sight of Proteus rising from the sea, and had heard “Old Triton blow
his
wreathéd horn.” But properly to understand even
to furnish a practical guide for the student who wishes to prosecute
his
mythological studies, and who desires to acquire
described, as there was no light by which he could be seen. He shared
his
throne with his wife, the dark goddess of Night,
ere was no light by which he could be seen. He shared his throne with
his
wife, the dark goddess of Night, named Nyx or Nox
s; and then, thinking he would be happier with a helpmeet, he married
his
own mother, Nyx. Of course, with our present view
nd motionless. Eros, the first to perceive these deficiencies, seized
his
life-giving arrows and pierced the cold bosom of
d lyres By day, by night, belong; And the breath we draw from
his
living fires We give him back in song.”
st. This chasm was situated far under the earth; and Uranus knew that
his
six sons (Oceanus, Cœus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus
ons (Oceanus, Cœus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus, and Cronus), as well as
his
six daughters, the Titanides (Ilia, Rhea, Themis,
uest to set the giants free, and whenever their muffled cries reached
his
ear, he trembled for his own safety. Angry beyond
ee, and whenever their muffled cries reached his ear, he trembled for
his
own safety. Angry beyond all expression, Gæa swor
conspire against their father, and attempt to wrest the sceptre from
his
grasp. All listened attentively to the words of s
e, who found confinement and chains peculiarly galling, and who hated
his
father for his cruelty. Gæa finally induced him t
nfinement and chains peculiarly galling, and who hated his father for
his
cruelty. Gæa finally induced him to lay violent h
er for his cruelty. Gæa finally induced him to lay violent hands upon
his
sire, and, after releasing him from his bonds, ga
him to lay violent hands upon his sire, and, after releasing him from
his
bonds, gave him a scythe, and bade him be of good
rn victorious. Thus armed and admonished, Cronus set forth, came upon
his
father unawares, defeated him, thanks to his extr
nus set forth, came upon his father unawares, defeated him, thanks to
his
extraordinary weapon, and, after binding him fast
to rule the universe for ever. Enraged at this insult, Uranus cursed
his
son, and prophesied that a day would come when he
prophesied that a day would come when he, too, would be supplanted by
his
children, and would suffer just punishment for hi
d be supplanted by his children, and would suffer just punishment for
his
rebellion. Cronus paid no heed to his father’s im
ould suffer just punishment for his rebellion. Cronus paid no heed to
his
father’s imprecations, but calmly proceeded to re
is father’s imprecations, but calmly proceeded to release the Titans,
his
brothers and sisters, who, in their joy and grati
ruled by him. Their satisfaction was complete, however, when he chose
his
own sister, Rhea (Cybele, Ops) for his consort, a
mplete, however, when he chose his own sister, Rhea (Cybele, Ops) for
his
consort, and assigned to each of the others some
onus, with great satisfaction, congratulated himself on the result of
his
enterprise. One fine morning, however, his equani
d himself on the result of his enterprise. One fine morning, however,
his
equanimity was disturbed by the announcement that
sturbed by the announcement that a son was born to him. The memory of
his
father’s curse then suddenly returned to his mind
rn to him. The memory of his father’s curse then suddenly returned to
his
mind. Anxious to avert so great a calamity as the
rned to his mind. Anxious to avert so great a calamity as the loss of
his
power, he hastened to his wife, determined to dev
to avert so great a calamity as the loss of his power, he hastened to
his
wife, determined to devour the child, and thus pr
ng further annoyance. Wholly unsuspicious, Rhea heard him inquire for
his
son. Gladly she placed him in his extended arms;
picious, Rhea heard him inquire for his son. Gladly she placed him in
his
extended arms; but imagine her surprise and horro
G. F. Watts. By Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. Cronus, aware of
his
birth, soon made his appearance, determined to di
ssion of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. Cronus, aware of his birth, soon made
his
appearance, determined to dispose of him in the u
or some time Rhea pleaded with him, but at last pretended to yield to
his
commands. Hastily wrapping a large stone in swadd
rapt in infant swathes; and this with grasp Eager he snatch’d, and in
his
ravening breast Convey’d away: unhappy! nor once
ng breast Convey’d away: unhappy! nor once thought That for the stone
his
child behind remain’d Invincible, secure; who soo
e saved young Jupiter from imminent death: it was also necessary that
his
father should remain unconscious of his existence
h: it was also necessary that his father should remain unconscious of
his
existence. To ensure this, Rhea entrusted her bab
mmotion was not at all understood by Cronus, who, in the intervals of
his
numerous affairs, congratulated himself upon the
imself upon the cunning he had shown to prevent the accomplishment of
his
father’s curse. But all his anxiety and fears wer
ad shown to prevent the accomplishment of his father’s curse. But all
his
anxiety and fears were aroused when he suddenly b
, before he could put it into execution, he found himself attacked by
his
son, and, after a short but terrible encounter, h
.e., Neptune, Pluto, Vesta, Ceres, and Juno. Following the example of
his
predecessor, Jupiter gave his brothers and sister
res, and Juno. Following the example of his predecessor, Jupiter gave
his
brothers and sisters a fair share of his new king
is predecessor, Jupiter gave his brothers and sisters a fair share of
his
new kingdom. The wisest among the Titans — Mnemos
rose up between their starry brows, Some choosing to cast Cronus from
his
throne That Zeus might king it there, and some in
iter, from the top of Mount Olympus, discerned the superior number of
his
foes, and, quite aware of their might, concluded
es, and, quite aware of their might, concluded that reinforcements to
his
party would not be superfluous. In haste, therefo
une, Jupiter s brother, while the young conqueror joyfully proclaimed
his
victory. “League all your forces then, ye powers
nt, from whose trunk one hundred dragon heads arose; flames shot from
his
eyes, nostrils, and mouths; while he incessantly
the forms of different animals; and Jupiter became a ram, while Juno,
his
sister and queen, changed herself into a cow. The
elf into a cow. The king of the gods, however, soon became ashamed of
his
cowardly flight, and resolved to return to Mount
flight, and resolved to return to Mount Olympus to slay Typhœus with
his
terrible thunderbolts. A long and fierce struggle
ruggle ensued, at the end of which, Jupiter, again victorious, viewed
his
fallen foe with boundless pride; but his triumph
er, again victorious, viewed his fallen foe with boundless pride; but
his
triumph was very short-lived. Enceladus, another
under Mount Ætna. In early times, before he had become accustomed to
his
prison, he gave vent to his rage by outcries, imp
times, before he had become accustomed to his prison, he gave vent to
his
rage by outcries, imprecations, and groans; somet
ometimes he even breathed forth fire and flames, in hopes of injuring
his
conqueror. But time, it is said, somewhat cooled
opes of injuring his conqueror. But time, it is said, somewhat cooled
his
resentment; and now he is content with an occasio
he is content with an occasional change of position, which, owing to
his
huge size, causes the earth to tremble over a spa
s; And, when he heaves against the burning load, Reluctant, to invert
his
broiling limbs, A sudden earthquake shoots throug
Enceladus under Mount Ætna. B. Picart. Jupiter had now conquered all
his
foes, asserted his fight to the throne, and could
nt Ætna. B. Picart. Jupiter had now conquered all his foes, asserted
his
fight to the throne, and could at last reign over
le well heaven, earth, and sea, and resolved to divide the power with
his
brothers. To avoid quarrels and recriminations, h
ecriminations, he portioned the world out into lots, allowing each of
his
brothers the privilege of drawing his own share.
out into lots, allowing each of his brothers the privilege of drawing
his
own share. Neptune thus obtained control over the
ed control over the sea and all the rivers, and immediately expressed
his
resolve to wear a symbolic crown, composed exclus
f marine shells and aquatic plants, and to abide within the bounds of
his
watery realm. Pluto, the most taciturn of the bro
watery realm. Pluto, the most taciturn of the brothers, received for
his
portion the sceptre of Tartarus and all the Lower
ts way; while Jupiter reserved for himself the general supervision of
his
brothers’ estates, and the direct management of H
had received. He therefore called the youngest two sons of Iapetus to
his
aid, and bade them make a judicious distribution
las) endow it with a soul; whereupon man lived, and moved, and viewed
his
new domain. Justly proud of his handiwork, Promet
upon man lived, and moved, and viewed his new domain. Justly proud of
his
handiwork, Prometheus observed man and longed to
ssion Of the fire of the Immortals.” Longfellow. Fire alone, in
his
estimation, could effect this; but fire was the s
d unperceived into the gods’ abode, seized a lighted brand, hid it in
his
bosom, and departed unseen, exulting in the succe
hid it in his bosom, and departed unseen, exulting in the success of
his
enterprise. Arrived upon earth once more, he cons
immediately adapted it to various purposes, and eloquently expressed
his
gratitude to the benevolent deity who had risked
uently expressed his gratitude to the benevolent deity who had risked
his
own life to obtain it for him. From his lofty thr
nevolent deity who had risked his own life to obtain it for him. From
his
lofty throne on the topmost peak of Mount Olympus
punish the unhappy Prometheus without mercy. To seize the offender in
his
mighty grasp, bear him off to the Caucasian Mount
ork. There a voracious vulture was summoned to feast day by day, upon
his
liver, the tearing of which from his side by the
mmoned to feast day by day, upon his liver, the tearing of which from
his
side by the bird’s cruel beak and talons caused t
cepts less The sum of human wretchedness, And strengthen man with
his
own mind.” Byron. Epimetheus and Pandora
would come to him from the gods, refused to accept her, and cautioned
his
brother Epimetheus to follow his example. Unfortu
refused to accept her, and cautioned his brother Epimetheus to follow
his
example. Unfortunately Epimetheus was of a confid
upiter’s messenger, coming towards them. His step was slow and weary,
his
garments dusty and travel-stained, and he seemed
almost to stagger beneath the weight of a huge box which rested upon
his
shoulders. Pandora immediately ceased dancing, to
request; but Mercury evaded the question, asked permission to deposit
his
burden in their dwelling for safe-keeping, profes
dispel the frown and pout seen for the first time on the fair face of
his
beloved, he entreated her to come out into the fr
companions. For the first time, also, Pandora refused to comply with
his
request. Dismayed, and very much discouraged, Epi
but all in vain. Ever and anon the laughing voices of Epimetheus and
his
companions, playing in the luxuriant shade, were
! quarrelled for the first time in their lives. Epimetheus reproached
his
wife in bitterest terms for her thoughtless actio
bitterest terms for her thoughtless action; but in the very midst of
his
vituperation he suddenly heard a sweet little voi
n. Once more they heard the same pitiful accents; and Epimetheus bade
his
wife open the box and set the speaker free, addin
winter, did appear, And spring was but a season of the year; The sun
his
annual course obliquely made, Good days contracte
r men’s actions during all these years; and this evil conduct aroused
his
wrath to such a point, that he vowed he would ann
and the king of gods was about to put it into instant execution, when
his
arm was stayed by the objection that the rising f
was stayed by the objection that the rising flames might set fire to
his
own abode, and reduce its magnificence to unsight
y the ever-rising flood, stood the son of Prometheus, Deucalion, with
his
faithful wife Pyrrha, a daughter of Epimetheus an
urn to their cave, and the rain to cease. Neptune, in accordance with
his
decree, blew a resounding blast upon his conch sh
Neptune, in accordance with his decree, blew a resounding blast upon
his
conch shell to recall the wandering waves, which
hortly after became the happy parents of a son named Hellen, who gave
his
name to all the Hellenic or Greek race; while his
ed Hellen, who gave his name to all the Hellenic or Greek race; while
his
sons Æolus and Dorus, and grandsons Ion and Achæu
of all the Olympian divinities: the others were obliged to submit to
his
will, and trembled at his all-powerful nod. “He,
ities: the others were obliged to submit to his will, and trembled at
his
all-powerful nod. “He, whose all-conscious eyes
ternal Thunderer sat, enthroned in gold, High heaven the footstool of
his
feet he makes, And wide beneath him all Olympus s
And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes.” “He spoke, and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls, and give
Olympus shakes.” “He spoke, and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls, and gives the nod, The stamp of
ontinued to issue their irrevocable decrees, even after he supplanted
his
father and began to rule over all. In common with
ic figure, with long curling hair and beard, clad in flowing drapery,
his
redoubtable thunderbolts or sceptre in one hand,
eptre in one hand, and a statue of Victory in the other. The world is
his
footstool; and the eagle, emblem of strength and
r, is usually seen close beside him. His Attendants Jupiter had
his
own special attendants, such as Victoria, or Nice
Victoria, or Nice, the goddess of victory, who was ever ready to obey
his
slightest behest, and it is said her master loved
master loved her so dearly that he generally held an image of her in
his
hand. The hundred-tongued goddess of fame, Fama,
undred-tongued goddess of fame, Fama, trumpet in hand, proclaimed, at
his
bidding, anything he wished, never questioning wh
les; while Hebe, or Juventas, the goddess of youth, was ever ready at
his
wish to pour out the nectar, in which the gods we
gods was obliged to go in quest of another cup-bearer. To facilitate
his
search, he assumed the form of an eagle, and wing
To facilitate his search, he assumed the form of an eagle, and winged
his
flight over the earth. He had not flown far, befo
beauty, alone on a neighbouring hill. To swoop down, catch him up in
his
mighty talons, and bear him safely off to Olympus
all he wished without any risk of detection. One day he and Mercury,
his
special messenger and favourite among the gods, t
prevent the death of the confiding goose, Jupiter revealed himself to
his
faithful worshippers, and in gratitude for their
bode into a superb temple, where they could offer daily sacrifices on
his
altars. “Their little shed, scarce large enough
ut Juno being of a jealous disposition, Jupiter was forced to conduct
his
courtships with great secrecy and circumspection,
eing him kneel, as if to invite her to mount, she lightly sprang upon
his
broad back, calling to her companions to follow h
ample; but, before they could do as she wished, the bull had risen to
his
feet, and galloped off towards the sea with his f
the bull had risen to his feet, and galloped off towards the sea with
his
fair burden on his back. Instead of turning when
to his feet, and galloped off towards the sea with his fair burden on
his
back. Instead of turning when he saw the foam-cre
at, and allowed herself to be carried away. Jupiter finally deposited
his
fair burden upon the shores of a new land, to whi
ew land, to which he gallantly gave her name, Europe. He then resumed
his
wonted form, explained at length his reasons for
er name, Europe. He then resumed his wonted form, explained at length
his
reasons for so unceremoniously kidnapping her, an
oluntary departure. Agenor, whose favourite she had always been, rent
his
garments in grief, and bade his sons go forth and
e favourite she had always been, rent his garments in grief, and bade
his
sons go forth and seek her, and not to return til
ally fruitless. At last, weary of this hopeless quest, Phœnix refused
his
further aid, and allowed his sorrowing relatives
y of this hopeless quest, Phœnix refused his further aid, and allowed
his
sorrowing relatives to continue without him, rema
a land which from him was called Phœnicia. Cilix, too, soon followed
his
example, and settled in a fertile country which t
red on till he came to Delphi, where he consulted the oracle; but, to
his
great dismay, the only reply he received was, “Fo
surely walking in front of him, and, mindful of the oracle, he ceased
his
search and followed her. Urged by curiosity, many
dmus’ surprise, time passed and still they did not return. Armed with
his
trusty sword, he finally went down to the spring
voured by a huge dragon, which lived in the hollow. The prince raised
his
sword to avenge their death, and dealt the dragon
mmediate end to its existence. While Cadmus stood there contemplating
his
lifeless foe, a voice bade him extract the dragon
act the dragon’s teeth, and sow them in the ground already broken for
his
future city. No human being was within sight: so
st instantaneous; for the giants, each fancying it had been thrown by
his
neighbour, began fighting among themselves. In a
of the ground, all complete, and ready for use. To reward Cadmus for
his
loving and painstaking search for Europa, Jupiter
e invented the alphabet, and introduced its use into Greece. Although
his
career was very prosperous at first, he finally i
of course, very widely and generally worshipped by the ancients; and
his
principal temples — the Capitol at Rome, and the
l from heaven, and fervently prayed for a token that the god accepted
his
labour. Jupiter, in answer to this prayer, sent a
e, dignity of attitude, or elaborate finish. “Wise Phidias, thus
his
skill to prove, Through many a god advanc’d to Jo
ently the sister of Jupiter; but, as soon as the latter had dethroned
his
parents and seized the sceptre, he began to look
sceptre, he began to look about him for a suitable helpmate. Juno won
his
affections by her great beauty; and he immediatel
Juno won his affections by her great beauty; and he immediately began
his
courtship, which he carried on in the guise of a
He evidently found favour in her sight, and won her consent to share
his
throne; for shortly afterward their wedding was c
e, punished her severely, and, instead of reforming, merely continued
his
numerous intrigues with renewed zest. Callisto
utions which he took when visiting her, Juno discovered the object of
his
affections. Night and day she thought and planned
which were from that time forth to be her home. Jupiter vainly sought
his
absent mistress, and it was only long afterward t
ce unable, to endure the racking pain any longer, Jupiter bade one of
his
sons, Vulcan, cleave his head open with an axe. W
racking pain any longer, Jupiter bade one of his sons, Vulcan, cleave
his
head open with an axe. With cheerful alacrity the
riumphant song of victory. “From
his
awful head Whom Jove brought forth, in warlike ar
utiful city in the province since called Attica. All the gods watched
his
undertaking with great interest; and finally, see
y who would create the most useful object for the use of man. Raising
his
trident, Neptune struck the ground, from which a
dmiration of all the spectators. His qualities were duly explained by
his
proud creator, and all thought it quite impossibl
va often aided him by her wise counsels, and in times of war borrowed
his
terrible shield, the Ægis, which she flung over h
That seem’d to live, so like it was in sight: The velvet nap which on
his
wings doth lie, The silken downe with which his b
e velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, The silken downe with which
his
backe is dight, His broad outstretched homes, his
en downe with which his backe is dight, His broad outstretched homes,
his
hayrie thies, His glorious colours, and his glist
broad outstretched homes, his hayrie thies, His glorious colours, and
his
glistering eies.” Spenser. Arachne, in the mean
in thine eye: thou in whose bright And hottest rays the eagle fills
his
eye With quenchless fire, and far, far up on high
lls his eye With quenchless fire, and far, far up on high Screams out
his
joy to thee, by all the names That thou dost bear
hey were first inspired by Coronis, a fair maiden, who kindled within
his
breast an ardent flame. The sun-god wooed the gir
y and persistently, and at length had the deep satisfaction of seeing
his
affections returned. His bliss, however, proved b
ight eyes of Apollo’s favourite bird, the snowy raven, — for such was
his
hue in those early times, — so he flew off in has
r such was his hue in those early times, — so he flew off in haste to
his
master to report the discovery he had made. Despe
sperate with love and jealousy, Apollo did not hesitate, but, seizing
his
bow and deadly arrows, shot Coronis through the h
onis through the heart. The deed was no sooner accomplished, than all
his
love returned with tenfold power; and, hastening
h tenfold power; and, hastening to Coronis’ side, he vainly tried all
his
remedies to recall her to life.
n’t bring the maiden back!” Saxe. Bending over the lifeless body of
his
beloved one, he bewailed his fatal haste, and cur
Saxe. Bending over the lifeless body of his beloved one, he bewailed
his
fatal haste, and cursed the bird which had brough
ealing art. The disciple’s talent was so great, that he soon rivalled
his
master, and even, it is said, recalled the dead t
he people would forget him and worship their physician, seized one of
his
thunderbolts, hurled it at the clever youth, and
s, hurled it at the clever youth, and thus brought to an untimely end
his
brilliant medical career. “Then Jove, incensed t
however, for he left two sons — Machaon and Podalirius, who inherited
his
medical skill — and a daughter, Hygeia, who watch
Admetus and Alcestis Maddened with grief at the unexpected loss of
his
son, Apollo would fain have wreaked his vengeance
ief at the unexpected loss of his son, Apollo would fain have wreaked
his
vengeance upon the Cyclopes, the authors of the f
lopes, the authors of the fatal thunderbolt; but ere he could execute
his
purpose, Jupiter interfered, and, to punish him,
of Thessaly. One consolation alone now remained to the exiled god, —
his
music. His dulcet tones soon won the admiration o
exiled god, — his music. His dulcet tones soon won the admiration of
his
companions, and even that of the king, who listen
iration of his companions, and even that of the king, who listened to
his
songs with pleasure, and to reward him gave him t
hen King Admetus, one who had Pure taste by right divine, Decreed
his
singing not too bad To hear between the cups of w
l pleased with being soothed Into a sweet half sleep, Three times
his
kingly beard he smoothed And made him viceroy o’e
p, Three times his kingly beard he smoothed And made him viceroy o’er
his
sheep.” Lowell. Time passed. Apollo, touched by
im viceroy o’er his sheep.” Lowell. Time passed. Apollo, touched by
his
master’s kindness, wished to bestow some favour i
lo, touched by his master’s kindness, wished to bestow some favour in
his
turn, and asked the gods to grant Admetus eternal
for the good king’s death, some one should be found willing to die in
his
stead. This divine decree was reported to Alcesti
y bought at such a price; and Admetus mourned until Hercules, pitying
his
grief, descended into Hades, and brought her back
” Wordsworth. Apollo, after endowing Admetus with immortality, left
his
service, and went to assist Neptune, who had also
ing tunes that the stones moved into place of their own accord. Then,
his
term of exile being ended, he returned to heaven,
s term of exile being ended, he returned to heaven, and there resumed
his
wonted duties. From his exalted position he often
ded, he returned to heaven, and there resumed his wonted duties. From
his
exalted position he often cast loving glances dow
had endured; and, in answer to their prayers, he graciously extended
his
protection over them, and delivered them from mis
roach the monster; but Apollo fearlessly drew near, and slew him with
his
golden shafts The victory over the terrible Pytho
of him is the Apollo Belvedere, which represents him at the moment of
his
conquest of the Python. The Story of Hyacinthu
nthus, Zephyrus blew Apollo’s quoit aside so violently that it struck
his
playmate, and felled him to the ground. Vainly Ap
und. Hyacinthus was already beyond aid, and in a few seconds breathed
his
last in his friend’s arms. To keep some reminder
hus was already beyond aid, and in a few seconds breathed his last in
his
friend’s arms. To keep some reminder of the depar
e, hyacinths; while Zephyrus, perceiving too Tate the fatal effect of
his
jealousy, hovered inconsolable over the sad spot,
spot, and tenderly caressed the dainty flowers which had sprung from
his
friend’s life-blood.
Fondles the flower.” Keats. The Story of Cyparissus To divert
his
mind from the mournful fate of Hyacinthus, Apollo
s mischance, that he pined away and finally died. Apollo then changed
his
lifeless clay into a cypress tree, which he decla
ushed down to the edge of her father’s stream, calling out loudly for
his
protection. No sooner had she reached the water’s
At first he could not realise that the fair maiden had vanished from
his
sight for ever; but, when the truth dawned upon h
him, he declared that from henceforth the laurel would be considered
his
favourite tree, and that prizes awarded to poets,
ed in the forest, and, when the evening shadows began to fall, joined
his
loving wife in their cosy dwelling. Her marriage
Lelaps was swift of foot, and tireless in the chase. One day, to test
his
powers, the gods from Olympus watched him course
wn upon the short grass he often called for a breeze, bidding it cool
his
heated brow. “A hunter once in that grove recli
e noon’s bright eye, And oft he woo’d the wandering wind, To cool
his
brow with its sigh. While mute lay ev’n the wild
darting its perpendicular rays upon the earth, when Cephalus came to
his
usual resort, near which Procris was concealed. “
ocris, cut to the heart by what she considered an infallible proof of
his
infidelity, sank fainting to the ground. The rust
t some wild beast was lurking there ready to pounce upon him, he cast
his
unerring javelin into the very midst of the thick
into the very midst of the thicket, and pierced the faithful bosom of
his
wife. Her dying moan brought him with one bound t
ion that her husband had not deserved her unjust suspicions, and that
his
heart was all her own. There are, of course, many
un chariot. Day after day he rode across the azure sky, nor paused on
his
way till he reached the golden boat awaiting him
on his way till he reached the golden boat awaiting him at the end of
his
long day’s journey, to bear him in safety back to
m at the end of his long day’s journey, to bear him in safety back to
his
eastern palace. “Helios all day long his allotte
bear him in safety back to his eastern palace. “Helios all day long
his
allotted labour pursues; No rest to his passi
ce. “Helios all day long his allotted labour pursues; No rest to
his
passionate heart and his panting horses given, Fr
his allotted labour pursues; No rest to his passionate heart and
his
panting horses given, From the moment when roseat
ly journey with strange persistency; and from the moment when he left
his
palace in the morning until he came to the far we
ing until he came to the far western sea in the evening, she followed
his
course with loving eyes, thought of the golden-ha
se with loving eyes, thought of the golden-haired god, and longed for
his
love. But, in spite of all this fervour, she neve
a distant sound of music, so sweet, so thrilling, that he fairly held
his
breath to listen. These weird, delightful tones w
reak in the entrancing music caused the youth, Marsyas, to start from
his
abstraction and look about him. He then perceived
then perceived the rejected flute sailing gently down the stream past
his
feet. To seize the instrument and convey it to hi
wn the stream past his feet. To seize the instrument and convey it to
his
lips was the work of an instant; and no sooner ha
reathed into it than the magic strain was renewed. No recollection of
his
pastoral duties could avail to tear Marsyas away
llection of his pastoral duties could avail to tear Marsyas away from
his
new-found treasure; and so rapidly did his skill
to tear Marsyas away from his new-found treasure; and so rapidly did
his
skill increase, that he became insufferably conce
actually challenged to a musical contest. Intending to punish him for
his
presumption, Apollo, accompanied by the nine Muse
d music, appeared before the musician and challenged him to make good
his
boastful words. Marsyas was called upon first to
ake good his boastful words. Marsyas was called upon first to exhibit
his
proficiency, and charmed all by his melodious str
was called upon first to exhibit his proficiency, and charmed all by
his
melodious strains. “So sweet that alone the sout
ointed cells To wait imprisoned for the south wind’s spells, From out
his
reedy flute the player drew, And as the music cle
The Muses bestowed much deserved praise, and then bade Apollo surpass
his
rival if he could. No second command was necessar
is rival if he could. No second command was necessary. The god seized
his
golden lyre and poured forth impassioned strains.
strove; but on this occasion Apollo joined the harmonious accents of
his
godlike voice to the tones of his instrument, cau
lo joined the harmonious accents of his godlike voice to the tones of
his
instrument, causing all present, and the very Mus
us arrangement — that the victor should have the privilege of flaying
his
opponent alive — Apollo bound Marsyas to a tree a
by partiality, gave it to Pan, in spite of the marked inferiority of
his
playing. Apollo was so incensed by this injustice
. Apollo was so incensed by this injustice that he determined to show
his
opinion of the dishonest judge by causing generou
judge by causing generous sized ass’s ears to grow on either side of
his
head. “The god of wit, to show his grudge, Clapt
’s ears to grow on either side of his head. “The god of wit, to show
his
grudge, Clapt asses’ ears upon the judge; A goodl
dismayed by these new ornaments, Midas retreated into the privacy of
his
own apartment, and sent in hot haste for a barber
e, who, in her turn, loved him passionately, and even wrote verses in
his
honour. This being the state of her feelings, she
to their union, and became the proud mother of Orpheus, who inherited
his
parents’ musical and poetical gifts. “Orpheus wi
who inherited his parents’ musical and poetical gifts. “Orpheus with
his
lute made trees, And the mountain-tops, that free
e mountain-tops, that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing: To
his
music plants and flowers Ever sprung; as sun and
ry widespread; and when he fell in love with Eurydice, he brought all
his
skill into play, and wooed her with voice and gla
and glance and with tender, passionate music. Eurydice was touched by
his
courtship, and ere long requited the love lavishe
red off to Olympus, where he so piteously implored Jupiter to restore
his
wife to his longing arms, that the great god’s he
lympus, where he so piteously implored Jupiter to restore his wife to
his
longing arms, that the great god’s heart was move
m permission, therefore, to go down into the Infernal Regions to seek
his
wife, but warned him at the same time that the un
and hushed their sighs and groans to listen. Even Tantalus suspended
his
eternal effort to quaff the ever-receding stream,
med to tumble and toss The notable stone that gathers no moss, Let go
his
burden, and turned to hear The charming sounds th
t go his burden, and turned to hear The charming sounds that ravished
his
ear.” Saxe. No living being had ever before pen
Pluto, king of these realms, whereon the stern ruler sat in silence,
his
wife Proserpina beside him, and the relentless Fa
silence, his wife Proserpina beside him, and the relentless Fates at
his
feet. Orpheus made known his errand, and succeede
beside him, and the relentless Fates at his feet. Orpheus made known
his
errand, and succeeded in moving the royal pair to
e should leave the Infernal Regions without turning once to look into
his
beloved wife’s face. Orpheus. J. M. Swan, R.
selingh & Co. Orpheus accepted the condition joyfully, and wended
his
way out of Hades, looking neither to the right no
in these rayless depths. Forgetful of the condition imposed by Pluto,
his
longing to feast his eyes once more upon her love
hs. Forgetful of the condition imposed by Pluto, his longing to feast
his
eyes once more upon her loved features induced hi
he wife he had so nearly snatched from the grave vanished from before
his
affrighted eyes. “No word of plaint even in that
e lonely musician retreated to the forest solitudes, and there played
his
mournful laments, — “Such strains as would have
way to comfort him as he moved restlessly about, seeking a solace for
his
bursting heart. At times it seemed to his half-de
about, seeking a solace for his bursting heart. At times it seemed to
his
half-delirious fancy that he could discern Eurydi
h their demands; and the sad notes which alone he now could draw from
his
instrument so enraged the merrymakers, that they
enraged the merrymakers, that they tore him limb from limb, and cast
his
mangled remains into the Hebrus River. As the poe
ips still murmured, “Eurydice!” for even in death he could not forget
his
wife; and, as his spirit drifted on to join her,
, “Eurydice!” for even in death he could not forget his wife; and, as
his
spirit drifted on to join her, he incessantly cal
t to remind mortals of the sweet singer who had thus perished, except
his
lute, which the gods placed in the heavens as a b
He left a small plantation; Wherever in a lonely grove He set up
his
forlorn pipes, The gouty oak began to move, A
and Antiope, had a twin brother Zethus, who, however, shared none of
his
artistic tastes. Hearing that their mother Antiop
him when he subsequently became King of Thebes, and wished to fortify
his
capital by building a huge rampart all around it;
him in musical fame was Arion, the musician who won untold wealth by
his
talent. On one occasion, having gone to Sicily to
ked was manned by an avaricious, piratical crew, who, having heard of
his
treasures, resolved to murder him to obtain posse
ame and played about the ship. The pirates, terrified by the power of
his
music, and in dread lest their hearts should be m
next ensew Before the spouse: that was Arion crownd; Who, playing on
his
harpe, unto him drew The eares and hearts of all
ough the Agean seas from Pirates vew, Stood still by him astonisht at
his
lore, And all the raging seas for joy forgot to r
den-haired little son Phaeton was there to gladden her heart with all
his
childish graces. Early in the morning, when the s
the horizon, Clymene would point it out to her boy, and tell him that
his
father, Apollo, was setting out for his daily dri
to her boy, and tell him that his father, Apollo, was setting out for
his
daily drive. Clymene so often entertained her chi
s daily drive. Clymene so often entertained her child with stories of
his
father’s beauty and power, that at last Phaeton b
n became conceited, and acquired a habit of boasting rather loudly of
his
divine parentage. His playmates, after a time, we
udly of his divine parentage. His playmates, after a time, wearied of
his
arrogance, and, to avoid the constant repetition
e, wearied of his arrogance, and, to avoid the constant repetition of
his
vain speeches, bade him show some proof of his di
constant repetition of his vain speeches, bade him show some proof of
his
divine origin, or keep his peace. Stung to the qu
vain speeches, bade him show some proof of his divine origin, or keep
his
peace. Stung to the quick by some insolent taunts
e quick by some insolent taunts which they added, Phaeton hastened to
his
mother, and begged her to direct him to his fathe
dded, Phaeton hastened to his mother, and begged her to direct him to
his
father, that he might obtain the desired proof. C
all necessary information, and bade him make haste if he would reach
his
father’s palace in the Far East before the sun ch
l he came in view of the golden and jewelled pinnacles and turrets of
his
father’s abode. “The sun’s bright palace, on hig
te undazzled by this splendour, the youth still pressed on, straining
his
eyes to catch the first glimpse of the godly fath
st glimpse of the godly father, whose stately bearing and radiant air
his
mother had so enthusiastically described. Apollo,
adiant air his mother had so enthusiastically described. Apollo, from
his
golden throne, had watched the boy’s approach, an
watched the boy’s approach, and, as he drew nearer, recognised him as
his
own offspring. Timidly now Phaeton advanced to th
im as his own offspring. Timidly now Phaeton advanced to the steps of
his
father’s throne, and humbly waited for permission
teps of his father’s throne, and humbly waited for permission to make
his
errand known. Apollo addressed him graciously, ca
to make his errand known. Apollo addressed him graciously, called him
his
son, and bade him speak without fear. In a few mi
h pleasure the frown which gathered on Apollo’s brow when he repeated
his
companions’ taunts. As soon as he had finished hi
w when he repeated his companions’ taunts. As soon as he had finished
his
tale, Apollo exclaimed that he would grant him an
y a solemn oath. “‘By the terrible Styx!’ said the angry sire, While
his
eyes flashed volumes of fury and fire, ‘To prove
ty for one whole year. During nine years following he was deprived of
his
office, banished from Olympus, and not allowed to
te of the life-giving nectar and ambrosia. With a flash of triumph in
his
dark eyes, Phaeton, hearing this oath, begged per
iot that very day, stating that all the world would be sure to notice
his
exalted position, and that none would ever dare d
e to notice his exalted position, and that none would ever dare doubt
his
veracity after such a signal mark of Apollo’s fav
, who, like many another conceited youth, fancied he knew better than
his
sire, would not give heed to the kindly warning,
his sire, would not give heed to the kindly warning, and persisted in
his
request, until Apollo, who had sworn the irrevoca
til Apollo, who had sworn the irrevocable oath, was obliged to fulfil
his
promise. The hour had already come when the Sun u
fil his promise. The hour had already come when the Sun usually began
his
daily journey. The pawing, champing steeds were r
Aurora. Guido Reni. Apollo, yielding to pressure, quickly anointed
his
son with a cooling essence to preserve him from t
him from the burning sunbeams, gave him the necessary directions for
his
journey, and repeatedly and anxiously cautioned h
for his journey, and repeatedly and anxiously cautioned him to watch
his
steeds with the utmost care, and to use the whip
stern palace with a flourish. For an hour or two Phaeton bore in mind
his
father’s principal injunctions, and all went well
’s principal injunctions, and all went well; but at length, elated by
his
exalted position, he became very reckless, drove
tion, he became very reckless, drove faster and faster, and soon lost
his
way. In finding it again he drove so close to the
ndants to this day. Terrified at what he had done, Phaeton whipped up
his
steeds, and drove so far away, that all the veget
and caused him to look around to discover their origin. One glance of
his
all-seeing eye sufficed to reveal the devastated
mount the sun chariot? Jupiter could scarcely credit what he saw. In
his
anger he vowed he would make the rash mortal expi
t he saw. In his anger he vowed he would make the rash mortal expiate
his
presumption by immediate death. He therefore sele
y immediate death. He therefore selected the deadliest thunderbolt in
his
arsenal, aimed it with special care, and hurled i
and hurled it at Phaeton, whose burned and blackened corpse fell from
his
lofty seat down into the limpid waves of the Erid
narch of streams, who on the Italian fields Let loose, and far beyond
his
flowery lips Foam-white, ran ruinous to the Adria
oam-white, ran ruinous to the Adrian deep.” Worsley. The tidings of
his
death soon reached poor Clymene, who mourned her
like tear-drops. Phaeton’s intimate friend, Cycnus, piously collected
his
charred remains, and gave them an honourable buri
collected his charred remains, and gave them an honourable burial. In
his
grief he continually haunted the scene of his fri
n honourable burial. In his grief he continually haunted the scene of
his
friend’s death, and repeatedly plunged into the r
which bird is ever sailing mournfully about, and frequently plunging
his
head into the water to continue his sad search.
ly about, and frequently plunging his head into the water to continue
his
sad search. The Nine Muses Apollo, as the d
amed Musagetes. “Whom all the Muses loved, not one alone; — Into
his
hands they put the lyre of gold, And, crowned
e Story of Comatas A certain goatherd, named Comatas, used to feed
his
goats on the slopes of Mount Helicon, and when th
s, and Comatas one day took a kid and offered it as a sacrifice. When
his
master discovered that one was missing from his f
as a sacrifice. When his master discovered that one was missing from
his
flock, in a fit of passion he took the goatherd a
Tennyson. Knowing he would never die, and wishing to rid herself of
his
burdensome presence, she changed him into a grass
e principal temples dedicated to the worship of Apollo were at Delos,
his
birthplace, and at Delphi, where a priestess call
un! that unto thee In adoration man should bow the knee, And pour
his
prayers of mingled awe and love, For like a God t
and light — The Sun in human limbs array’d, and brow All radiant from
his
triumph in the fight; The shaft hath just been sh
th just been shot — the arrow bright With an immortal’s vengeance; in
his
eye And nostril beautiful disdain, and might And
ancient world, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, was a statue of Apollo,
his
head encircled with a halo of bright sunbeams, an
tue of Apollo, his head encircled with a halo of bright sunbeams, and
his
legs spread wide apart to allow vessels, with all
o, meeting the seven lads out hunting, cut their existence short with
his
unfailing arrows. “Phœbus slew t
iling arrows. “Phœbus slew the sons With arrows from
his
silver bow, incensed At Niobe” Homer ( Bryant’s
to grant her request. Every evening, as soon as the Sun had finished
his
course, Diana mounted her moon car, and drove her
there on the hillside she saw a handsome young shepherd fast asleep,
his
upturned face illumined by the moon’s soft light.
face illumined by the moon’s soft light. Diana wonderingly gazed upon
his
beauty, and before long felt her heart beat with
more than admiration. Gliding gently from her chariot, she floated to
his
side, bent slowly, and dropped an airy kiss upon
, she floated to his side, bent slowly, and dropped an airy kiss upon
his
slightly parted lips. The youth Endymion, only pa
Endymion, only partially awakened by this demonstration, half raised
his
fringed lids, and for a moment his sleep-dimmed e
by this demonstration, half raised his fringed lids, and for a moment
his
sleep-dimmed eyes rested wonderingly upon the bea
t one glance, although it drove Diana away in great haste, kindled in
his
heart an inextinguishable passion. He rose with a
s heart an inextinguishable passion. He rose with a start, and rubbed
his
sleepy eyes; but when he saw the moon, which he f
ight after night it was repeated when the pale moonbeams fell athwart
his
sleeping face. “Then, as the full orb poised upo
and enjoyed the bliss of her presence; yet a spell seemed to prevent
his
giving any sign of consciousness. Time passed thu
man gaze. There each night the goddess paused to gaze enraptured upon
his
beloved countenance, and to press a soft kiss upo
nraptured upon his beloved countenance, and to press a soft kiss upon
his
unconscious lips. Such is the tale of Diana and h
ter by the name of Orion. All day long this youth scoured the forest,
his
faithful dog Sirius at his heels. One day, in the
ll day long this youth scoured the forest, his faithful dog Sirius at
his
heels. One day, in the dense shade of the forest,
nopion, King of Chios, who consented to their union on condition that
his
future son-in-law should win his bride by some he
ted to their union on condition that his future son-in-law should win
his
bride by some heroic deed. Now, as Orion was anyt
ut a patient man, the delay was very unwelcome indeed, and he made up
his
mind to abduct his bride instead of marrying her
he delay was very unwelcome indeed, and he made up his mind to abduct
his
bride instead of marrying her openly; but the pla
nopion’s watchfulness, and Orion was punished by the loss not only of
his
bride, but also of his eyesight. Blind, helpless,
and Orion was punished by the loss not only of his bride, but also of
his
eyesight. Blind, helpless, and alone, he now wand
red from place to place, hoping to find some one capable of restoring
his
sight. At last he reached the Cyclopes’ cave, and
e of light, — “When, blinded by Œnopion, He sought the blacksmith at
his
forge, And, climbing up the mountain gorge, Fixed
e blacksmith at his forge, And, climbing up the mountain gorge, Fixed
his
blank eyes upon the sun.” Longfellow. Happy onc
s blank eyes upon the sun.” Longfellow. Happy once more, he resumed
his
favourite sport, and hunted from morn till eve. D
hunted from morn till eve. Diana met him in the forest, and, sharing
his
tastes, soon learned to love him; but this affect
hat occurred by day could be hidden, and he resolved to put an end to
his
sister’s infatuation. He therefore summoned her t
put an end to his sister’s infatuation. He therefore summoned her to
his
side. To divert her suspicions, he began to talk
was given her as a target. When she discovered her error, she mourned
his
loss with many tears, vowed never to forget him,
s loss with many tears, vowed never to forget him, and placed him and
his
faithful dog Sirius as constellations in the sky.
eheld her thus, she caught some water in her hollow palm, flung it in
his
face, and bade him go and declare, if he could, t
wy limbs, furry skin, and wide-branching antlers. Nothing remained of
his
former self except the woeful consciousness of hi
othing remained of his former self except the woeful consciousness of
his
transformation; and as he stood there, motionless
and as he stood there, motionless and dismayed, the distant baying of
his
hounds coming to join him fell upon his ear.
smayed, the distant baying of his hounds coming to join him fell upon
his
ear. Diana’s Hunt. G. Papperitz. By Permissi
W. An electric thrill of fear shot through every vein, as, mindful of
his
new form, he bounded away through the forest. Ala
gh the forest. Alas! too late; for the pack had caught one glimpse of
his
sleek sides, and were after him in full cry. In v
upport, and, as he sank exhausted to the ground, the hounds sprang at
his
quivering throat and tore him to death as he lay.
the gods passing by should discover them together, Mars always placed
his
attendant Alectryon on guard, bidding him give du
night the unfortunate Alectryon fell asleep; and so 84 profound were
his
slumbers, that he did not even stir when Aurora f
ancing right and left, and taking note of all he saw. Nothing escaped
his
bright and piercing eye, as it flashed its beams
n aware of the sleeping watchman and of the guilty lovers. As fast as
his
fleet-footed steeds could carry him, Apollo haste
d to Vulcan, to whom he vividly described the sight which had greeted
his
eyes. The irate husband lost no time, but, seizin
d lost no time, but, seizing a net of linked steel, went in search of
his
runaway wife. Stealthily he approached the lovers
chubby child, with gauzy wings and roguish, dimpled face. Alarmed for
his
health, Venus consulted Themis, who oracularly re
nly revealed to her when Anteros, god of passion, was born. When with
his
brother, Cupid grew and flourished, until he beca
me, slender youth; but when separated from him, he invariably resumed
his
childish form and mischievous habits. The Stor
er. He laughingly escaped, and continued to join the other hunters in
his
favourite sport. But, alas, one day, after an exc
tacked a wild boar, which, goaded to madness, turned upon him, buried
his
strong tusk in the youth’s unprotected side, and
nd trampled him to death. “The white tusk of a boar has transpierced
his
white thigh. …………………………………………………………… “The
te thigh. …………………………………………………………… “The youth lieth dead while
his
dogs howl around, And the nymphs weep aloud f
Dying Adonis. Michael Angelo. Venus ran straight to the scene of
his
tragic death, rushing through underbrush and bria
ing him to release Adonis from death’s embrace, or allow her to share
his
lot in Hades. To allow Beauty to desert the earth
re, Adonis left the Lower World, and came with bounding tread to join
his
beloved. On his path the flowers bloomed and the
the Lower World, and came with bounding tread to join his beloved. On
his
path the flowers bloomed and the birds sang, to s
his path the flowers bloomed and the birds sang, to show their joy at
his
coming. An emblem of vegetation, which rises from
y returned to Hades, when Winter, the cruel boar, slew him again with
his
white tusk, and made nature again droop, and mour
him again with his white tusk, and made nature again droop, and mourn
his
departure. “But even in death, so st
at Anchises lived to a ripe old age, and escaped from burning Troy on
his
son Æneas’ back. Venus’ love was, however, all tr
transferred to her son Æneas, whom she signally protected throughout
his
checkered career. Venus’ most ardent admirers and
so well matched in beauty and grace, she bade Cupid pierce them with
his
love darts, which behest the mischief-loving god
sistance, Leander managed to exchange a few words with Hero, declared
his
love, implored her to view his suit kindly, and,
change a few words with Hero, declared his love, implored her to view
his
suit kindly, and, above all, to grant him an inte
e, And lovely Hero, Sestos’ sweetest, she; She of her town, and he of
his
, the boast; A noble pair!” Edwin Arnold. The ma
his, the boast; A noble pair!” Edwin Arnold. The maiden listened to
his
pleading with mingled joy and terror, for she kne
he Hellespont when the shades of night had fallen, and none could see
his
goal, and pay her a visit in her lonely tower.
thee; Nor tremble at the hissing of the sea.” Edwin Arnold. At last
his
prayers overcame the maiden’s scruples, and she a
arted them with lusty strokes, as he hastened across the deep to join
his
beloved. At times the huge billows towered above
the deep to join his beloved. At times the huge billows towered above
his
head; but when he had escaped their threatening d
shy, sweet blushes which would dye Hero’s cheek as he clasped her to
his
passionate heart. “Leander had no fear — he clef
in Arnold. All day long Hero had hoped that her lover would renounce
his
nightly journey; but still, when evening came, sh
she lighted her torch to serve as beacon, should he risk all to keep
his
word. The wind blew so fiercely that the torch wa
he strait, calling upon the gods to lend him their aid. But this time
his
prayers were unheard, drowned in the fury of the
of the storm; yet he struggled on a while longer, with Hero’s name on
his
lips. At last, exhausted and ready to sink, he li
o’s name on his lips. At last, exhausted and ready to sink, he lifted
his
eyes once more to view the cheering light. It was
ander sank, once, twice, thrice, and the billows closed for ever over
his
head. Hero in the meanwhile had relighted her tor
w her lover’s corpse heaving up and down on the waves. “As shaken on
his
restless pillow, His head heaves with the heaving
, she threw herself into the sea, and perished in the waves, close by
his
side. Thus lived and died the faithful lovers, wh
e, Untouch’d, a victim of your beauty bright, Sinking away to
his
young spirit’s night.’’ Keats. The poet Byron a
nd achieved Leander’s feat of swimming across the Hellespont, and, on
his
return from that dangerous venture, wrote the fol
w a lion emerge from the thicket and come towards her, slowly lashing
his
sides with his tail, and licking his bloody jaws.
from the thicket and come towards her, slowly lashing his sides with
his
tail, and licking his bloody jaws. With one terri
come towards her, slowly lashing his sides with his tail, and licking
his
bloody jaws. With one terrified shriek the girl r
shriek the girl ran away, dropping her veil, which the lion caught in
his
bloody mouth and tore to shreds, before beating a
onvince him that Thisbe had perished, and in a fit of despair he drew
his
dagger from its sheath and thrust it into his hea
fit of despair he drew his dagger from its sheath and thrust it into
his
heart. A few minutes later, Thisbe cautiously dre
neath the mulberry tree, with her bloody veil pressed convulsively to
his
lips. With a cry of terror she flew to his side,
il pressed convulsively to his lips. With a cry of terror she flew to
his
side, and tried to revive him; but, when assured
n assured that all her efforts were in vain, she drew the dagger from
his
breast, and, plunging it into her own bosom, fell
fection. All her blandishments were unavailing, and in her despair at
his
hard-heartedness, she implored Venus to punish hi
ne day, after a prolonged chase, he hurried to a lonely pool to slake
his
thirst. “In some delicious ramble, he had found
pebbly bottom he saw a face so passing fair, that he immediately lost
his
heart, for he thought it belonged to some water n
sudden passion he caught at the beautiful apparition; but, the moment
his
arms touched the water, the nymph vanished. Aston
me, the youth gradually bent further over the pool; and, reassured by
his
kindly glances, the nymph’s whole head appeared.
parted and moved as if she were answering, though not a sound came to
his
ear. In his excitement he began to gesticulate, w
oved as if she were answering, though not a sound came to his ear. In
his
excitement he began to gesticulate, whereupon two
excitement he began to gesticulate, whereupon two snowy arms repeated
his
every gesture; but when, encouraged by her loving
by her loving glances and actions, he tried once more to clasp her in
his
arms, she vanished as rapidly as the first time.
n the same pantomime was enacted, and time and again the nymph eluded
his
touch; but the enamoured youth could not tear him
the spot haunted by this sweet image, whose sensitive face reflected
his
every emotion, and who grew as pale and wan as he
despair. Even the shades of night could not drive Narcissus away from
his
post, and, when the pale moonbeams illumined his
Narcissus away from his post, and, when the pale moonbeams illumined
his
retreat, he bent over the pool to ascertain wheth
king, until he died, little suspecting that the fancied nymph was but
his
own image reflected in the clear waters. Echo was
tea Pygmalion, King of Cyprus, was a very celebrated sculptor. All
his
leisure moments were spent in the faithful portra
ion the image of a lovely woman. The statue became so beautiful under
his
practised hand that even before it was entirely f
see him at last a victim of the tender passion, and resolved to grant
his
request. A suitable opportunity soon arrived. One
ity soon arrived. One day as Pygmalion clasped the exquisite image to
his
breast some of his own warmth was infused into th
ne day as Pygmalion clasped the exquisite image to his breast some of
his
own warmth was infused into the icy bosom, and as
after kiss upon the chiselled lips they grew at last soft and warm to
his
touch, and a faint colour flushed the pale cheeks
of feeling o’er him shone.” Schiller. Pygmalion’s delight at seeing
his
fair image a living and breathing maiden was unbo
was unbounded, and after a short but passionate wooing the object of
his
affections became his happy wife. Cupid and Ps
ter a short but passionate wooing the object of his affections became
his
happy wife. Cupid and Psyche In those same
den was mortal. She therefore bade her son Cupid slay her. Armed with
his
bow and arrows, and provided with a deadly poison
ess, and made Cupid start back in surprise; but, as he did so, one of
his
own love arrow; came into contact with his rosy f
but, as he did so, one of his own love arrow; came into contact with
his
rosy flesh, and inflicted a wound, from which he
was to suffer for many a weary day. All unconscious of the gravity of
his
hurt, he hung enraptured over the sleeping maiden
enraptured over the sleeping maiden, and let her fail image sink into
his
heart; then, noiselessly as he had entered, he st
o Zephyrus (the South Wind), and entreated him to catch the maiden in
his
strong yet gentle arms and bear her off to a dist
me, and darkness again covered the earth, Cupid appeared in search of
his
beloved Psyche. In the perfumed dusk he confessed
ed in search of his beloved Psyche. In the perfumed dusk he confessed
his
love, and tenderly begged for some return. Now, a
discern the form or features of her unknown lover, Psyche listened to
his
soft tones with unconcealed pleasure, and soon co
their union. Cupid then entreated her to make no attempt to discover
his
name, or to catch a glimpse of his face, warning
her to make no attempt to discover his name, or to catch a glimpse of
his
face, warning her that if she did so he would be
ious lover’s wishes, and gave herself up entirely to the enjoyment of
his
company. All night long they talked; and when the
ns from the realms above Descending Cupid seeks the Cyprian grove; To
his
wide arms enamour’d Psyche springs, And clasps he
rings, And clasps her lover with aurelian wings. A purple sash across
his
shoulder bends, And fringed with gold the quiver’
lover could not refuse to grant this request, yet Psyche noticed that
his
consent seemed somewhat hesitating and reluctant.
dagger in her lover’s apartment, and to gaze upon him in secret, when
his
eyes were closed in sleep. If the light of the la
to charm her from her silent mood, Cupid fell asleep; and, as soon as
his
regular breathing proclaimed him lost in slumber,
azes on the god of Love.” Apollonius. The sudden pain made him open
his
eyes with a start. The lighted lamp, the glitteri
ng Psyche, told the whole story. Cupid sprang from, the couch, seized
his
bow and arrows, and, with a last sorrowful, repro
river; but the god of the stream caught and carried her ashore, where
his
daughters, the water nymphs, restored her to life
Cupid, and had heard that very morning that he was having a wound in
his
shoulder dressed by Venus: so she advised Psyche
d, passing by, saw her there, marked the ravages of grief, remembered
his
love and her suffering, and, wrestling with the s
restling with the spirit, forced him to re-enter the narrow bounds of
his
prison, and woke Psyche with a loving kiss.
Olympus, entered the council hall, and there Cupid presented Psyche,
his
chosen bride, to the assembled deities, who all p
work, Jupiter was never a strictly faithful spouse, and, in spite of
his
wife’s remonstrances, could not refrain from indu
n spite of his wife’s remonstrances, could not refrain from indulging
his
caprice for every pretty face he met along his wa
refrain from indulging his caprice for every pretty face he met along
his
way. It is thus, therefore, that he yielded to th
adily be perceived by the numerous pranks he played immediately after
his
birth. First he sprang from his mother’s knee, gr
us pranks he played immediately after his birth. First he sprang from
his
mother’s knee, grasped a tortoise shell lying on
s in its sides, stretched strings across its concavity, and, sweeping
his
hands over them, produced strains of sweetest mus
“There went Up from beneath
his
hand a tumult sweet Of mighty sounds and from his
Up from beneath his hand a tumult sweet Of mighty sounds and from
his
lips he sent A strain of unpremeditated wit,
elley. Being very hungry towards evening, young Mercury escaped from
his
sleeping mother, and sallied out in search of foo
eir feet in leafy branches, so that they would leave no traces. Then,
his
hiding-place being reached in safety, Mercury coo
killed two of the oxen, which he proceeded to eat. Apollo soon missed
his
cattle, and began to search for some clue to thei
e off to Mount Cyllene, where he found Mercury peacefully sleeping in
his
cradle. With a rude shake, the sun god roused him
leeping in his cradle. With a rude shake, the sun god roused him from
his
slumbers, and bade him restore the stolen cattle.
strong to drive away the clouds and conceal them, leaving no trace of
his
passage except a few broken branches and scattere
e dropt Towards the ground; but rested not, nor stopt One moment from
his
home; only the sward He with his wand light touch
ested not, nor stopt One moment from his home; only the sward He with
his
wand light touch’d, and heavenward Swifter than s
ecriminations, Jupiter had carried on this affair with even more than
his
usual secrecy visiting his beloved only when quit
carried on this affair with even more than his usual secrecy visiting
his
beloved only when quite certain that his wife was
n his usual secrecy visiting his beloved only when quite certain that
his
wife was asleep, and taking the further precautio
ming, had but time to change the maiden beside him into a heifer, ere
his
wife alighted and inquired what he was doing ther
ating these suspicions with care, Juno begged her husband to give her
his
new creation, which request he could not refuse,
aven: Those thousand eyes that watch alternate kept, Nor all o’er all
his
body waked or slept.” Statius ( Elton’s tr.). S
ything unusual in its actions. One day, therefore, as he was watching
his
charge pasture by the river, Argus heard her rela
r, Inachus, the story of her transformation, and immediately imparted
his
discovery to Juno, who, advising still closer wat
ry to Juno, who, advising still closer watchfulness, sent him back to
his
post. Mercury and Argus Jupiter, in the mea
upiter, in the meanwhile, was in despair; for days had passed without
his
being able to exchange a word with Io, or deliver
o, or deliver her from her imprisonment. Finally he called Mercury to
his
aid, and bade him devise some plan to rescue her.
out such lengthy, uninteresting stories, that Argus soon closed half
his
eyes in profound sleep Still talking in the same
ury seized the giant’s sword, and with one well-directed blow severed
his
head from the huge trunk. Only one half of the ta
ished: and while Mercury was driving the heifer away, Juno discovered
his
attempt, and promptly sent an enormous gadfly to
urned the loss of her faithful Argus most bitterly, and, gathering up
his
myriad eyes, scattered them over the tail of her
ever near her. “From Argus slain a painted peacock grew, Fluttering
his
feathers stain’d with various hue.” Moschus. Th
one by One, thus killing Argus, who else was never known to close all
his
eyes at once. To Mercury was entrusted the charge
was widely worshipped. Temples, altars, and shrines were dedicated to
his
service throughout the ancient world. His statues
ople. “Infant Mars, where Thracia’s mountains rose, Press’d with
his
hardy limbs th’ encrusted snows.” Statius ( Elto
elt no love for him, but, on the contrary, shuddered with terror when
his
name was mentioned. Mars was generally represente
nerally represented in a brilliant suit of armour, a plumed helmet on
his
proud young head, a poised spear in one muscular
howing him ever ready to cope with a foe. His attendants, or some say
his
children, sympathised heartily with his quarrelso
. His attendants, or some say his children, sympathised heartily with
his
quarrelsome tastes, and delighted in following hi
ised heartily with his quarrelsome tastes, and delighted in following
his
lead. They were Eris (Discord), Phobos (Alarm), M
error). Bellona, or Enyo, goddess of war, also accompanied him, drove
his
chariot, parried dangerous thrusts, and watched o
d him, drove his chariot, parried dangerous thrusts, and watched over
his
general safety. Mars and Bellona were therefore w
r, All hot and bleeding, will we offer them: The mailed Mars shall on
his
altar sit, Up to the ears in blood.” Shakespeare
ears in blood.” Shakespeare. Otus and Ephialtes As strife was
his
favourite element, Mars was very active indeed du
very active indeed during the war between the gods and giants, but in
his
martial ardour he frequently forgot all caution.
an injury; and when Halirrhothius, Neptune’s son, dared to carry off
his
daughter Alcippe, Mars hotly pursued the abductor
emain quite unbiassed. Mars appeared before the judges, simply stated
his
case, and was acquitted. Since then the hill upon
ly stated his case, and was acquitted. Since then the hill upon which
his
trial took place has been called the Areopagus (A
struck Remus such a savage blow that he fell to the ground, slain by
his
brother in a fit of passion. Alone now, Romulus a
a fit of passion. Alone now, Romulus at first vainly tried to pursue
his
undertaking, but, being soon joined by a number o
ned their forces, and built the celebrated city of Rome. “Then, with
his
nurse’s wolf-skin girt, Shall Romulus the line as
nurse’s wolf-skin girt, Shall Romulus the line assert, Invite them to
his
new raised home, And call the martial city Rome.”
was its first king, and ruled the people with such an iron hand that
his
tyranny eventually became unbearable. The senator
that his tyranny eventually became unbearable. The senators, weary of
his
exactions and arbitrary measures, finally resolve
ctions and arbitrary measures, finally resolved to free themselves of
his
presence. Taking advantage of an eclipse, which p
le all were assembled on the Forum, the magistrates slew Romulus, cut
his
body into pieces, and hid them under their wide t
city of Rome and its turbulent, lawless citizens, Mars took it under
his
special protection; and once, when a plague was r
threatened to destroy all the people, the Romans rushed in a body to
his
temple, and clamoured for a sign of his favour an
he Romans rushed in a body to his temple, and clamoured for a sign of
his
favour and protection. Even while they prayed, it
which, owing to its blustery weather, was dedicated to Mars and bore
his
name, the ancilæ were carried in a procession all
ed the sanctuary of Mars, touched the sacred shield with the point of
his
lance, shook the spear in the hand of the god’s e
the Roman soldiers and youths, whose exercising ground was called, in
his
honour, the Campus Martius, or Field of Mars. All
rowns bestowed upon victorious generals were deposited at the foot of
his
statues, and a bull was the customary thank-offer
to Olympus was of old standing. He had once been tenderly attached to
his
mother, had lavished upon her every proof of his
tenderly attached to his mother, had lavished upon her every proof of
his
affection, and had even tried to console her when
d Vulcan, perceiving her in this plight, tugged at the chain with all
his
might, drew her up, and was about to set her free
nd was about to set her free, when Jupiter returned, and, in anger at
his
son’s interference in his matrimonial concerns, h
ee, when Jupiter returned, and, in anger at his son’s interference in
his
matrimonial concerns, hurled him out of heaven. T
d even Vulcan did not escape entirely unharmed, for he injured one of
his
legs, which accident left him lame and somewhat d
ich accident left him lame and somewhat deformed for the remainder of
his
life. Now, although Vulcan had risked so much and
although Vulcan had risked so much and suffered so greatly in taking
his
mother’s part, she never even made the slightest
ted with motion, who attended the god wherever he went, and supported
his
halting footsteps. “Two golden statues like in f
reacherous embrace. Vulcan despatched this throne, when completed, to
his
mother, who, delighted with its beauty and delica
an, primed with a most diplomatic request to honour high Olympus with
his
presence; but all Mercury’s eloquence and persuas
quence and persuasions failed to induce the god of the forge to leave
his
sooty abode, and the messenger god was forced to
he messenger god was forced to return alone and report the failure of
his
attempt. Then the gods deliberated anew, and deci
ds deliberated anew, and decided to send Bacchus, god of wine, hoping
his
powers of persuasion would prove more effective A
powers of persuasion would prove more effective Armed with a flask of
his
choicest vintage, Bacchus presented himself befor
an, predisposed to thirst, and incited to drink by the very nature of
his
labour, accepted the offered cup, and allowed him
ted the offered cup, and allowed himself to be beguiled into renewing
his
potations, until he was quite intoxicated. In thi
ympus, made him release the Queen of Heaven, and urged him to embrace
his
father and crave forgiveness. Although restored t
n would not remain permanently in Olympus, but preferred to return to
his
forge and continue his labours. He undertook, how
anently in Olympus, but preferred to return to his forge and continue
his
labours. He undertook, however, the construction
eir sumptuous furniture from precious metals, and further embellished
his
work by a rich ornamentation of precious stones.
domes the gods depart, The shining monuments of Vulcan’s art: Jove on
his
couch reclin’d his awful head, And Juno slumber’d
rt, The shining monuments of Vulcan’s art: Jove on his couch reclin’d
his
awful head, And Juno slumber’d on the golden bed.
The Forge of Vulcan. Velasquez. Anderson, Photo. Vulcan, in spite of
his
deformity, extreme ugliness, and well-known avers
deformity, extreme ugliness, and well-known aversion to any home but
his
sooty forge was none the less prone to fall in lo
d Minerva, who, having sworn never to marry, contemptuously dismissed
his
suit. To console Vulcan for this rebuff, and at t
dess of Beauty, who, according to some mythologists, had refused even
his
addresses, Jupiter bestowed upon him the fair han
d one of the Graces, who, however, seems to have also soon wearied of
his
society, for she deserted him. Vulcan’s children
muscular man, with one leg shorter than the other, a workman’s cap on
his
curly locks, a short upper garment, and a smith’s
cap on his curly locks, a short upper garment, and a smith’s tools in
his
hand. Chapter XI: Neptune The Realm of N
eptune The Realm of Neptune When Jupiter assigned to each of
his
brothers a separate portion of the universe, he d
dread command.” Homer ( Chapman’s tr.). Before this new ruler made
his
appearance, the Titan Oceanus had wielded the sce
wielded the sceptre of the sea; and regretfully he now resigned it to
his
youthful supplanter, whom he nevertheless admired
e nevertheless admired sincerely, and described in glowing colours to
his
brothers. “Have ye beheld the young God of the S
ve ye beheld the young God of the Seas, My dispossessor? Have ye seen
his
face? Have ye beheld his chariot, foam’d along By
d of the Seas, My dispossessor? Have ye seen his face? Have ye beheld
his
chariot, foam’d along By noble winged creatures h
e? I saw him on the calmed waters scud, With such a glow of beauty in
his
eyes, That it enforc’d me to bid sad farewell To
conspired to dethrone Jupiter; but, unfortunately for the success of
his
undertaking, his plot was discovered before he co
hrone Jupiter; but, unfortunately for the success of his undertaking,
his
plot was discovered before he could put it into e
before he could put it into execution, and Jupiter, in punishment for
his
temerity, exiled him to earth. There he was conde
ed from heaven at that time, volunteered to aid Neptune by playing on
his
lyre, and moving the stones by the power of sweet
pon the shore, devoured the inhabitants, devastated everything within
his
reach, and inspired all with great terror. To sav
er mourning friends had forsaken her, the hideous serpent came out of
his
lair in the waves, and devoured her; then he vani
for a whole year, at the end of which time he reappeared, and resumed
his
former depredations, which were only checked by t
e thought of the terrible fate awaiting her, and tried every means in
his
power to save her. As a last resort he sent heral
ho would dare attack and succeed in slaying the monster. Hercules, on
his
return from the scene of one of his stupendous la
slaying the monster. Hercules, on his return from the scene of one of
his
stupendous labours, heard the proclamation, and,
slew the monster just as he was about to drag poor Hesione down into
his
slimy cave. Laomedon was, of course, overjoyed at
omedon was, of course, overjoyed at the monster’s death, but, true to
his
nature, again refused the promised reward, and by
h, but, true to his nature, again refused the promised reward, and by
his
dishonesty incurred the hatred and contempt of th
tred and contempt of this hero also. Some time after, having finished
his
time of servitude with Eurystheus, Hercules, aide
aided by a chosen band of adventurers, came to Troy to punish him for
his
perfidy. The city was stormed and taken, the king
for his perfidy. The city was stormed and taken, the king slain, and
his
wife and children carried to Greece as captives.
on; while her brother Podarces, later known as Priam, was redeemed by
his
people and made King of Troy. Laomedon’s failure
deemed by his people and made King of Troy. Laomedon’s failure to pay
his
just debts was the primary cause of the enmity wh
pite of the severe lesson just received, Neptune was not yet cured of
his
grasping tendencies. Not long after his return fr
Neptune was not yet cured of his grasping tendencies. Not long after
his
return from Troy, he quarrelled with Minerva for
did not generally remain in Olympus, but dwelt in the coral caves of
his
kingdom, over which he ruled with resistless sway
round about him called the clouds And roused the ocean, — wielding in
his
hand The trident, — summoned all the hurricanes O
r.). The rivers, fountains, lakes, and seas were not only subject to
his
rule, but he could also cause terrible earthquake
during her prolonged search for her daughter, Proserpina. Annoyed by
his
persistent wooing, the goddess, to escape him, as
a horse, in which guise he contentedly trotted after her and renewed
his
attentions. The offspring of this equine pair was
rly education was entrusted to the Nereides. They trained him to draw
his
father’s chariot over the waves with incredible r
Adrastus’ hands; and the latter won all the chariot races, thanks to
his
fleetness. On another occasion, Neptune, having f
ous suitors should find favour in her eyes before he had time to urge
his
wooing, suddenly changed her into a sheep, and co
ed the guise of a ram, and in this metamorphosed condition carried on
his
courtship, which eventually proved successful. Th
was in great awe of her distinguished suitor, and in her fear fled at
his
approach, leaving him no chance to admire any of
and celerity with which she managed to flit, or rather glide, out of
his
sight. “Along the deep With
is conduct grieved Neptune so sorely, that he sent a dolphin to plead
his
cause, and persuade the fair nymph to share his t
nt a dolphin to plead his cause, and persuade the fair nymph to share
his
throne. The messenger, carefully instructed befor
brated is Triton, whose body was half man and half fish, and who gave
his
name to all his male descendants. Idas and Mar
, whose body was half man and half fish, and who gave his name to all
his
male descendants. Idas and Marpessa Like al
terfered in their behalf. On one occasion, for instance, he even lent
his
beautiful chariot to a youth by the name of Idas,
ost strenuous efforts, he could not overtake the fleeing pair, and in
his
anger plunged into a river, where he was drowned,
ttractions. Remembering that Apollo, being immortal, would retain all
his
youthful bloom when her more ephemeral beauty had
afety, returned the wondrous chariot to Neptune, with many thanks for
his
timely aid. All the Nereides, Tritons, and lesser
of the deep, and he always attended Neptune when it was safe to leave
his
great herds of sea calves to bask on the sunny sh
calves to bask on the sunny shores. “In ages past old Proteus, with
his
droves Of sea calves sought the mountains and the
reluctantly; and when mortals wished to consult him, he would change
his
form with bewildering rapidity, and, unless they
with bewildering rapidity, and, unless they clung to him through all
his
changes, they could obtain no answer to their que
nds a spotted pard restrain; Then, arm’d with tusks, and lightning in
his
eyes, A boar’s obscener shape the god belies: On
; Here, from our strict embrace a stream he glides And last, sublime,
his
stately growth he rears, A tree, and well-dissemb
Pope’s tr.). But if these manifestations proved unavailing to drive
his
would-be hearers away, the god answered every que
ncipal votaries were the seamen and horse trainers, who often bespoke
his
aid. “Hail, Neptune, greatest of the gods! Thou
ly to the worship of Neptune, and games were frequently celebrated in
his
honour. The most noted of all were undoubtedly th
ious bosom, ever flow. Thou frownest, and old Æolus thy foe Skulks to
his
cavern, ’mid the gruff complaint Of all his rebel
d Æolus thy foe Skulks to his cavern, ’mid the gruff complaint Of all
his
rebel tempests. Dark clouds faint When, from thy
along To bring thee nearer to that golden song Apollo singeth, while
his
chariot Waits at the doors of heaven. Thou art no
1 (Dis, Hades, Orcus, Aidoneus), son of Cronus and Rhea, received as
his
share of the world the supervision of the Inferna
him without trembling, and fervently prayed that they might never see
his
face; for, when he appeared on the surface of the
of the earth, it was only in search of some victim to drag down into
his
dismal abode, or to make sure there was no crevic
ur coal-black steeds; and, if any obstacle presented itself to impede
his
progress, he struck it with his two-pronged fork,
y obstacle presented itself to impede his progress, he struck it with
his
two-pronged fork, the emblem of his power, and th
e his progress, he struck it with his two-pronged fork, the emblem of
his
power, and the obstacle was immediately removed.
na, the fair goddess of vegetation, daughter of Ceres, whom he set on
his
throne in Hades, and crowned as his queen. Pluto
daughter of Ceres, whom he set on his throne in Hades, and crowned as
his
queen. Pluto is always represented as a stern, da
d as a stern, dark, bearded man, with tightly closed lips, a crown on
his
head, a sceptre and a key in hand, to show how ca
re and a key in hand, to show how carefully he guards those who enter
his
domains, and how vain are their hopes to affect t
of this god are very rare. Human sacrifices were sometimes offered on
his
altars; and at his festivals, held every hundred
y rare. Human sacrifices were sometimes offered on his altars; and at
his
festivals, held every hundred years, and thence c
eful stream.” Homer. To separate this section from the remainder of
his
realm, Pluto surrounded it with the Phlegethon, a
d to be passed by all souls ere they reached Pluto’s throne and heard
his
decree. The current of this river was so swift th
craft — from shore to shore. Neither would he allow any soul to enter
his
bark, unless he was first given a small coin, cal
claim a place The cruel boatman repulsed them roughly, and brandished
his
oars, while he leisurely selected those he would
f oblivion, rolls Her wat’ry labyrinth, whereof who drinks, Forthwith
his
former state and being forgets, Forgets both joy
condemned to suffer in the fires of Tartarus. “Where
his
decrees The guilty soul within the burning gates
swift Phlegethon, with thund’ring sound, His broken rocks, and whirls
his
surges round. On mighty columns rais’d sublime ar
tory is told of the murder of Ibycus, a poet dear to Apollo. While on
his
way to a musical contest at Corinth this poet was
st at Corinth this poet was attacked and slain by two robbers, and in
his
extremity he called upon a flock of cranes, which
passing overhead at the time, to bear witness of the foul deed. When
his
body was discovered, there was great grief throug
er, a chorus of cries, groans, and imprecations from within fell upon
his
ear, mingled with the whistling of the whips ince
fair maidens were the Danaides, daughters of Danaus, who had pledged
his
fifty daughters to the fifty sons of his brother
s of Danaus, who had pledged his fifty daughters to the fifty sons of
his
brother Ægyptus. The marriage preparations were a
anaus suddenly remembered an ancient prophecy which had quite escaped
his
memory, and which foretold that he would perish b
ed his memory, and which foretold that he would perish by the hand of
his
son-in-law. It was now too late to prevent the ma
son-in-law. It was now too late to prevent the marriages, so calling
his
daughters aside, he told them what the oracle had
ptus’ sons were found lifeless. The sole survivor, Lynceus, to avenge
his
brothers’ death, slew Danaus, thus fulfilling the
he father of Niobe), who, while on earth, had starved and ill-treated
his
subjects, insulted the immortal gods, and on one
gods, and on one occasion had even dared to cook and serve up to them
his
own son Pelops. Most of the gods were immediately
d the missing shoulder with one of ivory or of gold. Driven away from
his
kingdom, which was seized by the King of Troy, Pe
he ruled the extensive peninsula, the Peloponnesus, which still bears
his
name. To punish the inhuman Tantalus, the gods th
an Tantalus, the gods then sent him to Tartarus, where he stood up to
his
chin in a stream of pure water, tormented with th
with thirst; for, whenever he stooped to drink, the waters fled from
his
parched lips. Over his head hung a branch of lusc
ever he stooped to drink, the waters fled from his parched lips. Over
his
head hung a branch of luscious fruit. His hunger
ead hung a branch of luscious fruit. His hunger was as intolerable as
his
thirst; but, whenever he clutched at the fruit, t
henever he clutched at the fruit, the branch swung upward, and eluded
his
eager grasp. “Above, beneath, around his hapless
ch swung upward, and eluded his eager grasp. “Above, beneath, around
his
hapless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruita
nother criminal was Sisyphus, who, while king of Corinth, had misused
his
power, had robbed and killed travellers, and even
of a very steep hill; and just as he reached the summit, and fancied
his
task done, the rock would slip from his grasp and
ached the summit, and fancied his task done, the rock would slip from
his
grasp and roll to the foot of the hill, thus obli
rasp and roll to the foot of the hill, thus obliging him to renew all
his
exertions. “With many a weary step, and many a g
s impetuous down, and smokes along the ground. Again the restless orb
his
toil renews, Dust mounts in clouds, and sweat des
). Salmoneus Salmoneus, another king, had vainly tried to make
his
subjects believe he was Jupiter. With that object
r.). This insolent parody so incensed Jupiter that he grasped one of
his
deadliest thunderbolts, brandished it aloft for a
med to sit under a huge stone, Which the father of the gods Kept over
his
head suspended. Thus he sat In continual dread of
in punishment was chained like Prometheus, while a vulture feasted on
his
liver. “There Tityus was to see, who took his bi
e a vulture feasted on his liver. “There Tityus was to see, who took
his
birth From heav’n, his nursing from the foodful e
his liver. “There Tityus was to see, who took his birth From heav’n,
his
nursing from the foodful earth. Here his gigantic
took his birth From heav’n, his nursing from the foodful earth. Here
his
gigantic limbs, with large embrace, Infold nine a
e embrace, Infold nine acres of infernal space. A rav’nous vulture in
his
open side Her crooked beak and cruel talons try’d
ooked beak and cruel talons try’d: Still for the growing liver digg’d
his
breast, The growing liver still supply’d the feas
ipulated sum of money in exchange, but who, as soon as the maiden was
his
, refused to keep his promise. The father-in-law w
in exchange, but who, as soon as the maiden was his, refused to keep
his
promise. The father-in-law was an avaricious man,
The father-in-law was an avaricious man, and clamoured so loudly for
his
money, that Ixion, to be rid of his importunities
man, and clamoured so loudly for his money, that Ixion, to be rid of
his
importunities, slew him. Such an act of violence
by the gods: so Jupiter summoned Ixion to appear before him and state
his
case. Ixion pleaded so skilfully, that Jupiter wa
e greatest difficulty that Jupiter, disguised as a mortal, could urge
his
love suit. When he had at last obtained a hearing
ch such a revelation must necessarily produce. He was not mistaken in
his
previsions, for Semele, proud of having attracted
r came down from Olympus as often as possible to enjoy the society of
his
beloved. His frequent absences finally aroused Ju
aiden’s consent, and received a rapturous and minute catalogue of all
his
personal charms and a synopsis of all they had bo
e gods, as he asserted, and whether he visited her in all the pomp of
his
regal apparel. The maiden shamefacedly replied th
nt any request she chose to make. A lover is not very likely to weigh
his
words under such circumstances, and Jupiter took
, the delighted Semele bade her lover speedily return to Olympus, don
his
own majestic form and apparel, and hasten back to
stic form and apparel, and hasten back to her side, surrounded by all
his
heavenly pomp, and armed with his dreaded thunder
back to her side, surrounded by all his heavenly pomp, and armed with
his
dreaded thunderbolts. Jupiter, horrified at this
ould not be denied. Jupiter, therefore, returned to Olympus, modified
his
costume as much as possible, dimmed his glory whe
returned to Olympus, modified his costume as much as possible, dimmed
his
glory wherever he could, and chose the feeblest o
le, dimmed his glory wherever he could, and chose the feeblest of all
his
bolts, for well he knew no mere mortal could endu
his bolts, for well he knew no mere mortal could endure the shock of
his
full glory. Then, mounted on a pale flash of ligh
ted on a pale flash of lightning, he darted back to Semele. “To keep
his
promise he ascends, and shrouds His awful brow in
louds; Whilst all around, in terrible array, His thunders rattle, and
his
lightnings play. And yet, the dazzling lustre to
gs play. And yet, the dazzling lustre to abate, He set not out in all
his
pomp and state, Clad in the mildest lightning of
ugh Cyclops, who by Jove’s command Temper’d the bolt and turn’d it to
his
hand, Work’d up less flame and fury in its make,
lly adorn’d, with horror bright, Th’ illustrious god, descending from
his
height, Came rushing on her in a storm of light.”
ion, Jupiter sprang to her side; but the lightning which played about
his
head set fire to the whole palace, which was redu
er, Dionysus), the infant son of Jupiter and Semele, who was saved by
his
father’s powerful hand. Jupiter was at first inco
” E. R. Sill. The infant Bacchus was first entrusted to the care of
his
aunt Ino, the second wife of Athamas, King of The
’s persistent hatred: so Jupiter, fearing lest some harm might befall
his
precious son, bade Mercury convey him to the dist
ne to goad Athamas to madness. In a fit of deluded frenzy, he pursued
his
wife and children as if they were wild beasts. On
he pursued his wife and children as if they were wild beasts. One of
his
sons, Learchus, fell beneath his arrows; and, to
as if they were wild beasts. One of his sons, Learchus, fell beneath
his
arrows; and, to escape his murderous fury, Ino pl
s. One of his sons, Learchus, fell beneath his arrows; and, to escape
his
murderous fury, Ino plunged headlong into the sea
half man and half goat, who educated him, and accompanied him on all
his
travels; for he delighted in roaming all over the
his travels; for he delighted in roaming all over the world, borne by
his
followers, or riding in his chariot drawn by wild
d in roaming all over the world, borne by his followers, or riding in
his
chariot drawn by wild beasts, while his tutor fol
y his followers, or riding in his chariot drawn by wild beasts, while
his
tutor followed him, mounted on an ass, supported
ported on either side by an attendant. “And near him rode Silenus on
his
ass, Pelted with flowers as he on did pass.” Kea
nce before him thorough kingdoms wide” Keats. The most unruly among
his
female followers were the Bacchantes, who delight
themes for poetry and art. On one occasion, having strayed away from
his
followers and lost his way, Bacchus laid himself
art. On one occasion, having strayed away from his followers and lost
his
way, Bacchus laid himself down upon the sand on t
out at sea when the god awoke, and gazed around him in mute wonder at
his
surroundings. When fully roused, he bade the seam
, riding on wild beasts, and chanting the praises of their god and of
his
favourite beverage. “In chorus we sing of wine,
dolphins. On another occasion, Silenus, after a great carousal, lost
his
way in the forest, and helplessly wandered from p
the forest, and helplessly wandered from place to place in search of
his
companions, until he finally came to the court of
recognised him as Bacchus’ tutor, and volunteered to lead him back to
his
divine pupil. Delighted to see Silenus again, Bac
he wished; whereupon Midas, who was an avaricious old king, fell upon
his
knees, and humbly besought the god to grant that
w gold.’” Ovid ( Croxall’s tr.). Bacchus immediately signified that
his
prayer was granted; and Midas, overjoyed at the s
d that his prayer was granted; and Midas, overjoyed at the success of
his
bold venture, wandered back to his palace, testin
Midas, overjoyed at the success of his bold venture, wandered back to
his
palace, testing his new-won power, which changed
the success of his bold venture, wandered back to his palace, testing
his
new-won power, which changed all to gold at a mer
is new-won power, which changed all to gold at a mere touch of one of
his
fingers. “Down from a lowly branch a twig he dre
t and substance like a mass of ore. He pluck’d the corn, and straight
his
grasp appears Fill’d with a bending tuft of golde
ight of these and many other wonders, wrought by a mere touch, filled
his
heart with joy; and in his elation he bade his se
r wonders, wrought by a mere touch, filled his heart with joy; and in
his
elation he bade his servants prepare a sumptuous
y a mere touch, filled his heart with joy; and in his elation he bade
his
servants prepare a sumptuous feast, and invite al
lation he bade his servants prepare a sumptuous feast, and invite all
his
courtiers to share his merriment. His commands we
ants prepare a sumptuous feast, and invite all his courtiers to share
his
merriment. His commands were obeyed with the utmo
th the utmost celerity, and Midas beamed with satisfaction as he took
his
place at the head of the board, and viewed the ch
ead of the board, and viewed the choice dishes and wines prepared for
his
delectation. Here, too, however, a new revelation
and cup turned to gold, as did the food and drink as soon as they met
his
eager lips. “Whose powerful hands the bread no s
d no sooner hold, But all its substance is transform’d to gold: Up to
his
mouth he lifts the savoury meat, Which turns to g
e attempts to eat: His patron’s noble juice of purple hue, Touch’d by
his
lips, a gilded cordial grew, Unfit for drink; and
dial grew, Unfit for drink; and, wondrous to behold, It trickles from
his
jaws a fluid gold. The rich poor fool, confounde
gold. The rich poor fool, confounded with surprise, Starving in all
his
various plenty lies.” Ovid ( Croxall’s tr.). In
nger now made themselves felt; and the precious gift, which prevented
his
allaying them, soon lost all its attractions. Wit
ons. With weary feet, Midas now retraced the road he had travelled in
his
pride a few hours before, again cast himself at B
take back the inconvenient gift, which prevented him from satisfying
his
natural appetites. His distress seemed so real, t
ed in its tide, noting that even its sands all turned to gold beneath
his
tread; since when, “Pactolus singeth over golden
island of Naxos, which he visited after every journey. During one of
his
sojourns there, he discovered a fair maiden lying
s Into the wide stream came of purple hue — ’Twas Bacchus and
his
crew! The earnest trumpet spake, and silver thril
lls From kissing cymbals made a merry din — ’Twas Bacchus and
his
kin! Like to a moving vintage down they came, Cro
t to perceive the fair mourner, hastened to her side, and brought all
his
powers of persuasion into play to console her. Hi
any pleasure in music, dance, or revelry, until Jupiter, in pity for
his
bereavement, restored Ariadne to his longing arms
elry, until Jupiter, in pity for his bereavement, restored Ariadne to
his
longing arms, and, to prevent her being again cla
Thebes, Bacchus once sent a herald to Pentheus, the king, to announce
his
approach, and bespeak a suitable reception and su
ementia, which made them rush simultaneously out of the city and join
his
followers. Then they all clamoured for permission
n they all clamoured for permission to witness the religious rites in
his
honour, generally called Mysteries, which permiss
acchantes, who, led by Agave, the king’s own mother, dragged him from
his
hiding-place and tore him limb from limb. Bacchus
roughout the ancient world, and festivals without number were held in
his
honour. The most noted were the Greater and Lesse
ro’ the deep valleys and the sloping hills; Where’er the god inclines
his
lovely face, More luscious fruits the rich planta
attracted the attention of Pluto, who happened to be driving past in
his
dark chariot drawn by four fiery coal-black steed
m. To ascertain whence these sounds proceeded, the god stepped out of
his
car, and cautiously peeped through the thick foli
convince Pluto of her loveliness and grace, and to make him feel that
his
happiness depended on the possession of this brig
he had tried to persuade one after another of the goddesses to share
his
gloomy throne; but one and all had refused the ho
wooing again; and so, instead of gently inviting Proserpina to become
his
queen, he resolved to abduct her. Straight throug
wering countenance; and all exclaimed in mingled wonder and terror at
his
unwonted presence in those sunlit regions: “’Tis
to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From
his
red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world,
On our grassy world hath trod: Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of
his
divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks
rld hath trod: Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of his divinity. On
his
mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in his eye
full of his divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in
his
eye A cruel beauty, such as none Of us may wisely
as none Of us may wisely look upon.” Barry Cornwall. Frightened by
his
impetuous approach, the trembling nymphs first cr
pretty flowers and stood motionless among them. Her uncertainty as to
his
purpose was only momentary, for catching her in h
uncertainty as to his purpose was only momentary, for catching her in
his
brawny arms ere she could make and attempt to esc
wny arms ere she could make and attempt to escape, he bore her off to
his
chariot, in spite of prayers and struggles, and d
chariot, in spite of prayers and struggles, and drove away as fast as
his
fleet steeds could carry him. He was soon out of
stant until he reached the banks of the Cyane River, whose waters, at
his
approach, began to seethe and roar in a menacing
g fashion, and spread themselves as much as possible, to check him in
his
flight. Pluto quickly perceived that to attempt t
flight. Pluto quickly perceived that to attempt to cross the river in
his
chariot would be madness, while by retracing his
o cross the river in his chariot would be madness, while by retracing
his
footsteps he ran the risk of meeting Ceres, and b
teps he ran the risk of meeting Ceres, and being forced to relinquish
his
prize. He therefore decided to have recourse to o
e. He therefore decided to have recourse to other means, and, seizing
his
terrible two-pronged fork, struck the earth such
fork, struck the earth such a mighty blow that a crevice opened under
his
feet, through which horses and chariot plunged do
e water nymph to carry it to Ceres. Elated by the complete success of
his
bold venture, and no longer fearful of immediate
e, and no longer fearful of immediate pursuit, the happy god strained
his
fair captive to his breast, pressed kisses on her
rful of immediate pursuit, the happy god strained his fair captive to
his
breast, pressed kisses on her fresh young cheeks,
ched the foot of their master’s throne. “Pleased as he grasps her in
his
iron arms, Frights with soft sighs, with tender w
still greater blessing upon him, that of immortality: so she anointed
his
limbs with nectar, murmured a powerful charm, and
pon the red-hot coals, to consume all the perishable elements left in
his
body. The queen, Metaneira, who had thought it so
ling to her in pleading accents to stay her flight and lend an ear to
his
wooing; but when the impetuous god, instead of wa
oing; but when the impetuous god, instead of waiting for an answer to
his
suit, rose up out of the water and rushed to clas
swer to his suit, rose up out of the water and rushed to clasp her in
his
arms, she turned and fled in great terror. She fl
ppened. Changing himself into an impetuous torrent, he rushed to join
his
beloved, who sprang out of her mossy bed, and hur
he lost Arethusa, had found a crevice through which he passed to join
his
beloved on the Sicilian plains. “Alpheus, Elis’
lains. “Alpheus, Elis’ stream, they say, Beneath the seas here found
his
way, And now his waters interfuse With thine, O f
Elis’ stream, they say, Beneath the seas here found his way, And now
his
waters interfuse With thine, O fountain Arethuse,
im once more, for Ceres heard her murmur contentedly as she sank into
his
arms and listened to his louder tones of rapturou
eard her murmur contentedly as she sank into his arms and listened to
his
louder tones of rapturous love. “And now
Alpheus River; and it was said the self-same flowers, carried away by
his
current, soon reappeared in the Sicilian fountain
flowery braids And festal rings, with which Olympic maids Have decked
his
current, an offering meet To lay at Arethusa’s sh
g meet To lay at Arethusa’s shining feet. Think when at last he meets
his
fountain bride What perfect love must thrill the
n him had not Ceres by timely interference prevented the execution of
his
base purpose by changing the traitor into a lynx,
of Erisichthon This man was evidently a freethinker, and, to show
his
contempt for the superstitious veneration paid to
s contempt for the superstitious veneration paid to Ceres’ trees took
his
axe and cut down one of her sacred oaks. At his f
to Ceres’ trees took his axe and cut down one of her sacred oaks. At
his
first blow, blood began to flow from the tree; bu
of the spectators, he turned and slew one or two, and then completed
his
sacrilege. Ceres, incensed by his insolence and c
slew one or two, and then completed his sacrilege. Ceres, incensed by
his
insolence and cruelty, devised a terrible chastis
errible chastisement for the unfortunate man, and sent Famine to gnaw
his
vitals, and torment him night and day. The wretch
ured by a hunger which no amount of food could allay, disposed of all
his
property to obtain the means of procuring nourish
of all his property to obtain the means of procuring nourishment; but
his
monstrous appetite continued, and, as he had but
by changing her into a fisherman. When the master returned and found
his
slave gone, he questioned the fisherman, and, not
owl of gruel offered by some charitable person. To punish the boy for
his
rudeness, Ceres flung the remainder of the gruel
the boy for his rudeness, Ceres flung the remainder of the gruel into
his
face, and changed him into a lizard. Chapter
family altar, for there the father of the family was wont to offer up
his
daily prayers and sacrifices. “As, according to t
duced into Italy by Æneas, their famous ancestor, who brought thither
his
home gods, and who, according to tradition, selec
ating to Juno a conversation she had overheard between him and one of
his
numerous mistresses. To punish her, and at the sa
to the dismal abode of the dead, the messenger god fell in love with
his
fair charge, who, being now effectually cured of
ses and domestic affairs. Each head of a household was wont to choose
his
own Penates, whom he then invoked as his special
household was wont to choose his own Penates, whom he then invoked as
his
special patrons. The statues of the Penates were
ace to another, it was customary for the head of the family to remove
his
household gods also, and establish them suitably
household gods also, and establish them suitably before he thought of
his
own or his family’s comfort, and in return for th
ods also, and establish them suitably before he thought of his own or
his
family’s comfort, and in return for this kindly c
re he was joined by the exiled Saturn, with whom he generously shared
his
throne. Together they civilised the wild inhabita
s, and at that time special sacrifices and prayers were offered up at
his
shrines. He also presided over all gates and aven
sed to reach the immortal gods: therefore in all religious ceremonies
his
name was always the first invoked. From this circ
first invoked. From this circumstance he often appears with a key in
his
right hand and a rod in his left; or, when he pre
rcumstance he often appears with a key in his right hand and a rod in
his
left; or, when he presides over the year, he hold
This cave was the dwelling of Somnus (or Hupnos), god of sleep and of
his
twin brother Mors (or Thanatos), god of death; an
lack, but all strewn with golden stars. He wore a crown of poppies on
his
head, and held a goblet full of poppy juice in hi
rown of poppies on his head, and held a goblet full of poppy juice in
his
languid hand. His drowsy head was supported by Mo
juice in his languid hand. His drowsy head was supported by Morpheus,
his
prime minister, who watched incessantly over his
pported by Morpheus, his prime minister, who watched incessantly over
his
prolonged slumbers, and hindered any one from tro
ntly over his prolonged slumbers, and hindered any one from troubling
his
repose. “Deep in a cavern dwells the drowsy god:
y, Perpetual twilight, and a doubtful sky; No crowing cock does there
his
wings display, Nor with his horny bill provoke th
doubtful sky; No crowing cock does there his wings display, Nor with
his
horny bill provoke the day: Nor watchful dogs, no
e was the unguarded house to keep, On creaking hinges turn’d to break
his
sleep. But in the gloomy court was rais’d a b
ted: Black was the covering too, where lay the god, And slept supine,
his
limbs display’d abroad. About his head fantastic
here lay the god, And slept supine, his limbs display’d abroad. About
his
head fantastic visions fly, Which various images
pirits, the Dreams, who stooped to whisper their pleasant messages in
his
ear; while in the distant corners of the apartmen
and Halcyone Ceyx, King of Thessaly, was once forced to part from
his
beloved wife, Halcyone, to travel off to Delphi t
a tempest arose which wrecked Ceyx’s vessel, and caused, him and all
his
crew to perish in the seething waves. Day after d
seeing her anxiety, and wishing to prepare her to receive the news of
his
death, and especially to view with some composure
ive the news of his death, and especially to view with some composure
his
corpse, which they had decided should be washed a
Halcyone’s bedside, and whispered that her husband was dead, and that
his
body was even now being cast up on the smooth, sa
eity, clad in a winding-sheet, and held an hour-glass and a scythe in
his
hand. His hollow eyes were fixed upon the sands o
life was about to end, and sallied forth, scythe in hand, to mow down
his
prey with relentless joy. Needless to say, this c
also called the god of sleep, and mortals were wont to intercede for
his
good offices. He is generally represented as a sl
d a very unruly and turbulent population. He is said to have received
his
royal dignity from the fair hands of Juno, and he
y unruly indeed, the winds always obeyed their father’s voice, and at
his
command, however reluctant, returned to their glo
their impotent rage in trying to shake its strong walls. According to
his
own mood, or in conformity with the gods’ request
o play among the flowers, or, recalling them, let the fiercest of all
his
children free, with orders to pile up the waves m
d: First, from the wide Atlantic Ocean’s bed, Tempestuous Corus rears
his
dreadful head, Th’ obedient deep his potent breat
n’s bed, Tempestuous Corus rears his dreadful head, Th’ obedient deep
his
potent breath controls, And, mountain-high, the f
well, Nor showery Notus in th’ Æolian cell, But each from every side,
his
power to boast, Ranged his proud forces to defend
th’ Æolian cell, But each from every side, his power to boast, Ranged
his
proud forces to defend the coast.” Lucan. “
ud forces to defend the coast.” Lucan. “Tempestuous Corus rears
his
dreadful heard”. B. Picart. Æolus, king of the
tly over the tide. It was he, too, who, according to Homer, bound all
his
children but one in a leather bag, which he gave
eached the shores of Ithaca, and would have landed in safety, had not
his
men, in view of port, untied the sack to investig
dreadful in appearance, caused cold shivers to run down one’s back at
his
mere sight. Boreas, rough and shivering too, was
g one of these excursions he carried off Orithyia, who always fled at
his
approach. But all her fleetness could not save he
cessible regions of snow and ice, where he detained her, and made her
his
wife. She became the mother of Zetes and Calais,
s and the Serpents “Unto this thy son it shall be given, With
his
broad heart to win his way to heaven; Twelve labo
“Unto this thy son it shall be given, With his broad heart to win
his
way to heaven; Twelve labours shall he work; and
w, brute men the worst; And in Trachinia shall the funeral pyre Purge
his
mortalities away with fire; And he shall mount am
kin to those who envied thee, And sent these den-born shapes to crush
his
destiny.” Theocritus ( Hunt’s tr.). The ancient
threatened him, she deemed it useless to make another attempt to take
his
life, but decided to vex his proud spirit by infl
useless to make another attempt to take his life, but decided to vex
his
proud spirit by inflicting many petty annoyances,
his proud spirit by inflicting many petty annoyances, and to prevent
his
enjoying any lasting peace or happiness. To achie
first extorted from Jupiter a decree that condemned Hercules to serve
his
cousin Eurystheus — a mean and cowardly prince wh
y attractions. Hercules’ Choice The youthful hero, dismissed by
his
instructor, now set out to seek his fortunes. He
The youthful hero, dismissed by his instructor, now set out to seek
his
fortunes. He had not gone very far, however, befo
tures. The women, Arete (Virtue) and Kakia (Vice), each offered to be
his
guide, but bade him choose which he preferred to
ssant war against evil, to endure hardships without number, and spend
his
days in toil and poverty. Silently Hercules ponde
for a while over these two so dissimilar offers, and then, mindful of
his
tutor’s oft-repeated instructions, rose from his
and then, mindful of his tutor’s oft-repeated instructions, rose from
his
seat by the wayside, and, turning to Arete, decla
n Braved the soft smiles of Pleasure’s harlot train; To valiant toils
his
forceful limbs assign’d, And gave to Virtue all h
To valiant toils his forceful limbs assign’d, And gave to Virtue all
his
mighty mind.” Darwin. Courageously he then trod
e the hero mad. Hercules’ Madness In a fit of delirium he threw
his
offspring into the fire, and, we are told, slew h
delirium he threw his offspring into the fire, and, we are told, slew
his
dearly beloved wife. Then only he recovered his s
nd, we are told, slew his dearly beloved wife. Then only he recovered
his
senses, and suffered agonies of sorrow and remors
and remorse for the terrible crimes he had unwittingly committed. In
his
grief he withdrew to the mountain solitudes, wher
solitudes, where he would probably have lingered all the remainder of
his
life, had not Mercury brought to him the decision
gos, for a twelvemonth. The messenger god then offered to lead him to
his
appointed taskmaster. But when Hercules learned h
doomed to be a slave, he fell into such a passion that he nearly lost
his
reason again; and instead of killing noxious beas
tead of killing noxious beasts, and winning the people’s blessings by
his
deeds of kindness, he wandered about stupidly and
about stupidly and aimlessly, until he finally perceived how vain was
his
attempt to struggle against fate, and, urged by h
ived how vain was his attempt to struggle against fate, and, urged by
his
chosen adviser, Arete, voluntarily offered his se
st fate, and, urged by his chosen adviser, Arete, voluntarily offered
his
services to Eurystheus, who informed him that he
and wide, throughout the whole neighbourhood, this monster committed
his
depredations, carrying off cattle and sheep, men,
carrying off cattle and sheep, men, women, and children, to devour at
his
ease. All warned Hercules of the danger and diffi
o would not be dissuaded, but entered the forest, tracked the lion to
his
den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him
im by the throat, and strangled him as he had strangled the snakes in
his
infancy. He then skinned the monster, whose shagg
in his infancy. He then skinned the monster, whose shaggy pelt became
his
favourite covering. “So from Nemea’s den Alcides
“So from Nemea’s den Alcides strode, The lion’s yellow spoil around
his
shoulders flow’d.” Flaccus ( Elton’s tr.). T
ulders flow’d.” Flaccus ( Elton’s tr.). The Hydra of Lerna On
his
return to Argos to report the successful terminat
rna On his return to Argos to report the successful termination of
his
first task, Hercules was told to repair to the ma
ng off one of the seven heads; but he had no sooner done so, than, to
his
dismay, he saw seven other heads suddenly spring
mp. To prevent a repetition of this unpleasant miracle, Hercules bade
his
friend Iolaus, who had accompanied him thither to
cules bade his friend Iolaus, who had accompanied him thither to view
his
prowess, take a lighted brand and sear the wounds
eed from its long state of thraldom; but, before leaving the scene of
his
second labour, Hercules dipped his arrows in the
; but, before leaving the scene of his second labour, Hercules dipped
his
arrows in the Hydra’s venomous blood, knowing wel
home in triumph. The Erymanthian Boar The same success crowned
his
fourth labour, the capture of the wild boar of Er
d by the Centaurs during the performance this labour, Hercules turned
his
deadly arrows upon them, and accidentally wounded
Hercules turned his deadly arrows upon them, and accidentally wounded
his
beloved tutor Chiron, who was coming to settle th
ealing herb. The wound was mortal, and Chiron died; but in reward for
his
good offices the gods transferred him to the sky,
The Cretan Bull Hercules next journeyed off to Crete to accomplish
his
sixth task, the capture of a mad bull given by Ne
ns that he should be offered up in sacrifice; but Minos, charmed with
his
unusual size and beauty, resolved to keep him, an
al size and beauty, resolved to keep him, and substituted a bull from
his
own herds for the religious ceremony. Angry at se
a bull from his own herds for the religious ceremony. Angry at seeing
his
express command so wantonly disobeyed, Neptune ma
all over the island, causing great damage. This animal Hercules, with
his
usual strength and skill, caught and bound fast,
human flesh. In order to obtain a sufficient supply of fresh meat for
his
horses, Diomedes had decreed that all strangers w
his horses, Diomedes had decreed that all strangers who ventured into
his
kingdom should be seized, and, when sufficiently
uld be seized, and, when sufficiently fat, executed, and served up in
his
horses’ mangers. To punish Diomedes for this long
ish Diomedes for this long-continued barbarity, Hercules threw him to
his
own horses, which were then led off to Eurystheus
mpleted. Hippolyte’s Girdle Now, at the court of Eurystheus was
his
beautiful daughter, Admete, a vain princess, who
ngerous; but Hercules travelled on undaunted, nor paused, except when
his
services were needed in furthering some good work
esented himself before their queen, and boldly explained the cause of
his
presence. Hippolyte listened to his explanation a
and boldly explained the cause of his presence. Hippolyte listened to
his
explanation and request with queenly condescensio
is undertaking. Without any trouble, had not Juno suddenly remembered
his
existence, and resolved to continue her never ent
was a mere excuse, and only intended to distract their attention from
his
real purpose. The Amazons yielded implicit belief
inally bore away the prize he had risked so much to obtain. It was on
his
homeward journey from this expedition that he sav
told to capture the divine cattle of Geryones, a giant of Erythea. On
his
way home with this marvellous herd, Hercules paus
ine, where, during the night, the loathsome giant Cacus stole some of
his
cows. To punish him for this theft Hercules force
stole some of his cows. To punish him for this theft Hercules forced
his
way into his cave, attacked him, and, after a mem
f his cows. To punish him for this theft Hercules forced his way into
his
cave, attacked him, and, after a memorable encoun
the goat, back to the welcome fold; Thou bring’st the child, too, to
his
mother’s side.” Sappho ( W. H. Appleton’s tr.).
