 cial god who dwelt in the body of 
 the sun. The same distinction ex- 
 ists between Poseidon and Nereus ; 
 the one being the god of all waters, 
 and even a visitor of Olympus, the 
 other a dweller in the sea. Surya 
 is described as the husband of the 
 dawn, and also as her son, 401. 
 
 Suttung, the guardian of the poetic 
 mead, 414, 415. 
 
 Sv-a-dil-fa'ri, 422, 423. 
 
 Swollen Foot, 152. 
 
 Syb'a-ris, 359. 
 
 Syl-va'nus, 96, 212. 
 
 Sym-pleg'a-des, 163. 
 
 Sy'rinx, 41, 42, 211. 
 
 Tac'i-tus, 387 
 T^N'A-RUf=, 235. 
 
 Ta'gus, 50. 
 
 Ta'lus had been placed in Crete by 
 Zeus, to watch over Europa, his 
 duty being to run round the island 
 tlirc'i times a day, and see who 
 landed on tho coast. When the 
 Argonauts arrived he opposed their 
 landing, but unsuccessfully; for it 
 happened that they were awart of 
 tho fact that, though apparently al- 
 together made of bronze, he still had 
 a vein reaching from neck to heel, 
 and containing his life-blood. This 
 vein P(Bas, the father of Philoc- 
 tetes, managed to hit with an ar- 
 row from the famous bow of Her- 
 acles. Talus fell, and died. Others 
 siiid that Media, who accompanied 
 the Argonauts, overcame him by 
 witchcraft. It had been the prac- 
 tice of Talus, when he caught any 
 
 
498 
 
 tiJDEX AND DICTIONARY, 
 
 
 
 
 one landing on the coast, to seize 
 his victim in bis arms, to leap witti 
 him into a fire, and press him to his 
 burning bosom, the wliilu laughing 
 at the pain. This was the origin 
 of the phrase " Sardonic laughter." 
 
 Tam'muz, 397. 
 
 Tan'a-is, 56, 
 
 Tan'ta-lus, 136, 236, 334. 
 
 Tae'chon, 347. 
 
 Ta-een'tum. 248. 
 
 Tar-pe'i-an, 345. 
 
 Tab-ta'rus, 7, 56, 66, 68, 92, 141, 235, 
 238, 333. 
 
 Tau'bis, 267, 292. 
 
 Tau'rus, 56. 
 
 Tel'a-mon, 119, 171, 172. 
 
 Te-leg'o-nus, son of Ulysses and 
 Circe. After Ulysses had returned 
 to Ithaca, Circe sent out Telegonus 
 in search of his father. A storm cast 
 his ship on the coast of Ithaca, and 
 being pressed by hunger, he began 
 to plunder the fields. Ulysses and 
 Telemachus, being informed of the 
 ravages caused by the stranger, 
 went out to fight against him; but 
 Telegonus ran Ulysses through 
 with a spear which ho had received 
 from his mother. 
 
 Te-lem'a-chus, 263, 201, 3(K3, 307, 
 315, 316, 317, 318. 
 
 Tel'lus, 167. 
 
 Tem'pe, a beautiful and ron antic val- 
 ley in Thessaly, between Mounts 
 Olympus and Ossa, through which 
 the Peneus escapes into the sea. 
 The lovely scenery of this glen is 
 frequently described by tlie ancient 
 poets and declaimers; and it was 
 also celebrated as one of the favor- 
 ite haunts of Apollo, who trans- 
 planted his laurel from this sfiot to 
 Dplphi. So celebrated was the scen- 
 ery of Tenipe that its name W'vs 
 given to any beautiful valley. 
 
 Tijn'e-dob, 31. 
 
 Te'ke-us, 190. 
 
 Tkr'mi-nuh, a Roman divinity, pre- 
 siding ov<T Ixnuidaries and fron- 
 tiers. His worship is said to have 
 been instituted by Nunia, who 
 ordered that every one Hhctuld 
 mark the bonndnries of his landed 
 property by stones consecrafx!.! to 
 Jupiter, and at tljfse lunindary- 
 stoncH, every year, sacriflccH should 
 be offered at the festival of the Ter- 
 minalia, 16. 
 
 TEUP-STrn'o-Ri;, 12, 14. 
 
 Teu'ra, 181. 
 
 Te'thys, 44, 53, 75, 218. \ 
 
 Teu'cer, 97. s. r 
 
 Tha-li'a, 12, 17. 
 
 Tham'y-ris, 243. 
 
 Thaukt, 436. 
 
 Thebes, 113, 115, 136, 154, 155, 205, 
 230, 231, 242, 243, 365, 366, 371, 372, 
 
 The'mis, 6, 10, 13, 24, 372. 
 
 The' RON, 47. 
 