ture, determined to travel about until he gained some information. On
his
way he met with many adventures, and saw many str
tudinous transformations he underwent in the vain hope of frightening
his
would-be interlocutor away. In answer to Hercules
erance he had so long sought in vain, Prometheus directed Hercules to
his
brother Atlas, telling him he would be sure to kn
ould be sure to know where the apples could be found. Hercules wended
his
way to Africa, where Atlas dwelt, and on his way
e found. Hercules wended his way to Africa, where Atlas dwelt, and on
his
way passed through the land of a diminutive race
r, who, they wrongly fancied, had evil designs against them. Proud of
his
strength, Antæus went to meet Hercules, and defie
nd strength, the victory seemed very uncertain. At last Hercules felt
his
great strength begin to fail, and noticed that ev
es felt his great strength begin to fail, and noticed that every time
his
adversary touched the ground he seemed to renew h
d that every time his adversary touched the ground he seemed to renew
his
vigour. He therefore resolved to try and win by s
gour. He therefore resolved to try and win by strategy, and, watching
his
opportunity, seized Antæus round the waist, raise
us round the waist, raised him from the ground, and held him aloft in
his
powerful embrace. The giant struggled with all hi
held him aloft in his powerful embrace. The giant struggled with all
his
might to get free; but Hercules held him fast, an
lt him grow weaker and weaker, now that he was no longer sustained by
his
mother Earth, from whom he derived all his streng
was no longer sustained by his mother Earth, from whom he derived all
his
strength, until at last his struggles ceased, and
is mother Earth, from whom he derived all his strength, until at last
his
struggles ceased, and he hung limp and lifeless i
and lifeless in Hercules’ crushing embrace. “Lifts proud Antæus from
his
mother-plains, And with strong grasp the struggli
lains, And with strong grasp the struggling giant strains; Back falls
his
fainting head and clammy hair, Writhe his weak li
g giant strains; Back falls his fainting head and clammy hair, Writhe
his
weak limbs, and flits his life in air.” Darwin.
s his fainting head and clammy hair, Writhe his weak limbs, and flits
his
life in air.” Darwin. Now that the gigantic def
win. Now that the gigantic defender of the Pygmies no longer blocked
his
way, Hercules travelled onward in search of Atlas
d in search of Atlas, whom he finally found supporting the heavens on
his
broad shoulders. Atlas listened attentively to al
found, and promised to get them if the hero would only relieve him of
his
burden for a little while. Glad to accomplish his
only relieve him of his burden for a little while. Glad to accomplish
his
purpose so easily, Hercules allowed the burden of
sily, Hercules allowed the burden of the heavens to be transferred to
his
shoulders, and Atlas hastened off to fulfil his p
to be transferred to his shoulders, and Atlas hastened off to fulfil
his
part of the agreement. Atlas. B. Picart. Fro
ine. Stealthily he drew near, entered the gardens, slew the dragon in
his
sleep, plucked the apples, and returned unmoleste
and returned unmolested to the place where he had left Hercules. But
his
steps became slower and slower; and as he neared
golden apples to Eurystheus, and leave him to support the heavens in
his
stead. Feigning a satisfaction which he was very
ent, asking him to hold the heavens until he could place a cushion on
his
shoulders. Good-natured, as giants proverbially a
s the spacious heavens.” Hesiod. It was during the course of one of
his
mighty labours that Hercules, with one wrench of
course of one of his mighty labours that Hercules, with one wrench of
his
powerful arm, tore a cleft in the mountains, and
nd refused to come out until Hercules had carried the monster back to
his
cave. The twelve appointed labours were finished;
time of bondage was ended; and Hercules, a free man, could wander at
his
own sweet will, and enjoy the happiness of freedo
tituted games to be celebrated every fifth year in honour of Jupiter,
his
father. Thence he wandered from place to place, d
at deeds were now required of Hercules, whose strength was derided by
his
new mistress, and who, governing him easily by hi
gth was derided by his new mistress, and who, governing him easily by
his
admiration for her, made him submit to occupation
unworthy of a man, and, while he was busy spinning, decked herself in
his
lion’s skin, and brandished his renowned club. “
was busy spinning, decked herself in his lion’s skin, and brandished
his
renowned club. “His lion spoils the laughing Fai
“His lion spoils the laughing Fair demands, And gives the distaff to
his
awkward hands.” Darwin. However unworthy these
ed very agreeable indeed to Hercules, who, having fallen in love with
his
new mistress seemed to wish nothing better than t
med to wish nothing better than to remain her slave for ever, and end
his
days in idleness and pleasure. Great labours were
nd end his days in idleness and pleasure. Great labours were awaiting
his
mighty arm, however; and the gods, at the appoint
hty arm, however; and the gods, at the appointed time, freed him from
his
bondage to the Lydian queen, and bade him go fort
age to the Lydian queen, and bade him go forth and do all the good in
his
power. Hercules and Deianeira In the course
the good in his power. Hercules and Deianeira In the course of
his
wanderings, Hercules next met Deianeira, daughter
lous came, The river god, to ask a father’s voice, And snatched me to
his
arms.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). So sure wa
his arms.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). So sure was this suitor of
his
attractions that he did not even deem it necessar
sary to secure the maiden’s good graces, and when Hercules made known
his
love, she immediately promised to marry him. if h
ver her father would fain force upon her. Delighted to be able to win
his
bride and punish his rival at the same time, Herc
fain force upon her. Delighted to be able to win his bride and punish
his
rival at the same time, Hercules challenged Achel
s was an opponent worthy of Hercules, and, besides, took advantage of
his
power to change his form at will, further to perp
rthy of Hercules, and, besides, took advantage of his power to change
his
form at will, further to perplex and harass the s
d Hercules, intending to toss him aside. The hero, skilfully avoiding
his
first onset, seized him by one of his great thick
e. The hero, skilfully avoiding his first onset, seized him by one of
his
great thick-set horns, and held it so firmly that
nd held it so firmly that all the bull’s efforts to free himself from
his
powerful grasp were vain, until the horn broke. T
certain, finally rested with Hercules, who triumphantly departed with
his
hard-won bride, for his destiny would not permit
with Hercules, who triumphantly departed with his hard-won bride, for
his
destiny would not permit him to tarry long in any
now, with none to cheer or sympathise, Hercules had Deianeira ever at
his
side; and after many days they came to the river
hile he was thus considering, a Centaur by the name of Nessus came to
his
assistance, and proposed to carry the fair young
ther shore in complete safety, if she would but consent to mount upon
his
broad back. “The hoary centaur, who was wont for
first a bride I left my father’s hospitable roof With my Alcides, in
his
arms he bore Athwart the current.” Sophocles ( F
unt, saw them descend into the water, and prepared to follow, holding
his
bow and arrows aloft in one hand, and breasting t
etty passenger as Deianeira over the river, and as he swam he made up
his
mind to gallop off with her as soon as he reached
to gallop off with her as soon as he reached the opposite shore. All
his
strength and energy, therefore, were called into
equisition and when he reached the shore, instead of pausing to allow
his
fair burden to dismount, he set off as fast as he
om Deianeira attracted Hercules’ attention, and a second later one of
his
poisoned arrows had brought the would-be ravisher
ents the Centaur Nessus professed repentance, and bade Deianeira take
his
robe, — but slightly stained with the blood which
ning, he assured her that, could she but induce him to put it on, all
his
early affection would revive, as pure and fervent
elieve the suffering, for people came from great distances to ask for
his
aid; and although his absences were sometimes pro
for people came from great distances to ask for his aid; and although
his
absences were sometimes prolonged, he always retu
where he beheld Iole, whom he had seen and loved in the beginning of
his
career, but whom he had been obliged to leave to
inning of his career, but whom he had been obliged to leave to fulfil
his
arduous tasks. She was still young and charming,
ve to fulfil his arduous tasks. She was still young and charming, and
his
first glance into her sweet face rekindled all hi
and charming, and his first glance into her sweet face rekindled all
his
former passion. Day after day he lingered by her
ay he lingered by her side, forgetful of duty, Deianeira, and all but
his
first dream of love and happiness. When absent, D
ove and happiness. When absent, Deianeira was wont to hear rumours of
his
heroic achievements; but on this occasion the onl
ion the only report which reached her ear was that he had returned to
his
allegiance to his first love, and this roused her
t which reached her ear was that he had returned to his allegiance to
his
first love, and this roused her jealousy, so long
ealousy, so long dormant. Finally she heard that Hercules was wending
his
way homeward again, and her heart bounded with jo
bade him hasten to meet Hercules, and prevail upon him to wear it for
his
triumphant return. The messenger, Lichas, hastene
Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). Lichas acquitted himself faithfully of
his
errand; and Hercules, viewing the costly garment,
d; and Hercules, viewing the costly garment, and anxious to appear to
his
best advantage before the bright eyes of Iole, im
very vein. Vainly he tried to tear off the fatal garment. It clung to
his
limbs, and the poison ate its way into his flesh,
fatal garment. It clung to his limbs, and the poison ate its way into
his
flesh, until the pain was greater than he could b
way into his flesh, until the pain was greater than he could bear. In
his
rage at the trick which had been played upon him,
Then, resolved to end these unendurable torments by a death worthy of
his
whole life, Hercules called his servants, and bad
durable torments by a death worthy of his whole life, Hercules called
his
servants, and bade them build his funeral pyre on
of his whole life, Hercules called his servants, and bade them build
his
funeral pyre on the mountain peak; but they, in t
the other until he had raised a mighty pile, upon which he stretched
his
colossal, pain-racked limbs, and bade his friend
le, upon which he stretched his colossal, pain-racked limbs, and bade
his
friend Philoctetes set fire to the stupendous mas
fire to the stupendous mass. At first Philoctetes also refused to do
his
bidding; but, bribed by the promise of the world-
mes, which purged him from all mortality. Then Jupiter came down from
his
glorious abode, caught the noble soul in his migh
n Jupiter came down from his glorious abode, caught the noble soul in
his
mighty arms, and bore it off to Olympus, there to
. High Olympus gives harmonious greeting To the hall where reigns
his
sire adored; Youth’s bright goddess, with a blush
man, with a small, bearded head, a lion’s skin carelessly thrown over
his
shoulder, and leaning upon a massive club. “Grea
lder, and leaning upon a massive club. “Great Alcides, stooping with
his
toil, Rests on his club.” Pope. It is said that
pon a massive club. “Great Alcides, stooping with his toil, Rests on
his
club.” Pope. It is said that some of the games
It is said that some of the games celebrated at Olympia were held in
his
honour, although originally instituted by him in
s honour, although originally instituted by him in honour of Jupiter,
his
father. The Nemean Games, celebrated in the fores
er. The Nemean Games, celebrated in the forest of Nemea, the scene of
his
first great labour, were the principal games held
t labour, were the principal games held in Greece in commemoration of
his
noble deeds and early death. Chapter XX: Pers
fortunate day when an oracle had predicted that he would be killed by
his
grandson. Until then the king had been very fond
be killed by his grandson. Until then the king had been very fond of
his
only child, Danae, and until then, too, had thoug
tow her hand in marriage upon the noblest of all who came to woo. Now
his
plans were all changed, and his only wish was to
e noblest of all who came to woo. Now his plans were all changed, and
his
only wish was to keep her unmated, — a somewhat d
God of Love would endeavour to find some way to outwit him and bring
his
plans to naught. After much thought, Acrisius dec
olden shower, and gently dropped down on the turret beside her, where
his
presence and spirited conversation soon won the m
d Danae no longer felt lonely and deserted, for Jupiter spent most of
his
time with her, pursuing his courtship most dilige
y and deserted, for Jupiter spent most of his time with her, pursuing
his
courtship most diligently, and finally winning he
to which no one offered the slightest objection, as no one suspected
his
visits, which he continued quite unmolested. But
e guards rushed in terror to Acrisius’ palace to announce that Danae,
his
daughter, had given birth to a son, who, on accou
hat Danae, his daughter, had given birth to a son, who, on account of
his
beauty, was called Perseus. The king no sooner le
anae and her Babe Acrisius, however, was not cruel enough to stain
his
own hands with his child’s blood, or to witness h
Acrisius, however, was not cruel enough to stain his own hands with
his
child’s blood, or to witness her execution: so he
hild. Here Perseus, the golden-haired, grew to manhood, and here made
his
first appearance in games and combats. In the mea
the meanwhile Polydectes had fallen in love with Danae, and expressed
his
desire to marry her; be Danae did not return his
Danae, and expressed his desire to marry her; be Danae did not return
his
affection, and would no consent. Angry at her per
s affection, and would no consent. Angry at her persistent refusal of
his
proposals, Polydectes wished to compel her to obe
ath of young Perseus, who loudly declared that none should dare force
his
mother as long as he were there to defend her. Th
de him go forth and slay Medusa, if he wished to convince people that
his
bravery was real. The Gorgons This Medusa w
. St. John. The gods, who had carefully watched over Perseus through
his
childhood and youth, now decided to lend him thei
gic helmet, which made the wearer invisible at will; Mercury attached
his
own winged sandals to the youth’s heels, to endow
sent him to the field: The hero acted what the queen ordain’d, So was
his
fame complete.” Prior. Another account relates
ngs cognisant of the place where Medusa dwelt. Invisible by virtue of
his
magic helmet, Perseus drew near the cave without
hile on its way from one sister to another. As soon as it was safe in
his
possession, he spoke to them, promising to restor
ave the desired information; and Perseus, having honourably fulfilled
his
share of the contract, departed in search of Medu
edusa’s petrifying proclivities, he advanced very cautiously, holding
his
shield before him at such an angle that all surro
smooth, mirror like surface. He thus discovered Medusa asleep, raised
his
sword, and, without looking at anything but her m
her body, seized it in one hand, and, holding it persistently behind
his
back, flew away in great haste, lest the two rema
d attempt to avenge their sister’s death. Perseus then swiftly winged
his
way over land and sea, carefully holding his ghas
seus then swiftly winged his way over land and sea, carefully holding
his
ghastly trophy behind him; and as he flew, Medusa
erseus and Atlas The return journey was long and wearisome, and on
his
way the hero had many adventures. Once, when flyi
lying high above a mountainous country, he caught a glimpse of Atlas,
his
pale face turned up to the heavens, whose weight
ter the short taste of freedom he had enjoyed while Hercules stood in
his
place, — “Supporting on his shoulders the vast p
m he had enjoyed while Hercules stood in his place, — “Supporting on
his
shoulders the vast pillar Of Heaven and Earth, a
Medusa changed Atlas into the rugged mountains which have since borne
his
name; and, as their summits are lost in the cloud
d that the monster would not depart until Andromeda was sacrificed to
his
fury; and Perseus could even now perceive the rec
ow the maiden lashed to foam by the monster’s tail, and the scales of
his
hideous body slowly rising out of the water. Fasc
did not see the rapid approach of her deliverer, who, dauntless, drew
his
sword from its scabbard, and, swooping down, atta
fixed on me, a knight in casque of gold And blazing shield, who with
his
flashing blade Fell on the monster. Long the conf
prepared, nevertheless, to fight the rival who was about to carry off
his
promised bride. Unbidden he came to the marriage
ollowers, and was about to carry off Andromeda, when Perseus, bidding
his
adherents stand behind him, suddenly unveiled the
led the Medusa head, and, turning its baleful face toward Phineus and
his
followers, changed them all into stone. “’Mid th
d Perseus in stern tranquillity of wrath, Half stood, half floated on
his
ankle plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face
lf floated on his ankle plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on
his
shield Looked into stone the raging fray.” Milma
ed marriage feast was now resumed; and when it was over, Perseus took
his
bride to Seriphus. There, hearing that Polydectes
de to Seriphus. There, hearing that Polydectes had dared to ill-treat
his
mother because she still refused to accede to his
dared to ill-treat his mother because she still refused to accede to
his
wishes and become his wife, he changed the import
s mother because she still refused to accede to his wishes and become
his
wife, he changed the importunate king into a rock
his wife, he changed the importunate king into a rock by showing him
his
Medusa trophy, gave the kingdom to the king’s bro
the king’s brother, and, accompanied by wife and mother, returned to
his
native land. The borrowed helmet, sandals, and sh
ight. Arrived at Argos, Perseus discovered that a usurper had claimed
his
grandfather’s throne. To hurl the unlawful claima
claimed his grandfather’s throne. To hurl the unlawful claimant from
his
exalted seat, and compel him to make full restitu
weak, was taken from the prison where he languished, and restored to
his
wonted honours, by the very youth he had been tau
and one day, when Perseus was playing quoits, he accidentally killed
his
grandfather. To remain at Argos, haunted by the m
ry of this involuntary crime was too painful for him: so he exchanged
his
kingdom for another, that of Mycenæ, which he rul
ved him, placed him among the stars, where he can still be seen, with
his
wife Andromeda, and mother-in-law Cassiopeia.
as forced to return alone to Athens; but ere he departed he concealed
his
sword and sandals beneath a stone, bidding his wi
departed he concealed his sword and sandals beneath a stone, bidding
his
wife remember, that, as soon as the strength of t
nd join him in Athens, where he should be introduced to the people as
his
son and heir. These instructions given, Ægeus bad
son and heir. These instructions given, Ægeus bade a fond farewell to
his
wife and infant son, and returned home. As the ye
t last Æthra deemed him strong enough to raise the rock beneath which
his
father’s trusty weapon lay; and, conducting him t
the spot where it was, she told him the whole story, and bade him try
his
strength. Theseus immediately obeyed. With a migh
immediately obeyed. With a mighty effort he raised the rock, and, to
his
great satisfaction, found the sword and sandals i
ded slowly and cautiously, for he knew that many dangers lurked along
his
pathway, and that ere he reached his father’s cit
w that many dangers lurked along his pathway, and that ere he reached
his
father’s city he would have to encounter both gia
d have to encounter both giants and monsters, who would strive to bar
his
way. He was not at all mistaken in his previsions
sters, who would strive to bar his way. He was not at all mistaken in
his
previsions; for Trœzene was scarcely lost to sigh
o pass. Adroitly evading the giant’s first onslaught, Theseus plunged
his
sword deep into his huge side ere he could renew
ding the giant’s first onslaught, Theseus plunged his sword deep into
his
huge side ere he could renew the attack, and brou
attack, and brought him lifeless to the ground. Theseus then disarmed
his
fallen foe, and, retaining the club for future us
med his fallen foe, and, retaining the club for future use, continued
his
journey in peace, until he came to the Isthmus of
or a moment. Then, as soon as the innocent stranger had complied with
his
request, he would suddenly let go the pine, which
ith his request, he would suddenly let go the pine, which, freed from
his
gigantic grasp, sprang back to its upright positi
y a robber named Sciron, who forced all who tried to pass him to wash
his
feet. While the traveller was thus engaged, and k
the traveller was thus engaged, and knelt in the narrow pathway to do
his
bidding, he would suddenly raise his foot, kick h
nelt in the narrow pathway to do his bidding, he would suddenly raise
his
foot, kick him over the side, and hurl him down i
the victims. Instead of yielding to Sciron’s exactions, Theseus drew
his
sword, and by his determined bearing so terrified
ead of yielding to Sciron’s exactions, Theseus drew his sword, and by
his
determined bearing so terrified the robber, that
is offer, however, did not satisfy Theseus, who said he would sheathe
his
sword only on condition that Sciron performed for
ver the precipice, into the breakers, where the tortoise feasted upon
his
remains with as keen a relish as upon former vict
who, under pretext of entertainment, deluded travellers into entering
his
home, where he had two beds of very different dim
aveller were a short man, ne was put to bed in the long bedstead, and
his
limbs were pulled out of joint to make him fit it
ed upon others by making him try each bed in turn, and then, to avoid
his
continuing these evil practices, put an end to hi
and then, to avoid his continuing these evil practices, put an end to
his
wretched existence. Theseus successfully accompli
a similar character, and finally reached Athens, where he found that
his
fame had preceded him. The first thing that he he
nd that his fame had preceded him. The first thing that he heard upon
his
arrival was that Ægeus had just married Medea, th
nchantress; but, although the news was very unwelcome, he hastened to
his
father’s court, to make himself known, and receiv
draw near, then she knew him, and foresaw that he had come to demand
his
rights. To prevent his making known claims which
ew him, and foresaw that he had come to demand his rights. To prevent
his
making known claims which might interfere with th
monarch was about to execute her apparently hospitable purpose, when
his
eye suddenly rested upon the sword at Theseus’ si
d him that Æthra’s son stood before him, and he eagerly stretched out
his
arms to clasp him to his heart. This sudden movem
ood before him, and he eagerly stretched out his arms to clasp him to
his
heart. This sudden movement upset the goblet, and
isonous contents, falling upon a dog lying at the king’s feet, caused
his
almost instantaneous death. Seeing her crime disc
nd fled to Media, whence she never returned. One day, some time after
his
arrival at Athens, Theseus heard a sound of weepi
eeping and great lamentation throughout all the city, and in reply to
his
wondering inquiries was told, that ever since an
those who entered could not find their way out; and even Dædalus and
his
son Icarus, after many days’ attempt, found they
risoned for ever, Dædalus then manufactured wings for himself and for
his
son, and determined to make use of them to effect
himself and for his son, and determined to make use of them to effect
his
escape. “Now Dædalus, the carpenter, had made a
ong the clouds as easy as a kite.” Saxe. After repeated cautions to
his
son not to venture too high, lest the sun’s heat
he wax which fixed the feathers to the frame, Dædalus bade Icarus don
his
plumage and fly to a country where they would be
ow, thy plumes may flag with ocean’s spray; If high, the sun may dart
his
fiery ray.’” Ovid ( Elton’s tr.). Delighted wit
Icarus flew swiftly along. Little by little he forgot the danger and
his
father’s caution, and rose up higher and higher,
rect rays of the ardent sun. The heat, which seemed so grateful after
his
chilly flight, soon softened and melted the wax o
grateful after his chilly flight, soon softened and melted the wax on
his
wings; and Icarus, no longer supported by the lig
scattered plumage danced upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereids decked
his
watery grave O’er his pale corse their pearly sea
ced upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereids decked his watery grave O’er
his
pale corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And str
le corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And strewed with crimson moss
his
marble bed; Struck in their coral towers the pass
ruck in their coral towers the passing bell, And wide in ocean tolled
his
echoing knell.” Darwin. The Lament for Icar
led Theseus’ love of adventure, and still further strengthened him in
his
sudden resolve to join the mournful convoy, try h
rengthened him in his sudden resolve to join the mournful convoy, try
his
strength against the awful Minotaur, and, if poss
, try his strength against the awful Minotaur, and, if possible, save
his
country from further similar exactions. “While A
opprest; His country’s wrongs inflam’d brave Theseus’ breast; Instant
his
gen’rous soul resolv’d to save Cecrops’ great off
Minotaur. G. F. Watts. By Permission of Mr. Frederick Hollyer. Even
his
father’s tears and entreaties were powerless to m
ven his father’s tears and entreaties were powerless to move him from
his
purpose, and, the hour having come, he embarked u
walked daily thrice around the whole island, killing, by contact with
his
red-hot body, all who had no business to land on
e was not being cheated by the Athenians. At the monarch’s side stood
his
fair daughter Ariadne, whose tender heart was fil
ouths about to perish by such a loathsome death. Theseus, by right of
his
birth, claimed the precedence, and proffered a re
ch the king granted with a sardonic smile, ere he returned unmoved to
his
interrupted feast. Unnoticed by all, Ariadne slip
of the twine to the entrance of the labyrinth, and keep the other in
his
hand as a clue to find the way out again should t
, Theseus solemnly promised Ariadne to take her with him to Athens as
his
bride, were he only successful in his undertaking
take her with him to Athens as his bride, were he only successful in
his
undertaking. At dawn the next day Theseus was con
n remain inactive: so, mindful of Ariadne’s instructions, he fastened
his
twine to the entrance, and then boldly penetrated
e more hideous than fancy can paint, — and he was obliged to use all
his
skill and ingenuity to avoid falling a prey to th
ingenuity to avoid falling a prey to the monster’s appetite, and all
his
strength to lay him low at last. The Escape fr
The Escape from Crete The Minotaur slain, Theseus hastily retraced
his
footsteps. “And the slen
Prepar’d in secret by th’ enamour’d maid, Thro’ the curv’d labyrinth
his
steps convey’d.” Catullus. Arrived at the place
labyrinth his steps convey’d.” Catullus. Arrived at the place where
his
ship rode at anchor, he found his companions and
tullus. Arrived at the place where his ship rode at anchor, he found
his
companions and Ariadne awaiting him, and, springi
of the Cretan shores, when Talus came into view, and, perceiving that
his
master’s prisoners were about to escape, leaned f
ng this, sprang forward and dealt the giant such a blow, that he lost
his
balance and fell into the deep sea, where he was
drowned, and where thermal springs still bear witness to the heat of
his
brazen body. The returning vessel, favoured by wi
Ariadne’s love; and, when he saw her thus asleep, he basely summoned
his
companions, embarked with them and set sail, leav
in the eyes of gods and men, was doomed to suffer just punishment. In
his
preoccupation he entirely forgot his promise to c
ed to suffer just punishment. In his preoccupation he entirely forgot
his
promise to change the black sails for white; and
ils when the vessel was yet far from land, immediately concluded that
his
son was dead, and in his grief cast himself into
et far from land, immediately concluded that his son was dead, and in
his
grief cast himself into the sea, since known as t
So from the mem’ry of lost Theseus fled Those dictates, which before
his
reason sway’d: But now his father from the rampar
Theseus fled Those dictates, which before his reason sway’d: But now
his
father from the ramparts’ height, All bath’d in t
ow his father from the ramparts’ height, All bath’d in tears, directs
his
eager sight; O’er the wide sea, distended by the
the lurid sail.” Catullus. Theseus, on entering the city, heard of
his
father’s death; and when he realised that it had
f his father’s death; and when he realised that it had been caused by
his
carelessness, he was overwhelmed with grief and r
s of royalty and the wise measures he introduced for the happiness of
his
people could not divert his mind from this terrib
asures he introduced for the happiness of his people could not divert
his
mind from this terrible catastrophe: so he finall
mind from this terrible catastrophe: so he finally resolved to resign
his
authority and set out again in search of adventur
nd set out again in search of adventures, which might help him forget
his
woes. He therefore made an excursion into the lan
yte, whom he married. Theseus was now very happy indeed, and soon all
his
hopes were crowned by the birth of a son, whom he
lled Hippolytus. Shortly after this joyful event, the Amazons invaded
his
country under pretext of rescuing their kidnapped
ore an eternal friendship. The Centaurs and the Lapithæ To show
his
devotion to this newly won friend, Theseus consen
to accompany him to the court of Adrastus, King of Argos, and witness
his
marriage to Hippodamia, daughter of the king. Man
piter, and, as he was still but a child, entrusted her to the care of
his
mother, Æthra, until she attained a suitable age
unassisted, and bound the second to the constantly revolving wheel of
his
father, Ixion. When Hercules was in Hades in sear
Hercules was in Hades in search of Cerberus he delivered Theseus from
his
unpleasant position, and thus enabled him to retu
eseus from his unpleasant position, and thus enabled him to return to
his
own home, where he now expected to spend the rema
turn to his own home, where he now expected to spend the remainder of
his
life in peace. Although somewhat aged by this tim
was still anxious to marry, and looked about him for a wife to cheer
his
loneliness. Suddenly he remembered that Ariadne’s
instead of falling in love with him, bestowed all her affections upon
his
son, Hippolytus, a virtuous youth, who utterly re
attempting to kidnap her. Theseus, greatly incensed at what he deemed
his
son’s dishonourable behaviour, implored Neptune t
ur, implored Neptune to punish the youth, who was even then riding in
his
chariot close by the shore. In answer to this pra
ortunes, he grew so stern and tyrannical, that he gradually alienated
his
people’s affections, until at last they hated him
deified this hero, and built a magnificent temple on the Acropolis in
his
honour. This building, now used as a museum, cont
t Iolcus, in Thessaly, there once reigned a virtuous king, Æson, with
his
good wife, Alcimede. Their happiness, however, wa
nd bidding him train him up to avenge their wrongs. Chiron discharged
his
duties most faithfully, trained the young prince
nce with great care, and soon made him the wisest and most skilful of
his
pupils. The years spent by Jason in the diligent
and at last the time came when Chiron made known to him the secret of
his
birth, and the story of the wrongs inflicted by P
h, and the story of the wrongs inflicted by Pelias, the usurper, upon
his
unfortunate parents. This tale aroused the young
aroused the young prince’s anger, and made him solemnly vow to punish
his
uncle, or perish in the attempt. Chiron encourage
e entitled to any aid he could bestow. Jason listened respectfully to
his
tutor’s last instructions; then, girding on his s
tened respectfully to his tutor’s last instructions; then, girding on
his
sword and putting on his sandals, he set out on h
tutor’s last instructions; then, girding on his sword and putting on
his
sandals, he set out on his journey, to Iolcus.
then, girding on his sword and putting on his sandals, he set out on
his
journey, to Iolcus. Jason and the Goddess Juno
mindful of Chiron’s last recommendation, Jason offered the old woman
his
assistance, proposing to carry her across on his
ffered the old woman his assistance, proposing to carry her across on
his
back if she would but lend him her staff to lean
accepted this offer; and a few moments later, Jason, bending beneath
his
strange load, was battling with the rapid current
ost exhausted, Jason reached the opposite bank, and, after depositing
his
burden there, scrambled up beside her, casting a
casting a rueful glance at the torrent, which had wrenched off one of
his
golden sandals. He was about to part from the old
d and protection, which she graciously promised ere she vanished from
his
sight. With eager steps Jason now pressed onward,
r steps Jason now pressed onward, nor paused until he came in view of
his
native city. As he drew near, he noticed an unusu
to the innermost circle of spectators, until he stood in full view of
his
enemy Pelias, who, unconscious of coming evil, co
ason’s naked foot, and he grew pale with horror as there flashed into
his
memory the recollection of an ancient oracle, war
he uninvited stranger. His orders were obeyed; and Jason, confronting
his
uncle boldly, summoned him to make a full restitu
to obscurity was not to be thought of; but Pelias artfully concealed
his
displeasure, and told his nephew that they would
e thought of; but Pelias artfully concealed his displeasure, and told
his
nephew that they would discuss the matter and com
Helle found a watery grave.” Meleager. Phryxus, more fortunate than
his
sister, reached Colchis in safety, and in gratitu
a hand bold enough to slay the dragon and bear it off. This tale and
his
liberal potations greatly excited the youth Jason
the youth Jason; and Pelias, perceiving it, hypocritically regretted
his
inability to win the golden fleece, and softly in
crafty remarks had the desired effect; for Jason suddenly sprang from
his
seat, and vowed he would go in quest of the golde
e golden fleece. Pelias, quite certain that the rash youth would lose
his
life in the attempt, and thus cause no more troub
n should be rent from him, Pelias sought By machinations dark to slay
his
foe. From Colchis’ realm to bring the golden flee
and refreshed by a long night’s rest, perceived how foolish had been
his
vow, he would fain have recalled it; but, mindful
ve recalled it; but, mindful of Chiron’s teachings ever to be true to
his
word, he resolved to depart for Colchis. To secur
wift-sailing vessel which Minerva, at Juno’s request, would build for
his
use from pine-trees grown on Mount Pelion. Jason,
his use from pine-trees grown on Mount Pelion. Jason, having finished
his
figure-head, found that it too had the gift of sp
that it would occasionally vouchsafe sage counsel in the direction of
his
affairs. When quite completed, Jason called his v
l in the direction of his affairs. When quite completed, Jason called
his
vessel the Argo (swift-sailing), and speedily col
g spring and draw a pitcher of water to quench the thirst produced by
his
exertions. The youth promptly departed; but as he
departed; but as he bent over the fountain, the nymphs, enamoured of
his
beauty, drew him down into their moist abode to k
ng for Hylas’ return, went in search of him, but, finding no trace of
his
young friend, in his grief and disappointment he
went in search of him, but, finding no trace of his young friend, in
his
grief and disappointment he refused to continue t
efused to continue the expedition, and, deserting the Argonauts, made
his
way home alone and on foot. On another occasion,
d never let him eat a mouthful in peace. Having repeated this tale to
his
companions, the two sons of Boreas, who were also
nsulted the figure-head, and, in obedience to its directions, clashed
his
arms against his shield, until, terrified by the
e-head, and, in obedience to its directions, clashed his arms against
his
shield, until, terrified by the din, the brazen-f
se rocks or give up the expedition: so, calculating that the speed of
his
vessel was equal to that of a dove on the wing, h
nly one of its tail-feathers as they again clashed together. Watching
his
opportunity, therefore, Jason bade his men row sw
ain clashed together. Watching his opportunity, therefore, Jason bade
his
men row swiftly. The Argo darted through the open
s, the king, to whom they made known their errand. Loath to part with
his
golden treasure, Æetes declared that, before Jaso
, last of all, slay the guardian dragon, or the fleece would never be
his
. The Princess Medea One of these tasks woul
wever brave, but Jason was of hero mould, and merely hastened down to
his
vessel to ask the figure-head how he had better p
wn to his vessel to ask the figure-head how he had better proceed. On
his
way to the sea-shore he met the king’s daughter,
daughter, Medea, a beautiful young sorceress, who had been charmed by
his
modest but firm bearing, and who was quite ready
odest but firm bearing, and who was quite ready to bring her magic to
his
aid if he would but promise to marry her. Jason,
it been possible. However, aware that such a performance would ensure
his
ruin, he stood his ground, and, when the phalanx
owever, aware that such a performance would ensure his ruin, he stood
his
ground, and, when the phalanx was quite near him,
dea, Jason next hastened to the tree where the dragon kept guard over
his
treasure. An opiate prepared by Medea’s magic ski
An opiate prepared by Medea’s magic skill soon made the dragon forget
his
charge in a profound sleep, and enabled Jason to
e in a profound sleep, and enabled Jason to draw near enough to sever
his
frightful head from his hideous trunk. Jason then
nd enabled Jason to draw near enough to sever his frightful head from
his
hideous trunk. Jason then tore the coveted fleece
“Exulting Jason grasped the shining hide, His last of labours, and
his
envied pride. Slow from the groaning branch the f
d Æetes awoke, he heard that the dragon was slain, the fleece stolen,
his
daughter gone, and the Grecian ship far out of si
person set out in pursuit of the fugitives, who had, moreover, taken
his
most precious treasure, his only son and heir, Ab
f the fugitives, who had, moreover, taken his most precious treasure,
his
only son and heir, Absyrtus. Although the Colchia
il they came near the mouth of the Danube, and Æetes wildly called to
his
daughter to return to her home and to her father.
er own hands she therefore slew her little brother, Absyrtus, and cut
his
body into pieces, which she dropped over the side
etes, a helpless witness of this cruel, awful deed, piously collected
his
son’s remains, and, in pausing to do so, lost sig
pausing to do so, lost sight of the Argo, and all hope of recovering
his
unnatural daughter: so he returned sadly to Colch
unnatural daughter: so he returned sadly to Colchis, where he buried
his
son’s remains with due solemnity. Meanwhile, Peli
tedly over Thessaly, confident that Jason would never return. Imagine
his
dismay, therefore, when he heard that the Argo ha
of the renowned golden fleece. Ere he could take measures to maintain
his
usurped authority, Jason appeared, and compelled
ower had no charms for him: so Jason begged Medea to use her magic in
his
behalf, and restore him to the vigour and beauty
her magic in his behalf, and restore him to the vigour and beauty of
his
early manhood. To gratify Jason, Medea called all
magic into play, and by some mysterious process restored Æson to all
his
former youth, strength, activity, and grace. “Me
sage for Jason, in which she warned him that the Argo would yet cause
his
death. Jason, a victim of remorse and despair, no
slowly rotting away. One day, while he was sitting there musing over
his
youthful adventures and Medea’s strange prophecy,
’s strange prophecy, a sudden gale detached a beam, which, falling on
his
head, fractured his skull and caused instantaneou
a sudden gale detached a beam, which, falling on his head, fractured
his
skull and caused instantaneous death. The Argonau
n to keep it for ever. Meleager, thus saved from an untimely death by
his
mother’s presence of mind, grew up a brave and ha
ome youth, and joined the Argonautic expedition. While he was absent,
his
father omitted the yearly sacrifice to Diana, who
nt, his father omitted the yearly sacrifice to Diana, who, enraged at
his
neglect, sent a monstrous boar to devour his subj
o Diana, who, enraged at his neglect, sent a monstrous boar to devour
his
subjects and devastate his realm. Meleager, on hi
s neglect, sent a monstrous boar to devour his subjects and devastate
his
realm. Meleager, on his return, gathered together
ous boar to devour his subjects and devastate his realm. Meleager, on
his
return, gathered together all the brave men of th
us, Admetus, Theseus, Pirithous, and many other great heroes, came at
his
call; but the attention of all the spectators was
by Atalanta, who succeeded in dealing him a mortal wound. But even in
his
dying struggles the boar would have killed her, h
ld have killed her, had not Meleager come toiler rescue and given him
his
death-blow. All the hunt now gathered round the b
shes, Meleager died. All Althæa’s affection for her son returned when
his
lifeless corpse was brought to her, and in her de
was decreed, moreover, that every unsuccessful suitor should pay for
his
defeat by forfeiting his life. Atalanta’s Rac
hat every unsuccessful suitor should pay for his defeat by forfeiting
his
life. Atalanta’s Race. Sir E. J. Poynter, P.
no longer refuse to marry, and her nuptials were soon celebrated. In
his
happiness at having won such a peerless bride, Hi
forgot to pay the promised thanks to Venus, for which offence he and
his
wife were severely punished by being transformed
ed Jupiter to allow him to die also, that he might not be parted from
his
brothers — a proof of brotherly affection which s
ed Castor to return to life on condition that Pollux would spend half
his
time in Hades. Later on, satisfied that even this
joy was turned to grief when told that the child was destined to kill
his
father, marry his mother, and bring great misfort
grief when told that the child was destined to kill his father, marry
his
mother, and bring great misfortunes upon his nati
o kill his father, marry his mother, and bring great misfortunes upon
his
native city.
“Laius once, Not from Apollo, but
his
priests, receiv’d An oracle, which said, it was d
receiv’d An oracle, which said, it was decreed He should be slain by
his
own son.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). To prev
dead, as all supposed. A shepherd in quest of a stray lamb had heard
his
cries, delivered him from his painful position, a
herd in quest of a stray lamb had heard his cries, delivered him from
his
painful position, and carried him to Polybus, Kin
and carried him to Polybus, King of Corinth, who, lacking an heir of
his
own, gladly adopted the little stranger. The Quee
al ignorance of the unfortunate circumstances under which he had made
his
first appearance at court, until one day at a ban
made his first appearance at court, until one day at a banquet one of
his
companions, heated by drink, began to quarrel wit
ons, heated by drink, began to quarrel with him, and taunted him with
his
origin, declaring that those whom he had been acc
who, afraid lest he might do himself an injury in the first moment of
his
despair if the truth were revealed to him, had re
biguously, and merely warned him that fate had decreed he should kill
his
father, marry his mother, and cause great woes to
ely warned him that fate had decreed he should kill his father, marry
his
mother, and cause great woes to his native city.
he should kill his father, marry his mother, and cause great woes to
his
native city.
een such an indulgent father, and marry the queen, whom he revered as
his
mother! Never! Rather than perpetrate these awful
tars Guiding my hapless journey.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). But
his
heart was filled with intense bitterness, and as
eded it haughtily called to the youth to stand aside and make way for
his
master; but Œdipus, who, as Polybus’ heir, was ac
d impudence, the herald struck the youth, who, retaliating, stretched
his
assailant lifeless at his feet. Œdipus slays h
ruck the youth, who, retaliating, stretched his assailant lifeless at
his
feet. Œdipus slays his Father This affray a
iating, stretched his assailant lifeless at his feet. Œdipus slays
his
Father This affray attracted the attention of
mplishing the first part of the prophecy; for the aged man was Laius,
his
father, journeying in disguise from Thebes to Del
where he wished to consult the oracle. Œdipus then leisurely pursued
his
way until he came to the gates of Thebes, where h
, “because the king had been found lifeless by the roadside, with all
his
atttendants slain beside him, presumably the work
he following enigma, warning him, at the same time, that he forfeited
his
life if he failed to give the right answer. “Tel
g on hands and knees, in manhood walks erect, and in old age supports
his
tottering steps with a staff. This reply, evident
it could effect its purpose, it was stayed by Œdipus, who drove it at
his
sword’s point over the edge of a neighbouring pre
e of a neighbouring precipice, where it was killed. Œdipus marries
his
Mother On his return to the city, Œdipus was r
ng precipice, where it was killed. Œdipus marries his Mother On
his
return to the city, Œdipus was received with crie
s of joy, placed on a chariot, crowned King of Thebes, and married to
his
own mother, Jocasta, unwittingly fulfilling the s
ifeless. This sight was more than the poor monarch could bear, and in
his
despair he blinded himself with one of her orname
he robe she wore A golden buckle that adorn’d her side, And buried in
his
eyes the sharpen’d point, Crying, he ne’er again
en’d point, Crying, he ne’er again would look on her, Never would see
his
crimes or mis’ries more, Or those whom guiltless
lin’s tr.). Penniless, blind, and on foot, he then left the scene of
his
awful crimes, accompanied by his daughter Antigon
d on foot, he then left the scene of his awful crimes, accompanied by
his
daughter Antigone, the only one who loved him sti
ntigone, the only one who loved him still, and who was ready to guide
his
uncertain footsteps wherever he wished to go. Aft
the avenging deities, the Furies, or Eumenides. Here Œdipus expressed
his
desire to remain, and, after bidding his faithful
nides. Here Œdipus expressed his desire to remain, and, after bidding
his
faithful daughter an affectionate farewell, he gr
ter bidding his faithful daughter an affectionate farewell, he groped
his
way into the dark forest alone. The wind rose, th
the Furies had dragged him down to Hades to receive the punishment of
his
unwitting crimes. Eteocles and Polynices An
cles; but when, at the end of the first year, Polynices returned from
his
travels in foreign lands to claim the sceptre, Et
im the sceptre, Eteocles refused to relinquish it, and, making use of
his
power, drove the claimant away. “Thou seest me b
irthright mine, from him who drove me thence, The young Eteocles: not
his
the claim By justice, nor to me his fame in arms
e thence, The young Eteocles: not his the claim By justice, nor to me
his
fame in arms Superior; but, by soft, persuasive a
arms Superior; but, by soft, persuasive arts He won the rebel city to
his
love.” Sophocles ( Francklin’s tr.). The Sev
ened off to Argos, where he persuaded Adrastus, the king, to give him
his
daughter in marriage, and aid him to recover his
he king, to give him his daughter in marriage, and aid him to recover
his
inheritance. True to his promise, Adrastus soon e
daughter in marriage, and aid him to recover his inheritance. True to
his
promise, Adrastus soon equipped a large army, whi
e of Creon, who, although she was a relative and the promised wife of
his
son Hæmon, condemned her to death. “Let her be c
in’s tr.). Hæmon pleaded passionately for her life; but, when he saw
his
prayers were vain, he ran to the place where Anti
place where Antigone was confined, sprang into her narrow cell, wound
his
arms closely around her, and refused to leave her
on; and, when Hæmon saw she was no more, he, in utter despair, thrust
his
dagger into his side, and perished too.
mon saw she was no more, he, in utter despair, thrust his dagger into
his
side, and perished too. “On himself bent
dagger into his side, and perished too. “On himself bent all
his
wrath, Full in his side the weapon fix’d, but sti
e, and perished too. “On himself bent all his wrath, Full in
his
side the weapon fix’d, but still, Whilst life rem
l, Whilst life remain’d, on the soft bosom hung Of the dear maid, and
his
last spirit breath’d O’er her pale cheek, discolo
d, and his last spirit breath’d O’er her pale cheek, discolour’d with
his
blood. Thus lay the wretched pair in death united
andson of Sisyphus, King of Corinth, had the great misfortune to kill
his
own brother while hunting in the forest. His grie
or he felt for the place where the catastrophe had occurred, added to
his
fear lest he should incur judicial punishment for
urred, added to his fear lest he should incur judicial punishment for
his
involuntary crime, made him flee to the court of
rt of Argos, where he took refuge with Prœtus, the king, who was also
his
kinsman. Anteia’s Treachery He had not sojo
ry on the part of an honoured guest, yet reluctant to punish him with
his
own hand as he deserved, sent Bellerophon to Ioba
ore Iobates, who received him very hospitably, and, without inquiring
his
name or errand, entertained him royally for many
time, Bellerophon suddenly remembered the sealed message entrusted to
his
care, and hastened to deliver it to Iobates, with
care, and hastened to deliver it to Iobates, with many apologies for
his
forgetfulness. Bellerophon and Anteia. Gertr
le thus inwardly bewailing the ill-luck which had persistently dogged
his
footsteps, Bellerophon suddenly saw Minerva appea
all her splendour, and heard her inquire in gentle tones the cause of
his
too evident dejection. He had no sooner apprised
nt of Apollo and the Muses, who delighted in taking aërial flights on
his
broad back; and Bellerophon knew that from time t
ol waters of the Hippocrene (a fountain which had bubbled forth where
his
hoofs first touched the earth), or to visit the e
beheld him sailing downward in wide curves, like a bird of prey. From
his
place of concealment in a neighbouring thicket, B
last, and, while the winged steed was grazing, he vaulted boldly upon
his
back. Pegasus had never before been ridden by a m
tal, and he reared and pranced, and flew up to dizzy heights; but all
his
efforts failed to unseat the brave rider, who, bi
ts; but all his efforts failed to unseat the brave rider, who, biding
his
time, finally thrust Minerva’s golden bit between
er, who, biding his time, finally thrust Minerva’s golden bit between
his
teeth, whereupon the steed immediately became gen
complished, Bellerophon returned to Iobates, to report the success of
his
undertaking; and, although the king was heartily
to Lycia, where, after escaping from an ambush posted by the king for
his
destruction, he again appeared victorious at cour
further attempts to slay him, but also to bestow upon the young hero
his
daughter’s hand in marriage. Bellerophon’s Fal
n marriage. Bellerophon’s Fall Bellerophon, having now attained
his
dearest wishes, might have settled down in peace;
ow attained his dearest wishes, might have settled down in peace; but
his
head had been utterly turned by the many lofty fl
taken upon Pegasus’ back, and, encouraged by the fulsome flattery of
his
courtiers, he finally fancied himself the equal o
tal gods, and wished to join them in their celestial abode. Summoning
his
faithful Pegasus once more, he rose higher and hi
ich stung poor Pegasus so cruelly, that he shied viciously, and flung
his
too confident rider far down to the earth below.
illed any one but a mythological hero, merely deprived Bellerophon of
his
eyesight; and ever after he groped his way discon
merely deprived Bellerophon of his eyesight; and ever after he groped
his
way disconsolately, thinking of the happy days wh
he rode along the paths of air and gazed upon the beautiful earth at
his
feet. Bellerophon, mounted upon Pegasus, winging
autiful earth at his feet. Bellerophon, mounted upon Pegasus, winging
his
flight through the air or fighting the Chimæra, i
rom home early in life, Bellerophon wanders throughout the world like
his
brilliant prototype, and like it, ends his career
throughout the world like his brilliant prototype, and like it, ends
his
career in total darkness. Chapter XXVI: Minor
of marriage, a host of suitors asked her hand, each eager to win for
his
bride one so beautiful and gifted. “No nymph of
tle son. He no sooner saw the brilliant flower, than he stretched out
his
little hands. To please him, the fond mother pluc
ad within the tree. Filled with gratitude, the nymph bade Rhœcus name
his
reward, whereupon he asked for her love, which sh
nsented to bestow, provided he would remain constant and undivided in
his
affection. She bade him come to her an hour befor
bee, to him before that time. Filled with pleasure at the thought of
his
love, Rhœcus returned to the city with a light he
e game, he hardly noticed the bee which was incessantly buzzing about
his
ears, until, becoming suddenly aware of its atten
uddenly aware of its attentions; he brushed it impatiently aside with
his
hand. Out through the open window sped the little
he little creature, and as Rhœcus looked after it to mark its flight,
his
eyes fell upon the distant line of hills against
sudden recollection of the events of the morning drove the blood from
his
heart. Without a word to his fellows, he rushed o
ents of the morning drove the blood from his heart. Without a word to
his
fellows, he rushed off to find his love, and “Qu
from his heart. Without a word to his fellows, he rushed off to find
his
love, and “Quite spent and out of breath he reac
ger And sent’st him back to me with bruised wings.’ Then Rhœcus beat
his
breast, and groaned aloud And cried, ‘Be pitiful!
ve, the sky, With all its bright sublimity of stars, Deepened, and on
his
forehead smote the breeze: Beauty was all around
and a charming young nymph named Penelope; and we are told that, when
his
mother first beheld him, she was aghast, for he w
ure she had ever seen. His body was all covered with goat’s hair, and
his
feet and ears were also those of a goat. Amused a
worshipped in olden times, however; and the ancients not only decked
his
altars with flowers, but sang his praises, and ce
r; and the ancients not only decked his altars with flowers, but sang
his
praises, and celebrated festivals in his honour.
ltars with flowers, but sang his praises, and celebrated festivals in
his
honour. “He is great and he is just, He is ever
om he immediately loved; but unfortunately for him she, frightened at
his
appearance, fled. Exasperated by her persistent a
esented with a syrinx and shepherd’s crook, and a pine garland around
his
misshapen head. “He tore out a reed, the great g
ce gods began To make sweet music they could succeed.’ Then, dropping
his
mouth to a hole in the reed He blew in po
ds and plants. Priapus, god of the shade, was also a rural deity, but
his
worship was only known along the shores of the He
, and had no desire to marry. Vertumnus, enamoured of her charms, did
his
best to make her change her mind, but she would n
is best to make her change her mind, but she would not even listen to
his
pleadings. At last the lover had recourse to stra
ized the favourable opportunity, revealed himself, and clasped her to
his
breast. Pomona, perceiving that she had hopelessl
f the lesser sea gods, Glaucus, was once a poor fisherman, who earned
his
daily bread by selling the fish he caught in his
isherman, who earned his daily bread by selling the fish he caught in
his
nets. On one occasion he made a very fine haul, a
ught in his nets. On one occasion he made a very fine haul, and threw
his
net full of fish down upon a certain kind of gras
to the water. The mere contact with the salt waves sufficed to change
his
nature; and swimming about comfortably in the ele
rd from evil, and whose nets were often filled to overflowing through
his
intervention. Chapter XXVII: The Trojan War
the Fates, who alone could inform him whether this union would be for
his
happiness or not. It was very fortunate for him t
Thetis was destined to be the mother of a son who would far outshine
his
father. Jupiter carefully pondered this reply, an
ce the marriage rather than run any risk of being forced to surrender
his
power to one greater than he. Thetis’ hand he the
for Neptune also had wooed Her), and demurred, until Jupiter promised
his
own and the gods’ attendance at the marriage feas
r father, Nereus, beneath the foam-crested waves. Thither, mindful of
his
promise, came Jupiter, with all the gods of Olymp
his promise, came Jupiter, with all the gods of Olympus. “Then, with
his
Queen, the Father of the gods Came down from high
ish, because an oracle had predicted that he would cause the death of
his
family and the downfall of his native city. Altho
icted that he would cause the death of his family and the downfall of
his
native city. Although thus cruelly treated, he ha
hed, having been found and adopted by a shepherd, who made him follow
his
own calling. When Paris reached manhood, he was a
e their quarrel. Minerva, in glittering armour, first appeared before
his
dazzled eyes, and proffered the bribe of supreme
her promise, directed Paris to return to Troy, make himself known to
his
parents, — who, the goddess promised, would welco
athletic games, distinguished himself, and attracted the attention of
his
sister Cassandra. This princess was noted for her
a prophetic strain, she foretold that he would bring destruction upon
his
native city. Priam and Hecuba, scorning her proph
fully received their long-lost son, lovingly compelled him to take up
his
abode in their palace, and promised to atone for
heir palace, and promised to atone for their past neglect by granting
his
every wish. Still advised by Venus, Paris soon ex
d a desire to sail for Greece, under the pretext of rescuing Hesione,
his
father’s sister, whom Hercules had carried off, a
ital rights of the favoured suitor, and help him regain possession of
his
wife should any one venture to kidnap her.
doubt, To give, or not to give her, and how best To make good fortune
his
: at length this thought Occurr’d, that each to ea
vows Bind their firm faith that him, who should obtain The virgin for
his
bride, they all would aid; If any dar’d to seize
e by force her husband from her bed, All would unite in arms, and lay
his
town, Greek or Barbaric, level with the ground.”
r hand upon Menelaus, King of Sparta. The Abduction of Helen On
his
arrival at Sparta, in Lacedæmonia, Paris was rece
before the king was called away from home, and departed, confiding to
his
wife the care of entertaining his princely guest.
om home, and departed, confiding to his wife the care of entertaining
his
princely guest. During his absence, Paris, urged
iding to his wife the care of entertaining his princely guest. During
his
absence, Paris, urged by Venus, courted Helen so
ion of the Berlin Photographic Co., 133 New Bond St., W. Menelaus, on
his
return from Crete, discovered his guest’s treache
, 133 New Bond St., W. Menelaus, on his return from Crete, discovered
his
guest’s treachery, and swore never to rest satisf
s treachery, and swore never to rest satisfied until he had recovered
his
truant wife and punished her seducer. Messengers
and join Menelaus at Aulis with men and weapons. All came promptly at
his
call except Ulysses, King of Ithaca, who, to cons
ysses, King of Ithaca, who, to console himself for Helen’s refusal of
his
suit, had married her cousin, Penelope, and had n
ope, and had now no dearer wish than to linger by her side and admire
his
infant son, Telemachus. In the presence of the me
ectly in front of the plough, and marked how skilfully Ulysses turned
his
ill-assorted team aside to avoid harming his heir
skilfully Ulysses turned his ill-assorted team aside to avoid harming
his
heir. This action sufficed to prove to Palamedes
ficed to prove to Palamedes that the king had not lost all control of
his
senses, and enabled him to force Ulysses to obey
the expedition, which numbered, among many others, Nestor, noted for
his
wise counsel; Ajax, gigantic in strength and cour
nd Thetis, Achilles, of whom the Fates had predicted he would surpass
his
father in greatness. The Hero Achilles Thet
old that Achilles would die beneath the walls of Troy from a wound in
his
heel, the only vulnerable part of his body. With
e walls of Troy from a wound in his heel, the only vulnerable part of
his
body. With many tears Thetis vowed that her son s
d never leave her to encounter such a fate, and entrusted the care of
his
education to the Centaur Chiron, who had taught a
, that an accomplished Greek warrior was expected to know — and, when
his
studies were finished, returned to his father’s c
s expected to know — and, when his studies were finished, returned to
his
father’s court to gladden his fond mother’s heart
his studies were finished, returned to his father’s court to gladden
his
fond mother’s heart by his presence. Thetis’ joy
returned to his father’s court to gladden his fond mother’s heart by
his
presence. Thetis’ joy was all turned to grief, ho
to her ears. She knew her son would soon be summoned, and to prevent
his
going, sent him off to the court of Lycomedes, wh
” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Arrayed in pedlar’s garb, with a pack upon
his
shoulders, Ulysses entered Lycomedes’ palace, whe
lace, where he shrewdly suspected Achilles was concealed, and offered
his
wares for sale. The maidens selected trinkets; bu
h such skill that Ulysses saw through the assumed disguise, explained
his
presence and purpose, and by his eloquence persua
ough the assumed disguise, explained his presence and purpose, and by
his
eloquence persuaded the young Achilles to accompa
s were tried; but as they all proved ineffective, Agamemnon, urged by
his
companions, sent for his daughter, feigning that
all proved ineffective, Agamemnon, urged by his companions, sent for
his
daughter, feigning that he wished to celebrate he
eigning that he wished to celebrate her nuptials with Achilles before
his
departure. “I wrote, I seal’d A letter to m
h. Protesilaus and Laodamia Protesilaus, a brave chief, seeing
his
comrades’ irresolution, and animated by a spirit
e, sprang boldly ashore, and perished, slain by the enemy, as soon as
his
foot had touched the foreign soil. When the tidin
as soon as his foot had touched the foreign soil. When the tidings of
his
death reached his beloved wife, Laodamia, whom he
t had touched the foreign soil. When the tidings of his death reached
his
beloved wife, Laodamia, whom he had left in Thess
mia beheld the beloved countenance of Protesilaus once more, and from
his
own lips heard the detailed account of his early
silaus once more, and from his own lips heard the detailed account of
his
early death. The three hours passed all too quick
us chiefs, and Agamemnon received the priest’s daughter as reward for
his
bravery, while Achilles triumphantly led to his t
aughter as reward for his bravery, while Achilles triumphantly led to
his
tent the equally fair Briseis. When Chryses heard
tly led to his tent the equally fair Briseis. When Chryses heard that
his
child had fallen into the hands of the enemy, he
many heartless taunts. Exasperated by this cruel treatment, he raised
his
hands to heaven, and implored Apollo to avenge th
antly withdrew; And Phœbus — for the priest was dear to him — Granted
his
prayer, and sent among the Greeks A deadly shaft.
re told that the plague would never cease until Agamemnon surrendered
his
captive, and thus disarmed Apollo’s wrath, which
captive, and thus disarmed Apollo’s wrath, which had been kindled by
his
rude refusal to comply with the aged priest’s req
inglorious death. Achilles, mindful of all this, and anxious to save
his
beloved companions, consented to comply with this
request; but at the same time he swore that, if Agamemnon really took
his
captive away, he would not strike another blow. C
ed her back to her aged father’s arms. Ready to forgive all, now that
his
child was restored to him, Chryses implored Apoll
w that his child was restored to him, Chryses implored Apollo to stay
his
hand, and the plague instantly ceased. As for Aga
his hand, and the plague instantly ceased. As for Agamemnon, he sent
his
slaves to Achilles’ tent to lead away Briseis; an
slaves to Achilles’ tent to lead away Briseis; and the hero, true to
his
promise, laid aside his armour, determined to fig
t to lead away Briseis; and the hero, true to his promise, laid aside
his
armour, determined to fight no more. “The great
o fight no more. “The great Achilles, swift of foot, remained Within
his
ships, indignant for the sake Of the fair-haired
am purposely sent by Jupiter to delude him, Agamemnon again assembled
his
troops, and proposed a new onslaught upon the Tro
attle array, Hector, the eldest son of Priam, and therefore leader of
his
army, stepping forward, proposed that the prolong
; And he who shall o’ercome, and prove himself The better warrior, to
his
home shall bear The treasure and the woman, while
ddenly snatched him away from the battlefield, and bore him unseen to
his
chamber, where he was joined by Helen, who bitter
hamber, where he was joined by Helen, who bitterly reproached him for
his
cowardly flight. Indignant at this interference o
a Trojan warrior, aimed an arrow at Menelaus, who was vainly seeking
his
vanished opponent. This act of treachery was the
seemed to favour the Greeks; and Hector, hastening back to Troy, bade
his
mother go to the temple with all her women, and e
pitiate Minerva and obtain her aid. Then he hastened off in search of
his
wife Andromache and little son Astyanax, whom he
ut to battle and possible death. Hector and Andromache He found
his
palace deserted, and, upon questioning the women,
ound his palace deserted, and, upon questioning the women, heard that
his
wife had gone to the Scæan Gate, where he now dro
at his wife had gone to the Scæan Gate, where he now drove as fast as
his
noble steeds could draw him. There, at the gate,
in the walls, while Hector gently reproved her, and demonstrated that
his
duty called him out upon the field of battle, whe
his duty called him out upon the field of battle, where he must hold
his
own if he would not see the city taken, the Troja
d not see the city taken, the Trojans slain, and the women, including
his
mother and beloved Andromache, borne away into bi
ty. “Andromache Pressed to
his
side meanwhile, and, all in tears, Clung to his h
Andromache Pressed to his side meanwhile, and, all in tears, Clung to
his
hand, and, thus beginning, said: — ‘Too brav
nflict, coward-like.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Then he stretched out
his
arms for his infant son, who, however, shrank bac
d-like.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Then he stretched out his arms for
his
infant son, who, however, shrank back affrighted
his infant son, who, however, shrank back affrighted at the sight of
his
brilliant helmet and nodding plumes, and would no
e had set the gleaming headdress aside. After a passionate prayer for
his
little heir’s future welfare, Hector gave the chi
he child back to Andromache and, with a farewell embrace, sprang into
his
chariot and drove away. “Sorrow not thus, belove
hades Before my time; no man of woman born, Coward or brave, can shun
his
destiny. But go thou home, and tend thy labours t
roy, and most to me.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Paris, ashamed now of
his
former flight, soon joined his brother upon the b
Bryant’s tr.). Paris, ashamed now of his former flight, soon joined
his
brother upon the battlefield, and together they p
their fleet. “The goddess-born Achilles, swift of foot, Beside
his
ships still brooded o’er his wrath, Nor came to c
ess-born Achilles, swift of foot, Beside his ships still brooded o’er
his
wrath, Nor came to counsel with the illustrious c
the illustrious chiefs, Nor to the war, but suffered idleness To eat
his
heart away; for well he loved Clamour and combat.
s’ intimate friend, then hastened to the hero’s side to inform him of
his
comrades’ flight, and implore him once more to re
ore to rescue them from inevitable death. But Achilles, summoning all
his
pride to his assistance, did not waver in his res
them from inevitable death. But Achilles, summoning all his pride to
his
assistance, did not waver in his resolve. Suddenl
Achilles, summoning all his pride to his assistance, did not waver in
his
resolve. Suddenly Patroclus remembered that the m
and arms, if they might be of any use, and immediately placed them at
his
friend’s disposal. Hastily Patroclus donned the g
donned the glittering armour, called aloud to the Myrmidons to follow
his
lead, and rushed forth to encounter the enemy. Th
, and fought with equal valour, until Patroclus, already exhausted by
his
previous efforts, and betrayed by the gods, final
Grecian camp, and reached Achilles, who wept aloud when he heard that
his
beloved friend, who had left him but a short time
ull of life and energy, was now no more. So loudly did the hero mourn
his
loss, that Thetis, in the quiet ocean depths, hea
he hero mourn his loss, that Thetis, in the quiet ocean depths, heard
his
groans, and rushed to his side to ascertain the c
at Thetis, in the quiet ocean depths, heard his groans, and rushed to
his
side to ascertain the cause. Into his mother’s sy
heard his groans, and rushed to his side to ascertain the cause. Into
his
mother’s sympathetic ear Achilles poured the whol
Into his mother’s sympathetic ear Achilles poured the whole story of
his
grief and loss, while she gently strove to turn h
he whole story of his grief and loss, while she gently strove to turn
his
thoughts aside from the sad event, and arouse an
rsted for revenge, and he repeatedly swore he would go forth and slay
his
friend’s murderer.
fairs, save this: that Hector first, Pierced by my spear, shall yield
his
life, and pay The debt of vengeance for Patroclus
l by another’s hand, or withdraw from the battlefield and thus escape
his
vengeance, Achilles would have rushed from his te
efield and thus escape his vengeance, Achilles would have rushed from
his
tent unarmed; but his mother prevailed upon him t
his vengeance, Achilles would have rushed from his tent unarmed; but
his
mother prevailed upon him to wait until the morro
tes the coast of Asia Minor from Mount Ætna, where Vulcan laboured at
his
forge. “She found him there Sweating
ithin the given time, and immediately set to work to fashion them. By
his
skilful hands the marvellous weapons were forged;
and to implore him to come and rescue the precious corpse. Mindful of
his
promise to his mother, Achilles still refused to
him to come and rescue the precious corpse. Mindful of his promise to
his
mother, Achilles still refused to fight, but, spr
lles still refused to fight, but, springing upon the rampart, uttered
his
mighty war-cry, the sound of which filled the ene
they then reverently bore to Achilles’ tent. To console Achilles for
his
friend’s death, Thetis exhibited the glorious arm
er ( Bryant’s tr.). The Death of Hector Thus armed, mounted in
his
chariot drawn by his favourite steeds, and driven
The Death of Hector Thus armed, mounted in his chariot drawn by
his
favourite steeds, and driven by his favourite cha
, mounted in his chariot drawn by his favourite steeds, and driven by
his
favourite charioteer Automedon, Achilles went for
les’ eyes, turned to flee. Achilles pursued him, and taunted him with
his
cowardice, until Hector turned and fought with al
hilles tear the armour from their champion’s body, bind the corpse to
his
chariot, and drive nine times round the city wall
ile was laid, and there abandon the corpse. Achilles then returned to
his
tent, where for a long time he continued to mourn
hen returned to his tent, where for a long time he continued to mourn
his
friend’s untimely end, refusing to be comforted.
r hasten down to Achilles and command him to restore Hector’s body to
his
mourning family. He also directed Mercury to lead
ry to lead Priam, unseen, into Achilles’ tent, to claim and bear away
his
son’s desecrated corpse. Thetis, seeking Achilles
nd bear away his son’s desecrated corpse. Thetis, seeking Achilles in
his
tent, announced the will of Jove:
re the dead.” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Mercury acquitted himself with
his
usual despatch and soon guided Priam in safety th
ent, where the aged king fell at the hero’s feet, humbly pleading for
his
son’s body, and proffering a princely ransom in e
irst encounter. He, too, however, was doomed to die “in the flower of
his
youth and beauty,” and the Fates had almost finis
of his youth and beauty,” and the Fates had almost finished spinning
his
thread of life. In an early skirmish, while in cl
o make peace failed; but at last he prevailed upon Priam to celebrate
his
betrothal with Polyxena, with the stipulation tha
held without the city gates; and Achilles was just about to part from
his
blushing betrothed, when Paris, ever treacherous,
is, ever treacherous, stole behind him and shot a poisoned arrow into
his
vulnerable heel, thus slaying the hero who had ca
brave warriors to bite the dust. “Thus great Achilles, who had shown
his
zeal In healing wounds, died of a wounded heel.”
othed’s death, committed suicide on the magnificent tomb erected over
his
remains on the Trojan plain. Another version has
of Hecuba and offered up as a sacrifice upon the tomb of Achilles by
his
son Pyrrhus. Philoctetes The oracles, silen
had been put ashore on the Island of Lemnos on account of a wound in
his
foot, which had become so offensive that none of
had become so offensive that none of the ship’s company could endure
his
presence on board. Ten long years had already ela
he had managed to exist by killing such game as came within reach of
his
hand. “Exposed to the inclement skies,
nd forlorn he lies; No friend or fellow-mourner there, To soothe
his
sorrows, and divide his care; Or seek the healing
No friend or fellow-mourner there, To soothe his sorrows, and divide
his
care; Or seek the healing plant, of power to ’sua
ay, for there he would find Machaon, Æsculapius’ son, who was to heal
his
wound. The Death of Paris The dream was rea
ned the Greek host, and caused great dismay in the enemy’s ranks with
his
poisoned arrows. One of his deadly missiles even
ed great dismay in the enemy’s ranks with his poisoned arrows. One of
his
deadly missiles even struck Paris, and, as the po
of his deadly missiles even struck Paris, and, as the poison entered
his
veins, it caused him grievous suffering. Paris th
s veins, it caused him grievous suffering. Paris then remembered that
his
first love Œnone, who knew all remedies and the b
hen he was dead, Œnone repented this decision; and when the flames of
his
funeral pyre rose around him, she rushed into the
e around him, she rushed into their midst, and was burned to death on
his
corpse. “But when she gain’d the broader vale an
e to the gods. As he stood there by the improvised altar, with one of
his
sons on either side to assist him in his office,
mprovised altar, with one of his sons on either side to assist him in
his
office, two huge serpents came out of the sea, co
o huge serpents came out of the sea, coiled themselves around him and
his
sons, and crushed and bit them to death
“Unswerving they Toward Laocoon hold their way; First round
his
two young sons they wreathe, And grind their limb
s: twice round His stalwart waist their spires are wound, Twice round
his
neck, while over all Their heads and crests tower
while over all Their heads and crests tower high and tall. He strains
his
strength their knots to tear, While gore and slim
ll. He strains his strength their knots to tear, While gore and slime
his
fillets smear, And to the unregardful skies Sends
re and slime his fillets smear, And to the unregardful skies Sends up
his
agonising cries.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.).
is terrible scene accepted this as a sure sign that the gods resented
his
interference concerning the wooden horse, and had
hollow, it might contain an armed band. Ever since then, Laocoon and
his
sons’ struggle with the serpents has been a favou
xempt from the general massacre; and the aged Priam, who lived to see
his
last son perish before his eyes, finally found re
acre; and the aged Priam, who lived to see his last son perish before
his
eyes, finally found relief in death. Their object
nd death lying in wait for them by their own fireside. Menelaus, with
his
wife Helen, who, in spite of the added ten years,
on, leader of the Greeks, he returned to Argos only to be murdered by
his
wife Clytæmnestra and her paramour Ægisthus.
pon my death, Plotted’ against me with my guilty wife, And bade me to
his
house, and slew me there, Even at the banquet.’”
y. Then, mortally afraid lest Orestes, Agamemnon’s son, should avenge
his
father’s death, Ægisthus prepared to slay him too
y protection of Strophius, King of Phocis, whose son, Pylades, became
his
inseparable friend. In fact, their devotion to ea
ss of revenge, sent by the gods to punish him for taking justice into
his
own hands. Arrived at Delphi, Orestes consulted t
ds. Arrived at Delphi, Orestes consulted the oracle, and learned that
his
crime would be forgiven if he brought a statue of
ned thither, accompanied by the ever-faithful Pylades, who never left
his
side; and there, in a temple, he found his long-l
ul Pylades, who never left his side; and there, in a temple, he found
his
long-lost sister Iphigenia, who helped him obtain
ho helped him obtain the image he sought, and accompanied him back to
his
native land, where Nemesis left him forever.
e Odyssey. During ten long years he roamed the seas, driven away from
his
native land by adverse winds, sailing about from
tive land by adverse winds, sailing about from place to place, losing
his
ships and companions, until at last the gods allo
ege of Ismarus. After leaving Troy in ruins, Ulysses embarked with
his
men and spoils, and, favored by a good wind, soon
iconians. To increase the riches he was carrying home, he proposed to
his
army to land and storm the city, — a proposal whi
for ever. “Whoever tasted once of that sweet food Wished not to see
his
native country more, Nor give his friends the kno
f that sweet food Wished not to see his native country more, Nor give
his
friends the knowledge of his fate. And then my me
to see his native country more, Nor give his friends the knowledge of
his
fate. And then my messengers desired to dwell Amo
animation, and rested upon him in a vague, dreamy way, which aroused
his
suspicions. At the same moment some of the Lotus-
t the same moment some of the Lotus-eaters advanced to invite him and
his
troop to join in their feast. “Branches they bo
wave Far, far away did seem to mourn and rave On alien shores; and if
his
fellow spake, His voice was thin, as voices from
rom the grave; And deep asleep he seem’d, yet all awake, And music in
his
ears his beating heart did make.” Tennyson. In
rave; And deep asleep he seem’d, yet all awake, And music in his ears
his
beating heart did make.” Tennyson. In peremptor
rt did make.” Tennyson. In peremptory tones Ulysses quickly forbade
his
men to taste of the magic food, directed them to
sides great flocks of sheep cropped the tender grass; and Ulysses and
his
followers soon came to a great cave filled with r
finally decided to await the master’s home-coming and courteously ask
his
assistance. They had moored their vessel under an
ssion upon him, and he was soon deeply in love with her. He neglected
his
flocks, shunned his companions, and spent all his
he was soon deeply in love with her. He neglected his flocks, shunned
his
companions, and spent all his time near the seash
h her. He neglected his flocks, shunned his companions, and spent all
his
time near the seashore, watching for her, and bit
ll his time near the seashore, watching for her, and bitterly cursing
his
fate, which prevented his seeking her in her nati
ore, watching for her, and bitterly cursing his fate, which prevented
his
seeking her in her native element, for the gods h
ruit and pots of roses, But with consuming passion. Many a time Would
his
flocks go home by themselves at eve, Leaving him
’s tr.). To induce Galatea to leave the salt sea waves and linger by
his
side on the white sandy beach, Polyphemus constan
most extravagant promises; but the dainty nymph merely laughed at all
his
professions, and strolled on the shore only when
on the shore only when he was sound asleep. Although she made fun of
his
’ove, she was not so obdurate to the suit of Acis
rd, who had no need to call her repeatedly, for she always yielded to
his
first appeal, joyfully joined him, and sat beside
, and sat beside him under the shade of some great rock, listening to
his
tender wooing. The Triumph of Galatea. Rapha
yphemus once accidentally came upon them thus, ere they were aware of
his
proximity. For a moment he glared down upon them;
moment he glared down upon them; then, seizing a huge rock, he vowed
his
rival Acis should not live to enjoy the love whic
oor Acis, her beloved, was crushed to death. The stream of blood from
his
mangled remains was changed by the gods into an e
to the sea to join Galatea. Ulysses and Polyphemus Ulysses and
his
companions, waiting in the cave, soon felt the gr
o the darkest corners of the cave, whence they watched the giant milk
his
ewes, dispose of his cheeses, and make his evenin
of the cave, whence they watched the giant milk his ewes, dispose of
his
cheeses, and make his evening meal. But the firel
hey watched the giant milk his ewes, dispose of his cheeses, and make
his
evening meal. But the firelight soon revealed the
ey came, and what they were seeking. Ulysses, ever wily, replied that
his
name was No man, that he and his companions were
ng. Ulysses, ever wily, replied that his name was No man, that he and
his
companions were shipwrecked mariners, and that th
ompanions were shipwrecked mariners, and that they would fain receive
his
hospitality. In answer to this statement, the Cyc
hospitality. In answer to this statement, the Cyclops stretched forth
his
huge hand and grasped two of the sailors, whom he
ed two of the sailors, whom he proceeded to devour for dessert. Then,
his
frightful asleep, his loud snores reverberating l
whom he proceeded to devour for dessert. Then, his frightful asleep,
his
loud snores reverberating like thunder through th
rating like thunder through the great cave. Ulysses silently crept to
his
side, sword in hand, and was about to kill him, w
s about to kill him, when he suddenly recollected that neither he nor
his
men could move the rock at the cave’s mouth, and
ve recourse to a stratagem. When morning came, the giant rose, milked
his
flock, made his cheese, arranged the vessels, and
stratagem. When morning came, the giant rose, milked his flock, made
his
cheese, arranged the vessels, and then, without t
d aside the rock, and he stood beside it with watchful eye, until all
his
herd had passed out; then, replacing the stone to
rd had passed out; then, replacing the stone to prevent the escape of
his
prisoners, he went off to the distant pasture-gro
e of his prisoners, he went off to the distant pasture-ground. During
his
absence, Ulysses and his men devised a cunning pl
nt off to the distant pasture-ground. During his absence, Ulysses and
his
men devised a cunning plan whereby they hoped to
fall over the earth, Polyphemus again rolled the stone away to admit
his
flocks, keeping careful guard upon the Greeks. Th
rd upon the Greeks. The sheep all in, he replaced the rock, performed
his
usual evening duties, and then devoured two more
gn from Ulysses, heated the point of the huge club and thrust it into
his
sole eye, in spite of his frightful cries and exe
e point of the huge club and thrust it into his sole eye, in spite of
his
frightful cries and execrations. These soon, howe
lied the Cyclops, howling with pain, “No man!” which answer convinced
his
would-be helpers that he needed no assistance, an
seases; they are sent by Jove.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Deserted by
his
companions, Polyphemus spent the night in agony;
olyphemus spent the night in agony; and, when the anxious bleating of
his
herd roused him at break of day, he fumblingly mi
and allowed the sheep to pass out a few at a time, carefully running
his
hand over each broad back to make sure that none
on them. Ulysses, meanwhile, having observed this manoeuvre, fastened
his
companions under the rams, reserving one for his
manoeuvre, fastened his companions under the rams, reserving one for
his
own use, and watched them pass out one after the
r thy master, who has lost His eye, put out by a deceitful wretch And
his
vile crew r’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Ulysses, h
r’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). Ulysses, having thus escaped, sprang to
his
feet, set his companions free, rushed with them d
Bryant’s tr.). Ulysses, having thus escaped, sprang to his feet, set
his
companions free, rushed with them down to the sea
n to the seashore, taking the choice animals on board, and then, when
his
men had rowed some distance, raised his voice and
mals on board, and then, when his men had rowed some distance, raised
his
voice and taunted Polyphemus, revealing at the sa
, raised his voice and taunted Polyphemus, revealing at the same time
his
identity. “‘Ha! Cyclops! those whom m thy rocky
ich he hurled in the direction whence the taunting voice came, and in
his
rage almost destroyed the Greeks; for one piece o
res, Ulysses now indulged in sleep; and while he was lost in oblivion
his
sailors opened the leathern bag, intending to rob
pened the leathern bag, intending to rob their master of a portion of
his
treasure, for they imagined that Æolus had given
d again upon the Æolian Isle, and Ulysses sought the king, to beseech
his
aid once more; but this time the god received him
e; but this time the god received him coldly, and bade him depart, as
his
cruelty to Polyphemus had awakened the gods’ wrat
utious, had lingered without the harbour; and when, from afar, he saw
his
companions’ horrible fate, he bade his men strike
r; and when, from afar, he saw his companions’ horrible fate, he bade
his
men strike the waves with “their sounding oars” a
nse forest, peopled with strangely gentle wild beasts, Eurylochus led
his
force, until they came, in sight of the beautiful
hat had happened. Sword in hand, Ulysses then set out alone to rescue
his
comrades; but he had, not gone far before he met
— who warned him not to approach any nearer C Circe, and told him of
his
companions’ transformation. As Ulysses would not
is companions’ transformation. As Ulysses would not be dissuaded from
his
purpose, Mercury gave him some moly, a herb warra
e, and entering the banqueting-room, he accepted the cup proffered by
his
charming hostess; but Circe’s mixture was rendere
effective by the power of the herb, and, when she waved her wand over
his
head and bade him join his fellows, he drew his s
he herb, and, when she waved her wand over his head and bade him join
his
fellows, he drew his sword and rushed upon her, t
e waved her wand over his head and bade him join his fellows, he drew
his
sword and rushed upon her, threatening to take he
her, threatening to take her life if she did not immediately restore
his
friends to their human forms, and promise to do t
rther harm. Circe, terrified at the threat, agreed to comply with all
his
demands; and in a few moments Ulysses was again s
all his demands; and in a few moments Ulysses was again surrounded by
his
companions, who were exceedingly grateful for the
to Hades. Ulysses embarked, and, according to Circe’s directions, let
his
vessel drift along until its prow grated on a peb
he Phlegethon as it joined the Acheron, and here he dug a trench with
his
sword. The trench finished, he killed two black v
eech, and warned Ulysses of the many trials still awaiting him. Then,
his
prophecy concluded, he vanished; but Ulysses ling
concluded, he vanished; but Ulysses lingered a little longer to allow
his
mother to drink some blood, and explain how she c
where he lingered to perform the funeral rites for Elpenor, — one of
his
followers, a youth who had fallen asleep on one o
hed to pieces on the rocks. According to Circe’s advice, Ulysses bade
his
men bind him fast to the mast, disregard his crie
e’s advice, Ulysses bade his men bind him fast to the mast, disregard
his
cries and gestures of command, and keep on their
l upon Ulysses’ charmed ears; but, although he commanded and implored
his
men to set him free and alter their course, they
was troubled in spirit, for he knew he would soon be obliged to steer
his
course between two dread monsters, Charybdis and
stood on the prow to attack Scylla should she attempt to seize one of
his
crew. The sound of the rushing waters whirling ar
led gods and demanded vengeance, threatening to withdraw the light of
his
countenance if he were not properly indemnified.
countenance if he were not properly indemnified. Jupiter, to appease
his
hot anger, immediately promised that all the offe
ry was sent to Ogygia to bid Calypso furnish all things necessary for
his
comfort, and aid in the construction of a huge ra
the land. All seemed well now; but Neptune suddenly became aware that
his
old enemy, the torturer of Polyphemus, was about
t his old enemy, the torturer of Polyphemus, was about to escape from
his
clutches. With one blow of his trident he stirred
f Polyphemus, was about to escape from his clutches. With one blow of
his
trident he stirred up one of those sudden tempest
buffeted him about on the waves, until the goddess Leucothea, seeing
his
distress, helped him to reach the Phæacian shore.
n taking place. He did so, and displayed such strength and skill that
his
identity was revealed. Alcinous then promised to
rk, which reached Ithaca in safety, and deposited Ulysses, asleep, on
his
native shore. When Neptune discovered that the Ph
“He drew near And smote it with
his
open palm, and made The ship a rock, fast rooted
y Minerva’s kindly care, Ulysses sought the lowly dwelling of Eumæus,
his
swineherd, and from him learned all he wished to
mæus, his swineherd, and from him learned all he wished to know about
his
wife and son. He heard that Penelope was besieged
as besieged with suitors, who were even now feasting and revelling in
his
palace, whence they refused to depart until she h
d displeased with the suitors’ conduct, and guided and accompanied by
his
tutor Mentor, had set out in search of the father
ed that Telemachus should return to the palace and make no mention of
his
father’s return, while Ulysses, still in the guis
s return, while Ulysses, still in the guise of a beggar, should enter
his
home and claim the usual hospitality. All was exe
ised the long-expected hero in the miserable old beggar — no one save
his
aged nurse Euryclea, and his faithful old dog Arg
n the miserable old beggar — no one save his aged nurse Euryclea, and
his
faithful old dog Argus, who died for joy at his l
d nurse Euryclea, and his faithful old dog Argus, who died for joy at
his
long-lost master’s feet. “While over Argus the b
nquire whether he knew aught of her husband. She too failed to pierce
his
disguise, and languidly continued a piece of work
aughed aloud in scorn, until Telemachus bade them let the old man try
his
strength. To the amazement of all, Ulysses easily
of all, Ulysses easily performed the required feat; and then, turning
his
aim towards Antinous, the handsomest and most tre
s, the handsomest and most treacherous of all the suitors, he pierced
his
heart. A scene of wild commotion ensued, in which
gh late, and he has slain the arrogant crew Of suitors, who disgraced
his
house, and made His wealth a spoil, and dared ins
ho disgraced his house, and made His wealth a spoil, and dared insult
his
son.’” Homer ( Bryant’s tr.). But Penelope had
s; and it was only after Ulysses had given her an infallible proof of
his
identity, by telling her a secret which was share
re and adventure, and at first greatly enjoyed the quiet and peace of
his
home life; but after a while these tame joys grew
after a while these tame joys grew wearisome, and he decided to renew
his
wanderings. He therefore prepared a fleet, and sa
f coming danger, Æneas, son of Venus and Anchises, lay fast asleep in
his
palace; but the gods had not doomed him to perish
Awakened at last by the ever-increasing tumult without, Æneas seized
his
arms and hastened forth, attended by many of his
ithout, Æneas seized his arms and hastened forth, attended by many of
his
fellow citizens, to ascertain the cause of the gr
uised himself in Greek armour which he tore from the corpse of one of
his
foes, and rushed on to the palace, hoping to save
ce, hoping to save the aged king, who, at the first alarm, had seized
his
weapons, determined to fight to the very last. He
had seized his weapons, determined to fight to the very last. Hecuba,
his
wife, was clinging to him, imploring him to remai
sely followed by Pyrrhus, or Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, who thrust
his
sword into the youth, and then murdered Priam als
closed at last: So passed he, seeing as he passed His Troy in flames,
his
royal tower Laid low in dust by hostile power, Wh
tful catastrophe, now suddenly remembered that a similar fate awaited
his
aged father Anchises, his wife Creusa, and little
enly remembered that a similar fate awaited his aged father Anchises,
his
wife Creusa, and little son lulus, who were at ho
at home without any protector near them. The hero therefore madly cut
his
way through the foe, and rushed through the once
war and bloodshed, — who, after Paris’ death, had married Deiphobus,
his
brother, — and for a moment he determined to tak
moment he determined to take her life; but ere he could do so, Venus,
his
mother, stayed his hand, and bade him remember th
d to take her life; but ere he could do so, Venus, his mother, stayed
his
hand, and bade him remember that the immortal god
mently implored her son to leave this scene of carnage, and fly, with
his
family and followers, to some safe place without
inally prevailed. Æneas and Anchises Æneas rushed home and bade
his
father prepare to leave Troy; but Anchises obstin
ther prepare to leave Troy; but Anchises obstinately refused to leave
his
post, until he saw a bright flame hover for a mom
leave his post, until he saw a bright flame hover for a moment above
his
grandson’s head, which sign he interpreted as an
above his grandson’s head, which sign he interpreted as an omen that
his
race should endure. He no longer resisted; and, a
o walk, Æneas bade him hold the Lares and Penates, and, taking him on
his
back, carried him off, while with one hand he led
, taking him on his back, carried him off, while with one hand he led
his
little son, and bade Creusa closely follow him.
A trysting-place near a ruined temple had already been appointed for
his
servants, and thither Æneas turned his steps. Whe
had already been appointed for his servants, and thither Æneas turned
his
steps. When he arrived there, he found many await
refully to make sure none were missing. All were there except Creusa,
his
beloved young wife; and he retraced his steps wit
All were there except Creusa, his beloved young wife; and he retraced
his
steps with anxious haste, hoping to find her stil
nxious haste, hoping to find her still alive. But on the threshold of
his
once happy home he met her disembodied spirit, an
any fugitives ready to follow him wherever he went, and eager to obey
his
every command. Their preparations for departure w
the same time a mysterious voice was heard, bidding him forbear, for
his
former friend Polydorus, sent to Thrace to concea
d this grove of trees had sprouted from the spear-handles driven into
his
unhappy breast. After paying the customary funera
east. After paying the customary funeral rites to appease the soul of
his
unfortunate friend, Æneas easily prevailed upon h
pease the soul of his unfortunate friend, Æneas easily prevailed upon
his
followers to leave these inhospitable shores and
what course to pursue, until the aged Anchises remembered that one of
his
ancestors, Teucer, had once reigned in Crete. Thi
nks. The Vision of Æneas One night Æneas had a vision, in which
his
household gods bade him seek the Italian or Hespe
authentic seat.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). Ere many days Æneas and
his
trusty followers were once more afloat, and force
ror by the Trojans, who rowed away in haste. Soon after, Æneas moored
his
ships in the harbours of Sicania and Drepanum, an
s ships in the harbours of Sicania and Drepanum, and while there lost
his
aged father Anchises.
em once more afloat, she hurried off to Æolus, and bade him let loose
his
fiercest children, and scatter the fleet by a ter
lot’s award.’” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). The Trojans, grateful for
his
timely aid, and reassured by the calm which now r
, all that now remained of their once large fleet. Æneas and Achates,
his
faithful friend, immediately set out to view the
Tyre, the possessor of untold riches, had been murdered by Pygmalion,
his
brother-in-law; but the queen was kept in complet
l visited in a dream by the shade of Sychæus, which bade her fly with
his
treasures, whose place of concealment she alone k
pped forward, the mist vanished, and he stood before the queen in all
his
manly beauty. Dido then led her guests to the ban
young son, and reclining on the queen’s bosom, secretly thrust one of
his
darts into her heart, and made her fall in love w
the gods, impatient of delay, finally sent Mercury to remind Æneas of
his
duty. To avoid Dido’s tears and recriminations, t
of his duty. To avoid Dido’s tears and recriminations, the hero kept
his
preparations for departure a complete secret, and
funeral pyre, and place upon it all the objects Æneas had used during
his
sojourn in her palace; then, having crowned the p
s below. Let the false Dardan feel the blaze That burns me pouring on
his
gaze, And bear along, to cheer his way, The funer
the blaze That burns me pouring on his gaze, And bear along, to cheer
his
way, The funeral presage of to-day.’” Virgil ( C
al presage of to-day.’” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). From the mast of
his
vessel Æneas saw the rising column of smoke, and
From the mast of his vessel Æneas saw the rising column of smoke, and
his
heart sank within him, for he suspected its fatal
Æneas heard of this new misfortune, he rushed down to the shore, tore
his
costly festal garments, and cried to Heaven for a
is costly festal garments, and cried to Heaven for assistance in this
his
time of direst need. “‘Dread Sire, if Ilium’
e halls of Dis below, Pass deep Avernus’ vale and meet Your father in
his
own retreat.” Virgil ( Conington’s tr.). Æneas
peal, and promised to take but one of all the many lives entrusted to
his
care. That one was Æneas’ pilot, Palinurus, who,
ore in safety; and Æneas hastened off to the Sibyl’s cave, made known
his
wish to visit Hades, and entreated her to serve a
ve, made known his wish to visit Hades, and entreated her to serve as
his
guide in that perilous journey. She consented, bu
e way and alight on the tree, where Æneas readily found the object of
his
search. Æneas visits Hades Armed with this
k they saw the wandering shade of Palinurus, who had no obolus to pay
his
way across, and that of Dido, with a gaping wound
considering among the unborn souls those who were destined to animate
his
race and make it illustrious in the future. These
alian shore.” Tomas de Iriarte. After a prolonged conversation with
his
father, Æneas returned to his companions, and led
e. After a prolonged conversation with his father, Æneas returned to
his
companions, and led them to the mouth of the Tibe
ng of the country, received them hospitably, and promised the hand of
his
daughter Lavinia in marriage to Æneas. Lavinia wa
for a son-in-law, had he not twice been warned by the gods to reserve
his
daughter for a foreign prince, who had now appear
ore the Volscian troops. When he came to the Amasenus River, he found
his
pursuers close at his heels. Tying his infant dau
s. When he came to the Amasenus River, he found his pursuers close at
his
heels. Tying his infant daughter to his spear, he
o the Amasenus River, he found his pursuers close at his heels. Tying
his
infant daughter to his spear, he hurled her to th
e found his pursuers close at his heels. Tying his infant daughter to
his
spear, he hurled her to the opposite bank, which,
hed unharmed, while her father plunged into the waves to join her. In
his
gratitude at finding her safe, he dedicated her t
cans, the hereditary foe of the Latins. This monarch, too old to lead
his
troops in person, nevertheless promised his aid,
monarch, too old to lead his troops in person, nevertheless promised
his
aid, and sent his beloved son Pallas in his stead
to lead his troops in person, nevertheless promised his aid, and sent
his
beloved son Pallas in his stead to command the tr
on, nevertheless promised his aid, and sent his beloved son Pallas in
his
stead to command the troops he supplied. Nisus
number, to warn Æneas of their danger, and entreat him to hasten with
his
reinforcements. These unfortunate youths passed t
, and, sailing down the Tiber, met Æneas, and warned him to hasten to
his
son’s rescue. “His vessels change their guise, A
t to her son, who donned it with visible pleasure, and, encouraged by
his
mother’s words, prepared to meet the Latins and h
ncouraged by his mother’s words, prepared to meet the Latins and hold
his
own. Venus and Juno were not the only deities int
e, for all the gods, having watched Æneas’ career, were anxious about
his
fate. Seeing this, and fearful lest their interfe
e their taking any active part in the coming strife, under penalty of
his
severe displeasure. Æneas and his Tuscan allies a
the coming strife, under penalty of his severe displeasure. Æneas and
his
Tuscan allies arrived on the battle scene just in
rief, for he could imagine the sorrow of the aged Evander when he saw
his
son’s corpse brought home for burial: and he then
llas’ death by slaying Turnus, and immediately hastened forth to keep
his
word. In the meantime, Juno, suspecting what his
stened forth to keep his word. In the meantime, Juno, suspecting what
his
purpose would be, and afraid to allow Turnus to e
e gods, and then eagerly watched for an opportunity to land, and make
his
way, alone and on foot, back to the scene of conf
and had encountered and slain many warriors, among others Lausus and
his
aged father Mezentius, two allies of Latinus, who
odshed, summoned a council, and again vainly tried to make peace. But
his
efforts were of no avail. The war was renewed mor
athing a fervent entreaty that Turnus should hasten to the succour of
his
despairing people, if he would not see them all s
and. He hastened to seek the aid of the leech lapis; but, in spite of
his
ministrations, the barb could not be removed nor
battlefield, finally encountered the long-sought Turnus, who had made
his
way back, and was now driving about in his chario
ought Turnus, who had made his way back, and was now driving about in
his
chariot, jealously guarded by his sister Juturna,
back, and was now driving about in his chariot, jealously guarded by
his
sister Juturna, who, the better to watch over his
ealously guarded by his sister Juturna, who, the better to watch over
his
safety, had taken the place of his chariot driver
rna, who, the better to watch over his safety, had taken the place of
his
chariot driver. The two heroes, having met, insta
ank to the ground, frankly acknowledging himself beaten as he exhaled
his
last breath. “‘Yours is the victory: Latian band
the Latins, and founded a city, which he called Lavinia in honour of
his
bride, and which became for a time the capital of
the father of a son named Æneas Silvia, who founded Alba Longa, where
his
descendants reigned for many a year, and where on
onga, where his descendants reigned for many a year, and where one of
his
race, the Vestal Virgin Ilia, after marrying Mars
coiled from much of the grossness which had appeared quite natural to
his
ancestors in a savage state, and made an attempt
nd out their primitive meaning, or an explanation which would satisfy
his
purer taste. With the latter object in view, the
Bacon an exponent of the latter. Euhemerus’ method was exaggerated by
his
disciples, who declared Zeus was merely a king of
rated by his disciples, who declared Zeus was merely a king of Crete;
his
war with the giants, an attempt to repress a sedi
stars are persons, but savage persons”; and, as he believes “many of
his
own tribe-fellows to have the power of assuming t
ised man to put himself in the savage’s place, and regard things from
his
point of view. The nearest approach to primitive
gists explain the tales of the various transformations of Jupiter and
his
animal progeny “as in many cases survivals of the
customs (for in some countries it is unlawful for the husband to see
his
wife’s face until after she has given birth to he
the only way possible to him, and attributed to all inanimate objects
his
own sentiments and passions, fancying them influe
th; and we are further told that he hurled the thunder and lightning,
his
Cyclop children, down from his abode into the aby
t he hurled the thunder and lightning, his Cyclop children, down from
his
abode into the abyss called Tartarus. Zeus (or Ju
all at once, but kept constant watch over the moon (Io) — confided to
his
care by the heavenly light (Juno) — until at last
pped in him the radiant personification of the orb of day. Another of
his
appellations, Phœbus (“the lord of life and light
ions, Phœbus (“the lord of life and light”), still further emphasises
his
character; and we are informed that he was born o
night (Leto), in the “bright land” (Delos), whence he daily starts on
his
westward journey. Like all other solar heroes, Ap
good or evil, as the mood sways him. He is forced to labour, against
his
will at times, for the benefit of man, as, for in
rity with their lives. The sun’s affinity for the dawn is depicted by
his
love for Coronis, who, however beloved, falls ben
depicted by his love for Coronis, who, however beloved, falls beneath
his
bright darts; and, as “the sun was regarded natur
age continual warfare against cold, sickness, and disease, and to use
his
bright beams or arrows against the demon of droug
luxuriant verdure. In Cephalus and Procris the sun again appears, and
his
unerring spear unwittingly causes the death of hi
again appears, and his unerring spear unwittingly causes the death of
his
beloved Procris “while she lingers in a thicket (
ted from the wife he loved so dearly.” His death in the forest, when
his
strength had all forsaken him, and his severed he
His death in the forest, when his strength had all forsaken him, and
his
severed head floated down the stream murmuring “E
en us. We are told that the venturesome young charioteer, by usurping
his
father’s place, causes incalculable mischief, and
father’s place, causes incalculable mischief, and, in punishment for
his
mismanagement of the solar steeds (the fleecy whi
agement of the solar steeds (the fleecy white clouds), is hurled from
his
exalted seat by a thunderbolt launched by the han
chariot of Helios, when driven by some one who knew not how to guide
his
horses; and the smiting of Phaeton by the bolt of
alus (the sun), who in time of drought offers to Jupiter the flesh of
his
own offspring, Pelops (the withered fruits), and
is own offspring, Pelops (the withered fruits), and in punishment for
his
impiety is doomed to hunger and torturing thirst,
rought, when the sun’s heat, becoming too intense, burns up the fruit
his
fostering rays had produced, and men exclaimed, “
ys had produced, and men exclaimed, “Tantalus is slaying and roasting
his
own child!” In the same way the stone which Sisyp
because he dared insult Juno (the queen of the blue air); while Dia,
his
wife, is the dawn, the counterpart of Europa, Cor
rength and patience, plods through life, never resting, and always on
his
journey performing twelve great tasks, interprete
e Apollo and Cadmus, Hercules is forced to labour for mankind against
his
will. We see him early in life united to Megara,
e see him early in life united to Megara, and, like Tantalus, slaying
his
own offspring in a sudden fit of madness. He love
orms great deeds, slays innumerable demons of drought and darkness on
his
way, and visits the enchanted land of the Hesperi
— a symbol of the western sky and clouds at sunset. The main part of
his
life is spent with Deianeira (“the destroying spo
ng spouse”), a personification of the daylight; but toward the end of
his
career he again encounters Iole, now the beautifu
ody Nessus robe, which he has no sooner donned, than he tears it from
his
bleeding limbs, ascends the burning pile, and end
tears it from his bleeding limbs, ascends the burning pile, and ends
his
career in one grand blaze, — the emblem of the su
only at death. Perseus also belongs to this category of myths. Danae,
his
mother, either the earth (dano means “burnt earth
nd he, like many another solar hero, is cast adrift immediately after
his
birth, owing to an ominous prophecy that he will
. As soon as Perseus attains manhood, he is forced to journey against
his
will into the distant land of the mists (the Grææ
t doomed to die when the sun rises.” He accomplishes this by means of
his
irresistible sword, the piercing rays of the sun,
dromeda, Perseus, whose name also signifies “the destroyer,” revisits
his
native land, and fulfils the prophecy by slaying
move quickly like the waves”) and Æthra (the pure air). He lingers in
his
birthplace, Trœzene, until he has acquired streng
s birthplace, Trœzene, until he has acquired strength enough to wield
his
invincible sword, then journeys onward’ in search
ugh to wield his invincible sword, then journeys onward’ in search of
his
father, performing countless great deeds for the
, however, forced to abandon shortly after on the Island of Naxos. In
his
subsequent career we find him the involuntary cau
Naxos. In his subsequent career we find him the involuntary cause of
his
father’s death, then warring against the Centaurs
clouds, through which the victorious sun is sometimes forced to fight
his
way), then again plunging for a short space of ti
Tartarus, whence he emerges once more; and finally we see him uniting
his
fate to Phædra (the twilight), a sister of the be
to Phædra (the twilight), a sister of the beautiful dawn he loved in
his
youth. He ends his eventful career by being hurle
light), a sister of the beautiful dawn he loved in his youth. He ends
his
eventful career by being hurled headlong from a c
s a personification of the darkness, which vainly attempts to recover
his
children, the dawn and light (?), after they have
gon car and flies to the far east, forsaking her husband (the sun) in
his
old age, when he is about to sink into the sleep
, but parts from, Atalanta (the dawn maiden), and is finally slain by
his
own mother, who casts into the flames the brand u
ain by his own mother, who casts into the flames the brand upon which
his
existence depends. In the Theban solar myth, Laiu
), becomes the father of Œdipus, doomed by fate to be the murderer of
his
father. Early in life Œdipus is exposed on the ba
rney, encounters and slays Laius (the darkness), from whom he derived
his
existence, and kills the dread monster of drought
thus caused great distress. Urged on by unrelenting fate, he marries
his
own mother, Jocasta, now the violet-tinted twilig
ies his own mother, Jocasta, now the violet-tinted twilight, and ends
his
life amid lightning flashes and rolls of thunder,
g flashes and rolls of thunder, after being accompanied to the end of
his
course by Antigone ( “the pale light which spring
se by Antigone ( “the pale light which springs up opposite the sun at
his
setting”). This story — which at first was merely
nd were therefore said to take possession of a criminal at the end of
his
course, and hurry him down into darkness to infli
rst part of the word, declared this hero was the murderer of Bellero,
his
brother, for which involuntary crime he was drive
ed by Anteia (the dawn), virtuously hastening away, then sent against
his
will to fight the Chimæra (the monster of drought
ht the Chimæra (the monster of drought), whom he overcomes, thanks to
his
weapon and to Pegasus (the clouds), born from the
nally united to Philonoe, a personification of the twilight, and ends
his
career by being hurled from the zenith into utter
through which the sun sometimes seems to travel sullenly and alone to
his
setting.” In the story of the Trojan war there a
eus and Œdipus, Paris is exposed in early infancy and lives to fulfil
his
destiny, and cause, though indirectly, the death
ves to fulfil his destiny, and cause, though indirectly, the death of
his
parents. In this myth, Helen (the beautiful dawn
of their brightest treasures in the west.” Achilles, like several of
his
brother heroes, “fights in no quarrel of his own;
chilles, like several of his brother heroes, “fights in no quarrel of
his
own; his wrath is the sun hiding his face behind
like several of his brother heroes, “fights in no quarrel of his own;
his
wrath is the sun hiding his face behind the cloud
heroes, “fights in no quarrel of his own; his wrath is the sun hiding
his
face behind the clouds; the Myrmidons are his att
wrath is the sun hiding his face behind the clouds; the Myrmidons are
his
attendant beams, who no longer appear when the su
wedding Penelope, is forced to leave her to fight for another; and on
his
return, although longing to rejoin his mourning b
r to fight for another; and on his return, although longing to rejoin
his
mourning bride, he cannot turn aside from the cou
of Penelope (the weaver of bright evening clouds) that he casts aside
his
beggar’s garb to linger for a short time beside h
d Rhea, the mothers and consorts of the Sky and of Time, who swallows
his
own children, “the Days, as they come each in ord
is beneath the deep waters near Greece, and he is said to ride about
his
realm in a swift chariot drawn by golden or white
whose name is derived from nao (“to flow”), is quite inseparable from
his
native element, even in the Greeks’ conception of
of these vessels, and the gilded shallop in which the sun daily made
his
pilgrimage back to the far east, another. As the
he sky (Jupiter), by means of which he is enabled to triumph over all
his
enemies and rule supreme. The Titans are emblems
o entirely forgotten this etymological meaning, that they interpreted
his
name, as the “forethinker,” and considered him en
a great fire in which he consumed some of the herd, glided back into
his
cradle at dawn. With a low, mocking chuckle at th
skrit Sarameias, means “the breeze of a summer morning”; and it is in
his
capacity of god of the wind that he is supposed t
.” Mercury is the “lying, tricksome wind-god who invented music,” for
his
music is but “the melody of the winds, which can
in din and in the noise of warfare. His nature is further revealed by
his
inconstancy and capriciousness; and whenever he i
ancy and capriciousness; and whenever he is overcome, he is noted for
his
great roar. His name comes from the same root as
aw them finally slain by the unfailing arrows of the sun. Pan, Æolus,
his
numerous progeny, and the Harpies, were also wind
ealth-giver,” or “the unseen,” who greedily drew all things down into
his
realm, never to relinquish his grasp upon them. S
who greedily drew all things down into his realm, never to relinquish
his
grasp upon them. Such is the physical explanation
by a boar, 86-88; significance, 168, 352 A-dras′tus. King of Argos;
his
horse Arion, 130; father of Hippodamia, 227; send
unded by Æneas Silvia, 339 Al-ces′tis. Wife of Admetus: dies to save
his
life, 47, 48 restored by Hercules, 200 Al-ci′des
y in, 40; oppression of, 223; shores of, 226 Au-ge′as. King of Elis;
his
stables were cleansed by Hercules, 193 Au′lis. P
rouse Semele’s jealousy, 147, 148. Bi′ton. Brother of Cleobis; draws
his
mother to the temple, 38 Bœ-o′ti-a. Province in
own of Achaia, 192 Cer-y-ne′ian Stag. Stag taken by Hercules; one of
his
labours, 192 Ces′tus. Venus’ magic, love inspiri
dle, 107, 274 Ce′yx. King of Thessaly; shipwrecked, and changed with
his
wife Halcyone into birds, 181, 182 Cha′os. The f
significance, 350, 353-360 Dar′da-nus. Ancient king Troy, who gives
his
name to his race, 326; mares of, 187 De-i-a-nei′
e, 350, 353-360 Dar′da-nus. Ancient king Troy, who gives his name to
his
race, 326; mares of, 187 De-i-a-nei′ra. Wife of
r of Jupiter and Mnemosyne, 69 Er′e-bus. God of darkness, 2; marries
his
mother, Night, 2; progenitor of egg, 4; dethroned
-cles. Son of Œdipus and Jocasta, 250; reigns one year, 252; slain by
his
brother, 253 E-thi-o′pi-a. Country visited by Ba
nt of theory of myths, 341 Eu-mæ′us. Swineherd visited by Ulysses on
his
return to Ithaca, 318; Ulysses aided by, 320 Eu-
e Gorgons, 210 Eu-ry′a-lus. Youth sent with Nisus to warn Æneas that
his
son was in danger, 335 Eu-ry-cle′a. Nurse of Uly
perides, 196 La-er′tes. Father of Ulysses, 279, 308; Penelope weaves
his
shroud, 319 Læs-try-go′ni-ans. Cannibals visited
m the Hellespont, 89-94 Le-ar′chus. Son of Athamas and Ino; slain by
his
father, 150 Le′da. Mother of Castor and Pollux,
Asia Minor, 153, 201 Lyn-′ceus. Husband of Hypermnestra, who spared
his
life, 143 Lyn′cus. King of Scythia; changed into
9 Meg′a-ra. First wife of Hercules, whose three children he burns in
his
madness, 190; significance, 354 Me-le-a′ger. Son
he flocks also, 261 Nar-cis′sus. Youth loved by Echo; enamoured with
his
own image, 96-98 Nau-sic′a-a. Daughter of Alcino
or Nox, 2, 4, 39, 179 Nightmares. Attendants of Somnus, crouching in
his
cave, 180 Ni′o-be. Daughter of Tantalus, whose c
201, 241 Œ-no′ne. Wife of Paris, son of Priam, 273, 275; she dies on
his
funeral pyre, 295; significance, 358 Œ-no′pi-on.
rope; blinds Orion, 78 Œ′ta. Mountain on whose summit Hercules builds
his
funeral pyre, 206 O-gyg′i-a. Island where Calyps
Pac-to′lus. River in Asia Minor in which Midas washed, to remove
his
golden plague, 154 Pa-læ′mon. Son of Athamas and
he peninsula south of Greece, 34, 143 Pe′lops. Son of Tantalus; gave
his
name to the Peloponnesus, 143; father of Copreus,
ged into an oak, 29, 30 Phil-oc-te′tes. Friend of Hercules; receives
his
arrows, 206, 294, 295 Phi-lon′o-e. Daughter of I
r Phœnix, 32; significance, 349 Phœ′nix. Brother of Europa, who gave
his
name to Phœnicia, 31, 32 Phryx′us. Son of Athama
roy; slain by Pyrrhus, 128 Po-li′tes. Last of Priam’s sons; slain at
his
feet by Pyrrhus, 323 Pol′lux. Son of Jupiter and
of Medusa, 210, 216 Pol-y-do′rus. Trojan youth, murdered in Thrace;
his
grave discovered by Æneas, 325 Pol-y-hym′ni-a. M
rsues the nymph Lotis, 263, 268 Pro′cris. Wife of Cephalus; slain by
his
unerring javelin, 52, 53; significance, 351, 353
sented holding him in her lap. Because Plutus insisted upon bestowing
his
favours upon good and noble mortals only, Jupiter
avours upon good and noble mortals only, Jupiter soon deprived him of
his
sight. Since then the blind god’s gifts have been
hould be, the English reader need feel no mortification in confessing
his
ignorance of them. Our book is not for the learne
every one who would read with intelligence the elegant literature of
his
own day. In order to understand these stories, it
, which conveyed him round by the northern part of the earth, back to
his
place of rising in the east. Milton alludes to th
h, back to his place of rising in the east. Milton alludes to this in
his
“Comus.” “Now the gilded car of day His golden a
olden axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream, And the slope Sun
his
upward beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing
beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing towards the other goal Of
his
chamber in the east.” The abode of the gods was
ir nectar, Apollo, the god of music, delighted them with the tones of
his
lyre, to which the Muses sang in responsive strai
gh the air, or along the surface of the sea. He was able to bestow on
his
workmanship self-motion, so that the tripods (cha
father of gods and men, had himself a beginning. Saturn (Cronos) was
his
father, and Rhea (Ops) his mother. Saturn and Rhe
d himself a beginning. Saturn (Cronos) was his father, and Rhea (Ops)
his
mother. Saturn and Rhea were of the race of Titan
Love (Eros) issued from the egg of Night, which floated on Chaos. By
his
arrows and torch he pierced and vivified all thin
ntations given of Saturn are not very consistent; for on the one hand
his
reign is said to have been the golden age of inno
nd purity, and on the other he is described as a monster who devoured
his
children.1 Jupiter, however, escaped this fate, a
e,) who administered a draught to Saturn which caused him to disgorge
his
children. Jupiter, with his brothers and sisters,
ht to Saturn which caused him to disgorge his children. Jupiter, with
his
brothers and sisters, now rebelled against their
is brothers and sisters, now rebelled against their father Saturn and
his
brothers the Titans; vanquished them, and impriso
er penalties on others. Atlas was condemned to bear up the heavens on
his
shoulders. On the dethronement of Saturn, Jupiter
heavens on his shoulders. On the dethronement of Saturn, Jupiter with
his
brothers Neptune (Poseidon) and Pluto (Dis) divid
Jupiter with his brothers Neptune (Poseidon) and Pluto (Dis) divided
his
dominions. Jupiter’s portion was the heavens, Nep
re common property. Jupiter was king of gods and men. The thunder was
his
weapon, and he bore a shield called Ægis, made fo
d he bore a shield called Ægis, made for him by Vulcan. The eagle was
his
favorite bird, and bore his thunderbolts. Juno (H
is, made for him by Vulcan. The eagle was his favorite bird, and bore
his
thunderbolts. Juno (Hera) was the wife of Jupiter
estial artist, was the son of Jupiter and Juno. He was born lame, and
his
mother was so displeased at the sight of him that
. Other accounts say that Jupiter kicked him out for taking part with
his
mother in a quarrel which occurred between them.
Vulcan’s lameness, according to this account, was the consequence of
his
fall. He was a whole day falling, and at last ali
na, and brother of Diana, (Artemis.) He was god of the sun, as Diana,
his
sister, was the goddess of the moon. Venus, (Aphr
gods. All were charmed with her beauty, and each one demanded her for
his
wife. Jupiter gave her to Vulcan, in gratitude fo
was the offspring of Jupiter, without a mother. She sprang forth from
his
head completely armed. Her favorite bird was the
senger of Jupiter, and wore a winged cap and winged shoes. He bore in
his
hand a rod entwined with two serpents, called the
leased. They were the daughters of Themis, (Law,) who sits by Jove on
his
throne to give him counsel. The Erinnyes, or Furi
ed to identify him with the Grecian god Cronos, and fabled that after
his
dethronement by Jupiter he fled to Italy, where h
where he reigned during what was called the Golden Age. In memory of
his
beneficent dominion, the feast of Saturnalia was
said to be no other than Romulus, the founder of Rome, exalted after
his
death to a place among the gods. Bellona, a war g
ed to them. Every master of a family was the priest to the Penates of
his
own house. The Lares, or Lars, were also househol
correspond to our word Ghost. The Romans believed that every man had
his
Genius, and every woman her Juno: that is, a spir
and buoyed up the earth. Here some god — it is not known which — gave
his
good offices in arranging and disposing the earth
r animals turn their faces downward, and look to the earth, he raises
his
to heaven, and gazes on the stars. Prometheus was
race, who inhabited the earth before the creation of man. To him and
his
brother Epimetheus was committed the office of ma
tion. Epimetheus undertook to do this, and Prometheus was to overlook
his
work, when it was done. Epimetheus accordingly pr
be superior to all other animals, Epimetheus had been so prodigal of
his
resources that he had nothing left to bestow upon
igal of his resources that he had nothing left to bestow upon him. In
his
perplexity he resorted to his brother Prometheus,
had nothing left to bestow upon him. In his perplexity he resorted to
his
brother Prometheus, who, with the aid of Minerva,
metheus, who, with the aid of Minerva, went up to heaven, and lighted
his
torch at the chariot of the sun, and brought down
with to subdue them; tools with which to cultivate the earth; to warm
his
dwelling, so as to be comparatively independent o
urd enough!) is that Jupiter made her, and sent her to Prometheus and
his
brother, to punish them for their presumption in
presented to Epimetheus, who gladly accepted her, though cautioned by
his
brother to beware of Jupiter and his gifts. Epime
ccepted her, though cautioned by his brother to beware of Jupiter and
his
gifts. Epimetheus had in his house a jar, in whic
by his brother to beware of Jupiter and his gifts. Epimetheus had in
his
house a jar, in which were kept certain noxious a
ich were kept certain noxious articles, for which, in fitting man for
his
new abode, he had had no occasion. Pandora was se
of plagues for hapless man, — such as gout, rheumatism, and colic for
his
body, and envy, spite, and revenge for his mind,
rheumatism, and colic for his body, and envy, spite, and revenge for
his
mind, — and scattered themselves far and wide. Pa
elmets. The earth brought forth all things necessary for man, without
his
labor in ploughing or sowing. Perpetual spring re
uced. War sprang up, using both as weapons; the guest was not safe in
his
friend’s house; and sons-in-law and fathers-in-la
frightful condition of things on the earth, and closed by announcing
his
intention to destroy the whole of its inhabitants
that such a conflagration might set heaven itself on fire, he changed
his
plan, and resolved to drown it. The north wind, w
or of the husbandman perishes in an hour. Jupiter, not satisfied with
his
own waters, calls on his brother Neptune to aid h
shes in an hour. Jupiter, not satisfied with his own waters, calls on
his
brother Neptune to aid him with his. He lets loos
ied with his own waters, calls on his brother Neptune to aid him with
his
. He lets loose the rivers, and pours them over th
uggle in the water. The strength of the wild boar serves him not, nor
his
swiftness the stag. The birds fall with weary win
of all the mountains, overtopped the waves; and there Deucalion, and
his
wife Pyrrha, of the race of Prometheus, found ref
arth, and earth to the skies. Neptune also directed Triton to blow on
his
shell, and sound a retreat to the waters. The wat
ad him chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vulture preyed on
his
liver, which was renewed as fast as devoured. Thi
an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to
his
oppressor; for he possessed a secret which involv
cepts less The sum of human wretchedness, And strengthen man with
his
own mind. And, baffled as thou wert from high
mighty lesson we inherit.” Byron also employs the same allusion, in
his
ode to Napoleon Bonaparte: — “Or, like the thief
the shock? And share with him — the unforgiven — His vulture and
his
rock?” Chapter III. Apollo and Daphne — Pyram
ple, and lurked in the caves of Mount Parnassus. Apollo slew him with
his
arrows — weapons which he had not before used aga
eath of beech leaves; for the laurel was not yet adopted by Apollo as
his
own tree. The famous statue of Apollo called the
after this victory over the serpent Python. To this Byron alludes in
his
Childe Harold, iv. 161: — “… The lord of the une
and light, The Sun, in human limbs arrayed, and brow All radiant from
his
triumph in the fight The shaft has just been shot
has just been shot; the arrow bright With an immortal’s vengeance; in
his
eye And nostril, beautiful disdain, and might And
accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo saw the boy playing with
his
bow and arrows; and being himself elated with his
he boy playing with his bow and arrows; and being himself elated with
his
recent victory over Python, he said to him, “What
quest I have won by means of them over the vast serpent who stretched
his
poisonous body over acres of the plain! Be conten
l things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike you.” So saying, he took
his
stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his q
.” So saying, he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from
his
quiver two arrows of different workmanship, one t
e who gives oracles to all the world was not wise enough to look into
his
own fortunes. He saw her hair flung loose over he
wed her; she fled, swifter than the wind, and delayed not a moment at
his
entreaties. “Stay,” said he, “daughter of Peneus;
lady that no balm can cure!” The nymph continued her flight, and left
his
plea half uttered. And even as she fled she charm
nbound hair streamed loose behind her. The god grew impatient to find
his
wooings thrown away, and, sped by Cupid, gained u
fear. The pursuer is the more rapid, however, and gains upon her, and
his
panting breath blows upon her hair. Her strength
e branches, and lavished kisses on the wood. The branches shrank from
his
lips. “Since you cannot be my wife,” said he, “yo
will not appear strange, but that medicine should also be assigned to
his
province, may. The poet Armstrong, himself a phys
of one whose amatory verses, though they did not soften the heart of
his
mistress, yet won for the poet wide-spread fame:
tress, yet won for the poet wide-spread fame: — “Yet what he sung in
his
immortal strain, Though unsuccessful, was not sun
ccessful, was not sung in vain. All but the nymph that should redress
his
wrong, Attend his passion and approve his song. L
sung in vain. All but the nymph that should redress his wrong, Attend
his
passion and approve his song. Like Phœbus thus, a
e nymph that should redress his wrong, Attend his passion and approve
his
song. Like Phœbus thus, acquiring unsought praise
Phœbus thus, acquiring unsought praise, He caught at love and filled
his
arms with bays.” The following stanza from Shell
whose wings rain contagion: how they fled, When like Apollo, from
his
golden bow, The Pythian of the age one arrow
rewell, they pressed their lips upon the wall, she on her side, he on
his
, as they could come no nearer. Next morning, when
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
tears. “My blood also shall stain your texture,” said he, and drawing
his
sword plunged it into his heart. The blood spurte
l stain your texture,” said he, and drawing his sword plunged it into
his
heart. The blood spurted from the wound, and ting
t, and lift that drooping head!” At the name of Thisbe Pyramus opened
his
eyes, then closed them again. She saw her veil st
Procris gave these presents to her husband. Cephalus was so happy in
his
wife that he resisted all the entreaties of Auror
y you ever saw again.” Cephalus returned, and was as happy as ever in
his
wife and his woodland sports. Now it happened som
w again.” Cephalus returned, and was as happy as ever in his wife and
his
woodland sports. Now it happened some angry deity
no dog could run it down; and at last they came to Cephalus to borrow
his
famous dog, whose name was Lelaps. No sooner was
ed off, quicker than their eye could follow him. If they had not seen
his
footprints in the sand they would have thought he
w the race. The fox tried every art; he ran in a circle and turned on
his
track, the dog close upon him, with open jaws, sn
ned on his track, the dog close upon him, with open jaws, snapping at
his
heels, but biting only the air. Cephalus was abou
ping at his heels, but biting only the air. Cephalus was about to use
his
javelin, when suddenly he saw both dog and game s
oing to bark, the other to leap forward. Cephalus, though he had lost
his
dog, still continued to take delight in the chase
ng the woods and hills unaccompanied by any one, needing no help, for
his
javelin was a sure weapon in all cases. Fatigued
dy nook where a cool stream flowed, and, stretched on the grass, with
his
garments thrown aside, would enjoy the breeze. So
nd as of a sob in the bushes. Supposing it some wild animal, he threw
his
javelin at the spot. A cry from his beloved Procr
ing it some wild animal, he threw his javelin at the spot. A cry from
his
beloved Procris told him that the weapon had too
ly on her husband when he made her understand the truth. Moore, in
his
Legendary Ballads, has one on Cephalus and Procri
he noon’s bright eye, And oft he wooed the wandering wind To cool
his
brow with its sigh While mute lay even the wild b
diately suspected that her husband had raised a cloud to hide some of
his
doings that would not bear the light. She brushed
had been flirting with, and, when he became aware of the approach of
his
wife, had changed into that form. Juno joined her
ked to have it as a gift. What could Jupiter do? He was loath to give
his
mistress to his wife; yet how refuse so trifling
s a gift. What could Jupiter do? He was loath to give his mistress to
his
wife; yet how refuse so trifling a present as a s
fer to Argus, to be strictly watched. Now Argus had a hundred eyes in
his
head, and never went to sleep with more than two
ith her hoof on the sand. Inachus recognized it, and discovering that
his
daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hi
he thus lamented, Argus, observing, came and drove her away, and took
his
seat on a high bank, from whence he could see all
every direction. Jupiter was troubled at beholding the sufferings of
his
mistress, and calling Mercury told him to go and
ng Mercury told him to go and despatch Argus. Mercury made haste, put
his
winged slippers on his feet, and cap on his head,
go and despatch Argus. Mercury made haste, put his winged slippers on
his
feet, and cap on his head, took his sleep-produci
. Mercury made haste, put his winged slippers on his feet, and cap on
his
head, took his sleep-producing wand, and leaped d
haste, put his winged slippers on his feet, and cap on his head, took
his
sleep-producing wand, and leaped down from the he
eaped down from the heavenly towers to the earth. There he laid aside
his
wings, and kept only his wand, with which he pres
nly towers to the earth. There he laid aside his wings, and kept only
his
wand, with which he presented himself as a shephe
only his wand, with which he presented himself as a shepherd driving
his
flock. As he strolled on he blew upon his pipes.
mself as a shepherd driving his flock. As he strolled on he blew upon
his
pipes. These were what are called the Syrinx or P
sat down, talked, and told stories till it grew late, and played upon
his
pipes his most soothing strains, hoping to lull t
talked, and told stories till it grew late, and played upon his pipes
his
most soothing strains, hoping to lull the watchfu
to sleep, but all in vain; for Argus still contrived to keep some of
his
eyes open though he shut the rest. Among other st
d added more of the same sort. She ran away, without stopping to hear
his
compliments, and he pursued till she came to the
on her friends the water nymphs. They heard and consented. Pan threw
his
arms around what he supposed to be the form of th
he called Syrinx, in honor of the nymph.” Before Mercury had finished
his
story he saw Argus’s eyes all asleep. As his head
ore Mercury had finished his story he saw Argus’s eyes all asleep. As
his
head nodded forward on his breast, Mercury with o
s story he saw Argus’s eyes all asleep. As his head nodded forward on
his
breast, Mercury with one stroke cut his neck thro
As his head nodded forward on his breast, Mercury with one stroke cut
his
neck through, and tumbled his head down the rocks
his breast, Mercury with one stroke cut his neck through, and tumbled
his
head down the rocks. O hapless Argus! the light o
the banks of the Nile. At length Jupiter interceded for her, and upon
his
promising not to pay her any more attentions Juno
ned to embrace him. As she was about to approach, he, alarmed, raised
his
hunting spear, and was on the point of transfixin
prowled all night about the fold Of the North-star, hath shrunk into
his
den, Scared by the blithesome footsteps of the Da
s employed in the labors of the toilet, behold Actæon, having quitted
his
companions, and rambling without any especial obj
mbling without any especial object, came to the place, led thither by
his
destiny. As he presented himself at the entrance
apparelled.” Immediately a pair of branching stag’s horns grew out of
his
head, his neck gained in length, his ears grew sh
.” Immediately a pair of branching stag’s horns grew out of his head,
his
neck gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointe
anching stag’s horns grew out of his head, his neck gained in length,
his
ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet, h
of his head, his neck gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointed,
his
hands became feet, his arms long legs, his body w
gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet,
his
arms long legs, his body was covered with a hairy
s ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet, his arms long legs,
his
body was covered with a hairy spotted hide. Fear
is body was covered with a hairy spotted hide. Fear took the place of
his
former boldness, and the hero fled. He could not
ce 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
the hero fled. He could not but admire his own speed; but when he saw
his
horns in the water, “Ah, wretched me!” he would h
groaned, and tears flowed down the face which had taken the place of
his
own. Yet his consciousness remained. What shall h
tears flowed down the face which had taken the place of his own. Yet
his
consciousness remained. What shall he do? — go ho
the dogs saw him. First Melampus, a Spartan dog, gave the signal with
his
bark, then Pamphagus, Dorceus, Lelaps, Theron, Na
and they followed. Where he had often chased the stag and cheered on
his
pack, his pack now chased him, cheered on by his
followed. Where he had often chased the stag and cheered on his pack,
his
pack now chased him, cheered on by his huntsmen.
stag and cheered on his pack, his pack now chased him, cheered on by
his
huntsmen. He longed to cry out, “I am Actæon; rec
out, “I am Actæon; recognize your master!” but the words came not at
his
will. The air resounded with the bark of the dogs
he air resounded with the bark of the dogs. Presently one fastened on
his
back, another seized his shoulder. While they hel
bark of the dogs. Presently one fastened on his back, another seized
his
shoulder. While they held their master, the rest
their master, the rest of the pack came up and buried their teeth in
his
flesh. He groaned, — not in a human voice, yet ce
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
ce, yet certainly not in a stag’s, — and falling on his knees, raised
his
eyes, and would have raised his arms in supplicat
s, — and falling on his knees, raised his eyes, and would have raised
his
arms in supplication, if he had had them. His fri
y where for Actæon, calling on him to join the sport. At the sound of
his
name he turned his head, and heard them regret th
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 awa
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 al
ll around him, rending and tearing; and it was not till they had torn
his
life out that the anger of Diana was satisfied.
led astray With feeble steps o’er the world’s wilderness; And
his
own Thoughts, along that rugged way, Pursued like
on in one of Milton’s sonnets, “On the detraction which followed upon
his
writing certain treatises.” “I did but prompt th
to the bottom of the sea, that it might be a secure resting-place for
his
beloved. Byron alludes to Delos in his Don Juan:
be a secure resting-place for his beloved. Byron alludes to Delos in
his
Don Juan: — “The isles of Greece! the isles of G
and the nymph Clymene. One day a schoolfellow laughed at the idea of
his
being the son of the god, and Phaëton went in rag
son of the god, and Phaëton went in rage and shame and reported it to
his
mother. “If,” said he, “I am indeed of heavenly b
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 inqu
s of sunrise; and, full of hope and pride, approached the goal whence
his
parent begins his course. The palace of the Sun s
full of hope and pride, approached the goal whence his parent begins
his
course. The palace of the Sun stood reared aloft
Clymene’s son advanced up the steep ascent, and entered the halls of
his
disputed father. He approached the paternal prese
purple vesture, sat on a throne, which glittered as with diamonds. On
his
right hand and his left stood the Day, the Month,
on a throne, which glittered as with diamonds. On his right hand and
his
left stood the Day, the Month, and the Year, and,
de, and a garland formed of spears of ripened grain, and Autumn, with
his
feet stained with grape-juice, and icy Winter, wi
Autumn, with his feet stained with grape-juice, and icy Winter, with
his
hair stiffened with hoar frost. Surrounded by the
th the novelty and splendor of the scene, and inquired the purpose of
his
errand. The youth replied, “O light of the boundl
oof, I beseech you, by which I may be known as yours.” He ceased; and
his
father, laying aside the beams that shone all aro
ceased; and his father, laying aside the beams that shone all around
his
head, bade him approach, and embracing him, said,
d for one day to drive the chariot of the sun. The father repented of
his
promise; thrice and four times he shook his radia
n. The father repented of his promise; thrice and four times he shook
his
radiant head in warning. “I have spoken rashly,”
wisely.” He ended; but the youth rejected all admonition and held to
his
demand. So, having resisted as long as he could,
ambrosia, and attached the reins. Then the father bathed the face of
his
son with a powerful unguent, and made him capable
m capable of enduring the brightness of the flame. He set the rays on
his
head, and, with a foreboding sigh, said, “If, my
tood erect, and grasped the reins with delight, pouring out thanks to
his
reluctant parent. Meanwhile the horses fill the a
its rage revive. Boötes, they say, fled away, though encumbered with
his
plough, and all unused to rapid motion. When hapl
the earth, now spreading in vast extent beneath him, he grew pale and
his
knees shook with terror. In spite of the glare al
shook with terror. In spite of the glare all around him, the sight of
his
eyes grew dim. He wished he had never touched his
d him, the sight of his eyes grew dim. He wished he had never touched
his
father’s horses, never learned his parentage, nev
im. He wished he had never touched his father’s horses, never learned
his
parentage, never prevailed in his request. He is
his father’s horses, never learned his parentage, never prevailed in
his
request. He is borne along like a vessel that fli
efore a tempest, when the pilot can do no more and betakes himself to
his
prayers. What shall he do? Much of the heavenly r
f the heavenly road is left behind, but more remains before. He turns
his
eyes from one direction to the other; now to the
eyes from one direction to the other; now to the goal whence he began
his
course, now to the realms of sunset which he is n
w to the realms of sunset which he is not destined to reach. He loses
his
self-command, and knows not what to do, — whether
orms scattered over the surface of heaven. Here the Scorpion extended
his
two great arms, with his tail and crooked claws s
urface of heaven. Here the Scorpion extended his two great arms, with
his
tail and crooked claws stretching over two signs
odiac. When the boy beheld him, reeking with poison and menacing with
his
fangs, his courage failed, and the reins fell fro
the boy beheld him, reeking with poison and menacing with his fangs,
his
courage failed, and the reins fell from his hands
menacing with his fangs, his courage failed, and the reins fell from
his
hands. The horses, when they felt them loose on t
, and Hæmus; Ætna, with fires within and without, and Parnassus, with
his
two peaks, and Rhodope, forced at last to part wi
rnassus, with his two peaks, and Rhodope, forced at last to part with
his
snowy crown. Her cold climate was no protection t
den sands, and Cayster where the swans resort. Nile fled away and hid
his
head in the desert, and there it still remains co
ert, and there it still remains concealed. Where he used to discharge
his
waters through seven mouths into the sea, there s
nks light broke into Tartarus, and frightened the king of shadows and
his
queen. The sea shrank up. Where before was water,
no longer ventured as usual to sport on the surface. Even Nereus, and
his
wife Doris, with the Nereids, their daughters, so
sought the deepest caves for refuge. Thrice Neptune essayed to raise
his
head above the surface, and thrice was driven bac
ich must fall if they be destroyed. Atlas faints, and scarce holds up
his
burden. If sea, earth, and heaven perish, we fall
aining unexhausted. He thundered, and brandishing a lightning bolt in
his
right hand launched it against the charioteer, an
hed it against the charioteer, and struck him at the same moment from
his
seat and from existence! Phaëton, with his hair o
im at the same moment from his seat and from existence! Phaëton, with
his
hair on fire, fell headlong, like a shooting star
s as it falls, and Eridanus, the great river, received him and cooled
his
burning frame. The Italian Naiads reared a tomb f
Struck by Jove’s thunder, rests beneath this stone. He could not rule
his
father’s car of fire, Yet was it much so nobly to
uch so nobly to aspire.” His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented
his
fate, were turned into poplar trees, on the banks
to flow, became amber as they dropped into the stream. Milman, in
his
poem of Samor, makes the following allusion to Ph
ts sing, the Sun-born youth Devious through Heaven’s affrighted signs
his
sire’s Ill-granted chariot. Him the Thunderer hur
Philemon. [Midas.] Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found
his
old schoolmaster and foster-father, Silenus, miss
e eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and restored him in safety to
his
pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his choice
restored him in safety to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas
his
choice of a reward, whatever he might wish. He as
sented, though sorry that he had not made a better choice. Midas went
his
way, rejoicing in his new-acquired power, which h
hat he had not made a better choice. Midas went his way, rejoicing in
his
new-acquired power, which he hastened to put to t
power, which he hastened to put to the test. He could scarce believe
his
eyes when he found a twig of an oak, which he plu
nd 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
the servants to set a splendid repast on the table. Then he found to
his
dismay that whether he touched bread, it hardened
he found to his dismay that whether he touched bread, it hardened in
his
hand; or put a morsel to his lips, it defied his
whether he touched bread, it hardened in his hand; or put a morsel to
his
lips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of win
read, 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 dow
ips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down
his
throat like melted gold. In consternation at the
ation at the unprecedented affliction, he strove to divest himself of
his
power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. B
y coveted. But all in vain; starvation seemed to await him. He raised
his
arms, all shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus
shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, begging to be delivered from
his
glittering destruction. Bacchus, merciful deity,
of the fields. On a certain occasion Pan had the temerity to compare
his
music with that of Apollo, and to challenge the g
ted, and Tmolus, the mountain god, was chosen umpire. The senior took
his
seat, and cleared away the trees from his ears to
sen umpire. The senior took his seat, and cleared away the trees from
his
ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on his
away the trees from his ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on
his
pipes, and with his rustic melody gave great sati
his ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on his pipes, and with
his
rustic melody gave great satisfaction to himself
es, and with his rustic melody gave great satisfaction to himself and
his
faithful follower Midas, who happened to be prese
ithful follower Midas, who happened to be present. Then Tmolus turned
his
head toward the Sun-god, and all his trees turned
o be present. Then Tmolus turned his head toward the Sun-god, and all
his
trees turned with him. Apollo rose, his brow wrea
d toward the Sun-god, and all his trees turned with him. Apollo rose,
his
brow wreathed with Parnassian laurel, while his r
ith him. Apollo rose, his brow wreathed with Parnassian laurel, while
his
robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In his le
rnassian laurel, while his robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In
his
left hand he held the lyre, and with his right ha
purple swept the ground. In his left hand he held the lyre, and with
his
right hand struck the strings. Ravished with the
but he consoled himself with the thought that it was possible to hide
his
misfortune, which he attempted to do by means of
ich he attempted to do by means of an ample turban or head-dress. But
his
hair-dresser of course knew the secret. He was ch
re punishment if he presumed to disobey. But he found it too much for
his
discretion to keep such a secret; so he went out
f the secret. “This Midas knew, and durst communicate To none but to
his
wife his ears of state.” Midas was king of Phryg
ret. “This Midas knew, and durst communicate To none but to his wife
his
ears of state.” Midas was king of Phrygia. He wa
uld come in a wagon. While the people were deliberating, Gordius with
his
wife and son came driving his wagon into the publ
people were deliberating, Gordius with his wife and son came driving
his
wagon into the public square. Gordius, being made
his wagon into the public square. Gordius, being made king, dedicated
his
wagon to the deity of the oracle, and tied it up
y tried to untie it, but none succeeded, till Alexander the Great, in
his
career of conquest, came to Phrygia. He tried his
ander the Great, in his career of conquest, came to Phrygia. He tried
his
skill with as ill success as others, till growing
s skill with as ill success as others, till growing impatient he drew
his
sword and cut the knot. When he afterwards succee
cut the knot. When he afterwards succeeded in subjecting all Asia to
his
sway, people began to think that he had complied
n a time Jupiter, in, human shape, visited this country, and with him
his
son Mercury (he of the caduceus,) without his win
s country, and with him his son Mercury (he of the caduceus,) without
his
wings. They presented themselves, as weary travel
pine — Glaucus and Scylla. [Proserpine.] When Jupiter and
his
brothers had defeated the Titans and banished the
monsters shook the earth, so that Pluto was alarmed, and feared that
his
kingdom would be laid open to the light of day. U
be laid open to the light of day. Under this apprehension, he mounted
his
chariot, drawn by black horses, and took a circui
or your own interest or mine, join these two in one.” The boy unbound
his
quiver, and selected his sharpest and truest arro
ine, join these two in one.” The boy unbound his quiver, and selected
his
sharpest and truest arrow; then straining the bow
elected his sharpest and truest arrow; then straining the bow against
his
knee, he attached the string, and, having made re
t the loss of them as an addition to her grief. The ravisher urged on
his
steeds, calling them each by name, and throwing l
ling them each by name, and throwing loose over their heads and necks
his
iron-colored reins. When he reached the River Cya
s iron-colored reins. When he reached the River Cyane, and it opposed
his
passage, he struck the river-bank with his triden
iver Cyane, and it opposed his passage, he struck the river-bank with
his
trident, and the earth opened and gave him a pass
s out in the field, gathering acorns and blackberries, and sticks for
his
fire. His little girl was driving home their two
you sit here alone upon the rocks?” The old man also stopped, though
his
load was heavy, and begged her to come into his c
also stopped, though his load was heavy, and begged her to come into
his
cottage, such as it was. She declined, and he urg
— fell down her cheeks upon her bosom. The compassionate old man and
his
child wept with her. Then said he, “Come with us,
se from the stone and went with them. As they walked he told her that
his
only son, a little boy, lay very sick, feverish,
n great distress, for the boy seemed past hope of recovery. Metanira,
his
mother, received her kindly, and the goddess stoo
ed and kissed the lips of the sick child. Instantly the paleness left
his
face, and healthy vigor returned to his body. The
. Instantly the paleness left his face, and healthy vigor returned to
his
body. The whole family were delighted — that is,
me and all was still, she arose, and taking the sleeping boy, moulded
his
limbs with her hands, and uttered over him three
the banks of the River Cyane, where Pluto made himself a passage with
his
prize to his own dominions. The river nymph would
the River Cyane, where Pluto made himself a passage with his prize to
his
own dominions. The river nymph would have told th
a fountain. But in this form Alpheus knew me and attempted to mingle
his
stream with mine. Diana cleft the ground, and I,
t, and restored the earth to her favor. Now she remembered Celeus and
his
family, and her promise to his infant son Triptol
r favor. Now she remembered Celeus and his family, and her promise to
his
infant son Triptolemus. When the boy grew up, she
g to mankind valuable grains, and the knowledge of agriculture. After
his
return, Triptolemus built a magnificent temple to
* * * * might with this Paradise Of Eden strive.” Hood, in
his
Ode to Melancholy, uses the same allusion very be
ble of the underground course of Alpheus that Coleridge alludes to in
his
poem of Kubla Khan: — “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
y, and to the practice of throwing garlands or other light objects on
his
stream to be carried downward by it, and afterwar
flowery braids And festal rings, with which Olympic maids Have decked
his
current, as an offering meet To lay at Arethusa’s
meet To lay at Arethusa’s shining feet. Think, when he meets at last
his
fountain bride, What perfect love must thrill the
ut just flown up, tells with a smile of bliss, This prank of Pluto to
his
charmed mother, Who turns to greet the tiding
Glaucus and Scylla. Glaucus was a fisherman. One day he had drawn
his
nets to land, and had taken a great many fishes o
nd, and had taken a great many fishes of various kinds. So he emptied
his
net, and proceeded to sort the fishes on the gras
some of it, he tasted it. Scarce had the juices of the plant reached
his
palate when he found himself agitated with a long
undred rivers poured their waters over him. Then he lost all sense of
his
former nature and all consciousness. When he reco
nd mind. His hair was sea-green, and trailed behind him on the water;
his
shoulders grew broad, and what had been thighs an
form of a fish’s tail. The sea-gods complimented him on the change of
his
appearance, and he fancied himself rather a good-
to see whether it was a god or a sea animal, and observed with wonder
his
shape and color. Glaucus partly emerging from the
r a living; but now I belong wholly to it.” Then he told the story of
his
metamorphosis, and how he had been promoted to hi
told the story of his metamorphosis, and how he had been promoted to
his
present dignity, and added, “But what avails all
and as such still continues to be a terror to mariners. Keats, in
his
Endymion, has given a new version of the ending o
whom the goddess has not transformed but drowned. Glaucus learns that
his
destiny is that, if he passes his thousand years
ed but drowned. Glaucus learns that his destiny is that, if he passes
his
thousand years in collecting all the bodies of dr
l the drowned lovers to life. The following is Glaucus’s account of
his
feelings after his “sea-change:” — “I plunged fo
s to life. The following is Glaucus’s account of his feelings after
his
“sea-change:” — “I plunged for life or death. To
its product looked like the workmanship of nature. Pygmalion admired
his
own work, and at last fell in love with the count
t last fell in love with the counterfeit creation. Oftentimes he laid
his
hand upon it as if to assure himself whether it w
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 softe
and the odor of incense filled the air. When Pygmalion had performed
his
part in the solemnities, he stood before the alta
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 t
o 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 t
s 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
hand upon the limbs; the ivory felt soft to his touch and yielded to
his
fingers like the wax of Hymettus. While he stands
staken, again and again with a lover’s ardor he touches the object of
his
hopes. It was indeed alive! The veins when presse
ast the votary of Venus found words to thank the goddess, and pressed
his
lips upon lips as real as his own. The virgin fel
words to thank the goddess, and pressed his lips upon lips as real as
his
own. The virgin felt the kisses and blushed, and
om whom the city, sacred to Venus, received its name. Schiller, in
his
poem the Ideals, applies this tale of Pygmalion t
ear her hair, but found her hands filled with leaves. The infant felt
his
mother’s bosom begin to harden, and the milk ceas
us, playing one day with her boy Cupid, wounded her bosom with one of
his
arrows. She pushed him away, but the wound was de
too noble to heed such counsels. The dogs had roused a wild boar from
his
lair, and the youth threw his spear and wounded t
s. The dogs had roused a wild boar from his lair, and the youth threw
his
spear and wounded the animal with a sidelong stro
the animal with a sidelong stroke. The beast drew out the weapon with
his
jaws, and rushed after Adonis, who turned and ran
ter Adonis, who turned and ran; but the boar overtook him, and buried
his
tusks in his side, and stretched him dying upon t
ho turned and ran; but the boar overtook him, and buried his tusks in
his
side, and stretched him dying upon the plain. Ven
-winged coursers back to earth. As she drew near and saw from on high
his
lifeless body bathed in blood, she alighted and,
and its decay. Milton alludes to the story of Venus and Adonis in
his
Comus: — “Beds of hyacinth and roses Where young
of hyacinth and roses Where young Adonis oft reposes, Waxing well of
his
deep wound In slumber soft, and on the ground Sad
passionately fond of a youth named Hyacinthus. He accompanied him in
his
sports, carried the nets when he went fishing, le
n he went fishing, led the dogs when he went to hunt, followed him in
his
excursions in the mountains, and neglected for hi
ollowed him in his excursions in the mountains, and neglected for him
his
lyre and his arrows. One day they played a game o
n his excursions in the mountains, and neglected for him his lyre and
his
arrows. One day they played a game of quoits toge
ew, and excited with the sport ran forward to seize it, eager to make
his
throw, when the quoit bounded from the earth and
inted and fell. The god, as pale as himself, raised him and tried all
his
art to stanch the wound and retain the flitting l
owers to the earth, so the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for
his
neck, fell over on his shoulder. “Thou diest, Hya
the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for his neck, fell over on
his
shoulder. “Thou diest, Hyacinth,” so spoke Phœbus
Phœbus; but to confer still greater honor, he marked the petals with
his
sorrow, and inscribed “Ah! ah!” upon them, as we
of Hyacinthus, and with every returning spring revives the memory of
his
fate. It was said that Zephyrus, (the West wind
yrus, (the West wind,) who was also fond of Hyacinthus and jealous of
his
preference of Apollo, blew the quoit out of its c
of its course to make it strike Hyacinthus. Keats alludes to this in
his
Endymion, where he describes the lookers-on at th
lence or wrong. He was son of Hesperus, the Day-star, and the glow of
his
beauty reminded one of his father. Halcyone, the
of Hesperus, the Day-star, and the glow of his beauty reminded one of
his
father. Halcyone, the daughter of Æolus, was his
auty reminded one of his father. Halcyone, the daughter of Æolus, was
his
wife, and devotedly attached to him. Now Ceyx was
edly attached to him. Now Ceyx was in deep affliction for the loss of
his
brother, and direful prodigies following his brot
fliction for the loss of his brother, and direful prodigies following
his
brother’s death made him feel as if the gods were
n Ionia, to consult the oracle of Apollo. But as soon as he disclosed
his
intention to his wife Halcyone, a shudder ran thr
lt the oracle of Apollo. But as soon as he disclosed his intention to
his
wife Halcyone, a shudder ran through her frame, a
se words weighed heavily on the mind of King Ceyx, and it was no less
his
own wish than hers to take her with him, but he c
her streaming eyes, and saw her husband standing on the deck, waving
his
hand to her. She answered his signal till the ves
er husband standing on the deck, waving his hand to her. She answered
his
signal till the vessel had receded so far that sh
ll the vessel had receded so far that she could no longer distinguish
his
form from the rest. When the vessel itself could
storm forbade obedience, for such is the roar of the winds and waves
his
orders are unheard. The men, of their own accord,
mes over their minds. Ceyx thinks of Halcyone. No name but hers is on
his
lips, and while he yearns for her, he yet rejoice
tre, holds fast to a plank, calling for help, — alas, in vain, — upon
his
father and his father-in-law. But oftenest on his
to a plank, calling for help, — alas, in vain, — upon his father and
his
father-in-law. But oftenest on his lips was the n
as, in vain, — upon his father and his father-in-law. But oftenest on
his
lips was the name of Halcyone. To her his thought
her-in-law. But oftenest on his lips was the name of Halcyone. To her
his
thoughts cling. He prays that the waves may bear
Halcyone. To her his thoughts cling. He prays that the waves may bear
his
body to her sight, and that it may receive burial
that he might be safe; that he might come home; that he might not, in
his
absence, see any one that he would love better th
adorned with black plumes and black curtains. There the god reclines,
his
limbs relaxed with sleep. Around him lie dreams,
ound her, her brightness lit up all the cave. The god, scarce opening
his
eyes, and ever and anon dropping his beard upon h
he cave. The god, scarce opening his eyes, and ever and anon dropping
his
beard upon his breast, at last shook himself free
d, scarce opening his eyes, and ever and anon dropping his beard upon
his
breast, at last shook himself free from himself,
n his breast, at last shook himself free from himself, and leaning on
his
arm, enquired her errand, — for he knew who she w
, and returned by her bow the way she came. Then Somnus called one of
his
numerous sons, — Morpheus, — the most expert in c
all the brothers, Morpheus, to perform the command of Iris; then laid
his
head on his pillow and yielded himself to gratefu
hers, Morpheus, to perform the command of Iris; then laid his head on
his
pillow and yielded himself to grateful repose. Mo
elded himself to grateful repose. Morpheus flew, making no noise with
his
wings, and soon came to the Hæmonian city, where,
th his wings, and soon came to the Hæmonian city, where, laying aside
his
wings, he assumed the form of Ceyx. Under that fo
hed wife. His beard seemed soaked with water, and water trickled from
his
drowned locks. Leaning over the bed, tears stream
ed from his drowned locks. Leaning over the bed, tears streaming from
his
eyes, he said, “Do you recognize your Ceyx, unhap
med to be that of her husband; he seemed to pour forth genuine tears;
his
hands had the gestures of Ceyx. Halcyone, weeping
groaned, and stretched out her arms in her sleep, striving to embrace
his
body, but grasping only the air. “Stay!” she crie
sband. Not with the accustomed features, not with the beauty that was
his
, but pale, naked, and with his hair wet with sea-
features, not with the beauty that was his, but pale, naked, and with
his
hair wet with sea-water, he appeared to wretched
ery spot, the sad vision stood,” — and she looked to find the mark of
his
footsteps. “This it was, this that my presaging m
went to the sea shore, and sought the spot where she last saw him, on
his
departure. “While he lingered here, and cast off
last saw him, on his departure. “While he lingered here, and cast off
his
tacklings, he gave me his last kiss.” While she r
ture. “While he lingered here, and cast off his tacklings, he gave me
his
last kiss.” While she reviews every object, and s
them from disturbing the deep. The sea is given up, for the time, to
his
grandchildren. The following lines from Byron’s
estion from observing the motion of a floating corpse. “As shaken on
his
restless pillow, His head heaves with the heaving
the tossing tide on high, Then levelled with the wave ——” Milton in
his
Hymn to the Nativity, thus alludes to the fable o
possessed to win her, and so would old Sylvanus, who looks young for
his
years, and Pan, who wears a garland of pine leave
ung for his years, and Pan, who wears a garland of pine leaves around
his
head. But Vertumnus loved her best of all; yet he
me from turning over the grass. Sometimes he would have an ox-goad in
his
hand, and you would have said he had just unyoked
e 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 perso
ning-hook, and personated a vine-dresser; and again, with a ladder on
his
shoulder, he seemed as if he was going to gather
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
a noble lady of the ancient family of Teucer. He struggled long with
his
passion, but when he found he could not subdue it
ould not subdue it, he came a suppliant to her mansion. First he told
his
passion to her nurse, and begged her as she loved
n 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 h
er-child to favor his suit. And then he tried to win her domestics to
his
side. Sometimes he committed his vows to written
hen he tried to win her domestics to his side. Sometimes he committed
his
vows to written tablets, and often hung at her do
lets, and often hung at her door garlands which he had moistened with
his
tears. He stretched himself on her threshold, and
ed with his tears. He stretched himself on her threshold, and uttered
his
complaints to the cruel bolts and bars. She was d
my fame which you have reft from my life.’ Thus he said, and, turning
his
pale face and weeping eyes towards her mansion, h
pe to the gate-post, on which he had often hung garlands, and putting
his
head into the noose, he murmured, ‘This garland a
t least will please you, cruel girl!’ and falling hung suspended with
his
neck broken. As he fell he struck against the gat
ead, and with exclamations of pity raised him and carried him home to
his
mother, for his father was not living. She receiv
clamations of pity raised him and carried him home to his mother, for
his
father was not living. She received the dead body
hus, he dropped the disguise of an old woman, and stood before her in
his
proper person, as a comely youth. It appeared to
d to her like the sun bursting through a cloud. He would have renewed
his
entreaties, but there was no need; his arguments
a cloud. He would have renewed his entreaties, but there was no need;
his
arguments and the sight of his true form prevaile
his entreaties, but there was no need; his arguments and the sight of
his
true form prevailed, and the Nymph no longer resi
uty.” Thereupon she calls her winged son Cupid, mischievous enough in
his
own nature, and rouses and provokes him yet more
esent exultation and triumph.” Cupid prepared to obey the commands of
his
mother. There are two fountains in Venus’s garden
er vases, one from each fountain, and suspending them from the top of
his
quiver, hastened to the chamber of Psyche, whom h
her almost moved him to pity; then touched her side with the point of
his
arrow. At the touch she awoke, and opened eyes up
ned eyes upon Cupid (himself invisible) which so startled him that in
his
confusion he wounded himself with his own arrow.
) which so startled him that in his confusion he wounded himself with
his
own arrow. Heedless of his wound, his whole thoug
t in his confusion he wounded himself with his own arrow. Heedless of
his
wound, his whole thought now was to repair the mi
nfusion he wounded himself with his own arrow. Heedless of his wound,
his
whole thought now was to repair the mischief he h
nly in the hours of darkness and fled before the dawn of morning, but
his
accents were full of love, and inspired a like pa
the contrary he charged her to make no attempt to see him, for it was
his
pleasure, for the best of reasons, to keep concea
fe, and hid them out of sight of her husband. When he had fallen into
his
first sleep, she silently rose and uncovering her
ideous monster, but the most beautiful and charming of the gods, with
his
golden ringlets wandering over his snowy neck and
ful and charming of the gods, with his golden ringlets wandering over
his
snowy neck and crimson cheek, with two dewy wings
ndering over his snowy neck and crimson cheek, with two dewy wings on
his
shoulders, whiter than snow, and with shining fea
ssoms 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 o
ng oil fell on the shoulder of the god, startled with which he opened
his
eyes and fixed them full upon her; then, without
nd fixed them full upon her; then, without saying one word, he spread
his
white wings and flew out of the window. Psyche, i
w to the ground. Cupid, beholding her as she lay in the dust, stopped
his
flight for an instant and said, “O foolish Psyche
ng reached the top, called upon Zephyr to receive her and bear her to
his
lord; then leaping up, and not being sustained by
come to see your sick husband, yet laid up of the wound given him by
his
loving wife? You are so ill-favored and disagreea
assion on her. The leader of the ant hill, followed by whole hosts of
his
six-legged subjects, approached the heap, and wit
task done, she exclaimed, “This is no work of yours, wicked one, but
his
, whom to your own and his misfortune you have ent
“This is no work of yours, wicked one, but his, whom to your own and
his
misfortune you have enticed.” So saying, she thre
gave Psyche instructions how to accomplish her task, and by observing
his
directions she soon returned to Venus with her ar
y corpse without sense or motion. But Cupid, being now recovered from
his
wound, and not able longer to bear the absence of
recovered from his wound, and not able longer to bear the absence of
his
beloved Psyche, slipping through the smallest cra
beloved Psyche, slipping through the smallest crack of the window of
his
chamber which happened to be left open, flew to t
ed it again in the box, and waked Psyche with a light touch of one of
his
arrows. “Again,” said he, “hast thou almost peris
etrating the heights of heaven, presented himself before Jupiter with
his
supplication. Jupiter lent a favoring ear, and pl
Milton alludes to the story of Cupid and Psyche in the conclusion of
his
Comus: — “Celestial Cupid, her famed son, advanc
ion of his Comus: — “Celestial Cupid, her famed son, advanced, Holds
his
dear Psyche sweet entranced, After her wandering
her wandering labors long, Till free consent the gods among Make her
his
eternal bride; And from her fair unspotted side T
scented air, She heard far echoes of the voice of Love, And found
his
footsteps’ traces every where. “But never more t
the legends of the Age of Fable. It is this that Keats alludes to in
his
Ode to Psyche. “O latest born and loveliest visi
ay Europa, the daughter of Agenor, king of Phœnicia. Agenor commanded
his
son Cadmus to go in search of his sister, and not
king of Phœnicia. Agenor commanded his son Cadmus to go in search of
his
sister, and not to return without her. Cadmus wen
nd not to return without her. Cadmus went and sought long and far for
his
sister, but could not find her, and not daring to
walking before him. He followed her close, offering at the same time
his
prayers to Phœbus. The cow went on till she passe
gave thanks, and stooping down kissed the foreign soil, then lifting
his
eyes, greeted the surrounding mountains. Wishing
rrounding mountains. Wishing to offer a sacrifice to Jupiter, he sent
his
servants to seek pure water for a libation. Near
ested head and scales glittering like gold. His eyes shone like fire,
his
body was swollen with venom, he vibrated a triple
the ingushing waters made a sound, than the glittering serpent raised
his
head out of the cave and uttered a fearful hiss.
left their cheeks, they trembled in every limb. The serpent, twisting
his
scaly body in a huge coil, raised his head so as
ery limb. The serpent, twisting his scaly body in a huge coil, raised
his
head so as to overtop the tallest trees, and whil
e the Tyrians from terror could neither fight nor fly, slew some with
his
fangs, others in his folds, and others with his p
rror could neither fight nor fly, slew some with his fangs, others in
his
folds, and others with his poisonous breath. Cadm
r fly, slew some with his fangs, others in his folds, and others with
his
poisonous breath. Cadmus, having waited for the r
rs with his poisonous breath. Cadmus, having waited for the return of
his
men till midday, went in search of them. His cove
, 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 hi
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 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
than either. When he entered the wood, and saw the lifeless bodies of
his
men, and the monster with his bloody jaws, he exc
he wood, and saw the lifeless bodies of his men, and the monster with
his
bloody jaws, he exclaimed, “O faithful friends, I
e your death.” So saying he lifted a huge stone and threw it with all
his
force at the serpent. Such a block would have sha
fortress, but it made no impression on the monster. Cadmus next threw
his
javelin, which met with better success, for it pe
ccess, for it penetrated the serpent’s scales, and pierced through to
his
entrails. Fierce with pain, the monster turned ba
ed through to his entrails. Fierce with pain, the monster turned back
his
head to view the wound, and attempted to draw out
his head to view the wound, and attempted to draw out the weapon with
his
mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point r
with his mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point rankling in
his
flesh. His neck swelled with rage, bloody foam co
ankling in his flesh. His neck swelled with rage, bloody foam covered
his
jaws, and the breath of his nostrils poisoned the
ck swelled with rage, bloody foam covered his jaws, and the breath of
his
nostrils poisoned the air around. Now he twisted
fallen tree. As he moved onward, Cadmus retreated before him, holding
his
spear opposite to the monster’s opened jaws. The
weapon and attempted to bite its iron point. At last Cadmus, watching
his
chance, thrust the spear at a moment when the ani
tree as he struggled in the agonies of death. While Cadmus stood over
his
conquered foe, contemplating its vast size, a voi
dle not with our civil war.” With that he who had spoken smote one of
his
earth-born brothers with a sword, and he himself
ain with mutual wounds, except five survivors. One of these cast away
his
weapons and said, “Brothers, let us live in peace
ers, let us live in peace!” These five joined with Cadmus in building
his
city, to which they gave the name of Thebes. Cadm
Vulcan presented the bride with a necklace of surpassing brilliancy,
his
own workmanship. But a fatality hung over the fam
ship. But a fatality hung over the family of Cadmus in consequence of
his
killing the serpent sacred to Mars. Semele and In
onsequence of his killing the serpent sacred to Mars. Semele and Ino,
his
daughters, and Actæon and Pentheus, his grandchil
cred to Mars. Semele and Ino, his daughters, and Actæon and Pentheus,
his
grandchildren, all perished unhappily, and Cadmus
serpent.” No sooner had he uttered the words than he began to change
his
form. Harmonia beheld it and prayed to the gods t
his form. Harmonia beheld it and prayed to the gods to let her share
his
fate. Both became serpents. They live in the wood
s of the classical stories and says: — “—— pleasing was
his
shape, And lovely never since of serpent kind Lov
king of Athens, arrived in the island of Ægina to seek assistance of
his
old friend and ally Æacus, the king, in his war w
ina to seek assistance of his old friend and ally Æacus, the king, in
his
war with Minos, king of Crete. Cephalus was most
dogs, cattle, sheep, and birds The luckless ploughman wondered to see
his
oxen fall in the midst of their work, and lie hel
once foremost in the race, contested the palm no more, but groaned at
his
stall and died an inglorious death. The wild boar
oaned at his stall and died an inglorious death. The wild boar forgot
his
rage, the stag his swiftness, the bears no longer
and died an inglorious death. The wild boar forgot his rage, the stag
his
swiftness, the bears no longer attacked the herds
torian drew from life, and all the poets and writers of fiction since
his
day, when they have had occasion to describe a si
Crete, made war upon Megara. Nisus was king of Megara, and Scylla was
his
daughter. The siege had now lasted six months and
urple lock, which glittered among the hair of King Nisus, remained on
his
head. There was a tower on the city walls, which
a tower on the city walls, which overlooked the plain where Minos and
his
army were encamped. To this tower Scylla used to
the leaders. Minos, in particular, excited her admiration. Arrayed in
his
helmet, and bearing his shield, she admired his g
articular, excited her admiration. Arrayed in his helmet, and bearing
his
shield, she admired his graceful deportment; if h
dmiration. Arrayed in his helmet, and bearing his shield, she admired
his
graceful deportment; if he threw his javelin skil
bearing his shield, she admired his graceful deportment; if he threw
his
javelin skill seemed combined with force in the d
javelin skill seemed combined with force in the discharge; if he drew
his
bow Apollo himself could not have done it more gr
imself could not have done it more gracefully. But when he laid aside
his
helmet, and in his purple robes bestrode his whit
ve done it more gracefully. But when he laid aside his helmet, and in
his
purple robes bestrode his white horse with its ga
. But when he laid aside his helmet, and in his purple robes bestrode
his
white horse with its gay caparisons, and reined i
felt an impulse to cast herself down from the tower into the midst of
his
camp, or to open the gates to him, or to do any t
receive me as a hostage. I would fly down, if I could, and alight in
his
camp, and tell him that we yield ourselves to his
ould, and alight in his camp, and tell him that we yield ourselves to
his
mercy. But then, to betray my father! No! rather
n the conqueror is clement and generous. Minos certainly has right on
his
side. I think we shall be conquered; and if that
done it. See here the purple lock! With this I give you my father and
his
kingdom.” She held out her hand with the fatal sp
o that form, — seeing her, pounced down upon her, and struck her with
his
beak and claws. In terror she let go the ship and
agle still cherishes the old animosity; and whenever he espies her in
his
lofty flight you may see him dart down upon her,
he pursued the chase upon the mountains. She loved him, and followed
his
footsteps. O how she longed to address him in the
st, and had her answer ready. One day the youth, being separated from
his
companions, shouted aloud, “Who’s here?” Echo rep
e same words, and hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about
his
neck. He started back, exclaiming, “Hands off! I
d with hunting, heated and thirsty. He stooped down to drink, and saw
his
own image in the water; he thought it was some be
ealth and exercise over all. He fell in love with himself. He brought
his
lips near to take a kiss; he plunged his arms in
ove with himself. He brought his lips near to take a kiss; he plunged
his
arms in to embrace the beloved object. It fled at
or rest, while he hovered over the brink of the fountain gazing upon
his
own image. He talked with the supposed spirit: “W
he cherished the flame that consumed him, so that by degrees he lost
his
color, his vigor, and the beauty which formerly h
ed the flame that consumed him, so that by degrees he lost his color,
his
vigor, and the beauty which formerly had so charm
he answered him with the same words. He pined away and died; and when
his
shade passed the Stygian river, it leaned over th
nly food. She gazed on the sun when he rose, and as he passed through
his
daily course to his setting; she saw no other obj
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
that extent the feeling of the nymph from whom it sprang. Hood, in
his
Flowers, thus alludes to Clytie: — “I will not h
oved her, and used to swim the strait nightly to enjoy the company of
his
mistress. But one night a tempest arose and the s
of his mistress. But one night a tempest arose and the sea was rough;
his
strength failed, and he was drowned. The waves bo
ea was rough; his strength failed, and he was drowned. The waves bore
his
body to the European shore, where Hero became awa
waves bore his body to the European shore, where Hero became aware of
his
death, and in her despair cast herself down from
, was the daughter of Jupiter. She was said to have leaped forth from
his
brain, mature, and in complete armor. She preside
t gravity, sitting in the midst. Neptune, the ruler of the sea, holds
his
trident, and appears to have just smitten the ear
er in which her father had imprisoned her, but where the god effected
his
entrance in the form of a golden shower. Still an
ll. Encouraged by the tameness of the animal Europa ventured to mount
his
back, whereupon Jupiter advanced into the sea and
ansformed her into a spider. Spenser tells the story of Arachne in
his
Muiopotmos, adhering very closely to his master O
ells the story of Arachne in his Muiopotmos, adhering very closely to
his
master Ovid, but improving upon him in the conclu
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 ba
he velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, The silken down with which
his
back is dight, His broad outstretched horns, his
lken down with which his back is dight, His broad outstretched horns,
his
hairy thighs, His glorious colors, and his gliste
broad outstretched horns, his hairy thighs, His glorious colors, and
his
glistening eyes.”9 “Which when Arachne saw, as
ly meet her hate, Who rival both her art and wit.” Tennyson, in
his
“Palace of Art,” describing the works of art with
oped a crocus, one hand grasped The mild bull’s golden horn.” In
his
Princess there is this allusion to Danaë: — “Now
ned, some driving gay chariots. Ismenos, the first-born, as he guided
his
foaming steeds, struck with an arrow from above,
e storm gathering and makes all sail for the port, — gave the rein to
his
horses and attempted to escape. The inevitable ar
in the act of brotherly duty. One only was left, Ilioneus. He raised
his
arms to heaven to try whether prayer might not av
er might not avail. “Spare me, ye gods!” he cried, addressing all, in
his
ignorance that all needed not his intercessions;
gods!” he cried, addressing all, in his ignorance that all needed not
his
intercessions; and Apollo would have spared him,
e at the use Moore has made of it in Rhymes on the Road: — “’Twas in
his
carriage the sublime Sir Richard Blackmore used
And, if the wits don’t do him wrong, ’Twixt death and epics passed
his
time, Scribbling and killing all day long;
time, Scribbling and killing all day long; Like Phœbus in
his
car at ease, Now warbling forth a lofty song,
is grandfather Acrisius, alarmed by an oracle which had told him that
his
daughter’s child would be the instrument of his d
ich had told him that his daughter’s child would be the instrument of
his
death, caused the mother and child to be shut up
va and Mercury, the former of whom lent him her shield and the latter
his
winged shoes, approached Medusa while she slept,
e it to Minerva, who fixed it in the middle of her Ægis. Milton in
his
Comus thus alludes to the Ægis: — “What was that
tone Their savage tenants; just as the foaming Lion Sprang furious on
his
prey, her speedier power Outran his haste, And fi
he foaming Lion Sprang furious on his prey, her speedier power Outran
his
haste, And fixed in that fierce attitude he stand
was rich in flocks and herds and had no neighbor or rival to dispute
his
state. But his chief pride was in his gardens, wh
ocks and herds and had no neighbor or rival to dispute his state. But
his
chief pride was in his gardens, whose fruit was o
no neighbor or rival to dispute his state. But his chief pride was in
his
gardens, whose fruit was of gold, hanging from go
prophecy had warned him that a son of Jove should one day rob him of
his
golden apples. So he answered, “Begone! or neithe
alue my friendship so little, deign to accept a present;” and turning
his
face away, he held up the Gorgon’s head. Atlas, w
turning his face away, he held up the Gorgon’s head. Atlas, with all
his
bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair
his bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair became forests,
his
arms and shoulders cliffs, his head a summit, and
ne. His beard and hair became forests, his arms and shoulders cliffs,
his
head a summit, and his bones rocks. Each part inc
became forests, his arms and shoulders cliffs, his head a summit, and
his
bones rocks. Each part increased in bulk till he
ch was the pleasure of the gods) heaven with all its stars rests upon
his
shoulders. The Sea-Monster. Perseus, con
sts upon his shoulders. The Sea-Monster. Perseus, continuing
his
flight, arrived at the country of the Æthiopians,
the country of the Æthiopians, of which Cepheus was king. Cassiopeia
his
queen, proud of her beauty, had dared to compare
To appease the deities, Cepheus was directed by the oracle to expose
his
daughter Andromeda to be devoured by the monster.
Andromeda to be devoured by the monster. As Perseus looked down from
his
aerial height he beheld the virgin chained to a r
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,
e could, would have hid her face with her hands; but when he repeated
his
questions, for fear she might be thought guilty o
ound was heard off upon the water, and the sea-monster appeared, with
his
head raised above the surface, cleaving the waves
ared, with his head raised above the surface, cleaving the waves with
his
broad breast. The virgin shrieked, the father and
a sudden bound the youth soared into the air. As an eagle, when from
his
lofty flight he sees a serpent basking in the sun
unces upon him and seizes him by the neck to prevent him from turning
his
head round and using his fangs, so the youth dart
him by the neck to prevent him from turning his head round and using
his
fangs, so the youth darted down upon the back of
gs, so the youth darted down upon the back of the monster and plunged
his
sword into its shoulder. Irritated by the wound,
tly from side to side, while the youth eluded its attacks by means of
his
wings. Wherever he can find a passage for his swo
its attacks by means of his wings. Wherever he can find a passage for
his
sword between the scales he makes a wound, pierci
, now the flank, as it slopes towards the tail. The brute spouts from
his
nostrils water mixed with blood. The wings of the
t least so Milton seems to have thought, who alludes to this story in
his
Penseroso, where he addresses Melancholy as the
ike clamor, and Phineus, the betrothed of the virgin, with a party of
his
adherents, burst in, demanding the maiden as his
gin, with a party of his adherents, burst in, demanding the maiden as
his
own. It was in vain that Cepheus remonstrated, —
, as death itself would have done.” Phineus made no reply, but hurled
his
javelin at Perseus, but it missed its mark and fe
, but it missed its mark and fell harmless. Perseus would have thrown
his
in turn, but the cowardly assailant ran and took
but the cowardly assailant ran and took shelter behind the altar. But
his
act was a signal for an onset by his band upon th
ok shelter behind the altar. But his act was a signal for an onset by
his
band upon the guests of Cepheus. They defended th
s guiltless of this outrage on the rights of hospitality. Perseus and
his
friends maintained for some time the unequal cont
loud voice he exclaimed, “If I have any friend here let him turn away
his
eyes!” and held aloft the Gorgon’s head. “Seek no
ek not to frighten us with your jugglery,” said Thescelus, and raised
his
javelin in act to throw, and became stone in the
row, and became stone in the very attitude. Ampyx was about to plunge
his
sword into the body of a prostrate foe, but his a
x was about to plunge his sword into the body of a prostrate foe, but
his
arm stiffened and he could neither thrust forward
ithdraw it. Another, in the midst of a vociferous challenge, stopped,
his
mouth open, but no sound issuing. One of Perseus’
t of the Gorgon and stiffened like the rest. Astyages struck him with
his
sword, but instead of wounding, it recoiled with
recoiled with a ringing noise. Phineus beheld this dreadful result of
his
unjust aggression, and felt confounded. He called
ult of his unjust aggression, and felt confounded. He called aloud to
his
friends, but got no answer; he touched them and f
, but got no answer; he touched them and found them stone. Falling on
his
knees and stretching out his hands to Perseus, bu
ed them and found them stone. Falling on his knees and stretching out
his
hands to Perseus, but turning his head away he be
ing on his knees and stretching out his hands to Perseus, but turning
his
head away he begged for mercy. “Take all,” said h
ere Phineus was looking, and in the very form in which he knelt, with
his
hands outstretched and face averted, he became fi
d Perseus in stern tranquillity of wrath, Half stood, half floated on
his
ankle-plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face
lf floated on his ankle-plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on
his
shield Looked into stone the raging fray; so rose
e, But with no magic arms, wearing alone Th’ appalling and control of
his
firm look, The Briton Samor; at his rising awe We
lone Th’ appalling and control of his firm look, The Briton Samor; at
his
rising awe Went abroad, and the riotous hall was
ubdued by thunderbolts, which Minerva invented, and taught Vulcan and
his
Cyclopes to make for Jupiter. The Sphinx. L
ius, king of Thebes, was warned by an oracle that there was danger to
his
throne and life if his new-born son should be suf
s warned by an oracle that there was danger to his throne and life if
his
new-born son should be suffered to grow up. He th
this condition the infant was found by a peasant, who carried him to
his
master and mistress, by whom he was adopted and c
called Œdipus, or Swollen-foot. Many years afterwards Laius being on
his
way to Delphi, accompanied only by one attendant,
ndant, met in a narrow road a young man also driving in a chariot. On
his
refusal to leave the way at their command the att
refusal to leave the way at their command the attendant killed one of
his
horses, and the stranger, filled with rage, slew
f his horses, and the stranger, filled with rage, slew both Laius and
his
attendant. The young man was Œdipus, who thus unk
. The young man was Œdipus, who thus unknowingly became the slayer of
his
own father. Shortly after this event the city of
king, giving him in marriage their queen Jocasta. Œdipus, ignorant of
his
parentage, had already become the slayer of his f
. Œdipus, ignorant of his parentage, had already become the slayer of
his
father; in marrying the queen he became the husba
slayer of his father; in marrying the queen he became the husband of
his
mother. These horrors remained undiscovered, till
put an end to her own life, and Œdipus, seized with madness, tore out
his
eyes and wandered away from Thebes, dreaded and a
es and wandered away from Thebes, dreaded and abandoned by all except
his
daughters, who faithfully adhered to him, till af
a tedious period of miserable wandering, he found the termination of
his
wretched life. Pegasus and the Chimæra. Whe
Hippocrene, on the Muses’ mountain Helicon, was opened by a kick from
his
hoof. The Chimæra was a fearful monster, breathin
es, sought for some hero to destroy it. At that time there arrived at
his
court a gallant young warrior, whose name was Bel
t terms as an unconquerable hero, but added at the close a request to
his
father-in-law to put him to death. The reason was
death. The reason was that Prœtus was jealous of him, suspecting that
his
wife Antea looked with too much admiration on the
. From this instance of Bellerophon being unconsciously the bearer of
his
own death warrant, the expression “Bellerophontic
t willing to violate the claims of hospitality, yet wishing to oblige
his
son-in-law. A lucky thought occurred to him, to s
im and gave him a golden bridle. When he awoke the bridle remained in
his
hand. Minerva also showed him Pegasus drinking at
f the Chimæra Bellerophon was exposed to further trials and labors by
his
unfriendly host, but by the aid of Pegasus he tri
es, seeing that the hero was a special favorite of the gods, gave him
his
daughter in marriage and made him his successor o
favorite of the gods, gave him his daughter in marriage and made him
his
successor on the throne. At last Bellerophon by h
iage and made him his successor on the throne. At last Bellerophon by
his
pride and presumption drew upon himself the anger
er of the gods; it is said he even attempted to fly up into heaven on
his
winged steed, but Jupiter sent a gadfly which stu
eed, but Jupiter sent a gadfly which stung Pegasus and made him throw
his
rider, who became lame and blind in consequence.
ian field I fall, Erroneous there to wander and forlorn.” Young, in
his
Night Thoughts, speaking of the sceptic, says: —
erophon, like thee His own indictment, he condemns himself. Who reads
his
bosom reads immortal life, Or nature there, impos
ys been at the service of the poets. Schiller tells a pretty story of
his
having been sold by a needy poet and put to the c
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
stepped forth and asked leave to try him As soon as he was seated on
his
back the horse, which had appeared at first vicio
spirit-broken, rose kingly, a spirit, a god, unfolded the splendor of
his
wings, and soared towards heaven. Our own poet Lo
own poet Longfellow also records an adventure of this famous steed in
his
Pegasus in Pound. Shakspere alludes to Pegasus
IV. where Vernon describes Prince Henry: — “I saw young Harry, with
his
beaver on, His cuishes on his thighs, gallantly a
ince Henry: — “I saw young Harry, with his beaver on, His cuishes on
his
thighs, gallantly armed, Rise from the ground lik
om the ground like feathered Mercury, And vaulted with such ease into
his
seat, As if an angel dropped down from the clouds
horse. The ancients were too fond of a horse to consider the union of
his
nature with man’s as forming a very degraded comp
attempted to offer violence to the bride; the other Centaurs followed
his
example, and a dreadful conflict arose in which s
hous. Chiron was instructed by Apollo and Diana, and was renowned for
his
skill in hunting, medicine, music, and the art of
art of prophecy. The most distinguished heroes of Grecian story were
his
pupils. Among the rest the infant — Æsculapius wa
e his pupils. Among the rest the infant — Æsculapius was intrusted to
his
charge by Apollo, his father. When the sage retur
e rest the infant — Æsculapius was intrusted to his charge by Apollo,
his
father. When the sage returned to his home bearin
rusted to his charge by Apollo, his father. When the sage returned to
his
home bearing the infant, his daughter Ocyroe came
o, his father. When the sage returned to his home bearing the infant,
his
daughter Ocyroe came forth to meet him, and at si
d in restoring the dead to life. Pluto resented this, and Jupiter, at
his
request, struck the bold physician with lightning
, struck the bold physician with lightning, and killed him, but after
his
death received him into the number of the gods. C
e gods. Chiron was the wisest and justest of all the Centaurs, and at
his
death Jupiter placed him among the stars as the c
, awaking, laughed at the little warriors, wrapped some of them up in
his
lion’s skin, and carried them to Eurystheus. M
course; they on their mirth and dance Intent, with jocund music charm
his
ear. At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds
ce Intent, with jocund music charm his ear. At once with joy and fear
his
heart rebounds.” The Griffin, or Gryphon.
hill and moory dale, Pursues the Arimaspian who by stealth Hath from
his
wakeful custody purloined His guarded gold,” etc.
children, a boy and a girl. After a time Athamas grew indifferent to
his
wife, put her away, and took another. Nephele sus
a place of safety. The ram vaulted into the air with the children on
his
back, taking his course to the East, till when cr
y. The ram vaulted into the air with the children on his back, taking
his
course to the East, till when crossing the strait
at divides Europe and Asia, the girl, whose name was Helle, fell from
his
back into the sea, which from her was called the
r was called the Hellespont, — now the Dardanelles. The ram continued
his
career till he reached the kingdom of Colchis, on
in Thessaly near to that of Athamas, and ruled over by a relative of
his
. The king Æson, being tired of the cares of gover
s. The king Æson, being tired of the cares of government, surrendered
his
crown to his brother Pelias on condition that he
son, being tired of the cares of government, surrendered his crown to
his
brother Pelias on condition that he should hold i
on of Æson. When Jason was grown up and came to demand the crown from
his
uncle, Pelias pretended to be willing to yield it
, and the vessel named Argo, from the name of the builder. Jason sent
his
invitation to all the adventurous young men of Gr
nd passed in safety, only losing some feathers of her tail. Jason and
his
men seized the favorable moment of the rebound, p
nd of the sea, and landed at the kingdom of Colchis. Jason made known
his
message to the Colchian king, Æetes, who consente
r making the experiment. Previously, however, he found means to plead
his
cause to Medea, daughter of the king. He promised
they stood before the altar of Hecate, called the goddess to witness
his
oath. Medea yielded, and by her aid, for she was
nted, the people assembled at the grove of Mars, and the king assumed
his
royal seat, while the multitude covered the hill-
old him. Regardless of the burning breath, he soothed their rage with
his
voice, patted their necks with fearless hand, and
to use it, Medea herself, grew pale with fear. Jason for a time kept
his
assailants at bay with his sword and shield, till
grew pale with fear. Jason for a time kept his assailants at bay with
his
sword and shield, till, finding their numbers ove
ich Medea had taught him, seized a stone and threw it in the midst of
his
foes. They immediately turned their arms against
ps of a preparation which Medea had supplied. At the smell he relaxed
his
rage, stood for a moment motionless, then shut th
nd eyes, that had never been known to shut before, and turned over on
his
side, fast asleep. Jason seized the fleece and wi
urned over on his side, fast asleep. Jason seized the fleece and with
his
friends and Medea accompanying, hastened to their
this, and the incident of the dove is another confirmation. Pope, in
his
Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day, thus celebrates the lau
bold vessel dared the seas, High on the stern the Thracian raised
his
strain, While Argo saw her kindred trees Desc
hold of and kept by the nymphs of the spring, who were fascinated by
his
beauty. Hercules went in quest of the lad, and wh
hile he was absent the Argo put to sea and left him. Moore, in one of
his
songs, makes a beautiful allusion to this inciden
s a beautiful allusion to this incident: — “When Hylas was sent with
his
urn to the fount, Through fields full of ligh
play, Light rambled the boy over meadow and mount, And neglected
his
task for the flowers in the way. “Thus many like
Fleece, Jason felt that one thing was wanting, the presence of Æson,
his
father, who was prevented by his age and infirmit
g was wanting, the presence of Æson, his father, who was prevented by
his
age and infirmities from taking part in them. Jas
plied, “Not at such a cost shall it be done, but if my art avails me,
his
life shall be lengthened without abridging yours.
ack sheep, pouring libations of milk and wine. She implored Pluto and
his
stolen bride that they would not hasten to take t
at all was ready, Medea cut the throat of the old man and let out all
his
blood, and poured into his mouth and into his wou
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 caldro
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 ha
the juices of her caldron. As soon as he had completely imbibed them,
his
hair and beard laid by their whiteness and assume
and beard laid by their whiteness and assumed the blackness of youth;
his
paleness and emaciation were gone; his veins were
ssumed the blackness of youth; his paleness and emaciation were gone;
his
veins were full of blood, his limbs of vigor and
his paleness and emaciation were gone; his veins were full of blood,
his
limbs of vigor and robustness. Æson is amazed at
is amazed at himself, and remembers that such as he now is, he was in
his
youthful days, forty years before. Medea used her
l recollect, was the usurping uncle of Jason, and had kept him out of
his
kingdom. Yet he must have had some good qualities
him out of his kingdom. Yet he must have had some good qualities, for
his
daughters loved him, and when they saw what Medea
ith the sisters entered the bed chamber of the old king, while he and
his
guards slept soundly under the influence of a spe
ng random blows, they smote him with their weapons. He, starting from
his
sleep, cried out, “My daughters, what are you doi
ll from their hands, but Medea struck him a fatal blow, and prevented
his
saying more. Then they placed him in the caldron,
to marry Creusa, princess of Corinth, put away Medea. She, enraged at
his
ingratitude, called on the gods for vengeance, se
Æetes gaining upon the Argonauts, she caused the lad to be killed and
his
limbs to be strewn over the sea. Æetes on reachin
the sea. Æetes on reaching the place found these sorrowful traces of
his
murdered son; but while he tarried to collect the
s taken advantage of the occasion to pay a glowing tribute to Athens,
his
native city. It begins thus: — “O haggard queen!
f Greece to join in a bold hunt for the ravenous monster. Theseus and
his
friend Pirithous, Jason, Peleus, afterwards the f
chilles, Telamon the father of Ajax, Nestor, then a youth, but who in
his
age bore arms with Achilles and Ajax in the Troja
ground. Here the boar, as he lay among the reeds, heard the shouts of
his
pursuers, and rushed forth against them. One and
against them. One and another is thrown down and slain. Jason throws
his
spear, with a prayer to Diana for success; and th
us, excited to envy by the praise given to a female, loudly proclaims
his
own valor, and defies alike the boar and the godd
the infuriated beast lays him low with a mortal wound. Theseus throws
his
lance, but it is turned aside by a projecting bou
f their own dogs. But Meleager, after one unsuccessful stroke, drives
his
spear into the monster’s side, then rushes on and
rom those around; they congratulated the conqueror, crowding to touch
his
hand. He, placing his foot upon the head of the s
congratulated the conqueror, crowding to touch his hand. He, placing
his
foot upon the head of the slain boar, turned to A
estowed on her the head and the rough hide which were the trophies of
his
success. But at this, envy excited the rest to st
fered to her whom he loved, forgot the claims of kindred, and plunged
his
sword into the offenders’ hearts. As Althea bore
sacrifice I bring! Crime must atone for crime. Shall Œneus rejoice in
his
victor son, while the house of Thestius is desola
mourns only that he perishes by a bloodless and unhonored death. With
his
last breath he calls upon his aged father, his br
y a bloodless and unhonored death. With his last breath he calls upon
his
aged father, his brother, and his fond sisters, u
unhonored death. With his last breath he calls upon his aged father,
his
brother, and his fond sisters, upon his beloved A
With his last breath he calls upon his aged father, his brother, and
his
fond sisters, upon his beloved Atalanta, and upon
e calls upon his aged father, his brother, and his fond sisters, upon
his
beloved Atalanta, and upon his mother, the unknow
is brother, and his fond sisters, upon his beloved Atalanta, and upon
his
mother, the unknown cause of his fate. The flames
upon his beloved Atalanta, and upon his mother, the unknown cause of
his
fate. The flames increase, and with them the pain
d he. But when he saw her lay aside her robe for the race, he changed
his
mind, and said, “Pardon me, youths, I knew not th
ith envy of any one that seemed at all likely to win. While such were
his
thoughts, the virgin darted forward. As she ran s
o death without mercy. Hippomenes, not daunted by this result, fixing
his
eyes on the virgin, said, “Why boast of beating t
one so young and handsome to throw himself away? I pity him, not for
his
beauty (yet he is beautiful,) but for his youth.
f 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
youth or the maiden heard these cries with the greater pleasure. But
his
breath began to fail him, his throat was dry, the
se cries with the greater pleasure. But his breath began to fail him,
his
throat was dry, the goal yet far off. At that mom
n aside for it. She did so, and was vanquished. The youth carried off
his
prize. But the lovers were so full of their own h
her husband by mortal mothers, she declared war against Hercules from
his
birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he
les from his birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he lay in
his
cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them
s he lay in his cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them with
his
own hands. He was, however, by the arts of Juno r
s of Juno rendered subject to Eurystheus and compelled to perform all
his
commands. Eurystheus enjoined upon him a successi
d Hercules to bring him the skin of this monster. After using in vain
his
club and arrows against the lion, Hercules strang
club and arrows against the lion, Hercules strangled the animal with
his
hands. He returned carrying the dead lion on his
gled the animal with his hands. He returned carrying the dead lion on
his
shoulders; but Eurystheus was so frightened at th
s strength of the hero, that he ordered him to deliver the account of
his
exploits in future outside the town. His next lab
that Neptune, who loved her, had permitted her to touch the rock with
his
trident, and a spring of three outlets burst fort
nt, and a spring of three outlets burst forth. Here the Hydra took up
his
position, and Hercules was sent to destroy him. T
which the middle one was immortal. Hercules struck off its heads with
his
club, but in the place of the head knocked off, t
, two new ones grew forth each time. At length with the assistance of
his
faithful servant Iolaus, he burned away the heads
where he raised the two mountains of Calpe and Abyla, as monuments of
his
progress, or, according to another account, rent
Pillars of Hercules. The oxen were guarded by the giant Eurytion and
his
two-headed dog, but Hercules killed the giant and
nt Eurytion and his two-headed dog, but Hercules killed the giant and
his
dog and brought away the oxen in safety to Euryst
the gods, and after they were subdued, Atlas was condemned to bear on
his
shoulders the weight of the heavens. He was the f
ind 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? H
or bear up the heavens while he was gone? Hercules took the burden on
his
own shoulders, and sent Atlas to seek the apples.
apples. He returned with them, and though somewhat reluctantly, took
his
burden upon his shoulders again, and let Hercules
rned with them, and though somewhat reluctantly, took his burden upon
his
shoulders again, and let Hercules return with the
in, and let Hercules return with the apples to Eurystheus. Milton in
his
Comus makes the Hesperides the daughters of Hespe
nieces of Atlas: — “—— amidst the gardens fair Of Hesperus and
his
daughters three, That sing about the golden tree.
d heard some obscure accounts. A celebrated exploit of Hercules was
his
victory over Antæus. Antæus, the son of Terra, th
whose strength was invincible so long as he remained in contact with
his
mother Earth. He compelled all strangers who came
contact with his mother Earth. He compelled all strangers who came to
his
country to wrestle with him, on condition that if
here they had been driven, he dragged them backward by their tails to
his
cave; so their tracks all seemed to show that the
ercules was deceived by this stratagem, and would have failed to find
his
oxen, if it had not happened that in driving the
back again. When he was in Hades he obtained the liberty of Theseus,
his
admirer and imitator, who had been detained a pri
attempt to carry off Proserpine. Hercules in a fit of madness killed
his
friend Iphitus, and was condemned for this offenc
spinning wool with the hand-maidens of Omphale, while the queen wore
his
lion’s skin. When this service was ended he marri
peace with her three years. On one occasion as he was travelling with
his
wife, they came to a river, across which the Cent
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
nd before long fancied she had occasion to use it. Hercules in one of
his
conquests had taken prisoner a fair maiden, named
. 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
t 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. Dej
nt became warm on the body of Hercules the poison penetrated into all
his
limbs and caused him the most intense agony. In h
netrated into all his limbs and caused him the most intense agony. In
his
frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the
hurled him into the sea. He wrenched off the garment, but it stuck to
his
flesh, and with it he tore away whole pieces of h
, but it stuck to his flesh, and with it he tore away whole pieces of
his
body. In this state he embarked on board a ship a
die, ascended Mount Œta, where he built a funeral pile of trees, gave
his
bow and arrows to Philoctetes, and laid himself d
his bow and arrows to Philoctetes, and laid himself down on the pile,
his
head resting on his club, and his lion’s skin spr
o Philoctetes, and laid himself down on the pile, his head resting on
his
club, and his lion’s skin spread over him. With a
and laid himself down on the pile, his head resting on his club, and
his
lion’s skin spread over him. With a countenance a
in spread over him. With a countenance as serene as if he were taking
his
place at a festal board he commanded Philoctetes
elves felt troubled at seeing the champion of the earth so brought to
his
end. But Jupiter with cheerful countenance thus a
son enjoys your favor. For although your interest in him arises from
his
noble deeds, yet it is not the less gratifying to
be conquered by those flames which you see blazing on Mount Œta. Only
his
mother’s share in him can perish; what he derived
quire 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
k him up in a four-horse chariot to dwell among the stars. As he took
his
place in heaven, Atlas felt the added weight. Jun
ave him her daughter Hebe in marriage. The poet Schiller, in one of
his
pieces called the Ideal and Life, illustrates the
ed; Slew the Hydra, crushed the lion’s might, Threw himself, to bring
his
friend to light, Living, in the skiff that bears
l of earth Juno’s hatred on him could impose, Well he bore them, from
his
fated birth To life’s grandly mournful close. “T
eath. High Olympus gives harmonious greeting To the hall where reigns
his
sire adored; Youth’s bright goddess, with a blush
statement which our countryman Crawford, the sculptor, has adopted in
his
group of Hebe and Ganymede, now in the Athenæum g
in the disguise of an eagle, seized and carried off from the midst of
his
playfellows on Mount Ida, bore up to heaven, and
bore up to heaven, and installed in the vacant place. Tennyson, in
his
Palace of Art, describes among the decorations on
a picture representing this legend: — “There, too, flushed Ganymede,
his
rosy thigh Half buried in the eagle’s down, S
ove the pillared town.” And in Shelley’s Prometheus Jupiter calls to
his
cup-bearer thus: — “Pour forth heaven’s wine, Id
en arrived at manhood was to proceed to Athens and present himself to
his
father. Ægeus on parting from Æthra, before the b
mself to his father. Ægeus on parting from Æthra, before the birth of
his
son, placed his sword and shoes under a large sto
her. Ægeus on parting from Æthra, before the birth of his son, placed
his
sword and shoes under a large stone and directed
aced his sword and shoes under a large stone and directed her to send
his
son to him when he became strong enough to roll a
tone and take them from under it. When she thought the time had come,
his
mother led Theseus to the stone, and he removed i
nd took the sword and shoes. As the roads were infested with robbers,
his
grandfather pressed him earnestly to take the sho
randfather pressed him earnestly to take the shorter and safer way to
his
father’s country — by sea; but the youth, feeling
went armed with a club of iron, and all travellers stood in terror of
his
violence. When he saw Theseus approach he assaile
dily fell beneath the blows of the young hero, who took possession of
his
club and bore it ever afterwards as a memorial of
k possession of his club and bore it ever afterwards as a memorial of
his
first victory. Several similar contests with the
n iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all travellers who fell into
his
hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he stre
f her influence with her husband if Theseus should be acknowledged as
his
son, she filled the mind of Ægeus with suspicions
orward to take it, the sight of the sword which he wore discovered to
his
father who he was, and prevented the fatal draugh
called Media received its name from her, Theseus was acknowledged by
his
father, and declared his successor. The Athenians
s name from her, Theseus was acknowledged by his father, and declared
his
successor. The Athenians were at that time in dee
lly contrived that whoever was enclosed in it could by no means, find
his
way out unassisted. Here the Minotaur roamed, and
r roamed, and was fed with human victims. Theseus resolved to deliver
his
countrymen from this calamity, or to die in the a
offered himself as one of the victims, in spite of the entreaties of
his
father. The ship departed under black sails, as u
The ship departed under black sails, as usual, which Theseus promised
his
father to change for white, in case of his return
al, which Theseus promised his father to change for white, in case of
his
returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete,
ounter the Minotaur, and with a clew of thread by which he might find
his
way out of the labyrinth. He was successful, slew
r, escaped from the labyrinth, and taking Ariadne as the companion of
his
way, with his rescued companions sailed for Athen
m the labyrinth, and taking Ariadne as the companion of his way, with
his
rescued companions sailed for Athens. On their wa
ne, leaving her asleep.13 His excuse for this ungrateful treatment of
his
benefactress was that Minerva appeared to him in
proaching the coast of Attica, Theseus forgot the signal appointed by
his
father, and neglected to raise the white sails, a
r, and neglected to raise the white sails, and the old king, thinking
his
son had perished, put an end to his own life. The
sails, and the old king, thinking his son had perished, put an end to
his
own life. Theseus thus became king of Athens. One
of Athens. One of the most celebrated of the adventures of Theseus is
his
expedition against the Amazons. He assailed them
Pirithous beheld him, he was seized with admiration; he stretched out
his
hand as a token of peace, and cried, “Be judge th
Each of them aspired to espouse a daughter of Jupiter. Theseus fixed
his
choice on Helen, then but a child, afterwards so
rds so celebrated as the cause of the Trojan war, and with the aid of
his
friend he carried her off. Pirithous aspired to t
eseus, though aware of the danger, accompanied the ambitious lover in
his
descent to the under-world. But Pluto seized and
he under-world. But Pluto seized and set them on an enchanted rock at
his
palace gate, where they remained till Hercules ar
ned till Hercules arrived and liberated Theseus, leaving Pirithous to
his
fate. After the death of Antiope, Theseus married
he son of Theseus, a youth endowed with all the graces and virtues of
his
father, and of an age corresponding to her own. S
r influence over her infatuated husband to cause him to be jealous of
his
son, and he imprecated the vengeance of Neptune u
the vengeance of Neptune upon him. As Hippolytus was one day driving
his
chariot along the shore, a sea-monster raised him
pius restored him to life. Diana removed Hippolytus from the power of
his
deluded father and false step-mother, and placed
e protection of the nymph Egeria. Theseus at length lost the favor of
his
people, and retired to the court of Lycomedes, ki
In a later age the Athenian general Cimon discovered the place where
his
remains were laid, and caused them to be removed
nt Greek tradition that the “Shade of Theseus” appeared strengthening
his
countrymen at the battle of Marathon. Theseus is
e favor of the king, and was shut up in a tower. He contrived to make
his
escape from his prison, but could not leave the i
ing, and was shut up in a tower. He contrived to make his escape from
his
prison, but could not leave the island by sea, as
l try that way.” So he set to work to fabricate wings for himself and
his
young son Icarus. He wrought feathers together, b
nd had blown away, and then handling the wax and working it over with
his
fingers, by his play impeding his father in his l
y, and then handling the wax and working it over with his fingers, by
his
play impeding his father in his labors. When at l
ng the wax and working it over with his fingers, by his play impeding
his
father in his labors. When at last the work was d
working it over with his fingers, by his play impeding his father in
his
labors. When at last the work was done, the artis
her in his labors. When at last the work was done, the artist, waving
his
wings, found himself buoyed upwards and hung susp
d hung suspended, poising himself on the beaten air. He next equipped
his
son in the same manner, and taught him how to fly
e safe.” While he gave him these instructions and fitted the wings to
his
shoulders, the face of the father was wet with te
ings to his shoulders, the face of the father was wet with tears, and
his
hands trembled. He kissed the boy, not knowing th
ed the boy, not knowing that it was for the last time. Then rising on
his
wings, he flew off, encouraging him to follow, an
s wings, he flew off, encouraging him to follow, and looked back from
his
own flight to see how his son managed his wings.
uraging him to follow, and looked back from his own flight to see how
his
son managed his wings. As they flew the ploughman
ollow, and looked back from his own flight to see how his son managed
his
wings. As they flew the ploughman stopped his wor
see how his son managed his wings. As they flew the ploughman stopped
his
work to gaze, and the shepherd leaned on his staf
ew the ploughman stopped his work to gaze, and the shepherd leaned on
his
staff and watched them, astonished at the sight,
los on the left and Lebynthos on the right, when the boy, exulting in
his
career, began to leave the guidance of his compan
when the boy, exulting in his career, began to leave the guidance of
his
companion and soar upward as if to reach heaven.
hich held the feathers together, and they came off. He fluttered with
his
arms, but no feathers remained to hold the air. W
ttered with his arms, but no feathers remained to hold the air. While
his
mouth uttered cries to his father it was submerge
o feathers remained to hold the air. While his mouth uttered cries to
his
father it was submerged in the blue waters of the
merged in the blue waters of the sea, which thenceforth was called by
his
name. His father cried, “Icarus, Icarus, where ar
ast he saw the feathers floating on the water, and bitterly lamenting
his
own arts, he buried the body and called the land
own arts, he buried the body and called the land Icaria in memory of
his
child. Dædalus arrived safe in Sicily, where he b
rrived safe in Sicily, where he built a temple to Apollo, and hung up
his
wings, an offering to the god. Dædalus was so pro
nd hung up his wings, an offering to the god. Dædalus was so proud of
his
achievements that he could not bear the idea of a
bear the idea of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix under
his
charge to be taught the mechanical arts. He was a
e other ends, and made a pair of compasses. Dædalus was so envious of
his
nephew’s performances that he took an opportunity
off. But Minerva, who favors ingenuity, saw him falling, and arrested
his
fate by changing him into a bird called after his
lling, and arrested his fate by changing him into a bird called after
his
name, the Partridge. This bird does not build his
a bird called after his name, the Partridge. This bird does not build
his
nest in the trees, nor take lofty flights, but ne
es, nor take lofty flights, but nestles in the hedges, and mindful of
his
fall, avoids high places. The death of Icarus i
scattered plumage danced upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereids decked
his
watery grave; O’er his pale corse their pearly se
ed upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereids decked his watery grave; O’er
his
pale corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And str
le corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And strewed with crimson moss
his
marble bed; Struck in their coral towers the pass
ruck in their coral towers the passing bell, And wide in ocean tolled
his
echoing knell.” Castor and Pollux. Castor
ds as the cause of the Trojan war, was their sister. When Theseus and
his
friend Pirithous had carried off Helen from Spart
orm arose, and Orpheus prayed to the Samothracian gods, and played on
his
harp, whereupon the storm ceased and stars appear
d Lynceus. Castor was slain, and Pollux, inconsolable for the loss of
his
brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give
for the loss of his brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give
his
own life as a ransom for him. Jupiter so far cons
rected in their honor on the spot where they appeared. Macaulay in
his
Lays of Ancient Rome thus alludes to the legend:
the hour of fight Hath seen the great Twin Brethren In harness on
his
right. Safe comes the ship to haven, Through
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
e experiment. She asks a favor, without naming what it is. Jove gives
his
promise, and confirms it with the irrevocable oat
was too quick for him. The words escaped, and he could neither unsay
his
promise nor her request. In deep distress he left
ft her and returned to the upper regions. There he clothed himself in
his
splendors, not putting on all his terrors, as whe
egions. There he clothed himself in his splendors, not putting on all
his
terrors, as when he overthrew the giants, but wha
as when he overthrew the giants, but what is known among the gods as
his
lesser panoply. Arrayed in this, he entered the c
nt Bacchus and gave him in charge to the Nisæan nymphs, who nourished
his
infancy and childhood, and for their care were re
ching the people the cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of
his
wanderings is his expedition to India, which is s
he cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of his wanderings is
his
expedition to India, which is said to have lasted
lasted several years. Returning in triumph, he undertook to introduce
his
worship into Greece, but was opposed by some prin
unt of the disorders and madness it brought with it. As he approached
his
native city Thebes, Pentheus the king, who had no
iefly the latter, young and old, poured forth to meet him and to join
his
triumphal march. Mr. Longfellow in his Drinkin
rth to meet him and to join his triumphal march. Mr. Longfellow in
his
Drinking Song thus describes the march of Bacchus
in Pentheus remonstrated, commanded, and threatened. “Go,” said he to
his
attendants, “seize this vagabond leader of the ro
leader of the rout and bring him to me. I will soon make him confess
his
false claim of heavenly parentage and renounce hi
n make him confess his false claim of heavenly parentage and renounce
his
counterfeit worship.” It was in vain his nearest
venly parentage and renounce his counterfeit worship.” It was in vain
his
nearest friends and wisest counsellors remonstrat
chanals, but had succeeded in taking one of them prisoner, whom, with
his
hands tied behind him, they brought before the ki
a king’s son, and they might get a liberal ransom for him. I observed
his
dress, his walk, his face. There was something in
n, and they might get a liberal ransom for him. I observed his dress,
his
walk, his face. There was something in them which
y might get a liberal ransom for him. I observed his dress, his walk,
his
face. There was something in them which I felt su
oved the deed. “Then Bacchus (for it was indeed he) as if shaking off
his
drowsiness exclaimed, ‘What are you doing with me
all around. The god himself had a chaplet of vine leaves, and bore in
his
hand a spear wreathed with ivy. Tigers crouched a
s, and bore in his hand a spear wreathed with ivy. Tigers crouched at
his
feet, and forms of lynxes and spotted panthers pl
crooked tail. One exclaimed, ‘What miracle is this!’ and as he spoke
his
mouth widened, his nostrils expanded, and scales
exclaimed, ‘What miracle is this!’ and as he spoke his mouth widened,
his
nostrils expanded, and scales covered all his bod
poke his mouth widened, his nostrils expanded, and scales covered all
his
body. Another, endeavoring to pull the oar, felt
ales covered all his body. Another, endeavoring to pull the oar, felt
his
hands shrink up and presently to be no longer han
nd presently to be no longer hands but fins; another, trying to raise
his
arms to a rope, found he had no arms, and curving
trying to raise his arms to a rope, found he had no arms, and curving
his
mutilated body, jumped into the sea. What had bee
s, and curving his mutilated body, jumped into the sea. What had been
his
legs became the two ends of a crescent-shaped tai
e prison doors came open of their own accord and the chains fell from
his
limbs, and when they looked for him he was nowher
ood and reached an open space where the chief scene of the orgies met
his
eyes. At the same moment the women saw him; and f
his eyes. At the same moment the women saw him; and first among them
his
own mother, Agave, blinded by the god, cried out,
he now talks less arrogantly, now excuses himself, and now confesses
his
crime and implores pardon, they press upon him an
plores pardon, they press upon him and wound him. In vain he cries to
his
aunts to protect him from his mother. Autonoë sei
him and wound him. In vain he cries to his aunts to protect him from
his
mother. Autonoë seized one arm, Ino the other, an
one arm, Ino the other, and between them he was torn to pieces, while
his
mother shouted, “Victory! Victory! we have done i
Circe, The daughter of the Sun? whose charmed cup Whoever tasted lost
his
upright shape, And downward fell into a grovellin
Naxos and was left there asleep, while the ungrateful Theseus pursued
his
way home without her. Ariadne, on waking and find
sat lamenting her fate, Bacchus found her, consoled her, and made her
his
wife. As a marriage present he gave her a golden
enser alludes to Ariadne’s crown, though he has made some mistakes in
his
mythology. It was at the wedding of Pirithous, an
e Upon her ivory forehead that same day That Theseus her unto
his
bridal bore, Then the bold Centaurs made that
e instance of Erisichthon, which we are about to record. Milton in
his
glowing description of the early creation, thus a
; Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea, And hear old Triton blow
his
wreathed horn.” Schiller, in his poem Die Gotte
the sea, And hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.” Schiller, in
his
poem Die Gotter Griechenlands, expresses his regr
ed horn.” Schiller, in his poem Die Gotter Griechenlands, expresses
his
regret for the overthrow of the beautiful mytholo
everal deities were sent wandering in cold and darkness. So Milton in
his
Hymn to the Nativity: — “The lonely mountains o’
that, Erisichthon saw no reason why he should spare it and he ordered
his
servants to cut it down. When he saw them hesitat
against him the weapon which he had held aside from the tree, gashed
his
body with many wounds, and cut off his head. Then
ld 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
hands forewarn you that punishment awaits you.” He desisted not from
his
crime, and at last the tree, sundered by repeated
ith her wings and breathed herself into him, infusing her poison into
his
veins. Having discharged her task, she hastened t
nd returned to her accustomed haunts. Erisichthon still slept, and in
his
dreams craved food, and moved his jaws as if eati
ts. Erisichthon still slept, and in his dreams craved food, and moved
his
jaws as if eating. When he awoke, his hunger was
s dreams craved food, and moved his jaws as if eating. When he awoke,
his
hunger was raging. Without a moment’s delay he wo
more. His property rapidly diminished under the unceasing demands of
his
appetite, but his hunger continued unabated. At l
y rapidly diminished under the unceasing demands of his appetite, but
his
hunger continued unabated. At length he had spent
is hunger continued unabated. At length he had spent all and had only
his
daughter left, a daughter worthy of a better pare
e heard her prayer, and though her new master was not far off and had
his
eye upon her a moment before, Neptune changed her
tune changed her form and made her assume that of a fisherman busy at
his
occupation. Her master, looking for her and seein
self to have been hereabouts for some time.” He was deceived and went
his
way, thinking his slave had escaped. Then she res
hereabouts for some time.” He was deceived and went his way, thinking
his
slave had escaped. Then she resumed her own form.