 Ther-8i'te8, 285. 
 
 Thes'ce-lus, 149. 
 
 The-se'um, 196. 
 
 The'se-us, 102, 169, 171, 172, 182 
 190-197, 201, 209. 
 
 Thess'a-ly, 4, 161, 162, 16.3, 166, 210, 
 227, 252. 
 
 Thes'ti-us, 174. 
 
 The'tis, 219, 262, 264, 270, 276, 277, 
 278 286 
 
 Thi'al-fi, 426, 428, 429. 
 
 This' BE (and Pyramus), 29, 34, 35, 
 36, 37. 
 
 Thor, the thunderer of Norse myth- 
 ology. He was the friend of man, 
 and by his hammer kept the giants 
 or evil forces from destroying the 
 earth. The hammer is said to have 
 be^n the Cross, sign of ancient 
 heathenism. Thor was the most 
 popular of the gods. He slays the 
 Midgard serpent at the judgment, 
 but is himself poisoned by its 
 breath, 417, 418, 422, 423, 424, 426- 
 432, 437, 438, 339. 
 
 Thoth, an Egyptian lunar deity. As 
 the moon gave measurement to 
 time, so Thoth became the deity of 
 time and the recorder of the gods, 
 362, 367. 
 
 TnouaHT, 431. 
 
 Thrace, 163, 190, 237, 243, 319, 320. 
 
 Thri-na'ki-a, 304. 
 
 Thrvm. 423, 424. 
 
 Thu-cyd'i-deh, 119. 
 
 Tr-A'MAi, 395. 
 
 Tiber, 340,341, 355, 374. 
 
 Tiber (Father), 343. 
 
 Ti'oBis, 47. 
 
 Ti-re'pi-as, 231. 
 
 Ti-siph'o-ne, 13, 330, 
 
 Ti'ta nh. (1) The sons and duughttMs 
 of Uranus (Heaven) and (hva 
 (EarUi), originally dwelt in heaven, 
 whence tliey are called Urauidiu, 
 They were 12 in number, 6 sons 
 and 6 daughters, namely, Oceanus, 
 C(BUS, Crius, Hyperion, lapetiis, 
 Cronus, Tiiia, Rhea, Tliemis, Mne- 
 mosyne, Phoebe and Tethys; but 
 their names are different in other 
 accounts. (2) Tlie name Titans Is 
 
 <t ■ . '<.' 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 499 
 
 also given to those divine or semi- 
 divine beings who were descended 
 from the Titans, such as Prome- 
 theus, Hecate, Latona, Pyrrha, and 
 especially Helios (the Sun) and 
 Selene (the Moon), as the children 
 of Hyperion and Thi'*, and even t j 
 the descendants of Helios, surli as 
 Circe, 6, 7, 19-20, 136, 181, 216, 219 
 333. 
 
 Ti-tho'nub, 258. 
 
 Tit'yub, 151, 333. 
 
 Tmo'lus, 56, 61. 
 
 TOBTOIBE, 399. 
 
 Tox'B-ue, 173. 
 
 Tei-mue'ti, 398. 
 
 Teip-tol'e-mus, 74. 
 
 Tbi'tgn. 25, 76, 218, 219, 323. 
 
 Tbo/zen, 190, 191. 
 
 Tbo'jan, 116, 171, 195, 200, 219, 233, 
 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 331, 337, 341, 
 344, 346, 347, 349, 352, 353, 358. 
 
 Tbojan WAB, 262-284. 
 
 Tbo-PHo'ni-UB, 373. 
 
 Tboy. Thositeof the original city of 
 Troy will probably never be posi- 
 tively identified. It is somewhere, 
 of course, in the Troad, a district 
 whose boundaries have been en- 
 larged since the famous war. The 
 Troad is for the most part mount- 
 ainous, being intersected by Mount 
 Ida and its branches; the largest 
 plain is that in which Troy stood. 
 The chief rivers were the Satnois 
 on the a., the Ehodius on the N., 
 and the Scamander and Simois in 
 the centre. These 2 rivers, so re- 
 nowned in the legends of the Tro- 
 jan war, flow from 2 different 
 points in the chain of Mount Ida, 
 and unite in the plain of Troy, 
 through which the united stream 
 flows N.W., and falls into the Hel- 
 lespont E. of the proiuontory of 
 Sigoum. Tlie precise locality of the 
 city of Troy, or, accord iug to its 
 genuine Greek nam;^, Ilium, is the 
 8ul»j(!ct of much dispute. The most 
 prohul)Ie opinion seems to be that 
 which places the orlgnal city in 
 the upper part of the plain, on a 
 moderate elevation, at the foot of 
 Mount Ida, and its citadel (called 
 Porgama) on a loftier height, al- 
 most separated from the city by a 
 ravine, and nearly surrounded by 
 the Hcamandcr. This city seems 
 never to have been restored after its 
 dostriiction by the Greeks. Tlic 
 obronologurs assigned different 
 
 dates for the capture of Troy ; the 
 calculation most generally accepted 
 placed it in B.C. 1184. Dr. Schlie- 
 manu locates the site at Hissarlik, 
 some 3 miles from the Hellespont. 
 He believes that he has unearthed 
 the literal palace of Priam, 257, 258, 
 272, 283, 284, 286, 287, 294, 313, 314, 
 319, 320, 331. 
 