his base method the starving father procured food; but not enough for
his
wants, and at last hunger compelled him to devour
not enough for his wants, and at last hunger compelled him to devour
his
limbs, and he strove to nourish his body by eatin
st hunger compelled him to devour his limbs, and he strove to nourish
his
body by eating his body, till death relieved him
him to devour his limbs, and he strove to nourish his body by eating
his
body, till death relieved him from the vengeance
ves this. Rhœcus, happening to see an oak just ready to fall, ordered
his
servants to prop it up. The nymph, who had been o
eward he would. Rhœcus boldly asked her love and the nymph yielded to
his
desire. She at the same time charged him to be co
t a bee should be her messenger and let him know when she would admit
his
society. One time the bee came to Rhœcus when he
ntryman, J. R. Lowell, has taken this story for the subject of one of
his
shorter poems. He introduces it thus: — “Hear no
thys were the Titans who ruled over the watery element. When Jove and
his
brothers overthrew the Titans and assumed their p
Neptune. Neptune was the chief of the water deities. The symbol of
his
power was the trident, or spear with three points
se races. His own horses had brazen hoofs and golden manes. They drew
his
chariot over the sea, which became smooth before
ame smooth before him, while the monsters of the deep gambolled about
his
path. Amphitrite. Amphitrite was the wife o
ughter of Nereus and Doris, and the mother of Triton. Neptune, to pay
his
court to Amphitrite, came riding on a dolphin. Ha
who was loved by the Cyclops Polyphemus. Nereus was distinguished for
his
knowledge and his love of truth and justice, when
he Cyclops Polyphemus. Nereus was distinguished for his knowledge and
his
love of truth and justice, whence he was termed a
Triton was the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and the poets make him
his
father’s trumpeter. Proteus was also a son of Nep
was also a son of Neptune. He, like Nereus, is styled a sea-elder for
his
wisdom and knowledge of future events. His peculi
d knowledge of future events. His peculiar power was that of changing
his
shape at will. Thetis. Thetis, the daughter
us the Titan that Thetis should bear a son who should be greater than
his
father, Jupiter desisted from his suit and decree
ar a son who should be greater than his father, Jupiter desisted from
his
suit and decreed that Thetis should be the wife o
id of Chiron the Centaur, Peleus succeeded in winning the goddess for
his
bride and their son was the renowned Achilles. In
hful mother to him, aiding him in all difficulties, and watching over
his
interests from the first to the last. Leucothe
epresented riding on a dolphin. The Isthmian games were celebrated in
his
honor. He was called Portunus by the Romans, and
lessons of wisdom and of law which he imbodied in the institutions of
his
rising nation. After the death of Numa the nymph
ystic meeting With her most starry canopy;” etc. Tennyson, also, in
his
Palace of Art, gives us a glimpse of the royal lo
the royal lover expecting the interview: — “Holding one hand against
his
ear, To list a footfall ere he saw The wood-n
t of the question. Weary at last of fruitless endeavors, he acted out
his
true character, seized the maiden and carried her
emplating Eve still asleep. “He on
his
side Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial l
The river-god Acheloüs told the story of Erisichthon to Theseus and
his
companions, whom he was entertaining at his hospi
risichthon to Theseus and his companions, whom he was entertaining at
his
hospitable board, while they were delayed on thei
le board, while they were delayed on their journey by the overflow of
his
waters. Having finished his story, he added, “But
layed on their journey by the overflow of his waters. Having finished
his
story, he added, “But why should I tell of other
.” And here he groaned and was silent. Theseus asked him the cause of
his
grief, and how he lost his horn. To which questio
was silent. Theseus asked him the cause of his grief, and how he lost
his
horn. To which question the river-god replied as
hich question the river-god replied as follows: “Who likes to tell of
his
defeats? Yet I will not hesitate to relate mine,
yself were of the number, and the rest yielded to us two. He urged in
his
behalf his descent from Jove and his labors by wh
of 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
t yielded to us two. He urged in his behalf his descent from Jove and
his
labors by which he had exceeded the exactions of
m Jove and his labors by which he had exceeded the exactions of Juno,
his
step-mother. I, on the other hand, said to the fa
tence, or disgraceful to him if true, for it cannot be true except by
his
mother’s shame.’ As I said this Hercules scowled
I said this Hercules scowled upon me, and with difficulty restrained
his
rage. ‘My hand will answer better than my tongue,
determined not to yield, foot to foot, I bending over him, clinching
his
hand in mine, with my forehead almost touching hi
ver him, clinching his hand in mine, with my forehead almost touching
his
. Thrice Hercules tried to throw me off, and the f
r of my infancy to conquer snakes.’ So saying he clasped my neck with
his
hands. I was almost choked, and struggled to get
h his hands. I was almost choked, and struggled to get my neck out of
his
grasp. Vanquished in this form, I tried what alon
emained to me and assumed the form of a bull. He grasped my neck with
his
arm, and dragging my head down to the ground, ove
nd therefore he was said to have vanquished the river-god and cut off
his
horn. Finally, the lands formerly subject to over
There is another account of the origin of the Cornucopia. Jupiter at
his
birth was committed by his mother Rhea to the car
f the origin of the Cornucopia. Jupiter at his birth was committed by
his
mother Rhea to the care of the daughters of Melis
althea. Jupiter broke off one of the horns of the goat and gave it to
his
nurses, and endowed it with the wonderful power o
and Libyan Jove, Hid Amalthea and her florid son, Young Bacchus, from
his
stepdame Rhea’s eye.” Admetus and Alcestis.
tus and Alcestis. Æsculapius, the son of Apollo, was endowed by
his
father with such skill in the healing art that he
thunderbolt at Æsculapius. Apollo was indignant at the destruction of
his
son, and wreaked his vengeance on the innocent wo
pius. Apollo was indignant at the destruction of his son, and wreaked
his
vengeance on the innocent workmen who had made th
moke and flames of their furnaces are constantly issuing. Apollo shot
his
arrows at the Cyclopes, which so incensed Jupiter
ollo went into the service of Admetus, king of Thessaly, and pastured
his
flocks for him on the verdant banks of the river
by lions and boars. This task Admetus performed by the assistance of
his
divine herdsman, and was made happy in the posses
Fates to spare him on condition that some one would consent to die in
his
stead. Admetus, in his joy at this reprieve, thou
ondition that some one would consent to die in his stead. Admetus, in
his
joy at this reprieve, thought little of the ranso
embering the declarations of attachment which he had often heard from
his
courtiers and dependents fancied that it would be
for him on the bed of sickness; and old servants who had experienced
his
bounty and that of his house from their childhood
sickness; and old servants who had experienced his bounty and that of
his
house from their childhood up, were not willing t
f their days to show their gratitude. Men asked, “Why does not one of
his
parents do it? They cannot in the course of natur
t 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
when Death came for his prey, he seized him and forced him to resign
his
victim. Alcestis recovered, and was restored to h
restored to her husband. Milton alludes to the story of Alcestis in
his
Sonnet “on his deceased wife”: — “Methought I sa
r husband. Milton alludes to the story of Alcestis in his Sonnet “on
his
deceased wife”: — “Methought I saw my late espou
n whom no good they saw, And yet unwittingly, in truth, They made
his
careless words their law. “And day by day more h
ictims of an unrelenting fate, dooming them to destruction. Œdipus in
his
madness had torn out his eyes, and was driven for
fate, dooming them to destruction. Œdipus in his madness had torn out
his
eyes, and was driven forth from his kingdom Thebe
dipus in his madness had torn out his eyes, and was driven forth from
his
kingdom Thebes, dreaded and abandoned by all men,
and abandoned by all men, as an object of divine vengeance. Antigone,
his
daughter, alone shared his wanderings and remaine
s an object of divine vengeance. Antigone, his daughter, alone shared
his
wanderings and remained with him till he died, an
y year by year. The first year fell to the lot of Eteocles, who, when
his
time expired, refused to surrender the kingdom to
cles, who, when his time expired, refused to surrender the kingdom to
his
brother. Polynices fled to Adrastus, king of Argo
his brother. Polynices fled to Adrastus, king of Argos, who gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and aided him with an army
e him his daughter in marriage, and aided him with an army to enforce
his
claim to the kingdom. This led to the celebrated
drastus, opposed the enterprise, for he was a soothsayer, and knew by
his
art that no one of the leaders except Adrastus wo
the leaders except Adrastus would live to return. But Amphiaraus, on
his
marriage to Eriphyle, the king’s sister, had agre
this, gave Eriphyle the collar of Harmonia, and thereby gained her to
his
interest. This collar or necklace was a present w
a on her marriage with Cadmus, and Polynices had taken it with him on
his
flight from Thebes. Eriphyle could not resist so
, and by her decision the war was resolved on, and Amphiaraus went to
his
certain fate. He bore his part bravely in the con
war was resolved on, and Amphiaraus went to his certain fate. He bore
his
part bravely in the contest, but could not avert
in fate. He bore his part bravely in the contest, but could not avert
his
destiny. Pursued by the enemy, he fled along the
er, when a thunderbolt launched by Jupiter opened the ground, and he,
his
chariot, and his charioteer were swallowed up. It
rbolt launched by Jupiter opened the ground, and he, his chariot, and
his
charioteer were swallowed up. It would not be in
and of Evadne, in the ardor of the fight declared that he would force
his
way into the city in spite of Jove himself. Placi
lacing a ladder against the wall he mounted, but Jupiter, offended at
his
impious language, struck him with a thunderbolt.
offended at his impious language, struck him with a thunderbolt. When
his
obsequies were celebrated, Evadne cast herself on
underbolt. When his obsequies were celebrated, Evadne cast herself on
his
funeral pile and perished. Early in the contest E
eocles consulted the soothsayer Tiresias as to the issue. Tiresias in
his
youth had by chance seen Minerva bathing. The god
chance seen Minerva bathing. The goddess in her wrath deprived him of
his
sight, but afterwards relenting gave him in compe
voluntary victim. The heroic youth, learning the response, threw away
his
life in the first encounter. The siege continued
f Creon, unable to avert her fate, would not survive her, and fell by
his
own hand. Antigone forms the subject of two fin
ion of Antigone over Œdipus, when death has at last relieved him from
his
sufferings: — “Alas! I only wished I might have
father’s house, Icarius, unable to bear the thoughts of parting with
his
daughter, tried to persuade her to remain with hi
errupted by the events which called Ulysses to the Trojan war. During
his
long absence, and when it was doubtful whether he
heus was the son of Apollo and the Muse Calliope. He was presented by
his
father with a Lyre and taught to play upon it, wh
h he did to such perfection that nothing could withstand the charm of
his
music. Not only his fellow-mortals but wild beast
fection that nothing could withstand the charm of his music. Not only
his
fellow-mortals but wild beasts were softened by h
s music. Not only his fellow-mortals but wild beasts were softened by
his
strains, and gathering round him laid by their fi
athering round him laid by their fierceness, and stood entranced with
his
lay. Nay, the very trees and rocks were sensible
nd him and the latter relaxed somewhat of their hardness, softened by
his
notes. Hymen had been called to bless with his pr
hardness, softened by his notes. Hymen had been called to bless with
his
presence the nuptials of Orpheus with Eurydice; b
a snake in the grass, was bitten in the foot, and died. Orpheus sang
his
grief to all who breathed the upper air, both god
ir, both gods and men, and finding it all unavailing resolved to seek
his
wife in the regions of the dead. He descended by
ese tender strains, the very ghosts shed tears. Tantalus, in spite of
his
thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts for wate
ts shed tears. Tantalus, in spite of his thirst, stopped for a moment
his
efforts for water, Ixion’s wheel stood still, the
sted from their task of drawing water in a sieve, and Sisyphus sat on
his
rock to listen. Then for the first time, it is sa
cond time, she yet cannot reproach her husband, for how can she blame
his
impatience to behold her? “Farewell,” she said, “
ewell,” — and was hurried away, so fast that the sound hardly reached
his
ears. Orpheus endeavored to follow her, and besou
leep; then bitterly accusing of cruelty the powers of Erebus, he sang
his
complaints to the rocks and mountains, melting th
self aloof from womankind, dwelling constantly on the recollection of
his
sad mischance. The Thracian maidens tried their b
t him her javelin. The weapon, as soon as it came within the sound of
his
lyre, fell harmless at his feet. So did also the
on, 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 h
e music, and then the missiles reached him and soon were stained with
his
blood. The maniacs tore him limb from limb, and t
tained with his blood. The maniacs tore him limb from limb, and threw
his
head and his lyre into the river Hebrus, down whi
is blood. The maniacs tore him limb from limb, and threw his head and
his
lyre into the river Hebrus, down which they float
esponded a plaintive symphony. The Muses gathered up the fragments of
his
body and buried them at Libethra, where the night
d buried them at Libethra, where the nightingale is said to sing over
his
grave more sweetly than in any other part of Gree
tars. His shade passed a second time to Tartarus, where he sought out
his
Eurydice and embraced her with eager arms. They r
us has furnished Pope with an illustration of the power of music, for
his
Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day The following stanza re
s the conclusion of the story: — “But soon, too soon the lover turns
his
eyes; Again she falls, again she dies, she dies!
ling in meanders, All alone, He makes
his
moan, And calls her ghost,
dies! Yet even in death Eurydice he sung, Eurydice still trembled on
his
tongue: Eurydice the woods Eurydice the floods Eu
htingale’s song over the grave of Orpheus is alluded to by Southey in
his
Thalaba: — “Then on his ear what sounds
Orpheus is alluded to by Southey in his Thalaba: — “Then on
his
ear what sounds Of harmony arose’
oned, That never from that most melodious bird Singing a love song to
his
brooding mate, Did Thracian shepherd by the
r a sweeter melody, Though there the spirit of the sepulchre All
his
own power infuse, to swell The incense th
r. Man avails himself of the instincts of the inferior animals for
his
own advantage. Hence sprang the art of keeping be
water-nymph Cyrene. His bees had perished, and he resorted for aid to
his
mother. He stood at the river side and thus addre
head above the water and seeing him, returned and gave information to
his
mother, who ordered that he should be brought int
off in various directions to water the face of the earth. Arriving at
his
mother’s apartment, he was hospitably received by
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
ll 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 r
chains. I will carry you to his cave, where he comes at noon to take
his
midday repose. Then you may easily secure him. Bu
. Then you may easily secure him. But when he finds himself captured,
his
resort is to a power he possesses of changing him
h of water, so as to tempt you to let go the chain, when he will make
his
escape. But you have only to keep him fast bound,
t you have only to keep him fast bound, and at last when he finds all
his
arts unavailing, he will return to his own figure
and at last when he finds all his arts unavailing, he will return to
his
own figure and obey your commands.” So saying she
ar, the beverage of the gods, and immediately an unusual vigor filled
his
frame, and courage his heart, while perfume breat
gods, and immediately an unusual vigor filled his frame, and courage
his
heart, while perfume breathed all around him. The
indulge in quiet slumber, Proteus issued from the water, followed by
his
herd of sea-calves which spread themselves along
ich spread themselves along the shore. He sat on the rock and counted
his
herd; then stretched himself on the floor of the
Proteus, waking and finding himself captured, immediately resorted to
his
arts, becoming first a fire, then a flood, then a
in rapid succession. But finding all would not do, he at last resumed
his
own form and addressed the youth in angry accents
tune and how to remedy it.” At these words the prophet, fixing on him
his
gray eyes with a piercing look, thus spoke: “You
ch a palace Aristæus found Cyrene, when he bore the plaintive tale Of
his
lost bees to her maternal ear.” Milton also app
.” Milton also appears to have had Cyrene and her domestic scene in
his
mind when he describes to us Sabrina, the nymph o
Amphion was the son of Jupiter and Antiope, queen of Thebes. With
his
twin brother Zethus he was exposed at birth on Mo
tage. Mercury gave Amphion a lyre and taught him to play upon it, and
his
brother occupied himself in hunting and tending t
th great cruelty by Lycus, the usurping king of Thebes, and by Dirce,
his
wife, found means to inform her children of their
es, fortified the city with a wall. It is said that when he played on
his
lyre the stones moved of their own accord and too
was the instructor of Hercules in music, but having one day reproved
his
pupil rather harshly, he roused the anger of Herc
rather harshly, he roused the anger of Hercules, who struck him with
his
lyre and killed him. Thamyris. An ancient T
lyre and killed him. Thamyris. An ancient Thracian bard, who in
his
presumption challenged the Muses to a trial of sk
of skill, and being overcome in the contest, was deprived by them of
his
sight. Milton alludes to him with other blind bar
sight. Milton alludes to him with other blind bards, when speaking of
his
own blindness, P. L., Book III. 35. Marsyas.
Melampus was the first mortal endowed with prophetic powers. Before
his
house there stood an oak tree containing a serpen
refully. One day when he was asleep under the oak the serpents licked
his
ears with their tongues. On awaking he was astoni
etell future events, and he became a renowned soothsayer. At one time
his
enemies took him captive and kept him strictly im
rs were nearly eaten through and the roof would soon fall in. He told
his
captors and demanded to be let out, warning them
his captors and demanded to be let out, warning them also. They took
his
warning, and thus escaped destruction, and reward
. He is said to have written sacred poems and oracles. Milton couples
his
name with that of Orpheus in his Il Penseroso: —
ed poems and oracles. Milton couples his name with that of Orpheus in
his
Il Penseroso: — “But O, sad virgin, that thy pow
seroso: — “But O, sad virgin, that thy power Might raise Musæus from
his
bower, Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing Such notes
contest in Sicily, and Arion longed to compete for the prize. He told
his
wish to Periander, who besought him like a brothe
ss of my wide-spread fame!” He went, won the prize, and embarked with
his
wealth in a Corinthian ship for home. On the seco
th one another, and found they were plotting to possess themselves of
his
treasure. Presently they surrounded him loud and
o will not favor me unless I be clad in my minstrel garb.” He clothed
his
well-proportioned limbs in gold and purple fair t
e clothed his well-proportioned limbs in gold and purple fair to see,
his
tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels a
r to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned
his
arms, his brow was crowned with a golden wreath,
his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned his arms,
his
brow was crowned with a golden wreath, and over h
adorned his arms, his brow was crowned with a golden wreath, and over
his
neck and shoulders flowed his hair perfumed with
crowned with a golden wreath, and over his neck and shoulders flowed
his
hair perfumed with odors. His left hand held the
ers flowed his hair perfumed with odors. His left hand held the lyre,
his
right the ivory wand with which he struck its cho
the vessel’s side and looked down into the deep blue sea. Addressing
his
lyre, he sang, “Companion of my voice, come with
shades. Though Cerberus may growl, we know the power of song can tame
his
rage. Ye heroes of Elysium, who have passed the d
ying themselves safe from all danger of detection. But the strains of
his
music had drawn round him the inhabitants of the
ed by a spell. While he struggled in the waves, a Dolphin offered him
his
back, and carried him mounted thereon safe to sho
e the memory of the event. When Arion and the Dolphin parted, each to
his
own element, Arion thus poured forth his thanks:
the Dolphin parted, each to his own element, Arion thus poured forth
his
thanks: “Farewell, thou faithful, friendly fish!
p in hand, singing as he went, full of love and happiness, forgetting
his
losses, and mindful only of what remained, his fr
happiness, forgetting his losses, and mindful only of what remained,
his
friend and his lyre. He entered the hospitable ha
getting his losses, and mindful only of what remained, his friend and
his
lyre. He entered the hospitable halls, and was so
ave you heard any thing of Arion?” he inquired. “I anxiously look for
his
return.” They replied, “We left him well and pros
well-proportioned limbs were arrayed in gold and purple fair to see,
his
tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels a
r to see, his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned
his
arms, his brow was crowned with a golden wreath,
his tunic fell around him in graceful folds, jewels adorned his arms,
his
brow was crowned with a golden wreath, and over h
adorned his arms, his brow was crowned with a golden wreath, and over
his
neck and shoulders flowed his hair perfumed with
crowned with a golden wreath, and over his neck and shoulders flowed
his
hair perfumed with odors; his left hand held the
and over his neck and shoulders flowed his hair perfumed with odors;
his
left hand held the lyre, his right the ivory wand
ers flowed his hair perfumed with odors; his left hand held the lyre,
his
right the ivory wand with which he struck its cho
he ivory wand with which he struck its chords. They fell prostrate at
his
feet, as if a lightning bolt had struck them. “We
eautiful delight your souls!” Spenser represents Arion, mounted on
his
dolphin, accompanying the train of Neptune and Am
ensue, And, on the floating waters as enthroned, Arion with
his
harp unto him drew The ears and hearts of all
Ægean Seas from pirates’ view, Stood still, by him astonished at
his
lore, And all the raging seas for joy forgot to r
is lore, And all the raging seas for joy forgot to roar.” Byron, in
his
Childe Harold, Canto II., alludes to the story of
de Harold, Canto II., alludes to the story of Arion, when, describing
his
voyage, he represents one of the seamen making mu
like representation for the future. Ibycus, the pious poet, was on
his
way to the chariot races and musical competitions
on him the gift of song, the honeyed lips of the poet, and he pursued
his
way with lightsome step, full of the god. Already
here suddenly, at a narrow pass, two robbers stepped forth and barred
his
way. He must yield or fight. But his hand, accust
robbers stepped forth and barred his way. He must yield or fight. But
his
hand, accustomed to the lyre, and not to the stri
rife of arms, sank powerless. He called for help on men and gods, but
his
cry reached no defender’s ear. “Then here must I
id, “since no voice but yours answers to my cry.” So saying he closed
his
eyes in death. The body, despoiled and mangled, w
r even now walks in the midst of the throng, and enjoys the fruits of
his
crime, while vengeance seeks for him in vain. Per
ent, palsying the heart, curdling the blood. “Happy the man who keeps
his
heart pure from guilt and crime! Him we avengers
f secret murder. We the fearful family of Night fasten ourselves upon
his
whole being. Thinks he by flight to escape us? We
to escape us? We fly still faster in pursuit, twine our snakes around
his
feet, and bring him to the ground. Unwearied we p
d the other to whom he spoke!” The culprit would gladly have recalled
his
words, but it was too late. The faces of the murd
st prolific of the early poets of Greece, but only a few fragments of
his
compositions have descended to us. He wrote hymns
ntation of Danaë, the most important of the fragments which remain of
his
poetry, is based upon the tradition that Danaë an
s have been recorded in a previous chapter. Simonides passed much of
his
life at the courts of princes, and often employed
passed much of his life at the courts of princes, and often employed
his
talents in panegyric and festal odes, receiving h
nd often employed his talents in panegyric and festal odes, receiving
his
reward from the munificence of those whose exploi
Thessaly, the prince desired him to prepare a poem in celebration of
his
exploits, to be recited at a banquet. In order to
on of his exploits, to be recited at a banquet. In order to diversify
his
theme, Simonides, who was celebrated for his piet
t. In order to diversify his theme, Simonides, who was celebrated for
his
piety, introduced into his poem the exploits of C
s theme, Simonides, who was celebrated for his piety, introduced into
his
poem the exploits of Castor and Pollux. Such digr
ses of the sons of Leda. But vanity is exacting; and as Scopas sat at
his
festal board among his courtiers and sycophants,
. But vanity is exacting; and as Scopas sat at his festal board among
his
courtiers and sycophants, he grudged every verse
ourtiers and sycophants, he grudged every verse that did not rehearse
his
own praises. When Simonides approached to receive
ee for so much as relates to them.” The disconcerted poet returned to
his
seat amidst the laughter which followed the great
hall when the roof fell in with a loud crash, burying Scopas and all
his
guests beneath the ruins. On inquiring as to the
Diana and Endymion. Endymion was a beautiful youth who fed
his
flock on Mount Latmos. One calm, clear night Dian
saw him sleeping. The cold heart of the virgin goddess was warmed by
his
surpassing beauty, and she came down to him, kiss
have but few adventures to record. Diana, it was said, took care that
his
fortunes should not suffer by his inactive life,
Diana, it was said, took care that his fortunes should not suffer by
his
inactive life, for she made his flock increase, a
hat his fortunes should not suffer by his inactive life, for she made
his
flock increase, and guarded his sheep and lambs f
er by his inactive life, for she made his flock increase, and guarded
his
sheep and lambs from the wild beasts. The story o
meaning which it so thinly veils. We see in Endymion the young poet,
his
fancy and his heart seeking in vain for that whic
it so thinly veils. We see in Endymion the young poet, his fancy and
his
heart seeking in vain for that which can satisfy
nd his heart seeking in vain for that which can satisfy them, finding
his
favorite hour in the quiet moonlight, and nursing
nd of wild beasts, and brought the spoils of the chase as presents to
his
beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred his c
chase as presents to his beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred
his
consent, Orion attempted to gain possession of th
r, incensed at this conduct, having made Orion drunk, deprived him of
his
sight and cast him out on the sea shore. The blin
e 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. Pla
an, who, taking pity on him, gave him Kedalion, one of his men, to be
his
guide to the abode of the sun. Placing Kedalion o
his men, to be his guide to the abode of the sun. Placing Kedalion on
his
shoulders, Orion proceeded to the east, and there
to the east, and there meeting the sun-god, was restored to sight by
his
beam. After this he dwelt as a hunter with Diana,
t to no purpose. One day, observing Orion wading through the sea with
his
head just above the water, Apollo pointed it out
the sea with his head just above the water, Apollo pointed it out to
his
sister and maintained that she could not hit that
ears as a giant, with a girdle, sword, lion’s skin, and club. Sirius,
his
dog, follows him, and the Pleiads fly before him.
oet tells us — “Down fell the red skin of the lion Into the river at
his
feet. His mighty club no longer beat The forehead
side the sea, When blinded by Œnopion He sought the blacksmith at
his
forge, And climbing up the narrow gorge, Fixe
blacksmith at his forge, And climbing up the narrow gorge, Fixed
his
blank eyes upon the sun.” Tennyson has a differ
to discern, to her great mortification, that he was growing old. When
his
hair was quite white she left his society; but he
tion, that he was growing old. When his hair was quite white she left
his
society; but he still had the range of her palace
d was clad in celestial raiment. At length he lost the power of using
his
limbs, and then she shut him up in his chamber, w
gth he lost the power of using his limbs, and then she shut him up in
his
chamber, whence his feeble voice might at times b
r of using his limbs, and then she shut him up in his chamber, whence
his
feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she
s, and dwelt in the extreme east, on the shore of Ocean. He came with
his
warriors to assist the kindred of his father in t
he shore of Ocean. He came with his warriors to assist the kindred of
his
father in the war of Troy. King Priam received hi
Priam received him with great honors, and listened with admiration to
his
narrative of the wonders of the ocean shore. The
o his narrative of the wonders of the ocean shore. The very day after
his
arrival, Memnon, impatient of repose, led his tro
ore. The very day after his arrival, Memnon, impatient of repose, led
his
troops to the field. Antilochus, the brave son of
his troops to the field. Antilochus, the brave son of Nestor, fell by
his
hand, and the Greeks were put to flight, when Ach
h apprehension the danger of her son, when she saw him fall, directed
his
brothers, the Winds, to convey his body to the ba
n, when she saw him fall, directed his brothers, the Winds, to convey
his
body to the banks of the river Esepus in Paphlago
l nature mourned for the offspring of the Dawn. The Æthiopians raised
his
tomb on the banks of the stream in the grove of t
the grove of the Nymphs, and Jupiter caused the sparks and cinders of
his
funeral pile to be turned into birds, which, divi
pile till they fell into the flame. Every year at the anniversary of
his
death they return and celebrate his obsequies in
Every year at the anniversary of his death they return and celebrate
his
obsequies in like manner. Aurora remains inconsol
f Memnon is a favorite subject of allusion with the poets. Darwin, in
his
Botanic Garden, says: — “So to the sacred Sun in
mnon’s fane Spontaneous concords choired the matin strain; Touched by
his
orient beam responsive rings The living lyre and
and he was just sixteen years old, the down just beginning to darken
his
cheeks. As much as I sought his society, so much
ld, the down just beginning to darken his cheeks. As much as I sought
his
society, so much did the Cyclops seek mine; and i
ned to feel what love was, and, touched with a passion for me, forgot
his
flocks and his well-stored caverns. Then for the
t love was, and, touched with a passion for me, forgot his flocks and
his
well-stored caverns. Then for the first time he b
stored caverns. Then for the first time he began to take some care of
his
appearance, and to try to make himself agreeable;
d to try to make himself agreeable; he harrowed those coarse locks of
his
with a comb, and mowed his beard with a sickle, l
reeable; he harrowed those coarse locks of his with a comb, and mowed
his
beard with a sickle, looked at his harsh features
ocks of his with a comb, and mowed his beard with a sickle, looked at
his
harsh features in the water, and composed his cou
ith a sickle, looked at his harsh features in the water, and composed
his
countenance. His love of slaughter, his fiercenes
es in the water, and composed his countenance. His love of slaughter,
his
fierceness and thirst of blood prevailed no more,
ness and thirst of blood prevailed no more, and ships that touched at
his
island went away in safety. He paced up and down
fety. He paced up and down the sea-shore, imprinting huge tracks with
his
heavy tread, and, when weary, lay tranquilly in h
huge tracks with his heavy tread, and, when weary, lay tranquilly in
his
cave. “There is a cliff which projects into the s
r side. Thither one day the huge Cyclops ascended, and sat down while
his
flocks spread themselves around. Laying down his
, and sat down while his flocks spread themselves around. Laying down
his
staff, which would have served for a mast to hold
hich would have served for a mast to hold a vessel’s sail, and taking
his
instrument compacted of numerous pipes, he made t
of numerous pipes, he made the hills and the waters echo the music of
his
song. I lay hid under a rock by the side of my be
ate left in my power I did for Acis. I endowed him with the honors of
his
grandfather, the river-god. The purple blood flow
d into a river, and the river retains the name of Acis. Dryden, in
his
Cymon and Iphigenia, has told the story of a clow
es of kindred to the old story of Galatea and the Cyclops. “What not
his
father’s care nor tutor’s art Could plant with pa
“What not his father’s care nor tutor’s art Could plant with pains in
his
unpolished heart, The best instructor, Love, at o
oddesses to Mount Ida, where the beautiful shepherd Paris was tending
his
flocks, and to him was committed the decision. Th
, Minerva glory and renown in war, and Venus the fairest of women for
his
wife, each attempting to bias his decision in her
and Venus the fairest of women for his wife, each attempting to bias
his
decision in her own favor. Paris decided in favor
us and gave her the golden apple, thus making the two other goddesses
his
enemies. Under the protection of Venus, Paris sai
t poems of antiquity, those of Homer and Virgil. Menelaus called upon
his
brother chieftains of Greece to fulfil their pled
brother chieftains of Greece to fulfil their pledge, and join him in
his
efforts to recover his wife. They generally came
Greece to fulfil their pledge, and join him in his efforts to recover
his
wife. They generally came forward, but Ulysses, w
forward, but Ulysses, who had married Penelope, and was very happy in
his
wife and child, had no disposition to embark in s
hat he was no madman, and after that could no longer refuse to fulfil
his
promise. Being now himself gained for the underta
il his promise. Being now himself gained for the undertaking, he lent
his
aid to bring in other reluctant chiefs, especiall
h before Troy if he went on the expedition, she endeavored to prevent
his
going. She sent him away to the court of King Lyc
Ulysses, who found no great difficulty in persuading him to disregard
his
mother’s prudent counsels and join his countrymen
in persuading him to disregard his mother’s prudent counsels and join
his
countrymen in the war. Priam was king of Troy, an
m was king of Troy, and Paris, the shepherd and seducer of Helen, was
his
son. Paris had been brought up in obscurity, beca
ecause there were certain ominous forebodings connected with him from
his
infancy that he would be the ruin of the state. T
only to Achilles in all the qualities of a hero; Ulysses, famous for
his
sagacity; and Nestor, the oldest of the Grecian c
king, was now old, but he had been a wise prince and had strengthened
his
state by good government at home and numerous all
ened his state by good government at home and numerous alliances with
his
neighbors. But the principal stay and support of
s alliances with his neighbors. But the principal stay and support of
his
throne was his son Hector, one of the noblest cha
h his neighbors. But the principal stay and support of his throne was
his
son Hector, one of the noblest characters painted
hen antiquity. He felt, from the first, a presentiment of the fall of
his
country, but still persevered in his heroic resis
t, a presentiment of the fall of his country, but still persevered in
his
heroic resistance, yet by no means justified the
e was united in marriage with Andromache, and as a husband and father
his
character was not less admirable than as a warrio
e offender would be acceptable. Agamemnon, however reluctant, yielded
his
consent, and the maiden Iphigenia was sent for un
ris, where Diana made her priestess of her temple. Tennyson, in
his
Dream of Fair Women, makes Iphigenia thus describ
ce, Which yet to name my spirit loathes and fears; My father held
his
hand upon his face; I, blinded by m
yet to name my spirit loathes and fears; My father held his hand upon
his
face; I, blinded by my tears, “Sti
Protesilaus fell by the hand of Hector. Protesilaus had left at home
his
wife, Laodamia, who was most tenderly attached to
fe, Laodamia, who was most tenderly attached to him. When the news of
his
death reached her she implored the gods to be all
d with him. There was a story that the nymphs planted elm trees round
his
grave which grew very well till they were high en
fall the first victim to the war. The poet represents Protesilaus, on
his
brief return to earth, as relating to Laodamia th
s, on his brief return to earth, as relating to Laodamia the story of
his
fate: — “The wished-for wind was given; I then r
to the share of Agamemnon. Chryses came bearing the sacred emblems of
his
office, and begged the release of his daughter. A
e bearing the sacred emblems of his office, and begged the release of
his
daughter. Agamemnon refused. Thereupon Chryses im
ey should be forced to yield their prey. Apollo granted the prayer of
his
priest, and sent pestilence into the Grecian camp
Achilles boldly charged their misfortunes upon Agamemnon as caused by
his
withholding Chryseis. Agamemnon, enraged, consent
his withholding Chryseis. Agamemnon, enraged, consented to relinquish
his
captive, but demanded that Achilles should yield
h declared that he would take no further part in the war. He withdrew
his
forces from the general camp and openly avowed hi
e war. He withdrew his forces from the general camp and openly avowed
his
intention of returning home to Greece. The gods a
ld and took refuge in their ships. Then Agamemnon called a council of
his
wisest and bravest chiefs. Nestor advised that an
aties. He positively refused to return to the field, and persisted in
his
resolution to embark for Greece without delay. Th
ared in the form of Calchas the prophet, encouraged the warriors with
his
shouts, and appealed to each individually till he
ed Hector. Ajax shouted defiance, to which Hector replied, and hurled
his
lance at the huge warrior. It was well aimed and
warrior. It was well aimed and struck Ajax, where the belts that bore
his
sword and shield crossed each other on the breast
iving back the Trojans, Jupiter saw nothing of what was going on, for
his
attention had been drawn from the field by the wi
attle. When he beheld her she looked so charming that the fondness of
his
early love revived, and, forgetting the contendin
ld. But this absorption did not continue long, and when, upon turning
his
eyes downward, he beheld Hector stretched on the
field. Apollo was despatched to heal Hector’s bruises and to inspirit
his
heart. These orders were obeyed with such speed t
ill raged, Hector returned to the field and Neptune betook himself to
his
own dominions. An arrow from Paris’s bow wounded
ow from Paris’s bow wounded Machaon, son of Æsculapius, who inherited
his
father’s art of healing, and was therefore of gre
, besides being one of their bravest warriors. Nestor took Machaon in
his
chariot and conveyed him from the field. As they
ut could not discern who the wounded chief was. So calling Patroclus,
his
companion and dearest friend, he sent him to Nest
g at Nestor’s tent, saw Machaon wounded, and having told the cause of
his
coming would have hastened away, but Nestor detai
e highest pitch of glory, Patroclus, as the elder, to keep watch over
his
friend, and to guide his inexperience. “Now,” sai
Patroclus, as the elder, to keep watch over his friend, and to guide
his
inexperience. “Now,” said Nestor, “is the time fo
st win him back to the common cause; but if not let him at least send
his
soldiers to the field, and come thou, Patroclus,
ast send his soldiers to the field, and come thou, Patroclus, clad in
his
armor, and perhaps the very sight of it may drive
moved with this address, and hastened back to Achilles, revolving in
his
mind all he had seen and heard. He told the princ
ships. Achilles, at the sight, relented so far as to grant Patroclus
his
request to lead the Myrmidons (for so were Achill
(for so were Achilles’ soldiers called) to the field, and to lend him
his
armor, that he might thereby strike more terror i
heir best he dismissed them full of ardor to the fight. Patroclus and
his
Myrmidons at once plunged into the contest where
ons of Nestor performed prodigies of valor. Hector was forced to turn
his
horses’ heads and retire from the enclosure, leav
rced to turn his horses’ heads and retire from the enclosure, leaving
his
men entangled in the fosse to escape as they coul
fspring were endangered; to which reason Jove yielded. Sarpedon threw
his
spear, but missed Patroclus, but Patroclus threw
. Sarpedon threw his spear, but missed Patroclus, but Patroclus threw
his
with better success. It pierced Sarpedon’s breast
er success. It pierced Sarpedon’s breast and he fell, and, calling to
his
friends to save his body from the foe, expired. T
ed Sarpedon’s breast and he fell, and, calling to his friends to save
his
body from the foe, expired. Then a furious contes
ssession of the corpse. The Greeks succeeded and stripped Sarpedon of
his
armor; but Jove would not allow the remains of hi
ripped Sarpedon of his armor; but Jove would not allow the remains of
his
son to be dishonored, and by his command Apollo s
Jove would not allow the remains of his son to be dishonored, and by
his
command Apollo snatched from the midst of the com
re it received due funeral rites. Thus far Patroclus had succeeded to
his
utmost wish in repelling the Trojans and relievin
d succeeded to his utmost wish in repelling the Trojans and relieving
his
countrymen, but now came a change of fortune. Hec
ng his countrymen, but now came a change of fortune. Hector, borne in
his
chariot, confronted him. Patroclus threw a vast s
nd knocked him from the car. Hector leaped from the chariot to rescue
his
friend, and Patroclus also descended to complete
hariot to rescue his friend, and Patroclus also descended to complete
his
victory. Thus the two heroes met face to face. At
ds that Phœbus took part against Patroclus. He struck the helmet from
his
head and the lance from his hand. At the same mom
inst Patroclus. He struck the helmet from his head and the lance from
his
hand. At the same moment an obscure Trojan wounde
unded him in the back, and Hector, pressing forward, pierced him with
his
spear. He fell mortally wounded. Then arose a tre
nded. Then arose a tremendous conflict for the body of Patroclus, but
his
armor was at once taken possession of by Hector,
ssion of by Hector, who retiring a short distance divested himself of
his
own armor and put on that of Achilles, then retur
ned to the fight. Ajax and Menelaus defended the body, and Hector and
his
bravest warriors struggled to capture it. The bat
me one whom he might despatch to Achilles to tell him of the death of
his
friend, and of the imminent danger that his remai
tell him of the death of his friend, and of the imminent danger that
his
remains would fall into the hands of the enemy, c
the intelligence of Patroclus’s death, and of the conflict raging for
his
remains. The Greeks at last succeeded in bearing
tor and Æneas and the rest of the Trojans. Achilles heard the fate of
his
friend with such distress that Antilochus feared
a while that he would destroy himself. His groans reached the ears of
his
mother, Thetis, far down in the deeps of ocean wh
se. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproach that he had indulged
his
resentment so far, and suffered his friend to fal
elf-reproach that he had indulged his resentment so far, and suffered
his
friend to fall a victim to it. But his only conso
esentment so far, and suffered his friend to fall a victim to it. But
his
only consolation was the hope of revenge. He woul
the hope of revenge. He would fly instantly in search of Hector. But
his
mother reminded him that he was now without armor
Thetis immediately repaired to Vulcan’s palace. She found him busy at
his
forge making tripods for his own use, so artfully
o Vulcan’s palace. She found him busy at his forge making tripods for
his
own use, so artfully constructed that they moved
ssed. On hearing the request of Thetis, Vulcan immediately laid aside
his
work and hastened to comply with her wishes. He f
corselet and greaves of impenetrable temper, all perfectly adapted to
his
form, and of consummate workmanship. It was all d
o council. When they were all assembled he addressed them. Renouncing
his
displeasure against Agamemnon and bitterly lament
ade him irresistible. The bravest warriors fled before him or fell by
his
lance. Hector, cautioned by Apollo, kept aloof; b
though he felt himself unequal, did not decline the combat. He hurled
his
spear with all his force against the shield the w
elf unequal, did not decline the combat. He hurled his spear with all
his
force against the shield the work of Vulcan. It w
pierced two thicknesses, but was stopped in the third. Achilles threw
his
with better success. It pierced through the shiel
ter success. It pierced through the shield of Æneas, but glanced near
his
shoulder and made no wound. Then Æneas seized a s
attle. Achilles, when the mist cleared away, looked round in vain for
his
adversary, and acknowledging the prodigy, turned
ound in vain for his adversary, and acknowledging the prodigy, turned
his
arms against other champions. But none dared stan
d stand before him, and Priam looking down from the city walls beheld
his
whole army in full flight towards the city. He ga
nd taken the way apart from the city. Achilles pursued and had chased
his
supposed victim far from the walls, when Apollo d
oke.” While he thus ruminated. Achilles approached, terrible as Mars,
his
armor flashing lightning as he moved. At that sig
the form of Deiphobus, Hector’s bravest brother, appeared suddenly at
his
side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus stren
his side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus strengthened stopped
his
flight and turned to meet Achilles. Hector threw
ngthened stopped his flight and turned to meet Achilles. Hector threw
his
spear, which struck the shield of Achilles and bo
the hand of Deiphobus, but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector understood
his
doom and said, “Alas! it is plain this is my hour
is still in Troy. But I will not fall inglorious.” So saying he drew
his
falchion from his side and rushed at once to comb
But I will not fall inglorious.” So saying he drew his falchion from
his
side and rushed at once to combat. Achilles, secu
from his side and rushed at once to combat. Achilles, secured behind
his
shield, waited the approach of Hector. When he ca
s shield, waited the approach of Hector. When he came within reach of
his
spear, Achilles choosing with his eye a vulnerabl
ector. When he came within reach of his spear, Achilles choosing with
his
eye a vulnerable part where the armor leaves the
ye a vulnerable part where the armor leaves the neck uncovered, aimed
his
spear at that part and Hector fell, death-wounded
e body of its armor, and fastening cords to the feet tied them behind
his
chariot, leaving the body to trail along the grou
self her country ruined, herself a captive, and her son dependent for
his
bread on the charity of strangers. When Achilles
hilles neither partook of the feast nor of sleep. The recollection of
his
lost friend kept him awake, remembering their com
, in battle or on the perilous deep. Before the earliest dawn he left
his
tent, and joining to his chariot his swift steeds
ilous deep. Before the earliest dawn he left his tent, and joining to
his
chariot his swift steeds, he fastened Hector’s bo
Before the earliest dawn he left his tent, and joining to his chariot
his
swift steeds, he fastened Hector’s body to be dra
eserved it free from all taint or defilement. While Achilles indulged
his
wrath in thus disgracing brave Hector, Jupiter in
h in thus disgracing brave Hector, Jupiter in pity summoned Thetis to
his
presence. He told her to go to her son and prevai
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 to
to King Priam to encourage him to go to Achilles and beg the body of
his
son. Iris delivered her message, and Priam immedi
ivered her message, and Priam immediately prepared to obey. He opened
his
treasuries and took out rich garments and cloths,
tripods and a golden cup of matchless workmanship. Then he called to
his
sons and bade them draw forth his litter and plac
less workmanship. Then he called to his sons and bade them draw forth
his
litter and place in it the various articles desig
herald Idæus, drove forth from the gates, parting there with Hecuba,
his
queen, and all his friends, who lamented him as g
e forth from the gates, parting there with Hecuba, his queen, and all
his
friends, who lamented him as going to certain dea
ter, beholding with compassion the venerable king, sent Mercury to be
his
guide and protector. Mercury, assuming the form o
nd offered to be their guide to Achilles’ tent. Priam gladly accepted
his
offered service, and he, mounting the carriage, a
introduced Priam into the tent where Achilles sat, attended by two of
his
warriors. The old king threw himself at the feet
illes, and kissed those terrible hands which had destroyed so many of
his
sons. “Think, O Achilles,” he said, “of thy own f
ighbor chief oppresses him and there is none at hand to succor him in
his
distress. Yet doubtless knowing that Achilles liv
one more than all the rest the strength of my age, whom, fighting for
his
country, thou hast slain. I come to redeem his bo
ge, whom, fighting for his country, thou hast slain. I come to redeem
his
body, bringing inestimable ransom with me. Achill
nsom with me. Achilles! reverence the gods! recollect thy father! for
his
sake show compassion to me!” These words moved Ac
to me!” These words moved Achilles, and he wept; remembering by turns
his
absent father and his lost friend. Moved with pit
ved Achilles, and he wept; remembering by turns his absent father and
his
lost friend. Moved with pity of Priam’s silver lo
place conducted by some god, for without aid divine no mortal even in
his
prime of youth had dared the attempt. I grant thy
by the evident will of Jove.” So saying he arose, and went forth with
his
two friends, and unloaded of its charge the litte
ould be borne back to Troy. Then Achilles dismissed the old king with
his
attendants, having first pledged himself to allow
riors, but was at last slain by Achilles. But when the hero bent over
his
fallen foe, and contemplated her beauty, youth, a
and contemplated her beauty, youth, and valor, he bitterly regretted
his
victory. Thersites, an insolent brawler and demag
his victory. Thersites, an insolent brawler and demagogue, ridiculed
his
grief, and was in consequence slain by the hero.
captivated with her charms, and to win her in marriage agreed to use
his
influence with the Greeks to grant peace to Troy.
Achilles in the heel, the only vulnerable part about him. For Thetis
his
mother had dipped him when an infant in the river
g wisdom before valor; whereupon Ajax slew himself. On the spot where
his
blood sank into the earth a flower sprang up, cal
ctetes, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last and lighted
his
funeral pyre. Philoctetes had joined the Grecian
ned the Grecian expedition against Troy, but had accidentally wounded
his
foot with one of the poisoned arrows, and the sme
wounded his foot with one of the poisoned arrows, and the smell from
his
wound proved so offensive that his companions car
oisoned arrows, and the smell from his wound proved so offensive that
his
companions carried him to the isle of Lemnos and
induce him to rejoin the army. He succeeded. Philoctetes was cured of
his
wound by Machaon, and Paris was the first victim
nd by Machaon, and Paris was the first victim of the fatal arrows. In
his
distress Paris bethought him of one whom in his p
the fatal arrows. In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in
his
prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œ
, I fear the Greeks even when they offer gifts.”18 So saying he threw
his
lance at the horse’s side. It struck, and a hollo
d reverberated like a groan. Then perhaps the people might have taken
his
advice and destroyed the fatal horse and all its
, he was brought before the chiefs, who reassured him, promising that
his
life should be spared on condition of his returni
assured him, promising that his life should be spared on condition of
his
returning true answers to the questions asked him
at in consequence of the malice of Ulysses he had been left behind by
his
countrymen at their departure. With regard to the
. The serpents advanced directly to the spot where Laocoon stood with
his
two sons. They first attacked the children, windi
rpents’ coils. He struggles to tear them away, but they overpower all
his
efforts and strangle him and the children in thei
ost celebrated groups of statuary in existence is that of Laocoon and
his
children in the embrace of the serpents. A cast o
champion quaked with fear.” King Priam lived to see the downfall of
his
kingdom and was slain at last on the fatal night
about to mingle with the combatants, but was prevailed on by Hecuba,
his
aged queen, to take refuge with herself and his d
evailed on by Hecuba, his aged queen, to take refuge with herself and
his
daughters as a suppliant at the altar of Jupiter.
nd his daughters as a suppliant at the altar of Jupiter. While there,
his
youngest son Polites, pursued by Pyrrhus, the son
s, the son of Achilles, rushed in wounded, and expired at the feet of
his
father; whereupon Priam, overcome with indignatio
eet of his father; whereupon Priam, overcome with indignation, hurled
his
spear with feeble hand against Pyrrhus,19 and was
d by the ghost of that warrior, and was sacrificed by the Greeks upon
his
tomb. Menelaus and Helen. Our readers will
much slaughter. On the fall of Troy Menelaus recovered possession of
his
wife, who had not ceased to love him, though she
ket was to hold the wool and spools for the queen’s work. Dyer, in
his
poem of the Fleece, thus alludes to this incident
ed in splendor; and when Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, in search of
his
father, arrived at Sparta, he found Menelaus and
rother of Menelaus, and who had been drawn into the quarrel to avenge
his
brother’s wrongs, not his own, was not so fortuna
o had been drawn into the quarrel to avenge his brother’s wrongs, not
his
own, was not so fortunate in the issue. During hi
ther’s wrongs, not his own, was not so fortunate in the issue. During
his
absence his wife Clytemnestra had been false to h
s, not his own, was not so fortunate in the issue. During his absence
his
wife Clytemnestra had been false to him, and when
ing his absence his wife Clytemnestra had been false to him, and when
his
return was expected, she with her paramour, Ægist
return was expected, she with her paramour, Ægisthus, laid a plan for
his
destruction, and at the banquet given to celebrat
aid a plan for his destruction, and at the banquet given to celebrate
his
return, murdered him. It was intended by the cons
his return, murdered him. It was intended by the conspirators to slay
his
son Orestes also, a lad not yet old enough to be
of Orestes, saved her brother’s life by sending him secretly away to
his
uncle Strophius, King of Phocis. In the palace of
frequently reminded her brother by messengers of the duty of avenging
his
father’s death, and when grown up he consulted th
en grown up he consulted the oracle of Delphi, which confirmed him in
his
design. He therefore repaired in disguise to Argo
nd brought the ashes of the deceased in a funeral urn. After visiting
his
father’s tomb and sacrificing upon it, according
it, according to the rites of the ancients, he made himself known to
his
sister Electra, and soon after slew both Ægisthus
, and drove him frantic from land to land. Pylades accompanied him in
his
wanderings and watched over him. At length, in an
forded him protection, and appointed the court of Areopagus to decide
his
fate. The Erinyes brought forward their accusatio
their accusation, and Orestes made the command of the Delphic oracle
his
excuse. When the court voted and the voices were
in which Sophocles represents the meeting of Orestes and Electra, on
his
return from Phocis. Orestes, mistaking Electra fo
, mistaking Electra for one of the domestics, and desirous of keeping
his
arrival a secret till the hour of vengeance shoul
t till the hour of vengeance should arrive, produces the urn in which
his
ashes are supposed to rest. Electra, believing hi
rief in language full of tenderness and despair. Milton, in one of
his
sonnets, says: — “T
vain, The desert of old Priam’s pride, The tombs, sole relics of
his
reign, All — save immortal dreams that could begu
arrates the wanderings of Ulysses (Odysseus in the Greek language) in
his
return from Troy to his own kingdom Ithaca. From
f Ulysses (Odysseus in the Greek language) in his return from Troy to
his
own kingdom Ithaca. From Troy the vessels first m
ntry of the Lotus-eaters. Here, after watering, Ulysses sent three of
his
men to discover who the inhabitants were. These m
se men away, and he was even obliged to tie them under the benches of
his
ship.20 They next arrived at the country of the
locks yielded, for they were shepherds. Ulysses left the main body of
his
ships at anchor, and with one vessel went to the
went to the Cyclopes’ island to explore for supplies. He landed with
his
companions, carrying with them a jar of wine for
us rock, that twenty oxen could not draw. Next he sat down and milked
his
ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting th
his ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting the rest aside for
his
customary drink. Then, turning round his great ey
d setting the rest aside for his customary drink. Then, turning round
his
great eye, he discerned the strangers, and growle
Troy; that they were now on their way home, and finished by imploring
his
hospitality in the name of the gods. Polyphemus d
the name of the gods. Polyphemus deigned no answer, but reaching out
his
hand seized two of the Greeks, whom he hurled aga
oor to sleep. Ulysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge
his
sword into him as he slept, but recollected that
agment was left. He then moved away the rock from the door, drove out
his
flocks, and went out, carefully replacing the bar
him. When he was gone Ulysses planned how he might take vengeance for
his
murdered friends, and effect his escape with his
nned how he might take vengeance for his murdered friends, and effect
his
escape with his surviving companions. He made his
t take vengeance for his murdered friends, and effect his escape with
his
surviving companions. He made his men prepare a m
friends, and effect his escape with his surviving companions. He made
his
men prepare a massive bar of wood cut by the Cycl
The Cyclops came home at evening, rolled away the stone and drove in
his
flock as usual. After milking them and making his
stone and drove in his flock as usual. After milking them and making
his
arrangements as before, he seized two more of Uly
two more of Ulysses’ companions and dashed their brains out, and made
his
evening meal upon them as he had on the others. A
as a favor that he should be the last of the party devoured. He asked
his
name, to which Ulysses replied, “My name is Noman
e asked his name, to which Ulysses replied, “My name is Noman.” After
his
supper the giant lay down to repose, and was soon
iant lay down to repose, and was soon sound asleep. Then Ulysses with
his
four select friends thrust the end of the stake i
ried it deeply into the socket, twirling it round as a carpenter does
his
auger. The howling monster with his outcry filled
ling it round as a carpenter does his auger. The howling monster with
his
outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with his ai
e howling monster with his outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with
his
aids nimbly got out of his way and concealed them
outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with his aids nimbly got out of
his
way and concealed themselves in the cave. He, bel
the Cyclopes dwelling in the caves around him, far and near. They on
his
cry flocked round the den, and inquired what grie
t him groaning. Next morning the Cyclops rolled away the stone to let
his
flock out to pasture, but planted himself in the
he door of the cave to feel of all as they went out, that Ulysses and
his
men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had
Ulysses and his men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had made
his
men harness the rams of the flock three abreast,
at passed. When they had got a few paces from the cavern, Ulysses and
his
friends released themselves from their rams, and
ding it from its bed, he lifted it high in the air, then exerting all
his
force, hurled it in the direction of the voice. D
ulty pulled off shore, Ulysses was about to hail the giant again, but
his
friends besought him not to do so. He could not f
ld not forbear, however, letting the giant know that they had escaped
his
missile, but waited till they had reached a safer
nce than before. The giant answered them with curses, but Ulysses and
his
friends plied their oars vigorously, and soon reg
ted the government of the winds, to send them forth or retain them at
his
will. He treated Ulysses hospitably, and at his d
rth or retain them at his will. He treated Ulysses hospitably, and at
his
departure gave him, tied up in a leathern bag, wi
e appearance of the cove, completely land-locked; only Ulysses moored
his
vessel without. As soon as the Læstrygonians foun
ad remained outside, and finding no safety but in flight, he exhorted
his
men to ply their oars vigorously, and they escape
perceived a palace embowered with trees. He sent forward one-half of
his
crew, under the command of Eurylochus, to see wha
on determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver
his
companions. As he strode onward alone, he met a y
a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearing to be acquainted with
his
adventures. He announced himself as Mercury, and
he danger of approaching her. As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded from
his
attempt, Mercury provided him with a sprig of the
as courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done
his
companions, and after he had eaten and drank, tou
he sty and wallow with thy friends.” But he, instead of obeying, drew
his
sword and rushed upon her with fury in his counte
, instead of obeying, drew his sword and rushed upon her with fury in
his
countenance. She fell on her knees and begged for
nd begged for mercy. He dictated a solemn oath that she would release
his
companions and practise no further harm against h
ntly entertained day after day, till Ulysses seemed to have forgotten
his
native land, and to have reconciled himself to an
onciled himself to an inglorious life of ease and pleasure. At length
his
companions recalled him to nobler sentiments, and
sea to their destruction. Circe directed Ulysses to fill the ears of
his
seamen with wax, so that they should not hear the
ot hear the strain; and to cause himself to be bound to the mast, and
his
people to be strictly enjoined, whatever he might
irens’ island. Ulysses obeyed these directions. He filled the ears of
his
people with wax, and suffered them to bind him wi
active that Ulysses struggled to get loose, and by cries and signs to
his
people begged to be released; but they, obedient
and signs to his people begged to be released; but they, obedient to
his
previous orders, sprang forward and bound him sti
c grew fainter till it ceased to be heard, when with joy Ulysses gave
his
companions the signal to unseal their ears, and t
ompanions the signal to unseal their ears, and they relieved him from
his
bonds. The imagination of a modern poet, Keats,
gh the brains of the victims of Circe, after their transformation. In
his
Endymion he represents one of them, a monarch in
a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and
his
men watched with anxious eyes the dreadful whirlp
Scylla, and the monster, darting forth her snaky heads, caught six of
his
men, and bore them away, shrieking, to her den. I
to her den. It was the saddest sight Ulysses had yet seen; to behold
his
friends thus sacrificed and hear their cries, una
land whereon were pastured the cattle of Hyperion, the Sun, tended by
his
daughters Lampetia and Phæthusa. These flocks mus
uld willingly have passed the island of the Sun without stopping, but
his
companions so urgently pleaded for the rest and r
d by offering from them a portion to the offended powers. Ulysses, on
his
return to the shore, was horror-struck at perceiv
etain him forever, conferring on him immortality. But he persisted in
his
resolution to return to his country and his wife
g on him immortality. But he persisted in his resolution to return to
his
country and his wife and son. Calypso at last rec
lity. But he persisted in his resolution to return to his country and
his
wife and son. Calypso at last received the comman
provisioned it well for him, and gave him a favoring gale. He sped on
his
course prosperously for many days, till at length
days, till at length, when in sight of land, a storm arose that broke
his
mast, and threatened to rend the raft asunder. In
he raft, and presented him a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath
his
breast, and if he should be compelled to trust hi
y him up and enable him by swimming to reach the land. Fenelon, in
his
romance of Telemachus, has given us the adventure
achus, has given us the adventures of the son of Ulysses in search of
his
father. Among other places at which he arrived, f
h of his father. Among other places at which he arrived, following on
his
father’s footsteps, was Calypso’s isle, and, as i
Minerva, who in the shape of Mentor accompanied him and governed all
his
movements, made him repel her allurements, and wh
tch to keep For him who dared prefer a mortal bride. Here too
his
boy essayed the dreadful leap, Stern Mentor u
to take. At a short distance he perceived a wood, to which he turned
his
steps. There, finding a covert sheltered by inter
Nausithoüs, was now their king, a wise and just sovereign, beloved by
his
people. Now it happened that the very night on wh
was cast ashore on the Phæacian island, and while he lay sleeping on
his
bed of leaves, Nausicaa, the daughter of the king
w could he yet venture, naked as he was, to discover himself and make
his
wants known? It certainly was a case worthy of th
s wants known? It certainly was a case worthy of the interposition of
his
patron goddess Minerva, who never failed him at a
h courage and discernment. Ulysses, standing respectfully aloof, told
his
sad case, and besought the fair object (whether q
this was done, and Ulysses, retiring to a sheltered place, had washed
his
body free from the sea-foam, clothed and refreshe
the sea-foam, clothed and refreshed himself with food, Pallas dilated
his
form and diffused grace over his ample chest and
ed himself with food, Pallas dilated his form and diffused grace over
his
ample chest and manly brows. The princess, seeing
princess and her companions to reach the city, he was then to pursue
his
way thither, and would be easily guided by any he
of Alcinoüs the king. The maiden replied respectfully, offering to be
his
guide; for the palace, she informed him, stood ne
through the court-yard of the palace, whence every citizen might draw
his
supplies. Ulysses stood gazing in admiration, uno
feet and implored her favor and assistance to enable him to return to
his
native country. Then withdrawing, he seated himse
and supplied with food and wine.” At these words the king rising gave
his
hand to Ulysses and led him to a seat, displacing
ing gave his hand to Ulysses and led him to a seat, displacing thence
his
own son to make room for the stranger. Food and w
before him and he ate and refreshed himself. The king then dismissed
his
guests, notifying them that the next day he would
rself had made) from whom he received those garments. He told them of
his
residence in Calypso’s isle and his departure the
d those garments. He told them of his residence in Calypso’s isle and
his
departure thence; of the wreck of his raft, his e
residence in Calypso’s isle and his departure thence; of the wreck of
his
raft, his escape by swimming, and of the relief a
in Calypso’s isle and his departure thence; of the wreck of his raft,
his
escape by swimming, and of the relief afforded by
s heard approvingly, and the king promised to furnish a ship in which
his
guest might return to his own land. The next day
he king promised to furnish a ship in which his guest might return to
his
own land. The next day the assembled chiefs confi
ill, Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine.” He took for
his
theme the “Wooden Horse,” by means of which the G
s, when the song was done, demanded of him why at the mention of Troy
his
sorrows awaked. Had he lost there a father, or br
brother, or any dear friend? Ulysses replied by announcing himself by
his
true name, and at their request, recounted the ad
their request, recounted the adventures which had befallen him since
his
departure from Troy. This narrative raised the sy
l in the Phæacian vessel, and in a short time arrived safe at Ithaca,
his
own island. When the vessel touched the strand he
g him, carried him on shore, and landed with him the chest containing
his
presents, and then sailed away. Neptune was so di
pleased at the conduct of the Phæacians in thus rescuing Ulysses from
his
hands that on the return of the vessel to port he
h the sun’s all-seeing ray.” Odyssey, Book VIII. Lord Carlisle, in
his
Diary in the Turkish and Greek Waters, thus speak
from Ithaca for twenty years, and when he awoke he did not recognize
his
native land. Minerva appeared to him in the form
pherd, informed him where he was, and told him the state of things at
his
palace. More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca and
eighboring islands had been for years suing for the hand of Penelope,
his
wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over his
e hand of Penelope, his wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over
his
palace and people, as if they were owners of both
was kindly received by Eumæus, the swine-herd, a faithful servant of
his
house. Telemachus, his son, was absent in quest o
Eumæus, the swine-herd, a faithful servant of his house. Telemachus,
his
son, was absent in quest of his father. He had go
ful servant of his house. Telemachus, his son, was absent in quest of
his
father. He had gone to the courts of the other ki
esented herself to Ulysses, and directed him to make himself known to
his
son. At the same time she touched him, removed at
thought he must be more than mortal. But Ulysses announced himself as
his
father, and accounted for the change of appearanc
doing. “Then threw Telemachus His arms around
his
father’s neck and wept. Desire intense of lamenta
st; though sometimes, also, no doubt, with contumely. Ulysses charged
his
son not to betray, by any display of unusual inte
iot going on. The suitors pretended to receive Telemachus with joy at
his
return, though secretly mortified at the failure
turn, though secretly mortified at the failure of their plots to take
his
life. The old beggar was permitted to enter, and
in the yard almost dead with age, and seeing a stranger enter, raised
his
head, with ears erect. It was Argus, Ulysses’ own
“Soon as he perceived Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell
his
ears Clapped close, and with his tail glad sign h
ed Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears Clapped close, and with
his
tail glad sign he gave Of gratulation, impotent t
l glad sign he gave Of gratulation, impotent to rise, And to approach
his
master as of old. Ulysses, noting him, wiped off
noting him, wiped off a tear Unmarked. * * * Then
his
destiny released Old Argus, soon as he had lived
o see Ulysses in the twentieth year restored.” As Ulysses sat eating
his
portion in the hall, the suitors began to exhibit
ool and with it gave him a blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain
his
indignation at seeing his father so treated in hi
blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his indignation at seeing
his
father so treated in his own hall, but rememberin
d work to restrain his indignation at seeing his father so treated in
his
own hall, but remembering his father’s injunction
tion at seeing his father so treated in his own hall, but remembering
his
father’s injunctions, said no more than what beca
hat became him as master of the house, though young, and protector of
his
guests. Penelope had protracted her decision in f
for delay. The continued absence of her husband seemed to prove that
his
return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile, h
be expected. Meanwhile, her son had grown up, and was able to manage
his
own affairs. She therefore consented to submit th
ose arrow was sent through the whole twelve was to have the queen for
his
prize. A bow that one of his brother heroes had g
e whole twelve was to have the queen for his prize. A bow that one of
his
brother heroes had given to Ulysses in former tim
r to attach the string. Telemachus endeavored to do it, but found all
his
efforts fruitless; and modestly confessing that h
ruitless; and modestly confessing that he had attempted a task beyond
his
strength, he yielded the bow to another. He tried
ried it with no better success, and, amidst the laughter and jeers of
his
companions, gave it up. Another tried it and anot
s hooted with derision, and commanded to turn him out of the hall for
his
insolence. But Telemachus spoke up for him, and,
ct at the most insolent one of the suitors. The arrow pierced through
his
throat and he fell dead. Telemachus, Eumæus, and
have ample vengeance. All were slain, and Ulysses was left master of
his
palace and possessor of his kingdom and his wife.
ere slain, and Ulysses was left master of his palace and possessor of
his
kingdom and his wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulyss
lysses was left master of his palace and possessor of his kingdom and
his
wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulysses represents th
is wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulysses represents the old hero, after
his
dangers past and nothing left but to stay at home
Æneas. We have followed one of the Grecian heroes, Ulysses, in
his
wanderings on his return home from Troy, and now
ave followed one of the Grecian heroes, Ulysses, in his wanderings on
his
return home from Troy, and now we propose to shar
the capture and conflagration of the city were the result, Æneas made
his
escape from the scene of destruction, with his fa
the result, Æneas made his escape from the scene of destruction, with
his
father, and his wife, and young son. The father,
s made his escape from the scene of destruction, with his father, and
his
wife, and young son. The father, Anchises, was to
was too old to walk with the speed required, and Æneas took him upon
his
shoulders. Thus burdened, leading his son and fol
quired, and Æneas took him upon his shoulders. Thus burdened, leading
his
son and followed by his wife, he made the best of
im upon his shoulders. Thus burdened, leading his son and followed by
his
wife, he made the best of his way out of the burn
rdened, leading his son and followed by his wife, he made the best of
his
way out of the burning city; but, in the confusio
e the best of his way out of the burning city; but, in the confusion,
his
wife was swept away and lost. On arriving at the
ing to offer sacrifice, he tore some twigs from one of the bushes. To
his
dismay the wounded part dropped blood. When he re
recollection of Æneas that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom
his
father had sent with ample treasures to the neigh
rors of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him and seized
his
treasures. Æneas and his companions, considering
whom he was sent had murdered him and seized his treasures. Æneas and
his
companions, considering the land accursed by the
y the gods to torment a certain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of
his
sight, in punishment of his cruelty; and whenever
ain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of his sight, in punishment of
his
cruelty; and whenever a meal was placed before hi
ir talons the meat from the dishes and flying away with it. Æneas and
his
companions drew their swords and dealt vigorous b
. Here they were hailed from the shore by a miserable object, whom by
his
garments, tattered as they were, they perceived t
them he was one of Ulysses’s companions, left behind by that chief in
his
hurried departure. He related the story of Ulysse
ought them to take him off with them as he had no means of sustaining
his
existence where he was but wild berries and roots
ived in constant fear of the Cyclopes. While he spoke Polyphemus made
his
appearance; a terrible monster, shapeless, vast,
only eye had been put out. 21 He walked with cautious steps, feeling
his
way with a staff, down to the sea-side, to wash h
us steps, feeling his way with a staff, down to the sea-side, to wash
his
eye-socket in the waves. When he reached the wate
the waves. When he reached the water, he waded out towards them, and
his
immense height enabled him to advance far into th
sea, so that the Trojans, in terror, took to their oars to get out of
his
way. Hearing the oars, Polyphemus shouted after t
d Charybdis. There Ulysses, the reader will remember, had lost six of
his
men, seized by Scylla while the navigators were w
ntrary ones tied up in a bag. Æolus obeyed the goddess and sent forth
his
sons, Boreas, Typhon, and the other winds, to tos
, and were separated, so that Æneas thought that all were lost except
his
own. At this crisis, Neptune, hearing the storm r
storm raging, and knowing that he had given no orders for one, raised
his
head above the waves, and saw the fleet of Æneas
owing the hostility of Juno, he was at no loss to account for it, but
his
anger was not the less at this interference in hi
ccount for it, but his anger was not the less at this interference in
his
province. He called the winds and dismissed them
e sun. Some of the ships which had got on the rocks he pried off with
his
own trident, while Triton and a sea-nymph, puttin
by one the ships all arrived safe, though badly shaken. Waller, in
his
Panegyric to the Lord Protector, (Cromwell,) allu
lling of the storm by Neptune: — “Above the waves, as Neptune showed
his
face, To chide the winds and save the Trojan race
ughter of Belus, king of Tyre, and sister of Pygmalion, who succeeded
his
father on the throne. Her husband was Sichæus, a
band was Sichæus, a man of immense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted
his
treasures, caused him to be put to death. Dido, w
and flourishing place. Such was the state of affairs when Æneas with
his
Trojans arrived there. Dido received the illustri
her request a recital of the closing events of the Trojan history and
his
own adventures after the fall of the city. Dido w
his own adventures after the fall of the city. Dido was charmed with
his
discourse and filled with admiration of his explo
ty. Dido was charmed with his discourse and filled with admiration of
his
exploits. She conceived an ardent passion for him
of his exploits. She conceived an ardent passion for him, and he for
his
part seemed well content to accept the fortunate
ate chance which appeared to offer him at once a happy termination of
his
wanderings, a home, a kingdom, and a bride. Month
espatched Mercury with a message to Æneas recalling him to a sense of
his
high destiny, and commanding him to resume his vo
ling him to a sense of his high destiny, and commanding him to resume
his
voyage. Æneas parted from Dido, though she tried
llow her son at last to attain the wished-for goal and find an end of
his
perils on the deep. Neptune consented, stipulatin
e victim was Palinurus, the pilot. As he sat watching the stars, with
his
hand on the helm, Somnus sent by Neptune approach
eather and the winds?” and he continued to grasp the helm and to keep
his
eyes fixed on the stars. But Somnus waved over hi
s. But Somnus waved over him a branch moistened with Lethæan dew, and
his
eyes closed in spite of all his efforts. Then Som
ranch moistened with Lethæan dew, and his eyes closed in spite of all
his
efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he
is efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he fell; but keeping
his
hold upon the helm, it came away with him. Neptun
his hold upon the helm, it came away with him. Neptune was mindful of
his
promise and kept the ship on her track without he
pt the ship on her track without helm or pilot, till Æneas discovered
his
loss, and, sorrowing deeply for his faithful stee
m or pilot, till Æneas discovered his loss, and, sorrowing deeply for
his
faithful steersman, took charge of the ship himse
aking of the recent death of William Pitt, says, — “O, think how, to
his
latest day, When death just hovering claimed his
— “O, think how, to his latest day, When death just hovering claimed
his
prey, With Palinure’s unaltered mood, Firm at his
st hovering claimed his prey, With Palinure’s unaltered mood, Firm at
his
dangerous post he stood; Each call for needful re
l for needful rest repelled, With dying hand the rudder held, Till in
his
fall, with fateful sway, The steerage of the real
shores of Italy, and joyfully did the adventurers leap to land. While
his
people were employed in making their encampment Æ
as contemplated the scene, the Sibyl accosted him. She seemed to know
his
errand, and under the influence of the deity of t
ntimations of labors and perils through which he was destined to make
his
way to final success. She closed with the encoura
cted in a dream to seek the abode of the dead in order to confer with
his
father, Anchises, to receive from him a revelatio
confer with his father, Anchises, to receive from him a revelation of
his
future fortunes and those of his race, he asked h
to receive from him a revelation of his future fortunes and those of
his
race, he asked her assistance to enable him to ac
f the dead, depicted by one of their most enlightened poets, who drew
his
doctrines from their most esteemed philosophers.
up with a bloody fillet. Here also were the monsters, Briareus, with
his
hundred arms, Hydras hissing, and Chimæras breath
sing, and Chimæras breathing fire. Æneas shuddered at the sight, drew
his
sword and would have struck, but the Sibyl restra
t strong and vigorous, who was receiving passengers of all kinds into
his
boat, magnanimous heroes, boys and unmarried girl
l at last they are taken over.” Æneas grieved at recollecting some of
his
own companions who had perished in the storm. At
ns who had perished in the storm. At that moment he beheld Palinurus,
his
pilot, who fell overboard and was drowned. He add
verboard and was drowned. He addressed him and asked him the cause of
his
misfortune. Palinurus replied that the rudder was
swept away with it. He besought Æneas most urgently to extend to him
his
hand and take him in company to the opposite shor
but consoled him by informing him that the people of the shore where
his
body had been wafted by the waves should be stirr
rus consoled by these words, they approached the boat. Charon, fixing
his
eyes sternly upon the advancing warrior, demanded
at they would commit no violence, that Æneas’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
. There they were encountered by the three-headed dog, Cerberus, with
his
necks bristling with snakes. He barked with all h
g, Cerberus, with his necks bristling with snakes. He barked with all
his
three throats till the Sibyl threw him a medicate
ted cake which he eagerly devoured, and then stretched himself out in
his
den and fell asleep. Æneas and the Sibyl sprang t
in, but approaching, perceived it was indeed herself. Tears fell from
his
eyes, and he addressed her in the accents of love
es fixed on the ground, and then silently passed on, as insensible to
his
pleadings as a rock. Æneas followed for some dist
Æneas followed for some distance; then, with a heavy heart, rejoined
his
companion and resumed his route. They next entere
istance; then, with a heavy heart, rejoined his companion and resumed
his
route. They next entered the fields where roam th
m, and could not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the cause of
his
coming, and plied him with innumerable questions.
plied him with innumerable questions. But the Greeks, at the sight of
his
armor glittering through the murky atmosphere, re
used to do on the plains of Troy. Æneas would have lingered long with
his
Trojan friends, but the Sibyl hurried him away. T
f iron, and the clanking of chains. Æneas, horror-struck, inquired of
his
guide what crimes were those whose punishments pr
to vie with Jupiter, and built a bridge of brass over which he drove
his
chariot that the sound might resemble thunder, la
ot that the sound might resemble thunder, launching flaming brands at
his
people in imitation of lightning, till Jupiter st
t as he lies he stretches over nine acres, while a vulture preys upon
his
liver, which as fast as it is devoured grows agai
upon his liver, which as fast as it is devoured grows again, so that
his
punishment will have no end. Æneas saw groups sea
, or failed in fidelity to their employers. Here was one who had sold
his
country for gold, another who perverted the laws,
down to the plain. Again he toiled at it, while the sweat bathed all
his
weary limbs, but all to no effect. There was Tant
limbs, but all to no effect. There was Tantalus, who stood in a pool,
his
chin level with the water, yet he was parched wit
rched with thirst, and found nothing to assuage it; for when he bowed
his
hoary head, eager to quaff, the water fled away,
oary head, eager to quaff, the water fled away, leaving the ground at
his
feet all dry. Tall trees laden with fruit stooped
h a sudden grasp he tried to seize them winds whirled them high above
his
reach. The Sibyl now warned Æneas that it was tim
gth or skill, others dancing or singing. Orpheus struck the chords of
his
lyre, and called forth ravishing sounds. Here Æne
ound him in a verdant valley, where he was contemplating the ranks of
his
posterity, their destinies and worthy deeds to be
always before me to guide and guard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold
his
father in his embrace, but his arms enclosed only
me to guide and guard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold his father in
his
embrace, but his arms enclosed only an unsubstant
uard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold his father in his embrace, but
his
arms enclosed only an unsubstantial image. Æneas
ing explained so much, proceeded to point out to Æneas individuals of
his
race, who were hereafter to be born, and to relat
perform in the world. After this he reverted to the present, and told
his
son of the events that remained to him to be acco
m to be accomplished before the complete establishment of himself and
his
followers in Italy. Wars were to be waged, battle
ain, to the upper world. Elysium. Virgil, we have seen, places
his
Elysium under the earth, and assigns it for a res
ad caught a glimpse of the coast of America. J. R. Lowell, in one of
his
shorter poems, claims for the present age some of
of oblivion, rolls Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks Forthwith
his
former state and being forgets, Forgets both joy
l. 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,
nduring youth. This also he would have granted, could I have accepted
his
love, but offended at my refusal, he allowed me t
ree remaining the same price which she had before asked for the nine,
his
curiosity was excited, and he purchased the books
zentius — Turnus. Æneas, having parted from the Sibyl and rejoined
his
fleet, coasted along the shores of Italy and cast
y and cast anchor in the mouth of the Tiber. The poet, having brought
his
hero to this spot, the destined termination of hi
et, having brought his hero to this spot, the destined termination of
his
wanderings, invokes his Muse to tell him the situ
ero to this spot, the destined termination of his wanderings, invokes
his
Muse to tell him the situation of things at that
the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been warned in a dream by
his
father Faunus, that the destined husband of Lavin
he promised son-in-law announced by the oracle. He cheerfully granted
his
alliance and sent back the messengers mounted on
nted his alliance and sent back the messengers mounted on steeds from
his
stables, and loaded with gifts and friendly messa
l of the foreigners and of the attempts of their prince to rob him of
his
bride. Next she turned her attention to the camp
attention to the camp of the Trojans. There she saw the boy Iulus and
his
companions amusing themselves with hunting. She s
e animal, and he had only strength left to run homewards, and died at
his
mistress’s feet. Her cries and tears roused her b
ngers from the country. He resisted as long as he could, but, finding
his
opposition unavailing, finally gave way and retre
finding his opposition unavailing, finally gave way and retreated to
his
retirement. Opening the Gates of Janus. It w
try, when war was to be undertaken, for the chief magistrate, clad in
his
robes of office, with solemn pomp to open the gat
cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neighboring cities, but
his
people drove him out. With him was joined his son
neighboring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was joined
his
son Lausus, a generous youth, worthy of a better
ad been singular from the beginning. Her father, Metabus, driven from
his
city by civil discord, carried with him in his fl
, Metabus, driven from his city by civil discord, carried with him in
his
flight his infant daughter. As he fled through th
driven from his city by civil discord, carried with him in his flight
his
infant daughter. As he fled through the woods, hi
him in his flight his infant daughter. As he fled through the woods,
his
enemies in hot pursuit, he reached the bank of th
e paused for a moment, then decided what to do. He tied the infant to
his
lance with wrappers of bark, and poising the weap
infant to his lance with wrappers of bark, and poising the weapon in
his
upraised hand thus addressed Diana: “Goddess of t
e other side. Thenceforth he lived among the shepherds and brought up
his
daughter in woodland arts. While a child she was
he open heavens. The god of the stream, Father Tiber, seemed to raise
his
head above the willows and to say, “O goddess-bor
sion. He sacrificed to Juno, and invoked the god of the river and all
his
tributary fountains to lend their aid. Then for t
ing annual solemnities in honor of Hercules and all the gods. Pallas,
his
son, and all the chiefs of the little commonwealt
ame, invited them to land, and when Æneas touched the shore he seized
his
hand, and held it long in friendly grasp. Proceed
friendly grasp. Proceeding through the wood, they joined the king and
his
party and were most favorably received. Seats wer
ll moved towards the city. The king, bending with age, walked between
his
son and Æneas, taking the arm of one or the other
eir hunted prey. Such were they when Saturn, expelled from Olympus by
his
sons, came among them and drew together the fierc
em laws. Such peace and plenty ensued that men ever since have called
his
reign the golden age; but by degrees far other ti
wakened by the dawn and the shrill song of birds beneath the eaves of
his
low mansion, old Evander rose. Clad in a tunic, a
, old Evander rose. Clad in a tunic, and a panther’s skin thrown over
his
shoulders, with sandals on his feet and his good
unic, and a panther’s skin thrown over his shoulders, with sandals on
his
feet and his good sword girded to his side, he we
anther’s skin thrown over his shoulders, with sandals on his feet and
his
good sword girded to his side, he went forth to s
his shoulders, with sandals on his feet and his good sword girded to
his
side, he went forth to seek his guest. Two mastif
his feet and his good sword girded to his side, he went forth to seek
his
guest. Two mastiffs followed him, his whole retin
his side, he went forth to seek his guest. Two mastiffs followed him,
his
whole retinue and body guard. He found the hero a
him, his whole retinue and body guard. He found the hero attended by
his
faithful Achates, and, Pallas soon joining them,
ng, a monster of cruelty, who invented unheard-of torments to gratify
his
vengeance. He would fasten the dead to the living
in that dreadful embrace. At length the people cast him out, him and
his
house. They burned his palace and slew his friend
ce. At length the people cast him out, him and his house. They burned
his
palace and slew his friends. He escaped and took
ople cast him out, him and his house. They burned his palace and slew
his
friends. He escaped and took refuge with Turnus,
d took the way to the Etruscan city,28 — having sent back the rest of
his
party in the ships. Æneas and his band safely arr
y,28 — having sent back the rest of his party in the ships. Æneas and
his
band safely arrived at the Etruscan camp and were
at the Etruscan camp and were received with open arms by Tarchon and
his
countrymen. Nisus and Euryalus. In the mean
ymen. Nisus and Euryalus. In the meanwhile Turnus had collected
his
bands and made all necessary preparations for the
r guard, and having received strict orders from Æneas not to fight in
his
absence, they lay still in their intrenchments, a
with him. These two were friends and brothers in arms. Nisus said to
his
friend, “Do you perceive what confidence and care
case of success. Iulus especially addressed Euryalus, assuring him of
his
lasting friendship. Euryalus replied, “I have but
ulus and the other chiefs were moved to tears, and promised to do all
his
request. “Your mother shall be mine,” said Iulus,
w extricate the youth, or would it be better to die with him. Raising
his
eyes to the moon, which now shone clear, he said,
hich now shone clear, he said, “Goddess! favor my effort!” and aiming
his
javelin at one of the leaders of the troop, struc
the penalty of both,” he said, and would have plunged the sword into
his
bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment saw t
and would have plunged the sword into his bosom, when Nisus, who from
his
concealment saw the peril of his friend, rushed f
into his bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment saw the peril of
his
friend, rushed forward exclaiming, “’Twas I, ’twa
fell, and pierced the comely bosom of Euryalus. His head fell over on
his
shoulder, like a flower cut down by the plough. N
flower cut down by the plough. Nisus rushed upon Volscens and plunged
his
sword into his body, and was himself slain on the
by the plough. Nisus rushed upon Volscens and plunged his sword into
his
body, and was himself slain on the instant by num
lain on the instant by numberless blows. Mezentius. Æneas, with
his
Etrurian allies, arrived on the scene of action i
his Etrurian allies, arrived on the scene of action in time to rescue
his
beleaguered camp; and now the two armies being ne
to our readers. The tyrant Mezentius, finding himself engaged against
his
revolted subjects, raged like a wild beast. He sl
d Æneas, and the armies stood still to see the issue. Mezentius threw
his
spear, which striking Æneas’s shield glanced off
ed off and hit Anthor. He was a Grecian by birth, who had left Argos,
his
native city, and followed Evander into Italy. The
skies, and dying remembered sweet Argos.” 29 Æneas now in turn hurled
his
lance. It pierced the shield of Mezentius, and wo
ierced the shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Lausus,
his
son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward
e the followers pressed round Mezentius and bore him away. Æneas held
his
sword suspended over Lausus and delayed to strike
ands. Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the riverside, and washed
his
wound. Soon the news reached him of Lausus’s deat
eath, and rage and despair supplied the place of strength. He mounted
his
horse and dashed into the thickest of the fight,
le, throwing one javelin after another, while Æneas stood fenced with
his
shield, turning every way to meet them. At last,
t last, after Mezentius had three times made the circuit, Æneas threw
his
lance directly at the horse’s head. It pierced hi
rcuit, Æneas threw his lance directly at the horse’s head. It pierced
his
temples and he fell, while a shout from both armi
m both armies rent the skies. Mezentius asked no mercy, but only that
his
body might be spared the insults of his revolted
asked no mercy, but only that his body might be spared the insults of
his
revolted subjects, and be buried in the same grav
nsults of his revolted subjects, and be buried in the same grave with
his
son. He received the fatal stroke not unprepared,
his son. He received the fatal stroke not unprepared, and poured out
his
life and his blood together. Pallas, Camilla,
received the fatal stroke not unprepared, and poured out his life and
his
blood together. Pallas, Camilla, Turnus. Wh
The victor almost relented when he saw the brave youth lying dead at
his
feet, and spared to use the privilege of a conque
, and spared to use the privilege of a conqueror in despoiling him of
his
arms. The belt only, adorned with studs and carvi
y, adorned with studs and carvings of gold, he took and clasped round
his
own body. The rest he remitted to the friends of
test as long as he could, but at last, impelled by the ill success of
his
arms and by the murmurs of his followers, he brac
t last, impelled by the ill success of his arms and by the murmurs of
his
followers, he braced himself to the conflict. It
On the side of Æneas were the expressed decree of destiny, the aid of
his
goddess-mother at every emergency, and impenetrab
her request, for her son. Turnus, on the other hand, was deserted by
his
celestial allies, Juno having been expressly forb
expressly forbidden by Jupiter to assist him any longer. Turnus threw
his
lance, but it recoiled harmless from the shield o
ecoiled harmless from the shield of Æneas. The Trojan hero then threw
his
, which penetrated the shield of Turnus, and pierc
ro then threw his, which penetrated the shield of Turnus, and pierced
his
thigh. Then Turnus’s fortitude forsook him and he
e forsook him and he begged for mercy; and Æneas would have given him
his
life, but at the instant his eye fell on the belt
or mercy; and Æneas would have given him his life, but at the instant
his
eye fell on the belt of Pallas, which Turnus had
Pallas, which Turnus had taken from the slaughtered youth. Instantly
his
rage revived, and exclaiming, “Pallas immolates t
g, “Pallas immolates thee with this blow,” he thrust him through with
his
sword. Here the poem of the Æneid closes, and we
id closes, and we are left to infer that Æneas, having triumphed over
his
foes, obtained Lavinia for his bride. Tradition a
nfer that Æneas, having triumphed over his foes, obtained Lavinia for
his
bride. Tradition adds that he founded his city, a
foes, obtained Lavinia for his bride. Tradition adds that he founded
his
city, and called it after her name, Lavinium. His
was a native of the island of Samos, but passed the chief portion of
his
life at Crotona in Italy. He is therefore sometim
Brahmins of India. At Crotona, where he finally established himself,
his
extraordinary qualities collected round him a gre
were notorious for luxury and licentiousness, but the good effects of
his
influence were soon visible. Sobriety and tempera
riety and temperance succeeded. Six hundred of the inhabitants became
his
disciples and enrolled themselves in a society to
gs, and attributed to them a real and distinct existence; so that, in
his
view, they were the elements out of which the uni
Pythagoreans killed no animals. Ovid represents Pythagoras addressing
his
disciples in these words: “Souls never die, but a
urrish spirit Governed a wolf; who hanged for human slaughter Infused
his
soul in thee; for thy desires Are wolfish, bloody
ch other. This is the idea which Dryden expresses in the beginning of
his
Song for St. Cecilia’s Day: — “From harmony, fro
bright gold! There’s not the smallest orb that thou behold’st But in
his
motion like an angel sings, Still quiring to the
exquisite harmony, too fine for mortal ears to recognize. Milton, in
his
Hymn to the Nativity, thus alludes to the music o
The name has become proverbial. J. R. Lowell uses it in this sense in
his
charming little poem, — To the Dandelion: — “Not
my of Crotona. Many stories are told of Milo’s vast strength, such as
his
carrying a heifer of four years old upon his shou
s vast strength, such as his carrying a heifer of four years old upon
his
shoulders and afterwards eating the whole of it i
rs and afterwards eating the whole of it in a single day. The mode of
his
death is thus related: As he was passing through
d-cutters, and attempted to rend it further; but the wood closed upon
his
hands and held him fast, in which state he was at
st, in which state he was attacked and devoured by wolves. Byron, in
his
Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, alludes to the story o
afterwards called Zeus, or Jupiter Ammon. Amun manifested himself in
his
word or will, which created Kneph and Athor, of d
ich he was also regarded as the god of the Nile, who annually visited
his
wife, Isis (the Earth,) by means of an inundation
bis is the guardian god, represented with a dog’s head, emblematic of
his
character of fidelity and watchfulness. Horus or
s the son of Osiris. He is represented seated on a Lotus flower, with
his
finger on his lips, as the god of Silence. In
siris. He is represented seated on a Lotus flower, with his finger on
his
lips, as the god of Silence. In one of Moore’s
mong The flowers that on the Nile-stream blush, Sits ever thus, —
his
only song To Earth and Heaven, ‘Hush all, hus
ile a happy country, he assembled a host with which he went to bestow
his
blessings upon the rest of the world. He conquere
rother Typhon saw this, and filled with envy and malice sought during
his
absence to usurp his throne. But Isis, who held t
s, and filled with envy and malice sought during his absence to usurp
his
throne. But Isis, who held the reins of governmen
rp his throne. But Isis, who held the reins of government, frustrated
his
plans. Still more imbittered, he now resolved to
frustrated his plans. Still more imbittered, he now resolved to kill
his
brother. This he did in the following manner: Hav
he rest tried in vain, but no sooner was Osiris in it than Typhon and
his
companions closed the lid and flung the chest int
so erected there in honor of the god, and at every place where one of
his
limbs had been found minor temples and tombs were
soul was supposed always to inhabit the body of the bull Apis, and at
his
death to transfer itself to his successor. Apis,
bit the body of the bull Apis, and at his death to transfer itself to
his
successor. Apis, the Bull of Memphis, was worship
ite square mark on the forehead, another, in the form of an eagle, on
his
back, and under his tongue a lump somewhat in the
he forehead, another, in the form of an eagle, on his back, and under
his
tongue a lump somewhat in the shape of a scarabæu
on of this term the priests repaired at new moon, with great pomp, to
his
habitation and saluted him Apis. He was placed in
was thrown into the river, and a grand festival was held to celebrate
his
birthday. The people believed that during this fe
ral ferocity and became harmless. There was, however, one drawback to
his
happy lot: he was not permitted to live beyond a
hole land was filled with sorrow and lamentations, which lasted until
his
successor was found. We find the following item i
is is now open, after having lain unknown for centuries. Milton, in
his
Hymn to the Nativity, alludes to the Egyptian dei
grass with lowings loud; Nor can he be at rest Within
his
sacred chest; Nought but profoundest hell can be
t Within his sacred chest; Nought but profoundest hell can be
his
shroud. In vain with timbrel’d anthems da
In vain with timbrel’d anthems dark The sable-stoled sorcerers bear
his
worshipped ark.” Isis was represented in statuar
, from time to time, purloined the treasure. This amazed Hyrieus, for
his
locks and seals were untouched, and yet his wealt
This amazed Hyrieus, for his locks and seals were untouched, and yet
his
wealth continually diminished. At length he set a
fearing that when found he would be compelled by torture to discover
his
accomplice, cut off his head. Trophonius himself
he would be compelled by torture to discover his accomplice, cut off
his
head. Trophonius himself is said to have been sho
ssession of an island in the river, and a temple was there erected to
his
honor. Oracle of Apis. At Memphis the sacre
t, and were heard no more after that date. Milton adopts this view in
his
Hymn of the Nativity, and in lines of solemn and
hum Rings through the arched roof in words deceiving. Apollo from
his
shrine Can no more divine, With hollow shriek
but at thy mouth Inquisitive, the less ambiguous past.” Tennyson in
his
Talking Oak, alludes to the oaks of Dodona in the
ah, Hercules for Samson, Arion for Jonah, etc. Sir Walter Raleigh, in
his
History of the World, says, “Jubal, Tubal, and Tu
process of time to be understood literally. Thus Saturn, who devours
his
own children, is the same power whom the Greeks c
vulet, was under the care of some particular divinity. Wordsworth, in
his
Excursion, has beautifully developed this view of
ched On the soft grass through half a summer’s day, With music lulled
his
indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, i
ulled his indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, if he, When
his
own breath was silent, chanced to hear A distant
t, chanced to hear A distant strain far sweeter than the sounds Which
his
poor skill could make, his fancy fetched Even fro
t strain far sweeter than the sounds Which his poor skill could make,
his
fancy fetched Even from the blazing chariot of th
d the illumined groves with ravishment. The mighty hunter, lifting up
his
eyes Toward the crescent Moon, with grateful hear
Called on the lovely Wanderer who bestowed That timely light to share
his
joyous sport; And hence a beaming goddess with he
et, on a pedestal twelve feet high. The god was represented seated on
his
throne. His brows were crowned with a wreath of o
throne. His brows were crowned with a wreath of olive, and he held in
his
right hand a sceptre, and in his left a statue of
th a wreath of olive, and he held in his right hand a sceptre, and in
his
left a statue of Victory. The throne was of cedar
and ruling with a nod the subject world. Phidias avowed that he took
his
idea from the representation which Homer gives in
in the passage thus translated by Pope: — “He spoke and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls and gives
nslated by Pope: — “He spoke and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls and gives the nod, The stamp of f
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 Thomson alludes to in
his
Summer. “So stands the statue that enchants the
ng minstrel, blind and old, who travelled from place to place singing
his
lays to the music of his harp, in the courts of p
d, who travelled from place to place singing his lays to the music of
his
harp, in the courts of princes or the cottages of
e cottages of peasants, and dependent upon the voluntary offerings of
his
hearers for support. Byron calls him “The blind o
and a well-known epigram, alluding to the uncertainty of the fact of
his
birthplace, says, — “Seven wealthy towns contend
y towns contend for Homer dead, Through which the living Homer begged
his
bread.” These seven were Smyrna, Scio, Rhodes, C
ity of Herodotus, is 850 B. C. Virgil Virgil, called also by
his
surname, Maro, from whose poem of the Æneid we ha
shining plumes again.” Ovid . Ovid alluded to in poetry by
his
other name of Naso, was born in the year 43 B. C.
ic life and held some offices of considerable dignity, but poetry was
his
delight, and he early resolved to devote himself
r died when Ovid was yet too young and undistinguished to have formed
his
acquaintance. Ovid spent an easy life at Rome in
the poet’s happy circumstances and clouded all the latter portion of
his
life. At the age of fifty he was banished from Ro
stomed to all the pleasures of a luxurious capital and the society of
his
most distinguished contemporaries, spent the last
of his most distinguished contemporaries, spent the last ten years of
his
life, worn out with grief and anxiety. His only c
with grief and anxiety. His only consolation in exile was to address
his
wife and absent friends, and his letters were all
consolation in exile was to address his wife and absent friends, and
his
letters were all poetical. Though these poems (th
and Letters from Pontus) have no other topic than the poet’s sorrows,
his
exquisite taste and fruitful invention have redee
with pleasure and even with sympathy. The two great works of Ovid are
his
Metamorphoses and his Fasti. They are both mythol
with sympathy. The two great works of Ovid are his Metamorphoses and
his
Fasti. They are both mythological poems, and from
l furnish the poet, the painter, and the sculptor, with materials for
his
art. With exquisite taste, simplicity, and pathos
is appropriate; he rejects the superfluous; and when he has completed
his
work, it is neither defective nor redundant. The
ced age with still greater delight. The poet ventured to predict that
his
poem would survive him, and be read wherever the
first care of the young bird as soon as fledged, and able to trust to
his
wings, is to perform the obsequies of his father.
edged, and able to trust to his wings, is to perform the obsequies of
his
father. But this duty is not undertaken rashly. H
is not undertaken rashly. He collects a quantity of myrrh, and to try
his
strength makes frequent excursions with a load on
rrh, and to try his strength makes frequent excursions with a load on
his
back. When he has gained sufficient confidence in
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
ained sufficient confidence in his own vigor, he takes up the body of
his
father and flies with it to the altar of the Sun,
ugh he says, “I have not seen it myself, except in a picture. Part of
his
plumage is gold-colored, and part crimson; and he
med a belief in the existence of the Phœnix was Sir Thomas Browne, in
his
Vulgar Errors, published in 1646. He was replied
, who says, in answer to the objection of the Phœnix so seldom making
his
appearance, “His instinct teaches him to keep out
ur him, though there were no more in the world.” Dryden in one of
his
early poems has this allusion to the Phœnix: — “
he seems A Phœnix, gazed by all; as that sole bird When, to enshrine
his
relics in the sun’s Bright temple, to Egyptian Th
This animal was called the king of the serpents. In confirmation of
his
royalty, he was said to be endowed with a crest,
er. The Roman naturalist Pliny thus describes him: “He does not impel
his
body, like other serpents, by a multiplied flexio
tain in the desert, suddenly beheld a basilisk. He immediately raised
his
eyes to heaven, and with a pious appeal to the De
heaven, and with a pious appeal to the Deity laid the monster dead at
his
feet. These wonderful powers of the basilisk are
its author, and by a kind of poetical justice slew the basilisk with
his
own weapon. But what was to attack this terrible
by this time have had enough of absurdities, but still we can imagine
his
anxiety to know what a cockatrice was like. The f
ular he is so ample on the subject of the cock and the bull that from
his
practice, all rambling, gossiping tales of doubtf
seemed its head The likeness of a kingly crown had on.” Shelley, in
his
Ode to Naples, full of the enthusiasm excited by
her, he approached with all reverence, couched beside her, and laying
his
head in her lap, fell asleep. The treacherous vir
be the fact that the salamander really does secrete from the pores of
his
body a milky juice, which when he is irritated is
ceded him. The time when he lived is doubtful, but it is certain that
his
system became the dominant religion of Western As
, who created two other mighty beings and imparted to them as much of
his
own nature as seemed good to him. Of these, Ormuz
f these, Ormuzd (called by the Greeks Oromasdes) remained faithful to
his
creator, and was regarded as the source of all go
adherents of Ormuzd shall every where be victorious, and Ahriman and
his
followers be consigned to darkness forever. The r
est heights ascending, from their tops, With myrtle-wreathed Tiara on
his
brows, Presented sacrifice to Moon and Stars, And
appeared in the human form of Krishna, an invincible warrior, who by
his
exploits relieved the earth from the tyrants who
principle. Though the third name, he is, in respect to the number of
his
worshippers and the extension of his worship, bef
is, in respect to the number of his worshippers and the extension of
his
worship, before either of the others. In the Pura
ing the claims of the other, and Brahma, the creator, having finished
his
work, seems to be regarded as no longer active, a
ed to give the earth inhabitants who should be direct emanations from
his
own body. Accordingly from his mouth came forth t
s who should be direct emanations from his own body. Accordingly from
his
mouth came forth the eldest born, Brahma, (the pr
born, Brahma, (the priest,) to whom he confided the four Vedas; from
his
right arm issued Shatriya, (the warrior,) and fro
ur Vedas; from his right arm issued Shatriya, (the warrior,) and from
his
left, the warrior’s wife. His thighs produced Vai
ssyas, male and female, (agriculturists and traders,) and lastly from
his
feet sprang Sudras, (mechanics and laborers.) The
divinity.” When the Brahman arrives at years of maturity it becomes
his
duty to marry. He ought to be supported by the co
orted by the contributions of the rich, and not to be obliged to gain
his
subsistence by any laborious or productive occupa
m the Vedas represent as a delusive incarnation of Vishnu, is said by
his
followers to have been a mortal sage, whose name
d Buddha, the Sage. By a comparison of the various epochs assigned to
his
birth, it is inferred that he lived about one tho
en in conformity to the usage of the country he was, a few days after
his
birth, presented before the altar of a deity, the
rst order, and became equally distinguished by the uncommon beauty of
his
person. No sooner had he grown to years of maturi
s father in vain opposed this design. Buddha escaped the vigilance of
his
guards, and having found a secure retreat, lived
and having found a secure retreat, lived for six years undisturbed in
his
devout contemplations. At the expiration of that
ious teacher. At first some who heard him doubted of the soundness of
his
mind; but his doctrines soon gained credit, and w
At first some who heard him doubted of the soundness of his mind; but
his
doctrines soon gained credit, and were propagated
of the country. For several centuries after the appearance of Buddha,
his
sect seems to have been tolerated by the Brahmans
Buddhism prevails. In consequence of the victories of Gengis Khan and
his
successors, the Lama residing in Thibet was raise
chief pontiff of the sect. A separate province was assigned to him as
his
own territory, and besides his spiritual dignity
parate province was assigned to him as his own territory, and besides
his
spiritual dignity he became to a limited extent a
to him in Paradise Lost, Book XI., where, describing Adam’s vision of
his
descendants in their various nations and cities,
ered over the face of the earth, he says, — “—— Nor did
his
eyes not ken Th’ empire of Negus, to his utmost p
— “—— Nor did his eyes not ken Th’ empire of Negus, to
his
utmost port, Ercoco, and the less maritime kings,
he air and formed clouds, from which sprang Ymir, the Frost giant and
his
progeny, and the cow Audhumbla, whose milk afford
h beauty, agility, and power. This new being was a god, from whom and
his
wife, a daughter of the giant race, sprang the th
ree brothers Odin, Vili, and Ve. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of
his
body formed the earth, of his blood the seas, of
e. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth, of
his
blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of hi
Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth, of his blood the seas, of
his
bones the mountains, of his hair the trees, of hi
rmed the earth, of his blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of
his
hair the trees, of his skull the heavens, and of
blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of his hair the trees, of
his
skull the heavens, and of his brain clouds, charg
he mountains, of his hair the trees, of his skull the heavens, and of
his
brain clouds, charged with hail and snow. Of Ymir
beautiful of these is Valhalla, the residence of Odin. When seated on
his
throne he overlooks all heaven and earth. Upon hi
in. When seated on his throne he overlooks all heaven and earth. Upon
his
shoulders are the ravens Hugin and Munin, who fly
d, and on their return report to him all they have seen and heard. At
his
feet lie his two wolves, Geri and Freki, to whom
ir return report to him all they have seen and heard. At his feet lie
his
two wolves, Geri and Freki, to whom Odin gives al
lhalla. Valhalla is the great hall of Odin, wherein he feasts with
his
chosen heroes, all those who have fallen bravely
e-field to make choice of those who shall be slain. The Valkyrior are
his
messengers, and their name means “Choosers of the
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 belt of strength. When he girds it about him
his
divine might is doubled. The third, also very pre
ut him his divine might is doubled. The third, also very precious, is
his
iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would u
precious, is his iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would use
his
mallet efficiently. From Thor’s name is derived o
l lovers would do well to invoke her. Bragi is the god of poetry, and
his
song records the deeds of warriors. His wife, Idu
es 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 he
them into difficulties, and in extricating them out of the danger by
his
cunning, wit, and skill. Loki has three children.
nded. But the monster has grown to such an enormous size that holding
his
tail in his mouth he encircles the whole earth. H
e monster has grown to such an enormous size that holding his tail in
his
mouth he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast
consented to be bound with it upon condition that one of the gods put
his
hand in his (Fenris’s) mouth as a pledge that the
be bound with it upon condition that one of the gods put his hand in
his
(Fenris’s) mouth as a pledge that the band was to
ge enough to do this. But when the wolf found that he could not break
his
fetters, and that the gods would not release him,
the Frost giants and the giants of the mountains. But he demanded for
his
reward the goddess Freya, together with the sun a
he goddess Freya, together with the sun and moon. The gods yielded to
his
terms, provided he would finish the whole work hi
e terms the artificer stipulated that he should be allowed the use of
his
horse Svadilfari, and this by the advice of Loki
ngly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the night let
his
horse draw stone for the building. The enormous s
aw clearly that the horse did one-half more of the toilsome work than
his
master. Their bargain, however, had been conclude
he did not contrive some way to prevent the artificer from completing
his
task and obtaining the stipulated recompense. The
he stipulated recompense. They proceeded to lay hands on Loki, who in
his
fright promised upon oath that, let it cost him w
im what it would, he would so manage matters that the man should lose
his
reward. That very night when the man went with Sv
ter the mare into the forest, which obliged the man also to run after
his
horse, and thus between one and another the whole
e the usual progress. The man, seeing that he must fail of completing
his
task, resumed his own gigantic stature, and the g
ss. The man, seeing that he must fail of completing his task, resumed
his
own gigantic stature, and the gods now clearly pe
lled on Thor, who immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up
his
mallet, paid the workman his wages, not with the
ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet, paid the workman
his
wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
he giant’s promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to be
his
bride. Loki returned and reported the result of h
uld consent to be his bride. Loki returned and reported the result of
his
mission, but the goddess of love was quite horrif
elf in Freya’s clothes and accompany him to Jotunheim. Thrym received
his
veiled bride with due courtesy, but was greatly s
d ruler of Jotunheim. Thrym had at length the curiosity to peep under
his
bride’s veil, but started back in affright and de
be brought in and laid on the maiden’s lap. Thereupon Thor threw off
his
disguise, grasped his redoubted weapon, and slaug
d on the maiden’s lap. Thereupon Thor threw off his disguise, grasped
his
redoubted weapon, and slaughtered Thrym and all h
disguise, grasped his redoubted weapon, and slaughtered Thrym and all
his
followers. Frey also possessed a wonderful weapon
moment he could neither sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skirnir,
his
messenger, drew his secret from him, and undertoo
her sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skirnir, his messenger, drew
his
secret from him, and undertook to get him the mai
er, 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
d undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him
his
sword as a reward. Frey consented and gave him th
reward. Frey consented and gave him the sword, and Skirnir set off on
his
journey and obtained the maiden’s promise that wi
tain place and there wed Frey. Skirnir having reported the success of
his
errand, Frey exclaimed: — “Long is one night, Lo
half.” So Frey obtained Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for
his
wife, but he lost his sword. This story, entitl
ned Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for his wife, but he lost
his
sword. This story, entitled Skirnir For, and th
sit to Jotunheim, the Giant’s Country. One day the god Thor, with
his
servant Thialfi, and accompanied by Loki, set out
earthquake which shook the whole edifice. Thor, rising up, called on
his
companions to seek with him a place of safety. On
into which the others entered, but Thor remained at the doorway with
his
mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself, w
e others entered, but Thor remained at the doorway with his mallet in
his
hand, prepared to defend himself, whatever might
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 cont
as the giant soon waked up, Thor contented himself with simply asking
his
name. “My name is Skrymir,” said the giant, “but
ken overnight for a hall was the giant’s glove, and the chamber where
his
two companions had sought refuge was the thumb. S
one, Skrymir packed all the provisions into one wallet, threw it over
his
shoulder, and strode on before them, taking such
ould not untie a single knot. At last Thor became wroth, and grasping
his
mallet with both hands he struck a furious blow o
ad. Skrymir, awakening, merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on
his
head, and whether they had supped and were ready
loud that the forest re-echoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping
his
mallet launched it with such force at the giant’s
k he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again grasping
his
mallet, he dashed it with such violence that it f
the giant’s skull up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and stroking
his
cheek said, “An acorn fell on my head. What! Art
stward, mine lies northward, so we must part here.” Hereupon he threw
his
wallet over his shoulders and turned away from th
s northward, so we must part here.” Hereupon he threw his wallet over
his
shoulders and turned away from them into the fore
he forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of
his
company. Thor and his companions proceeded on the
d no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of his company. Thor and
his
companions proceeded on their way, and towards no
u promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.” He then ordered one of
his
men who was sitting at the farther end of the ben
er end of the bench, and whose name was Logi, to come forward and try
his
skill with Loki. A trough filled with meat having
he trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while
his
adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and t
un a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped
his
competitor that he turned back and met him not fa
red that he would try a drinking-match with any one. Utgard-Loki bade
his
cupbearer bring the large horn which his follower
th any one. Utgard-Loki bade his cupbearer bring the large horn which
his
followers were obliged to empty when they had tre
e though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
his
lips, and without drawing breath, pulled as long
r was diminished. After taking breath, Thor went to it again with all
his
might, but when he took the horn from his mouth,
r went to it again with all his might, but when he took the horn from
his
mouth, it seemed to him that he had drunk rather
ks 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 lookin
n 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 liq
inished speaking, a large gray cat sprang on the hall floor. Thor put
his
hand under the cat’s belly and did his utmost to
ng on the hall floor. Thor put his hand under the cat’s belly and did
his
utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat,
and did his utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending
his
back, had, notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, on
ending his back, had, notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, only one of
his
feet lifted up, seeing which Thor made no further
take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more Thor tightened
his
hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length
she stood. At length after a very violent struggle Thor began to lose
his
footing, and was finally brought down upon one kn
wrestle with him, and it was also getting late; so he showed Thor and
his
companions to their seats, and they passed the ni
ight there in good cheer. The next morning, at break of day, Thor and
his
companions dressed themselves and prepared for th
hem to the gate of the city, and on parting asked Thor how he thought
his
journey had turned out, and whether he had met wi
fting 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-
tretched by thee that he was barely long enough to enclose it between
his
head and tail. Thy wrestling with Elli was also a
contest with me.” On hearing these words Thor in a rage laid hold of
his
mallet and would have launched it at him, but Utg
the Good, having been tormented with terrible dreams indicating that
his
life was in peril, told them to the assembled god
din, not satisfied with all this, and feeling alarmed for the fate of
his
son, determined to consult the prophetess Angerbo
beginning, — “Uprose the king of men with speed And saddled straight
his
coal-black steed.” But the other gods, feeling t
an oath from.” As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and resuming
his
natural shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaire
Hodur standing apart, without partaking of the sports, on account of
his
blindness, and going up to him, said, “Why dost t
ind, was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted and galloped away on
his
mission. For the space of nine days and as many n
overed with glittering gold. The maiden who kept the bridge asked him
his
name and lineage, telling him that the day before
yonder lieth the way he took to the abodes of death.” Hermod pursued
his
journey until he came to the barred gates of Hel.
y until he came to the barred gates of Hel. Here he alighted, girthed
his
saddle tighter, and remounting clapped both spurs
ted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting clapped both spurs to
his
horse, who cleared the gate by a tremendous leap
ithout touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he found
his
brother Baldur occupying the most distinguished s
ying the most distinguished seat in the hall, and passed the night in
his
company. The next morning he besought Hela to let
aldur’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
obsequies. First came Odin accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrior, and
his
ravens; then Frey in his car drawn by Gullinburst
in accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyrior, and his ravens; then Frey in
his
car drawn by Gullinbursti, the boar; Heimdall rod
; then Frey in his car drawn by Gullinbursti, the boar; Heimdall rode
his
horse Gulltopp, and Freya drove in her chariot dr
ed to the pile fully caparisoned and consumed in the same flames with
his
master. But Loki did not escape his deserved puni
consumed in the same flames with his master. But Loki did not escape
his
deserved punishment. When he saw how angry the go
invented a net to catch the fishes, such as fishermen have used since
his
time. But Odin found out his hiding-place and the
ishes, such as fishermen have used since his time. But Odin found out
his
hiding-place and the gods assembled to take him.
salmon, and lay hid among the stones of the brook. But the gods took
his
net and dragged the brook, and Loki, finding he m
ine and thin. They bound him with chains and suspended a serpent over
his
head, whose venom falls upon his face drop by dro
chains and suspended a serpent over his head, whose venom falls upon
his
face drop by drop. His wife Siguna sits by his si
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
he venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror, and twist
his
body about so violently that the whole earth shak
for they avoided the sun as their most deadly enemy, because whenever
his
beams fell upon any of them they changed them imm
ast upon their still quivering bodies. The wolf Fenris will now break
his
bands, the Midgard serpent rise out of her bed in
dgard serpent rise out of her bed in the sea, and Loki, released from
his
bonds, will join the enemies of the gods. Amidst
d to slay the victims, at the same time praying that God would render
his
gift prosperous to those to whom he had given it.
e influence of the Bards in animating the resistance of the people to
his
sway, persecuted them with great cruelty. This tr
uelty. This tradition has furnished the poet Gray with the subject of
his
celebrated ode, the Bard. There are still occasio
midst the eternal cliffs, whose strength defied The crested Roman in
his
hour of pride; And where the Druid’s ancient crom
with hides. The Druids who occupied the island endeavored to prevent
his
settling there, and the savage nations on the adj
ommoded him with their hostility, and on several occasions endangered
his
life by their attacks. Yet by his perseverance an
and on several occasions endangered his life by their attacks. Yet by
his
perseverance and zeal he surmounted all oppositio
shed there a monastery of which he was the abbot. He was unwearied in
his
labors to disseminate a knowledge of the Scriptur
and monk, the entire province with its bishops was subject to him and
his
successors. The Pictish monarch was so impressed
his successors. The Pictish monarch was so impressed with a sense of
his
wisdom and worth that he held him in the highest
m in the highest honor, and the neighboring chiefs and princes sought
his
counsel and availed themselves of his judgment in
oring chiefs and princes sought his counsel and availed themselves of
his
judgment in settling their disputes. When Columba
quired their presence in the school or the sanctuary. Campbell, in
his
poem of Reullura, alludes to the married monks of
word with power, And Reullura, beauty’s star, Was the partner of
his
bower.” In one of his Irish Melodies, Moore give
eullura, beauty’s star, Was the partner of his bower.” In one of
his
Irish Melodies, Moore gives the legend of St. Sen
agnis tamen excidit ausis. — Ovid . Here lies Phaëton, the driver of
his
father’s chariot, which if he failed to manage, y
346. Sequitur patrem, non passibus acquis. — Virgil . He follows
his
father with unequal steps. No. 10. Page 349
ous with “lyre,” and figuratively for music and poetry. Thus Gray, in
his
ode on the “Progress of Poesy,” says: — “O Sover
erability of Achilles is not found in Homer, and is inconsistent with
his
account. For how could Achilles require the aid o
is less elegant, but truer to the original. — “He ceased, and under
his
dark brows the nod Vouchsafed of confirmation. Al
uchsafed of confirmation. All around The sovereign’s everlasting head
his
curls Ambrosial shook, and the huge mountain reel
ed to the quarrel which ensued between Addison and Pope. “This said,
his
kingly brow the sire inclined; The large black cu
, the days of “visible poetry;” the “young hunter,” in the pursuit of
his
favourite sport, might image to his mind the form
“young hunter,” in the pursuit of his favourite sport, might image to
his
mind the form and figure of Diana, accompanying h
ould become visible to him, and the fate of Acteon should prove to be
his
. The lover, as he sought the presence of his mi
eon should prove to be his. The lover, as he sought the presence of
his
mistress, might, in his enamoured idea of her bea
is. The lover, as he sought the presence of his mistress, might, in
his
enamoured idea of her beauty, fancy that his idol
his mistress, might, in his enamoured idea of her beauty, fancy that
his
idolatry was a real one, and that he wooed Venus
n-like, or in some other as picturesque a form, win her he sought for
his
own: and thus, every class of society, from the p
Hunt, who has said many things upon Mythology, quite as beautiful as
his
subject, remarks: — “From having a different cre
r the harvest; orchards are the care of Pomona. Does a shepherd sound
his
reed on the summit of a mountain, it is Pan, who
pherd sound his reed on the summit of a mountain, it is Pan, who with
his
pastoral pipe returns the amorous lay. “When th
f the chase. The sun is a god, who, riding in a car of fire, diffuses
his
light through the world; the stars are so many di
st heaven is seated Jupiter, master and father of men and gods. Under
his
feet roll the thunders, in the caverns of Etna, f
eet roll the thunders, in the caverns of Etna, forged by the Cyclops;
his
smile rejoices nature; and his nods shakes the fo
averns of Etna, forged by the Cyclops; his smile rejoices nature; and
his
nods shakes the foundation of Olympus. Surroundin
d that Lord Bacon treats upon the subject in a manner which maintains
his
high character as a profound thinker. “I am not i
thick clouds, and then formed the zodiac, glittering with stars above
his
head. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_184
a. Uranus, or Heaven. Uranus, or Heaven, was the Day. Espousing
his
sister Titæa, from their union sprang the Titans,
the Cyclops, three of whom became servants to Vulcan, forging, under
his
direction, the thunderbolts of the great Jove; wh
ng, which rose to such gigantic strength, should dethrone him; and by
his
power he threw them down an abyss, into which the
all save Saturn, who, led by ambition and vengeance, and assisted by
his
mother in his schemes, dethroned his sire, usurpe
rn, who, led by ambition and vengeance, and assisted by his mother in
his
schemes, dethroned his sire, usurped his empire,
n and vengeance, and assisted by his mother in his schemes, dethroned
his
sire, usurped his empire, and delivered his breth
nd assisted by his mother in his schemes, dethroned his sire, usurped
his
empire, and delivered his brethren. The defeated
in his schemes, dethroned his sire, usurped his empire, and delivered
his
brethren. The defeated monarch fell beneath his s
empire, and delivered his brethren. The defeated monarch fell beneath
his
son’s parricidal hand; and from the blood thus sh
e sons of the murdered monarch. —— “Titan, heaven’s first born, With
his
enormous brood, and birthright seized By younger
the Celtic roamed the utmost Isles.” Milton. Compelled to renounce
his
claim in favour of Saturn, who delivered them all
ildren might be born to him, should be destroyed. Saturn, faithful to
his
promise, swallowed, at their birth, all the male
e, swallowed, at their birth, all the male children brought to him by
his
wife Cybele. But a mother’s yearning for her offs
d; Nor thought the wretched god of aught to fear, Nor knew the day of
his
disgrace was near; Invincible remains his Jove al
o fear, Nor knew the day of his disgrace was near; Invincible remains
his
Jove alive, His throne to shake, and from his kin
ear; Invincible remains his Jove alive, His throne to shake, and from
his
kingdom drive The cruel parent; for to him ’tis g
tan: when, however, the latter discovered, as he eventually did, that
his
hopes had been deceived, and his agreement broke
scovered, as he eventually did, that his hopes had been deceived, and
his
agreement broken, he assembled an army, marched
by this time was made aware of the deception, but refused to destroy
his
children), took him prisoner, and threw him into
Tartarus, from whence he was delivered by Jupiter, and replaced upon
his
throne. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1
hology_1842_img010 But the fears of Saturn rendered him ungrateful to
his
deliverer, for Destiny having prophesied that Sat
rer, for Destiny having prophesied that Saturn should be dethroned by
his
son, the God attacked Jupiter in ambush, and fini
st him. Jupiter, however, again proved conqueror, chasing from heaven
his
father and his king, who took refuge in that part
, however, again proved conqueror, chasing from heaven his father and
his
king, who took refuge in that part of Italy known
city of refuge, succoured and received him, and Saturn, to recompense
his
hospitality, granted to him the gift of memory, a
e breath Of brazen trumpets rung the peals of death, The good old God
his
hunger did assuage With roots and herbs, and gave
e! Unforced by punishment, unawed by fear, His words were simple, and
his
soul sincere. Needless was written law, when none
s was written law, when none oppressed, The law of man was written in
his
breast; No suppliant crowds before the judge appe
cient days. Janus was represented supported by a staff, with a key in
his
hand, as he was believed to be the inventor of do
nd, as he was believed to be the inventor of doors and of locks. From
his
name came the month of January. He worshipped at
r faces, as tokens of the four seasons of the year. At Rome, in which
his
temple was placed, it was open in the time of war
ure of an old and bearded man, severe in aspect, thin and yet robust,
his
eyes marked by a stern light; a veil on his head,
ect, thin and yet robust, his eyes marked by a stern light; a veil on
his
head, and a serpent round his waist; while in his
eyes marked by a stern light; a veil on his head, and a serpent round
his
waist; while in his hand he carries a harp. In la
rn light; a veil on his head, and a serpent round his waist; while in
his
hand he carries a harp. In later times he is repr
Who shall put forth on thee, Unfathomable sea?” Shelley. With
his
scythe and with his wings, our eyes are familiar,
h on thee, Unfathomable sea?” Shelley. With his scythe and with
his
wings, our eyes are familiar, as, to the present
Ere youth becomes a shade, and fame a sound: Surely to one that feels
his
foot on sand Unsure, the bright and ever visible
s rapidly, a scythe because he destroys all, an hour-glass to measure
his
course equally; and the serpent is the symbol of
symbol of eternity, which has neither a beginning nor an end. He slew
his
father, because, the world and time once created,
he world and time once created, he could exist no longer; he devoured
his
infants because time destroys all, and he threw t
evoured his infants because time destroys all, and he threw them from
his
stomach because time returns with the years and d
o whom Cybele had confided her son, educated him with great care; but
his
cries being likely to call the attention of Satur
was afterwards placed among the heavenly constellations, having given
his
skin to form a shield, and one of his horns, whic
ly constellations, having given his skin to form a shield, and one of
his
horns, which was presented to the nymphs, and nam
Castalian dew, His tresses loose of golden hue, Rejoicing in
his
youth is seen Amid the Lycian valleys green,
r in the Delian groves will sport oftwhile Amid the flowers that deck
his
native isle.” Horace. The Gods at first defende
the Egyptians to both animals and vegetables. Typhon, who thus, by
his
mere appearance, seemed to turn the tide of war,
ous deeds; And indefatigable are the feet Of the strong God: and from
his
shoulders rise A hundred snaky heads of dragon gr
ile animated by the cries of Jupiter, who shouted “Courage, courage!”
his
bravery turned the tide of war. “And now the mur
kies; Here Jove above the rest conspicuous shined, In valour equal to
his
strength his mind; Erect and dauntless see the th
ve above the rest conspicuous shined, In valour equal to his strength
his
mind; Erect and dauntless see the thunderer stand
ect and dauntless see the thunderer stand, The bolts red hissing from
his
vengeful hand; He walks majestic round the starry
save of their big hearts, Heaving in pain.” Keats’ Hyperion. After
his
victory, Jupiter, who had driven Saturn from Heav
rom Heaven, and was in consequence its undisputed king, espoused Juno
his
sister. The commencement of their union was a ha
, winter did appear, And spring was but a season of the year. The sun
his
annual course obliquely made, Good days contracte
g of Arcadia, violated all the laws of hospitality by the massacre of
his
guests. He had the cruelty to offer up to Jupiter
igh festivals, the members of a slave, as an offering to the God. But
his
punishment was as swift as his conduct had been a
slave, as an offering to the God. But his punishment was as swift as
his
conduct had been atrocious: his palace was reduce
d. But his punishment was as swift as his conduct had been atrocious:
his
palace was reduced to ashes, and his form was cha
his conduct had been atrocious: his palace was reduced to ashes, and
his
form was changed into that of a wolf. From this J
h in abundance. Bacchus, to commemorate the deed, erected a temple to
his
benefactor in the deserts of Lybia, under the nam
as punished by being withheld from the element of fire; and to enrage
his
sovereign, he formed a being of clay, of workmans
it scarcely seemed to need life to add to its beauty, and to complete
his
performance, assisted by Minerva, he stole fire
erva, he stole fire from the chariot of the sun, wherewith to animate
his
image. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_18
ount Caucasus, where being chained to the rock, a vulture preyed upon
his
entrails, which grew as fast as they were devoure
e are shapeless as our mother night. Pro. I laugh your power, and
his
who sent you here, To lowest scorn. Pour forth th
self to be captivated by her charms. “He spoke, and told to Mulciber
his
will, And smiling bade him his command fulfil; To
arms. “He spoke, and told to Mulciber his will, And smiling bade him
his
command fulfil; To use his greatest art, his nice
to Mulciber his will, And smiling bade him his command fulfil; To use
his
greatest art, his nicest care, To frame a creatur
ll, And smiling bade him his command fulfil; To use his greatest art,
his
nicest care, To frame a creature exquisitely fair
d that only has the power of easing the labours of man, and rendering
his
troubles less painful. “But thou, oh! Hope, with
e the gems, the spices, and the land That boasts the treasure, all at
his
command, The fragrant grove, th’ inestimable mine
riumph, ploughed the watery plain. Then landmarks limited to each
his
right; For all before was common as the light: No
ife; The step-dame poison for the son prepares; The son inquires into
his
father’s years. Faith flies, and piety in exile m
ing the principle of good and evil. His brow laden with dark clouds;
his
eyes darting lightning from beneath their lids; a
dark clouds; his eyes darting lightning from beneath their lids; and
his
chin covered with a majestic beard. In one hand t
one hand the sceptre, in the other a thunderbolt. The virtues are at
his
side: at his feet the eagle who bears the thunder
sceptre, in the other a thunderbolt. The virtues are at his side: at
his
feet the eagle who bears the thunderbolt. One fro
side: at his feet the eagle who bears the thunderbolt. One frown from
his
eyes makes the whole earth tremble. Insérer image
the clouds. Suppliant the Goddess stood: one hand she placed Beneath
his
beard, and one his knees embraced: ‘If e’er, O fa
ant the Goddess stood: one hand she placed Beneath his beard, and one
his
knees embraced: ‘If e’er, O father of the Gods!’
s visiting the earth in disguise, and distributing to its inhabitants
his
punishments or rewards. Ovid relates one in conne
God, to seduce her, took the form of a cuckoo, she recognised him in
his
disguise, and refused to submit to his wishes, un
cuckoo, she recognised him in his disguise, and refused to submit to
his
wishes, unless he would consent to marry her. At
in the attempt to rescue her from which, Vulcan achieved the wrath of
his
sire, the Thunderer. Insérer image anonyme_heathe
The intrigue of Jupiter with Io, is also celebrated in the history of
his
amours. Juno became jealous as usual, discovered
of his amours. Juno became jealous as usual, discovered the object of
his
affections, and surprised him in the company of I
th a crimson trail; Thus Argus lies in pieces, cold and pale, And all
his
hundred eyes with all their light Are closed at o
aressed the beautiful animal, and at last had the courage to sit upon
his
back. Jupiter took advantage of her situation, an
he sea with Europa on him, and arrived safe in Crete. Here he adopted
his
original shape, and declared his love. The nymph
rived safe in Crete. Here he adopted his original shape, and declared
his
love. The nymph consented, though she had previou
she played Among the fields, the milk white bull surveyed, And viewed
his
spotless body with delight, And at a distance kep
ked the rising flowers, that fed The gentle beast, and fondly stroked
his
head. She placed herself upon his back, and rode
he gentle beast, and fondly stroked his head. She placed herself upon
his
back, and rode O’er fields and meadows, seated on
rees, Left the dry meadows and approached the seas, Where now he dips
his
hoofs and wets his thighs, Now plunges in, and ca
meadows and approached the seas, Where now he dips his hoofs and wets
his
thighs, Now plunges in, and carries off the prize
not disheartened, dressed a statue as Queen of Olympus, placed it in
his
chariot, and declared it should be the future wif
d near the beautiful vale of Enna, in Sicily, and carried with him to
his
dismal kingdom. Ceres, whose love for her child,
infernal regions, which he agreed to do, but found it would be beyond
his
power, as, by a decree of Destiny, she would not
f the year with her mother and six months with Pluto, when she became
his
wife. “Near Enna’s walls a spacious lake is spre
now far off she flies; His urgent flame impatient of delay, Swift as
his
thought he seized the beauteous prey, And bore he
y, Swift as his thought he seized the beauteous prey, And bore her in
his
sooty car away. Far she behind her leaves her vir
one. O’er hills the ravisher, and valleys speeds, By name encouraging
his
foamy steeds; He rattles o’er their necks the rus
rusty reins, And ruffles with the stroke their shaggy manes Throws to
his
dreadful steeds the slackened rein, And strikes h
y manes Throws to his dreadful steeds the slackened rein, And strikes
his
iron sceptre through the main; The depths profoun
es he cleaves, And to hell’s centre a free passage leaves; Down sinks
his
chariot, and his realms of night The God soon rea
d to hell’s centre a free passage leaves; Down sinks his chariot, and
his
realms of night The God soon reaches with a rapid
y a sacred forest, was doomed to an hunger so cruel, that he devoured
his
own limbs, and died in the midst of fearful torme
n the antique bas-reliefs he is often to be seen, with a bandage over
his
eyes, and near him an open book which the gods al
nfinement, and wishing to return to her father Cœus, she arrived near
his
dominions, where, fatigued with her journey, she
of bringing to life Hippolitus, son of Theseus, Jupiter enraged with
his
impiety, smote him with a thunderbolt. Indignant
ulapius, Apollo sought the isle of Lemnos, to immolate the Cyclops to
his
indignation, who had forged the thunderbolt. But
lyre, gave it to him that he might the more effectually give vent to
his
passion. This lyre, was formed of the shell of a
en pomp shall in a long procession pass; Wreathed on the posts before
his
palace wait, And be the sacred guardian of the ga
thy boughs adorn.” Ovid. However earnest Apollo might have been in
his
pursuit of Daphne, he did not long remain inconso
Clytie, her sister, who was enamoured of the God, and was jealous of
his
amours with Leucothoe, discovered the whole intri
h Leucothoe, discovered the whole intrigue to her father, who ordered
his
daughter to be buried alive. Apollo passing by ac
t, but rose not from the ground, Turned to the sun still as he rolled
his
round; On his bright face hung her desiring eyes,
t from the ground, Turned to the sun still as he rolled his round; On
his
bright face hung her desiring eyes, Till fixed to
long since a fair youth seen, Whose tuneful voice turned fragrance in
his
breath, Kissed by sad Zephyr, guilty of his death
voice turned fragrance in his breath, Kissed by sad Zephyr, guilty of
his
death.” Hood. But misfortune appeared to cling
, who fell dead upon the green turf on which they were playing; while
his
blood sinking into the ground, produced the flowe
blood sinking into the ground, produced the flower which still bears
his
name. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_184
light! Low droops that beauteous brow: But oh! the Delian’s pang!
his
light Of joy lies quenched in sorrow’s night:
consolate at the death of Hyacinth, that, as we have seen, he changed
his
blood into a flower which bore his name, and plac
that, as we have seen, he changed his blood into a flower which bore
his
name, and placed his body among the constellation
n, he changed his blood into a flower which bore his name, and placed
his
body among the constellations. The Spartans es
g the constellations. The Spartans established yearly festivals in
his
honour, which continued for three days; they did
ment, Fondles the flower amid the sobbing rain.” Keats. Saddened by
his
efforts to form an endearing friendship, Apollo o
Bolina, another nymph to whom he was attached, wishing to escape from
his
pursuit, threw herself into the waves, and was re
this, Apollo lost the young Cyparissus, who had replaced Hyacinth in
his
favour, and guarded his flocks; this young shephe
oung Cyparissus, who had replaced Hyacinth in his favour, and guarded
his
flocks; this young shepherd having slain by accid
was fond, expired of grief, and was changed into the tree which bears
his
name. Apollo now attached himself to the sybil of
her the power of divination. Apollo agreed, and swore to the truth of
his
promise by the river Styx. Scarcely had he uttere
ath, than the gods, who could not absolve him from it, rallied him on
his
folly. Irritated at the ridicule they poured upon
e the Gods metamorphosed her into a fountain. As Apollo was lamenting
his
loss on the bank of that river, he heard an exqui
orse, named Pegasus. This courser, born of the blood of Medusa, fixed
his
residence on Mount Helicon, and, by striking the
fixed his residence on Mount Helicon, and, by striking the earth with
his
foot, caused the spring of Hippocrene to gush fro
from the ground. While the courser was thus occupied, Apollo mounted
his
back, placed the Muses with him, and Pegasus, lif
llo mounted his back, placed the Muses with him, and Pegasus, lifting
his
wings, carried them to the court of Bacchus. Envi
e of Apollo at this court, Marsyas, the Phrygian, declared that, with
his
flute, he could surpass the melody of the God’s d
melody of the God’s divine lyre, and challenged Apollo to a trial of
his
skill as a musician; the God accepted the challen
hould be flayed alive. The Muses were appointed umpires. Each exerted
his
utmost skill, and the victory was adjudged to Apo
ill, and the victory was adjudged to Apollo. The God, upon this, tied
his
opponent to a tree, and punished him as had been
rsyas was universally lamented; the fauns, satyrs and dryads, wept at
his
fate, and from their abundant tears flowed a rive
ich the latter was master. Pan began the struggle, and Midas repeated
his
songs with enthusiasm, without paying the least a
ated his songs with enthusiasm, without paying the least attention to
his
celestial rival. Pan again sang, and Midas repeat
to his celestial rival. Pan again sang, and Midas repeated; when, to
his
surprise, the latter felt, pressing through his h
as repeated; when, to his surprise, the latter felt, pressing through
his
hair, a pair of ears, long and shaggy. Alarmed at
enomenon, Pan took to flight, and the prince, desolate at the loss of
his
favourite, made one of his attendants, some say h
t, and the prince, desolate at the loss of his favourite, made one of
his
attendants, some say his wife, the confidant of h
te at the loss of his favourite, made one of his attendants, some say
his
wife, the confidant of his misfortune, begging he
rite, made one of his attendants, some say his wife, the confidant of
his
misfortune, begging her not to betray his trust.
his wife, the confidant of his misfortune, begging her not to betray
his
trust. The secret was too great for the bosom of
the book appears, By Phœbus was endowed with ass’s ears, Which under
his
long locks he well concealed; As monarch’s vices
getting kings. This Midas knew, and durst communicate, To none but to
his
wife his ears of state: One must be trusted, and
ings. This Midas knew, and durst communicate, To none but to his wife
his
ears of state: One must be trusted, and he though
she said, ‘I tell, And as thy queen, command thee to conceal, Beneath
his
locks, the king my husband wears A goodly, royal
f the Goddess rendered him vain and aspiring; and when told, to check
his
pride, that he was not the son of Phœbus, Phaeton
is pride, that he was not the son of Phœbus, Phaeton resolved to know
his
true origin; and at the instigation of his mother
, Phaeton resolved to know his true origin; and at the instigation of
his
mother, he visited the palace of the sun, to beg
visited the palace of the sun, to beg that Phœbus, if he really were
his
father, would give him proofs of his paternal ten
g that Phœbus, if he really were his father, would give him proofs of
his
paternal tenderness, and convince the world of hi
give him proofs of his paternal tenderness, and convince the world of
his
legitimacy. Phœbus swore by the Styx that he woul
grant him whatever he required; and Phaeton demanded of him to drive
his
chariot (that of the sun) for one day. In vain Ph
f the sun) for one day. In vain Phœbus represented the impropriety of
his
request, and the dangers to which it would expos
the oath must be complied with. When Phaeton received the reins from
his
father, he immediately betrayed his ignorance and
n Phaeton received the reins from his father, he immediately betrayed
his
ignorance and incapacity. The flying horses took
yed his ignorance and incapacity. The flying horses took advantage of
his
confusion, and departed from their accustomed tra
nd departed from their accustomed track. Phaeton repented too late of
his
rashness, for heaven and earth seemed threatened
nymphs of the place, and honoured with a decent burial. The Heliades,
his
sisters wept for four months, without ceasing, un
Phaeton, was turned into a swan at the very moment he was yielding to
his
deep regrets. Aurora is also the daughter of Apol
Memnon, who was killed by Achilles at the siege of Troy. The tears of
his
mother were the origin of the early dew, and the
mnon’s fane, Spontaneous concords quired the matin strain; Touched by
his
orient beam, responsive rings The living lyre, an
ly echoes swell the adoring song.” Darwin. Apollo having slain with
his
arrows, Python, a monstrous serpent which desolat
trous serpent which desolated the beautiful country around Parnassus,
his
victory was celebrated in all Greece by the young
they contended for the prize of dancing, music and poetry. It is from
his
encounter with this serpent, that in the statues
ues which remain of him, our eyes are familiar with the bow placed in
his
grasp. —————— “The lord of the unerring bow, The
and light, The sun in human limbs arrayed, and brow, All radiant from
his
triumph in the fight; The shaft hath just been sh
h just been shot — the arrow, bright With an immortal’s vengeance; in
his
eye And nostril, beautiful disdain, and might, An
full lightnings by, Developing in that one glance the Deity. “But in
his
delicate form, a dream of love, Shaped by some so
homage shewn to Apollo, and recalling him from earth, replaced him in
his
seat at Olympus. The fable of Apollo is, perhaps,
t spread over the faith of antiquity. Pæans were the hymns chanted in
his
honour, and this was the war cry he shouted in hi
e hymns chanted in his honour, and this was the war cry he shouted in
his
onset against the serpent Python. On his altars a
as the war cry he shouted in his onset against the serpent Python. On
his
altars are immolated a bull or a white lamb — to
uture, the eagle who can gaze on the sun, the cock whose cry welcomes
his
return, and the grasshopper, who sings during his
whose cry welcomes his return, and the grasshopper, who sings during
his
empire. This God is represented in the figure of
the figure of a young man without beard, with curling locks of hair,
his
brow wreathed with laurels, and his head surround
eard, with curling locks of hair, his brow wreathed with laurels, and
his
head surrounded with beams of light. In his right
reathed with laurels, and his head surrounded with beams of light. In
his
right hand he holds a bow and arrows; in the lef
yre with seven chords, emblem of the seven planets to which he grants
his
celestial harmony. Sometimes he carries a buckler
es, who are the animating deities of genius and the fine arts, and at
his
feet is placed a swan. Insérer image anonyme_heat
offering was most difficult to the vanity of youth. Apollo made known
his
oracles through the medium of a sibyl. This was a
elves. Thales offered the tripod to Bias. When the enemy was reducing
his
native city to ashes, he withdrew, leaving behind
as reducing his native city to ashes, he withdrew, leaving behind him
his
wealth, saying, “I carry all that is worthy withi
refer’d; Happy of men whose prayers are kindly heard, Success attends
his
every act below, Honour, wealth, power, to him ab
ily on Actæon, who following the chase one day with all the ardour of
his
profession, unhappily came suddenly on the retir
one of the innumerable shapes, which he is described as assuming when
his
passions were inflamed towards any particular nym
lecting the worship of Diana, the Goddess revenged it by sending into
his
kingdom a monstrous wild boar; and to rid their c
risen for the possession of the head of this monster, Meleager killed
his
brothers. Indignant at this crime, the wife of Æn
xpired in the midst of torments, the most cruel and excruciating, and
his
mother, stricken with despair at the sight of the
and; her dress is lifted, and her dog is always by her side ready for
his
prey. Her hair is banded over her brow, while som
The beautiful Endymion, grandchild of Jupiter, having dared to offer
his
guilty love to Juno, he was condemned to live for
emned to live for ever in the infernal regions. However, smitten with
his
charms, as Diana saw him sleeping on the mountain
him in a grotto, where she came down from Heaven every night to enjoy
his
society. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
shepherd’s dreams With beauty and delight. He slept, he slept, And on
his
eyelids white, the huntress wept Till morning, an
The fable of Endymion’s amours with Diana, or the Moon, arises from
his
knowledge of astronomy: and as he passed the nigh
nder the Great was born. This madman had no other end, than to render
his
name for ever notorious, and he succeeded, notwit
, and he succeeded, notwithstanding the Ephesians having decreed that
his
name should never be mentioned. In one of the tem
was worshipped, the presiding priest was always a slave who had slain
his
predecessor in office, and warned by the fate he
out a dagger, to protect himself from those who might be ambitious of
his
office, and reckless of his crime. In another,
self from those who might be ambitious of his office, and reckless of
his
crime. In another, she had an altar, whereon t
shadows into one: Still smile at even on the bedded child, And close
his
eyelids with thy silver wand.” Hood. Bacchus
uggested the desire of beholding the king of the Gods, arrayed in all
his
celestial glory. In vain did Jupiter, when presse
y this oath he was forced to abide. Armed with thunder, as a proof of
his
divinity, and in all the glory and majesty of his
nder, as a proof of his divinity, and in all the glory and majesty of
his
godhead, he presented himself to the presumptuous
he presented himself to the presumptuous mortal, who, unable to bear
his
presence, fell scorched by his thunderbolt. Jupit
esumptuous mortal, who, unable to bear his presence, fell scorched by
his
thunderbolt. Jupiter, however, took the infant wh
r thus was he named, had grown out of their guidance, Silenus became
his
preceptor and foster-father. This god, who is gen
or Jupiter against the Giants when they invaded Olympus, he undertook
his
celebrated expedition into the East, to which he
the cultivation of the earth, and the manner of making honey; amidst
his
benevolence to mankind, he was relentless in puni
nce to mankind, he was relentless in punishing all want of respect to
his
divinity. The refusal of Pentheus to acknowledge
f Pentheus to acknowledge the godhead of Bacchus was fatal. He forbad
his
subjects to pay adoration to this new God, and wh
God, and when the Theban women had gone out of the city to celebrate
his
orgies, he ordered the God himself who conducted
ed of their own accord. Pentheus became more irritated, and commanded
his
soldiers to destroy the band of Bacchanals. Bacch
ron, from whence he hoped to view all the ceremonies unperceived. But
his
curiosity proved fatal; he was descried by the Ba
er was the first to attack him, her example was instantly followed by
his
two sisters, and his body was torn to pieces. As
ttack him, her example was instantly followed by his two sisters, and
his
body was torn to pieces. As Bacchus was returning
his body was torn to pieces. As Bacchus was returning triumphantly in
his
ship, from the conquest we have recorded, crowned
a plaintive voice and beheld a female, who implored him to yield her
his
support. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
traitor, Who left her gazing on the green expanse, That swallowed up
his
track; oh! what could mate her Even in the cloudy
ng seduced her. The God was so smitten with the candour and beauty of
his
youthful petitioner, that he married her, and off
Hoped some mistake, and wished to be deceived: While the false youth
his
way securely made, His faith forgotten, and his v
While the false youth his way securely made, His faith forgotten, and
his
vows unpaid; Then sick with grief, and frantic wi
…………………… To her relief the blooming Bacchus ran, And with him brought
his
ever jovial train: Satyrs and Fauns, in wanton ch
rain: Satyrs and Fauns, in wanton chaces strove, While the God sought
his
Ariadne’s love. Around in wild distorted airs the
the shrill, discordant pipe complain, While Bacchus, now enamoured of
his
prize, Resolved to make her partner of the skies:
sublimely rode: And while with eager arms he grasped the fair, Lashed
his
fleet tigers through the buxom air.” Dryden. It
an attachment to Erigone, the daughter of Icarius, and to accomplish
his
purpose took the form of a bunch of grapes; scarc
on, they slew their host, and threw him into a deep well. To expiate
his
crime, the Icarian games were instituted, and Mer
of the Virgin, and Mera that of the Dog-star. To console himself for
his
loss, the God of the Grape paid a visit to Proser
rpine, and the beautiful wife of Pluto, was by no means insensible to
his
merits; but after an absence of three years, Bacc
Ariadne, whose truth and sweetness of disposition, were untouched by
his
forgetfulness; and from this time it is pleasing
ell fast asleep; some pirates who called there for water, struck with
his
extreme beauty, seized the dreaming boy with the
ded for a long space on their journey before he awoke. Fully aware of
his
divine origin, the deity determined to make a spo
my native land.” A speech like this, only drew forth the laughter of
his
captors, while they continued to row merrily to t
t was equalled by their horror, when Bacchus waved a spear he held in
his
hand, in answer to which, tigers and panthers, wi
thers round him lies, In glaring forms: the grapy clusters spread, On
his
fair brows and dangle on his head.” Unable to be
ing forms: the grapy clusters spread, On his fair brows and dangle on
his
head.” Unable to bear the horror of the sight, t
ns, then seizing the helm steered the ship towards Naxos, attended by
his
train of Dolphins and wild beasts! Insérer image
f its coolness, which dissipated the fumes of wine, and he carried in
his
hand a dart called the thyrsis, twined round with
hyrsis, twined round with leaves of ivy, and of vine. The Bacchantes,
his
ordinary priestesses, bore also in their hands th
rills Into the wide stream came of purple hue, ’Twas Bacchus and
his
crew. The earnest trumpet spake, and silver thril
thrills From kissing cymbals made a merry din — ’Twas Bacchus and
his
kin. “Like to a moving vintage down they came, C
uts keep away the sun and moon, I rushed into the folly! “Within
his
car aloft, young Bacchus stood. Trifling his ivy
into the folly! “Within his car aloft, young Bacchus stood. Trifling
his
ivy dart, in dancing mood, With sidelong laug
enough white, For Venus pearly bite; And near him rode Silenus on
his
ass, Pelted with flowers as he on did pass, T
wide streams and mountains great we went, And save when Bacchus kept
his
ivy tent, Onward the tiger and the leopard pants,
ail, And from their treasures scatter pearled hail; Great Brahma from
his
mystic heaven groans, And all his priesthood
pearled hail; Great Brahma from his mystic heaven groans, And all
his
priesthood moans, Before young Bacchus’ eye-wink,
nspired by sentiments of a profoundly tender nature. Coressus, one of
his
favourite priests, having unhappily formed a vio
appily formed a violent attachment to a maiden named Callirhoe, found
his
love returned with hatred, and the more he sought
love returned with hatred, and the more he sought to impress her with
his
affection, the more hateful did he become. Unable
teful did he become. Unable to gain her, the priest sought the aid of
his
God, who, to avenge his sufferings, struck the Ca
ble to gain her, the priest sought the aid of his God, who, to avenge
his
sufferings, struck the Calydonians with a continu
d once been her lover, stood ready to be her slayer. At sight of her,
his
passion, which had slumbered for a while, burst f
e bending vine, And the last blessings of the year are thine; To thee
his
joys the jolly autumn owes, While the fermenting
ls, In hollow valleys, and on rising hills, On whate’er side he turns
his
honest face, And dances in the wind, those fields
he turns his honest face, And dances in the wind, those fields are in
his
grace. To Bacchus, therefore, let us tune our lay
us, therefore, let us tune our lays, And in our mother tongue resound
his
praise.” Virgil. As Bacchus was the god of vint
rally represented crowned with vine and ivy leaves, with a thyrsus in
his
hand. His figure is that of an effeminate young m
and like him, he is represented with fine hair, flowing loosely down
his
shoulders; the roundness of his limbs and visage,
with fine hair, flowing loosely down his shoulders; the roundness of
his
limbs and visage, evidence the generous life he l
s of his limbs and visage, evidence the generous life he leads; while
his
smiling countenance and laughing eye, are meant t
rs agree in their delineation of the wild madness which distinguished
his
festivals: witness the following description of a
ympus. This mortal, who was fond of the chase, was often cautioned by
his
mistress not to hunt wild beasts, fearful of his
s often cautioned by his mistress not to hunt wild beasts, fearful of
his
being killed in the attempt; this advice he howev
ar which he had speared; and great was the misery evinced by Venus at
his
loss. “Over one shoulder doth she hang her h
that they have wept till now. ………………………………………………… “She looks upon
his
lips, and they are pale; She takes him by the
re pale; She takes him by the hand, that is cold; She whispers in
his
ears a heavy tale, As if they heard the woefu
heard the woeful words she told: She lifts the coffer-lids that close
his
eyes, Where, lo! two lamps, burnt out, in darknes
, in darkness lies.” Shakspere. Venus, after shedding many tears at
his
death, changed him into a flower. “And in his bl
shedding many tears at his death, changed him into a flower. “And in
his
blood, that on the ground lay spilled, A purple f
led, A purple flower sprung up, checkered with white; Resembling well
his
pale cheeks and the blood, Which in round drops u
re. Proserpine is said to have restored him to life, on condition of
his
spending six months of the year with her, and six
it one day at a feast, and was struck by thunder as a punishment for
his
disobedience. The power of Venus over the heart,
t the influence of love, forgot all the intrigues and infidelities of
his
wife, and fabricated arms even for her illegitima
before their judge, and endeavoured, by profuse offers, to influence
his
decision. Juno promised a kingdom, Minerva glory,
om the sea, and crowned by the goddess of Persuasion. ———— “ Phidias
his
keen chisel swayed To carve the marble of the mat
th of the place secretly introduced himself into her temple, to offer
his
vows of adoration before the lifeless image. Hero
ld not see Untouched, a victim of your beauty bright, Sinking away to
his
young spirit’s night, Sinking bewildered mid the
Sinking bewildered mid the dreary sea: ’Tis young Leander toiling to
his
death; Nigh swooning, he doth purse his weary lip
’Tis young Leander toiling to his death; Nigh swooning, he doth purse
his
weary lips For Hero’s cheek, and smiles against h
r Hero’s cheek, and smiles against her smile. O horrid dream! see how
his
body dips, Dead — heavy; arms and shoulders gleam
— heavy; arms and shoulders gleam awhile: He’s gone — up bubbles all
his
amorous breath.” Keats. Venus was also surnam
ed by Jove, precipitated him into the island of Lemnos. ———— “I felt
his
matchless might, Hurled headlong downward from th
he Lemnian coast.” Homer. He fell with sufficient velocity to break
his
thigh, an accident, which, as it made him lame, d
n accident, which, as it made him lame, did not at all tend to render
his
appearance less ugly than it is usually described
re sceptred angels held their residence, And sate as princes; Nor was
his
name unheard, or unadored, In ancient Greece; and
.” Milton. He was educated by the nymphs of the sea, and trained in
his
youth in the art of working metals, and was able
s to roam, But rear with skilful hand the lasting dome.” Horace. In
his
labours he was assisted by the Cyclops, who are s
no, to whom, as it was through her he fell from heaven, he attributed
his
deformity. This was a throne of gold, with secret
o procure him a wife from amongst the heavenly conclave. Vulcan fixed
his
desires on Minerva; the Goddess of Wisdom, howeve
fixed his desires on Minerva; the Goddess of Wisdom, however, laughed
his
suit to scorn, and Vulcan is represented as havin
it to scorn, and Vulcan is represented as having been very violent at
his
rejection. Juno then pressed the suit of her son
t subdue the ugliness of the suitor, she implored Jupiter to exercise
his
power; and with all the determination of a Goddes
of War, and the charming Venus. Vulcan, suspecting the infidelity of
his
wife, formed an invisible net around them, and dr
o golden statues, which not only seemed animated, but which walked by
his
side, and assisted him in working metals. “Then
oes; And stills the bellows, and in order laid, Locks in their chests
his
instruments of trade: With his huge sceptre grace
d in order laid, Locks in their chests his instruments of trade: With
his
huge sceptre graced, and red attire, Came halting
ions to the remainder of the Gods. He was represented as blowing with
his
nervous arm the fires of his forges. His vast bre
Gods. He was represented as blowing with his nervous arm the fires of
his
forges. His vast breast hairy, and his forehead b
h his nervous arm the fires of his forges. His vast breast hairy, and
his
forehead blackened with smoke; while his enormous
. His vast breast hairy, and his forehead blackened with smoke; while
his
enormous shoulders seemed borrowed from the Cyclo
he Cyclops. Some represent him lame and deformed, holding a hammer in
his
hand, ready to strike; while with the other, he t
and, ready to strike; while with the other, he turns a thunderbolt on
his
anvil, for which an eagle waits by his side to ca
her, he turns a thunderbolt on his anvil, for which an eagle waits by
his
side to carry it to Jupiter. He appears on som
a long beard, dishevelled hair, half naked, and a small round cap on
his
head, while he holds a hammer and pincers in his
a small round cap on his head, while he holds a hammer and pincers in
his
hand. “——— The Vulcanean dome, eternal frame, Hi
s shine, There the lame architect the goddess found Obscure in smoke,
his
forges flaming round; While bathed in sweat, from
mpus, and then prevailed on him to return, where he was reconciled to
his
parents. He seems, however, to have been retained
han any other purpose; and was indeed the great butt of Olympus, even
his
wife laughing at his deformities, and mimicking h
; and was indeed the great butt of Olympus, even his wife laughing at
his
deformities, and mimicking his lameness to gain t
of Olympus, even his wife laughing at his deformities, and mimicking
his
lameness to gain the smiles of her lovers. “Vulc
meness to gain the smiles of her lovers. “Vulcan with awkward grace,
his
office plies, And unextinguished laughter shakes
o the flames as a sacrifice. Romulus caused a temple to be erected in
his
honour, and Tarquin presented to him the arms and
iter foresaw the mischief he would create in the world, as well as in
his
more immediate kingdom; he therefore banished him
well as in his more immediate kingdom; he therefore banished him from
his
court, and menaced him with his wrath, should he
ngdom; he therefore banished him from his court, and menaced him with
his
wrath, should he return. The Goddess conveyed him
upported him. “His quiver, sparkling bright with gems and gold, From
his
fair plumed shoulder graceful hung, And from its
His frolic train of winged Zephyrs light, Wafting the fragrance which
his
tresses flung: While odours dropped from every ri
esses flung: While odours dropped from every ringlet bright, And from
his
blue eyes beamed ineffable delight.” Mrs. Tighe.
dence to the youthful deity, and when an opportunity offered, he sent
his
arrows to the hearts of men, so bold did he even
me, that he ventured to dart one, dipped in the subtle poison against
his
mother. “Love! oh! he breathes and rambles r
ed, Ripe lips, and bosoms white, and starry eyes, And wheresoe’er
his
colours are unfurled, Full many a young and p
and panting spirit lies.” Barry Cornwall. The nymph Perestere felt
his
vengeance in a different manner. Cupid was wander
re felt his vengeance in a different manner. Cupid was wandering with
his
mother over a meadow, beautifully enamelled with
l remained, enchanted and amazed.” Mrs. Tighe. Fearful, however, of
his
mother’s displeasure, he carried on the affair w
r’s displeasure, he carried on the affair with great secrecy, and by
his
divine power, conveyed her to a palace he had for
shadows of night had visited the earth, Cupid sought the presence of
his
love. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_184
s from the realms above, Descending Cupid seeks the Cyprian grove; To
his
wide arms enamoured Psyche springs And clasps her
prings And clasps her lover with Aurelian wings, A purple sash across
his
shoulder bends, And fringed with gold the quivere
m on their way. Delighted Hymen hears their whispered vows, And binds
his
chaplets round their polished brows, Guides to hi
ed vows, And binds his chaplets round their polished brows, Guides to
his
altar, ties the flowery bands, And as they kneel
ault. They affected to believe that her husband had wicked designs in
his
concealment, and that he would desert his Psyche
sband had wicked designs in his concealment, and that he would desert
his
Psyche if he became visible to her — or they asse
’er him she knelt enamoured, and her sigh Breathed near and nearer to
his
silent mouth, Rich with the hoarded odours of the
d from the sight; A youth he seems in manhood’s freshest years; Round
his
fair neck, as changing with delight, Each golden
nging with delight, Each golden curl resplendently appears, Or shades
his
darker brow, which grace majestic wears.” Tighe.
brow, which grace majestic wears.” Tighe. Her eyes were rivetted on
his
exquisite form, until they forgot all else; even
he earth, until Cupid, luckily escaping from the confinement to which
his
mother had subjected him, found his lost love, an
ing from the confinement to which his mother had subjected him, found
his
lost love, and reproached her for her curiosity.
hing nature of the story; he took her up to heaven, restored Cupid to
his
place, and making Psyche immortal, gave her in ma
s sprinkled the halls of heaven with fragrant odours, Apollo plays on
his
lyre, the Arcadian God on his reeds, the Muses si
n with fragrant odours, Apollo plays on his lyre, the Arcadian God on
his
reeds, the Muses sing in chorus, while Venus danc
lifted torch he lights the festive strain, Sublime, and leads them in
his
golden chain; Joins the fond pair, indulgent to t
e the willing world.” Darwin. Thus Cupid was at length re-united to
his
beloved Psyche, and their loves were speedily cro
, and their loves were speedily crowned by the birth of a child, whom
his
parents named Pleasure. Psyche. “Oh! G
Sometimes, like a conqueror, he marches triumphantly with a helmet on
his
head, a spear on his shoulder, and a buckler on h
queror, he marches triumphantly with a helmet on his head, a spear on
his
shoulder, and a buckler on his arm, intimating th
with a helmet on his head, a spear on his shoulder, and a buckler on
his
arm, intimating that even Mars himself owns the s
n. Among the ancients, he was worshipped with the same solemnity as
his
mother Venus; and as his influence was extended o
e was worshipped with the same solemnity as his mother Venus; and as
his
influence was extended over the heavens, the sea
the heavens, the sea and the earth, and even the empire of the dead,
his
divinity was universally acknowledged, and vows,
uaff, until We fill — we fill!” Keats. One of the most beautiful of
his
temples was built within a myrtle grove, the God
waved the bright curls, In many a sunny ring. “I heard them hymn
his
name, his power, I heard them, and I smiled:
bright curls, In many a sunny ring. “I heard them hymn his name,
his
power, I heard them, and I smiled: How could
Of weeping, and despair. “I saw a youthful warrior stand In
his
first light of fame, His native city, filled the
her deliverer’s name: “I saw him hurry from the crowd, And fling
his
laurel crown, In weariness, in hopelessness,
hat the sorrow, then I asked. Can thus the warrior move, To scorn
his
meed of victory? They told me it was Love! “
trumpet’s tone, Mine ear rings with it now. “They quailed before
his
flashing eye, They watched his lightest word:
with it now. “They quailed before his flashing eye, They watched
his
lightest word: When suddenly that eye was dim,
nly that eye was dim, That voice no longer heard. “I looked upon
his
lonely hour, The weary solitude: When over da
important Deity, than by the following epigram, written under one of
his
statues. “Whoe’er thou art, thy master see, Who
of Hyperion reins, Till Pallas lays her arms divine aside, While Jove
his
daughter views with conscious pride.” Horace. T
ants of the earth. Neptune, upon hearing this, struck the ground with
his
trident, and immediately a horse issued therefrom
, Neptune saw: and with such beauties fired, Resolved to compass what
his
soul desired. The bashful goddess turned her eyes
ess of Wisdom, claimed also pre-eminence in beauty, although Paris by
his
judgment, gave the palm of loveliness to Venus. I
of Hallirhotius, who insulted a daughter of Mars because she slighted
his
addresses, forms an important epoch in his histor
Mars because she slighted his addresses, forms an important epoch in
his
history. The fiery blood of Mars, which would sub
to appear before the tribunal of justice, to answer for the murder of
his
son. The cause was tried at Athens, in a place wh
mplaining to Jupiter that Minerva had directed the unerring weapon of
his
antagonist. “Wild with his pain, he sought the b
nerva had directed the unerring weapon of his antagonist. “Wild with
his
pain, he sought the bright abodes, There, sullen,
re of gods, Shewed the celestial blood, and with a groan, Thus poured
his
plaints before the immortal throne. Can Jove, sup
own; Now frantic Diomed, at her command, Against the immortals lifts
his
raging hand; The heavenly Venus first his fury fo
Against the immortals lifts his raging hand; The heavenly Venus first
his
fury found: Me next encountering, me he dared to
. The Thunderer treated with disregard the complaint of Mars against
his
favourite daughter, and thus upbraided him: “‘To
er, the God of War soon recovered. “Thus he, who shakes Olympus with
his
nod, Then gave to Pæon’s care the bleeding god. W
worship of Mars, was not very universal among the ancients, nor were
his
temples very numerous in Greece, but among the wa
went on an expedition, to visit the temple of Mars, where he offered
his
prayers, and shook in a solemn manner, the spear
God of love, was felt even by Mars, who was compelled to acknowledge
his
power, and the sharpness of his arrows. “As in t
ars, who was compelled to acknowledge his power, and the sharpness of
his
arrows. “As in the Lemnian caves of fire, The ma
not be, That little dart was made for thee.’” Moore. The result of
his
amour with Venus has been related in another part
ented in a chariot of steel, conducted by Bellona, goddess of War: on
his
cuirass are painted several monsters; the figures
are painted several monsters; the figures of Fury and Anger ornament
his
helmet, while Renown precedes him. His priests, n
he not glorious? Rivers. To my poor thought, there’s that within
his
glance So fierce, I scarce dare meet it. Evad
ers of brass. And graves within our very souls, the words, ‘Here lies
his
country’s saviour.’ Rivers. But these can nev
r had claimed; he therefore conspired with the other gods to dethrone
his
brother. The conspiracy was discovered, and Jupit
une to assist in building the walls of Troy, and to be subservient to
his
sceptre for a year. When the work was completed,
aomedon refused to reward the labours of the god, and in retribution,
his
territories were soon afterwards laid waste by th
erritories were soon afterwards laid waste by the god of the sea, and
his
subjects visited with a pestilence sent by Apollo
earthquakes at pleasure, and raise islands from the sea by a blow of
his
trident. ———————— “King of the stormy sea! Broth
us bosom, ever flow. Thou frownest, and old Æolus, thy foe, Skulks to
his
cavern, mid the gruff complaint Of all his rebel
Æolus, thy foe, Skulks to his cavern, mid the gruff complaint Of all
his
rebel tempests. Dark clouds faint When, from thy
long To bring thee nearer to that golden song Apollo singeth, while
his
chariot Waits at the door of heaven. Thou art not
h Periander, tyrant of Corinth, he obtained immense treasures through
his
profession. On his return to his native country w
of Corinth, he obtained immense treasures through his profession. On
his
return to his native country with his riches, the
e obtained immense treasures through his profession. On his return to
his
native country with his riches, the sailors of th
ures through his profession. On his return to his native country with
his
riches, the sailors of the vessel in which he had
mbarked, resolved to murder him, that they might obtain possession of
his
wealth; when the poet discovered their intention,
of one, and accompanied by the remainder arrived safely at the end of
his
voyage. It is added, as an instance of the ingrat
was unable to get back to the water, and the ungrateful Arion allowed
his
liberator to perish. Insérer image anonyme_heathe
ing forehead fair.” Keats. To him was consecrated the horse, and in
his
honour were celebrated the Isthmian games. His th
Isthmian games. His throne was a chariot drawn by four fiery steeds;
his
stature is grand, and his appearance imposing; he
e was a chariot drawn by four fiery steeds; his stature is grand, and
his
appearance imposing; he wears the look of an old
grand, and his appearance imposing; he wears the look of an old man,
his
long beard and hair, wet with the vapour of the w
ld man, his long beard and hair, wet with the vapour of the water. In
his
hand he holds the trident, which bids the waves o
ion of the deep, and all the treasures which the stormy winds sent to
his
domain. “What hid’st thou in thy treasure-caves
—— “Cerberus, the cruel worm of death, Keeps watchful guard, and with
his
iron throat, Affrights the spirits in their pale
,” Thurlow. is as well known to the readers of Mythology as that of
his
brother Jupiter. The place of his residence being
the readers of Mythology as that of his brother Jupiter. The place of
his
residence being gloomy, and consequently unbearab
fe than he could offer them, they all refused to become the sharer of
his
possessions. Pluto, however, was by no means will
eason which they assigned for their refusal, was an additional one in
his
favour for wishing a soother of his lot. It was i
refusal, was an additional one in his favour for wishing a soother of
his
lot. It was in his visit to the island of Sicily,
itional one in his favour for wishing a soother of his lot. It was in
his
visit to the island of Sicily, that the God saw a
to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From
his
red and gloomy home. In the centre of the world W
On our grassy world hath trod, Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of
his
divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks
rld hath trod, Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of his divinity. On
his
mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in his eye
full of his divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in
his
eye A cruel beauty, such as none Of us may wisely
vain she called upon her attendants for help, the God bore her off to
his
dominions, and she became his bride. Insérer imag
dants for help, the God bore her off to his dominions, and she became
his
bride. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_18
ued the chariot, and invoked the skies; — Pleased as he grasps her in
his
iron arms, Frights with soft sighs, with tender w
ing door; On each, who in the entrance first appears, He fawning wags
his
tail, and cocks his ears; If any strive to measur
ho in the entrance first appears, He fawning wags his tail, and cocks
his
ears; If any strive to measure back the way, Thei
y strive to measure back the way, Their steps he watches, and devours
his
prey.” Hesiod. Surrounded by an outer wall of i
represented as holding a trident with three prongs, and has a key in
his
hand, to intimate that whoever enters can never r
and dismal countenance, for which reason, temples were not raised to
his
honour, as to the remainder of the gods; though t
red. Love led the sage through Death’s tremendous porch, Cheered with
his
smile, and lighted with his torch; Hell’s triple
gh Death’s tremendous porch, Cheered with his smile, and lighted with
his
torch; Hell’s triple dog his playful jaws expands
Cheered with his smile, and lighted with his torch; Hell’s triple dog
his
playful jaws expands, Fawns round the god, and li
s triple dog his playful jaws expands, Fawns round the god, and licks
his
baby hands; In wondering groups the shadowy natio
overn with order and regularity, the spirits who were inhabitants of
his
vast dominions, he committed part of his power to
its who were inhabitants of his vast dominions, he committed part of
his
power to three judges of the infernal regions, of
were the most important. He sate in the middle, holding a sceptre in
his
hand. The dead pleaded their different causes bef
uires into the manner, place, and time: The conscious wretch must all
his
acts reveal, Loth to confess, unable to conceal,
reveal, Loth to confess, unable to conceal, From the first moment of
his
vital breath, To his last year of unrepenting dea
ess, unable to conceal, From the first moment of his vital breath, To
his
last year of unrepenting death.” Amongst the mos
no, and was affixed to a wheel which went constantly round, rendering
his
punishment also eternal; with Tantalus, condemned
t, and surrounded by the grateful liquid which always vanished before
his
touch. ——— “Tantalus condemned to hear The pr
——— “Tantalus condemned to hear The precious stream still purling in
his
ear; Lip-deep in what he longs for, and yet curst
the honour of Latona, was doomed to feel a vulture constantly gnawing
his
entrails. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology
eathen-mythology_1842_img108 Ulysses sought the realm of Pluto, among
his
many adventures. “When lo! appeared along the du
ft he whirls to crush the savage prey! Stern beasts in trains that by
his
truncheon fell, Now grisly forms, shoot o’er the
vultures, furious for their food, Scream o’er the fiend, and riot in
his
blood, Incessant gore the liver in his breast, Th
am o’er the fiend, and riot in his blood, Incessant gore the liver in
his
breast, Th’ immortal liver grows, and gives the i
es, And pines with thirst amidst a sea of waves; When to the water he
his
lip applies, Back from his lip the treacherous wa
midst a sea of waves; When to the water he his lip applies, Back from
his
lip the treacherous water flies, Above, beneath,
Back from his lip the treacherous water flies, Above, beneath, around
his
hapless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruita
rs impetuous down and smokes along the ground, Again the restless orb
his
toil renews, Dust mounts in clouds, and sweat des
ight watching and door waylaying thief.” Shelley. The day following
his
birth he offered an early proof of his dishonest
” Shelley. The day following his birth he offered an early proof of
his
dishonest propensities, by stealing away the oxen
ity, by throwing himself upon the timid Cupid, and wrestling from him
his
quivers; and increased his notoriety by robbing V
on the timid Cupid, and wrestling from him his quivers; and increased
his
notoriety by robbing Venus of her girdle, Mars of
; and increased his notoriety by robbing Venus of her girdle, Mars of
his
sword, Jupiter of his sceptre, and Vulcan of his
toriety by robbing Venus of her girdle, Mars of his sword, Jupiter of
his
sceptre, and Vulcan of his mechanical instruments
her girdle, Mars of his sword, Jupiter of his sceptre, and Vulcan of
his
mechanical instruments. Insérer image anonyme_hea
” Shelley. As the messenger of Jupiter, he was entrusted with all
his
secrets and permitted to make himself invisible w
, thou who couldst of yore Amphion’s bosom warm, And breathe into
his
strains the power, The rugged rocks to charm;
s death. Tityos with pleasure heard thy strain, And Ixion smiled amid
his
pain.” Horace. Numerous were the modes of sacri
ed; among others, the Roman merchants yearly celebrated a festival in
his
honour. After the votaries had sprinkled themselv
erchants, who had promised him all the incense in the world to obtain
his
protection, proved that they had profited by his
the world to obtain his protection, proved that they had profited by
his
principles, by offering him only a hundredth part
nciples, by offering him only a hundredth part, when they had secured
his
good offices. Jupiter soon missed the services of
hey had secured his good offices. Jupiter soon missed the services of
his
intelligent messenger, and recalled him to Olympu
m, and bore to him Hermaphrodite, a child which united the talents of
his
father with the graces of his mother; at the age
te, a child which united the talents of his father with the graces of
his
mother; at the age of fifteen, he began to travel
he nymph who presided over it. “From both the illustrious authors of
his
race The child was named; nor was it hard to trac
When fifteen years, in Ida’s cool retreat, The boy had told, he left
his
native seat, And sought fresh fountains in a fore
e God of eloquence, whose powers were sweet and persuasive. Sometimes
his
statues represent him without arms, because the p
speech can prevail over everything. The Greeks and Romans celebrated
his
festivals, principally in the month of May. They
festivals, principally in the month of May. They frequently placed on
his
back the statue of Minerva, and offered to him th
ictims whom they immolated to the goddess. “Who beareth the world on
his
shoulders so broad; Hear me, thou power, who, of
m the fold, He laughed; for, while talking all fiercely he found That
his
quiver, alack! from his back was unbound. ’Twas t
for, while talking all fiercely he found That his quiver, alack! from
his
back was unbound. ’Twas thou, who old Priam didst
! from his back was unbound. ’Twas thou, who old Priam didst guide on
his
way, When he passed unperceived thro’ the hostile
a long flowing beard, and hair of an azure colour. The chief place of
his
residence was in the Egean Sea, where he was atte
place of his residence was in the Egean Sea, where he was attended by
his
daughters, who often danced in chorus round him.
of the fate which awaited them, though such was the god’s aversion to
his
task, that he often evaded the importunities of t
by Driope, and is usually described as possessing two small horns on
his
head, his complexion ruddy, his nose flat, and hi
, and is usually described as possessing two small horns on his head,
his
complexion ruddy, his nose flat, and his legs, th
ibed as possessing two small horns on his head, his complexion ruddy,
his
nose flat, and his legs, thighs, tail and feet ha
two small horns on his head, his complexion ruddy, his nose flat, and
his
legs, thighs, tail and feet hairy, like those of
world, the nurse, terrified at sight of him, ran away in horror, and
his
father wrapping him up in the skins of beasts, ca
Jupiter and the other Gods, entertained themselves with the oddity of
his
appearance; Bacchus was delighted with him, and g
is shaggy limbs, the trembling matron feared, His face distorted, and
his
rugged beard: But Hermes from her hands received
th and wine, Received the dauntless god, whom Pan they call, Pan, for
his
song delights the breast of all.” Horace. This
ds chiefly resided in Arcadia, where the woods and the mountains were
his
habitation. —————— “His mighty palace roof doth
yrinx, in honour of a beautiful nymph of the same name, who, refusing
his
addresses, was changed into a reed. ———————— “A
The matchless nymph, and burns with new desires. A crown of pine upon
his
head he wore, And then began her pity to implore.
w while the rural god with speedy pace, Just thought to strain her in
his
strict embrace, He filled his arms with reeds, ne
edy pace, Just thought to strain her in his strict embrace, He filled
his
arms with reeds, new rising in the place: And whi
lled his arms with reeds, new rising in the place: And while he sighs
his
ill success to find, The tender canes were shaken
al in their length and waxed with care, They still retain the name of
his
ungrateful fair.” Ovid. He was continually empl
tter had adopted, deceived the rural God, and he laid himself down by
his
side. The hero awoke, and kicked the intruder int
The worship of Pan was well established, particularly in Arcadia, and
his
statue was usually placed under the shadow of a p
d his statue was usually placed under the shadow of a pine-tree. Upon
his
altars were laid both honey and milk, fit offerin
e. He loved the nymph Echo, but in this instance was unsuccessful in
his
passion, for the latter adored the beautiful Narc
Echo had been dismissed by Jupiter, for her loquacity in proclaiming
his
numerous amours, she fell in love with the beauti
oes.” Unable, however, to address him first, she waited the sound of
his
beloved voice. “Now several ways his young compa
first, she waited the sound of his beloved voice. “Now several ways
his
young companions gone, And for some time Narcissu
, whom he imagined had hid themselves in play. But Echo, charmed with
his
last exclamation, hastily appeared, and threw her
, who, far from submitting with pleasure to the intrusion, “With all
his
strength unlocks her fold, And breaks unkindly fr
ed he saw the figure of a beautiful nymph. “Deep through the spring,
his
eye-balls dart their beams, Like midnight stars t
ws, His waving hair, above the surface flows, His own perfections all
his
passions moved, He loves himself, who for himself
rasp what appeared to be the guardian spirit of the water. “Oft with
his
down-thrust arms he thought to fold, About that n
wn-thrust arms he thought to fold, About that neck that still deludes
his
hold, He gets no kisses from those cozening lips,
ns for what he views.” Nothing could win the self-enamoured boy from
his
devoted passion; but bending over the lucid sprin
y from his devoted passion; but bending over the lucid spring, he fed
his
eyes with the delusive shade which seemed to gaze
seemed to gaze on him from the depths. At last “Streaming tears from
his
full eye-lids fell, And drop by drop, raised circ
o bear the misery which the thought occasioned, he wounded himself in
his
agony, deeming that life without her would be ins
he had felt for the scorn with which he had treated her, hovered near
his
footsteps and witnessed this last infatuation wit
t infatuation with redoubled sorrow. “Now hanging o’er the spring
his
drooping head, With a sad sigh these dying words
ied. Now pale and breathless on the grass he lies, For death had shut
his
miserable eyes.” The Gods, however, taking pity
th had shut his miserable eyes.” The Gods, however, taking pity upon
his
melancholy fate, changed him into the flower Narc
while the poet stood in this sweet spot; Some fainted dreamings o’er
his
fancy shot; Nor was it long ere he had told the t
f the foster father of God Bacchus, who accompanied the latter in all
his
travels. Bacchus having been well received and en
ture which it held of old, May be converted into yellow gold:’ He had
his
wish: but yet the god repined, To think the fool
e king departed from the place, With smiles of gladness, sparkling in
his
face: Nor could contain, but, as he took his way,
f gladness, sparkling in his face: Nor could contain, but, as he took
his
way, Impatient longs to make the first essay; Dow
t and substance like a mass of ore. He plucked the corn, and straight
his
grasp appears, Filled with a bending tuft of gold
to Danae’s shower.” Ovid. He was quickly brought however to repent
his
avarice, when the very meat which he attempted to
rice, when the very meat which he attempted to eat, turned to gold in
his
mouth, and the wine to the same metal, as it pass
gold in his mouth, and the wine to the same metal, as it passed down
his
throat. He was now as anxious to be delivered fro
no sooner hold, But its whole substance is transformed to gold: Up to
his
mouth he lifts the savoury meat, Which turns to g
attempts to eat: His patron’s noble juice, of purple hue, Touched by
his
lips a gilded cordial grew: Unfit for drink, and
rdial grew: Unfit for drink, and wondrous to behold, It trickles from
his
jaws a fluid gold. The rich, poor fool confounded
id gold. The rich, poor fool confounded with surprize, Staring on all
his
various plenty lies: Sick of his wish, he now d
nded with surprize, Staring on all his various plenty lies: Sick of
his
wish, he now detests the power For which he asked
now detests the power For which he asked so earnestly before: Amidst
his
gold with pinching famine curst, And justly tortu
ching famine curst, And justly tortured with an equal thirst. At last
his
shining arms to heaven he rears And, in distress,
ey attended chiefly upon Bacchus, rendering themselves conspicuous in
his
orgies, by their riot and lasciviousness. It is s
urned from Thessaly; the monster had been surprised asleep in a cave;
his
voice was inarticulate, when brought into the pre
elebrated among them, as the the son of Venus, who meeting Bacchus on
his
return from his Indian expedition, was enamoured
them, as the the son of Venus, who meeting Bacchus on his return from
his
Indian expedition, was enamoured of him, and with
the goddess of beauty, took that opportunity to deform her son in all
his
limbs; notwithstanding which, as he grew up, his
eform her son in all his limbs; notwithstanding which, as he grew up,
his
inclinations and habits became so vicious, that h
themselves up to every impurity during the celebration. When however
his
worship was introduced into Rome, he became more
on. His worship was first introduced by Numa Pompilius, who persuaded
his
subjects that the limits of their lands and state
the enchanted place, astonished at the many wondrous things which met
his
eye, he beheld ——— “The realized nymph of the st
ed flesh that I painfully dragged Behind me —” Hood. From this time
his
existence become a torture to him. Though there w
time his existence become a torture to him. Though there were none of
his
former beings to consort with, yet still he loved
mer beings to consort with, yet still he loved to haunt the places of
his
humanity, and with a beating heart and bursting f
ay Tight strangled, because it had hissed him away From the flower at
his
finger; he rose and drew near Like a son of immor
ure bright, To grow to large manhood of merciful might, He came, with
his
face of bold wonder, to feel The hair of my side
r, to feel The hair of my side and to lift up my heel, And questioned
his
face with wide eyes, but when under My lids he sa
with wide eyes, but when under My lids he saw tears, — for I wept at
his
wonder, He stroked me, and uttered such kindlines
kiss On my heart in its desolate day, such as this And I yearned at
his
cheeks in my love, and down bent And lifted him u
ered my ear, but I felt not, whose fate, Was to meet more distress in
his
love his hate!” Hood. The only mitigation of hi
ar, but I felt not, whose fate, Was to meet more distress in his love
his
hate!” Hood. The only mitigation of his sorrow,
t more distress in his love his hate!” Hood. The only mitigation of
his
sorrow, was that when in Thessaly “He met with t
ivination, astronomy, and medicine, were equally familiar to him, and
his
name is blended with those of the principal sages
one, most brutal of the brutal brood, Or whether wine or beauty fired
his
blood, Or both at once, beheld with lustful eyes
at once, beheld with lustful eyes The bride: at once resolved to make
his
prize. Down went the board, and fastening on her
, He seized with sudden force the frighted fair. ’Twas Eurytus began;
his
bestial kind His crime pursued, and each as pleas
urytus began; his bestial kind His crime pursued, and each as pleased
his
mind On her, whom chance presented, took. The fea
ht heavens, the frail snow-drop, Born of the breath of winter, and on
his
brow, Fixed like a pale and solitary star, The la
r innocence in vain. Vertumnus too pursued the maid no less, But with
his
rivals, shared a like success.” Ovid. Miserable
et with, Vertumnus took a thousand shapes to influence the success of
his
suit. “To gain access, a thousand ways he tries
s lout comes shambling on, and seems Just sweating from the labour of
his
teams. Then from the harvest, oft the mimic swain
he feigns, And lawless tendrils to their boughs restrains. Sometimes
his
sword a soldier shews; his rod An angler; still s
drils to their boughs restrains. Sometimes his sword a soldier shews;
his
rod An angler; still so various is the God. Now,
ial bed.” Ovid. In this disguise, Vertumnus recommended himself and
his
virtues to Pomona. “On my assurance well you may
well you may repose, Vertumnus scarce Vertumnus better knows, True to
his
choice all looser flames he flies, Nor for new fa
hionably dies. The charms of youth, and every smiling grace, Bloom in
his
features, and the god confess.” Ovid. The per
its effect, in preparing Pomona for Vertumnus, when he should assume
his
natural shape. “The story oft Vertumnus urged in
ural shape. “The story oft Vertumnus urged in vain, But then assumed
his
heavenly form again; Such looks and lustre the br
er the figure of a young man, crowned with various plants, bearing in
his
left hand fruits, and in his right a horn of abun
crowned with various plants, bearing in his left hand fruits, and in
his
right a horn of abundance. The Goddess Pomona is
looked o’er the hills of the stormy north, And the larch has hung all
his
tassels forth, The fisher is out in the stormy se
which he yields to gladden the heart of man: while a dog is placed at
his
feet to denote it as the season of the chase. “I
ike silence, listening To silence, for no lonely bird would sing Into
his
hollow ear from woods forlorn, Nor lowly hedge no
w ear from woods forlorn, Nor lowly hedge nor solitary thorn; Shaking
his
tangled locks all dewy bright With spangled gossa
l dewy bright With spangled gossamer that fell by night, Pearling
his
coronet of golden corn. Where are the songs of su
In the smooth holly’s green eternity. The squirrel gloats on
his
accomplished hoard, The Ants have trimm’d their g
: — Her bright haired sire, who bade her keep For ever nearest to
his
smiles, On Calpe’s olive shaded steep, On Ind
es: Now remote and buxom brown, The queen of vintage bowed before
his
throne; A rich pomegranate gemmed her crown,
lar star, And loves on deer-borne car to ride With barren Darkness by
his
side, Round the shore where loud Lofoden Whir
to death the roaring whale, Round the hall where Runic Oden Howls
his
war song to the gale; “Save when a-down the
the gale; “Save when a-down the ravaged globe He travels on
his
native storm, Deflowering Nature’s grassy robe,
: Till light’s returning lord assume The shaft that drives him to
his
polar field, Of power to pierce his raven plume,
The shaft that drives him to his polar field, Of power to pierce
his
raven plume, And chrystal covered shield. Oh,
innocence descend. But chiefly spare, O King of clouds, The sailor on
his
airy shrouds; When wrecks and beacons strew the s
eard, and sitting upon the waves of the sea. He often holds a pike in
his
hand, whilst ships under sail appear at a distanc
ded over every part of the sea, and even the rivers were subjected to
his
power. The ancients were very reverential in thei
ut when the gods were informed that her son would become greater than
his
father, they ceased their addresses, and Peleus,
when asleep, and by binding her strongly, prevented her escaping from
his
grasp. When Thetis found she could not elude the
son you’ll have, the terror of the field, To whom, in fame and power,
his
sire shall yield.’ Jove, who adored the nymph wit
all yield.’ Jove, who adored the nymph with boundless love, Did, from
his
breast, the dangerous flame remove; He knew the f
, nor cared to raise up one, Whose fame and greatness, should eclipse
his
own. On happy Peleus he bestowed her charms, And
eclipse his own. On happy Peleus he bestowed her charms, And blessed
his
grandson in the goddess’ arms: — A silent creek T
ite shore: Here Peleus seized her slumbering where she lay, And urged
his
suit, with all that love could say: The nymph o’e
ill detain: A branchy tree, high in the air she grew, About its bark,
his
nimble arms he threw: A tiger next she glares wit
A tiger next she glares with flaming eyes, The frightened lover quits
his
hold and flies. The sea-gods he with sacred rites
nd sheets of smoke in sweet perfume aspire: Till Proteus, rising from
his
oozy bed, Thus to the poor, desponding lover said
nd broken accents fluttered where he stood. Bright Sol had almost now
his
journey done, And down the steepy, western convex
me god assists,’ she cried, And in her proper shape stood blushing by
his
side.” Dryden. Thetis became mother of several
she was going to repeat the cruel operation. She afterwards rendered
his
body invulnerable by plunging him in the waters o
as he went with the rest of the Greeks. The mother, still anxious for
his
preservation, prevailed upon Vulcan to make him a
lled by Paris, Thetis issued out of the sea with the Nereids to mourn
his
death, and after she had collected his ashes in a
sea with the Nereids to mourn his death, and after she had collected
his
ashes in a golden urn, raised a monument to his m
ter she had collected his ashes in a golden urn, raised a monument to
his
memory, and instituted festivals in his honour.
den urn, raised a monument to his memory, and instituted festivals in
his
honour. Triton, Proteus, Portumnus, Glaucus, Æ
tance among the sea deities, being able to raise or to calm storms at
his
pleasure. He is generally represented with a shel
m storms at his pleasure. He is generally represented with a shell in
his
hand. “Old Triton blowing his sea horn.” Wordsw
generally represented with a shell in his hand. “Old Triton blowing
his
sea horn.” Wordsworth. His body above the waist
orse. He usually precedes the chariot of the god of the sea, sounding
his
shell, and is resembled, in this, by his sons the
the god of the sea, sounding his shell, and is resembled, in this, by
his
sons the Tritons. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-m
erring doom He sees what is, and was, and is to come.” Virgil. From
his
knowledge of futurity, mankind are said to have r
So Neptune pleased who Proteus thus inspired, And with such wages to
his
service hired, Gave him the rule of all his briny
d, And with such wages to his service hired, Gave him the rule of all
his
briny flocks, That feed among a thousand ragged r
sand ragged rocks.” The changes which this deity was able to make in
his
appearance, caused the name of Proteus to be syno
f Proteus to be synonymous with change. Thus “The Proteus lover woos
his
playful bride, To win the fair he tries a thousan
d forms, Basks on the sands, or gambols in the storms. A dolphin now,
his
scaly sides he laves; And bears the sportive dams
red walks; As with white teeth he prints her hand, caressed, And lays
his
velvet paw upon her breast, O’er his round face h
nts her hand, caressed, And lays his velvet paw upon her breast, O’er
his
round face her snowy fingers strain The silken kn
n The silken knots and fit the ribbon-rein. And now a swan he spreads
his
plumy sails, And proudly glides before the fannin
graceful hand She waves her floating lover to the land; Bright shines
his
sinuous neck with crimson beak, He prints fond ki
ith crimson beak, He prints fond kisses on her glowing cheek, Spreads
his
broad wings, elates his ebon crest, And clasps th
nts fond kisses on her glowing cheek, Spreads his broad wings, elates
his
ebon crest, And clasps the beauty to his downy br
eads his broad wings, elates his ebon crest, And clasps the beauty to
his
downy breast.” Darwin. He usually resided on th
wn as Melicerta, and was the son of Athamas and Ino. He was saved by
his
mother from the fury of his father, Athamas, who
e son of Athamas and Ino. He was saved by his mother from the fury of
his
father, Athamas, who became inflamed by such a su
to give liberty to the winds, or to recall them into their caverns at
his
pleasure. “Oh many a voice is thine thou win
ly dirge’s tone; For a chief, with sword and shield, and helm, To
his
place of slumber’s gone. “Thou art come from
oreas, God of the North, carried away Orithya, who refused to receive
his
addresses. By her he had Zetes and Calais, Cleopa
lora, and was said to produce flowers and fruits, by the sweetness of
his
breath. Companion of love, he has the figure of a
O’er angel lips gone, His cherub was dying, And he was alone. On
his
grey locks I clotted An ice-crown cold, — His
apprized in a dream of her husband’s fate, and finding on the morrow
his
body upon the shore, she threw herself into the s
eloved by Glaucus, also one of the deities of the sea. Scylla scorned
his
addresses, and the God, to render her propitious,
han she became enamoured, and, instead of assisting him, tried to win
his
love to herself tho’ in vain. To punish her rival
with grief the pitying god appears, And swells the rising surges with
his
tears; From the detested sorceress he flies, Her
aid the victor low, And toll’d amid the triumph, a lone knell For
his
departure: Death — thy gloomy power Can throw a s
hrow a sadness o’er the happiest hour. Thou comest to the monarch in
his
hour Of pomp, and pride, and royalty’s array;
y; And the next victim of thy reckless power May be the beggar in
his
hut of clay: Thy hand can lay the tattered vagran
dly faded, full of tears and grief. What though I slew the victor in
his
pride, ’Tis meet the brave on battle field sh
name is echoed thro’ the nations wide, Reared is the column where
his
ashes lie; He sought for fame, he won it, bravely
e; He sought for fame, he won it, bravely won; He died for fame, when
his
great task was done. What tho’ I turn the banquet
not bring to wounded hearts relief? Do I not ease the wretched of
his
woe? Then taunt me not with wanton cruelty, Man k
ompanion of night, inhabits the lower regions, though Ovid has placed
his
palace in the cold Scythia. —————— “In his dark
s, though Ovid has placed his palace in the cold Scythia. —————— “In
his
dark abode Deep in a cavern dwells the drowsy god
ly, Perpetual twilight and a doubtful sky; No crowing cock does there
his
wings display Nor with his horny bill provoke the
a doubtful sky; No crowing cock does there his wings display Nor with
his
horny bill provoke the day; Nor watchful dogs, no
e was th’ unguarded house to keep, On creaking hinges turned to break
his
sleep. But in the gloomy court was raised a bed,
tead; Black was the covering too where lay the god, And slept supine,
his
limbs displayed abroad.” Ovid. The principal mi
sleep on a bed of feathers. The dreams stand by him, and Morpheus, as
his
principal minister, watches, to prevent any noise
eir apparent resemblance. “How wonderful is death, Death and
his
brother Sleep! One, pale as yonder waning moon,
, Placid to man. The other has a heart Of iron; yea, the heart within
his
breast Is brass, unpitying; whom of men he grasps
families. It was at the option of every master of a family to choose
his
Penates, and therefore Jupiter and some of the su
t great philosopher asserted that the Genius informed him when any of
his
friends were going to engage in some unfortunate
heart. Thus the orator received from them the force and brilliancy of
his
ideas; the artist, his perception of the beautifu
received from them the force and brilliancy of his ideas; the artist,
his
perception of the beautiful; the wise man, that s
phy in which he ultimately became so eminent, had taken the chisel in
his
hand, and represented them of slight figure, pure
cal instruments, and knocking at the doors of dwelling places. During
his
festivals, men and women exchanged each others dr
epresented as a young and drunken man, with a garland of flowers upon
his
head, his face lit up by the deity of wine, and w
as a young and drunken man, with a garland of flowers upon his head,
his
face lit up by the deity of wine, and with a flam
is head, his face lit up by the deity of wine, and with a flambeau in
his
hand which appears falling. Song of Comus. “Welc
ds, and beat the ground In a light fantastic round.” Milton. Momus,
his
companion, is the god of joy and pleasantry, and
, because the eyes were not placed near enough to the horn, to render
his
blows surer. He irritated Vulcan, by observing th
t if he wished to make man perfect, he should have placed a window at
his
heart; and when he found the beauty of Venus was
eauty of Venus was too perfect to allow of any truth to be mixed with
his
bitterness, he declared that the noise made by th
rom her beauty. At last these illiberal reflections were the cause of
his
being turned out of Olympus. Momus has been sung
ages, and has the appearance of a beautiful youth, holding a torch in
his
hand, and in the other a purple garment, with his
holding a torch in his hand, and in the other a purple garment, with
his
head ornamented by a crown of roses. “Till Hymen
t, with his head ornamented by a crown of roses. “Till Hymen brought
his
love-delighted hour. There dwelt no joy in Eden’s
f low origin. Becoming enamoured of one of the richest and noblest of
his
countrywomen, he worshipped her at a distance, an
n, joined the nations of Athens in a religious procession, disguising
his
sex by women’s clothes. When they reached Eleusis
who suddenly appeared amongst them: Hymenæus shared the captivity of
his
mistress, and encouraging the captives, they slew
ch happiness in the marriage state, that festivals were instituted in
his
honour, and he was solemnly invoked at their nupt
ronounced, Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs used. Here love
his
golden shafts employs, here lights His constant l
e his golden shafts employs, here lights His constant lamp, and waves
his
purple wings, Reigns here and revels, not in the
mask, or midnight ball, Or serenade, which the starved lover sings To
his
proud fair, best quitted with disdain.” Milton
acon light of bliss, young Love draws near, And leads
his
willing slaves To wear thy flower
To wear thy flowery chain.” Southey. “Hymen, late,
his
love-knots selling, Called at many a maiden’s dwe
Who’ll buy my love knots?’ Soon as that sweet cry resounded, How
his
baskets were surrounded! Maids, who now first dr
Earth, and the expanded surface of the sea; And him that meets him on
his
way, whose hands He grasps, him gifts he with abu
ickle divinity, because represented as blind, he spreads by chance in
his
rapid course, the gold, silver, and precious ston
old, silver, and precious stones, which escape from a box he holds in
his
hands; as lame, because he came slow and graduall
son of Isis and Osiris, is the god of Silence. He is represented, in
his
statues as young, but with a countenance calm and
his statues as young, but with a countenance calm and severe, and on
his
brow a mitre, divided into two equal portions. Hi
w a mitre, divided into two equal portions. His finger is placed upon
his
lip, to intimate the silence he maintains, and he
lity over which Harpocrates is supposed to preside. The Romans placed
his
statue at the entrance of their temples, to intim
ith the Argonauts, they stopped in the domains of Amycus, (famous for
his
skill in the management of the cestus,) who chall
n the management of the cestus,) who challenged all strangers seeking
his
dominions to a trial of strength. Pollux accepted
rangers seeking his dominions to a trial of strength. Pollux accepted
his
challenge, and surpassed him in skill, on which A
nceus, and was slain in return by Idas — Pollux revenged the death of
his
brother, by slaying Idas, but was unable after th
as unable after this to support life, so devotedly was he attached to
his
brother: and implored Jupiter either to restore h
ither to restore him to life, or that he might be deprived himself of
his
immortality. His prayers were granted, and the tw
every branch of science, Jason left the country, and by the advice of
his
preceptor, went to consult the oracle. He was ord
ceptor, went to consult the oracle. He was ordered to go to Iolchos,
his
native country, covered with the spoils of a leop
e spoils of a leopard, and dressed in the garments of a Magnesian. In
his
journey he was stopped by the inundation of a riv
the character of an old woman. In crossing the stream, he lost one of
his
sandals, and on his arrival at Iolchos, the singu
old woman. In crossing the stream, he lost one of his sandals, and on
his
arrival at Iolchos, the singularity of his dress,
one of his sandals, and on his arrival at Iolchos, the singularity of
his
dress, and the fairness of his complexion, attrac
arrival at Iolchos, the singularity of his dress, and the fairness of
his
complexion, attracted the notice of the people, a
r shod, the appearance of Jason, who as we have seen, had lost one of
his
sandals, alarmed him, and his terrors were soon a
n, who as we have seen, had lost one of his sandals, alarmed him, and
his
terrors were soon after augmented, as Jason, acco
, and his terrors were soon after augmented, as Jason, accompanied by
his
friends repaired to the palace of Pelias, and dem
was unwilling to abdicate the crown, yet he feared the resentment of
his
adversary. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mytholog
lict it; adding, that if Jason, were to undertake it, he would resign
his
own crown and kingdom to him, immediately on his
it, he would resign his own crown and kingdom to him, immediately on
his
return. Burning with the desire of military fame
o should be daring enough to plough the field; and as a conclusion to
his
arduous tasks, he was to kill a frightful dragon
most solemn oaths, she pledged herself to deliver her lover from all
his
dangers. Her knowledge of herbs, enchantments and
hat day, had with uncommon grace; Adorned the lovely youth, and thro’
his
face Displayed an air so pleasing, as might charm
h tender words her heart demand, With vows and oaths to make her soon
his
bride, She wept a flood of tears, and thus replie
s him their use, Their mystic names, and virtues he admires. And with
his
booty joyfully retires.” Ovid. He made his appe
ues he admires. And with his booty joyfully retires.” Ovid. He made
his
appearance in the field of Mars, he tamed the fur
and grasped in triumph the golden fleece which was the the object of
his
expedition. “Impatient for the wonders of the da
e ambient air, with clouds of dust and smoke. Each gazing Grecian for
his
champion shakes, While bold advances he securely
lasts: such wonders magic art Can work, when love conspires and plays
his
part. The passive savages like statues stand, Whi
As there they level their steep pointed spears. Wonders ensue, among
his
gazing foes The fragment of a massy rock he throw
gon sleep, that never slept, Whose crest shoots dreadful lustre; from
his
jaws A triple tier of forked stings he draws, Wit
ean dew The fair enchantress into slumber threw; While the soft guest
his
drowsy eyelids seals, Th’ unguarded golden fleece
d golden fleece the stranger steals; Proud to possess the purchase of
his
toil, Proud of his royal bride, the richer spoil,
stranger steals; Proud to possess the purchase of his toil, Proud of
his
royal bride, the richer spoil, To sea both prize
oil, To sea both prize and patroness he bore, And lands triumphant on
his
native shore.” Ovid. All these deeds being perf
. All these deeds being performed in the presence of the monarch and
his
subjects, they were struck with surprise at the b
o immediately embarked for Europe with Medea, the great instrument of
his
preservation. Enraged at the desertion of his dau
the great instrument of his preservation. Enraged at the desertion of
his
daughter, Æetes sent his son Absyrtus to bring ba
is preservation. Enraged at the desertion of his daughter, Æetes sent
his
son Absyrtus to bring back the fugitives. Absyrtu
itives. Absyrtus overtook them, but was slain by Medea, who scattered
his
limbs upon the path of his father, trusting that
hem, but was slain by Medea, who scattered his limbs upon the path of
his
father, trusting that Æetes’ paternal affection,
ection, would make him anxious to render due homage to the remains of
his
son, and prevent him from following with success.