 Troy (Fall of), 285-291. 
 
 Tbuths (Hall of Two), 361-363. 
 
 Tu'bal, 375. 
 
 Tur'nus, 340, 341, 342, 344, 346, 347, 
 351-354. 
 
 Ty'phon. 66, 152, 323, 370, 371. 
 
 Tye, 422, 
 
 Tye'ian, 61, 79, 86, 114, 133, 323. 
 
 Tyr'ehe-us, 341. 
 
 U-lys'ses, 76, 77, 97, 232, 233, 263, 
 264, 265, 270, 273, 286, 287, 288, 290, 
 291, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 
 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 308, 309, 
 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 
 318, 319, 322. 
 
 U-NI'COBN, 389. 
 
 U-ba'ni-a, one of the Muses, a 
 daughter of Zeus by Mnemosyne. 
 The ancient bard Linus is called 
 her son by Apollo, and HymeusBus 
 also is said to have been a son of 
 Urania. She was regarded, as her 
 name indicates, as the Muse cf 
 Astronomy, and was represented 
 with a celestial globe, to which she 
 points with a small staff, 12, 14. 
 
 U-ka'nt;s (Heaven), sometimes called 
 a son and sometimes the husband 
 of G sea (Earth). By Gsea, Uranus 
 became the father of Oceanus, Cojus, 
 Crius, Hyperion, lapetus, Thia, 
 Rhea, Themis, Muoniosyne, Plicebe, 
 Tethys, Cronus; of the Cyclopes- 
 Brontes, Steropes. Arges ; and of the 
 Hectatoncheires— Cottus, Briareus, 
 and Gyes. According to Cicero, 
 Uranus was also the father of Mer- 
 cury by Dia and of Venus by 
 Hemera. Uranus hated his chil- 
 dren, and immediately after their 
 birth he confined them in Tartarus, 
 in consequence of which he was 
 unmanned and dethroned by Cronos 
 at the instigation of Gaja. Out of 
 the drops of his blood sprang the 
 GiRantos, the Melian nymphs, and, 
 according to some, Silcnus, and 
 from the foam gathering around 
 I his limbs in the sea sprang Aphro« 
 dite, 19. 
 
500 
 
 INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 r'-tis 
 
 J 
 
 Ub'dus, one of the Norns or Fates 
 
 of Scandinavia, representing the 
 
 Past, 402. 
 Ut'garp, the abode of the Giant 
 
 Utgard, 427. 
 Ut'gaed-Lo'ki, 427, 428, 429, 430, 
 
 431, 432. 
 
 Vach, 401. 
 
 Va-is'sy-as, 403. 
 
 Val-hal'la, 413, 415, 417, 422, 434. 
 
 Val-kyr'i-e, 443. 
 
 Val kyr'i-or, 415 416, 417. 
 
 Vans, the deities of the northern eeas. 
 
 Va-bu'na, a Vedic god— originally 
 a sea-god; but in later times he 
 becomes god of the waters. The 
 name is derived from the root var, 
 to cover or envelop, and so far 
 Varuna means the vault of heaven. 
 Here, then, we seem to find a clue 
 to the meaning of the Greek Ura- 
 nus, whom we already know to 
 have been a sky-god : Uranus means 
 theCoverer; but, as observed above, 
 the name would have remained 
 unintelligible apart from its refer- 
 ence to the Sanscrit. 
 
 Va'tes, 445. 
 
 Va'yu, the Vedic god of the winds, 
 or of the air. Allied to him are 
 the Maruts, — the storm-gods, or 
 " crushers," whose name has been 
 derived from a root meaning to 
 grind, and regarded as connected 
 with such names as Mars and Ares. 
 
 Ve, 410, 412. 
 
 Ve^das, 398, 400, 401, 403, 404, 406. 
 
 Ve'nus, 9, 10, 18, 21, m, 79, 80, 84, 85, 
 95, 97, 98, 100, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 
 115, 128, 175, ]76, 209, 262, 263, 270, 
 271, 290, 325, 326, 379, 395. 
 
 Veb-dan'di (the Present), 412. 
 
 Ver-tum'nus (and Pomona), 95-99. 
 