ows to chance Waking in consternation, he essays, Weltering in blood,
his
feeble arms to raise; Environed by so many swords
nce? What fatal fury, what infernal charm, ‘Gainst a kind father does
his
daughter arm?’ Hearing his voice, as thunderstruc
infernal charm, ‘Gainst a kind father does his daughter arm?’ Hearing
his
voice, as thunderstruck they stopped Their resolu
ubjects of the deceased king, when they were informed of the cause of
his
death, were anxious to avenge it, and Medea found
ing of the Country, for whom Medea was divorced, that he might follow
his
amour in comfort. This infidelity was severely av
“To the stern King of Ghosts she next applied. And gentle Proserpine,
his
ravished bride, That for old Æson with the laws o
for old Æson with the laws of fate; They would dispense, and lengthen
his
short date. Thus with repeated prayers she oft as
………………………………… His feeble frame resumes a youthful air, A glossy brown
his
hoary head of hair, The meagre paleness from his
air, A glossy brown his hoary head of hair, The meagre paleness from
his
aspect fled, And in its room sprung up a florid r
his aspect fled, And in its room sprung up a florid red: Through all
his
limbs a youthful vigour flies, His emptied arteri
in body and in mind, In sense and constitution the same man, As when
his
fortieth active year began.” Ovid. Pelias the u
as the usurper, was desirous of following so pleasant an example, and
his
daughters persuaded by Medea, who was anxious to
ent, for Medea refused to restore him to life. Meanwhile Pelias with
his
guards lay bound In magic sleep, scarce that of d
t of death so sound: The daughters now are by the Sorceress led, Into
his
chamber and surround his bed, ‘Your fathers healt
daughters now are by the Sorceress led, Into his chamber and surround
his
bed, ‘Your fathers health’s concerned and can ye
nnatural nymphs, why this unkind delay? Unsheath your swords, dismiss
his
lifeless blood, And I’ll recruit it with a vital
ety is left, Dispatch a father’s cure, and disengage The monarch from
his
loathsome load of age. Thus urged, the poor delud
e the wife of King Ægeus, to whom she bore a son called Medus. Before
his
intimacy with Medea, Ægeus had a son named Theseu
edea, Ægeus had a son named Theseus, who had been sent to Athens with
his
father’s sword, by the sight of which he was to i
father’s sword, by the sight of which he was to introduce himself to
his
father’s knowledge when he grew up; as Theseus at
wledge when he grew up; as Theseus attempted to make himself known to
his
father, Medea, who had grown jealous of the glory
She failed in her purpose. The king, recognized by the sword he bore,
his
long lost son, and Medea had recourse to her drag
s bleed” Euripides. Hercules. This celebrated hero was, after
his
death, as a reward for the many courageous deeds
fearing these terrible enemies, the child grasped them boldly in both
his
hands, and strangled them, while his brother Iphi
hild grasped them boldly in both his hands, and strangled them, while
his
brother Iphiclus shrieked aloud in terror. He was
er the tuition of the Centaur, Chiron. When in the eighteenth year of
his
age, a huge lion devastated the people, and preye
ercules relieved them, and when Erginus, King of Orchomedas, sent for
his
yearly tribute of one hundred crowns, Hercules mu
d on Erginus coming to avenge their death, he slew him, and delivered
his
country from the inglorious tribute. These heroic
oon became bruited abroad, and Creon, who reigned in Thebes, rewarded
his
courage by giving him his daughter in marriage, a
and Creon, who reigned in Thebes, rewarded his courage by giving him
his
daughter in marriage, and entrusting him with the
m his daughter in marriage, and entrusting him with the government of
his
people. As Hercules was by the will of Jupiter, s
the fame he was achieving, ordered him to appear before him. Proud of
his
strength and of his successes, the hero refused,
eving, ordered him to appear before him. Proud of his strength and of
his
successes, the hero refused, and Juno to punish h
o to punish him, struck him with a sudden madness, in which he killed
his
own offspring, imagining them to be those of Eury
oad me with these reproaches: — Is not this The son of Jove, who slew
his
sons and wife? Then bid me thence with curses on
What blessing were it To gain a useless and unhallowed life?” After
his
recovery he consulted the oracle of Apollo, and w
es. The favors of the gods had completely armed him when he undertook
his
labours. He had received a coat of arms and helme
ravaged the country near Mycenæ. The hero, unable to destroy him with
his
arrow, boldly attacked him with his club, pursued
hero, unable to destroy him with his arrow, boldly attacked him with
his
club, pursued him to his den, and after a close a
him with his arrow, boldly attacked him with his club, pursued him to
his
den, and after a close and sharp engagement, he c
harp engagement, he choked him to death. He carried the dead beast on
his
shoulders to Mycenæ, and ever after clothed himse
rdered him never to enter the gates of the city when he returned from
his
expeditions, but to wait for his orders without t
es of the city when he returned from his expeditions, but to wait for
his
orders without the walls. He even made himself a
dra, which had seven heads. This celebrated monster he attacked with
his
arrows, and soon after he came to a close engagem
arrows, and soon after he came to a close engagement, and by means of
his
heavy club, destroyed the heads of his enemy. But
se engagement, and by means of his heavy club, destroyed the heads of
his
enemy. But this was productive of no advantage, f
bour of Hercules would have remained unfinished, had he not commanded
his
friend Iolas, who accompanied him, to burn, with
rcules became victorious, opened the belly of the monster, and dipped
his
arrow in the gall, to render the wounds which he
nder the wounds which he gave, fatal and incurable. He was ordered in
his
third labour to bring alive and unhurt, into the
ding to Diodorus, he hid himself in a brazen vessel for some days. In
his
fifth labour Hercules was ordered to clean the st
ds which ravaged the country near the lake Stymphalis, in Arcadia. In
his
seventh, he brought alive into Peloponnesus a pro
esus a prodigious wild bull, which laid waste the island of Crete. In
his
eighth, he was employed in obtaining the mares of
fed upon human flesh. He killed Diomedes, and gave him to be eaten by
his
mares, which he brought to Eurystheus. They were
and their breed still existed in the age of Alexander the Great. For
his
ninth labour, he was commanded to obtain the gird
he was commanded to obtain the girdle of the Queen of the Amazons. In
his
tenth, he killed the monster Geryon, King of Gade
th, he killed the monster Geryon, King of Gades, and brought to Argos
his
numerous flocks which fed upon human flesh. The e
n, and was told that Nereus, if properly managed, would direct him in
his
pursuits. The hero seized Nereus while he slept,
seized Nereus while he slept, and the sea god, unable to escape from
his
grasp, answered all the questions he proposed, wh
ens on the shoulders of Hercules, and went in quest of the apples. At
his
return, Hercules expressed a wish to ease his loa
quest of the apples. At his return, Hercules expressed a wish to ease
his
load by putting something on his head, and when A
n, Hercules expressed a wish to ease his load by putting something on
his
head, and when Atlas assisted him to remove the i
hich guarded the tree. The twelfth and last, and most dangerous of
his
labours, was to bring upon earth the three-headed
l by a cave on Mount Tænarus. He was permitted by Pluto to carry away
his
friends Theseus and Pirithous, who were condemned
ere condemned to punishment in hell; and Cerberus also was granted to
his
prayers, provided he made use of no arms, but onl
e jealousy of Eurystheus imposed upon him, he also achieved others of
his
own accord, equally great and celebrated. Insérer
arly presented a marriageable maiden; and when the hero had fulfilled
his
task, Laomedon refused to give him the tribute of
beautiful horses, which he had promised to him. Hercules, incensed at
his
treachery, besieged Troy, and put the king and hi
cules, incensed at his treachery, besieged Troy, and put the king and
his
family to the sword. “First, two dread snakes, a
Grasps Achelous with resistless force, And drags the roaring river to
his
course: Binds with loud bellowing and with hideou
l.” “Then, where Nemea’s howling forests wave, He drives the Lion to
his
dusky cave; Seized by the throat the howling fien
dusky cave; Seized by the throat the howling fiend disarms, And tears
his
gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Antæus
, And tears his gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Antæus from
his
mother-plains, And with strong grasp, the struggl
ains, And with strong grasp, the struggling giant strains; Back falls
his
fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe his weak l
giant strains; Back falls his fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe
his
weak limbs, and flits his life in air; — By steps
his fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe his weak limbs, and flits
his
life in air; — By steps reverted o’er the blood-d
By steps reverted o’er the blood-dropped fen He tracks huge Cacus to
his
forest den! Where breathing flames through brazen
through brazen lips, he fled, And shakes the rock-roofed cavern o’er
his
head! Last, with wide arms the solid earth he tea
frighted Scylla bellows round her shores, Vesuvius groans through all
his
echoing caves, And Etna thunders o’er the insurge
enamoured of Iole, daughter of Eurystheus, but she, being refused to
his
entreaties, he became insane a second time, and m
er. After some time had passed, he was purified from this murder, and
his
insanity was at an end. However, the gods were no
sult the oracle of Delphi. Not being pleased with the manner in which
his
application was received, he resolved, in the hea
lict ensued, to put an end to which, however, Jupiter interfered with
his
Thunderbolts. Indignant at the insult offered to
rder of Jupiter, sold him to Omphale, Queen of Lydia, as a slave. But
his
services to this queen so astonished her, that sh
his services to this queen so astonished her, that she freed him from
his
servitude and married him. When the term for whic
father in marriage to that one who should prove the strongest of all
his
competitors. The most dangerous foe to Hercules w
however, nothing new to Hercules, and he had but little trouble with
his
enemy as an ox, until at last Achelous retired in
ith his enemy as an ox, until at last Achelous retired in disgrace to
his
bed of waters. After his marriage with Dejanira,
ntil at last Achelous retired in disgrace to his bed of waters. After
his
marriage with Dejanira, he was compelled to leave
f waters. After his marriage with Dejanira, he was compelled to leave
his
father-in-law’s kingdom, from having accidentally
’s kingdom, from having accidentally slain one of the citizens. On
his
way to Ceyx, accompanied by Dejanira, he was stop
llen stream, and Nessus, the Centaur, offered to convey her safely on
his
back to the opposite side of the river. As the he
Centaur landed with Dejanira, than he attempted to offer violence to
his
beautiful burthen, and to carry her away in the v
fly a poisoned arrow at the ravisher, which mortally wounded him. In
his
anguish, and burning for vengeance on his slayer,
ch mortally wounded him. In his anguish, and burning for vengeance on
his
slayer, he gave Dejanira his tunic, which was cov
is anguish, and burning for vengeance on his slayer, he gave Dejanira
his
tunic, which was covered with his blood. Insérer
nce on his slayer, he gave Dejanira his tunic, which was covered with
his
blood. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_18
pired. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img184b “For now
his
bridal charge employed his cares. The strong limb
e_heathen-mythology_1842_img184b “For now his bridal charge employed
his
cares. The strong limbed Nessus thus officious cr
bank I’ll lodge thy nuptial care.’ Th’ Aonian chief to Nessus trusts
his
wife. All pale, and trembling for her hero’s life
Clothed as he stood in the fierce lion’s hide, The laden quiver o’er
his
shoulder tied. “Far cross the stream his bow and
hide, The laden quiver o’er his shoulder tied. “Far cross the stream
his
bow and club were cast, Swift he plunged in, ‘the
of the tide. The bank he reached, again the bow he bears, When, hark!
his
bride’s known voice alarms his ears, ‘Nessus, to
d, again the bow he bears, When, hark! his bride’s known voice alarms
his
ears, ‘Nessus, to thee I call,’ aloud he cries, —
o fly; Tho’ winged with horse’s speed, wounds shall pursue,’ Swift as
his
words the fatal arrow flew, The Centaur’s back ad
l arrow flew, The Centaur’s back admits the feathered wood, And thro’
his
breast the barbed arrow stood, Which when in angu
my gore, Mixed with the Lernæan venom, this he took, Nor dire revenge
his
dying breast forsook, His garment, in the reeking
and therefore made war against her father, killing him, with three of
his
sons, while his former lover, Iole, fell into his
de war against her father, killing him, with three of his sons, while
his
former lover, Iole, fell into his hands, and foun
him, with three of his sons, while his former lover, Iole, fell into
his
hands, and found that she still held no slight po
into his hands, and found that she still held no slight possession of
his
affections. She accompanied him to Œta, where he
raise an altar, and offer a sacrifice to Jupiter. Dejanira, aware of
his
purpose, and of the affection he had manifested f
t on, than the poison with which it was saturated, penetrated through
his
bones, and attaching itself to the flesh, eat int
husband’s hands. Th’ unwilling hero takes the gift in haste, And o’er
his
shoulders Lerna’s poison cast, At first the fire
At first the fire with frankincense he strews, And utters to the gods
his
holy vows; And on the marble altar’s polished fra
rising flame Sudden dissolves the subtle poisoning juice Which taints
his
blood, and all his nerves bedews. With wonted f
dissolves the subtle poisoning juice Which taints his blood, and all
his
nerves bedews. With wonted fortitude he bore th
With wonted fortitude he bore the smart, And not a groan confessed
his
burning heart, At length his patience was subdued
ore the smart, And not a groan confessed his burning heart, At length
his
patience was subdued by pain Œtes wide forests ec
t length his patience was subdued by pain Œtes wide forests echo with
his
cries; Now to rip off the deathful robe he tries.
ed muscles and huge bones he bares. (A ghastly sight!) or raging with
his
pain, To rend the sick’ning plague, he tugs in va
s in vain. As the red iron hisses in the flood, So boils the venom in
his
curdling blood. Now with the greedy flame his ent
, So boils the venom in his curdling blood. Now with the greedy flame
his
entrails glow, And livid sweats down all his body
ow with the greedy flame his entrails glow, And livid sweats down all
his
body flow. The cracking nerves, burnt up, are bur
racking nerves, burnt up, are burst in twain, The lurking venom melts
his
swimming brain.” Ovid. When Lychas, by the comm
to pull it off, he only tore with it masses of flesh. In the midst of
his
miserable tortures, his groans of anguish were mi
tore with it masses of flesh. In the midst of his miserable tortures,
his
groans of anguish were mixed with imprecations on
anira, and the jealousy and hatred of Juno, to whom he attributed all
his
pains. “Then lifting both his hands aloft, he cr
red of Juno, to whom he attributed all his pains. “Then lifting both
his
hands aloft, he cries, ‘Glut thy revenge, dread e
’ “Meanwhile, whate’er was in the power of flame, Was all consumed;
his
body’s nervous frame No more was known; of human
ft — The eternal part of Jove alone was left. As an old serpent casts
his
scaly vest, Wreathes in the Sun, in youthful glor
al mould resigned, His better part enlarged, and grew refined: August
his
visage shone; almighty Jove, In his swift car his
nlarged, and grew refined: August his visage shone; almighty Jove, In
his
swift car his honoured offspring drove: High o’er
rew refined: August his visage shone; almighty Jove, In his swift car
his
honoured offspring drove: High o’er the hollow cl
s the coursers fly, And lodge the hero in the starry sky.” Ovid. If
his
fame had been universal, his worship soon became
the hero in the starry sky.” Ovid. If his fame had been universal,
his
worship soon became equally so, and Juno, once so
ip soon became equally so, and Juno, once so inveterate, consented to
his
receiving her daughter Hebe in marriage. Hercules
covered with the skin of the Nemean lion; a thick and knotted club in
his
hands, on which he is often seen leaning. Such ar
for this was deservedly rewarded with immortality. “O worthy end of
his
laborious life, The nectared cup, and Hebe for a
or a wife! Her golden youth did with new transports play, And crowned
his
toils in empyrean day. Yet did he oft, though in
s, ever fickle stream, He won a world in her immortal arms, And found
his
prized honour but a dream Lost in the Ocean of he
has received many surnames and epithets, either from the place where
his
worship was established, or from the labours whic
s worship was established, or from the labours which he had achieved;
his
temples were numerous and magnificent. The Phœnic
mples were numerous and magnificent. The Phœnicians offered Quails on
his
altars, and as it was supposed that he presided o
at he presided over dreams, the sick and infirm were sent to sleep in
his
temples, that they might receive in their visions
urs and difficulties which he underwent, and became so powerful after
his
death, that they alone had the bravery to invade
barbarous temples reeked with stranger’s blood? Pressed in these arms
his
fate Antæus found, Nor gained recruited vigour fr
e Arcadian land? Did not these arms the Hydra’s rage subdue, Who from
his
wounds to double fury grew. What if the Thracian
th inevitable, he determined to die the hero he had lived, and giving
his
bow and arrow to Philoctetes, he erected a funera
ctetes, he erected a funeral pile on Mount Œta, and spreading upon it
his
lion’s skin, lay down with dignity and composure,
reading upon it his lion’s skin, lay down with dignity and composure,
his
head placed upon his club, to await his death. Th
ion’s skin, lay down with dignity and composure, his head placed upon
his
club, to await his death. The pile was lighted, a
n with dignity and composure, his head placed upon his club, to await
his
death. The pile was lighted, and the flames arose
s arose in volumes, but the hero gazed calmly upon them, unalarmed at
his
impending doom. His mind was resolved to meet his
them, unalarmed at his impending doom. His mind was resolved to meet
his
fate, when, suddenly, the burning pile was surrou
on of Hercules, a chariot and horses was seen awaiting, which carried
his
immortal part to heaven, there to be seated among
here to be seated amongst the gods. Loud claps of thunder accompanied
his
exaltation, and when his friends sought his ashes
the gods. Loud claps of thunder accompanied his exaltation, and when
his
friends sought his ashes to grant them burial, un
ps of thunder accompanied his exaltation, and when his friends sought
his
ashes to grant them burial, unable to find them,
s to grant them burial, unable to find them, they erected an altar to
his
memory, upon the spot where the burning pile had
piter and Danae, the daughter of Acresius. As the latter had confined
his
daughter in a brazen tower, to prevent her becomi
according to the words of an oracle, he was to perish by the hands of
his
daughter’s son, Perseus was no sooner born, than
sooner born, than Acresius caused him to be thrown into the sea, with
his
mother, Danae. The hopes of the father were frust
r son. The monarch, however, resolved to remove every obstacle out of
his
way, and made a sumptuous banquet, decreeing that
e next that, from its seeming impossibility, the attempt might end in
his
ruin. The gods, however, are the protectors of in
nce, and that of Perseus was made their peculiar care. Pluto lent him
his
helmet, possessing the wonderful power of making
ger formed of diamonds. With this assistance Perseus boldly commenced
his
expedition, traversing the air, conducted by Mine
e Gorgons, whom he fortunately found asleep. Knowing that if he fixed
his
eyes upon them, he would be changed to stone, he
if he fixed his eyes upon them, he would be changed to stone, he used
his
shield, which was transparent, as a mirror to ref
rent, as a mirror to reflect the object he sought to destroy. Keeping
his
eyes thus fixed upon them, he approached, Minerva
ping his eyes thus fixed upon them, he approached, Minerva supporting
his
courage, and with one blow of his sword, cut off
, he approached, Minerva supporting his courage, and with one blow of
his
sword, cut off Medusa’s head. The noise of the bl
avenge the death of the sister were fruitless. The conqueror pursued
his
way through the air, and from the blood which dro
. Chrysaor, who married Callirhoe, one of the Oceanides, sprung with
his
golden sword from those drops of blood, as well a
came a favorite with the Muses. In the meantime young Perseus pursued
his
flight through the air, across the deserts of Lyb
nia. “The victor Perseus, with the Gorgon head, O’er Lybian sands
his
airy journey sped. The gory drops distilled as sw
ey ev’ning showed the verge of night, He feared in darkness to pursue
his
flight. He poised his pinions, and forgot to soar
verge of night, He feared in darkness to pursue his flight. He poised
his
pinions, and forgot to soar, And sinking, closed
wake the sun. Here Atlas reigned of more than human size, And in
his
kingdom the world’s limit lies. Here Titan bids h
uman size, And in his kingdom the world’s limit lies. Here Titan bids
his
wearied coursers sleep, And cools the burning axl
move, Not mean my glory, for I spring from Jove.” Ovid. He went to
his
palace, expecting to meet with an hospitable rece
e recollection of Atlas, that an ancient tradition had announced that
his
gardens were to be plundered of their fruits by o
not only did he rudely refuse to shelter him, but offered violence to
his
person, and attempted to slay him. Finding himsel
closed, the gloomy gold betray: All should at once be ravished from
his
eyes, And Jove’s own progeny enjoy the prize.
nsérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img192 As Perseus pursued
his
journey, after inflicting this just punishment up
rseus pursued his journey, after inflicting this just punishment upon
his
foe, across the territories of Lybia, he discover
anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img193 He offered Cepheus, her father,
his
aid in delivering her from danger, provided he wo
provided he would give the maiden to him in marriage, as a reward for
his
exertions. “Chained to a rock she stood; young P
y beauties, which I save, enjoy.” Ovid. Cepheus consented to bestow
his
daughter upon Perseus, and immediately the hero r
towards the monster, as it advanced to devour Andromeda, and plunging
his
dagger in his right shoulder, destroyed it. This
nster, as it advanced to devour Andromeda, and plunging his dagger in
his
right shoulder, destroyed it. This happy event wa
ever, quickly interrupted: for Phineus, dissatisfied with thus losing
his
promised bride, entered the palace with a number
ppeared, The rash ringleader of this boisterous herd, And brandishing
his
brazen pointed lance, ‘Behold,’ he said, ‘an inju
Behold,’ he said, ‘an injured man advance,’ Stung with resentment for
his
ravished wife, Nor shall thy wings O Perseus, sav
re these the thanks that you to Perseus give? This the reward that to
his
worth you pay, Whose timely valour saved Andromed
high degree, And that devouring monster of the sea, That, ready with
his
jaws wide gaping stood, To eat my child, the fair
nhelped by you, Her spouse and uncle, will you grieve that he Exposed
his
life, the dying maid to free? And shall you claim
that he Exposed his life, the dying maid to free? And shall you claim
his
merit? Had you thought Her charms so great, you s
t blessing on the rocks where fixed she lay; But now let Perseus bear
his
prize away. By service gained, by promised faith
nst Atlas. “Fierce Phineus now repents the wrongful fight, And views
his
varied friends, a dreadful sight; He knows their
, and feels the friendly stone. Struck with remorse, and conscious of
his
pride, Convict of sin he turn’d his eyes aside; W
ck with remorse, and conscious of his pride, Convict of sin he turn’d
his
eyes aside; With suppliant mien to Perseus thus h
ht remove the shield!’ Phineus turned to shun the shield, Full in
his
face the staring head he held, As here and there
turn aside, The wonder wrought, the man was petrified, All marble was
his
frame, his burned eyes, Dropped tears which hung
The wonder wrought, the man was petrified, All marble was his frame,
his
burned eyes, Dropped tears which hung upon the st
uilty statue stands.” Ovid. He but showed the head of the Gorgon to
his
adversaries, and they turned to stone in the very
, Perseus went to Seriphos, and arrived there at the very moment that
his
mother Danae sought the altar of Minerva, to save
mpted to defend her from her enemy, and Perseus therefore sensible of
his
merit and of his humanity, placed him on the thro
er from her enemy, and Perseus therefore sensible of his merit and of
his
humanity, placed him on the throne of Seriphos, a
edusa’s head to turn the wicked Polydectes into stone, with those of
his
court who were accomplices in his guilt. When the
lydectes into stone, with those of his court who were accomplices in
his
guilt. When these celebrated exploits were finish
celebrated exploits were finished, Perseus felt a desire to return to
his
native country, and arrived with his mother and A
rseus felt a desire to return to his native country, and arrived with
his
mother and Andromeda on the Peloponnesian coast,
d to avoid which, he had been guilty of the barbarous act of throwing
his
daughter and her son into the sea. This unfortuna
onstantly remind him of the parricide he had committed; and exchanged
his
kingdom for the maritime coast of Argolis. The ti
Theseus. “Aye, this is he, A proud and mighty spirit: how fine
his
form, Gigantic! moulded like the race that strove
, ‘till freed by Hercules. Methinks (So perfect is the Phidian stone)
his
sire, The sea god Neptune, hath in anger stopped
sea god Neptune, hath in anger stopped The current of life, and with
his
trident touch Hath struck him into marble.” Barr
e, in the house of Pittheus. When he came to maturity, he was sent by
his
mother to Ægeus, and a sword which had been hidde
until he became of age, and by which he was to make himself known to
his
parent, was shown to him, and ordered to be taken
to him, and ordered to be taken. The usual journey for travellers to
his
father’s court, at Athens, was by sea, but Theseu
t impassable: however, these obstacles were all met, and destroyed by
his
courage. He arrived at Athens in safety, where hi
, and destroyed by his courage. He arrived at Athens in safety, where
his
reception was not so cordial as he hoped, for Med
nfluence with this monarch would be destroyed, if once Theseus gained
his
proper footing in his father’s house, and she tri
arch would be destroyed, if once Theseus gained his proper footing in
his
father’s house, and she tried to poison him befor
per footing in his father’s house, and she tried to poison him before
his
return was known to the Athenians. With a refinem
of poison to him, as an unknown stranger at a feast; but the sword at
his
side saved Theseus, for his father recognised it,
own stranger at a feast; but the sword at his side saved Theseus, for
his
father recognised it, and introduced him to the p
s father recognised it, and introduced him to the people of Athens as
his
son, all of whom gladly hailed the illustrious ma
rch. The Pallantides, however, who expected to succeed their uncle on
his
throne, were enraged at the reception of Theseus,
bull of Marathon which ravaged the neighbouring country, next engaged
his
attention, and taking the animal alive, he led it
o bleed, For thus the cruel oracle decreed, Till Theseus; to preserve
his
country’s blood, Himself devoted for the public g
od, Himself devoted for the public good.” Ovid. The wish to deliver
his
native land from this danger, induced him volunta
nger, induced him voluntarily to undertake the expedition; and before
his
departure, he promised his father, if he should b
ly to undertake the expedition; and before his departure, he promised
his
father, if he should be successful, to hoist a wh
ised his father, if he should be successful, to hoist a white sail on
his
return. Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, became en
him in the enterprise, he was successful and killed the Minotaur. On
his
return from his victory there, he was driven by c
rprise, he was successful and killed the Minotaur. On his return from
his
victory there, he was driven by contrary winds on
d the meanness to desert Ariadne, whose conduct had been the means of
his
glorious triumph, and to whom he was even indebte
e means of his glorious triumph, and to whom he was even indebted for
his
life. When he came in sight of Athens, he forgot,
is life. When he came in sight of Athens, he forgot, in the height of
his
success, to hoist the white sail he had promised
in the height of his success, to hoist the white sail he had promised
his
father, who, seeing a black sail upon his son’s s
white sail he had promised his father, who, seeing a black sail upon
his
son’s ship, despairingly threw himself into the s
w impatient from afar? The fatal signal floating in the air, Thinking
his
Theseus was untimely slain, He rashly plunged him
slain, He rashly plunged himself beneath the main!” His ascension to
his
father’s throne was received with much pleasure,
new reputation acquired and new laws enacted. The renown he gained by
his
victory and policy, made his alliance courted in
ew laws enacted. The renown he gained by his victory and policy, made
his
alliance courted in general; but Pirithous king o
He invaded the territories of Theseus, and when the latter assembled
his
forces to meet him, the two foes as they gazed on
r affection became proverbial. Theseus was present at the nuptials of
his
friend, and when the brutal Centaurs attempted to
eir victim, cast lots for her: Theseus was successful, and she became
his
prize. Shortly after, he assisted his friend in h
was successful, and she became his prize. Shortly after, he assisted
his
friend in his attempt to descend into the inferna
l, and she became his prize. Shortly after, he assisted his friend in
his
attempt to descend into the infernal regions and
seated himself to rest. By the assistance of Hercules, however, in
his
descent into hell, the two heroes were released f
nd that Mnestheus had usurped the crown which should have fallen upon
his
children. In vain did Theseus attempt to eject th
Scyros. Here he met with apparent sympathy, but Lycomedes soon showed
his
true character, for enticing his guest to the top
sympathy, but Lycomedes soon showed his true character, for enticing
his
guest to the top of a high mountain, he took an o
that the memory of their father might not be without honour, sent for
his
remains from Scyros, and gave them a magnificent
him statues and a temple; festivals and games were also instituted in
his
honour, to commemorate the actions of a hero who
g memorial shine, How a god loved a mortal — He is springing From out
his
golden car, another bound, Bacchus is by his Aria
He is springing From out his golden car, another bound, Bacchus is by
his
Ariadne’s side.” L. E. L. Insérer image anonym
dislike to Minos, the father of Phædra, sent Cupid to pierce her with
his
shafts. For a long time she struggled with the
ve is mine, For you, Hippolytus, the son of Theseus! Hip. And you
his
wife? Phæ. Aye, boy, ’tis even so; Nay, look
I would not, could not wrong my father; And thou, how canst thou meet
his
face? Shame, shame, upon the wanton love that lea
when she found he would not return her sinful passion, Phædra accused
his
son to Theseus of the very crime of which she had
ich she had herself been guilty, and excited the father’s ire against
his
son in a terrible degree. Insérer image anonyme_h
son, thy time were short.’” Racine. Banished thus from the court of
his
father, the only consolation for a long time that
she had been guilty, and Hippolytus was restored to the affections of
his
father. The name of Theseus had been rendered by
he affections of his father. The name of Theseus had been rendered by
his
bravery so conspicuous and so dreaded by his enem
eus had been rendered by his bravery so conspicuous and so dreaded by
his
enemies, that a tradition became popular, to the
And armed for Greece that day; But the falchions made no sound On
his
gleaming war array. In the battle’s front he stoo
On his gleaming war array. In the battle’s front he stood, With
his
tall and shadowy crest; But the arrows drew no bl
crest; But the arrows drew no blood, Though their path was thro’
his
breast. When banners caught t
e! His voice was not of those That swelled the rolling blast, And
his
steps fell hushed like snows, — ’Twas the sha
heir fluttering wings, forgetful of the rest, Amazed the Centaur saw;
his
clapping hands he beat, And stamped in ecstacy th
rock with hoofed and horny feet.” But though this beautiful art was
his
master passion, he did not forget the charms of t
oyage, he was admitted to the sacred mysteries of Isis and Osiris. On
his
return he was the originator of many changes in t
he was the originator of many changes in the religious ceremonials of
his
country, and was received as the minister and int
of the will of the gods. Nature itself seemed charmed and animated by
his
presence, and the nymphs made his company their c
self seemed charmed and animated by his presence, and the nymphs made
his
company their chief desire. It was not long befor
hief desire. It was not long before the winged deity pierced him with
his
arrows, and Orpheus loved the nymph Eurydice, the
e, the only one whose charms touched the melodious musician; with her
his
happiness was made perfect by an union, at which
hat she died on the field. Deep was the despair felt by Orpheus at
his
unexpected loss, and the daring determination was
42_img208 “His own despair the very stones admire And rolling follow
his
melodious lyre, He forced the heart of hardest oa
ak to groan, And made fierce tigers leave their rage and moan.” With
his
resistless lyre in his hands, he crossed the Styx
ierce tigers leave their rage and moan.” With his resistless lyre in
his
hands, he crossed the Styx, penetrated into the i
ons, and gained admission to the presence of Pluto! Here the power of
his
genius was yet more eminently exhibited; for even
inently exhibited; for even the tortures of Hell gave way to it. “At
his
powerful song the very seats Of Erebus were moved
beneath; While Hell with silent admiration hung, On the soft music of
his
harp and tongue; No longer Tantalus essayed to si
tongue; No longer Tantalus essayed to sip The springs that fled from
his
deluded lip; Their urn the fifty maids no longer
Their urn the fifty maids no longer fill, Ixion leant and listened on
his
wheel, And Sysiphus’ stone for once stood still;
ysiphus’ stone for once stood still; The ravenous vulture had forsook
his
meal, And Titius felt his growing liver heal; Rel
ood still; The ravenous vulture had forsook his meal, And Titius felt
his
growing liver heal; Relenting fiends to torture s
longer was the charming prayer denied, All Hell consented to release
his
bride.” Ovid. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-myt
nal boatman, when a touching thought of Eurydice and her love crossed
his
mind, and he looked back. “Near the confines of
ng eyes impatient backward cast, To catch a lover’s look — but looked
his
last: Here all his pains were lost, one greedy
kward cast, To catch a lover’s look — but looked his last: Here all
his
pains were lost, one greedy look, Defeats his hop
ed his last: Here all his pains were lost, one greedy look, Defeats
his
hopes, and Hell’s conditions broke, A fatal messe
nd view, For instant dying, she again descends, While he to empty air
his
arms extends!” Ovid. Insérer image anonyme_heat
upper world, where the only solace which he could find, was to soothe
his
grief with the tones of his musical instrument, t
solace which he could find, was to soothe his grief with the tones of
his
musical instrument, to the sound of which, the mo
musical instrument, to the sound of which, the mountains and caves of
his
native land bore a melancholy echo. He secluded h
He secluded himself entirely from the company of mankind; in vain was
his
society sought by the Thracian women; he rejected
an women; he rejected their overtures with coldness, until enraged at
his
behaviour, they attacked him while celebrating th
n shaggy skins, like savage creatures clad, Warbling in air perceived
his
lovely lay, And from a rising ground beheld him p
the lyrist spied ‘See, see, the hater of our sex,’ she cried, Then at
his
face her missive javelin sent, Which whizzed alon
f the wound, Next their fierce hands the bard himself assail, Nor can
his
song against their wrath prevail; In vain he lift
ssail, Nor can his song against their wrath prevail; In vain he lifts
his
suppliant hands, in vain He tries, before his nev
evail; In vain he lifts his suppliant hands, in vain He tries, before
his
never failing strain; And, from those sacred lips
o see the fleeting soul now take its flight!” Dryden. After tearing
his
body to pieces, they threw his head into the Hebr
e its flight!” Dryden. After tearing his body to pieces, they threw
his
head into the Hebrus, which, as it rolled down th
until it reached the Ægean sea. The inhabitants of Dian asserted that
his
tomb was in their city, but the people of Mount L
their nests near it, excelled all others in melody and beauty. After
his
death, he is reported by some to have received di
eceived divine honours, the muses rendering the rites of sepulture to
his
remains, and his lyre becoming one of the constel
nours, the muses rendering the rites of sepulture to his remains, and
his
lyre becoming one of the constellations. Admet
re tended by Apollo for nine years, when banished from heaven. During
his
servitude to this monarch he obtained a promise f
Fates, that Admetus should never die if another person would lay down
his
life for him. Being one of the Argonauts, he was
auts, he was at the hunt of the Calydonian boar, when Pelias promised
his
daughter in marriage to him only, who could bring
is related of him, that in order to build the walls which surrounded
his
capital, he played upon his lyre, and by its divi
order to build the walls which surrounded his capital, he played upon
his
lyre, and by its divine power, the stones came an
an it was foretold by the oracle, that he would fall by the hands of
his
son. Alarmed at so fearful a prediction, he resol
son. Alarmed at so fearful a prediction, he resolved not to approach
his
wife. Having broken this wise resolution, however
gh Peribœa, when he appealed to her, told him, out of kindness, that
his
suspicions were unfounded. He remained dissatisfi
told not to return home, or he must inevitably become the murderer of
his
father, and the husband of his mother. Insérer im
must inevitably become the murderer of his father, and the husband of
his
mother. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1
6 As he travelled towards Phocis, he met, in a narrow passage, Laius,
his
father, in a chariot with his arm bearer. Laius i
is, he met, in a narrow passage, Laius, his father, in a chariot with
his
arm bearer. Laius insolently ordered the youth to
ith his arm bearer. Laius insolently ordered the youth to move out of
his
way, which Œdipus, not knowing him, and irritated
move out of his way, which Œdipus, not knowing him, and irritated at
his
tone and language, refused. A conflict ensued, an
at his tone and language, refused. A conflict ensued, and Laius with
his
companion was slain. ———————— “‘His demeanour bo
——— “‘His demeanour bold, Imperative, and arrogant: from far He waved
his
hand, that I should quit the path. Most narrow wa
the place, and scarce allowed To one, free passage. I was incensed At
his
deportment, free myself by birth, Hence I advance
ried, “Make way.” I, on the other hand, exclaimed with rage, Returned
his
menace, and bade him retire. Already had we met:
Returned his menace, and bade him retire. Already had we met: he from
his
side, Unsheathed a dagger, and upon me leap’d.
I had no dagger, but I lacked not courage. Me he assailed. I combated
his
onset, Grasp’d him, and in less time than I relat
. Blind with revenge I snatched the dagger from him, And weltering in
his
blood he lay transfixed.’” Alfieri. Ignorant of
Alfieri. Ignorant of the rank of the man he had killed, he continued
his
way to Thebes, attracted thither by the noise whi
three legs.” The answer of Œdipus was “That in infancy man goes upon
his
hands and feet; in manhood he walks upright, and
the monster dashed its head against a rock, and delivered Thebes from
his
unwelcome presence. The prediction, partly fulfil
brought to pass, for Œdipus mounted the throne, and married Jocasta,
his
mother, by whom he had two sons, Polynice and Ete
wo daughters, Ismene and Antigone. Some years after, a plague visited
his
territories, and the oracle was consulted, which
all possible inquiry, resolved to overcome every difficulty. What was
his
sorrow at learning as the result of his unwearied
me every difficulty. What was his sorrow at learning as the result of
his
unwearied zeal, that he himself was the unhappy p
was the unhappy parricide, and still more, that he was the husband of
his
own mother. Œdipus. “‘Why speak you not accordi
nt. Œd. Moment! thou shalt be hours, days, years undying, Here, bind
his
hands, he dallies with my fury, But I shall find
ords and knives, and sulphurous flames. He shall be bound and gashed,
his
skin flead off And burned alive. Phor. O spare m
s a dreadful one Which had foretold that most unhappy son Should kill
his
father, and enjoy his mother. Œd. ’Tis well! I t
had foretold that most unhappy son Should kill his father, and enjoy
his
mother. Œd. ’Tis well! I thank you gods! ’tis wo
ttle note. Adrastus. Help — and bow him gently forward, Chafe, chafe
his
temples — He breathes again, And vigorous nature
st the gaping earth Swallow you too.’” Sophocles. In the depth of
his
anguish he deprived himself of sight, as unworthy
to behold the light, and banished himself from Thebes for the good of
his
country; or as many assert, he was banished from
ood of his country; or as many assert, he was banished from thence by
his
sons. He retired towards Attica, led by his daugh
s banished from thence by his sons. He retired towards Attica, led by
his
daughter Antigone, and came to a place sacred to
to a place sacred to the Furies. Here the remembrance flashed across
his
mind, that he was to die in a place like this, th
was to become the great source of prosperity to the country in which
his
bones should be laid. He sent therefore to Theseu
sent therefore to Theseus, king of the place, to inform him, that on
his
arrival he would make known to him the resolution
the resolution which he had made. Theseus came, and found Œdipus with
his
face covered by a black veil, a knife in one hand
t poets have represented him in hell, as the place, which crimes like
his
, would seem to deserve. Insérer image anonyme_hea
eldest, and took to himself the first period of government; but when
his
year had past, the throne had proved so agreeable
had past, the throne had proved so agreeable, that he refused to keep
his
promise of abdicating. Polynice disgusted at such
conduct retired to Argos, where Adrastus, king of the place, gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and attempted to persuade E
into some feeling of justice; but not only did the latter persist in
his
conduct, but sought to slay the famous Tydius, th
rastus, who however escaped this danger with increased renown; and on
his
return to his king was appointed by him to join a
wever escaped this danger with increased renown; and on his return to
his
king was appointed by him to join a numerous army
—————— “Frowning he speaks, and shakes The dark crest, streaming o’er
his
shaded helm In triple wave; whilst dreadful ring
helm In triple wave; whilst dreadful ring around The brazen bosses of
his
shield; he stands Close to the river’s margin, an
d, That pants upon the foaming curb.” Amphiaraus, who was famous for
his
knowledge of futurity, and a warrior of great ren
r his knowledge of futurity, and a warrior of great renown: knew from
his
power of divination, that he was sure to perish i
the expedition, and therefore secreted himself so successfully, that
his
wife only, knew the the place of his concealment;
ed himself so successfully, that his wife only, knew the the place of
his
concealment; she however consented to betray him,
auxiliary. Previous to Amphiaraus quitting Argos for Thebes, he told
his
son Alcmeon to slay his mother, if news of his de
Amphiaraus quitting Argos for Thebes, he told his son Alcmeon to slay
his
mother, if news of his death should reach him; an
os for Thebes, he told his son Alcmeon to slay his mother, if news of
his
death should reach him; and when Alcmeon heard th
r, if news of his death should reach him; and when Alcmeon heard that
his
father’s chariot had been swallowed by the earth,
ed to receive its victim, he sacrificed Euriphyle to the vengeance of
his
dead sire. But so execrable a crime could not pas
d to Arcadia, where he married Alphisibaus. To fill up the measure of
his
crimes, he repudiated her, and took for his spous
To fill up the measure of his crimes, he repudiated her, and took for
his
spouse Callirhoe. The brothers of his deserted wi
he repudiated her, and took for his spouse Callirhoe. The brothers of
his
deserted wife however, assassinated him in reveng
devoted her two sons in the presence of their dead father, to revenge
his
death. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_18
Drunk with blood, And fury, of
his
own life quite regardless, Provided his antagonis
runk with blood, And fury, of his own life quite regardless, Provided
his
antagonist he slew, Eteocles upon his wretched br
life quite regardless, Provided his antagonist he slew, Eteocles upon
his
wretched brother Falls with his sword, and all hi
his antagonist he slew, Eteocles upon his wretched brother Falls with
his
sword, and all his strength collects. For a long
lew, Eteocles upon his wretched brother Falls with his sword, and all
his
strength collects. For a long time, intent to war
sword, and all his strength collects. For a long time, intent to ward
his
blows Stands Polynice. But at length he cries ‘I
I call to witness Heaven and Thebes Thou will’st it!’ While to heaven
his
eyes he raised, And thus exclaimed, his sword he
will’st it!’ While to heaven his eyes he raised, And thus exclaimed,
his
sword he onward thrust: The hovering furies guide
de the reckless blow To pierce the bosom of Eteocles. He falls — upon
his
brother spouts his blood!” This unnatural combat
w To pierce the bosom of Eteocles. He falls — upon his brother spouts
his
blood!” This unnatural combat was brief, though
uised pleasure; and although the blood was flowing fast and free from
his
own mortal wounds, exclaimed: —————— “‘Thou dies
He approached the fallen monarch, and striking him once more with
his
sword, Eteocles expired beneath the blow, while P
ocles expired beneath the blow, while Polynice himself exhausted with
his
efforts to subdue his pain, and the death struggl
the blow, while Polynice himself exhausted with his efforts to subdue
his
pain, and the death struggle which tore his bosom
ith his efforts to subdue his pain, and the death struggle which tore
his
bosom, fell in the very act of striking him. Thei
g to test the divinity of the gods who were visiting him, he murdered
his
son Pelops, and served up to them his limbs, dema
were visiting him, he murdered his son Pelops, and served up to them
his
limbs, demanding of them to name what the new mea
ption of Ceres, who, thinking only on her lost Proserpine, eat one of
his
shoulders, with her accustomed appetite. Jupiter
ite. Jupiter enraged at this atrocious conduct of Tantalus, destroyed
his
palace with a thunderbolt, and ordered Mercury to
n the midst of a pool of water, that passes around, yet never touches
his
lips; while, above his head, hangs a bough, laden
f water, that passes around, yet never touches his lips; while, above
his
head, hangs a bough, laden with delicious fruit,
bove his head, hangs a bough, laden with delicious fruit, which, when
his
hand would grasp it, is borne away by a sudden bl
healing, by its touch, every complaint. He succeeded to the throne of
his
father, and maintained the war against the King o
only wed the man who would run on foot as fast as he could proceed in
his
chariot. This difficulty was overcome by Pelops,
difficulty was overcome by Pelops, who bribed the charioteer to give
his
master an old chariot which broke down in the mid
led Œnomaus; and when the charioteer would have claimed the reward of
his
infamy, he threw him into the sea, under pretext
of his infamy, he threw him into the sea, under pretext of punishing
his
negligence. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mytholo
he kingdom of Pisa, and the hand of Hippodamia, he made bold war upon
his
neighbour, and conquered their land, which he nam
nsérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img225 Pelops, suspecting
his
two sons of the crime, banished them from his cou
g225 Pelops, suspecting his two sons of the crime, banished them from
his
court. Atreus sought the kingdom of Eurystheus, K
sought the kingdom of Eurystheus, King of Argos, and succeeded him on
his
throne, after marrying his daughter. Here he trea
theus, King of Argos, and succeeded him on his throne, after marrying
his
daughter. Here he treated his brother Thyestes, w
eeded him on his throne, after marrying his daughter. Here he treated
his
brother Thyestes, who had followed him to the cou
rt, with great kindness, but he was recompensed with ingratitude, for
his
brother succeeded in winning the affections of hi
h ingratitude, for his brother succeeded in winning the affections of
his
wife. Irritated at so unlooked for a crime, Atreu
at which was served up the children born to him by the connexion with
his
brother’s wife, all of whom had been sacrificed t
connexion with his brother’s wife, all of whom had been sacrificed to
his
vengeance. When the repast was over he showed to
started back in amazement; and the unhappy Thyestes slew himself with
his
sword. There was now one son left, named Egisthus
him did the spectre of Thyestes appear, to exhort him to revenge upon
his
brother the cruel act he had performed; nor were
arted. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img226 “Asked by
his
wife to his inhuman feast, Tereus, unknowingly, i
er image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img226 “Asked by his wife to
his
inhuman feast, Tereus, unknowingly, is made a gue
before the banquet sate; And, glutton-like, luxuriously pleased With
his
own flesh, his hungry maw appeased. Nay, such a b
quet sate; And, glutton-like, luxuriously pleased With his own flesh,
his
hungry maw appeased. Nay, such a blindness o’er h
th his own flesh, his hungry maw appeased. Nay, such a blindness o’er
his
senses falls, That he for Itys to the table calls
Still at this puzzling answer with surprise, Around the room he winds
his
curious eyes; And, as he still enquired, and call
her wrong. The Thracian monarch from the table flings While with
his
cries the vaulted parlour rings; His imprecations
aky furies from their Stygian cell. One while, he labours to disgorge
his
breast, And free his stomach from the cursed feas
Stygian cell. One while, he labours to disgorge his breast, And free
his
stomach from the cursed feast; Then, weeping o’er
reast, And free his stomach from the cursed feast; Then, weeping o’er
his
lamentable doom, He styles himself his son’s sepu
rsed feast; Then, weeping o’er his lamentable doom, He styles himself
his
son’s sepulchral tomb, Now, with drawn sabre, and
be revenged, Shares the like fate, and to a bird is changed: Fixed on
his
head, the crested plumes appear; Long is his beak
ird is changed: Fixed on his head, the crested plumes appear; Long is
his
beak, and sharpened like a spear; Thus armed, his
mes appear; Long is his beak, and sharpened like a spear; Thus armed,
his
looks his inward mind display, And, to a lapwing
; Long is his beak, and sharpened like a spear; Thus armed, his looks
his
inward mind display, And, to a lapwing turned, he
his looks his inward mind display, And, to a lapwing turned, he fans
his
way.” Ovid. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-myt
in recovering for them their father’s kingdom. Menelaus succeeded to
his
father in law’s throne, and became King of Sparta
aris, son of Priam, King of Troy, was one of the numerous visitors at
his
court. To this prince Venus had promised the poss
y of Helen, who abandoned herself to her seducer, and followed him to
his
palace at Troy. Vainly were ambassadors sent to P
bassadors sent to Priam, to make known to him the infamous conduct of
his
son. Not only did he refuse all reparation, but h
conduct gave birth to a terrible war; Agamemnon embraced the cause of
his
brother with fervour, awoke all Greece to the wr
kings, who united their armies beneath the walls of Argos; and showed
his
personal zeal by furnishing one hundred ships, an
greatest horror and indignation, and, as chief of the forces, ordered
his
herald to command them all to retire to their sep
tiful Cassandra came to the share of Agamemnon, and she foretold that
his
wife Clytemnestra would put him to death. He, how
that in the realms below Reigns o’er the dead. There let him take
his
seat, He lay, and spouting from his wounds a stre
the dead. There let him take his seat, He lay, and spouting from
his
wounds a stream Of blood, bedewed me with these c
the meeting of Iphigenia with her father in the lower regions, after
his
death, when the latter was ignorant of the infam
e; no king to judge. Poseidon, we have heard, with bitter rage Lashes
his
foaming steeds against the skies, And, laughing w
the skies, And, laughing with loud yell at winged fire, Innoxious to
his
fields and palaces Affrights the eagle from the s
Serene too be your spirit! none on earth Ever was half so kindly in
his
house, And so compliant, even to a child. Never w
ur robe away from me, Though going to the council. The blind man Knew
his
good king was leading him in doors, Before he hea
nai Will pine to pour this poison in her ear, Taunting sad Charon for
his
slow advance. Iphigenia! Iphig. Why thus turn aw
to the attack of Troy advanced quickly towards its shores. Priam and
his
brave sons though they received the enemy with vi
wall of of Ilion, and Achilles, son of Thetis, considered Eachus as
his
ancestor. This young hero had been hidden by his
considered Eachus as his ancestor. This young hero had been hidden by
his
frightened mother in the isle of Cyros. Clothed i
e beautiful Deidomia, and enslaved by Love, forgot over the cradle of
his
offspring, the glory of his country, and the prec
slaved by Love, forgot over the cradle of his offspring, the glory of
his
country, and the precepts of his tutor, Chiron, t
radle of his offspring, the glory of his country, and the precepts of
his
tutor, Chiron, the centaur. But it was necessary
aca, took upon himself the charge of bringing the young Achilles from
his
inglorious ease to the post which awaited him in
the gems, and seized a sword! — It was Achilles! — who thus betrayed
his
manly inclinations. Insérer image anonyme_heathen
at the command of the manes of Hercules, sought the Grecian camp with
his
terrible weapons to assist them against their ene
assisted him to triumph over the obstacles which would have resisted
his
single efforts, and they went forth to seek the s
kewise that Rhesus, King of Thrace, should be prevented from allowing
his
horses to drink of the waters of the Xanthus, an
this too they succeeded; for Diomedes and Ulysses intercepted him on
his
journey to the Trojan camp, entered his tent at n
nd Ulysses intercepted him on his journey to the Trojan camp, entered
his
tent at night and slew him; they then carried off
hey then carried off the horses which had been the innocent causes of
his
melancholy fate. All the oracles being now fulfil
erations of the Greeks. Achilles having been deprived by Agamemnon of
his
favourite mistress, retired into his tent. Revers
ng been deprived by Agamemnon of his favourite mistress, retired into
his
tent. Reverses of fortune instantly signalised hi
ress, retired into his tent. Reverses of fortune instantly signalised
his
absence. A general assault, however, was ordered,
o return Helen if he was vanquished. The King of Sparta, protected by
his
bravery and the justice of his cause, accepted hi
shed. The King of Sparta, protected by his bravery and the justice of
his
cause, accepted his challenge, and would have sac
arta, protected by his bravery and the justice of his cause, accepted
his
challenge, and would have sacrificed the coward T
ccepted his challenge, and would have sacrificed the coward Trojan to
his
vengeance, when he took flight, and escaped by th
rough Paris’ shield the fearful weapon went, His corslet pierces, and
his
garment rends, And, glancing downward, near his f
corslet pierces, and his garment rends, And, glancing downward, near
his
flank descends. The wary Trojan, bending from the
wary Trojan, bending from the blow, Eludes the death, and disappoints
his
foe: But fierce Atrides waved his sword, and stru
, Eludes the death, and disappoints his foe: But fierce Atrides waved
his
sword, and struck Full on his casque, the crested
oints his foe: But fierce Atrides waved his sword, and struck Full on
his
casque, the crested helmet shook: The brittle ste
is casque, the crested helmet shook: The brittle steel, unfaithful to
his
hand, Broke short, the fragments glittered on the
littered on the sand. The raging warrior to the spacious skies Raised
his
upbraiding voice and angry eyes. ‘Then is it vain
drew; Struggling he followed, while th’ embroidered throng, That tied
his
helmet dragged the chief along. Then had his ruin
idered throng, That tied his helmet dragged the chief along. Then had
his
ruin crowned Atrides’ joy, But Venus trembled for
seen she came, and burst the golden band, And left an empty helmet in
his
hand.” Homer. The Greeks claimed the execution
The siege still continued, and the anger of Achilles remained, until
his
revenge was aroused by the death of Patroclus, hi
es remained, until his revenge was aroused by the death of Patroclus,
his
friend, who was slain in battle by Hector. “Thus
ear Wounded at once, Patroclus yields to fear, Retires for succour to
his
social train, And flies the fate which Heaven dec
Hector as the bleeding chief he views, Breaks through the ranks, and
his
retreat pursues: The lance arrests him with a mor
lance arrests him with a mortal wound; He falls, earth shudders, and
his
arms resound. With him all Greece was sunk, that
oclus thus, so many chiefs o’erthrown, So many lives effused, expires
his
own.” Homer. To avenge the death of his comrade
many lives effused, expires his own.” Homer. To avenge the death of
his
comrade in arms, Achilles conducted the Greeks to
uld be given to the aged Priam. He had the cruelty to tie the body to
his
chariot, and in that way to drag it three times r
s obliged to give a large ransom for the remains of Hector. “Then
his
fell soul a thought of vengeance bred, Unworthy o
bred, Unworthy of himself and of the dead, The nervous ancles bored,
his
feet he bound With thongs inserted through the do
rolling wain, His graceful head was hauled along the plain. Proud on
his
car th’ insulting victor stood, And bore aloft hi
he plain. Proud on his car th’ insulting victor stood, And bore aloft
his
arms distilling blood. He smites the steeds, the
rple the ground, and streak the sable sand; Deformed, dishonoured, in
his
native land, Given to the rage of an insulting th
in his native land, Given to the rage of an insulting throng, And in
his
parents sight now dragged along. The mother first
bly gray: And cast far off the regal veils away. With piercing shriek
his
bitter fate she moans, While the sad father answe
s, While the sad father answers groans with groans; Tears after tears
his
mournful cheeks o’erflow, And the whole city wear
e river Styx. When Achilles died, the Greeks erected a superb tomb to
his
memory upon the shores of the Hellespont, and aft
olyxena was sacrificed to the manes of Achilles. So glorious had been
his
arms, that Ajax and Ulysses disputed for them, an
and Anchises, took part in all the battles which preceded the fall of
his
country, and relates the stratagem by which the G
ek named Sinon was brought before them. This perfidious man said that
his
brothers in arms, irritated against him, had aban
and to obtain from her a happy return. In vain did Laocoon persist in
his
assertion that danger was near, and in vain was h
stood, Where Troy’s proud turrets glittered in the flood, Raised high
his
arm and with prophetic call To shrinking realms a
prophetic call To shrinking realms announced her fated fall; Whirled
his
fierce spear with more than mortal force, And pie
h fond youth, in vain, with piercing cries Bends on the tortured Sire
his
dying eyes.” Darwin. “Laocoon’s tortur
ding slaughter and devastation all over the city. Æneas awoke, put on
his
arms, and ran to the palace of Priam, in time to
e palace of Priam, in time to see, but not to save, the aged monarch,
his
daughters, and his sons, from falling beneath the
in time to see, but not to save, the aged monarch, his daughters, and
his
sons, from falling beneath the edge of the sword.
he abandoned himself to feelings of grief and rage at not being able,
his
mother made known to him the uselessness of his e
ge at not being able, his mother made known to him the uselessness of
his
efforts. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
n-mythology_1842_img240 Æneas followed the council of Venus. He awoke
his
father Anchises, placed the old man on his should
council of Venus. He awoke his father Anchises, placed the old man on
his
shoulders, took the young Ascanius, his son, by t
chises, placed the old man on his shoulders, took the young Ascanius,
his
son, by the hand, and led him away from the tumul
nd, and led him away from the tumult, giving him in charge to Creusa,
his
wife, telling her to follow closely, and not to l
’s race; Orestes, the ambassador, explained to the king the object of
his
mission, he was met by a stern refusal, which so
of Ulysses — scarcely had he quitted the Phrygian shores, than he and
his
companions became the sport of Neptune and Juno,
length, after a thousand reverses on the seas, a tempest precipitated
his
vessel on a rock, he saved himself on a floating
ty. At the end of the repast to which he had been invited, he related
his
wonderful adventures. He told of his arrival in t
he had been invited, he related his wonderful adventures. He told of
his
arrival in the country of the Lotophagi, people w
they dwell, Or deep in caves whose entrance leads to hell. Each rules
his
race, his neighbour not his care, Heedless of oth
, Or deep in caves whose entrance leads to hell. Each rules his race,
his
neighbour not his care, Heedless of others, to hi
whose entrance leads to hell. Each rules his race, his neighbour not
his
care, Heedless of others, to his own severe.” Ho
ch rules his race, his neighbour not his care, Heedless of others, to
his
own severe.” Homer. Polyphemus, whose one eye e
hemus, whose one eye expressed a savage ferocity, shut up Ulysses and
his
companions in a cavern, where he kept his sheep.
rocity, shut up Ulysses and his companions in a cavern, where he kept
his
sheep. In the morning Polyphemus came, took two s
n the morning Polyphemus came, took two sailors and devoured them; at
his
repast in the evening he took two more. Ulysses,
at his repast in the evening he took two more. Ulysses, horrified at
his
danger, thought how he could avoid it. He amused
at his danger, thought how he could avoid it. He amused the Cyclop by
his
recitals; and by giving him intoxicating drink, t
y giving him intoxicating drink, the monster slept; then, assisted by
his
companions, he put out his eye. Ulysses had provi
rink, the monster slept; then, assisted by his companions, he put out
his
eye. Ulysses had provided for their escape, for f
the stomach of a sheep when it was going to the fields, and ordering
his
companions to follow his example, they escaped th
hen it was going to the fields, and ordering his companions to follow
his
example, they escaped the rage of the Cyclop, who
example, they escaped the rage of the Cyclop, who could only indulge
his
wrath by throwing at random large pieces of rock
abode Circe, a famous magician. When he had anchored, he sent some of
his
men on shore, to discover what place it was, but
ertain herb, to preserve himself from witchcraft, he went to her with
his
drawn sword, to compel her to restore his compani
hcraft, he went to her with his drawn sword, to compel her to restore
his
companions to their previous shapes. The fascinat
e enjoyment of her society, for the space of a year. After concluding
his
eventful history, he remained some time with Alci
Ithaca. It was now the twentieth year of the absence of Ulysses from
his
home, during which time his wife had held him in
tieth year of the absence of Ulysses from his home, during which time
his
wife had held him in continual remembrance, and t
eanwhile Ulysses scarcely knew how to discover himself with safety to
his
own person, fearing that he might be slain by tho
n person, fearing that he might be slain by those who were suitors to
his
wife. By the advice of Minerva, he disguised hims
nelope, by whom he was received with joy; and with the assistance of
his
friends, who flocked around him, he entered in po
e of his friends, who flocked around him, he entered in possession of
his
throne. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1
throne. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img244 But still
his
mind was uneasy and disturbed, as Tyresias, the s
, the soothsayer, had informed him that he should be killed by one of
his
sons. To prevent this misery, he determined to fo
ned to forsake the world, and retire into some solitary place, to end
his
days in peace. About that time, Telegonus, one of
y place, to end his days in peace. About that time, Telegonus, one of
his
sons by Circe, came to his city to pay unto him h
peace. About that time, Telegonus, one of his sons by Circe, came to
his
city to pay unto him his respects; and, as he was
Telegonus, one of his sons by Circe, came to his city to pay unto him
his
respects; and, as he was striving to enter the pa
sses stepped out, and Telegonus not knowing him, ran him through with
his
lance, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the sooths
ent. Æneas, however, found himself separated from the greater part of
his
companions, seven only of whom remained with him.
landed on an unknown shore and Venus informed him, that the rest of
his
companions were in safety. Æneas, hidden in a clo
ainment, the hero related to her the history of the siege of Troy and
his
own adventures. The glowing language and animatin
l Trojan go, Forsake an empire to attend a foe? Himself I refuged and
his
train relieved, ’Tis true, but am I sure to be re
Can gratitude in Trojan souls have place? Laomedon still lives in all
his
race! Then shall I seek alone the flying crew, Or
These flames from far, may the false Trojan view, These boding omens,
his
false flight pursue!’ She said and struck; deep e
t of Justice and of Virtue. The great Apelles has represented her, in
his
painting of Calumny, under the appearance of a mo
from us.” Victory, by the commands of her mother, aided Jupiter in
his
battle with the Titans; and the monarch of Olympu
d that she, for whom he looked, was absent: the bloody veil alone met
his
anxious gaze, which he instantly recognized, and
ed, and concluded that she had been torn to pieces by wild beasts. In
his
despair he drew his sword and killed himself. Whe
at she had been torn to pieces by wild beasts. In his despair he drew
his
sword and killed himself. When the fears of Thisb
he weapon with which Pyramus had destroyed himself, and joined him in
his
endless rest. “But when her view the bleeding lo
. Day by day, did the giant sit by the side of a fountain, neglecting
his
flocks, and murmuring love songs the most touchin
muring love songs the most touching and impassioned; while he adorned
his
person and endeavoured to render himself as agree
eavoured to render himself as agreeable, by these and other means, to
his
nymph as possible. Galatea treated all his att
ese and other means, to his nymph as possible. Galatea treated all
his
attentions with disrespect, and bestowed her affe
ad The sea-sand tow’rd the skies, away, away!’” Acis came forth from
his
retreat, and Polyphemus threw an enormous rock up
eight. ——————— “The shepherd boy, He felt the Cyclop’s wrath, for on
his
head The mighty weight descended: not a limb, Or
: not a limb, Or bone, or fragment, or a glossy hair, Remained of all
his
beauty.” Galatea was in despair, and as she coul
of Hero inflamed the bosom of Leander, nor was he long in expressing
his
love to the beautiful being who had won it. In th
warmed with the rites at which she had been assisting, Leander avowed
his
passion. “Her lily hand he seized, and gently pr
hand he seized, and gently pressed, And softly sighed the passion of
his
breast, Then to the temples last recess conveyed
rnest wooing of Leander was assisted by the boy-god, and Hero, won by
his
passionate pleading, and by a love as strong as i
eading, and by a love as strong as it was sudden, consented to become
his
bride. ———————— “How more than sweet, That momen
w more than sweet, That moment, as he knelt at Hero’s feet, Breathing
his
passion in each thrilling word, Only by lovers sa
ed out the spot to which he should look at night for a torch to guide
his
way. “Dimly and slowly the hours passed by, u
in watching the spot, where at night he saw the beacon which cheered
his
way. But alas! the change came too soon. ———————
ly tale is told; storm nor tempest had power to keep the husband from
his
wife, and in the wildness of his struggles for li
t had power to keep the husband from his wife, and in the wildness of
his
struggles for life, when hope was gone and despai
of his struggles for life, when hope was gone and despair succeeded,
his
last glance sought the watch light in Abydos, and
pair succeeded, his last glance sought the watch light in Abydos, and
his
last sigh was given to the fond being who looked
on was a statuary, celebrated in Cyprus for the exquisite skill of
his
statues. He became disgusted to such a degree wit
of Amathus, that he resolved never to marry, but to devote himself to
his
art. In this he became so proficient, that his ma
t to devote himself to his art. In this he became so proficient, that
his
marble busts seemed almost like life — and one, t
ls usually pay to woman. The passion increased, and the gods, pitying
his
despair, changed the statue into that of a beauti
even conceiving a disdain for her who had so quickly given herself to
his
arms. To a mind like Sappho’s, finely wrought, as
bowers beloved, Roving where he had roved, Yearn for
his
presence, as for one expected? Di
Trusting some glorious morn Might witness
his
return, Unwilling to believe thyself forsaken?
ose; owing to which, he retired into the country that he might devote
his
time more uninterruptedly to study. When, upon th
ke the onerous task, which, however, he filled to the satisfaction of
his
subjects, dismissing the body guards who usually
y attended upon the Roman Emperor, thus showing he had no distrust of
his
subjects. His great object was to quell the spiri
larly visited the nymph Egeria, who indeed, according to Ovid, became
his
wife. In her name he introduced all his laws a
according to Ovid, became his wife. In her name he introduced all
his
laws and regulations into the state, and solemnly
regulations into the state, and solemnly declared in the presence of
his
people, that they were sanctified by the approval
e them additional favour in the eyes of this superstitious people. At
his
death, which took place after a reign of forty-th
verence to a monarch, whom they could not help respecting no less for
his
abilities, than for his moderation in the applica
om they could not help respecting no less for his abilities, than for
his
moderation in the application of them. He forbade
moderation in the application of them. He forbade the Romans to burn
his
body, after their usual custom, but ordered them
had written, which being accidentally found four hundred years after
his
death, were burned by order of the senate. They a
holy love — the earliest oracle! And did’st thou not, thy breast to
his
replying, Blend a celestial with a human heart; A
ay by Jupiter in the likeness of a bull; this prince being ordered by
his
father never to return if he was unable to find a
by his father never to return if he was unable to find and bring back
his
sister; he at last consulted the oracle of Delpho
lted the oracle of Delphos, to obtain its assistance in accomplishing
his
mission. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_
. Previous to this, wishing to thank the gods by a sacrifice, he sent
his
companions to fetch some water from a neighbourin
in the plain, upon which armed men rose suddenly from the ground. In
his
alarm he threw a stone at them, and they instantl
King of Corinth, and named at first Hipponous. The murder of Beller,
his
brother, by him, procured his second name of Bell
first Hipponous. The murder of Beller, his brother, by him, procured
his
second name of Bellerophon or the murderer of Bel
by punishing him, but sent him with a letter to Jobates the father of
his
queen, entreating him to put to death the man who
ing him to put to death the man who would have insulted the honour of
his
daughter. Jobates to satisfy his son-in-law, sent
ho would have insulted the honour of his daughter. Jobates to satisfy
his
son-in-law, sent Beller to attack a monster calle
ed he was under the protection of the gods, and gave him the hand of
his
daughter Cassandra in marriage, naming him as his
ave him the hand of his daughter Cassandra in marriage, naming him as
his
successor to the throne. It has been asserted by
sus, but that Jupiter sent an insect which stung the horse, who threw
his
rider headlong to the earth; and that for many ye
ry great burthens, became so strong, that nothing seemed too much for
his
vast efforts. It is recorded of him that he carri
o much for his vast efforts. It is recorded of him that he carried on
his
shoulders a young bullock, four years old, for mo
old, for more than forty yards, that he then killed it with a blow of
his
fist, and to crown the feat, afterwards eat it up
life he had saved, by supporting the whole weight of the building on
his
shoulders, when the roof of the school in which h
hing gave way. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img267 In
his
old age a melancholy fate awaited him; for failin
waited him; for failing in an attempt to pull up a tree by the roots,
his
hands remained fast pinched in the tree, when a l
r! and is one of the three members of the Indian Trinity. Previous to
his
commencing the grand work of creating the world,
nalagous to the four cardinal points, and long beards descending from
his
four chins. In his four hands he holds the myster
r cardinal points, and long beards descending from his four chins. In
his
four hands he holds the mysterious chain, to whic
e teacher, warrior, and prophet, that he might leave to the world on
his
quitting it, the model of a man. He resided in th
s, and all the worlds were in him. Vishnu is usually represented near
his
wife, whom he enfolds in his arms. His complexion
him. Vishnu is usually represented near his wife, whom he enfolds in
his
arms. His complexion is blue, his eyes are like t
d near his wife, whom he enfolds in his arms. His complexion is blue,
his
eyes are like the flowers of the lotos, and his v
s complexion is blue, his eyes are like the flowers of the lotos, and
his
visage burns with an eternal youth. He is strong
burns with an eternal youth. He is strong and vigorous in appearance,
his
four hands are sometimes raised, as if in the act
metimes raised, as if in the act of blessing the human race, while on
his
head is placed a triple storied crown. In the mid
while on his head is placed a triple storied crown. In the middle of
his
side sparkles the magnificent diamond in which al
ich all things are reflected; while garments of a costly price clothe
his
noble form. To him are consecrated the eagle, the
ble form. To him are consecrated the eagle, the hawk, and the bee; at
his
side is placed a fantastic kind of bird, a beauti
me time. Siva is drawn with five heads, four hands, and three eyes in
his
principal head. He is carried by a bull, and hold
ree eyes in his principal head. He is carried by a bull, and holds in
his
hands a trident and a dwarf stag. When they would
nt and a dwarf stag. When they would paint him menacing and terrible,
his
sharp teeth start from his gums; fire breathes fr
hey would paint him menacing and terrible, his sharp teeth start from
his
gums; fire breathes from his lips; and human scul
and terrible, his sharp teeth start from his gums; fire breathes from
his
lips; and human sculls form his diadem. Serpents
art from his gums; fire breathes from his lips; and human sculls form
his
diadem. Serpents are entwining round his waist; t
lips; and human sculls form his diadem. Serpents are entwining round
his
waist; the sword and the lance sparkle in his han
nts are entwining round his waist; the sword and the lance sparkle in
his
hands, and the tiger has taken the place of the b
le in his hands, and the tiger has taken the place of the bull; while
his
body assumes the appearance of a white cinder, a
s body assumes the appearance of a white cinder, a terrible symbol of
his
implacable rage. Buddh. This is the being f
has the power of claiming an equal number of followers. The books of
his
priests signalize twelve great epochs in his care
followers. The books of his priests signalize twelve great epochs in
his
career, classed and entitled as follows: — 1. The
ons. 10. His victory over the six chiefs of the earth. 11. The end of
his
career. 12. His burial. The doctrine of this deit
church, which has its principal home in Thibet; and the veneration of
his
votaries for this human representative of their g
ary, of China, and the countries of Asia. He is represented on a mat,
his
limbs crossed, his bust stiff, and his head eleva
the countries of Asia. He is represented on a mat, his limbs crossed,
his
bust stiff, and his head elevated in an imposing
a. He is represented on a mat, his limbs crossed, his bust stiff, and
his
head elevated in an imposing attitude, announcing
érer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img275 His colour is white,
his
tusks are sometimes four in number, and all his b
His colour is white, his tusks are sometimes four in number, and all
his
body is covered with carpet, sparkling in the lig
ighty folds innocuous, overtopping His human height, and arching down
his
head, Sought in their hands for food. Then quitti
their hands for food. Then quitting, reared, and stretched and waved
his
neck And glanced his forky tongue.” Southey. A
. Then quitting, reared, and stretched and waved his neck And glanced
his
forky tongue.” Southey. A cow, of whom the gods
gy of which we have already treated; though the Indian description of
his
person and his arms, his family, attendants and a
have already treated; though the Indian description of his person and
his
arms, his family, attendants and attributes, has
dy treated; though the Indian description of his person and his arms,
his
family, attendants and attributes, has new and pe
76b He is represented as a beautiful youth, sometimes conversing with
his
mother and consort, in the midst of his gardens a
th, sometimes conversing with his mother and consort, in the midst of
his
gardens and temples. His bow of sugar-cane or flo
temples. His bow of sugar-cane or flowers, with a string of bees, and
his
five arrows, each pointed with an Indian blossom
And every laughing blossom dresses With gems of dew,
his
musky tresses. I feel, I feel thy genial flame di
g, For ages may thy Brahmins’ lay be sung! And when thy glory spreads
his
emerald wings To waft thee high above the tower o
s, Thy mildest influence to thy bard impart, To warm, but not consume
his
heart.” Sir W. Jones. Insérer image anonyme_hea
, are perpetuated in a thousand legends. Like Jupiter too, he married
his
sister Frea, and in the sacred books of the pries
nterwoven with the whole of the Scandinavian history. Frigga or Frea,
his
wife, was the most powerful of the goddesses, and
uture was as familiar to her as to Odin, with whom she is seated upon
his
throne, and whose government of the remaining dei
e finest and the best of their race. He was distinguished no less for
his
eloquence than for his kindness and wisdom. It w
their race. He was distinguished no less for his eloquence than for
his
kindness and wisdom. It was his doom to meet with
d no less for his eloquence than for his kindness and wisdom. It was
his
doom to meet with a premature death. Aware, from
stones, the trees, the fish, the very diseases were sworn to respect
his
life. No sooner had this been done, than his brot
es were sworn to respect his life. No sooner had this been done, than
his
brothers determined to see, if indeed, he had a c
en-mythology_1842_img280 His body was placed upon a funeral pile, and
his
wife was burned with him. No sooner was the funer
r him. One only refused, and Balder was doomed, to the great grief of
his
mother, to rest in the infernal regions. Among th
rcury. They worshipped him under the form of a dart, when they sought
his
aid in battle, and under that of an oak, when the
nder that of an oak, when they endeavoured to inspire themselves with
his
advice; and his fêtes were kept at the hour of ni
oak, when they endeavoured to inspire themselves with his advice; and
his
fêtes were kept at the hour of night, in high pla
by the rays of the moon, and the flashing of torches. The field where
his
holy ceremonies had been celebrated, was sown wit
h regulated these sacrifices,” says Mr. Howitt, (again to quote from
his
admirable work on priestcraft) “was a superstitio
es, armed warriors performed their evolutions around the idol, and in
his
sanctuary was placed immense treasure, both in ar
even by the monarchs of the land — Hacon of Norway, shed the blood of
his
son on the altar to secure a viceroy; and Aune of
empt to obtain a continuance of life, sacrificed the lives of nine of
his
offspring; examples which could not fail to produ
xitli, who was seated on an azure coloured stool, placed on a litter;
his
hand grasped an azure staff, in the shape of a se
ind to earth, or render life desirable, was showered upon the victim,
his
wishes were anticipated, and his desires fulfille
rable, was showered upon the victim, his wishes were anticipated, and
his
desires fulfilled. Nine days, however, before the
e days to live!” Intoxicating liquors were then given him, to sustain
his
courage until the day of the solemnity arrived, w
the day of the solemnity arrived, when he paid the penalty, by death;
his
heart was torn from his body, which was afterward
arrived, when he paid the penalty, by death; his heart was torn from
his
body, which was afterwards precipitated from the
valley of Cholula. The air, commerce, war, and divination were under
his
control; and it was through him that the remarkab
ng of the Spaniards into their territory. The ceremonials attached to
his
faith were of an inhuman nature, they sacrificed
an, and which is observable in all the tombs and palaces of Egypt; on
his
head he wears a conical cap, not differing much f
as two vast wings formed like a bat, and the feet of a goat; while in
his
middle is drawn the head of a lion.” As a proof
y of the Hottentots, is supposed by them to possess a human form, and
his
residence is believed to be in the moon. When he
agine at one time to have been a human being: they believe he married
his
sister, who, when all the rest of her family came
rial and corporeal, and of a nature therefore entirely different from
his
own. They gave birth to a class of supernatural b
ast curious of their beliefs. One of their divinities, they say, took
his
wife, and threw her with so strong an arm into th
n legend extant, relative to this subject. The god Balder dreamt that
his
life, although made to be immortal, was threat me
ghted torches, and with striking him tremendous blows with the sword,
his
invulnerability protecting him from injury. Loke,
sharp pointed arrow. He returned to the assembly of the gods, darted
his
weapon against Balder, and killed him. Everything
went before him, as longing to overtake her, and as killing her with
his
bright rays which shone like spears. “We talk of
soft and tender light had come to soothe her son, or her husband, in
his
dying hour. “In the same way, the sun was the chi
ay, the sun was the child of darkness, and in the morning he wove for
his
bride in the heavens a fairy net-work of clouds,
with a pleasant warmth, they spoke of him as the friend of men; when
his
scorching heat brought a drought, they said that
scorching heat brought a drought, they said that the sun was slaying
his
children, or that someone else, who knew not how
meone else, who knew not how to guide them, was driving the horses of
his
chariot through the sky. As they looked on the da
the thunder rolled, they said that this hateful monster was uttering
his
hard riddles; and when, at last, the rain burst f
t last, the rain burst forth, they said that the bright sun had slain
his
enemy, and brought a stream of life for the thirs
ving spirit with whom men may speak face to face as a man speaks with
his
friend.” Ruskin . The Greek poets believed the
, which conveyed him round by the northern part of the earth, back to
his
place of rising in the east. Milton alludes to th
h, back to his place of rising in the east. Milton alludes to this in
his
“Comus.” “Now the gilded car of day His golden a
olden axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream, And the slope Sun
his
upward beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing
beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing towards the other goal Of
his
chamber in the east.” “The ancient Greeks belie
ir nectar, Apollo, the god of music, delighted them with the tones of
his
lyre, to which the Muses sung in responsive strai
the powers of nature, an actual, tangible divinity. Oceanus espoused
his
sister Tethys. Their offspring were the rivers of
of Uranus or Cœlum. He is represented clothed with a starred mantle,
his
hands uplifted, pointing to the moon and stars. U
oes exist. The smiles of heaven produce the flowers of earth; whereas
his
long-continued frowns exercise so depressing an i
as his long-continued frowns exercise so depressing an influence upon
his
loving partner, that she no longer decks herself
self in bright and festive robes, but responds with ready sympathy to
his
melancholy mood. * * * Gæa, as earth-goddess, wa
e*, Great Goddess. She was also called Titania*. Uranus, fearing that
his
turbulent offspring, the Hecatoncheires and Cyclo
ulent offspring, the Hecatoncheires and Cyclopes, might one day seize
his
power, buried them in Tartarus directly after the
s, and prophesied that he would suffer a similar fate at the hands of
his
own son. Nyx* (The Night). Nyx was the d
d holds an inverted torch; while Sleep is robed in white, and has for
his
symbol the poppy. 4. Sitting beneath a tree, dist
ppy. 4. Sitting beneath a tree, distributing poppies to Morpheus* and
his
brothers. Morpheus, the god of dreams, receives t
is brothers. Morpheus, the god of dreams, receives the poppies, while
his
brothers bend to gather the falling leaves. Sacri
day. He is described as rising every morning in the east, preceded by
his
sister Eos, who, with her rosy fingers, paints th
h in all the glorious light of day, Eos disappears, and Helios drives
his
flame-darting chariot along the accustomed track.
g steeds, behind which the young god stands erect with flashing eyes,
his
head surrounded with rays, holding in one hand th
in one hand the reins of those fiery coursers which in all hands save
his
are unmanageable. When towards evening he descend
nageable. When towards evening he descends the curve in order to cool
his
burning forehead in the waters of the sea, he is
burning forehead in the waters of the sea, he is followed closely by
his
sister Selene, who is now prepared to take charge
later times poets invented the fiction that when Helios had finished
his
daily course, a winged boat, or cup, which had be
hich had been made for him by Hephæstus* (Vulcan), conveyed him, with
his
glorious equipage, to the east, where he recommen
ed him, with his glorious equipage, to the east, where he recommenced
his
bright career. Helios, as the god whose eye surve
idolatry. The island of Rhodes was sacred to Helios. Here was erected
his
celebrated colossal statue. He was represented on
puted by Epaphus*, son of Zeus and Io*, he journeyed to the palace of
his
sire, from whom he extracted an unwary oath that
trated, but to no purpose. The youth persisted, and the god, bound by
his
oath, reluctantly committed the reins to his hand
d, and the god, bound by his oath, reluctantly committed the reins to
his
hands, warning him of the dangers of the road, an
ion would have ensued, had not Zeus, at the prayer of Earth, launched
his
thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from his
of Earth, launched his thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from
his
seat. He fell into the river Eridanus* (Po). His
he river Eridanus* (Po). His sisters, the Heliades*, as they lamented
his
fate, were turned into poplar-trees on its banks,
or drink. She gazed on the sun when he rose, and as he passed through
his
daily course to his setting; she saw no other obj
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
st the beauty which had won her admiration, Eos became disgusted with
his
infirmities, and at last shut him up in a chamber
shut him up in a chamber, where soon little else was left of him but
his
voice. Eos, pitying his unhappy condition, exerte
r, where soon little else was left of him but his voice. Eos, pitying
his
unhappy condition, exerted her divine power, and
gaze on him every night on the summit of Mount Latmos*, the place of
his
repose. The name Endymion denotes the sudden plun
f the sun into the sea. Endymion represents the tired sun hurrying to
his
rest, and dead to the love which is lavished upon
nd Hera (Juno). Chronos, having an uneasy conscience, was afraid that
his
children might one day rise up against his author
onscience, was afraid that his children might one day rise up against
his
authority, and thus verify the prediction of his
day rise up against his authority, and thus verify the prediction of
his
father, Uranus. In order, therefore, to render th
hild as soon as it was born, greatly to the sorrow and indignation of
his
wife Rhea. When Zeus was born, she, by the advice
ry wisdom and intelligence. Grown to manhood, he determined to compel
his
father to restore his brothers and sisters to the
ence. Grown to manhood, he determined to compel his father to restore
his
brothers and sisters to the light of day. He espo
ted that war between the father and son became inevitable. Zeus, with
his
brothers and sisters, took his stand on Mount Oly
and son became inevitable. Zeus, with his brothers and sisters, took
his
stand on Mount Olympus, where he was joined by Oc
emis, Mnemosyne, and Hyperion, who had forsaken Chronos on account of
his
oppressions. Chronos and his brother Titans took
, who had forsaken Chronos on account of his oppressions. Chronos and
his
brother Titans took possession of Mount Othrys*,
battle. The struggle was fierce and lasted ten years. Zeus called to
his
aid the Cyclopes and Hecatoncheires. The former b
ime raising mighty earthquakes. Victory smiled upon Zeus. Chronos and
his
army were completely overthrown, his brothers des
ry smiled upon Zeus. Chronos and his army were completely overthrown,
his
brothers despatched to the gloomy depths of the l
oomy depths of the lower world, and Chronos himself was banished from
his
kingdom and deprived forever of the supreme power
and deprived forever of the supreme power, which now became vested in
his
son Zeus. This war was called the Titanomachia*.
transition periods of earth’s history. With the defeat of Chronos and
his
banishment from his dominions, his career as a ru
f earth’s history. With the defeat of Chronos and his banishment from
his
dominions, his career as a ruling Greek divinity
ry. With the defeat of Chronos and his banishment from his dominions,
his
career as a ruling Greek divinity entirely ceases
eclared Chronos to be identical with Saturn. They believed that after
his
defeat in the Titanomachia, and his banishment fr
Saturn. They believed that after his defeat in the Titanomachia, and
his
banishment from his dominions by Zeus, Chronos to
ed that after his defeat in the Titanomachia, and his banishment from
his
dominions by Zeus, Chronos took refuge with Janus
y, who received the exiled deity with great kindness, and even shared
his
throne with him. Their united reign became so tho
ivals in honor of Chronos were called Chronia*. The Roman festival in
his
honor was called “Saturnalia,” of which the Carni
ins and destroyed himself. He was turned into a pine-tree, into which
his
soul passed, while from his blood sprung a wreath
e was turned into a pine-tree, into which his soul passed, while from
his
blood sprung a wreath of violets. In April of eac
Dyaus. Zeus, the son of Chronos and Rhea, when born, was concealed by
his
mother in a cave of Mount Ida, in Crete. A goat c
ed the cries of the child and frightened away all intruders. Zeus and
his
brothers having gained a complete victory over th
at battle took place, which shook heaven and earth. Zeus, by means of
his
never-failing thunderbolts, at length overcame th
e transgressions of men. Zeus is called the “father of gods and men;”
his
power over both is represented as supreme. In his
r of gods and men;” his power over both is represented as supreme. In
his
palace on Olympus, Zeus was supposed to live afte
upposed to live after the fashion of a Grecian prince in the midst of
his
family. Zeus was the earliest national god of the
. His worship extended throughout the whole of Greece, though some of
his
shrines had a special importance. The most ancien
nce of any temple in Greece. Mountain-tops were the earliest seats of
his
worship. He was represented in the celebrated for
p of Jupiter was no less extensive in Italy. The most renowned of all
his
shrines was undoubtedly the temple erected by Tar
cost him so much to attain. Soon after this, feeling violent pains in
his
head, he sent for Hephæstus* (Vulcan), and ordere
tona), of Apollo and Artemis* (Diana). Hera* (Juno) was recognized as
his
only legitimate queen. She was the mother of Ares
s), Hephæstus* (Vulcan), and Hebe*. In the union of Zeus with most of
his
immortal wives, we shall find that an allegorical
d the refining and harmonizing influences of grace and beauty, whilst
his
marriage with Mnemosyne typifies the union of gen
he fled to Sicyon*, where she married Epopeus*. Nycteus put an end to
his
life, charging his brother Lycus to take vengeanc
where she married Epopeus*. Nycteus put an end to his life, charging
his
brother Lycus to take vengeance on Antiope and he
es, fortified the city with a wall. It is said that when he played on
his
lyre, the stones moved of their own accord, and t
s. After Castor had fallen in the contest with the sons of Aphareus*,
his
brother Pollux, unwilling to part from him, preva
fully seated herself on its back. The disguised god bounded away with
his
lovely burden, and swam across the sea with her t
Cox . Zeus and Ægina* were the parents of Æacus*, so renowned for
his
justice that he was made one of the judges in the
e. Hermes*, however, by the command of Zeus, succeeded in putting all
his
eyes to sleep with the sound of his magic lyre, a
of Zeus, succeeded in putting all his eyes to sleep with the sound of
his
magic lyre, and then, taking advantage of his hel
sleep with the sound of his magic lyre, and then, taking advantage of
his
helpless condition, slew him. It is related that
e of his helpless condition, slew him. It is related that Hera placed
his
eyes on the tail of the peacock. Hera avenged her
prowled all night about the fold Of the North Star, hath shrunk into
his
den. Scared by the blithesome footsteps of the da
posed that Zeus occasionally assumed a human form, and descended from
his
celestial abode, in order to visit mankind and ob
to be deceived, and the impious monarch received the punishment which
his
crime merited. He was transformed into a wolf, an
nishment which his crime merited. He was transformed into a wolf, and
his
house was destroyed by lightning. Zeus and Hermes
they receive welcome till they reached the cottage of an old man and
his
wife, called Philemon* and Baucis*, who entertain
ed, and in the other a sceptre of cypress. His looks express majesty,
his
beard flows long, and an eagle stands with expand
sty, his beard flows long, and an eagle stands with expanded wings at
his
feet. He generally appears with the upper part of
panded wings at his feet. He generally appears with the upper part of
his
body nude, and the lower part carefully covered,
tation is that exhibiting Jupiter Pluvialis*, designed to commemorate
his
interposition in sending rain on a certain occasi
attempted to release her, for which Zeus threw him out of heaven, and
his
leg was broken by the fall. Hera was the mother o
ision was left to Paris, son of Priam, King of Troy, who, ignorant of
his
noble birth, was at that time feeding flocks on M
dal attire, place it in a chariot, and announce that this was Platea,
his
future wife. Hera, incensed at the idea of a riva
was a son of Chronos and Rhea. He was god of the sea, as having under
his
control the forces that affect its movements rath
in the sun, bore to Phœbus Apollo, the lord of light. In addition to
his
residence on Olympus, Poseidon had a splendid pal
ad a splendid palace beneath the sea at Ægæ*, in Eubœa, where he kept
his
horses with golden manes and brazen hoofs. Like t
ive and impatient. He was believed to be able to cause earthquakes at
his
pleasure, and to raise islands from the bottom of
asure, and to raise islands from the bottom of the sea with a blow of
his
trident. Mariners always invoked and propitiated
naturally formed a staple commodity of trade. He was supposed to vent
his
displeasure by sending disastrous inundations, wh
te*. Their children were Triton, Rhoda, and Benthesicyme*. Triton was
his
father’s trumpeter; Rhoda married the Sun-god. Th
his impious project was frustrated by Apollo, who destroyed them with
his
arrows. Arion* was a horse, the offspring of Pose
ave the privilege of naming the city. Poseidon struck the ground with
his
trident, and the horse sprung forth. From the spo
Hera and Athené in a conspiracy to dethrone Zeus, he was deprived of
his
dominion over the sea for one year. It was during
n favored the Greeks in the Trojan war. Poseidon disputed with Apollo
his
right to the isthmus of Corinth. Briareus*, the C
e at Rome was in the Campus Martius, and the festival commemorated in
his
honor was the Neptunalia, or Consualia. Horses we
esentations. Sometimes he stands upright on a large shell, holding
his
trident, and arrayed in a mantle of blue or of se
em their nearest and dearest, and eventually deprived each of them of
his
share in the terrestrial existence. “This concept
supplanted by one of a less dismal nature, in which the other side of
his
character is brought into prominence. From this p
unded riches to mankind in the shape of precious metals, which lie in
his
subterraneous passages and chambers. “But though
n the Homeric age it was supposed that when a mortal ceased to exist,
his
spirit tenanted the shadowy outline of the human
quitted. These shades, as they were called, were driven by Aides into
his
dominions, where they passed their time in broodi
air fern, and cypress were sacred to Aides. He had temples erected to
his
honor at Olympia, Athens, and in Elis. His sacrif
evailed with the Romans, who worshiped Aides under the name of Pluto,
his
other appellations being Dis (from dives, rich) a
was guarded by the terrible triple-headed dog Cerberus*,5 which, with
his
three necks bristling with snakes, lay at full le
y represented holding a two-pronged sceptre. He sometimes has keys in
his
hand, to intimate that whoever enters his kingdom
e. He sometimes has keys in his hand, to intimate that whoever enters
his
kingdom cannot return. Sometimes he is represente
o*, consisted in having an enormous vulture prey without ceasing upon
his
liver, Tantalus had been deemed worthy to hold in
put their omniscience to the test by setting before them the flesh of
his
son Pelops*. This crime he was condemned to expia
mned to expiate by the torments of continual hunger and thirst. Above
his
head were suspended the most beautiful fruits, bu
but when he attempted to snatch them, a gust of wind blew them beyond
his
reach. At his feet gushed a fountain of purest wa
tempted to snatch them, a gust of wind blew them beyond his reach. At
his
feet gushed a fountain of purest water, but when
s feet gushed a fountain of purest water, but when he tried to quench
his
thirst, it suddenly vanished into the ground. Sis
e ground. Sisyphus, King of Corinth, was condemned, in consequence of
his
numerous crimes, to roll a huge stone up a high m
emple of that god at Delphi. He was placed where a stone hanging over
his
head, and evermore threatening to fall, kept him
ns that the sun, when he glared too fiercely, killed the fruits which
his
warmth was ripening, and dried up the streams ove
Either term signifies a share, in the sense of allotting to every man
his
share. Some mythologists call them the daughters
le imprecations which the defeated deity called down upon the head of
his
rebellious son. Their place of abode was the lowe
ted by this court. The story relates that Orestes, after having slain
his
mother, Clytemnestra*, and Ægisthus*, in revenge
is mother, Clytemnestra*, and Ægisthus*, in revenge for the murder of
his
father, Agamemnon*, wandered for a long time abou
o the persecution of the Erinnys. They constantly held up a mirror to
his
horrified gaze, in which he beheld the face of hi
eld up a mirror to his horrified gaze, in which he beheld the face of
his
murdered mother. At length, however, he was befri
was befriended by Apollo and Athene. Apollo first purified him before
his
own altar at Delphi, and then defended him before
becomes that “bountiful daughter of Heaven” who, as Schiller sings in
his
“Lay of the Bell:”
“Of old Called the wild man from waste and wold, And, in
his
hut thy presence stealing, Roused each familiar h
ying him at night in the glow of the fire. The imprudent curiosity of
his
mother, who watched the goddess and rushed into t
and faint in the vain search for her daughter. She angrily threw into
his
face the remainder of the food, and changed him i
nsatiate hunger, and, to procure the means to appease it, he sold all
his
substance, and finally his only daughter. As Pose
ocure the means to appease it, he sold all his substance, and finally
his
only daughter. As Poseidon had bestowed on this m
r was sold again. Even this means not sufficing, Erysichthon devoured
his
own flesh and died. Ceres of the Romans was the c
lth derived from grain. He is represented as being lame when he makes
his
appearance, and winged when he takes his departur
as being lame when he makes his appearance, and winged when he takes
his
departure. He was supposed to be blind, because h
takes his departure. He was supposed to be blind, because he bestows
his
gifts without discrimination, frequently passing
ifts without discrimination, frequently passing over good men to heap
his
treasures upon the bad. Representations. Dem
orms, among whose warlike inhabitants he was held in high esteem, but
his
worship was not so extensive in Greece.” Seeman
res upon one occasion incurred the displeasure of Poseidon by slaying
his
son Halirrhothius*. Poseidon summoned Ares to app
rmy for the field of battle. Any reverses of fortune were ascribed to
his
anger. Representations. 1. Seated in a chari
upon another object, Tiresias was struck with blindness. To alleviate
his
misfortune, Athene bestowed upon him the gift of
ved for their use at all public spectacles. If they met a criminal on
his
way to execution, they had the power to pardon hi
son of Zeus and Hera. According to one account, he was born lame, and
his
mother cast him from heaven into the sea. The Oce
n the occasion of a quarrel between Zeus and Hera, Hephæstus assisted
his
mother, whereupon the angry god of heaven seized
n the isle of Lemnos. The inhabitants received him in their arms, but
his
leg was broken by the fall, and he remained lame
mpelled it to do grand service for man. Volcanoes were believed to be
his
workshops and the Cyclopes his workmen. It is sai
for man. Volcanoes were believed to be his workshops and the Cyclopes
his
workmen. It is said that the first work of Hephæs
ueen of heaven from her undignified position, he became reconciled to
his
parents. He built for himself on Olympus a palace
lace of gold. With the assistance of the Cyclopes, he forged for Zeus
his
thunderbolts. He constructed the palaces in which
r Zeus the far-famed Ægis*. He also made various wonderful things for
his
favorites, or those of Zeus among men. Among thes
in him the blessings and beneficial action of fire. They also sought
his
protection against conflagrations. Under the infl
ave place to the popular image of the smith-god, or Mulciber, who had
his
forges in Ætna, or on the Lipari Isles. The chief
waiting to carry to Zeus. As artificer of the gods, seated at work in
his
palatial workshop. Epithets. — Both-feet-lame, l
statue exhibiting the perfection of female beauty, and to aid him in
his
task, the most perfect forms the city (Athens) co
upply were furnished him for models. It is to this Thomson alludes in
his
“Summer.” “So stands the statue that enchants th
ble at her loss. Aphrodite piteously entreated Father Zeus to restore
his
life. Zeus at length consented that Adonis should
vine spirit of Love, was said to have sprung forth from Chaos, and by
his
beneficent power to have reduced to harmony the s
His characteristic weapon is a golden bow, with which he shoots forth
his
arrows from secret lurking-places. Zeus himself i
et lurking-places. Zeus himself is represented as unable to withstand
his
influence, an intimation that love is one of the
author of love and friendship between youths and men. On this account
his
statue was generally placed in the gymnasia betwe
e with love for some inferior being. When Eros saw the lovely maiden,
his
own heart was filled with love for her. In obedie
, who wooed her in the softest accents, but warned her, as she valued
his
love, not to endeavor to behold him. For some tim
d gave her a dagger to use for the purpose of delivering herself from
his
power. The unhappy bride foolishly yielded to the
rry, roguish expression. He has golden wings, and a quiver slung over
his
shoulder. This contained his magical and unerring
as golden wings, and a quiver slung over his shoulder. This contained
his
magical and unerring arrows. In one hand he bears
This contained his magical and unerring arrows. In one hand he bears
his
golden bow, and in the other a torch. Hymenæu
Horus*. Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto. The island of Delos was
his
birthplace. He was the god of light, prophecy, ar
Apollo, in later times, completely identified with Helios. Soon after
his
birth he slew the giant Tityus* and the serpent P
stilences, and dealing out destruction to men and animals by means of
his
unerring arrows. This may easily be explained. Th
music. He is himself the musician among the Olympic gods. He attained
his
greatest importance among the Greeks as god of pr
d to her utterances and expressed them in ambiguous verse. Soon after
his
victory over the Python, Apollo saw Eros bending
erse. Soon after his victory over the Python, Apollo saw Eros bending
his
bow, and mocked at his efforts. Eros, to punish h
ctory over the Python, Apollo saw Eros bending his bow, and mocked at
his
efforts. Eros, to punish him, shot him in the hea
ocked at his efforts. Eros, to punish him, shot him in the heart with
his
golden arrow of love, and at the same time discha
heart with his golden arrow of love, and at the same time discharged
his
leaden arrow of aversion into that of Daphne*, da
d, she was transformed into a laurel-bush. Apollo sorrowfully crowned
his
head with the leaves, and declared that, in memor
lly crowned his head with the leaves, and declared that, in memory of
his
love, it should henceforth remain ever green and
ry of Daphne indicates the love of the Sun for the Dawn, who flees at
his
approach, and at length, as he draws nearer to he
teries, and great musician. The trees and rocks moved to the tones of
his
lyre. He married Eurydice*, and their life was fu
world to entreat Aides to restore her to him. He struck the chords of
his
lyre, and drew forth tones which softened the hea
ut to pass the extreme limits, when Orpheus, to convince himself that
his
beloved wife was really behind him, looked back.
ed back. The glance was fatal; she was caught back, and vanished from
his
sight forever. He shunned all society, music was
nd vanished from his sight forever. He shunned all society, music was
his
sole companion. At last he was torn to pieces by
with the conditions upon which it had been granted. Unable to recall
his
gift, he rendered it useless by causing her predi
e mode of managing bees. Apollo afterwards married Coronis*. One day,
his
favorite bird, the raven, flew to him with the in
his favorite bird, the raven, flew to him with the intelligence that
his
wife had transferred her affections to another. A
her affections to another. Apollo instantly destroyed her with one of
his
death-bringing darts. He repented when too late.
d to life. Aides complained to Zeus, who killed Asclepius with one of
his
thunderbolts. Apollo was so exasperated that he k
the Fates the gift of immortality for Admetus, on condition that when
his
last hour approached some member of his family sh
metus, on condition that when his last hour approached some member of
his
family should be willing to die in his place. Whe
hour approached some member of his family should be willing to die in
his
place. When the fatal time came, Alcestis took hi
willing to die in his place. When the fatal time came, Alcestis took
his
place. But Heracles* (Hercules), happening to arr
. Hyacinthus* was a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo. As the god and
his
favorite were one day playing with the discus, it
ed by accident one of Apollo’s favorite stags. His grief so preyed on
his
mind that he gradually pined away, and died of a
walls of the city. It was said that when Apollo grasped the chords of
his
lyre, the huge blocks of stone moved of their own
im while alive, and changed him into a river, which is still known by
his
name. King Midas* had the bad taste to declare hi
is still known by his name. King Midas* had the bad taste to declare
his
preference for the music of Pan, in a contest whi
n a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caused
his
ears to grow in length and shape like those of an
vored to conceal the deformity, but he could not hide the secret from
his
barber, whom he bound to secrecy. This man found
ntil b. c. 430, when the Romans, to avert a plague, built a temple in
his
honor. His worship was especially exalted by the
worship was especially exalted by the Emperor Augustus, who ascribed
his
victory at Actium to the assistance of the god. H
stival. This is the same Artemis to whom Agamemnon was about to offer
his
daughter Iphigenia*, previous to the departure of
s bathing, imprudently ventured to approach. The goddess, incensed at
his
audacity, sprinkled him with water, and transform
vern in Mount Cyllene, in Arcadia. The story is that four hours after
his
birth he set forth to steal some of the cattle of
if he did not restore the oxen. Hermes denied the charge, and pleaded
his
extreme youth as proof of his innocence. At last
. Hermes denied the charge, and pleaded his extreme youth as proof of
his
innocence. At last Apollo carried him to the thro
s touched as if by chance, he was so entranced that he gladly offered
his
oxen in exchange for this new instrument, and pro
were the bright clouds driven across the heaven.” Cox . It was in
his
character of wind-god that Hermes was believed to
ost or weary wayfarer. He was also guardian of streets and roads, and
his
statues, called Hermæ* (pillars of stone surmount
garded him as their tutelary deity, and offered sacrifices to him and
his
mother, Maia, on the Ides of May. In later times
t Upon some foolish errand.” Longfellow . Representations. In
his
statues Hermes is represented as a beardless yout
messenger of the gods, he wears the Petasus and Talaria, and bears in
his
hand the Caduceus, or herald’s staff. As god of e
f eloquence, he is often represented with chains of gold hanging from
his
lips; sometimes without arms, indicating that the
t the assistance of arms. As patron of merchants, he bears a purse in
his
hand. Epithets. — Argus-slayer, beneficent, kind
mele*, and he was snatched by Zeus from the devouring flames in which
his
mother perished when Zeus appeared to her in all
his mother perished when Zeus appeared to her in all the splendor of
his
divine glory Hera had visited Semele in the form
persuaded her to request Zeus to appear to her in the full majesty of
his
divine form. He had sworn by the Styx to grant wh
ng up amidst the solitude of the forest, and strengthening himself by
his
contests with wild beasts, he at length planted t
sts with wild beasts, he at length planted the vine. Both the god and
his
attendants soon became intoxicated with its juice
yrs and fauns, he ranged the woods, which resounded with the cries of
his
inspired worshipers. The legend says that his edu
unded with the cries of his inspired worshipers. The legend says that
his
education was then completed by Silenus, who is k
ays that his education was then completed by Silenus, who is known as
his
foster-father. In company with him and the rest o
ho is known as his foster-father. In company with him and the rest of
his
train, Dionysus then set forth to spread his wors
with him and the rest of his train, Dionysus then set forth to spread
his
worship and the cultivation of the vine among the
made a triumphal progress through Syria, Egypt, Arabia, and India. On
his
return to Thebes, he encountered great opposition
Dionysus making him appear as a wild beast, he was torn to pieces by
his
own mother and her two sisters. “The worship of
, by Greeks and Romans alike, as the god of wine and of vineyards. In
his
more extended meaning, he represents the blessing
also dispenses to mankind the blessings of civilization. The forms of
his
worship that were attended with wild revels and e
eat pomp in the city of Athens, dramatic entertainments took place in
his
honor, for which all the renowned Greek dramatist
le of Naxos, where she had been abandoned by Theseus*, and she became
his
wife. The Romans had a divinity called Liber*, wh
ichael Angelo. He is crowned with ivy and vine tendrils, and holds in
his
right hand a cnp, and in his left a cluster of gr
with ivy and vine tendrils, and holds in his right hand a cnp, and in
his
left a cluster of grapes, of which a little satyr
almost feminine expression of face. His soft hair, which falls about
his
shoulders in delicate ringlets, is generally inte
s called Dithyrambos*, from the odes of that name, or from a story of
his
double birth; he was also called Muse-leader, bul
usa* when she was slain by Perseus*. He was employed by Zeus to carry
his
thunder and lightning. The later poets represent
ous ecstasy towards the abode of the celestial gods. Poseidon, seeing
his
special function thus interfered with, sent Pegas
gasus to check the boldness of the mountain in daring to move without
his
permission. When Pegasus reached the summit he st
ermission. When Pegasus reached the summit he stamped the ground with
his
hoofs, and out gushed the waters of Hippocrene*,
s. As he was one day hunting on Mount Helicon, he bent down to quench
his
thirst from a spring clear as crystal, and the go
ing clear as crystal, and the goddess caused him to fall in love with
his
own shadow, which was reflected in the water. The
with his own shadow, which was reflected in the water. The object of
his
desires being unattainable, he, too, pined away f
ssigned to Ganymedes*. After the deification of Heracles, Hebe became
his
wife. She is represented pouring nectar from an u
st magnificent of these statues was the one erected by Augustus after
his
victory at Actium. The festival of this goddess t
observed him drawing water from a well on Mount Ida, and, struck with
his
wonderful beauty, had sent his eagle to transport
a well on Mount Ida, and, struck with his wonderful beauty, had sent
his
eagle to transport him to Olympus. Momus*.
ade by Prometheus was, that the new being should have had a window in
his
breast, that his thoughts might be seen. A house
was, that the new being should have had a window in his breast, that
his
thoughts might be seen. A house which Athene cons
noise with her feet when walking. It is said that, in consequence of
his
unlovely and unjust spirit, Momus was banished fr
d from Olympus. This god was represented as holding a small figure in
his
hand, and raising a mask from his face. Nemesi
sented as holding a small figure in his hand, and raising a mask from
his
face. Nemesis*. Nemesis*, a daughter of Nyx
e Romans was the celebrated Janus*, a deity unknown to the Greeks. In
his
original character, he was probably a god of the
r. The god himself received offerings of cake, wine, and incense, and
his
statue was adorned with fresh laurel boughs. This
fe, he produced such a change in her sentiments that, when he resumed
his
own form, she married him. She is represented as
He is generally represented crowned with wheatsheaves, and bearing in
his
hand a cornucopia. Terminus*. Terminus* was
is represented as an old man scattering flowers, and usually bears in
his
hand a pruning-knife. Pales*. Pales* was th
y, benevolent old man, the good spirit of the Ægean Sea, where he and
his
wife, Doris*, dwelt with their fifty daughters, t
udden metamorphosis. To those only who held him fast did he appear in
his
real character. He became wearied, and resuming h
did he appear in his real character. He became wearied, and resuming
his
true form, gave the desired information. Glauc
itated himself into the sea. Oceanus and Tethys cleansed him from all
his
human impurities, and gave him a place among the
he winds, which he kept shut up in a deep cave, and which he freed at
his
pleasure or at the command of the gods. In later
as an altar erected at Athens in honor of Boreas, in commemoration of
his
having destroyed the Persian fleet sent to attack
the son of Hermes and an Arcadian nymph. He had horns sprouting from
his
forehead, beard and feet like a goat. At sight of
outing from his forehead, beard and feet like a goat. At sight of him
his
mother tied in dismay. Hermes wrapped him in a ha
ctory at Marathon to the alarm which he created among the Persians by
his
terrible voice. Pan was gifted with the powers of
offered to him. When Pan was wooing the nymph Pitys, Boreas, who was
his
rival, blew the nymph down from a rock and killed
g the wind in its less destructive character. A Greek poet would tell
his
children of the wonders of the forest, and of poo
nto a reed just as Pan was about to seize her. While he was lamenting
his
unfortunate fate, the winds gently swayed the ree
son of Pan, was the foster-father of Dionysus, whom he accompanied in
his
wanderings. He was generally intoxicated, and was
wanderings. He was generally intoxicated, and was rarely seen without
his
can in his hand. Some Phrygian shepherds once fou
He was generally intoxicated, and was rarely seen without his can in
his
hand. Some Phrygian shepherds once found Silenus
nce found Silenus when in a state of intoxication he had strayed from
his
companions. They took him to Midas*, the king, wh
tuously for ten days, and then restored him to Dionysus. Pleased with
his
kindness, the god ofiered, as a reward, to grant
hing he touched might turn to gold. The gift was bestowed. Midas laid
his
hand on a stone, it became a mass of gold; he tou
e ears of corn, they vaved in golden lustre. When he sat down to eat,
his
teeth could not penetrate the golden bread, fish,
d, fish, fowl, wine, water — all was gold. In despair he acknowledged
his
error, and prayed to be relieved from the ruinous
ither as the preceptor of the youthful Dionysus, holding the child in
his
arms and regarding him with a look of affection,
ead, and hairy body. He generally has a satyr on each side supporting
his
half-drunken form. The Satyrs*. The Satyrs*
vine, and all garden produce. He was chiefly worshiped at Lampsacus,
his
birthplace. Asses were sacrificed to him, and he
. They represented him as having a red and very ugly face, bearing in
his
hand a pruning-knife, and having his head crowned
d and very ugly face, bearing in his hand a pruning-knife, and having
his
head crowned with a wreath of vine leaves and lau
of the divinity invoked, the more elevated was the site selected for
his
or her worship. The inconvenience attending this
ivinity to whom it was dedicated. If any malefactor fled to an altar,
his
life was safe from his pursuers, as to force him
dedicated. If any malefactor fled to an altar, his life was safe from
his
pursuers, as to force him from this asylum was co
the gods. Every deity had a different order of priests consecrated to
his
worship, and in every place a high-priest. Sac
rld were black. When a man offered a special sacrifice for himself or
his
family, it partook of the nature of his occupatio
cial sacrifice for himself or his family, it partook of the nature of
his
occupation; thus a shepherd brought sheep; a vine
stroy a great empire. Interpreting the response as being favorable to
his
design, Crœsus* crossed the river and encountered
d encountered the Persian king, by whom he was entirely defeated; and
his
own empire being destroyed, the prediction of the
ladly accepted her, though warned by Prometheus to beware of Zeus and
his
gifts. Epimetheus had in his house a jar in which
rned by Prometheus to beware of Zeus and his gifts. Epimetheus had in
his
house a jar in which were kept all kinds of disea
a rock on Mount Caucasus, where during the daytime an eagle devoured
his
liver, which always grew again during the night.
ful remained to preserve them from every kind of wickedness. Zeus, in
his
anger, drowned every one of this evil race except
the time when Zeus resolved to destroy mankind by a flood. Warned by
his
father, he built an ark, into which he and his wi
by a flood. Warned by his father, he built an ark, into which he and
his
wife retired when the waters began to rise. Nine
rse. The most renowned of the Centaurs was Chiron*. He was famous for
his
wisdom and his knowledge of medicine, and for bei
enowned of the Centaurs was Chiron*. He was famous for his wisdom and
his
knowledge of medicine, and for being the precepto
Jason*, Asclepius* (Æsculapius), and Achilles. He was so superior to
his
savage kindred that he was reported to be a son o
him with a poisoned arrow. He suffered extreme pain, and in answer to
his
prayer to Zeus for relief he was placed among the
hat idea is suggested by the figure of a Cossack leaning forward with
his
protruded lance as he gallops along. Lapithæ, he
hter of Agenor*, king of Tyre, away to Crete. Grieved for the loss of
his
only daughter, Agenor ordered his sons Cadmus*, P
y to Crete. Grieved for the loss of his only daughter, Agenor ordered
his
sons Cadmus*, Phœnix*, and Cilix* to go in search
Europa. The answer was to cease searching for her, to follow a cow as
his
guide, and to build a city where she should lie d
favor, Cadmus decided to sacrifice the cow to Athene. He sent some of
his
companions to bring water from a neighboring spri
f that time, the god of war became reconciled to Cadmus, and gave him
his
daughter Hermione, or Harmonia, in marriage. All
theus, who opposed the worship of Dionysus, and was torn to pieces by
his
mother and other votaries of the god. Ino was per
god. Ino was persecuted by Hera for having taken care of Dionysus in
his
infancy. She was married to Athamas*, who, seized
licertes under that of Palæmon*. In consequence of the misfortunes of
his
family, Cadmus abandoned Thebes and retired to th
bes and retired to the country of the Enchelians*, in Illyria. He and
his
wife were finally changed into serpents and sent
. He was told by the oracle that he was doomed to die by the hands of
his
son, who would then marry his mother. Accordingly
at he was doomed to die by the hands of his son, who would then marry
his
mother. Accordingly, when their infant son was bo
rbas*, the herdsman of Polybus*, king of Corinth. He took the babe to
his
master, who, being childless, adopted and named i
a banquet with not being the son of the king. He appealed to Merope*,
his
supposed mother, but she gave him an equivocal re
ly. He repaired to Delphi to consult the oracle, and was told to shun
his
native country, or he would slay his father and m
the oracle, and was told to shun his native country, or he would slay
his
father and marry his mother. Œdipus resolved neve
old to shun his native country, or he would slay his father and marry
his
mother. Œdipus resolved never to return to Corint
her. Œdipus resolved never to return to Corinth, believing that to be
his
native place, and took the way towards Thebes. In
t, and when he refused to make way for them, the herald killed one of
his
horses, which so exasperated Œdipus, that he kill
ed without discovering that one of them was Laius, king of Thebes. On
his
arrival at Thebes he found the people afflicted b
rother-in-law of Laius, had seized the government of Thebes, and when
his
son fell a victim to the Sphinx, he issued a proc
he Sphinx, he issued a proclamation that the kingdom, and the hand of
his
sister, Jocasta, should be awarded to him who sho
er of the old king, Laius, who was thy father, and thou art wedded to
his
widow, thine own mother.” The old servant who had
unfortunate Jocasta hanged herself. The Thebans banished Œdipus, and
his
sons refused to interfere in his behalf. Guided b
lf. The Thebans banished Œdipus, and his sons refused to interfere in
his
behalf. Guided by his faithful daughter, Antigone
ed Œdipus, and his sons refused to interfere in his behalf. Guided by
his
faithful daughter, Antigone, he wandered to the g
ered to the grove of the Eumenides* at Colonus, near Athens, and here
his
life terminated in a miraculous manner, — the gro
dipus) is the child of the darkness (Laius), and he is doomed to slay
his
father. He is also the child of the dawn (Jocasta
quenched in gloom. In other words, Jocasta dies, and Œdipus tears out
his
eyes. “Antigone is the light which looks forth fr
throne, but at the expiration of the year he refused to resign it to
his
brother. Polynices sought the assistance of Adras
stance of Adrastus*, king of Argos, who received him kindly, gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and promised to assist him
he government of Thebes. Adrastus invited the most powerful chiefs in
his
kingdom to join in the expedition. They all readi
They all readily obeyed the call, with the exception of Amphiaraus*,
his
brother-in-law, who, having the gift of prophecy,
to prevent it. He concealed himself in a hiding-place, known only to
his
wife Eriphyle*, who was sister to Adrastus. On th
t had been agreed, that if he ever differed in opinion with the king,
his
wife should decide the question. Polynices offere
e bribe, and Amphiaraus was compelled to go with them. Before leaving
his
home, he extorted a promise from his son Alcmæon*
to go with them. Before leaving his home, he extorted a promise from
his
son Alcmæon* that, should he perish, he would ave
promise from his son Alcmæon* that, should he perish, he would avenge
his
death on Eriphyle. The leaders in this expedition
ese leaders, Eteocles placed within the walls one whom he regarded as
his
equal. The brothers were stationed against each o
e combat; Amphiaraus was swallowed up by the earth, and Adrastus owed
his
life to the swiftness of the steed Arion*. Creon,
king, forbade the burial of Polynices, but Antigone gave sepulture to
his
remains, and Creon buried her alive. His son, who
on, who had been betrothed to Antigone, in despair threw himself upon
his
own sword and expired. The Epigoni*. Ten y
ted to Alcmæon, son of Amphiaraus, but, remembering the injunction of
his
father, he hesitated to accept the position befor
er, he hesitated to accept the position before executing vengeance on
his
mother Eriphyle. Thersander*, son of Polynices, p
st Thebes. A fierce battle ensued, in which the Theban leader fell by
his
hand. The Thebans, unable longer to hold their ci
Alcmæon consulted the oracle of Apollo, to know how he should punish
his
mother for her cupidity to his father and himself
f Apollo, to know how he should punish his mother for her cupidity to
his
father and himself, and he was directed to put he
nd was at length purified by Phegeus*, king of Psophis*, who gave him
his
daughter Arsinoe* in marriage. He presented his b
sophis*, who gave him his daughter Arsinoe* in marriage. He presented
his
bride with the robe and collar of Harmonia. A dro
with the robe and collar of Harmonia. A drought oppressed the land on
his
account, and the oracle directed him to go and bu
m to go and build a town on the river Achelous. Alcmæon took leave of
his
wife and little son, and set forth. At the spring
us he was purified by the river-god himself, who gave him in marriage
his
daughter Callirrhoe*, and he built his town on th
self, who gave him in marriage his daughter Callirrhoe*, and he built
his
town on the soil deposited by the stream at its m
another attack of insanity, and that the oracle had informed him that
his
malady would be cured only when he placed the rob
at Delphi, he obtained them from Arsinoe. Alcmæon’s servant betrayed
his
secret, and the sons of Phegeus lay in ambush and
the sons of Phegeus, and then went to Psophis and killed Phegeus and
his
wife. They brought the robe and collar to their m
s*, king of Argos. An oracle having declared that Acrisius would lose
his
life by the hand of a son of Danae, her father im
d to pass by the brazen chamber and heard him cry. Enraged at finding
his
precautions unavailing, he enclosed both mother a
*, brother of the king, Polydectes*. The latter educated Perseus, but
his
genius and courage displeased the king. Polydecte
s, but his genius and courage displeased the king. Polydectes invited
his
vassals to a banquet, requiring all who came to p
They turned to stone all who beheld them. While Perseus was bemoaning
his
hard fate, Hermes appeared to him, and told him t
ate, Hermes appeared to him, and told him that he and Athene would be
his
guides and advisers. Athene loaned him her shield
ooking on Medusa as she was reflected in it, he cut off her head with
his
sword. Placing the trophy in the magic wallet, he
gon sprung Chrysaor* and the winged horse Pegasus*. Perseus continued
his
flight until he reached the kingdom of Atlas, in
spitality which the hero demanded, because it had been predicted that
his
orchard, in which the trees bore golden fruit, wo
e robbed by a son of Zeus. Perseus was exasperated, and produced from
his
wallet the head of Medusa, which he held toward t
s. (Atlas Mountains in northern part of Africa.) Perseus then resumed
his
travels. In passing Ethiopia, he beheld a maiden
er, Andromeda. Cepheus, after some time, yielded to the entreaties of
his
people, and she was chained to a rock close to th
eda had been betrothed, appeared at the wedding-feast, accompanied by
his
warriors, and furiously assailed the bridegroom,
, who would have been overpowered but for the head of Medusa. Warning
his
friends of the dangerous power of the Gorgon’s he
the Gorgon’s head, they turned away their eyes; but on showing it to
his
adversaries, they all stiffened into stone. Perse
s adversaries, they all stiffened into stone. Perseus, accompanied by
his
bride, returned to Seriphos, where he found that
nae with great cruelty. He proceeded to the palace where the king and
his
friends were assembled, and displayed the formida
ad it placed in the middle of her shield. He then sent a messenger to
his
grandfather, informing him that he intended retur
s, it accidentally struck an old man among the spectators, and caused
his
death. The old man was Acrisius, and thus Perseus
hon. The rites of hospitality were too sacred to allow Prœtus to kill
his
guest; he therefore sent him to Iobates*, his fat
to allow Prœtus to kill his guest; he therefore sent him to Iobates*,
his
father-in-law, king of Lycia, with a letter writt
Nevertheless, he concluded that Prœtus must have had good reasons for
his
conduct, and that probably Bellerophon had been g
m on dangerous enterprises, in which he would in all probability lose
his
life. He first sent him to kill the Chimæra, a mo
gasus was wont to drink, to approach him boldly and put the bridle on
his
head. Bellerophon did as directed. Pegasus at onc
im rose in the air above the reach of the monster, which he slew with
his
spear. Iobates then sent him on an expedition aga
he bravely defended himself and slew them all. The king then gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and shared the kingdom with
rriage, and shared the kingdom with him. Bellerophon became elated by
his
victories, and attempted to mount to heaven by me
Zeus sent a gad-fly to sting the horse, which became so restive that
his
rider was precipitated to the earth. The winged h
ey to the deepest melancholy, and wandered about for the remainder of
his
life in the loneliest and most desolate places. A
said to have conquered the Chimæra, because he was the first to make
his
habitation on that mountain.” “In the story of Be
rough which the sun is sometimes seen to travel sullenly and alone to
his
setting. The contest of Bellerophon with the Chim
orn, Zeus announced to the gods that on that day would be born one of
his
race who should rule over all his neighbors. Hera
at on that day would be born one of his race who should rule over all
his
neighbors. Hera hated Alcmena, so, hastening to e
as about eight months old. Heracles, however, gave the first proof of
his
divine origin by strangling them with his hands.
er, gave the first proof of his divine origin by strangling them with
his
hands. Zeus then acknowledged his son. Finding He
vine origin by strangling them with his hands. Zeus then acknowledged
his
son. Finding Hera sleeping, he laid Heracles by h
t preceptors. Linus* taught him music; but one day, when he corrected
his
pupil rather severely, the youth angrily struck h
orrected his pupil rather severely, the youth angrily struck him with
his
lyre and killed him. As a punishment, Amphitryon*
truck him with his lyre and killed him. As a punishment, Amphitryon*,
his
step-father, sent him into the country where his
shment, Amphitryon*, his step-father, sent him into the country where
his
flocks and herds were feeding, and there Heracles
ing on Mount Cithæron. The hide of the animal he wore afterwards over
his
shoulders, the skin of the head forming a helmet.
ighboring people. Creon*, king of Thebes, in gratitude, gave the hero
his
daughter, Megara*, in marriage, and Iphicles marr
him to become insane, and while in this condition he killed three of
his
own children and two of those of his brother Iphi
his condition he killed three of his own children and two of those of
his
brother Iphicles. When he regained his reason he
n children and two of those of his brother Iphicles. When he regained
his
reason he was horrified at what he had done, and
de defiance to every weapon. Heracles succeeded in strangling it with
his
hands. He then made himself a suit of armor of th
ne of which was immortal. After driving her from her lair by means of
his
arrows, he advanced fearlessly and began striking
arrows, he advanced fearlessly and began striking off the heads with
his
sword. To his amazement, in the place of each hea
vanced fearlessly and began striking off the heads with his sword. To
his
amazement, in the place of each head he struck of
n the place of each head he struck off two sprung up. He then ordered
his
nephew, Iolaus*, to set on fire a neighboring woo
ed the immortal head and placed over it a heavy stone. He then dipped
his
arrows in her poisonous blood, thus rendering wou
secure her he was obliged to wound her, after which he lifted her on
his
shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On his
ch he lifted her on his shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On
his
way he met Artemis (Diana) and her brother, Apoll
nthus, in Arcadia, and was the scourge of the surrounding country. On
his
way thither, Heracles was entertained in a cavern
vern by the Centaur Pholus*. After an abundant repast, Heracles asked
his
host for some wine. Pholus explained that the win
ned unless all were present to partake of it. Heracles prevailed upon
his
host to make an exception in his favor; but the o
rtake of it. Heracles prevailed upon his host to make an exception in
his
favor; but the odor of the wine soon spread over
rrow out of one of the slain Centaurs, he accidentally let it fall on
his
foot and died from the wound. The hero buried him
nth part of the herds. Augeas, thinking the feat impossible, accepted
his
offer. Heracles then turned the course of the riv
lently. The birds rose into the air in terror, when he shot them with
his
arrows. 7. The Cretan Bull. — The seventh labor
, but Minos was induced by the beauty of the animal to place it among
his
own herds, and sacrificed another in its stead. P
xious to obtain this girdle, so Heracles was commanded to bring it as
his
ninth task. The Amazons were a nation of female w
arrived at the town of the Amazons, and Hippolyte was so impressed by
his
extraordinary stature and noble bearing that, on
ssed by his extraordinary stature and noble bearing that, on learning
his
errand, she at once consented to give him the gir
was about to carry off their queen. The Amazons attacked Heracles and
his
followers, and in the battle which ensued Hippoly
ed Hippolyte was killed. The hero secured the girdle and departed. On
his
journey homeward occurred his celebrated adventur
ero secured the girdle and departed. On his journey homeward occurred
his
celebrated adventure with Hesione*, daughter of L
for their assistance in building the walls of Troy. In consequence of
his
perfidy, Apollo sent a pestilence, and Poseidon,
eidon, a sea-monster, which swallowed all the people that came within
his
reach. The oracle being consulted, declared that
d, declared that the plague would never cease till Laomedon had given
his
daughter, Hesione, to be devoured by the monster.
d Heracles slew the monster. Laomedon, however, again proved false to
his
word, and Heracles, with a threat of future venge
acles arrived at the western coast of Africa, where, as a monument of
his
perilous expedition, he erected the famous “Pilla
t of Gibraltar. Here he found the heat so insufferable that he raised
his
bow and threatened to shoot the sun-god. Helios w
eatened to shoot the sun-god. Helios was so struck with admiration at
his
audacity that he lent the hero his golden boat, a
s was so struck with admiration at his audacity that he lent the hero
his
golden boat, and thus Heracles crossed over safel
Nereus while he was sleeping, and the sea-god, unable to escape from
his
grasp, gave him the desired information. Heracles
elf to be bound, but, when brought before the altar, he burst asunder
his
bonds and slew Busiris and his son. From Egypt he
ght before the altar, he burst asunder his bonds and slew Busiris and
his
son. From Egypt he journeyed into Ethiopia, where
into Ethiopia, where he slew Emathion*, son of Eos and Tithonus, for
his
cruelty to strangers. He then wandered through Ar
nceasing agony. Heracles shot the eagle, and Prometheus, grateful for
his
deliverance, instructed him how to find his way t
Prometheus, grateful for his deliverance, instructed him how to find
his
way to that remote region in the far west, where
t remote region in the far west, where Atlas supported the heavens on
his
shoulders, near which lay the Garden of the Hespe
houlders, near which lay the Garden of the Hesperides. On arriving at
his
destination, Heracles, by the advice of Prometheu
s if he would bring the apples. Atlas did as requested, but announced
his
intention of bearing the apples himself to Euryst
ly agreeing, asked Atlas to hold the heavens whilst he made a pad for
his
head. When Atlas resumed his former position, Her
old the heavens whilst he made a pad for his head. When Atlas resumed
his
former position, Heracles gathered up the apples
fter having been initiated in the Eleusinian Mysteries, Heracles made
his
descent into the lower world at Cape Tænarum. Clo
e the earth quaked when he attempted to touch him. Aides consented to
his
taking Cerberus, on condition that he should mast
r world. After Eurystheus had seen Cerberus, Heracles returned him to
his
place in the lower world. With the completion of
s task the servitude of Heracles to Eurystheus ended. The hero, after
his
release from servitude, returned to Thebes, where
, after his release from servitude, returned to Thebes, where he gave
his
wife, Megara, in marriage to Iolaus. He then proc
Iolaus. He then proceeded to the court of Eurytus*, who had promised
his
daughter, Iole*, in marriage to the man who shoul
ughter, Iole*, in marriage to the man who should vanquish himself and
his
sons in shooting with the bow. Heracles gained a
ed a complete victory, but Eurytus, nevertheless, refused to give him
his
daughter. Heracles, with many threats of future v
and when not long afterwards Iphitus*, the son of Eurytus, fell into
his
hands, he hurled him from a high tower into the p
by the story that Iphitus was a friend of Heracles, and had advocated
his
cause with Eurytus, and that Heracles had been su
and was in the act of bearing it away in order to erect an oracle of
his
own, when he was confronted by the angry deity Ap
gle would have ensued had not Zeus interfered by separating them with
his
lightning. The Pythian priestess now commanded He
ars, the money to be given to Eurytus in compensation for the loss of
his
son. Accordingly, Hermes led him into Lydia and s
self in the lion’s skin and carried the club. After the expiration of
his
servitude, Heracles undertook an expedition again
Laomedon, king of Troy. The city was taken by storm; Laomedon and all
his
sons, except Priam, were killed. Hesione was give
their claims should be decided by single combat. Achelous trusted to
his
power to assume different forms, but, having tran
ut, having transformed himself into a bull, Heracles broke off one of
his
horns, and Achelous declared himself vanquished.
he Horn of Plenty, which produced everything its owner desired. After
his
marriage with Deianeira, Heracles lived for three
rriage with Deianeira, Heracles lived for three years at the court of
his
father-in-law. In consequence of an accidental mu
himself from Ætolia and set out to visit King Ceyx*, taking with him
his
wife and son, Hyllus*. On coming to the river Eve
e Centaur Nessus to be carried across while he forded the stream with
his
little son in his arms. The Centaur, charmed with
o be carried across while he forded the stream with his little son in
his
arms. The Centaur, charmed with the beauty of his
h his little son in his arms. The Centaur, charmed with the beauty of
his
fair burden, attempted to carry her off. Heracles
air burden, attempted to carry her off. Heracles heard the screams of
his
wife, and shot Nessus through the heart with one
he screams of his wife, and shot Nessus through the heart with one of
his
poisoned arrows. He directed Deianeira to secure
. He directed Deianeira to secure some of the blood which flowed from
his
wound, assuring her that it would act as a charm
had long meditated vengeance on Eurytus, who had refused to give him
his
daughter, Iole, after he had won her by shooting
im with an army. The town and citadel were destroyed, and Eurytus and
his
sons slain, while the beautiful Iole fell into th
ror. Wishing to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Zeus, he sent to
his
wife for a sacrificial robe. Hearing of the beaut
appear. He endeavored to tear it off, but the flesh came with it. In
his
frenzy he seized the herald Lichas*, the bearer o
ered him the service, in return for which Heracles presented him with
his
bow and arrows. As the flames rose high, a cloud
als in various parts of Greece. In Marathon, games were celebrated in
his
honor every four years, at which silver cups were
e fourth day of every month was held sacred to him, being regarded as
his
birthday. “The story of Heracles is the most com
k a creature as man. Every feature of the many legends connected with
his
name may be traced back to phrases which spoke of
ases which spoke of the sun as born to a life of toil, as entering on
his
weary tasks after a brief but happy infancy, and
eary tasks after a brief but happy infancy, and as sinking finally to
his
rest after a fierce battle with the clouds which
to his rest after a fierce battle with the clouds which had hindered
his
journey. “Darkness of night is meant by the serpe
’ — the battle of the sun with the clouds, which gather around him at
his
setting like mortal enemies. As he sinks, the fie
’s body, while the violet-colored evening clouds seem to cheer him in
his
dying agony.” Cox . Theseus*. Theseus*,
, who was privately married to Æthra, before leaving Trœzen concealed
his
sword and sandals under a rock, and told Æthra th
ise the stone, and then to allow him to take with him these tokens of
his
identity. Theseus was carefully trained and educa
tokens of his identity. Theseus was carefully trained and educated by
his
grandfather, Pittheus. When he was sixteen years
cated by his grandfather, Pittheus. When he was sixteen years of age,
his
mother led him to the stone on which he was to tr
years of age, his mother led him to the stone on which he was to try
his
strength. Lifting it, he took from beneath his fa
on which he was to try his strength. Lifting it, he took from beneath
his
father’s sword and sandals, which Æthra desired h
tures consisted in overcoming a series of obstacles that beset him on
his
journey from Trœzen to Athens. Between Trœzen and
of Hephæstus, because he was in the habit of murdering travelers with
his
iron club. Theseus appropriated the club as a tro
lers with his iron club. Theseus appropriated the club as a trophy of
his
victory. He next delivered the Isthmus of Corinth
l pine-tree. Having dragged it to the ground, Sinis suddenly released
his
hold, and the stranger was dashed to the ground a
dwelt another monster called Sciron*, who compelled travelers to wash
his
feet, and then kicked them into the sea. Theseus
et, and then kicked them into the sea. Theseus overcame him and threw
his
body over the cliff. In the neighborhood of Eleus
ones he took to the long bed, and pulled them to fit it; thus he left
his
victims to expire. Theseus slew him. On reaching
his victims to expire. Theseus slew him. On reaching Athens he found
his
father Ægeus married to the enchantress Medea*. B
handing him a cup of poison, when the sword which he bore attracting
his
attention, he recognized and acknowledged his son
hich he bore attracting his attention, he recognized and acknowledged
his
son. Medea fled, but a new danger awaited the her
undertaken by Theseus secured to him the admiration and gratitude of
his
fellow-citizens. This was the slaying of the Mino
n of Minos, having come to the public games at Athens, vanquished all
his
competitors. Ægeus, jealous of his success, laid
ic games at Athens, vanquished all his competitors. Ægeus, jealous of
his
success, laid an ambush for him, and he was thus
r him, and he was thus treacherously murdered. To avenge the death of
his
son, Minos invaded Attica, conquered Athens and t
n maidens to be devoured by the Minotaur. Theseus resolved to deliver
his
country from this shameful tribute. Accordingly,
ered himself as one of the victims, notwithstanding the entreaties of
his
father, Ægeus. The ship departed under black sail
geus. The ship departed under black sails, as usual. Theseus promised
his
father to change them for white in case of his re
sual. Theseus promised his father to change them for white in case of
his
returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete,
te, the youths and maidens were exhibited before Minos; and Ariadne*,
his
daughter, being present, became deeply enamored o
ounter the Minotaur, and with a clue of thread by which he might find
his
way out of the labyrinth. He was successful, slew
taur, escaped from the labyrinth, and accompanied by Ariadne, he with
his
rescued companions sailed for Athens. On the way
hing the coast of Attica, Theseus, forgetting the signal appointed by
his
father, neglected to raise the white sails. Ægeus
raise the white sails. Ægeus, who was on the beach anxiously awaiting
his
son’s return, saw the black sails, and, thinking
xiously awaiting his son’s return, saw the black sails, and, thinking
his
son had perished, he threw himself into the sea a
a and was drowned. The sea was named for him Ægean. Theseus succeeded
his
father as king of Athens. He united the twelve to
ope*, sister of Hippolyte*. He carried her off to Athens and made her
his
queen. Their son was Hippolytus*, famed for his u
o Athens and made her his queen. Their son was Hippolytus*, famed for
his
unhappy fate. The friendship between Theseus and
ithous beheld him, he was seized with admiration, and, stretching out
his
hand in token of peace, he cried, “Be judge thyse
ms. Each of them aspired to espouse a daughter of Zeus. Theseus fixed
his
choice on Helen, then but a child, afterwards so
rds so celebrated as the cause of the Trojan war, and with the aid of
his
friend he carried her off. Pirithous now requeste
he carried her off. Pirithous now requested Theseus to assist him in
his
ambitious scheme of descending to the lower world
arrying off Persephone, the queen of Aides. Theseus would not forsake
his
friend, and together they entered the gloomy real
they entered the gloomy realm. Aides set them on an enchanted rock at
his
palace gate, where they remained until Heracles l
n of the gods, Pirithous was left to endure forever the punishment of
his
too daring ambition. After the death of Antiope,
She used her influence over her husband to cause him to be jealous of
his
son. Theseus besought Poseidon to punish his fait
use him to be jealous of his son. Theseus besought Poseidon to punish
his
faithless son. As Hippolytus was one day driving
seidon to punish his faithless son. As Hippolytus was one day driving
his
chariot along the shore, a sea-monster raised him
her own life, and Theseus, when too late, discovered the innocence of
his
son. Theseus at length lost the favor of his peop
covered the innocence of his son. Theseus at length lost the favor of
his
people and retired to the court of Lycomedes*, ki
eceived him kindly, but afterwards treacherously slew him. Long after
his
death the Athenians obtained his bones from the i
s treacherously slew him. Long after his death the Athenians obtained
his
bones from the island of Scyros and interred them
ns obtained his bones from the island of Scyros and interred them. In
his
honor a temple was erected, which is still standi
rt. The Athenians revered Theseus as a demi-god, brought offerings to
his
altars, and instituted festivals to his memory.
emi-god, brought offerings to his altars, and instituted festivals to
his
memory. Calydonian Hunt. Œneus*, king of Ca
o it the most famous heroes of the age. Among those that responded to
his
call were Jason*, Castor* and Pollux*, Idas* and
also the fleet-footed huntress Atalanta*. After Œneus had entertained
his
guests for nine days, the hunt began, and the hug
alanta of the prize, and in the struggle which ensued Meleager killed
his
uncles and restored hide and head to Atalanta. Wh
topped to secure it, and thus Hippomenes won the race and carried off
his
prize. But the lovers were so full of their own h
ost celebrated artificers of the legendary period. He was so proud of
his
achievements that he could not endure the thought
ed the saw. He also invented a pair of compasses. Dædalus, envious of
his
nephew’s performances, one day pushed him off the
partridge. This bird always avoids high places. Dædalus fled with
his
son Icarus to Crete, where they were welcomed by
Jason*. Æson*, king of Iolcus, in Thessaly, was deprived of
his
throne by his half-brother, Pelias*. Æson rescued
Æson*, king of Iolcus, in Thessaly, was deprived of his throne by
his
half-brother, Pelias*. Æson rescued his little so
was deprived of his throne by his half-brother, Pelias*. Æson rescued
his
little son Jason* from Pelias, and committed him
nd committed him to the care of the Centaur Chiron*. After completing
his
twentieth year, Jason determined to return to Iol
is twentieth year, Jason determined to return to Iolcus and demand of
his
uncle his rightful inheritance. As he was crossin
th year, Jason determined to return to Iolcus and demand of his uncle
his
rightful inheritance. As he was crossing the rive
ful inheritance. As he was crossing the river Anauros* he lost one of
his
sandals, and was obliged to proceed without it. H
ned by the oracle to beware of the one-sandaled man. Pelias disguised
his
fears, conversed kindly with Jason, and drew from
s disguised his fears, conversed kindly with Jason, and drew from him
his
name and errand. Pretending to be pleased with hi
and drew from him his name and errand. Pretending to be pleased with
his
nephew, Pelias entertained him sumptuously for fi
ixth, Jason demanded from him the throne and kingdom. Pelias declared
his
willingness to resign the crown if Jason would br
rything was in readiness, Jason sacrificed to Zeus, who, as a sign of
his
favor, answered by thundering. Jason was commande
neus* reigned, whom the gods had punished with blindness. To complete
his
misery, he was perpetually tormented by the Harpi
rs released them and they rejoined their companions. In gratitude for
his
deliverance, Phineus instructed the Argonauts how
r of the crew to guard the Argo. Jason informed Æetes of the cause of
his
visit, and that monarch promised to relinquish th
dangers which threatened him, and her powerful help in accomplishing
his
glorious undertaking, provided he would swear fid
d with it invulnerable for one day. She instructed him to also anoint
his
spear and shield, and gave him a stone which he w
guarded the Golden Fleece. On the following day, Jason, surrounded by
his
companions, appeared on the field of Ares in the
hs of which hung the Golden Fleece. At the foot of this tree, keeping
his
ever-wakeful watch, lay the dreadful sleepless dr
go, which immediately put to sea. Æetes soon discovered the flight of
his
daughter, and attempted to overtake the fugitives
young brother, Absyrtus*, whom she had taken with her, and scattered
his
limbs in the sea. Her father stopped to collect t
ed his limbs in the sea. Her father stopped to collect the remains of
his
unfortunate son, and the Argonauts quietly procee
th arrived safely at Iolcus, and Jason delivered the Golden Fleece to
his
uncle. Pelias, however, still refused to surrende
nd found protection at the court of Ægeus. Jason either put an end to
his
own life or was killed by the fall of a beam from
s*, Assaracus*, and Ganymedes. The last was carried off by Zeus to be
his
cup-bearer. Assaracus was the grandfather of Ænea
ef), where he built the town named Ilion, from himself, and Troy from
his
father. He prayed to Zeus to bestow upon him some
ow upon him some sign of favor. The next morning he found in front of
his
tent the celebrated Palladium* — an image of Pall
fety of Troy depended upon its preservation. After the death of Ilus,
his
son Laomedon* became king of Troy, and he was suc
When Paris was born, it was predicted that he would prove the ruin of
his
country; and the soothsayer recommended that he s
t the incident, he took the child, named him Paris, and reared him as
his
own son. Paris afterwards distinguished himself b
reared him as his own son. Paris afterwards distinguished himself by
his
strength and courage in repelling robbers from th
whom Rhea had taught prophecy. It was about this time that Paris gave
his
famous decision in favor of the beauty of Aphrodi
y of Aphrodite. Soon after this event, Priam proposed a contest among
his
sons and other princes, promising to reward the c
, who reluctantly allowed it to be taken away. Desirous of recovering
his
favorite, he went to Troy, and entered the list o
m that the young shepherd was their brother Paris. Priam acknowledged
his
son, the prediction was forgotten, and Paris enjo
eption. Menelaus soon after sailed to Crete; Paris availed himself of
his
absence, gained the affections of Helen, and bore
of his absence, gained the affections of Helen, and bore her away to
his
native city. Helen was the daughter of Zeus and L
us to him. At length Odysseus* (Ulysses*) offered to relieve him from
his
embarrassment if Tyndareus would obtain for him t
nt to Priam to demand the restitution of Helen, and in consequence of
his
refusal, the kings of Greece formed a coalition,
eat heroes did Menelaus experience any difficulty. Ulysses, famed for
his
wisdom, was at this time living happily at Ithaca
famed for his wisdom, was at this time living happily at Ithaca with
his
fair young wife Penelope and his little son Telem
s time living happily at Ithaca with his fair young wife Penelope and
his
little son Telemachus*, and was unwilling to leav
e Penelope and his little son Telemachus*, and was unwilling to leave
his
happy home for a perilous foreign expedition of u
hich the father hastened to remove the child convinced every one that
his
insanity was feigned. He was therefore obliged to
King Lycomedes*, on the isle of Scyros*. Ulysses was sent to discover
his
retreat, and did so by stratagem. Attired as a tr
at length the other generals succeeded in persuading him that it was
his
duty to make the sacrifice. He accordingly despat
duty to make the sacrifice. He accordingly despatched a messenger to
his
wife, Clytemnæstra*, begging her to send Iphigeni
m, alleging, as a pretext, that the hero Achilles desired to make her
his
wife. Rejoicing at the brilliant destiny which aw
roy depended, was bitten on the foot by a serpent, and, on account of
his
cries and the offensive odor of the wound, was ca
offensive odor of the wound, was carried to Lemnos, and there left to
his
fate. The Commencement of Hostilities. Havi
ed in years for active service, the command of the army devolved upon
his
eldest son, the brave Hector. At the approach of
n respecting a female slave that had been taken captive. Achilles, in
his
wrath, retired to his tent, and refused to take a
slave that had been taken captive. Achilles, in his wrath, retired to
his
tent, and refused to take any further part in the
, and was about to set them on fire, when Achilles consented to allow
his
friend Patroclus* to wear his armor, and lead his
fire, when Achilles consented to allow his friend Patroclus* to wear
his
armor, and lead his Myrmidons* to the assistance
consented to allow his friend Patroclus* to wear his armor, and lead
his
Myrmidons* to the assistance of the Greeks. The T
sistance of the Greater Ajax* and other heroes, succeeded in rescuing
his
corpse only after a severe and obstinate struggle
now entirely diverted by the desire to avenge on Hector the death of
his
much-loved friend, Patroclus. Thetis brought him
came reconciled to Agamemnon, and rejoined the Greek army. Arrayed in
his
new armor, he led the troops against the enemy, w
ty, Achilles and Hector encountered each other. Hector was slain, and
his
body dragged at the chariot wheels of Achilles th
ed at last by the supplications of Priam, who came to beg the body of
his
son, Achilles surrendered the corpse, and the Tro
s (Aurora) and Tithonus. He was king of the Ethiopians, and came with
his
warriors to assist the kindred of his father. Kin
f the Ethiopians, and came with his warriors to assist the kindred of
his
father. King Priam received him with great honors
his father. King Priam received him with great honors. The day after
his
arrival, Memnon led his troops to the field. Anti
received him with great honors. The day after his arrival, Memnon led
his
troops to the field. Antilochus*, the brave son o
is troops to the field. Antilochus*, the brave son of Nestor, fell by
his
hand, and the Greeks were put to flight, when Ach
nd the Trojans fled in dismay. When Aurora saw him fall, she directed
his
brothers, the Winds, to convey his body to Paphla
Aurora saw him fall, she directed his brothers, the Winds, to convey
his
body to Paphlagonia. In the evening she came, acc
with her grief, spread the heavens with clouds. The Ethiopians raised
his
tomb in the grove of the Nymphs. Zeus caused the
omb in the grove of the Nymphs. Zeus caused the sparks and cinders of
his
funeral pyre to be turned into birds, which fight
urious contest, lasting a whole day, took place for the possession of
his
corpse and armor. Ulysses and Ajax succeeded in c
n days and nights, Thetis, with the whole band of Nereides*, bewailed
his
untimely fate in such mournful melodies that neit
Greeks was followed by a quarrel between Ajax and Ulysses respecting
his
armor. It was finally adjudged to Ulysses. The un
armor. It was finally adjudged to Ulysses. The unfortunate Ajax lost
his
reason, and put an end to his existence. Final
d to Ulysses. The unfortunate Ajax lost his reason, and put an end to
his
existence. Final Measures. Soon after this
possession of Philoctetes, who had remained on the island of Lemnos,
his
wound still unhealed, suffering abject misery. Ul
iately ensue, and remembering the prediction of the oracle, that only
his
deserted wife, Œnone, could cure him if wounded,
in rousing the ambition of the youth, he resigned to him the armor of
his
father, and conveyed him to the Greek camp. He im
rse, which they examined with curiosity. The crafty Odysseus had left
his
trusty friend Sinon* with full instructions as to
ysseus had left his trusty friend Sinon* with full instructions as to
his
course of action. He now approached King Priam wi
cape, and now sought protection from the king. The monarch, believing
his
story, released his bonds, and then begged him to
protection from the king. The monarch, believing his story, released
his
bonds, and then begged him to explain the meaning
of Apollo, seek to divert them from their folly. None would listen to
his
warnings; and when, soon afterwards, he and his t
None would listen to his warnings; and when, soon afterwards, he and
his
two sons were destroyed by two serpents that came
e sea, the Trojans regarded this as a punishment sent by the gods for
his
evil counsel, and were the more confirmed in thei
nd many perished. Agamemnon, after escaping a storm, landed safely on
his
native shores, accompanied by Cassandra, who, in
native shores, accompanied by Cassandra, who, in vain, warned him of
his
impending fate. During his absence, his wife, Cly
by Cassandra, who, in vain, warned him of his impending fate. During
his
absence, his wife, Clytemnæstra, had married Ægis
, who, in vain, warned him of his impending fate. During his absence,
his
wife, Clytemnæstra, had married Ægisthus*. She re
rk of affection, but at the banquet given in the evening to celebrate
his
safe return, he and his companions were massacred
the banquet given in the evening to celebrate his safe return, he and
his
companions were massacred. Their death was afterw
s he grasped a rock to save himself, Poseidon split it with a blow of
his
trident, and precipitated him into the waves, whe
. Odysseus*, or Ulysses*. The hardest fate befell Odysseus. With
his
twelve ships laden with treasures captured from T
eye, and that was placed in the middle of the forehead. Odysseus left
his
fleet at anchor, and with twelve chosen companion
and master of the cave, arrived, bearing an enormous load of wood on
his
shoulders, and driving before him a large flock o
om. Odysseus informed him they were shipwrecked mariners, and claimed
his
hospitality in the name of Zeus. Polyphemus deign
ty in the name of Zeus. Polyphemus deigned no reply, but reaching out
his
hand he seized two of the Greeks, dashed out thei
elf on the floor, and soon fell asleep before the fire. Odysseus drew
his
sword and was about to slay the giant when he rem
ore. Polyphemus then moved away the rock from the entrance, drove out
his
flocks, and went out, carefully replacing the bar
ter him. He came home at evening, rolled away the stone, and drove in
his
flocks as usual. After milking them and making hi
tone, and drove in his flocks as usual. After milking them and making
his
arrangements as before, he seized two more of his
ing them and making his arrangements as before, he seized two more of
his
prisoners and made his evening meal upon them. Od
arrangements as before, he seized two more of his prisoners and made
his
evening meal upon them. Odysseus then approached
he promised to allow Odysseus to be the last to be devoured. He asked
his
name, to which Odysseus replied, “Outis” (Noman).
He asked his name, to which Odysseus replied, “Outis” (Noman). After
his
supper, the giant lay down to repose, and soon fe
y down to repose, and soon fell into a heavy sleep. Then Odysseus and
his
companions thrust into the fire the end of a stak
other Cyclopes dwelling in caves not far distant, they flocked around
his
den and inquired the cause of his outcry. He repl
ot far distant, they flocked around his den and inquired the cause of
his
outcry. He replied, “O friends, I die, and Noman
, they left him. Next morning Polyphemus rolled away the stone to let
his
flocks out to pasture, but stationed himself in t
e door of the cave to feel of all as they went out, that Odysseus and
his
men should not escape with them. But the subtlety
together three abreast, and under each centre one had secured one of
his
companions, Odysseus himself being on the last on
one. As the sheep passed out the giant felt carefully among them for
his
victims, but not finding them on the backs of the
with them. Thinking himself at a safe distance, Odysseus shouted out
his
real name, whereupon Polyphemus seized a huge roc
Læstrygonians*. The vessels entered the harbor, Odysseus alone moored
his
vessel outside. As soon as the Læstrygonians foun
ith all on board. Odysseus, finding no safety but in flight, exhorted
his
men to ply their oars vigorously, and they escape
ce*, the daughter of the sun. Landing here, Odysseus sent one-half of
his
crew under the command of Eurylochus*, to see wha
dysseus heard from Eurylochus of the terrible fate which had befallen
his
companions, he resolved to make an effort to resc
ace was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had
his
companions, and then touched him with her wand, s
eek the sty and wallow with thy friends.” Instead of obeying, he drew
his
sword and rushed toward her. She fell on her knee
nd begged for mercy. He dictated a solemn oath that she would release
his
companions and practise no further sorceries agai
tly entertained day after day until Odysseus seemed to have forgotten
his
native land. At length his companions induced him
ay until Odysseus seemed to have forgotten his native land. At length
his
companions induced him to pursue their homeward v
em how to pass safely by the coast of the Sirens. She warned him that
his
future would be beset by many dangers, and comman
onsult the blind old seer Tiresias, in the realm of Aides, concerning
his
future destiny. She then loaded his ship with pro
in the realm of Aides, concerning his future destiny. She then loaded
his
ship with provisions, and reluctantly bade him fa
led at the entrance to the lower world, Odysseus landed unattended by
his
companions. Having dug a trench to receive the bl
ental vigor. Remembering the injunction of Circe, Odysseus brandished
his
sword and allowed none to approach until Tiresias
he hero of the numerous perils that would assail him, not only during
his
homeward voyage, but also on his return to Ithaca
at would assail him, not only during his homeward voyage, but also on
his
return to Ithaca, and instructed him how to avoid
ysseus allowed the other shades to approach. Among them he recognized
his
mother. From her he learned that she had died of
that she had died of grief at her son’s protracted absence, and that
his
aged father, Laertes*, was wearing his life away
s protracted absence, and that his aged father, Laertes*, was wearing
his
life away in anxious longings for his return. He
d father, Laertes*, was wearing his life away in anxious longings for
his
return. He also conversed with Agamemnon, Patrocl
m, that the courage of Odysseus failed, and he fled in terror back to
his
ship. Having rejoined his companions, they once m
sseus failed, and he fled in terror back to his ship. Having rejoined
his
companions, they once more put to sea and returne
days approached the island of the Sirens. Odysseus filled the ears of
his
men with wax, after having given directions that
d their song in praise of Odysseus. He struggled to free himself, but
his
comrades bound him still faster, and he alone hea
three times a day absorbed and regorged the water. While Odysseus and
his
men were endeavoring to avoid Charybdis, Scylla s
reached the island of Trinacria (Sicily), where the sun-god pastured
his
flocks and herds. Odysseus had been warned by bot
been warned by both Tiresias and Circe to avoid this island. He urged
his
companions to pass it, but they insisted upon lan
him immortality and make him her husband, but he longed to return to
his
wife Penelope. After having been detained on the
but Poseidon, still enraged at the hero, who had blinded and insulted
his
son, caused a tempest to arise, during which the
asleep. Nausicaa*, the beautiful daughter of the king, Alcinous*, and
his
queen, Arete*, had come down to the shore, accomp
n, and in return for their kindness he related to them the history of
his
long and eventful voyage. When he at last took le
istory of his long and eventful voyage. When he at last took leave of
his
royal host and hostess, Alcinous loaded him with
m with rich gifts, and ordered him to be conveyed to Ithaca in one of
his
own ships. The voyage was a short and prosperous
eus had been away from Ithaca, and when he awoke he did not recognize
his
native land. Pallas Athene appeared to him in the
red to him in the form of a shepherd, and informed him that he was in
his
native land, and told him the state of affairs at
that he was in his native land, and told him the state of affairs at
his
palace. Many nobles of Ithaca and the neighboring
ho had returned from the Trojan expedition, hoping to gain tidings of
his
father. That Odysseus might be able to take venge
eherd. It chanced that the following morning Telemachus returned from
his
fruitless search for his father. He went first to
e following morning Telemachus returned from his fruitless search for
his
father. He went first to Eumæus to learn somethin
irs at the palace. Athene now urged Odysseus to make himself known to
his
son, at the same time she touched him and gave hi
hought he must be more than mortal; but Odysseus announced himself as
his
father, and explained that Athene had changed his
nnounced himself as his father, and explained that Athene had changed
his
appearance. “The
“Then threw Telemachus His arms around
his
father’s neck and wept.” The father and son took
tors as formerly; that Odysseus should go as a beggar, and he charged
his
son not to display any unusual interest in him. A
to display any unusual interest in him. As they entered the courtyard
his
faithful dog Argus, though feeble with age, recog
courtyard his faithful dog Argus, though feeble with age, recognized
his
master, and then expired at his feet. At the pala
s, though feeble with age, recognized his master, and then expired at
his
feet. At the palace they found the usual scene of
to enter, and was provided with food from the table. As he sat eating
his
portion, the suitors became insolent to him, but
poor mendicant into her presence. She spoke kindly to him, inquiring
his
name and whence he came. He gave her a fictitious
her maidens to treat the stranger as an honored guest. As Euryclea*,
his
old nurse, was bathing his feet, her eye fell on
tranger as an honored guest. As Euryclea*, his old nurse, was bathing
his
feet, her eye fell on a scar which Odysseus had r
thing his feet, her eye fell on a scar which Odysseus had received in
his
youth, and instantly recognizing her beloved mast
Odysseus asked permission to be allowed to try. The suitors mocked at
his
audacity, but Telemachus interfered and bade him
e pierced him to the heart just as he was raising a goblet of wine to
his
lips. “There’s many a slip ’Twixt the cup and th
but, in obedience to Odysseus, Telemachus had removed them. He, with
his
father and Eumæus, slew the suitors. The joyful i
ognize in the aged beggar her gallant husband. She determined to test
his
identity, and commanded that his own bed should b
lant husband. She determined to test his identity, and commanded that
his
own bed should be brought from his chamber. This
t his identity, and commanded that his own bed should be brought from
his
chamber. This bed had been made by Odysseus himse
band and wife. The next morning Odysseus went into the country to see
his
aged father Laertes. While he was absent, Eupithe
and ended the conflict. Athene established peace between Odysseus and
his
subjects. “The legends of the return of the Gree
of the return of the Greeks, especially of Odysseus, or Ulysses, and
his
companions, had their origin in phrases which des
from the rising of the sun to its setting. “The Sun (Odysseus) leaves
his
bride, the Twilight (Penelope), in the sky when h
he was parted yester-eve. Dangers may await him, but he cannot arrest
his
steps. Do what he will, he cannot reach his home
him, but he cannot arrest his steps. Do what he will, he cannot reach
his
home until another series of ten long years come
he Sirens,’ the soft and treacherous calms which tempt the mariner to
his
ruin. “‘Cattle of Helios,’ the fleecy clouds. “‘C
of the bright clouds unsullied by grosser vapors. “‘The chief seizes
his
bow,’ the hidden sun darts his ray through the cl
by grosser vapors. “‘The chief seizes his bow,’ the hidden sun darts
his
ray through the cloud-rift, and scatters the heav
of the Trojans. On the night of the destruction of Troy, Æneas, with
his
father, wife, and young son Ascanius* or Iulus*,
destruction. As Anchises was too old to walk, Æneas carried him upon
his
shoulders. In the confusion, his wife was lost. T
old to walk, Æneas carried him upon his shoulders. In the confusion,
his
wife was lost. They sought refuge on Mount Ida, w
preparing to build a city, Æneas plucked some twigs from a myrtle; to
his
dismay, the wounded part dropped blood, and a voi
him, and seized the treasures which had been sent with him. Æneas and
his
companions hastened away, and next landed on the
me rushing upon them, and seized and defiled all the meats, Æneas and
his
companions drew their swords on them in vain, the
eas returned to Sicily, where he celebrated funeral games in honor of
his
father, who had been dead exactly a year. He left
She foretold labors and perils through which he was destined to make
his
way to final success. Her closing words have beco
d in a dream to seek the abode of the dead, that he might confer with
his
father Anchises, and receive from him a revelatio
confer with his father Anchises, and receive from him a revelation of
his
future fortunes, he asked her assistance to enabl
nts to be accomplished before the complete establishment of Æneas and
his
followers in Italy. Wars were to be waged, battle
eturned to the upper world. Having parted from the Sibyl and rejoined
his
fleet, Æneas coasted along the shore of Italy, an
*, prince of the Rutulians*; but Latinus was warned by an oracle that
his
destined son-in-law was to come from afar, and th
n oracle that his destined son-in-law was to come from afar, and that
his
daughter’s descendants were destined to subdue th
prince was the son-in-law indicated by the oracle, and invited him to
his
palace. All now seemed to promise a peaceful sett
ders to excite that prince against the stranger who was to rob him of
his
promised bride. Alecto then went to the camp of t
Alecto then went to the camp of the Trojans, where she saw Iulus and
his
companions hunting. She inspired the dogs with a
ce ran homewards and died at the feet of its mistress. Tyrrheus, with
his
sons and other herdsmen, assaulted the hunting pa
rnus fell in a personal combat with Æneas, who, having triumphed over
his
foe, obtained Lavinia as his bride. -Æneas built
t with Æneas, who, having triumphed over his foe, obtained Lavinia as
his
bride. -Æneas built a city called Lavinium. Here
a as his bride. -Æneas built a city called Lavinium. Here he governed
his
Trojan and Italian subjects, who became one peopl
ultimate absorption of the good into the eternal Deity. “God created
his
own members, which are the gods” they said; and s
f one God grew a host of lesser ones, regarded by the priests as only
his
attributes and manifestations, but becoming to th
great exponent of Deity. His mysterious disappearance each night, and
his
return every morning to roll over the heavens wit
mbolic meaning. The rising sun was the beautiful young god Horus*; in
his
mid-day glory he was Ra*; as he neared the wester
of these gods, as well as the many others connected with the sun, had
his
own specific character. This complex sun-god was
n Memphis, Pthah, “Father of the Beginnings,” the Creator, was chief;
his
symbol was the Scarabæus, or beetle, an image of
ystic sense, that which is to-day, the existing present; the hawk was
his
emblem. Pasht*, sister of Ra, and one of the per
d to him. Thoth*, son of Neph, was god of intelligence; the ibis was
his
emblem. Sate*, the wife of Neph, and one of the
s sacred to her. Typhon* was the common enemy of all the other gods;
his
emblems were the pig, the ass, and the hippopotam
related that Osiris once went about the earth doing good, and that on
his
return he was slain by Seb (Typhon), his brother.
arth doing good, and that on his return he was slain by Seb (Typhon),
his
brother. A temple of surpassing magnificence was
hon), his brother. A temple of surpassing magnificence was erected in
his
honor at Philoe, which became ever after the grea
name. Herodotus* says, “Apis is a young bull whose hair is black, on
his
forehead a white triangle, on his back an eagle,
young bull whose hair is black, on his forehead a white triangle, on
his
back an eagle, a beetle under his tongue, and the
n his forehead a white triangle, on his back an eagle, a beetle under
his
tongue, and the hair of his tail double.” Ovid* s
gle, on his back an eagle, a beetle under his tongue, and the hair of
his
tail double.” Ovid* says he is of various colors.
vid* says he is of various colors. Plutarch says he has a crescent on
his
right side. These superstitions varied from age t
n of this time the priests repaired, at new moon, with great pomp, to
his
habitation, and saluted him “Apis.” He was placed
was thrown into the river, and a grand festival was held to celebrate
his
birthday. The people believed that during this fe
hole land was filled with sorrow and lamentations, which lasted until
his
successor was found. A new Apis was found as late
nters was the trial in the “Great Hall of Justice,” before Osiris and
his
forty-two assessors, where the heart was weighed
The race of kings was, according to tradition, derived from Nin, and
his
name was given to Nineveh. Below the “Great Gods”
who created two other mighty beings, and imparted to them so much of
his
own nature as seemed proper to him. Of these Ormu
roper to him. Of these Ormuzd* (Greek Oromazes*) remained faithful to
his
creator, and was regarded as the source of all go
e followers of Ormuzd shall everywhere be victorious, and Ahriman and
his
adherents be consigned to eternal darkness. “The
Sanskrit Dyaus*) became the name for the supreme God, and Uranus lost
his
importance. Agni was a name for the fire which,
re which, when the fuel is kindled, steps forth like a war-horse from
his
prison, leaving a dark path (of smoke) behind him
os, and the Latin Aurora. Arusha was a name for the sun as he begins
his
course in the heaven. He is represented as a beau
f love, and the Latin Cupid. Arusha was said to awaken the earth with
his
rays. Brahma is called a son of Brahm, a name fo
-gods. Savitar is a name for the sun, as golden-handed, referring to
his
rays. When the name was taken literally, the stor
lly, the story grew up that the sun, offering up a sacrifice, cut off
his
hand, which was replaced by a golden one. Manu i
denying the claims of the other. Brahma, the creator, having finished
his
work, seems to be regarded as no longer active, a
followers of Siva. The Hindus believe that if a man lead a pure life,
his
soul will pass, after death, into another human b
m the Vedas represent as a delusive incarnation of Vishnu, is said by
his
followers to have been a mortal sage named Guatam
rs before Christ. He was the son of a king, and was distinguished for
his
wisdom, virtue, and personal beauty. He was so di
ace, where he spent six years in prayer and meditation. He then began
his
career as a religious teacher. His doctrines were
air and formed clouds, from which sprung Ymir*, the Frost giant, and
his
progeny, and the cow Audhumbla, whose milk afford
ndowed with beauty and power. This new being was a god, from whom and
his
wife, a daughter of the giant race, sprung the th
brothers Odin*, Vili*, and Ve*. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of
his
body formed the earth — his blood became the seas
Ve*. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth —
his
blood became the seas; his bones, the mountains;
ir, and out of his body formed the earth — his blood became the seas;
his
bones, the mountains; his hair, the trees; his sk
rmed the earth — his blood became the seas; his bones, the mountains;
his
hair, the trees; his skull, the heavens; his brai
blood became the seas; his bones, the mountains; his hair, the trees;
his
skull, the heavens; his brain, the clouds charged
is bones, the mountains; his hair, the trees; his skull, the heavens;
his
brain, the clouds charged with hail and snow. Odi
autiful of these was Valhalla*, the residence of Odin. When seated on
his
throne, he overlooked all heaven and earth. Upon
. When seated on his throne, he overlooked all heaven and earth. Upon
his
shoulders were the ravens Hugin* (Mind) and Munin
day over the whole world and reported all they had seen and heard. At
his
feet lay two wolves, Geri* and Freki*, to whom Od
was god of thunder. His mighty strength depended upon three things —
his
hammer, his belt of strength, and his iron gloves
thunder. His mighty strength depended upon three things — his hammer,
his
belt of strength, and his iron gloves. The hammer
th depended upon three things — his hammer, his belt of strength, and
his
iron gloves. The hammer when thrown returned to h
of strength, and his iron gloves. The hammer when thrown returned to
his
hand of its own accord. When he girded the belt a
ed to his hand of its own accord. When he girded the belt around him,
his
strength was doubled. Whenever he put on his iron
ded the belt around him, his strength was doubled. Whenever he put on
his
iron gloves, he could use his hammer efliciently.
trength was doubled. Whenever he put on his iron gloves, he could use
his
hammer efliciently. From Thor’s name was derived
g arch and invade Valhalla. Heimdall required less sleep than a bird;
his
sight was so keen that he could distinguish the s
nt of Odin, is the hero of this story. He was born after the death of
his
father, and became the foster-child of Regin (the
ening heath. Sigurd became possessed of the treasure which lay within
his
mighty folds, and by eating his heart he also gai
ssed of the treasure which lay within his mighty folds, and by eating
his
heart he also gained a wisdom beyond that of mort
his heart he also gained a wisdom beyond that of mortal men. Going on
his
way he came to a heath, in the midst of which a f
ir maiden, Brynhild, lay asleep. Sigurd rode through the fire, and at
his
touch she awoke. They then plighted their troth,
the house of Giuki, the Niflung*, who determined that he should marry
his
daughter Gudrun, and that Brynhild should become
arry his daughter Gudrun, and that Brynhild should become the wife of
his
son Gunnar. But Gunnar could not ride through the
ering the treachery, Brynhild urged Gunnar to slay Sigurd, but he and
his
brothers had sworn not to injure the hero. They t
injure the hero. They therefore induced Guttorm to slay Sigurd during
his
sleep. His death reawakened all the love of Brynh
s death reawakened all the love of Brynhild, who died heart-broken on
his
funeral pile. The Niflungs* or Nibelungs* are th
ed to slay the victims, at the same time praying that God will render
his
gift prosperous to those to whom He has given it.
t of all things, and, realizing this, the primitive savage made Light
his
chief god. The light appears in the east and disa
The muskrat was soon restored; and Michabo, the Great Hare, exerting
his
creative power, moulded the little fragment of so
s, and the story added that he is not yet satisfied, and he continues
his
journey and labor, walking forever around the ear
the new earth. Michabo, the Great Hare, formed the trees by shooting
his
arrows into the soil; they became tree trunks, an
flies, he invented the art of making nets for fish, and taught it to
his
descendants. He was believed to confer fortune in
e.” Perrot . Sometimes Michabo was said to dwell in the skies with
his
brother, the Snow, or, like many great spirits, t
ith his brother, the Snow, or, like many great spirits, to have built
his
wigwam in the far north, on some floe of ice in t
s the ‘earthborn.’ “After the darkness of the night, man first learns
his
whereabouts by the light kindling in the Orient.
d Shawano, the South. Wabun was the chief and leader, and assigned to
his
brothers their various duties, especially to blow
bo; its name is Wabanang, from Waban, the East. The rays of light are
his
messengers and servants. Seated at the extreme ea
extreme east, ‘at the place where the earth is cut off,’ watching in
his
medicine-lodge, or passing his time fishing in th
ere the earth is cut off,’ watching in his medicine-lodge, or passing
his
time fishing in the endless ocean, which, on ever
ocean, which, on every side, surrounds the land, Michabo sends forth
his
messengers, who, in the myth, are called Gijigoua
d rites of the religion were defined and taught by him; the maize was
his
gift, and the pleasant art of smoking was his inv
t by him; the maize was his gift, and the pleasant art of smoking was
his
invention.” Tanner . Michabo is said to sleep
nd at the time of the falling leaves, by way of composing himself for
his
nap, he fills his great pipe and divinely smokes;
the falling leaves, by way of composing himself for his nap, he fills
his
great pipe and divinely smokes; the blue clouds g
ft in the sky, and fell towards the earth. There a turtle offered her
his
broad back as a resting-place, until, from a litt
y as before. A partridge informed Ioskeha of this, and he set out for
his
brother’s country, for they had divided the earth
ruler of the spirits of the dead. The victorious Ioskeha returned to
his
grandmother, and “established his lodge in the fa
The victorious Ioskeha returned to his grandmother, and “established
his
lodge in the far east, on the borders of the grea
sed the earth to bring forth, stocked the woods with game, and taught
his
children the use of fire. “In the Oneida dialect
Indo-European had any choice as to the main features of the career of
his
solar divinity. He must be born of the Night, or
ure us that the imagination of the barbarian, who either carries away
his
wife by brute force, or buys her from her relativ
Aryan, whose civilization, even in the times before the dispersion of
his
race, was sufficiently advanced to allow of his e
ore the dispersion of his race, was sufficiently advanced to allow of
his
entertaining such comparatively exalted conceptio
piter himself, the first and the greatest of the gods, was subject to
his
decrees. He had his kind of worship; but, as he c
irst and the greatest of the gods, was subject to his decrees. He had
his
kind of worship; but, as he could not be comprehe
by the human understanding, the ancients durst not determine what was
his
figure; hence, they never adored his statue as th
nts durst not determine what was his figure; hence, they never adored
his
statue as they did that of the other gods. Yet so
attempted to represent him in the form of an old man, holding between
his
hands the urn wherein the fortunes of mankind are
e history of Jupiter, it may be proper to speak of Saturn and Cybele,
his
parents, although their rank was far inferior to
turn and Cybele, his parents, although their rank was far inferior to
his
own. The Greeks deemed Uranus the most ancient of
neither of the first nor of the second class? Was Jupiter superior to
his
father, Saturn, in rank? What god did the Greeks
ssion of the kingdom to Titan; but, in compliance with the request of
his
mother, he yielded his right to his younger broth
Titan; but, in compliance with the request of his mother, he yielded
his
right to his younger brother Saturn, on condition
in compliance with the request of his mother, he yielded his right to
his
younger brother Saturn, on condition that he shou
younger brother Saturn, on condition that he should not suffer any of
his
male children to live. To fulfil this condition,
his male children to live. To fulfil this condition, Saturn devoured
his
sons as soon as they were born. Cybele, his wife,
ondition, Saturn devoured his sons as soon as they were born. Cybele,
his
wife, having, however, brought into the world Jup
nymphs Adrastea and Ida, otherwise called the Melisses, took care of
his
infancy. The poets relate, that, to prevent Satur
t for them, and restored them to liberty. But before Jupiter released
his
father, he had usurped the kingdom; and, fearing
kingdom; and, fearing that Saturn would employ all means to re-ascend
his
throne, he drove him from heaven. The dethroned k
s, king of Italy, who not only received him, but also shared with him
his
throne. — Italy was anciently called Latium or Sa
d Latium or Saturnia. In return for this kindness, Saturn offered him
his
services. His reign was called the golden age; du
aturn is represented in the figure of an old man, holding a scythe in
his
hand. Obs. 2. In a moral sence, Saturn is the em
, ages, and centuries, and marks the close of each: and as he pursues
his
rapid flight without deigning to be stayed by the
reated thing as he rushes along, he is aptly represented as devouring
his
own children. Hence, emblematically to figure for
ically to figure forth the rapidity, the power, and the regularity of
his
course, wings, a scythe, and an hourglass were gi
n or Time. “Then Saturn came, who fled the pow’rs of Jove, Robb’d of
his
realms, and banish’d from above; The men dispers’
il customs taught; And Latium call’d the land, where safe he lay From
his
unduteous son and his usurping sway. And hence th
Latium call’d the land, where safe he lay From his unduteous son and
his
usurping sway. And hence the Golden Times derived
Janiculum. Saturn, as has been shown, after having been dethroned by
his
son Jupiter, was hospitably received by Janus. To
received by Janus. To reward this kindness, therefore, Saturn taught
his
subjects to cultivate corn and the vine, to make
altars, because it was composed of twelve months. It was he who gave
his
name to January. He is usually represented with t
aviger, or the “club bearer,” because he holds the rod and the key in
his
hands; Janitor, because doors were under his prot
s the rod and the key in his hands; Janitor, because doors were under
his
protection; Junonius, because Juno committed to h
doors were under his protection; Junonius, because Juno committed to
his
care the calends of the month, which belonged to
of the month, which belonged to her; Patulacius and Clausius, because
his
temple was open and shut in time of war and peace
ur, to express the four seasons: — hence he was called Quadrifons. In
his
right hand he held a key, because he invented doo
ith two faces, because he commanded two different people, and divided
his
empire with Saturn. It also records that that pri
e had medals with two faces stamped, to announce that the totality of
his
states would be governed by the counsels of Satur
that the former year did grace, T’ a fresh and verdant garland yields
his
place; Why is’t that though I other gods adore, I
Mars they bear, And still are worshipped with religious fear) Before
his
temple stand: the dire abode And the fear’d issue
Senate votes the wars, The Roman consul their decree declares, And in
his
robes the sounding gates unbars. Then dire debate
he righteous laws, and fraud and force restrain. Janus himself before
his
fane shall wait, And keep the dreadful issues of
s himself before his fane shall wait, And keep the dreadful issues of
his
gate With bolts and iron bars. Within remains Imp
ey relate that Dardanus, contemporary with Cadmus, after the death of
his
brother Jasion, led Cybele, his sister-in-law, an
orary with Cadmus, after the death of his brother Jasion, led Cybele,
his
sister-in-law, and Corybas, his nephew, to Phrygi
th of his brother Jasion, led Cybele, his sister-in-law, and Corybas,
his
nephew, to Phrygia, where they introduced the mys
ut down, and the nymph perished. Atys, in despair, could not restrain
his
fury. His phrensy drove him to the mountains of P
Phrygia, where he killed himself with a hatchet. He was about to lose
his
life, when Cybele, having compassion upon a morta
ys and Sangaris is founded upon Midas, king of Pessinuntus’ promising
his
daughter in marriage to the young Atys. Cybele wa
Vesta the younger, the goddess of fire, was the daughter of Saturn by
his
wife Rhea, and the sister of Jupiter, Neptune, Pl
Saturn and Cybele, and was the twin brother of Juno. He was saved by
his
mother from destruction, and entrusted to the car
erra predicted to Jupiter, that he would gain a complete victory over
his
enemies, if he would set at liberty those Titans
ictory over his enemies, if he would set at liberty those Titans whom
his
father had shut up in Tartarus, and if he could e
perilous adventure; killed Campus, who kept the prison, and delivered
his
relatives. The Cyclops gave a helmet to Pluto and
giants with one hundred hands each. Jupiter shared the universe with
his
brethren, Neptune and Pluto. For himself he reser
d Juno. Juno appears to have been the last and the most celebrated of
his
wives. By these wives he had a great number of ch
passions. Thus, he is said to have assumed the shape of a crow to woo
his
sister Juno, of a shower of gold to gain access t
Leda, of a wild satyr to ravish Antiope, of Amphitryon, to impose on
his
wife Alcmena, of fire to win Egina’s affection, o
nd was represented as the father of gods and men, shaking heaven with
his
nod, and governing all things except the Fates, b
ng heaven with his nod, and governing all things except the Fates, by
his
will, as supreme. Jupiter sits on a throne of ivo
and gold, under a rich canopy, with a beard, holding thunderbolts in
his
right hand, and in his left, a sceptre of cypress
canopy, with a beard, holding thunderbolts in his right hand, and in
his
left, a sceptre of cypress surmounted with an eag
tre of cypress surmounted with an eagle with expanded wings, which is
his
armour bearer; his vesture is an embroidered cloa
ounted with an eagle with expanded wings, which is his armour bearer;
his
vesture is an embroidered cloak, and he has golde
ad the first temple at Rome on the Capitoline hill; Tarpeius, because
his
temple was built on the Tarpean rock; Optimus and
ius, because he heard the prayers of men; Feretrius, because he smote
his
enemies or gave peace; Fulminator, or Ceraunius,
uds, Pavilioned in the thickness of the clouds, With lightning arm’d,
his
red hand he puts forth, And shakes with burning b
and, With rosy wreaths, Europa’s hand adorns His fringed forehead and
his
pearly horns; Light on his back the sportive dams
opa’s hand adorns His fringed forehead and his pearly horns; Light on
his
back the sportive damsel bounds, And pleased he m
And pleased he moves along the flowery grounds; Bears with slow steps
his
beauteous prize aloof, Dips in the lucid flood hi
rs with slow steps his beauteous prize aloof, Dips in the lucid flood
his
ivory hoof; Then wets his velvet knees, and wadin
uteous prize aloof, Dips in the lucid flood his ivory hoof; Then wets
his
velvet knees, and wading laves His silky sides am
draws her snowy feet, And, half reclining on her ermine seat, Around
his
rais’d neck her radiant arms she throws, And rest
rais’d neck her radiant arms she throws, And rests her fair cheek on
his
curled brows; Her yellow tresses wave on wanton g
ernal thunderer, sat enthron’d in gold; High heav’n the footstool for
his
feet he makes, And wide beneath him all Olympus s
s, And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. He spake; and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls, and give
all Olympus shakes. He spake; and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls, and gives the nod; The stamp of
emn silence keep; The wond’ring waves lie level on the deep; Earth to
his
centre shook; high heav’n was aw’d, And all th’ i
ng of Crete, also named Cœlus or Uranus, had married Titea, or Terra,
his
sister, by whom he had several, children: Titan,
and Chronos or Saturn. Saturn, though the youngest, supplanted Titan
his
elder brother, and put his father to a violent de
urn, though the youngest, supplanted Titan his elder brother, and put
his
father to a violent death. In process of time, Sa
a violent death. In process of time, Saturn having been dethroned by
his
son Jupiter was treated by him as he had treated
een dethroned by his son Jupiter was treated by him as he had treated
his
father. After a glorious reign, he died in Crete,
omb with this epitaph: “Here lies Zeus, who was named Jupiter.” Eris,
his
son, succeeded. Obs. 2. — Jupiter’s throwing his
med Jupiter.” Eris, his son, succeeded. Obs. 2. — Jupiter’s throwing
his
father down into the infernal regions, may be thu
giants who attempted to dethrone Jupiter, is meant the conspiracy of
his
enemies who attacked him on Mount Olympus, which
with Jupiter, only mark the different employments which the lords of
his
court filled. Mercury was his secretary of state
ifferent employments which the lords of his court filled. Mercury was
his
secretary of state and ambassador; Neptune, or Æo
secretary of state and ambassador; Neptune, or Æolus, the admiral of
his
fleets; Vulcan, his high master of artillery; Mar
and ambassador; Neptune, or Æolus, the admiral of his fleets; Vulcan,
his
high master of artillery; Mars, the general of hi
is fleets; Vulcan, his high master of artillery; Mars, the general of
his
troops; Comus, his hotel master. By the Academy o
his high master of artillery; Mars, the general of his troops; Comus,
his
hotel master. By the Academy of the Muses, was me
tions. Who was Jupiter? Where was Jupiter born and educated? What was
his
first exploit? Did he enjoy his new empire undist
s Jupiter born and educated? What was his first exploit? Did he enjoy
his
new empire undisturbed? Was he married? Were the
cted the artifice of Jupiter, and therefore delivered over Pandora to
his
brother Epinotheus, who being seduced by her beau
is brother Epinotheus, who being seduced by her beauty, chose her for
his
wife. The curiosity of Epinotheus was raised at s
n Prometheus to mount Caucasus, with a vulture continually preying on
his
liver. After thirty years suffering, he was relea
s king of Thessaly, and married to Pyrrha, daughter of Epimetheus. In
his
age the human race was destroyed by a deluge. Onl
his age the human race was destroyed by a deluge. Only Deucalion and
his
wife escaped the general calamity by saving thems
y saving themselves in a vessel that he had constructed, according to
his
father’s advice. The vessel floated for nine days
ss The sum of human misery than wretchedness, And strengthen man with
his
own mind.” Byron. Obs. 1. — Prometheus is a na
bles of the poets intelligible, they placed Minerva by him, directing
his
labours by her counsels; whence he is said to hav
her counsels; whence he is said to have given, as it were, a soul to
his
statues. Prometheus taught the Scythians to live
which we elicit fire from flints. King Jupiter having driven him from
his
kingdom, Prometheus hid himself in the forests on
he experienced in so cruel an exile was figured by a vulture tearing
his
liver. Obs. 3. — The fables of Pandora and Deuca
was the son of Prometheus? What afterwards happened to Deucalion and
his
wife Pyrrha? Did they obey the command of the ora
ers fix her nativity at Samos. Juno was married to Jupiter. To render
his
wedding more solemn, Jupiter charged Mercury to i
band rendered Juno haughty, jealous, and inexorable; and she punished
his
mistresses with unparalleled severity. She persec
pended between heaven and earth. Vulcan having effected the rescue of
his
mother, was thrust out of the celestial abodes, a
scue of his mother, was thrust out of the celestial abodes, and broke
his
leg by the fall. She, therefore, excited sedition
yes. This spy of the goddess could not be surprised, because fifty of
his
eyes remained open, while the other half was give
request of Jupiter, found means to lull Argus asleep by the sounds of
his
flute, and killed him during his sleep. To reward
o lull Argus asleep by the sounds of his flute, and killed him during
his
sleep. To reward Argus, Juno transformed him into
. To reward Argus, Juno transformed him into a peacock, and impressed
his
eyes on its feathers. Juno was the mother of Mars
him stood. There Argus lies; and all that wond’rous light, Which gave
his
hundred eyes their useful sight, Lies buried now
sight, Lies buried now in one eternal night. But Juno, that she might
his
eyes retain, Soon fix’d them in her gaudy peacock
ed so indispensable to the future happiness of the married pair, that
his
name was loudly invoked during their celebration.
s, dressed in a saffron-coloured vest, and holding a burning torch in
his
hand. Symbolically, the youthfulness of Hymen rep
he youthfulness of Hymen represents the importance of early marriage,
his
rosy crown, the rational pleasures of matrimony,
ly marriage, his rosy crown, the rational pleasures of matrimony, and
his
torch, a chaste and perpetual flame of love. Jupi
h; and was also called Nona Dies. When a boy entered the ninth day of
his
age, or when a girl reached her eighth day, this
“Gauls are coming.” Nobody appreciated this information on account of
his
mean origin. After the Gallic war, Camillus dedic
chariot, drawn by winged dragons, and bade him travel and communicate
his
knowledge to those who then fed on acorns and roo
mmunicate his knowledge to those who then fed on acorns and roots. On
his
return to Athens, he celebrated the Eleusinian my
hich enraged her so much that she cast the water of the Phlegethon at
his
face, and he was soon metamorphosed into an owl,
wn a grove sacred to her, with such insatiable hunger, that he gnawed
his
own flesh; and she changed some clowns into frogs
her. The fountain of Cyanne, when Pluto opened it with the stroke of
his
bident, afforded him a passage, and was honoured
ng wheat, On Ceres call; and let the lab’ring find With oaken wreaths
his
hollow temples bind; On Ceres let him call, and C
alphus became the subject of her vengeance. It appears, however, that
his
prudence and wisdom engaged Minerva to take him u
esented under the figure of a young man, who holds a bow or a harp in
his
hand, while the sun is represented with a head su
Sagittarius (a bow-man.) He represents the Centaur Chiron, who draws
his
bow. He had been the preceptor of Hercules; but i
s against the Centaurs, Hercules wounded him accidentally with one of
his
arrows, which had been dipped in the blood of the
te pain, that he wished to die, though immortal. The gods, moved with
his
complaints, granted him his request. He died, and
ie, though immortal. The gods, moved with his complaints, granted him
his
request. He died, and was translated into heaven
ather, and open the gates of heaven. Ethes, Pasiphæ, and Rhodia, were
his
reputed daughters. The poets say that on the birt
into poplars — weeping amber, because they constantly shed tears for
his
death. Cygnus, his brother, died of grief, and wa
ping amber, because they constantly shed tears for his death. Cygnus,
his
brother, died of grief, and was metamorphosed int
d thee revere. The muses love thy shrilly tone; Apollo calls thee all
his
own; ‘Twas he who gave that voice to thee, Tis he
mbitious youth, involved in the difficulties of an undertaking beyond
his
capacity. Questions. Who was Aurora? Was Aurora f
cine, poetry, divination, the fine arts, and archery. Having acquired
his
full stature as soon as born, he immediately with
Having acquired his full stature as soon as born, he immediately with
his
arrows destroyed the serpent Python, which Juno h
arrows destroyed the serpent Python, which Juno had sent to persecute
his
mother. In conjunction with Diana, he slew the ch
anged into a rock. His son Æsculapius had been killed by Jupiter with
his
thunderbolts for raising the dead to life; whereu
killed the Cyclops who forged them, and engaged with Neptune against
his
sovereign. For this double offence, he was banish
s a shepherd to Admetus, king of Thessaly, and remained nine years in
his
service; and hence he has sometimes been called t
changed into a cypress Cyparissus, who died of grief for the loss of
his
pet deer; his mistress Daphne into a laurel; and
a cypress Cyparissus, who died of grief for the loss of his pet deer;
his
mistress Daphne into a laurel; and his lover Leuc
for the loss of his pet deer; his mistress Daphne into a laurel; and
his
lover Leucothe, into a beautiful tree which drops
which drops frankincense. He despised Clytia, because she discovered
his
amours with Leucothe; and she was changed into a
ing of Phrygia, a pair of “asses’ ears,” for prefering Pan’s music to
his
. Jupiter, thinking that he had now been sufficien
born on Mount Cynthus in the Island Delos; Delius, because Delos was
his
native island; Delphinus, because he guided Casti
d Castilius, a Cretan, in the figure of a dolphin; Delphicus, because
his
oracle was held in high esteem at Delphi; Didymæu
; Phœbus, in allusion to the light of the sun; Pythius, on account of
his
victory over the serpent Python, a victory which
less youth, with long hair and a handsome shape, sometimes holding in
his
hand a bow, with a quiver of arrows at his back,
hape, sometimes holding in his hand a bow, with a quiver of arrows at
his
back, and sometimes a lyre, or harp. His head was
s I inspire. Sure is my bow, unerring is my dart, But ah! more deadly
his
, who pierc’d my heart. Med’cine is mine; what her
un and moon. When Apollo was enraged, they represented him armed with
his
arrows; and to express that he was appeased, they
h his arrows; and to express that he was appeased, they put a lyre in
his
hand. Obs. 2. — The poets thus give an origin to
estroyed her sensibility, she still turns towards the sun to reproach
his
inconstancy. Obs. 5. — The Satyr Marsyas durst n
cy. Obs. 5. — The Satyr Marsyas durst not pretend that the sounds of
his
flute would please more than those of Apollo’s ly
ntion of the lyre, the flute was the instrument prefered. Apollo with
his
lyre, found means to unite the beauty of song wit
a harp, to show the harmony of our system; with a buckler, to denote
his
defending the earth; and with arrows, to signify
ckler, to denote his defending the earth; and with arrows, to signify
his
power of life and death. His killing the serpent
serpent Python is taken for the sun’s exhaling pestilential vapours;
his
feeding Admetus’ sheep, for its sustaining all cr
dmetus’ sheep, for its sustaining all creatures by its genial warmth;
his
destroying the Cyclops for forging Jupiter’s thun
its doleful plumage and that of the raven to be at once the proof of
his
regrets and vengeance. Questions. Who was Latona?
Latona. Did not Juno discover her retreat? Who was Apollo? What were
his
first exploits? How did Apollo incense Jupiter ag
n earth? Did Apollo continue on earth? How was he honoured? Where was
his
favorite residence? Had not he various names? How
al arts to the sciences. On their mountain, Pegasus is seen to expand
his
wings towards heaven, and to open with the stroke
en to expand his wings towards heaven, and to open with the stroke of
his
hoof the fountain Hippocrenus, celebrated among t
er; but not being able to keep himself in the air; he fell, and broke
his
head. 1. Clio, crowned with laurel, held a trumpe
is pretended death of Adonis, allegorically represents a man, vain of
his
intellectual powers, who considered himself a poe
dered himself a poet, but whose works could not survive him. Such was
his
poetic, or, rather, literary death. Obs. 3. — We
erary death. Obs. 3. — We learn from history that Pyrenus drove from
his
kingdom all learned and wise men, and shut up pub
this he was generally despised, and when he died, no one would honour
his
memory. After having unavailingly attempted to ha
would honour his memory. After having unavailingly attempted to have
his
works admired, he thought he revenged himself by
nvented the foregoing fable with a view to perpetuate this blemish of
his
character. Obs. 4. — The name of Musagete or cap
his problem ingeniously. He affirms that this celebrated Hercules and
his
twelve labours were merely the emblems of the sun
youth imprudently gazed on the goddess, who, casting the waters into
his
face, he was transformed into a stag. His own hou
Erostratus, who committed this atrocious crime in order to perpetuate
his
name with posterity. The inhabitants of Taurica h
ured of Endymion, that she came down every night from heaven to enjoy
his
company. This fiction, derogatory to Diana, is fo
y to Diana, is founded on the taste of Endymion for astronomy, and on
his
attentive observance of all the motions of the mo
oon. Endymion retired to the mountains in Caria, where he often spent
his
nights, which caused the fable of Diana’s nocturn
ed on Semele to beg of Jupiter, that he would come and see her in all
his
glory and majesty, and thus prove that he was a g
ires of her lover. Jupiter, however, saved her infant, and shut it in
his
thigh, where it remained till its birth. This rid
d “is my home.” Bacchus burst into tears, and the mariners laughed at
his
distress; but they were soon astonished to find t
ore made the ship float onward, and instantly arrived at the place of
his
destination, accompanied by a train of tigers, pa
cal instruments, himself in a chariot drawn by a lion and a tiger. In
his
progress, all submitted to him; and he instructed
e deceived by wine. The Ambrosia were feasts instituted in January to
his
honour, and were by the Romans called Brumalia. A
of the Bacchanalia. Alcithœ, a Theban lady, refusing to be present at
his
festivals, because they were licentious, was chan
was changed into a bat; and Pentheus, king of Thebes, for ridiculing
his
orgies, was torn in pieces by the Bacchanals, amo
ing his orgies, was torn in pieces by the Bacchanals, among whom were
his
mother and sister. Lycurgus, not the Spartan lawg
d himself with a scythe, and began to cut them, but awkwardly wounded
his
legs. As the god of vintage and drinkers, Bacchus
he god of vintage and drinkers, Bacchus was represented as holding in
his
hand a thyrsus, or javelin with an iron head, bou
nd again he appears like Apollo, with fine hair, loosely flowing down
his
shoulders, and with beauty equal to Apollo’s. He
usually offered to him, because he destroyed the vine. The magpie was
his
favorite bird, because, in triumphs, people spoke
cause he was born on the promontory Brisa in Lesbos; Bromius, because
his
mother uttered dying groans; Bugens, Tauriformis,
Dithyrambus, because he was born twice; Dionysius, because he pricked
his
father’s side at the moment of his birth; Evius,
ice; Dionysius, because he pricked his father’s side at the moment of
his
birth; Evius, Evous, Evan, or Hye, because Jupite
of a lion, and exclaimed, “Well done son;” Eleus, because he animated
his
soldiers with acclamations before they fought; Ja
eus, because he was worshipped in all free cities; Nyctilius, because
his
sacrifices were celebrated at night; Nysæus, beca
Nysa; Rectus, or Orthos, because he taught a king of Athens to dilute
his
wine with water; Triumphus, because as the conque
ugh the deep valleys and the sloping hills, Where’er the god inclines
his
lovely face, More luscious fruits the rich planta
not before the child was born; whereupon Jupiter sent him by Mercury
his
messenger, to Nysa, a city near a mountain called
n Egypt, was educated in Nisa, a city of Arabia Felix, to which place
his
father Ammon had sent him. They recognized in the
letter renders the two names absolutely similar. Bacchus, armed with
his
thyrsus, defeated the giants: Moses fought the gi
s fought the giants, descendants of Enoch: a rod is the instrument of
his
miracles. Jupiter sends Iris to Bacchus, with ord
dolatrous nation. The god Pan gives a dog to Bacchus to follow him in
his
travels. Caleb, whose Hebrew name signifies a dog
the faithful companion of Moses. Bacchus, by striking the ground with
his
thyrsus, brought forth waves of wine. Moses, by s
drawn from Noah. Questions. Who was Bacchus? What story is related of
his
birth? Did Jupiter grant this rash request? What
nfounded together. Jupiter complaining of the head-ache, Vulcan split
his
head with a hatchet; whence Minerva sprang out, n
eity who should confer the most valuable gift on the city should give
his
name to it. No sooner had Neptune struck the eart
ould give his name to it. No sooner had Neptune struck the earth with
his
trident, than a beautiful fiery courser, the embl
pinning indicates that patience and perseverance should be evinced in
his
works; and the ornaments of tapestry show that he
her bathing in the fountain of Helicon; but, to answer the prayers of
his
mother, she conferred on him the gift of prophecy
tonia, either because her father brought her forth three months after
his
head had been struck, or because she was educated
nts of life, and is attentive to the lessons of wisdom, which improve
his
experience, and enable him to foresee futurity.
to the world, completely armed, because the wise man, strengthened by
his
conscience, and by virtue, knows how to contend w
ed him to set them free. Mars, enraged at this discovery, transformed
his
favorite Alectryon into a cock, to punish him for
eaven, complaining to Jupiter that Minerva had directed the weapon of
his
antagonist. Mars had temples in all countries. Hi
to have fallen from heaven. His victims were the horse, on account of
his
usefulness in war; the dog, for his acuteness in
ims were the horse, on account of his usefulness in war; the dog, for
his
acuteness in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for his f
in war; the dog, for his acuteness in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for
his
ferocity and rapine; and the cock, for his vigila
uit of prey; the wolf, for his ferocity and rapine; and the cock, for
his
vigilance to prevent surprise. Ravens, magpies, a
flying before them in tattered garments. Clamour and Anger appear in
his
train. He patronized whatever was bloody, cruel,
d sometimes to that, in wars. The Greeks named him Corytaix, stirring
his
helmet, to paint him bloody and terrible. Mars ha
the formidable god of fights, when crowned by victory, throwing aside
his
bloody trophies, and laying down his laurels at t
owned by victory, throwing aside his bloody trophies, and laying down
his
laurels at the feet of Beauty. Questions. Who was
erred the decision to Paris, son of Priam, king of Troy, then feeding
his
flocks upon Mount Ida. Paris adjudged the apple t
h wings, a bow and quiver of arrows, and sometimes with a fillet over
his
eyes. Sometimes he is mounted on a lion, playing
he is mounted on a lion, playing on a lyre, the fierce animal turning
his
head, and listening to its harmonious chords; at
os, because he had a golden dart, which causes love; Anteros, because
his
leaden dart procures hatred. — See Fig. 27. Fi
a flowery field, Cupid boasted that he could gather more flowers than
his
mother. Venus accepted the challenge. Cupid flew
ely to win the victory, when Peristera aided Venus. Cupid, enraged at
his
defeat, turned her into a dove, which her name si
was metamorphosed into a tree, which bears her name. At the moment of
his
birth, the tree was opened. The Naiades received
irth, the tree was opened. The Naiades received him, and took care of
his
infancy. Being brought up in the woods, he became
being killed by that animal, Venus changed the blood that flowed from
his
wound into the flower , which is said to have eve
in the air. There her son Cupid stood before her feet, Two wings upon
his
shoulders, fair and fleet; And blind as night, as
’s sequestered height The fair Adonis left the realms of light, Bowed
his
bright locks, and, fated from his birth To change
nis left the realms of light, Bowed his bright locks, and, fated from
his
birth To change eternal, mingled with the earth;
les, and rivers blushed with blood; And beauty’s goddess bending o’er
his
bier, Breathed the soft sigh, and poured the tend
icated life. In Homer and Virgil, we find Jupiter addressing Venus as
his
father, which is illustrated by the different vie
ce, were consecrated to her. Obs. 5. — Cupid was the god of love. By
his
arrows are meant the shafts of love, a wound from
was often represented as blind, because the fancy of the lover paints
his
mistress in qualities, the reality of which does
nd. He married the daughter of Biblos, and succeeded to the throne of
his
father-in-law. While he was hunting in the forest
queen, thinking the wound mortal, betrayed such poignant grief, that
his
subjects thought him dead and mourning spread ove
e, where, in agonizing grief, she had to encounter the awful scene of
his
death, and feel “the feeble, thrilling pressure”
wful scene of his death, and feel “the feeble, thrilling pressure” of
his
lips and his hand, and sink under “the last fond
his death, and feel “the feeble, thrilling pressure” of his lips and
his
hand, and sink under “the last fond look of his g
sure” of his lips and his hand, and sink under “the last fond look of
his
gazing eye;” but still more his “faint, faltering
and sink under “the last fond look of his gazing eye;” but still more
his
“faint, faltering accents, struggling in death to
tterly repented of being the cause of her lover’s death, and plunging
his
sword into her own body; she fell on him, gave hi
the inconveniences incident to a matrimonial life, seriously made up
his
mind to live single. He made an artificial image
er person and carriage. Pygmalion could not help falling in love with
his
own workmanship, and begged Venus to make it into
them. After having attained the goal, he claimed her as the prize of
his
victory. These two lovers were turned into a lion
compensated by the charms of mind and that we should judge no one by
his
external appearance. They were said to be spright
ven for a considerable time, but having offended Jupiter by relieving
his
mother, whom Jupiter had suspended by a chain fro
always after a cripple. The islanders used him so well, that he fixed
his
residence among them, and taught them the use of
hipped chiefly in Egypt, at Athens, and at Rome. Feasts celebrated to
his
honour, were called Lampadophories. As offerings
ctims. Vulcan is usually represented working at the forge, holding in
his
left hand a thunderbolt with pincers on an anvil,
ing in his left hand a thunderbolt with pincers on an anvil, and with
his
right, lifting a hammer. An eagle waits by his si
on an anvil, and with his right, lifting a hammer. An eagle waits by
his
side to carry the bolt to Jupiter. He always appe
the bolt to Jupiter. He always appears with neglected beard and hair;
his
habit descends not quite to the knees; he wears a
l, because they had forged the thunderbolts with which Jupiter killed
his
son Æsculapius. The chief workmen were Polyphemus
lyphemus was slain by Ulysses. Vulcan. “Cupid is Vulcan’s son, Venus
his
wife: No wonder then he goes lame all his life.”
upid is Vulcan’s son, Venus his wife: No wonder then he goes lame all
his
life.” “Nor was his name unheard or unadored In
Venus his wife: No wonder then he goes lame all his life.” “Nor was
his
name unheard or unadored In ancient Greece: and i
shine. There the lame Architect the goddess found, Obscure in smoke,
his
forges flaming round; While bath’d in sweat, from
to fire he flew, And puffing loud the roaring bellows blew. Then from
his
anvil the lame artist rose; Wide with distorted l
sooty workmen drest His brawny arms imbrown’d and hairy breast: With
his
huge sceptre grac’d, and red attire, Came halting
laze.” Virgil. Polyphemus. “The joints of slaughter’d wretches are
his
food, And for his wine he quaffs the streaming bl
olyphemus. “The joints of slaughter’d wretches are his food, And for
his
wine he quaffs the streaming blood. These eyes be
his wine he quaffs the streaming blood. These eyes beheld, when with
his
spacious hand He seiz’d two captives of our Greci
pacious hand He seiz’d two captives of our Grecian band; Stretch’d on
his
back, he dash’d against the stones Their broken b
ing limbs. Not unreveng’d Ulysses bore their fate, Nor thoughtless of
his
own unhappy state. For gorg’d with flesh, and dru
le fast asleep the giant lay supine, Snoring aloud, and belching from
his
maw His undigested foam and mosals raw; We pray,
along the ground; Each as he could approach him, lends a hand To bore
his
eyeball with a flaming brand; Beneath his frownin
h him, lends a hand To bore his eyeball with a flaming brand; Beneath
his
frowning forehead lay his eye; For only one did t
e his eyeball with a flaming brand; Beneath his frowning forehead lay
his
eye; For only one did this vast frame supply, But
; For only one did this vast frame supply, But that a globe so large,
his
front so fill’d, Like the Sun’s disk, or like the
Egyptians, or, rather, their first divinity. Their silence respecting
his
origin, renders it probable that he was the same
hed? Was he worshipped? How is Vulcan generally represented? Who were
his
servants or workmen? Chapter XXIV. Mercury.
ransmigration. Mercury was born on Mount Cyllene, in Arcadia, and, in
his
infancy, was entrusted to the care of the seasons
his infancy, was entrusted to the care of the seasons. On the day of
his
birth, he is said to have stolen the oxen of Adme
red by Battus, Mercury gave him a cow to keep the secret; but to test
his
fidelity, Mercury appeared to him in another shap
and in spite of their utmost vigilance, to have purloined from Apollo
his
bow and quiver, from Neptune his trident, from Ve
lance, to have purloined from Apollo his bow and quiver, from Neptune
his
trident, from Venus her girdle, from Mars his swo
nd quiver, from Neptune his trident, from Venus her girdle, from Mars
his
sword, from Jupiter his sceptre, and from Vulcan
his trident, from Venus her girdle, from Mars his sword, from Jupiter
his
sceptre, and from Vulcan his tools. Mercury great
irdle, from Mars his sword, from Jupiter his sceptre, and from Vulcan
his
tools. Mercury greatly distinguished himself in t
ed Mars from a long confinement, purified the Danaides, tied Ixion to
his
wheel, and destroyed the hundred-eyed Argus. He c
tly become reconciled. He saw two serpents fighting, and when he laid
his
wand between them, they regarded each other with
t commonly, however, as a naked youth, standing on tip-toe, having on
his
head a winged hat, called Petasus, and on his fee
g on tip-toe, having on his head a winged hat, called Petasus, and on
his
feet, winged sandals, called Talaria. He held in
and on his feet, winged sandals, called Talaria. He held in one hand
his
rod, and in the other, a purse. — See Fig. 30.
ngs of milk and honey were made to him, and the tongues were burnt on
his
altar with great solemnity, because he was the go
he was the god of eloquence. The Roman merchants annually celebrated
his
festival in a temple near the circus Maximus. Mer
ther from the name of Mount Cyllenus on which he was born, or because
his
statues had neither hands nor feet; Nomius, on ac
raud and treachery. “—— The god who mounts the winged winds, Fast to
his
feet the golden pinions binds, That high through
to his feet the golden pinions binds, That high through fields of air
his
flight sustain, O’er the wide earth, and o’er the
rapid force they bear him down the skies. But first he grasps, within
his
awful hand, The mark of sov’reign pow’r, his magi
first he grasps, within his awful hand, The mark of sov’reign pow’r,
his
magic wand: With this he draws the souls from hol
e Mercury, son of Maia, and grandson of Atlas, reigned after Jupiter,
his
father, in a part of Italy and Gaul. The qualitie
er Jupiter, his father, in a part of Italy and Gaul. The qualities of
his
mind were such that he was accounted the god of t
aid to have had three thousand children. His nymphs were called after
his
name, Oceanides and Oceantides. The Argonauts, be
oil on the sea-coast, and sacrificed to him bulls in order to solicit
his
protection. The sailors usually offered a lamb or
flowing beard, sitting on the waves of the sea, and holding a pike in
his
hand. Nereus, son to Oceanus, was a famous prophe
He was described with a long flowing beard, and sky-coloured head. By
his
wife Doris, he had fifty daughters, called Nereid
ng read in the book of Destiny that she would have a son greater than
his
father, he gave her for a wife to Peleus, who was
of maritime affairs, was the son of Saturn and Cybele. He received as
his
portion of dominion, the empire of the sea. He en
n of dominion, the empire of the sea. He engaged the gods to dethrone
his
brother Jupiter; for which offence, Neptune and A
elibacy. By her he had Triton. But like Jupiter, he was unfaithful to
his
wife; and his progeny by his various mistresses a
r he had Triton. But like Jupiter, he was unfaithful to his wife; and
his
progeny by his various mistresses are too numerou
. But like Jupiter, he was unfaithful to his wife; and his progeny by
his
various mistresses are too numerous to be mention
ld cause earthquakes, and raise islands from the bottom of the sea at
his
will. He was most venerated by the Libyans. The G
elebrated their Isthmean games and Consualia in honour of him. During
his
feasts, horses and mules crowned with flowers, re
Hippius, because he produced a horse out of the ground by a stroke of
his
trident; Posedon, because he broke vessels; Hippo
air and blue eyes, clad in a robe of rich azure, holding a trident in
his
right hand, and embracing his queen Amphitrite wi
obe of rich azure, holding a trident in his right hand, and embracing
his
queen Amphitrite with his left arm. Sometimes he
a trident in his right hand, and embracing his queen Amphitrite with
his
left arm. Sometimes he stands up, and sits down a
ed by Tritons, nymphs, and sea-monsters. He wears a radiated crown on
his
head. — See Fig. 31. Fig. 31. Neptune. Triton
Fig. 31. Neptune. Triton was the son of Neptune, and trumpeter to
his
father. He could calm the ocean and abate storms
e fore parts harness bear, Their hinder parts fish-shaped.” “Shaking
his
trident, urges on his steeds, Who with two feet b
ear, Their hinder parts fish-shaped.” “Shaking his trident, urges on
his
steeds, Who with two feet beat from their brawny
sea, Dispell’d the darkness, and restor’d the day. High on the waves
his
azure car he guides, Its axle, thunder, and the s
n triumph rides, The waves unruffle, and the sea subsides.” “Him and
his
martial train the Triton bears, High on his poop
sea subsides.” “Him and his martial train the Triton bears, High on
his
poop the sea-green god appears; Frowning, he seem
bears, High on his poop the sea-green god appears; Frowning, he seems
his
crooked shell to sound, And at the blast the bill
round. A hairy man above the breast he shows; A porpoise tail beneath
his
body grows, And ends a fish: his breast the waves
st he shows; A porpoise tail beneath his body grows, And ends a fish:
his
breast the waves divide, And froth and foam augme
he spies, Whose shoulders rob’d with native purple rise, And bids him
his
loud-sounding shell inspire, And give the floods
ud-sounding shell inspire, And give the floods a signal to retire. He
his
wreath’d trumpet takes (as given in charge) That
By Neptune the ancients understood the element of water: Amphitrite,
his
wife, is water itself. The enterprise of the dolp
captain who, commanding a great naval army, had signalized himself by
his
talents and heroic exploits in some sea-fight. O
lents and heroic exploits in some sea-fight. Obs. 2. — By the use of
his
trumpet Triton is said to have frightened away th
y? How was Neptune honoured? What were the usual names of Neptune and
his
wife Amphitrite? How is Neptune represented? Who
ng forewarned by Circe of their dangerous melody, stopped the ears of
his
comrades with wax, and caused himself to be bound
t, by which means he safely passed the fatal coast. Orpheus played on
his
harp, and sang the praises of the gods with such
is? Chapter IV. Proteus. Proteus, an amphibious deity, had for
his
mother the nymph Phœnice. He was called Vertumnus
he nymphs, afflicted at this misfortune, punished Aristæus by lulling
his
bees. In order to repair that loss, his mother Cy
punished Aristæus by lulling his bees. In order to repair that loss,
his
mother Cyrene sends him to consult Proteus; recom
e sends him to consult Proteus; recommends him to surprize Proteus in
his
sleep, and to bind him fast with cords; and assur
ast with cords; and assures him, that, after having in vain attempted
his
metamorphosis, he will resume his original form,
hat, after having in vain attempted his metamorphosis, he will resume
his
original form, and will tell him the secret of wh
orm. He is, therefore, compelled to yield, with the hope of regaining
his
liberty. He directs that youth to immolate four h
ered their strength by touching an herb upon which he had emptied out
his
nets, after which they instantly leaped into the
othea, and Melicerta was called Palæmon. He was painted with a key in
his
right hand, to designate that the poets are under
d with a key in his right hand, to designate that the poets are under
his
protection and safeguard. The Roman ladies much h
eptune. He was father to the Gorgons, of whom we shall speak. Thoosa,
his
daughter, was mother to Polyphemus, the most cele
of the gods, he was changed into a daffodil, which plant still bears
his
name. Echo. “She was a nymph, though only now a
” “A little drop of water does remove And keep him from the object of
his
love.” “My love does vainly on myself return, And
in a bag that he might thereby have power to resist all obstacles to
his
voyage. On coming within sight of the place of hi
t all obstacles to his voyage. On coming within sight of the place of
his
destination, the companions of Ulysses, supposing
e, and blew him back many a weary league, and thus greatly protracted
his
voyage home. The Winds are fabled to have been th
ht, Where, in a spacious cave of living stone, The tyrant Æolus, from
his
airy throne, With pow’r imperial curbs the strugg
ains rend. High in this hall th’ undaunted monarch stands, And shakes
his
sceptre, and their rage commands; Which did he no
(at that time called the Vulcanian, now called Lipari) on account of
his
uncommon skill and divine accuracy, in calculatin
e enjoyed it without gratitude, and thought of nothing but gratifying
his
wants and passions. Though his pride was great, h
and thought of nothing but gratifying his wants and passions. Though
his
pride was great, he acknowledged that he could no
, and that, having unceasingly withstood the dangers which threatened
his
life, he was in need of assistance and protection
d his life, he was in need of assistance and protection. His sorrows,
his
fears, and necessities, seem to have forced him t
seem to have forced him to believe that there was a power superior to
his
own. He therefore submits to implore that Being;
; but he presumptuously thinks he has the right of attaching value to
his
homage; and, consequently, of bringing him under
ge; and, consequently, of bringing him under obligation to watch over
his
necessities, and to relieve his wants. But the id
ng him under obligation to watch over his necessities, and to relieve
his
wants. But the idea of one God supreme, universal
d the dispenser of all blessings, was a conception too grand to enter
his
mind. He therefore divides his functions, and dis
s, was a conception too grand to enter his mind. He therefore divides
his
functions, and distributes his power, among a mul
o enter his mind. He therefore divides his functions, and distributes
his
power, among a multiplicity of gods: and bowing d
r, among a multiplicity of gods: and bowing down to the divinities of
his
imagination, he vainly hopes that, by offering nu
that, by offering numerous sacrifices, he can purchase the pardon of
his
sins, and the indulgence of his passions and desi
ifices, he can purchase the pardon of his sins, and the indulgence of
his
passions and desires. Thus man blindly and madly
rotectors. Houses had their gods, Lares and Penates, and each of them
his
honours, offices, and worship. At first, the gods
genius of the earth. No person, having great fear and veneration for
his
name, durst pronounce it in a high tone of voice.