 Vesta, daughter of Cronus and Rhea, 
 was worshipped both by Greeks and 
 Romar ' aa the goddess of thohoiue- 
 flre, .-;• I t^arth. She was the guard- 
 ian oiii !i .1" .i5. In every public 
 resort she » . i a sn. » iuary in the 
 shape of a fii c; .„nd wlion, in Greece, 
 a bo<iy (tf .. ','ih! ,8 w •"- about to 
 emr :i.t«x, )!(..> of \\\\'\' ci',i«if ccusid- 
 eratio.i' \' ..» t** tal' \s \\ the; \ 
 some 1 iM :iun ol fir(> Ki.cred to HcfA- 
 tia, in uul i • /'"^rry with them tl < 
 favor jfthi , > d»!i i, rirt! Greeks 
 looked up',n ti;c "-uite u>. ft great 
 faniiU', wuli n <i.)l.»r of Hcstia as 
 ite central x.^hiin No enterprise ' 
 
 was commenced without sacrifice 
 and prayer at her altar ; and when 
 the fire chanced to be extinguished, 
 it could only be rekindled by a 
 light from some other sanctuary. 
 Her priestesses, six in number, 
 were called vestal virgins, their 
 duty being to feed the sacred 
 flame of her temple, and to pre- 
 sent sacrifices and prayers for the 
 welfare of the state. To this office 
 they were chosen by the high- 
 priest, who was styled Pontifex 
 Maximus. They wore robes of 
 white, with a fillet round the hair, 
 and a veil, additional ornaments 
 being permitted in later times. It 
 was necessary that the girls selected 
 for this service should be between 
 six and ten years of age, and that 
 they should take a vow of chastity, 
 and serve in the temple for thirty 
 years. The sacred fire on the hearth 
 of the goddess and the laurel that 
 shaded ifc were renewed on the 
 1st of March of each year ; on the 
 15th of June her temple was 
 cleansed and repaired, 16, 18, 354. 
 
 Ves'tal, 16. 
 
 Ve8-ta'li-a, festival in honor of 
 Vesta, only women being admitted 
 to the temple, and these barefooted 
 and in the character of pilgrims. 
 
 Victory, 378. 
 
 Vic-to'ri-a (Nike), 189. 
 
 Vig'rid, 439. 
 
 Vi'li, 410, 412. 
 
 Vir'qil, 263, 327, 339, 340, 381, 382. 
 
 Vir'go, 24. 
 
 Virtue 187 
 
 Vish'nu, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 405. 
 
 Vol'scens, 349, 350. 
 
 Vul'can, 5, 8, 9, 16, 18, 52, 54, 115, 
 152, 190, 192, 230, 277, 278, 353» 
 375. 
 
 Wain, 4. 
 
 Water-deities, 218. 
 Wedding-Fkabt (The), 149. 
 Wednesday, 79. 
 Wind-Flower, 85. 
 'ViNDS, 220-223, 258. 
 vV^intke, 52. 
 Wo'den (Odin), 413. 
 Woman (Creation of), 21. 
 Wooden Horhe, 287, 288, 313. 
 Wood-Nymi'US, 05. 
 
 Xau'thus, 56. 
 
INDEX AND DICTIONARY. 
 
 501 
 
 Ya'ma, 401. 
 Yeae, 52. 
 Ygdea'sil, 412. 
 Y'mie, 410, 411, 412, 43r 
 
 Za'gre-U8, a Rurname of the mystic 
 Dionysus, whom Zeus, in the form 
 of a dragon, iH said to have begot- 
 ten by Persephone (Proserpina), 
 before she was CHrrled off by Pluto. 
 He was torn to pieces by the Tita.is. 
 Minerva cavried his heart to Zeus. 
 
 Ze'lus, the personification of zeal or 
 strife, is described as a son of Pal- 
 las and Styx, and a brother of 
 Nike. 
 
 Zend'-A-veb'ta, .3f>l. 
 
 ZEPH'y-EU8, 80, 102, 104, 100, 221- 
 224,337. 
 
 Ze'tes, son of Boreas and Orithyia, 
 frequently called the Borea'da, are 
 mentioned among the Argonauts, 
 and are described as winged beings. 
 His sister, Cleopatra, who was mai- 
 ried to Phineus, had been thrown 
 with her sons into prison by Phin- 
 eus, at the instigation of his sec- 
 ond wife. Here she was found by 
 Zetesand Calais when they arrived 
 at Salmydessus in the Argonautic 
 expedition. They liberat«d their 
 sister and her children, gave the 
 kingdom to the latter, and sent the 
 second wife of Phineu? to her own 
 country, Scythia, 221. 
 
 Ze'thus, 242. 
 
 Zeus, 1, 0, 15, 177, 377. " . ■ 
 
 Zo-ro-as'tee, 391-394. 
 
 
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