ays inhabiting the bowels of the earth. He had Eternity and Chaos for
his
companions. Fig. 32. Demogorgon. Wearied with
s companions. Fig. 32. Demogorgon. Wearied with the tediousness of
his
drear abode, he formed a mass of dirt upon which
er husband. These produced Tartarus and Nox. Demogorgon, disturbed in
his
den by the sorrows which Chaos experienced, issue
rth discord that she might dwell on its surface. She was the first of
his
children. In like manner he sent forth the three
he principal care consisted in removing men. The master of the house,
his
children and slaves, were all excluded, the windo
rnal glory rode Far into Chaos, and the world unborn; For Chaos heard
his
voice: him all his train Follow’d in bright proce
into Chaos, and the world unborn; For Chaos heard his voice: him all
his
train Follow’d in bright procession to behold Cre
n Follow’d in bright procession to behold Creation and the wonders of
his
night.” Paradise Lost. Obs. — We shall not des
by a pyramidial Stone, surmounted with a head. Before Numa introduced
his
worship, the Romans honoured a protector of bound
s. He is represented as a beautiful and delicate youth, with wings on
his
shoulders, and a wreath of flowers around his hea
te youth, with wings on his shoulders, and a wreath of flowers around
his
head. Feronia was the goddess of woods and orcha
eeded in gaining access to her under the form of an old woman; and by
his
artful speeches and caresses, and by returning to
d woman; and by his artful speeches and caresses, and by returning to
his
usual figure, he at last prevailed upon her to ma
a favorite with the inhabitants of Lampsacus, who erected temples to
his
honour. His worship was introduced into Rome, but
f a goat, a crown of vine leaves, and a stick or club and a scythe in
his
hands, his louver part being a shapeless log. He
crown of vine leaves, and a stick or club and a scythe in his hands,
his
louver part being a shapeless log. He was called
t being a shapeless log. He was called Phallus, and Fascinum, because
his
limbs were deformed; Avistupor, because he drove
umnus is said to have been an ancient king of Etruria, celebrated for
his
love of the cultivation of gardens. Obs. 3. — Th
ona? Who was Priapus? What was the portrait of Priapus? and what were
his
names? Chapter IV. Pales and some other rural
he corn to sprout forth from the earth. Nodosus, or Nodotus, made it
his
business to knot and join the stalks. Volusia en
the fields, valleys, mountains, woods, and plains. The upper part of
his
figure is that of a man, with horns on his head,
plains. The upper part of his figure is that of a man, with horns on
his
head, and a long beard; his lower parts have the
is figure is that of a man, with horns on his head, and a long beard;
his
lower parts have the likeness of a goat; being cl
equal reeds. — See Fig. 37. Fig. 37. Pan. As soon as Pan was born,
his
education was entrusted to the nymph Sinoe; but h
as Pan was born, his education was entrusted to the nymph Sinoe; but
his
unsightly form threw her into such terror, that s
enderness of Pan; but Boreas, jealous of this preference, made use of
his
blasts to throw her headlong from the top of a ro
unt Lycæus. At Rome, festivals, called Lupercalia, were instituted to
his
honour, and celebrated in February. They were the
lebrated in February. They were the Lycæa of the Greeks. The Luperci,
his
priests, ran about the streets, lashing every one
other. There were some other rural deities resembling Pan. The Fauns,
his
servants, and the Satyrs, who watched over the vi
oves the shepherds, and their flocks he feeds.” Virgil. “He sighs,
his
sighs the tossing reeds return In soft small note
es: So he this pipe of reeds unequal fram’d With wax; and Syrinx from
his
mistress nam’d. “And while soft ev’ning gales bl
ich he is the symbol. His upper parts are descriptive of the heavens;
his
horns, of the new moon; his smiling, rubicund fac
per parts are descriptive of the heavens; his horns, of the new moon;
his
smiling, rubicund face, of the splendour of day;
of the new moon; his smiling, rubicund face, of the splendour of day;
his
leopard’s skin, of the starry firmament; the shag
his leopard’s skin, of the starry firmament; the shaggy appearance of
his
legs, thighs, tail, and feet, of the fecundity of
s? Who was Pan? Describe the disgusting form of Pan. What effects did
his
uncouth figure produce? Had Pan any amours? Was h
uth figure produce? Had Pan any amours? Was he not more successful in
his
addresses to others? What gave rise to the expres
ed on an ass, but so intoxicated as to be almost incapable of keeping
his
seat. The cup, out of which he drank, was called
as, having received Silenus hospitably, Bacchus promised to grant him
his
first request. That prince, greedy after riches,
gold. His request was granted, but it soon become fatal to him. Under
his
hand, trees, and stones, and even the dishes of h
tal to him. Under his hand, trees, and stones, and even the dishes of
his
table, became gold. When half starved, he entreat
table, became gold. When half starved, he entreated the God to recall
his
gift; upon which he was directed to bathe in the
the tail and feet of a goat. He presided over the woods, and held in
his
hand a branch of cypress, in memory of his favori
ver the woods, and held in his hand a branch of cypress, in memory of
his
favorite boy, Cyparissus. Obs. 1. — Historians a
ention with which he meditated. The fondness of Silenus for wine, and
his
establishment of the orgies in Lydia, caused him
2. — The idea of Midas’ changing every thing into gold, is taken from
his
great riches gained by commerce, or by oppression
ill be thus accounted for: better to watch over the secret affairs of
his
kingdom, Midas maintained faithful spies and info
nformers to bring him intelligence of every seditious word uttered by
his
subjects. For this conduct the discontented paint
having ventured boldly to say that he had asses’ ears, had entrusted
his
secret to a marsh, where the reeds, agitated by t
was Silenus? What favour did Bacchus confer upon Midas in reward for
his
kindness to Silenus? Who was Sylvanus? Chapter
troduced the household gods from Phrygia. Jacob carried away those of
his
father-in-law Laban. In scripture they were calle
lf. The first man received it from God himself, and transmitted it to
his
posterity. But in proportion as men forsook the p
ved the dead of the honour of burial; but whoever was unable to prove
his
accusation, suffered severe penalties. When no ac
d mourning, and began to pass eulogies on the deceased by speaking of
his
education, and by recounting all the good actions
speaking of his education, and by recounting all the good actions of
his
life. They extolled his justice, his piety, and h
on, and by recounting all the good actions of his life. They extolled
his
justice, his piety, and his courage; and entreate
counting all the good actions of his life. They extolled his justice,
his
piety, and his courage; and entreated the gods to
e good actions of his life. They extolled his justice, his piety, and
his
courage; and entreated the gods to receive him in
rcumstances which accorded with the customs of the Greeks, he founded
his
fable of hell. Diodorus adds that people frequen
a tremendous watch-dog, with three heads and a collar of snakes round
his
neck. His employment was to prevent the living fr
a sad and melancholy aspect. Virgil thus desc ribes the descent of
his
hero Æ neas into the Infernal Regions: “Now to
ero Æ neas into the Infernal Regions: “Now to the left, Æneas darts
his
eyes, Where lofty walls with triple ramparts rise
fierce Phlegethon, with thund’ring sound His broken rocks, and whirls
his
surges round. On mighty columns raised sublime, a
, O’er whose unhappy waters, void of light, No bird presumes to steer
his
airy flight, Such deadly stenches from the depth
e Charon stands, who rules the dreary coasts; A sordid god: down from
his
hoary chin A length of beard descends, uncomb’d,
is eyes like hollow furnaces on fire; A girdle foul with grease binds
his
obscence attire. He spreads his canvass, with his
fire; A girdle foul with grease binds his obscence attire. He spreads
his
canvass, with his poll he steers; The frights of
l with grease binds his obscence attire. He spreads his canvass, with
his
poll he steers; The frights of flitting ghosts in
s canvass, with his poll he steers; The frights of flitting ghosts in
his
thin bottom bears. He look’d in years, yet in his
flitting ghosts in his thin bottom bears. He look’d in years, yet in
his
years were seen A youthful vigour, and autumnal g
hore, At length, their penance done, are wafted o’er.” “Stretch’d in
his
kennel, monstrous Cerberus round, From triple jaw
you pass, . And frown’d and litter’d to your lays; The snakes around
his
head grew tame, His jaws no longer glow’d with fl
glow’d with flame, Nor triple tongue was stain’d with blood; No more
his
breath with venom flow’d.” Obs. 1. — The deriva
cup full of the poisonous waters of this fountain, removed them from
his
table for a year, and deprived them of divinity f
Proserpine, Plutus. Pluto, the son of Saturn and Cybele, had, for
his
share, the empire of the universe, and particular
fountain; and the god of Tartarus opened the earth with the stroke of
his
bident, disappeared from every eye, carried her w
ke of his bident, disappeared from every eye, carried her with him to
his
subterraneous dominions, married her, and made he
his subterraneous dominions, married her, and made her the partner of
his
throne. Pluto appears black and ugly, and sits on
e, Phlegethon, Cocytus, Styx, and Acheron. He has a crown of ebony on
his
head, and holds in one hand a bident, or sceptre
eth, and in the other, keys. The three-headed dog Cerberus watched at
his
feet; the Harpies hover over his head; and Proser
three-headed dog Cerberus watched at his feet; the Harpies hover over
his
head; and Proserpine sits at his left hand. The F
at his feet; the Harpies hover over his head; and Proserpine sits at
his
left hand. The Furies stand around; the Fates occ
horses. — See Fig. 39. Fig. 39. Pluto. He had no temples raised to
his
honour. To him were, however, offered black victi
the common victims. Pluto is called Dis, because wealth proceeds from
his
kingdom; Ades, because his residence is sad and g
s called Dis, because wealth proceeds from his kingdom; Ades, because
his
residence is sad and gloomy; Hades, because he si
ued the chariot, and invoked the skies; — Pleased as he grasps her in
his
iron arms, Frights with soft sighs, with tender w
to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From
his
red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world,
d On our grassy world hath rod. Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of
his
divinity; On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks
orld hath rod. Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of his divinity; On
his
mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in his eye
full of his divinity; On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in
his
eye A cruel beauty, such as none Of us may wisely
and reigned over western countries, extending to the ocean. He fixed
his
abode in the bottom of Spain, and worked at the m
tertained of the Parcæ. The Fates were present to grace the moment of
his
birth. Clotho declared that he should excel in fe
oxeus and Flexippus, the brothers of Althaea, in the act of defending
his
life. Althaea, frantic with rage, threw the fatal
period we assign To thee and to the brand. The charm they weave Into
his
fate, and then the chamber leave: His mother snat
This in an inward closet closely lays, And by preserving it, prolongs
his
days. “—— With eyes turn’d back, her quaking han
rmed, that he would not immolate him, but kept him as the ornament of
his
flock. The god of the sea became enraged, and ave
of the sea became enraged, and avenged himself upon Minos by filling
his
family with troubles. Pasiphae, his wife, overwhe
ged himself upon Minos by filling his family with troubles. Pasiphae,
his
wife, overwhelmed him with grievous complaints. B
ancients as the wisest and best of legislators. In order to celebrate
his
equity, the poets represented him as the first ju
. He was regarded as one of the wisest, most modest, and sober men of
his
age. His love of justice inspired the poets to pl
s. His first wife was Psamatha, of Nereus, by whom he had Phocus. All
his
subjects being swept away by a pestilence, he beg
ocus. All his subjects being swept away by a pestilence, he begged of
his
father that he would re-people his kingdom. In an
away by a pestilence, he begged of his father that he would re-people
his
kingdom. In answer to his prayer, Jupiter changed
egged of his father that he would re-people his kingdom. In answer to
his
prayer, Jupiter changed all the ants which were i
2. Fig. 42. Nox. Somnus, the god of sleep, had Erebus and Nox for
his
parents. His palace was a deep and gloomy cavern
of a corpulent, sleeping, winged youth, holding a bunch of poppies in
his
hand. He could turn himself into any form. Mors,
n. Some say, that Typhœus or Typhon, had no father, and that Juno was
his
mother. He had a collar of one hundred dragon-hea
uno was his mother. He had a collar of one hundred dragon-heads round
his
neck; and for his apparel, feathers, scales, shag
. He had a collar of one hundred dragon-heads round his neck; and for
his
apparel, feathers, scales, shagged hair, and adde
thers, scales, shagged hair, and adders. Snakes grew from the ends of
his
fingers; for his feet he had the folds of a serpe
agged hair, and adders. Snakes grew from the ends of his fingers; for
his
feet he had the folds of a serpent’s body; he vom
lds of a serpent’s body; he vomitted flames of devouring fire through
his
mouth, nostrils, and eyes; and uttered such yells
east with one hand, and the west with the other, and the heavens with
his
head. As soon as born, he made war upon heaven, t
ead. As soon as born, he made war upon heaven, to avenge the death of
his
brethren; and the gods, under different figures,
goat; Diana, a cat; Venus, a fish, &c. Jupiter at last recovered
his
courage, and threw him down with his thunder-bolt
amp;c. Jupiter at last recovered his courage, and threw him down with
his
thunder-bolts, and crushed him under the weight o
promontories, Pelorus, Pachynus, and Lilybæus. Typhon had Pelorus for
his
right hand, Pachynus for his left, and Lilybæus f
us, and Lilybæus. Typhon had Pelorus for his right hand, Pachynus for
his
left, and Lilybæus for his legs. “He struggles o
d Pelorus for his right hand, Pachynus for his left, and Lilybæus for
his
legs. “He struggles oft, and oft attempts to ris
us for his legs. “He struggles oft, and oft attempts to rise; But on
his
right hand vast Pelorus lies; On’s left Pachynus;
ght hand vast Pelorus lies; On’s left Pachynus; Lilybæus spreads O’er
his
huge thighs; and Ætna keeps his heads.” Ovid. Æ
left Pachynus; Lilybæus spreads O’er his huge thighs; and Ætna keeps
his
heads.” Ovid. Ægeon, son of Cœlus and Terra, wa
ount Ætna, which sends forth great flames of fire every time he moves
his
sides. And as Ægeon, when against heav’n he stro
st heav’n he strove, Stood opposite in arms to mighty Jove, Mov’d all
his
hundred hands, provok’d to war, Defy’d the forky
rovok’d to war, Defy’d the forky lightning from afar: At fifty mouths
his
flaming breath expires, And flash for flash retur
breath expires, And flash for flash returns, and fires for fires; In
his
right hands as many swords he wields And takes th
Terra; or, according to some, of Jupiter and Elara. So prodigious was
his
size, that his mother, whom Jupiter had hidden in
rding to some, of Jupiter and Elara. So prodigious was his size, that
his
mother, whom Jupiter had hidden in a subterraneou
hell, where, when stretched out, he covered nine acres of ground with
his
body. A vulture perpetually fed upon his entrails
ed nine acres of ground with his body. A vulture perpetually fed upon
his
entrails, which grew again as soon as devoured.
grew again as soon as devoured. “There Tityus tortur’d lay, who took
his
birth From heav’n, his nursing from the fruitful
evoured. “There Tityus tortur’d lay, who took his birth From heav’n,
his
nursing from the fruitful earth; Here his giganti
took his birth From heav’n, his nursing from the fruitful earth; Here
his
gigantic limbs, with large embrace, In fold nine
large embrace, In fold nine acres of infernal: A rav’nous vulture in
his
open side Her crooked beak and cruel talons try’d
oked beak and cruel talons try’d; Still, for the growing liver digg’d
his
breast, The growing liver still supply’d the feas
vultures, furious for their food, Scream o’er the fiend, and riot, in
his
blood; Incessant gore, the liver grows, and gives
ing informed that Apollo had behaved rudely towards the nymph Coronis
his
daughter; he marched an army against Delphi, and
an arrow, and placed him in hell, where a massive stone, hanging over
his
head, perpetually kept him in such alarms, that,
precepts of religion. ————— A massy stone, Ready to drop, hangs o’er
his
cursed head. Learn justice, hence, and don’t des
the gods. Sisyphus was brother to Athamas and Salmoneus. Merope was
his
wife. He built Ephyre, afterwards called Corinth,
s his wife. He built Ephyre, afterwards called Corinth, and debauched
his
niece Tyro. Sisyphus, who is said to have put no
Sisyphus, who is said to have put no faith in Autolycus on account of
his
having stolen the flocks and herds of his neighbo
in Autolycus on account of his having stolen the flocks and herds of
his
neighbours in order to mingle them with his own,
n the flocks and herds of his neighbours in order to mingle them with
his
own, knew his bulls by a mark which he had put on
nd herds of his neighbours in order to mingle them with his own, knew
his
bulls by a mark which he had put on the bottom of
Sisyphus so much, that he allowed him freely to enjoy the company of
his
daughter Anticlea, who was soon after married to
, because he was cruel enough to lay heaps of stone on the objects of
his
plunders, and to permit them to die in the most a
gonizing and excruciating manner; others advanced as a reason for it,
his
having insulted Pluto by chaining Mors in his pal
ced as a reason for it, his having insulted Pluto by chaining Mors in
his
palace, and detaining her, until Mars, at his req
uto by chaining Mors in his palace, and detaining her, until Mars, at
his
request, set her at liberty; and others, again, m
her at liberty; and others, again, maintain that it was on account of
his
having informed Asopus where his daughter Ægina h
, maintain that it was on account of his having informed Asopus where
his
daughter Ægina had been carried by Jupiter; but m
er; but most writers assign the following as the reason: Sisyphus, on
his
death-bed, requested his wife to leave him unburr
gn the following as the reason: Sisyphus, on his death-bed, requested
his
wife to leave him unburried. While he was in Plut
wever, he was permitted to come back to this world in order to punish
his
wife for this apparent neglect, under the promise
lect, under the promise, that he would return instantly; but he broke
his
word, and was at length taken to the infernal reg
s impetuous down, and smokes along the ground; Again the restless orb
his
toil renews, Dust mounts in cloud, and sweat desc
Deioneus, and promised him a valuable present, because he had chosen
his
daughter for his wife; but his failure to fulfil
omised him a valuable present, because he had chosen his daughter for
his
wife; but his failure to fulfil his promise, indu
aluable present, because he had chosen his daughter for his wife; but
his
failure to fulfil his promise, induced Deioneus t
se he had chosen his daughter for his wife; but his failure to fulfil
his
promise, induced Deioneus to steal away some of h
failure to fulfil his promise, induced Deioneus to steal away some of
his
horses. Ixion dissembled his resentment under the
, induced Deioneus to steal away some of his horses. Ixion dissembled
his
resentment under the garb of friendship; invited
Ixion dissembled his resentment under the garb of friendship; invited
his
father-in-law to a feast at Larissa his capital;
e garb of friendship; invited his father-in-law to a feast at Larissa
his
capital; and after he had met with him, cast him
emony by which he might have been purified of murder. But he obtained
his
pardon from Jupiter, who promoted him to heaven.
n. Such a favour, for which he ought to have been thankful, increased
his
insolence. He attempted to make love to Juno; but
7. Ixion. Salmoneus, son of Æolus by Enarette, was king of Elis. By
his
wife Alcidice, he had a daughter, named Tyro. He
ilt a brazen bridge over the city, and made a great noise as he drove
his
chariot, to imitate thunder. He also darted light
e chin, with a bough bent with delicious fruits, which are just above
his
reach. The causes of this severe sentence are var
had discovered to the river Asopus, the place where Jupiter concealed
his
daughter Ægina after having stolen her away. Othe
Others affirm that he stole away a dog which Jupiter had set to watch
his
temple at Crete. Others state that he was so lasc
eir secrets, and stolen away the ambrosia and nectar in order to have
his
friends taste them; but most chroniclers agree in
rom the gods whose divinity he wished to try. He killed and quartered
his
own son Pelops, and served up his limbs as food f
hed to try. He killed and quartered his own son Pelops, and served up
his
limbs as food for them. All the gods were shocked
t so horrible a repast; but Ceres, whose grief for the recent loss of
his
daughter Proserpine was deep, ate one of the chil
tter of whom was expelled, because he seduced (Erope, wife to Atreus,
his
brother. But on his return, he ate up his childre
elled, because he seduced (Erope, wife to Atreus, his brother. But on
his
return, he ate up his children whom he had killed
ced (Erope, wife to Atreus, his brother. But on his return, he ate up
his
children whom he had killed; and when they were s
, Atreus and Thyestes feasted on them. The sun is said to have turned
his
course back to the east, because he could not loo
lus. “There Tantalus along the Stygian bound, Pours deepest groans;
his
groans through hell resound; Ev’n in the circling
raves, And pines with thirst amid a sea of waves When to the water he
his
lip applies, Back from his lip the treacherous wa
t amid a sea of waves When to the water he his lip applies, Back from
his
lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath,
Back from his lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath, around
his
hopeless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruit
er in the midst of plenty, represents the miser, who dares not expend
his
treasure. The barbarity of Tantalus is inexplicab
dfather Belus. It is reported that Ægyptus, brother of Danaus, wished
his
fifty sons to marry the Danaides, fearing his bro
other of Danaus, wished his fifty sons to marry the Danaides, fearing
his
brother would prove too powerful for him by the a
for him by the alliances which he might form from the marriages which
his
daughters might otherwise contract. To avoid this
n so forcible a manner, he agreed to the proposal, but secretly armed
his
daughters with daggers, giving them strict orders
her. Those ships had prows representing monsters. Perseus met them in
his
voyages, fought, and took them. The ship he mount
d horse. As soon as he returned to Greece, laden with immense riches,
his
return was celebrated, and the poets contrived th
ragon, and vomitted forth flames. “A lion’s head and breast resemble
his
, His waist a goat’s, his tail a dragon’s is. “——
flames. “A lion’s head and breast resemble his, His waist a goat’s,
his
tail a dragon’s is. “——— And on the craggy top C
” Creon, then king of Thebes, declared that he would give a crown and
his
sister Jocasta in marriage to him who could expla
it. This was successfully done by Œdipus, who replied, “ He walks on
his
hands and feet when young, or in the morning of l
e; at noon of life, he walks erect on two feet; and in the evening of
his
days, he supports his infirmities with a stick.”
walks erect on two feet; and in the evening of his days, he supports
his
infirmities with a stick.” The Sphinx heard the c
father was informed by an oracle that he should one day be killed by
his
son. He therefore ordered his wife to destroy the
cle that he should one day be killed by his son. He therefore ordered
his
wife to destroy their child soon after his birth;
son. He therefore ordered his wife to destroy their child soon after
his
birth; but the mother gave this child to a servan
ant, and ordered her to expose him on a mountain. The servant pierced
his
feet with a hook, and hung him on the bough of a
childless, brought him up as her own, and called him Œdipus, because
his
feet were swollen. When arrived at manhood, he di
swollen. When arrived at manhood, he did not acknowledge the king for
his
father, but resolved to inquire after his parents
ot acknowledge the king for his father, but resolved to inquire after
his
parents. In consulting the oracle of Delphi, he w
s. In consulting the oracle of Delphi, he was told that he would meet
his
father in Phocis. On his way thither, he met Laiu
le of Delphi, he was told that he would meet his father in Phocis. On
his
way thither, he met Laius and his armor-bearer, r
would meet his father in Phocis. On his way thither, he met Laius and
his
armor-bearer, riding in a chariot in a narrow roa
mor-bearer, riding in a chariot in a narrow road; but he did not know
his
father. Laius commanded Œdipus to give way to him
anded Œdipus to give way to him: an affray ensued, in which Laius and
his
armour-bearer both lost their lives. After this,
s and his armour-bearer both lost their lives. After this, he resumed
his
journey, arrived at Thebes, beat the Sphinx, and
t Thebes, beat the Sphinx, and married Jocasta whom he knew not to be
his
mother. She bore two sons, Eteocles and Polynices
one. In process of time, he found, by clear proof, that he had killed
his
father, and married his mother: upon which he bec
he found, by clear proof, that he had killed his father, and married
his
mother: upon which he became so frantic as to put
and married his mother: upon which he became so frantic as to put out
his
eyes, and would have laid violent hands upon hims
es, and would have laid violent hands upon himself, had not Antigone,
his
constant attendant, prevented him. Eteocles and P
reign a year each. Eteocles reigned the first year, and then refused
his
brother his crown; upon which a war followed, and
r each. Eteocles reigned the first year, and then refused his brother
his
crown; upon which a war followed, and they were b
of Hercules’ children voluntarily devoted herself to death, Macaria,
his
daughter, killed herself. The Athenians were vict
ented by Saturn. He was painted with wings, to denote the rapidity of
his
course, and a scythe, to express his ravages. Tim
wings, to denote the rapidity of his course, and a scythe, to express
his
ravages. Time was divided into several parts, an
but by the practice of virtue. None ever sacrificed to Honour without
his
head uncovered, and without giving marks of the u
ives to break a table of laws and the balance of Justice. Silence had
his
altars. The Orientals worshipped him under the na
o deify those imaginary or real evils which agitated him, and excited
his
superstitious fears, and to such chimeras, offere
d feasts. He is well known by name. Every painter has a right to take
his
imagination for his guide, when he wishes to repr
known by name. Every painter has a right to take his imagination for
his
guide, when he wishes to represent him. — See Fig
nto ridicule even the actions of the gods themselves. Though at first
his
bitter jests were admired, they ultimately caused
n had fashioned, Momus said, that he ought to have placed a window in
his
breast, through which his inmost thoughts might h
d, that he ought to have placed a window in his breast, through which
his
inmost thoughts might have been seen. When Neptun
holding a small figure of folly in one hand, and raising a mask from
his
face with the other, under which a satirical smil
rom his face with the other, under which a satirical smile beams from
his
countenance. — See Fig. 65. Fig. 65. Momus. O
e god of medicine, was the son of Apollo, by the nymph Coronis. After
his
mother had been shot for her infidelity by Apollo
in their expedition to Colchis, in the capacity of a physician. Upon
his
return home, he performed many wonderful cures, a
er, who killed him with thunder-bolts. Apollo, to avenge the death of
his
son, slew the Cyclops, who had forged those formi
urel, leaning on a staff, around which a serpent twines. The knots in
his
staff represent the difficulties to be found in s
ions. What is said of Comas? Who was Momus? Mention some instances of
his
critical severity. How is Momus depicted? Who was
ds by mortal wives, or of the goddesses by men; but St. Augustine, in
his
inquiries into idolatry, proves that the word her
name of Hercules Olympius; and in those very temples, they celebrated
his
obsequies, in his quality of hero. The Arcadians,
lympius; and in those very temples, they celebrated his obsequies, in
his
quality of hero. The Arcadians, Messenians, and T
hemselves into temples. Every private man had the right of eulogising
his
ancestors, and even of granting them other honors
is fabled to have metamorphosed himself into a shower of gold, while
his
mother was shut up in a strong tower. “Within a
smil’d, and amorous love. Knew he could soon unlock the door, And by
his
art successful prove, Chang’d to a golden show’r.
ve, Chang’d to a golden show’r.” When Acrisius heard of the birth of
his
grandson, he ordered his daughter and the infant
how’r.” When Acrisius heard of the birth of his grandson, he ordered
his
daughter and the infant to be shut up in a chest,
wn up, he obtained from Mercury the adamantine scythe, with wings for
his
feet, and a short dagger of diamond, called herpe
rudely treated by Atlas, he turned him into the mountain which bears
his
name. Thence he went into Ethiopia, where he deli
eady to devour her. By the head of Medusa, he also petrified Phineus,
his
rival as well as the soldiers who accompanied him
he ground. In flying over Mount Helicon, he struck the top of it with
his
hoof, and opened a fountain which is called in Gr
was the murderer of Beller, king of Corinth. He was highly famed for
his
beauty and virtue. Antæ or Sthenobæa, wife to Præ
obæa, wife to Prætus, king of Argos, became enamoured of him; but, as
his
repulses provoked her, she accused him before her
he laws of hospitality with the blood of Bellerophon, but sent him to
his
father-in-law Jobates, king of Lycia, with letter
Lycia, with letters urging him to punish Bellerophon in proportion to
his
supposed crime. Jobates read the letters, and ord
obates was so pleased with the bravery of the youth, that he gave him
his
daughter Philonœ in marriage, and also his crown.
he youth, that he gave him his daughter Philonœ in marriage, and also
his
crown. Sthenobæa committed suicide when she heard
the horse. As soon as he heard the buzzing of this insect, he forsook
his
way, threw the rider, and ran wildly about, till
about, till he died of fright, fatigue, and hunger. Its sting caused
his
body to putrefy, swell, and burst. Bellerophon fe
g caused his body to putrefy, swell, and burst. Bellerophon fell from
his
horse into a field, called Aleius Campus, because
Campus, because in that place he wandered, here and there, blind till
his
death. Letters which the bearer imagines to be wr
nd till his death. Letters which the bearer imagines to be written in
his
favor, but which are really intended to effect hi
s to be written in his favor, but which are really intended to effect
his
ruin, are proverbially called “Letters of Bellero
rseus built the city of Mycenæ, in Greece, and made it the capital of
his
dominions. After death, he received divine honors
ted Perseus to the African coasts. The helmet of Pluto, which covered
his
head, was nothing but the secret of which he stoo
thing but the secret of which he stood in want in order to succeed in
his
undertaking; and the shield of Minerva, was the s
a, was the symbol of prudence which was necessary to him. Perseus, on
his
return to Greece, thanked the gods for the succes
Perseus, on his return to Greece, thanked the gods for the success of
his
journey. He consecrated the prow of his ship, and
d the gods for the success of his journey. He consecrated the prow of
his
ship, and placed it in the temple of Jupiter on M
saying, that Pegasus remained one moment on earth, and then directed
his
flight towards the abode of the gods. Perseus con
ight towards the abode of the gods. Perseus consecrated some parts of
his
ship in the temple of Apollo on Mount Parnassus.
fountain Hippocrene, which Pegasus opened by striking the earth with
his
hoof, designates that the productions of genius d
. Who was Perseus? How did Acrisius act when he heard of the birth of
his
grandson? How was Perseus favored by the gods? Wh
hero, who accomplished splendid adventures in imitation of Hercules,
his
relative. His father employed him in delivering h
tion of Hercules, his relative. His father employed him in delivering
his
country from the shameful tribute imposed on it b
r he had destroyed the Minotaur. He forgot the promise he had made to
his
father at the moment of his departure. The ship o
aur. He forgot the promise he had made to his father at the moment of
his
departure. The ship of the prisoners had black sa
of the prisoners had black sails, and Theseus had promised to change
his
black sails into white ones if he returned victor
a beacon, the ship, which he found to be black. Whereupon, believing
his
son to be dead, he precipitated himself into the
to the sea, which was afterwards called the Ægean, or Black sea, from
his
name and destiny. — See Fig. 71. Fig. 71. These
there for some offence, upon which Dædalus made wings for himself and
his
son Icarus, with wax and the feathers of birds; a
let himself into, as well as helped himself out of, the Labyrinth. On
his
return, he took Ariadne with him; but he soon aft
nter, and an uncommon lover of chastity. He rejected the addresses of
his
step-mother Phædra with such horror and disdain,
r husband was returned, she accused him falsely. Hippolytus, aware of
his
resentment, fled away in a chariot. But he met wi
chariot. But he met with some monstrous sea-calves, which frightened
his
horses in such a manner as to throw him out of hi
, which frightened his horses in such a manner as to throw him out of
his
seat; and he was dragged through the woods with h
throw him out of his seat; and he was dragged through the woods with
his
feet entangled in the harness, until he expired.
, until he expired. At the request of Diana, Æsculapius breathed into
his
nostrils, and resuscitated him. He afterwards set
nd resuscitated him. He afterwards settled in Italy, where he changed
his
name to Viribus, because he had been a man twice.
on after, abandoned her, and she, unable to bear her grief, caused by
his
absence, killed herself. The poets published, tha
able. Theseus met and killed two famous robbers. The first, Sinis, in
his
haunts, rushed upon the unwary travellers, stripp
res, into the sea. Theseus is said to have descended, in company with
his
bosom friend Pirithous, son of Ixion, into the in
rpine from her husband; for which rash act, Pirithous was fastened to
his
father’s chariot wheel, and Theseus, to a huge st
dangerous labyrinth of Crete, But little the wand’ring passes forc’d
his
stay, Till Ariadne’s clue unwinds the way.” Gay.
efits with which he had loaded them, added illustrious particulars to
his
life, exerted their refinement and genius in best
, exerted their refinement and genius in bestowing uncommon lustre on
his
memory, and thus exalted him to the rank of a dem
œnician, Agenor; the Egyptian contemporary with Osiris and general of
his
troops, Ozochor, and so forth; but the most celeb
ed that a child being about to be born, should have dominion over all
his
own race, Juno disguised herself in the habit of
nthis into a weasel. When Hercules was a babe but eight months old in
his
cradle, Juno sent two serpents to destroy him. Th
ecks, and crushed them to death. His twin brother Iphiclus, famed for
his
incredible swiftness, alarmed the house with his
Iphiclus, famed for his incredible swiftness, alarmed the house with
his
shrieks. Finally, through the mediation of Minerv
of Hercules was increased by the excellent education he received. For
his
tutors, he had Castor, who taught him pugilistics
who treated, with unexampled severity all the children of Jupiter by
his
mistresses, Eurystheus endeavoured to ruin him, b
m; but, finding him invulnerable to any weapon, he strangled him with
his
hands, and afterwards wore his skin. He was comma
e to any weapon, he strangled him with his hands, and afterwards wore
his
skin. He was commanded to destroy a vast hydra, w
, he succeeded in destroying the monster. He dissected it, and dipped
his
arrows in the gall, which impregnated them with s
e, that when Iolas was troubled with decrepit age, he restored him to
his
youth. It was his third labour to bring alive to
was troubled with decrepit age, he restored him to his youth. It was
his
third labour to bring alive to Eurystheus, an imm
ome assert, he concealed himself for some time in a brazen vessel. On
his
way to Erymanthus, he destroyed the Centaurs, who
e Centaurs, who had aggrieved him; and among them, he accidently slew
his
former preceptor Chiron, to whom the others had f
alus in Arcadia, and fed on human flesh. Hercules destroyed them with
his
arrows. He was ordered to take from Hippolyte, th
g on impossibility. Augeas promised to give him the cattle, but broke
his
word; for which dishonourable breach, Hercules sl
roke his word; for which dishonourable breach, Hercules slew him with
his
arrows, and the crown devolved upon his son Phyle
reach, Hercules slew him with his arrows, and the crown devolved upon
his
son Phyleus. Minos, king of Crete, having neglect
ing mares of Diomedes, king of Thrace, who fed them with the flesh of
his
guests. The tyrant ordered him to be thrown to th
ame altar on which that tyrant had been wont to immolate strangers to
his
father Neptune. He killed the giants Albion and B
r Neptune. He killed the giants Albion and Bergeon, who dared to stop
his
journey. His arrows being burnt in the fight, he
cordingly furnished with a shower of stones, with which he vanquished
his
adversaries. This is said to have taken place in
us Lapideus, the Stony Plain. To ease Atlas, he took the heavens upon
his
shoulders. He separated two mountains, Calpe and
erculeum. He dragged the fire-spitting Cacus, the son of Vulcan, from
his
den, and strangled him for having stolen some of
of Vulcan, from his den, and strangled him for having stolen some of
his
oxen. He shot the eagle devouring the liver of Pr
while he was lying on the rock. He slew Theodamus, because he refused
his
son Hylas victuals; but he used Hylas well. He co
ster to which she was exposed; and after being confined three days in
his
belly, he cut his way out, and came away safe, ha
was exposed; and after being confined three days in his belly, he cut
his
way out, and came away safe, having lost only his
n his belly, he cut his way out, and came away safe, having lost only
his
hair. Being denied the reward which Laomedon prom
wall. Hercules was enamoured of Iole, the daughter of Eurytus, one of
his
former preceptors. So irresistable were the charm
f Omphale, queen of Lydia, that ne assumed a female dress, and turned
his
club into a distaff, and his arrows into a spindl
at ne assumed a female dress, and turned his club into a distaff, and
his
arrows into a spindle. Omphale is said to have so
d his arrows into a spindle. Omphale is said to have sometimes put on
his
armour, and ridiculed him as he sat at her distaf
nira, daughter of Œneus, and sister of Meleager, who was the cause of
his
death. When Hercules was stopped by the swollen s
he river Evenus, the Centaur Nessus offered to carry Dejanira over on
his
back; but when Hercules observed that he behaved
cules observed that he behaved rudely to her, he shot him with one of
his
poisoned arrows. The dying Centaur presented Deja
one of his poisoned arrows. The dying Centaur presented Dejanira with
his
tunic, stained with his blood, as a memento for l
ws. The dying Centaur presented Dejanira with his tunic, stained with
his
blood, as a memento for love. Some time after, He
h his blood, as a memento for love. Some time after, Hercules renewed
his
acquaintance with Iole. Dejanira hearing of it se
s, who had brought it, he raised a funeral pile on Mount Œte, ordered
his
bosom friend Philoctetes to put fire to it, ascen
s bosom friend Philoctetes to put fire to it, ascended it, and closed
his
life in the most dreadful agonies, and was thence
Nemsæn lion, and holding a knotted club, with the Hesperian apples in
his
hand. At other times Cupid is described as woundi
ian apples in his hand. At other times Cupid is described as wounding
his
heart for Omphale. — See Fig. 72. Fig. 72. Herc
w the mighty babe, when swath’d in bands, The serpents strangled with
his
infant hands; Then, as in years and matchless for
or own; Then he brings low three-headed Geryon: Hesperian apples next
his
name sustains; And his last labour Cerberus encha
low three-headed Geryon: Hesperian apples next his name sustains; And
his
last labour Cerberus enchains.” So mighty Hercul
abour Cerberus enchains.” So mighty Hercules o’er many a clime Waved
his
vast mace in Virtue’s cause sublime, Unmeasured s
Grasps Achelous with resistless force, And drags the roaring river to
his
course; Binds with loud bellowing and with hideou
ell. Then, where Nemea’s howling forests wave, He drives the lion to
his
dusky cave; Seized by the throat the growling fie
usky cave; Seized by the throat the growling fiend disarms, And tears
his
gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Antœus
, And tears his gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Antœus from
his
mother-plains, And with strong grasp the struggli
ains, And with strong grasp the struggling giant, strains; Back falls
his
fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe his weak l
giant, strains; Back falls his fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe
his
weak limbs, and flits his life in air; By steps r
his fainting head, and clammy hair, Writhe his weak limbs, and flits
his
life in air; By steps reverted o’er the blood-dro
By steps reverted o’er the blood-dropp’d fen He tracks huge Cacus to
his
murderous den; Where breathing flames through bra
through brazen lips, he fled, And shakes the rock-roof d cavern o’er
his
head. Last with wide arms the solid earth he tear
ffrighted Scylla bellows round her shores, Vesuvio groans through all
his
echoing caves., And Etna thunders o’er the insurg
he eminent services, which some good and powerful man had rendered to
his
fellow creatures. In moralizing those fables, the
nd philosophy, which subdues and conquers our irregular passions; and
his
marriage, for his great and noble actions, ever f
ch subdues and conquers our irregular passions; and his marriage, for
his
great and noble actions, ever freshly blooming in
les once appeared to him — one was Virtue, who advised him to perform
his
arduous duties; the other was Pleasure, who advis
represent the love of Pleasure, which sometimes causes one to neglect
his
duties, and give himself up to amusement. In shor
ry. Questions. Who was Hercules? With what singular circumstances was
his
birth attended? Was Juno’s malice satisfied with
he fame of Hercules? Did not Juno subject him to Eurystheus? What was
his
first labour? How did he remove this difficulty?
bour? How did he remove this difficulty? What achievement constitutes
his
third labour? What exploit did he accomplish on h
ement constitutes his third labour? What exploit did he accomplish on
his
way to Erymanthus? Mention his fourth labour. Wh
ur? What exploit did he accomplish on his way to Erymanthus? Mention
his
fourth labour. What was his fifth labour? What wa
mplish on his way to Erymanthus? Mention his fourth labour. What was
his
fifth labour? What was his sixth labour? Describe
thus? Mention his fourth labour. What was his fifth labour? What was
his
sixth labour? Describe his seventh labour. What r
abour. What was his fifth labour? What was his sixth labour? Describe
his
seventh labour. What reward was promised him for
labour. What reward was promised him for this servile task? What was
his
eight labour? What dangerous expedition composed
e task? What was his eight labour? What dangerous expedition composed
his
tenth labour? Mention his eleventh labour. What w
labour? What dangerous expedition composed his tenth labour? Mention
his
eleventh labour. What was the last and most dange
e? Was not Hercules devoted to female society? Mention the manner of
his
death. How is Hercules represented? Chapter IV
n, the son of Æson, king of Thessaly, by Alcimede, was an infant when
his
father died, and his uncle Pelias took upon himse
ing of Thessaly, by Alcimede, was an infant when his father died, and
his
uncle Pelias took upon himself the direction of t
ment. Pelias did not resign the crown when Jason, coming of age, laid
his
claims to it; but, with the hope of seeing him de
golden colour. Phryxus, the son of Athamas, flying from the anger of
his
step-mother Ino, crossed the sea, with his sister
, flying from the anger of his step-mother Ino, crossed the sea, with
his
sister Helle, on the back of this ram; (in a ship
as a pledge, sacred, divine, and of vital importance. Jason chose for
his
companions about fifty of the most noble and famo
at Colchis, and demanded the Golden Fleece of king Ætes, who granted
his
request, provided he would tame the bulls and kil
he would tame the bulls and kill the dragon that guarded it, and sow
his
teeth in the ground. By the assistance of Medea,
arrying with him Medea, whom he afterwards took to wife. Ætes ordered
his
son Absyrtus to pursue them; but Medea slew him,
ed his son Absyrtus to pursue them; but Medea slew him, and scattered
his
limbs in the way, in order to keep her father emp
rder to keep her father employed in gathering them up. Thus Jason and
his
companions returned home; and Medea is said to ha
ed her for Creusa, daughter to Creon, king of Corinth; but to revenge
his
perfidy, Medea not only murdered in his sight the
ng of Corinth; but to revenge his perfidy, Medea not only murdered in
his
sight the two children which she had borne him, b
to catch the grains of gold. Ætes made use of this means to increase
his
riches. Alchymists and gold-makers pretended that
as Jason? Did Pelias resign the crown when Jason, coming of age, laid
his
claims to it? What was the Golden Fleece? Was the
Tyndaris, from Tyndarus. Castor and Pollux both accompanied Jason in
his
Argonautic expedition. Pollux killed the famous A
ry other six months. When Castor was dead, armed youths instituted to
his
honour, and performed, a sort of pyrrhick, or dan
on when he returned. She would have put her son Orestes to death; but
his
sister Electra delivered him out of her hands, by
er Electra delivered him out of her hands, by sending him secretly to
his
uncle Strophilus, king of Phocis. After an absenc
lus, king of Phocis. After an absence of twelve years, he returned to
his
native home, and slew both Clytemnestra and Ægist
ged to Orestes. For which reason the Furies demanded satisfaction for
his
crimes, which he was ready to expiate by offering
atisfaction for his crimes, which he was ready to expiate by offering
his
own blood at the altar of Diana Taurica. Thither
ng his own blood at the altar of Diana Taurica. Thither he was led by
his
bosom friend Pylades. So close and sacred was the
ght to the altar to be sacrificed, he was recognized and preserved by
his
sister. After this, Thoas was slain, and the imag
masterly a style, as to hold the most rapid rivers in suspense; that
his
strains melted the savage beasts of the forest in
tameness; and even that mountains and woods yielded to the charms of
his
music. All nature seemed to be gently touched and
ntly touched and agitated by the agreeable and sublime dexterities of
his
masterly hand. So fine and delicate indeed were i
deed were its touches, that they dissolved the most beautiful nymphs,
his
constant attendants, into melancholy, or elevated
wound. Orpheus so severely felt, and so deeply regretted, the loss of
his
devoted wife, that he descended with his lyre in
eeply regretted, the loss of his devoted wife, that he descended with
his
lyre in his hand into hell, to recover her from P
ted, the loss of his devoted wife, that he descended with his lyre in
his
hand into hell, to recover her from Pluto and Pro
ceased to turn round; and the stone of Sisyphus stopped to listen to
his
song; Tantalus forgot his miseries; and even the
the stone of Sisyphus stopped to listen to his song; Tantalus forgot
his
miseries; and even the compassion of the Furies w
ot look at her, until they had both ascended to the tracts of day. On
his
way, he stopped to listen, in order to ascertain
was wont to sit in grottoes and on mountains, to dispel the pangs of
his
wounded affection by the varied sounds of his mus
to dispel the pangs of his wounded affection by the varied sounds of
his
musical instruments. He separated himself as far
m human society, but was finally murdered by some women on account of
his
indifferent and cold behaviour towards them. His
were afterwards collected by the Muses, and laid in a sepulchre; and
his
harp was made the constellation Lyra. Amphion was
ric poet and a musician, and gained immense wealth by the exercise of
his
talents. While he was sailing from Lesbos into It
exercise of his talents. While he was sailing from Lesbos into Italy,
his
companions robbed him of his wealth, and proposed
e he was sailing from Lesbos into Italy, his companions robbed him of
his
wealth, and proposed throwing him overboard; but
ard; but having obtained the consent of the seamen to let him play on
his
harp, he played so sweetly, that the dolphins flo
ned to the court of Periander, tyrant of Corinth, before whom he laid
his
complaints. Periander caused all the mariners, wh
the mariners, when their ship had returned, to be crucified. “He on
his
crouching back sits all at ease, With harp in han
s all at ease, With harp in hand, by which he calms the seas, And for
his
passage with a song he pays.” Questions. Who was
Electra, was the first king and the founder of Troy. He reigned with
his
brother in Tuscany, a province in Italy; but havi
ed with his brother in Tuscany, a province in Italy; but having slain
his
brother, he retired into that part of Phrygia whi
me. His son Erichthonius succeeded him. Erichthonius was succeeded by
his
son Tros, who gave his name to the city of Troy,
s succeeded him. Erichthonius was succeeded by his son Tros, who gave
his
name to the city of Troy, and the name of Troas t
o Capys, and grandfather to Anchises; and the third, Ilius, succeeded
his
father, and gave the name of Ilion to a citadel w
ame of Ilion to a citadel which he built at Troy. Laomedon succeeded
his
father Ilius. He built the walls of that citadel,
ributed to Apollo, the god of the fine arts. Hercules deprived him of
his
crown. Priam was his son and successor. His name
god of the fine arts. Hercules deprived him of his crown. Priam was
his
son and successor. His name was a Phrygian word f
iage to Telamon: whereupon Paris equipped a fleet in order to recover
his
aunt. Paris entered Sparta, the king of which was
nelaus. This prince received him very courteously, and let him occupy
his
palace during his absence to Crete Paris, profiti
e received him very courteously, and let him occupy his palace during
his
absence to Crete Paris, profiting by this circums
esent the injury which Paris had inflicted on Menelaus, in return for
his
hospitality. This war was carried on to the destr
Who was the first king and the founder of Troy? Whom had Dardanus for
his
successor? Who succeeded Erichthonius? By whom wa
and wrestled hard with Diomedes and Achilles; and being preserved by
his
immortal mother, he escaped unhurt. No sooner had
urt. No sooner had the Grecians set the city on fire, than Æneas took
his
aged father Anchises on his shoulder, with his so
ans set the city on fire, than Æneas took his aged father Anchises on
his
shoulder, with his son Ascanius clinging to his g
fire, than Æneas took his aged father Anchises on his shoulder, with
his
son Ascanius clinging to his garments, and saved
ed father Anchises on his shoulder, with his son Ascanius clinging to
his
garments, and saved them both from the flames at
to his garments, and saved them both from the flames at the hazard of
his
life. He wandered about from one place to another
Latins. On the death of Latinus, Æneas ascended the throne, and with
his
son Ascanius, laid the foundation of a new empire
with much fabulous matter; among which is a beautiful description of
his
descent into the infernal regions, after his fath
beautiful description of his descent into the infernal regions, after
his
father’s death, to learn from him the fate of him
fter his father’s death, to learn from him the fate of himself and of
his
descendants. He was slain in battle with the Etru
nd of his descendants. He was slain in battle with the Etrusians; and
his
body was translated to heaven by Venus, in spite
his body was translated to heaven by Venus, in spite of Juno, who was
his
declared enemy, because he was a Trojan. Question
Questions. Give the history of Æneas. In what manner did he exemplify
his
filial duty? What was his subsequent fate? What h
y of Æneas. In what manner did he exemplify his filial duty? What was
his
subsequent fate? What happened to him while he re
ile he resided in Italy? What poet writes the life of Æneas? What was
his
end? Chapter IX. Achilles, Ulysses, Penelope.
ther dipped him in the river Styx, and thereby rendered every part of
his
body invulnerable, except the heel by which she h
invulnerable, except the heel by which she held him. It is said that
his
mother concealed him in the night under a fire, a
and the like; but Achilles handled the targets, fitted the helmets to
his
head, brandished the swords, and placed them to h
ed the helmets to his head, brandished the swords, and placed them to
his
side. By this expedient, Ulysses discovered his s
s, and placed them to his side. By this expedient, Ulysses discovered
his
sex, and urged him to go to the war. By Thetis’ p
virgin. Achilles accidentally fell in love with her, and offered her
his
hand. Priam consented. They entered the temple of
having the murder expiated, which the Greeks, under the direction of
his
son Neoptolemus, accordingly executed by shedding
n hopes of being exempted from military duty, and busied himself with
his
plough. But this pretence was detected by Palamed
ith his plough. But this pretence was detected by Palamedes, who laid
his
infant son Telemachus before the plough, to see w
ot. As he turned the plough not to hurt him, Palamedes thereby proved
his
sanity, and compelled him to go to the war. Ulyss
ity, and compelled him to go to the war. Ulysses forced Achilles from
his
retreat, and received the arrows of Hercules from
the Palladium of the city; slew Rhœsus, king of Thrace, and took away
his
horses before they had drank of the river Xanthus
so captivated by the eloquence of Ulysses, that they gave judgment in
his
favour; upon which Ajax was so frantic with rage,
ge, and chagrined at the disappointment, that he stabbed himself, and
his
blood was changed into the flower hyacinth. After
ia, he obtained from Æolus, all the winds, that had proved adverse to
his
voyage, and wrapped them up in a leather bag. His
up in a leather bag. His companions, fancying that the bag contained
his
treasure, laid a scheme to rob him. Accordingly,
ccasioned additional delay in their returning home. Circe transformed
his
companions into swine; upon which Ulysses fortifi
led moly, which Mercury had given him. He then ran into her cave with
his
sword drawn, in order to demand the restoration o
her cave with his sword drawn, in order to demand the restoration of
his
companions to their original shapes. After this h
into the infernal regions to consult the prophet Tiresias concerning
his
future fortune. The Sirens attempted to stop him;
rder that he might not be allured by their charming voices, he closed
his
ears, and tied himself to the mast. By this exped
y entertained by Calypso. Afterward, he suffered shipwreck, and saved
his
life by swimming. He went naked and solitary to t
dress himself in a beggar’s ragged clothes. He discovered himself to
his
son Telemachus, and to his faithful shepherd Eumœ
s ragged clothes. He discovered himself to his son Telemachus, and to
his
faithful shepherd Eumœus; and by their assistance
her fondness for him continued unabated, and her restless anxiety for
his
safety and return, deeply impressed her countenan
d hospitality, this man killed the only ox he had. The gods, admiring
his
goodness of heart and his generosity, proposed to
lled the only ox he had. The gods, admiring his goodness of heart and
his
generosity, proposed to him to ask for any privil
las the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears
his
name. By his wife Pleione, he had seven daughters
of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears his name. By
his
wife Pleione, he had seven daughters, whose names
ommon name Pleiades, sometimes Virgiliæ, and sometimes Atlantides. By
his
wife Æthras, he had seven more daughters, whose n
ise to the fable in which he is said to have sustained the heavens on
his
shoulders. He instructed Hercules in astronomy; a
roducing that science into Greece. In order to take some respite from
his
toils, Atlas is reported to have requested Hercul
ing Osiris; and the Greeks have blended the attributes of others with
his
. They bestowed on him the divine honours with whi
he moon eternal. Osiris is represented with a mitre and two horns on
his
head; in his right hand he held a whip, with thre
al. Osiris is represented with a mitre and two horns on his head; in
his
right hand he held a whip, with three thongs, and
idence; and in the course of ages, he assumed a herculean figure; but
his
ordinary figure was a living bull. Obs. — Osiris
of the Greeks. In the character of king, he is said to have civilized
his
subjects who, through his persuasion, observed go
acter of king, he is said to have civilized his subjects who, through
his
persuasion, observed good laws and morals; and af
served good laws and morals; and after having effected a reform among
his
own subjects, to have travelled and spread civili
travelled and spread civilization in other regions; to have entrusted
his
throne to the care of his wife Isis, and Hermes,
ization in other regions; to have entrusted his throne to the care of
his
wife Isis, and Hermes, her minister; and to have
nd a respect for the Supreme Being. Plutarch thus relates the story:
his
brother Typhon raised a rebellion in his absence,
arch thus relates the story: his brother Typhon raised a rebellion in
his
absence, which he tried to quell by conciliatory
o quell by conciliatory means; but Typhon prevailed over him, and cut
his
body in pieces. Isis, with her son Horus, defeate
e ox into which it entered, was distinguished by the following marks:
his
body was black, with a square, white, shining fig
agle on the back, a knot under the figure like a beetle, the hairs of
his
tail double, and his right side marked with a whi
not under the figure like a beetle, the hairs of his tail double, and
his
right side marked with a white shining spot, rese
ests, and all were anxious to receive him, as the children, who smelt
his
breath, would obtain the gift of prophecy. He was
ile; and if he had lived the time allowed, they drowned him, embalmed
his
body, and buried it with great pomp in the city o
as left forty days in Nilapolis, or the city of the Nile, previous to
his
entering Memphis, during which time none but wome
e. From this latter sign, Germanicus, when in Egypt, drew the omen of
his
approaching death. When his oracle was consulted,
rmanicus, when in Egypt, drew the omen of his approaching death. When
his
oracle was consulted, incense was burnt on an alt
celebrating this festival with extravagant marks of joy, Cambyses, on
his
visit to Egypt, ordered the priests and their god
hem, he wounded it in the thigh, chastised the priests, and commanded
his
soldiers to slaughter all that were seen to celeb
depicted with a terrible bulk, with several heads and wings, and with
his
thighs resembling the volumes of two enormous ser
in an ark, and drove Horus into Chemnis, a floating island; to avoid
his
fury, all the other deities changed themselves in
He was represented as the star of day and the regulator of time. When
his
father was vanquished by a usurper, Horus, in con
as vanquished by a usurper, Horus, in conjunction with Isis, revenged
his
death, and reigned gloriously over all Egypt. The
salubrity under a burning sky. This denotes the victory of Horus and
his
illustrious reign. Serapis was not originally an
cept the capitol at Rome. Serapis appeared in human shape, bearing on
his
head a basket of plenty, with his right hand lean
appeared in human shape, bearing on his head a basket of plenty, with
his
right hand leaning on the head of a serpent, whos
He was painted in the figure of a naked boy crowned with a mitre. In
his
left hand he held a cornucopia. With a finger of
with a mitre. In his left hand he held a cornucopia. With a finger of
his
right hand he touched his lip, in order to enjoin
hand he held a cornucopia. With a finger of his right hand he touched
his
lip, in order to enjoin silence. The Romans place
and he touched his lip, in order to enjoin silence. The Romans placed
his
statue at the entrance of their temples, to denot
be revealed to the vulgar. The first-fruits of lentils and pulse were
his
offerings. The tree called Persea, whose leaves w
monly called Barker; also Hermanubis. He had temples and priests, and
his
image was found in all processions. Obs. — Consi
e approaching inundation of the Nile, as a dog rouses to vigilance by
his
barking. In a later stage of the Egyptian history
o the sun and moon? How is Osiris represented? What was the manner of
his
death? How was Iris represented and worshipped? I
x worshipped at Heliopolis? Had Apis any temples or stables? Describe
his
oracle? Will not you tell me an anecdote of Camby
Egyptian divinity? What was the image of Serapis? By whose order was
his
temple at Alexandria destroyed? Before Serapis w
ow did the Egyptians worship the gods? Who was Harpocrates? What were
his
offerings? What is said of Anubis? What is said o
irits which he had seduced from their obedience. The man-bull died of
his
venom. But a being named Gosohoraun, who instantl
his venom. But a being named Gosohoraun, who instantly sprang up from
his
left arm, drew near the creator, raising a cry lo
to whom was entrusted the duty of producing a universal deluge, made
his
appearance. He is taken for a star or a sun. A co
is the first principle of all things; and pervades all, and manifests
his
most brilliant presence in the subtle ether. The
es of him; for they deemed it impious to do so, but venerated fire as
his
sacred emblem and the sun as his image. His worsh
ious to do so, but venerated fire as his sacred emblem and the sun as
his
image. His worship was celebrated with bloodless
rpent, a globe, and wings united. Certain mysterious rites, called by
his
name, were observed in deep caverns, or artificia
of Genii. Aspiring to equal Mithras, he persuaded all the spirits of
his
order to aid him in breaking down the celestial h
to aid him in breaking down the celestial harmony, Oromasdes withdrew
his
rays; and the sphere of Ahriman in an instant bec
rom Zoroaster was the song derived, Who, on the hills of Persia, from
his
cave, By flowers environ’d, and melodious founts,
d genial warmth, and teeming nature’s smiles, Burst from the east, at
his
creating voice; When straight beyond the golden v
l, Arimanius frown’d. The author foul of evil; how, with shades, From
his
dire mansions, he deform’d the works Of Oromazes;
avarice, blasts the joy. But yet at last, shall Arimanius fall Before
his
might, and evil be no more. Glover’s Leonidas.
ts and other glorious forms. He produced the water by an emanation of
his
glory, and endued it with a power of motion. This
th by breathing into it the breath of the subtle ether. Casayopa and
his
consort Aditi were the parents of the inferior de
ing of heaven, reigns over good spirits. His consort is called Sachi;
his
celestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta
spirits. His consort is called Sachi; his celestial city, Amaravati;
his
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chie
called Sachi; his celestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta;
his
garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his
lestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana;
his
chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali;
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat;
his
charioteer, Matali; and his weapon, Vajara, or th
en, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali; and
his
weapon, Vajara, or the thunder-bolt. He was the m
o each ear, with a black neck, tongue and body, with yellow skirts to
his
robe, and with his extended arms, adorned with ri
black neck, tongue and body, with yellow skirts to his robe, and with
his
extended arms, adorned with rich bracelets. His e
is he still Himself the same, one form, one face, one will, And these
his
twofold aspect are but one, And
sented as riding in a chariot, drawn by seven green horses, guided by
his
charioteer Arun, or the dawn. Among the temples e
he radiant Divinity, hardly inferior in splendour to the sun himself,
his
rays being imitated by a boundless profusion of r
res of elephants are placed upon the eastern gate, each with a man on
his
trunk; and two figures of horsemen upon the weste
seated in a splendid chariot, drawn by two antelopes, and holding in
his
right hand a rabbit. Fountains are sacred to this
doos, an incarnate deity, distinguished himself greatly by delivering
his
wife Sita from the giant Ravan, king of Lanca. C
sacred writings exhibit the wildest and strangest representations of
his
nature and actions. He appears with a rich and br
s. He appears with a rich and brilliant garment of wild flowers, with
his
ankles adorned with strings of pearls, and a dark
lexion, a large bee of that colour being often depicted settling over
his
head. As to his character and attributes, he is l
bee of that colour being often depicted settling over his head. As to
his
character and attributes, he is like Apollo. The
els loud, Their children’s cries unheard, that passed through fire To
his
grim idol. Him the Ammonite Worshipp’d in Rabba,
er wat’ry plain. Next Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab’s sons; Peor,
his
other name. With these, in troop, Came Astoreth,
Whose annual wound, in Lebanon, allur’d The Syrian damsels to lament
his
fate. —————— Next, came one Who mourned in earnes
— Next, came one Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark, Maim’d
his
brute image; head and hands lopp’d off. Dagon his
captive ark, Maim’d his brute image; head and hands lopp’d off. Dagon
his
name; sea-monster; upwards man, And downward fish
Dagon his name; sea-monster; upwards man, And downward fish; yet had
his
temples high, Rear’d in Azotus, dreaded through t
s Of Abbana and Pharpar, lucid streams. —————— The captive ark Maim’d
his
brute image. Paradise Lost. The Chaldeans excel
ght, and seeing the world a desert, he ordered one of the gods to cut
his
head, in order to mix with the blood, earth, and
commit to writing the origin, history, and end of all things; to hide
his
memoirs under ground in the city of the sun, name
to construct a vessel, and put into it necessary provisions, himself,
his
relatives, and friends, birds and quadrupeds. Xix
nd, finding that it had rested on a mountain, he came out of it, with
his
wife, daughter, and pilot. Those who remained in
ped the sun, under the name of the Prince of Glory, and called heaven
his
palace. They believed in the immortality of the s
s represented with black marble, richly dressed, with golden rings to
his
ears, with plates of gold on his breast, and hold
richly dressed, with golden rings to his ears, with plates of gold on
his
breast, and holding in his left hand a golden fan
rings to his ears, with plates of gold on his breast, and holding in
his
left hand a golden fan, more highly polished than
than he disappeared from Mexico; but he never arrived at Tlapalla. On
his
way, he stopped at the city of Cholola. The inhab
he city of Cholola. The inhabitants of that city were so charmed with
his
eloquence, that they persuaded him to remain with
Mexico, presided over physic. Parents carried their sick children to
his
temple, to have them cured of their diseases, and
opinions Truth was covered with a veil: Lie came to lend her some of
his
clothes; and the better to secure his usurpation,
l: Lie came to lend her some of his clothes; and the better to secure
his
usurpation, he preserved some of the forms which
ns themselves had none before the time of Moses. This is indicated by
his
silence concerning them. It is very reasonable to
of this chapel, which still exists, are, according to Mr. Savary, in
his
letters on Egypt, vastly larger than Herodotus de
te of the temple, on account of an artificer’s having perished before
his
eyes — a fine lesson of humanity. Chapter II.
.) he built, not a temple, but rather a tower, to protect himself and
his
people from a second deluge. We know in what mann
r of Belus existed in the time of Xerxes. This Persian monarch, after
his
unfortunate expedition against Greece, plundered
er centuries must be spent in adorning and embellishing it. In one of
his
odes, Pindar says that this temple was built by t
probably succeed in raising so high such heavy masses. Ctesiphon and
his
son could not finish this magnificent work. Other
imitation, no doubt, of the brazen room in which Acrisius had shut up
his
daughter Danæ. This temple was destroyed by an ea
the restlessness with which he endeavours to pry into the secrets of
his
future destiny. All was great in the motives and
f design and execution, was brought into requisition to adorn it with
his
master pieces. Thus, the labours of a great man a
as very singular; and the artist as abusing the credit which some of
his
works had procured him. He therefore drove into t
ther origin than in the deception of priests. M. De Fontenelle, with
his
accustomed discernment, charm, and grace, has dis
without being forced to contradict or discard the ordinary lights of
his
reason. We shall confine our remarks to what were
iestess spoke in the name of the god; at others, the god himself gave
his
replies. In some places, they were received durin
eing him, called him the son of Jupiter, which was the sole object of
his
journey. The impossibility of giving the history
appeared. These two doves, says Servius, had been given by Jupiter to
his
daughter Thebe. They had the gift of speech. Her
with the head and horns of a ram. Eighty priests of this god carried
his
statue on their shoulders, in a gilt ship. They p
ssion to the Spartan throne, attempted all the means of corruption in
his
power to obtain the answers he desired; but the p
se same priests, however, caressed Alexander the Great, and flattered
his
vanity, by saluting him as the son of Jupiter; bu
er; but Alexander had already been covered with glory, and all obeyed
his
nod. Chapter X: Oracle of Delphi. The orac
reat antiquity. Apollo was not at first consulted there. Æschylus, in
his
tragedy of the Eumenides, says that Terra at firs
r penalty of death, to the priestess to go and consult Apollo. Before
his
expedition into Asia, Alexander came to Delphi du
r to be chewed. After these preparations, Apollo gave intelligence of
his
arrival in the temple by a dreadful crash, which
the life of Trophonius, except that the earth being half opened under
his
feet, he was swallowed up in the gap or crevice,
d near that city, in which is situated the temple of Trophonius, with
his
statue, the work of Praxiteles. When one comes to
ters of the river Hercine. A sacrifice is then made to Trophonius, to
his
family, to Jupiter Rex, to Saturn, and to Ceres E
h hand honey: (which is deemed necessary to be borne:) he then passes
his
feet into the cave, and is immediately carried aw
to the chapel of the good genius, where they permitted him to resume
his
senses. Next, he wrote upon a table what he had s
s body was found far from the cave. The priests, probably informed of
his
design, massacred him, and caused his body to be
e priests, probably informed of his design, massacred him, and caused
his
body to be thrust through the outlet of which the
it. He sent to ask the Pythia what he was doing at the very time that
his
envoy was consulting her. She immediately replied
Pythia, however, inspired him with fresh credulity, and he redoubled
his
presents. A governor of Cicilia, says Plutarch, w
of Cicilia, says Plutarch, wished to send a spy to the gods. He gave
his
emissary a sealed billet to be handed in at Malea
a learned modern author, thinks that she, only, existed. He supports
his
opinion by saying that all the verses of the Siby
and a priestess of Apollo. This god wished to render her sensible of
his
regard for her, and promised to grant her any req
heless, offered her this advantage, on condition that she would crown
his
love; but Deiphobe preferred the glory of perpetu
ls. That of Cumæ, who was thought to be inspired by Apollo, delivered
his
oracles in the bottom of a den, placed in the tem
tator and absolute master of Rome, wished to give still more eclat to
his
power by being proclaimed king. His partisans pub
were found the mysteries of redemption, the miracles of the Saviour,
his
passion, his death, the creation of the world, an
he mysteries of redemption, the miracles of the Saviour, his passion,
his
death, the creation of the world, and the terrest
e to throw as far as possible. 4. Wrestling, in which one exerted all
his
strength to throw down his adversary. The combata
le. 4. Wrestling, in which one exerted all his strength to throw down
his
adversary. The combatants appeared naked, rubbed
ius was the spot on which Jupiter is said, by the poets, to have held
his
court. It was, accordingly, blessed with certain
een hundred and eighteen years before Christ. At length, Hercules, on
his
return from the conquest of the golden fleece, as
son Pisidorus to Olympia. The young man having been declared victor,
his
mother leaped over the barrier, and hastened to e
lptors. The odes of Pindar which are extant immortalize those who, in
his
lifetime, had triumphed in the four most solemn g
of Northern Europe. Translated from the French. Chapter I. Odin;
his
conquests; his arrival in the North, and the chan
ope. Translated from the French. Chapter I. Odin; his conquests;
his
arrival in the North, and the changes he there ma
, the time in which he flourished, and various other circumstances of
his
life, are enveloped in a cloud of obscurity, impe
of Norway, together with the commentaries which Torfacus has added to
his
account. The Roman republic was at its acme of po
fly from the pursuit of the Romans, he sought in countries unknown to
his
enemies, that liberty which he found not in his o
countries unknown to his enemies, that liberty which he found not in
his
own. His real name was Frige, son of Fridulphe. H
eir pontiffs the name of the god whom they served. Frige, filled with
his
ambitious projects, did not fail to usurp a name
s, who also administered justice (Drotars.) Odin, having united under
his
standard the flower of the neighbouring countries
e Northern and Western boundaries of Europe, subduing all who opposed
his
progress, and leaving some of his sons to rule ov
of Europe, subduing all who opposed his progress, and leaving some of
his
sons to rule over them. Thus Suavlami had Russia;
supreme god. After having forced many nations to adopt the worship of
his
country, Odin took the route to Scandinavia, by C
him; and, soon after, he passed into Fionia, which immediately became
his
conquest. In this pleasant island, it is said; he
uates in its name, the remembrance of its founder. Thence he extended
his
arms over the whole North. In Denmark, he caused
ence he extended his arms over the whole North. In Denmark, he caused
his
son Sciold to be acknowledged king, a title which
yet borne, (according to the annals of Iceland,) and which passed to
his
descendants, called from his name Scioldungians.
annals of Iceland,) and which passed to his descendants, called from
his
name Scioldungians. Odin more pleased with giving
from his name Scioldungians. Odin more pleased with giving crowns to
his
sons than with reigning himself, next repaired to
ay him homage, and unanimously yielded the title and power of king to
his
son Yngue, which descended to his remoter posteri
lded the title and power of king to his son Yngue, which descended to
his
remoter posterity. Hence, the Ynglinglians, a nam
ned with absolute dominion. He made new laws introduced the usages of
his
country, established at Sigutna (a city situated
agic sciences of this prince. So many conquests had not yet satisfied
his
ambition. The desire of spreading his religion, h
conquests had not yet satisfied his ambition. The desire of spreading
his
religion, his glory, and authority, made him unde
not yet satisfied his ambition. The desire of spreading his religion,
his
glory, and authority, made him undertake the subj
these glorious expeditions, Odin retired into Sweden, where, feeling
his
end draw near, he would not await, through the se
t death which he had so many times braved in battle. Having assembled
his
friends and his companions, he inflicted upon him
had so many times braved in battle. Having assembled his friends and
his
companions, he inflicted upon himself, with the p
wounds, in the form of a circle, and divers other cut-paper works in
his
skin with his sword. Whilst dying, he declared th
e form of a circle, and divers other cut-paper works in his skin with
his
sword. Whilst dying, he declared that he was goin
rd. Whilst dying, he declared that he was going into Scythia, to take
his
place with the other gods at an eternal banquet,
ttle, should die with arms in their hands. As soon as he had breathed
his
last, his body was carried to Sigutna, where, con
ld die with arms in their hands. As soon as he had breathed his last,
his
body was carried to Sigutna, where, conformably t
magnificence. Such was the end of this man, no less extraordinary in
his
death than in his life. Some learned men have sup
h was the end of this man, no less extraordinary in his death than in
his
life. Some learned men have supposed that the des
desire of revenging himself upon the Romans was the principle of all
his
actions. Driven by those enemies of all liberty,
iple of all his actions. Driven by those enemies of all liberty, from
his
native country, his resentment was truly Scythian
ons. Driven by those enemies of all liberty, from his native country,
his
resentment was truly Scythian, as every Scythian
nsidered it a sacred duty to avenge injuries, and especially those of
his
relatives and country. The grand object of Odin,
re, in travelling over remote countries, and so ardently establishing
his
doctrines, was to raise up enemies against an odi
previously unknown to the Scandinavians. It is also probable that he,
his
father, or the author of this religion, whoever h
nsult, in difficult affairs, the head of a certain Mimer, who, during
his
life, had a great reputation for wisdom. This man
ring his life, had a great reputation for wisdom. This man having had
his
head cut off, Odin embalmed it, and knew how to p
new how to persuade the Scandinavians that he had given him speech by
his
enchantments. He always carried it with him, and
most persuasive of men. Nothing, say they, could resist the power of
his
discourses. Sometimes he mingled his harangues wi
they, could resist the power of his discourses. Sometimes he mingled
his
harangues with the verses which he composed. Not
t future events, and transform himself at will; that, by the force of
his
enchantments, he took away the strength of his en
that, by the force of his enchantments, he took away the strength of
his
enemies, gave back health again to his friends, a
, he took away the strength of his enemies, gave back health again to
his
friends, and discovered all treasures hidden unde
ng such melodious and tender airs, as to attract, by the sweetness of
his
songs, the spirits of the dead, who left their bl
to come and range themselves around him. His eloquence, together with
his
august and venerable air, caused him to be respec
ble air, caused him to be respected and revered in assemblies, whilst
his
bravery and skill in arms, rendered him formidabl
rendered him formidable in battle. The terror, with which he inspired
his
enemies, was so great, that, in order to depict i
olf, or an enraged lion, he rushed amidst the enemy’s ranks, striking
his
buckler with fury, and spreading around him a hor
wound. We must not forget, however, in reading these descriptions of
his
brilliant exploits, that the historians, who have
over all parts of the universe, they considered it a duty to call to
his
aid, other minds, genii, and divinities of every
than which rank, according to them, no honour could be more worthy of
his
attention, or better calculated to make his power
r could be more worthy of his attention, or better calculated to make
his
power conspicuous. Hence, those hideous pictures,
le of the North, still remain. The fourth day of the week still bears
his
name. It is called, according to different dialec
lfadur, (father of all,) because the gods were descended from him and
his
wife Frigga, or Walfadur, because he was the fath
ated throne Lidskjalf, whence he sees every thing in the universe. By
his
side stands the spear Gungner. His steed is calle
. After Odin, the principal divinity of the north was Frigga or Frea,
his
wife. All the Celtic nation, the ancient Syrians,
g, was invoked by duellists. He had a silver circle round the down of
his
chin. His empire was called Ydalir (Rain-Valleys.
as the god of winds, of sailors, of commerce, and of riches. He shook
his
vans in the roaring storm in such a manner as to
the roaring storm in such a manner as to make every thing tremble. By
his
wife Scala, daughter of the mountain Thiasse, he
enty or dearth. He rides on a boar with golden bristles. The name, of
his
wife is Gerda, Gymer’s daughter. The Celts placed
Niord in the rank of inferior gods; but the importance and extent of
his
empire, caused him to be dreaded. The Edda devout
him for fear that he would do evil. Wherefore temples were raised to
his
honor, for fear is the most superstitious of the
was hence called Baldrian. He was endued with so great majesty, that
his
looks were resplendent. He was the sun of the Cel
he earth, was their door keeper. He appeared with a pensive brow, and
his
eyes cast down. The rainbow (Bifrost) was the bri
der, the blind god, was the murderer of Balder. The gods never forgot
his
violent actions, and would not hear his name pron
Balder. The gods never forgot his violent actions, and would not hear
his
name pronounced. Wale was the formidable god of t
. He is beautiful of body, but malignant of spirit, and inconstant in
his
inclinations; none among mortals surpass him in t
he art of perfidy and of cunning . He had several children of Signie,
his
wife. Three monsters also owed their existence to
hole universe. A squirrel (Rotatoskr) ran up and down the oak to make
his
reports; four stags (Dain, Dynais, Dnalion, and D
e giant Ymer. It is related that, while he was sleeping, he formed of
his
perspiration, a male and a female, from whom was
din. The sons of Bor killed the giant Ymer, and the blood flowed from
his
wound in so great abundance, that it caused a gen
except one, perished. He being saved by means of a boat, escaped with
his
whole family. Then a new world was formed. The so
f the giant into the abyss, and out of him fabricated the globe. With
his
blood they formed the sea and the rivers; the ear
e. With his blood they formed the sea and the rivers; the earth, with
his
flesh; large mountains, with his bones; rocks, wi
sea and the rivers; the earth, with his flesh; large mountains, with
his
bones; rocks, with his teeth, and the fragments o
e earth, with his flesh; large mountains, with his bones; rocks, with
his
teeth, and the fragments of his broken bones. The
ountains, with his bones; rocks, with his teeth, and the fragments of
his
broken bones. They made of his skull the arch of
, with his teeth, and the fragments of his broken bones. They made of
his
skull the arch of heaven, which is sustained by f
e,) North, (Nordure,) East, (Austere,) and West, (Westre.) They threw
his
brain into the air, and it formed the clouds. The
(blackmane,) which every morning bedews the earth with the foam from
his
mouth. The horse of Dagur, Skinfaxi, (shining man
horse of Dagur, Skinfaxi, (shining mane,) illuminates the world with
his
manes. Mundelfari (the mover of the axis,) had tw
) had two beautiful children, Sool (sun,) and Maan (moon.) He married
his
daughter to Glemur, the god of joy. Disapproving
.) He married his daughter to Glemur, the god of joy. Disapproving of
his
presumptuous conduct, the gods carried away his c
joy. Disapproving of his presumptuous conduct, the gods carried away
his
children, and took them up to the heavens. They w
t giant Ymer; that sleep, during which a man and a woman were born of
his
sides; that race of the sons of the gods; that de
e sons of the gods; that deluge from which one man alone escaped with
his
family in a boat; that renewing of the world whic
who determined all events. Every man had a fairy, who was present at
his
birth, watched over his actions, and, beforehand,
ts. Every man had a fairy, who was present at his birth, watched over
his
actions, and, beforehand, marked out all the even
tched over his actions, and, beforehand, marked out all the events of
his
life and the limit of his days. It is to that ten
d, beforehand, marked out all the events of his life and the limit of
his
days. It is to that tenet of the Celtic mythology
eir fathers, and the fathers of their children, and no one will spare
his
friend. Soon after a grievous winter will happen;
ir chains and escape; the great dragon will roll in the ocean, and by
his
motions the earth will be overflown; the trees wi
ted up; the rocks will be rent; the wolf Fenris, unchained, will open
his
enormous jaws which will reach from earth to heav
mous jaws which will reach from earth to heaven; fire will issue from
his
nostrils and eyes; he will devour the sun, and th
e gods; but Hiendal, the door-keeper of the gods, will arise and blow
his
roaring trumpet; the gods will awake and meet aga
, and the heroes take sides in battle. Odin will appear, clothed with
his
golden helmet and his resplendent cuirass; and wi
sides in battle. Odin will appear, clothed with his golden helmet and
his
resplendent cuirass; and with his broad cymeter i
clothed with his golden helmet and his resplendent cuirass; and with
his
broad cymeter in his hand, attack the wolf Fenris
den helmet and his resplendent cuirass; and with his broad cymeter in
his
hand, attack the wolf Fenris, which will devour h
fanaticism. “Uprose the king of men with speed, And saddled strait,
his
coal-black steed; Down the yawning steep he rode,
e dog of darkness spied; His shaggy throat he opened wide, While from
his
jaws with carnage fill’d, Foam and human gore dis
the spirit dwells; And still if bold intruder come, Her voice unfolds
his
hidden doom, And oft the rugged ear of hell Is so
fulgent form. He who rules, by night, the heaven, Wist not where
his
beams to throw; All to barren darkness given,
rk their steel divinely glancing, . Imir falls in holy fight! Of
his
bones, the rocks high swelling, Of his flesh
r falls in holy fight! Of his bones, the rocks high swelling, Of
his
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide
es, the rocks high swelling, Of his flesh the glebe is made; From
his
veins the tide is swelling, And his locks are
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide is swelling, And
his
locks are verdant shade. Hark! his crest with go
ins the tide is swelling, And his locks are verdant shade. Hark!
his
crest with gold adorning, Chanticleer on Odin
Chanticleer on Odin calls. Hark! another bird of morning, Claps
his
wings in Hela’s halls, Nature shines in glory be
e light of morn? ’Tis Heimdallar’s form immortal, Shrill resounds
his
golden horn. Say, proud Warder, rob’d in glory,
’d the lofty sky? On the wings of tempest riding, Surtur spreads
his
fiery spell; Elves in secret caves are hiding;
m eye hath never seen; Earth and heav’n and powers infernal, Mark
his
port and awful mien. He shall judge, and he shal
ere there represented by their peculiar symbols. Odin held a sword in
his
hand. Thor, on the left of Odin, had a crown on h
n held a sword in his hand. Thor, on the left of Odin, had a crown on
his
head, a sceptre in one hand, and a club in the ot
in a chariot drawn by two wooden he-goats, with a silver bridle, and
his
head crowned with stars. Frigga, on the left of T
alutes in honor of the gods; after which each one drank whilst making
his
prayer or vow. Whatever horror we may now have fo
are to fall into error. Man is surrounded with dangers and evils from
his
birth; and if the protection of laws and the enli
he enlightening aid of science, religion, and the arts, do not soften
his
passions, and encourage him to tread in the path
in the path of virtue in the morning of life; if they do not sweeten
his
temper, and spread over his soul that quietness a
e morning of life; if they do not sweeten his temper, and spread over
his
soul that quietness and moderation which cause th
which make him ferocious and distrustful. All those beings who share
his
wants, become his ideal enemies. Hence arises tha
rocious and distrustful. All those beings who share his wants, become
his
ideal enemies. Hence arises that thirst for reven
es that thirst for revenge, and that eagerness for the destruction of
his
fellow man, which cannot be quenched whilst he en
breast of the unfortunate victim of superstition, whilst pleading for
his
life, after having been stripped, by crime and fo
visible operations of a deity, they hoped to succeed in ascertaining
his
tastes, inclinations, and will. Oracles, augurs,
ted to victory. The druids were deputed to him to order him to resign
his
power. The refusal of Tremnor caused a civil war,
th a glowing imagination; and he burns with the idea of immortalizing
his
country. Vulgar language appears to him to fall b
celebrate. He knows that measure and harmony will more easily impress
his
sentiments on the memory: and hence, no doubt, is
as not extended over men. A hero could never enter into the palace of
his
fathers, unless he had sung over him the funeral
a ditch six or eight feet deep. By the side of a warrior were placed
his
sword and twelve arrows. His body was again cover
which a wooden stag, or some other wild beast, was placed. Sometimes
his
favorite mastiff was killed to be placed on the c
et they gave warnings by some kind of omen. Every man believed he had
his
tutelary shade that incessantly followed him. Whe
believed that the souls of departed bards sung for three nights about
his
phantom. It was generally thought that, as soon a
he arms which he had at home, appeared to be stained with blood; that
his
shade visited the place of his birth, and appeare
ppeared to be stained with blood; that his shade visited the place of
his
birth, and appeared to his mastiff, which made do
blood; that his shade visited the place of his birth, and appeared to
his
mastiff, which made doleful howlings at its aspec
redicted the death of a great personage. A chief or a king never lost
his
life, unless the harps of the bards attached to h
a king never lost his life, unless the harps of the bards attached to
his
family, rendered that prophetic sound. How pleasa
ave appeared to one, to believe all nature peopled with the shades of
his
ancestors and friends, and to fancy himself const
consumed by fire. Cesar caused those secret places to be plundered by
his
troops. Hence, misinformed historians have assert
. No one can enter into that wood, unless he bears a chain, a mark of
his
dependence, and of the supreme dominion which God
ner of living and their science, that he could not withhold from them
his
esteem. The Druids formed different colleges in G
old Druids. The candidate, after having passed through it, exchanged
his
usual dress for that of the Druids, which was a t
puted estate to him whom they designated as the legitimate possessor,
his
adversary was obliged to submit, or he was struck
pontiffs, clothed in a white robe, with an immense crowd marching in
his
train, closed the procession. When they were arri
e was interdicted to the men. The Celts and Gauls, says Mr. Mallet in
his
excellent Introduction to the History of Denmark,
period. Conclusion. The author conceives that he cannot close
his
work more appropriately, than by quoting the word
by Pythagoras; and, lastly, was scientifically unfolded by Plato and
his
genuine disciples. The peculiarity of it also is
body the other. “In the second place, the First Cause, on account of
his
transcendent simplicity, was called by the Pythag
οραι, korai. He adds, “on this account poets say that Saturn devoured
his
children, and afterwards again sent them into the
novel in intellect, they represent Saturn as an old man, and slow in
his
motions. “Again, the ancient theologists called l
by four horses, and that he is perpetually young, signifying by this
his
power, which is motive of the whole of nature sub
by this his power, which is motive of the whole of nature subject to
his
dominion, his fourfold conversions, and the vigou
ower, which is motive of the whole of nature subject to his dominion,
his
fourfold conversions, and the vigour of his energ
subject to his dominion, his fourfold conversions, and the vigour of
his
energies. But they say that the Moon is drawn by
the first cause, (if it be lawful so to speak,) it is full of deity,
his
immediate energy must be deific, and his first pr
speak,) it is full of deity, his immediate energy must be deific, and
his
first progeny must be gods, just as the souls are
[Frontispiece] 1. “Cupid once upon a bed Of roses laid
his
weary head. Sleeping Love ( Perrault ). [Titl
and earth. His wife was Juno, the queen of heaven, who helped him in
his
work. I am afraid you will not love Juno very muc
lmost all the gods were; but he was the fairest of them all. He drove
his
golden sun chariot through the heavens every day,
He drove his golden sun chariot through the heavens every day, and on
his
lyre he played sweet music. He could heal all kin
could heal all kinds of wounds, and could shoot wonderfully well with
his
golden arrows. 2. “He drove his golden sun char
d could shoot wonderfully well with his golden arrows. 2. “He drove
his
golden sun chariot through the heavens.” Aurora
ometimes called the god of the bow, because he was never seen without
his
bow and arrows. You will hear later what curious
he gods of the sea, and the mermaids and the river gods as well, were
his
subjects. His palace beneath the ocean waves was
into this dark land. Its ruler was King Pluto. He was very lonely in
his
somber palace; and one time, as you shall hear, h
ame to earth and stole away the daughter of Ceres to live with him in
his
underground home. Ceres was the goddess of the ea
y by the shepherds; for he guarded their flocks from harm, and played
his
pipes and danced with them in many a frolic. And,
oks gurgled as they sped merrily by; in vain the sun looked down with
his
cheery smile; in vain the birds sang their happy
in the meanwhile, Arcas had grown to be a fine, tall youth, who, like
his
mother, was very fond of hunting. So good a marks
fond of hunting. So good a marksman was he that he hardly ever missed
his
aim, and with his faithful hound, and his sharp h
o good a marksman was he that he hardly ever missed his aim, and with
his
faithful hound, and his sharp hunting knife, brou
that he hardly ever missed his aim, and with his faithful hound, and
his
sharp hunting knife, brought many a wild deer to
is sharp hunting knife, brought many a wild deer to bay. 3. “He and
his
hound brought the wild deer to bay.” The Chase (
brought the wild deer to bay.” The Chase ( Debay ). One day he took
his
bow and arrows, and started out alone. He had bee
r which he could not explain. Scarcely knowing what he did, he raised
his
bow and aimed an arrow at his mother. Just at thi
Scarcely knowing what he did, he raised his bow and aimed an arrow at
his
mother. Just at this moment Jupiter appeared, and
at this moment Jupiter appeared, and snatched both bow and arrow from
his
hands. For Jupiter had always loved Callisto, and
For Jupiter had always loved Callisto, and he was sorry for the harm
his
wife had done to one so good and gentle. To make
little favor, — never to let the Great Bear or the Little Bear enter
his
ocean palace. If some time you watch the stars ov
une’s ocean palace. Neptune promised to do as she wished, and he kept
his
word, for from that day to this, the Great Bear a
of swallows through all the sky; The ground-squirrel gayly chirps by
his
den, And the wilding bee hums merrily by. Th
e broad-faced sun, how he smiles On the dewy earth that smiles in
his
ray, On the leaping waters and gay young isles;
Often and often, he had tried to urge some goddess to come and share
his
gloomy throne; but not the richest jewels or weal
nd of shades. One day Pluto came up to earth and was driving along in
his
swift chariot, when, behind some bushes, he heard
oung girls who were pelting her with flowers. The stern old king felt
his
heart beat quicker at sight of all these lovely m
ed into the midst of the happy circle. The young girls, frightened at
his
dark, stern face, fled to right and left. But Plu
and left. But Pluto grasped Proserpine by the arm and carried her to
his
chariot, and then the horses flew along the groun
companions far behind. King Pluto knew that he must hasten away with
his
prize, lest Ceres should discover her loss; and,
eres should discover her loss; and, to keep out of her path, he drove
his
chariot a roundabout way. He came to a river; but
waters. To go back another way would mean great loss of time; so with
his
scepter he struck the ground thrice. It opened, a
looked o’er the hills of the stormy North, And the larch has hung all
his
tassels forth; The fisher is out on the sunny sea
tiful. But when the time comes for Proserpine to rejoin King Pluto in
his
dark home underground, Ceres hides herself and gr
d, is certainly not a very attractive or lovable creature. But he has
his
good qualities, nevertheless, and he improves ver
a poet who went out into the woods to sing among the green trees; and
his
mind was filled with the story of a beautiful wom
ures. So he turned away from them in disgust, and went home and wrote
his
story about the beautiful woman and the two helpl
the two helpless children, and he put something about the frogs into
his
tale. As he had not liked them at all, he made th
the god who had sent them to Latona in her loneliness, had given them
his
own godlike nature; and when next we hear of them
of them, Apollo is the great god of the sun and of music, and Diana,
his
beautiful twin sister, is the goddess of the moon
e comrades, when he stopped to pluck a wild flower, and lost sight of
his
friends. He turned to take the path which he thou
n this way for some time, Narcissus parting the branches in search of
his
comrades, and Echo stealing softly behind him, un
ealing softly behind him, until the boy suddenly saw that he had lost
his
way and called out, “Is there any one here?” Echo
ome!” This was bewildering. He could see no one, and yet every cry of
his
was answered, and the voice seemed very near. He
r. He went on calling and questioning, and each time Echo answered in
his
own words. She did not dare show herself, for fea
meet him. When she came up to him, she tried to throw her arms around
his
neck, to tell him her love in that way; for, you
in love himself, and in a very strange way. When Narcissus was born,
his
mother took him to a wise man who could foretell
he often roamed through the woods from morning till night, with only
his
bow and arrows for companions. One day he had bee
d the face seem. Narcissus at last had fallen in love but it was with
his
own reflection. He spoke to the beautiful image,
isappeared from view. That was because, when the water was rippled by
his
touch, the image became blurred. But when the wat
food or for sleep, and night and day he lay upon the grass, gazing at
his
own image reflected in the water. When Apollo gui
s, gazing at his own image reflected in the water. When Apollo guided
his
morning chariot over the hills, the face in the p
s, the poor boy could scarcely breathe for marveling at the beauty of
his
own face. Slowly he began to pine away. The red l
he beauty of his own face. Slowly he began to pine away. The red left
his
cheeks and his body grew thinner and thinner, unt
s own face. Slowly he began to pine away. The red left his cheeks and
his
body grew thinner and thinner, until at last he d
, and although he had treated her so cruelly, she felt only sorrow at
his
trouble. Whenever Narcissus, in despair, cried ou
the dead. When all was ready, they went with garlands to carry him to
his
bier, but the body of the dead youth had vanished
imes called the messenger of rain. And Jupiter sent this messenger of
his
to wander over all the earth. A mighty figure of
clouds as he passed. His face was covered with a veil like the night,
his
beard was loaded with showers, and his wings and
ed with a veil like the night, his beard was loaded with showers, and
his
wings and the folds of his cloak were dripping we
ht, his beard was loaded with showers, and his wings and the folds of
his
cloak were dripping wet. The gods of the ocean an
pping wet. The gods of the ocean and the river gods all helped him in
his
work; till, in a short time, the whole earth was
ear the hideous creature, until, one day, the archer Apollo came with
his
glittering arrows, and slew it, after a fierce ba
going along, whom should he meet but the little god Cupid, armed with
his
bow and arrows? Cupid, you remember, was the youn
times called god of the bow; and I promised to tell you how wonderful
his
arrows were. Some of them were sharp-pointed and
ill hear, in a moment, what use Cupid made of these curious arrows of
his
. When Apollo met Cupid thus armed, he began to ta
prayer, and had changed her into a laurel tree. When Apollo saw that
his
beautiful Daphne had become a tree, he wept and t
lo saw that his beautiful Daphne had become a tree, he wept and threw
his
arms about the newly formed bark and said, “Since
of Apollo and Daphne. ——— Cupid Cupid once upon a bed Of roses laid
his
weary head; Luckless urchin, not to see Within th
anger wild The bee awaked, and stung the child. Loud and piteous are
his
cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies. “Oh, mo
re lived in Greece a wonderful musician named Orpheus. When he played
his
lyre, the trees were so charmed by his music that
named Orpheus. When he played his lyre, the trees were so charmed by
his
music that they followed him as he went along; an
g; and the lifeless rocks became living and trembled at the beauty of
his
song. And he could so charm people that they woul
rd. Now Orpheus had a fair young wife, Eurydice; and much as he loved
his
music, she was still more dear to him. She was as
e foot. The weeping girls carried her home to Orpheus, who did all in
his
power to restore his dear wife; but, after a few
irls carried her home to Orpheus, who did all in his power to restore
his
dear wife; but, after a few hours of suffering, s
f suffering, she died. Orpheus’ grief was terrible to see. He took up
his
beloved lyre, but its charm for him was gone. He
ad strains, that even the rocks and the trees were moved to tears for
his
sorrow. At last he could bear his loneliness no l
d the trees were moved to tears for his sorrow. At last he could bear
his
loneliness no longer, and he determined to go to
ades, you remember, was the land of the dead, ruled by King Pluto and
his
young wife Proserpine. To this gloomy place, the
River of Death to Hades; and hither Orpheus went to seek her. Taking
his
lyre with him, he went along, full of hope, until
fangs. When Orpheus came to the gate, the dog began to snarl and show
his
teeth as an ugly dog will, and started to spring
den visitor to the Lower World. But, quick as a flash, Orpheus seized
his
lyre and drew from it such beautiful music that t
e and drew from it such beautiful music that the dog crouched down at
his
feet, and licked the hands he had been ready to b
e the king and queen were seated in state. Before Pluto could express
his
wonder at seeing a living being in his undergroun
te. Before Pluto could express his wonder at seeing a living being in
his
underground palace, Orpheus fell on his knees, an
r at seeing a living being in his underground palace, Orpheus fell on
his
knees, and, fingering the strings of his lyre, to
ound palace, Orpheus fell on his knees, and, fingering the strings of
his
lyre, told the sad story of his love and loss in
knees, and, fingering the strings of his lyre, told the sad story of
his
love and loss in a song so beautiful and touching
and Proserpine wept to hear him. When he had finished, Pluto granted
his
prayer and gave him leave to lead Eurydice back w
He made one condition, however, — that Orpheus must not look back at
his
wife until they had passed the bounds of Hades. T
lagged behind. Before he could think of what he was doing, he turned
his
head quickly to see whether she was still followi
ps speaking a last farewell, she sank back into that Hades from which
his
love and his wonderful gift of music had so nearl
last farewell, she sank back into that Hades from which his love and
his
wonderful gift of music had so nearly saved her.
s very painful, would have turned aside; but as soon as the women saw
his
lyre, they came up to him and ordered him, in a r
ood nymphs and the water nymphs, who had often listened in rapture to
his
music, grew pale and thin with grieving over his
stened in rapture to his music, grew pale and thin with grieving over
his
death. But Orpheus himself, with a happy heart, c
This time Charon gladly ferried him across, and the fierce dog wagged
his
tail in friendly greeting. At the entrance gate s
stood Eurydice, waiting to welcome him; and he rushed forward to meet
his
dear wife and put his arms about her, happy in th
g to welcome him; and he rushed forward to meet his dear wife and put
his
arms about her, happy in the thought that they wo
would never again be parted. ——— Orpheus with His Lute Orpheus with
his
lute made trees, And the mountain tops that freez
he mountain tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing; To
his
music, plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and
ase. Every evening, when Apollo, her twin brother, sank from sight in
his
golden sun chariot, she arose and guided her silv
lver car across the heavens. But when the dawn came, and Apollo began
his
daily journey around the world, Diana left her si
t. Suddenly he heard the sound of running water, and, eager to quench
his
thirst, parted the branches and stepped into an o
at her midday rest.” She thereupon sprinkled a few drops of water in
his
face, and then something very strange happened. P
k, and found he could not utter a word. The angry goddess had changed
his
form into that of a deer, the animal which he and
ess had changed his form into that of a deer, the animal which he and
his
faithful hounds had so often hunted. In terror an
ithful hounds had so often hunted. In terror and dismay, he looked at
his
new body, which was so strange and yet so familia
iliar to him. At that moment he heard, in the distance, the baying of
his
own dogs, coming to join him. Ah! he must hide fr
d to flee, but it was too late. One of the hounds had caught sight of
his
antlers and had given the cry; and the next minut
he cry; and the next minute, the whole pack of eager creatures was at
his
back. Poor Actaeon! He fled in terror, but althou
atures was at his back. Poor Actaeon! He fled in terror, but although
his
swift feet carried him along like the wind, his a
terror, but although his swift feet carried him along like the wind,
his
antlers caught in the trees and bushes and held h
er the pack fell upon him, and the young hunter was torn to pieces by
his
own hounds. ——— The Hunter’s Song Hark, hark! W
furrows, o’er meadows, the hunters go! Away! as a hawk flies full at
his
prey So flieth the hunter — away, away! Hark, har
flood? Right over he bounds, as the wild stag bounds, At the heels of
his
swift, sure, silent hounds. Hark, hark! — Now ho
care of her and her child. One day, some cruel people put Perseus and
his
mother into a boat, and set them adrift on the gr
e so dangerous that the youth, he felt sure, would never come back to
his
home. On an island, in the middle of the ocean, o
So he sent for the boy, and when he stood before him, began to praise
his
boldness and courage, of which, he said, he had h
left the palace. Oh, how the wicked king chuckled over the success of
his
plot! In seeming to do the boy an honor, he thoug
eming to do the boy an honor, he thought he was really sending him to
his
death. Now after poor Perseus left the palace, he
death. Now after poor Perseus left the palace, he began to think over
his
promise, and somehow the plan did not seem nearly
he moment, he had promised to do something that would surely cost him
his
life. When he had passed the gates of the city, h
to think very soberly; but the more he thought, the more hopeless did
his
task seem. Perseus was a very brave youth; but th
y happen to him made him so sad that he could not keep the tears from
his
eyes. Suddenly a voice said, “Perseus, why are yo
Suddenly a voice said, “Perseus, why are you weeping?” Perseus raised
his
head in surprise, and saw a mischievous-looking l
ther’s breast, Father will come to thee soon: Father will come to
his
babe in the nest, Silver sails all out of the wes
Now all the gods and goddesses had watched over Perseus ever since
his
birth, and when Mercury came to them and asked th
asked them to help the youth, they readily consented. Pluto lent him
his
wonderful helmet, which made the wearer invisible
ght that it reflected things as in a mirror; and Mercury himself gave
his
sharp, crooked sword and his winged shoes with wh
as in a mirror; and Mercury himself gave his sharp, crooked sword and
his
winged shoes with which Perseus could fly more sw
hind that thick bush.” When Perseus heard these words, he trembled in
his
winged shoes. However, he need not have been afra
hat instant, all three of the sisters were blind, and Perseus, seeing
his
chance, darted out and seized the eye. Then began
ion from which the voice came. But Perseus was too quick for them. On
his
winged feet he rose high in the air, and then, fr
iftly to the grove where Mercury was waiting, and thanked him for all
his
help, and, after bidding him farewell, started ou
him for all his help, and, after bidding him farewell, started out on
his
errand. He flew over many lands and seas, until a
he three monsters lying fast asleep on the shore beneath him. He took
his
sharp, crooked sword, and, fixing his eyes on Med
the shore beneath him. He took his sharp, crooked sword, and, fixing
his
eyes on Medusa’s image in the shield, he darted d
many strange adventures by the way. When he reached the island where
his
mother lived, he went straight to their little co
oes; and, after wrapping the head of Medusa in a cloth, went to greet
his
mother. She was overjoyed to see her son, for she
ers with their wonderful eye could tell how to reach it. Perseus told
his
mother all that had happened to him, and, above a
ists, behold the head!” Perseus cried; and drawing it from the bag at
his
side, he held it aloft in all its horrid beauty.
rrid beauty. The king gazed at it an instant, with the sneer still on
his
face, and then sat motionless, turned to stone in
er still on his face, and then sat motionless, turned to stone in all
his
royal state. When the people heard what had happe
der whom they lived in peace and happiness. Perseus knew that he owed
his
success to the help which Mercury and the other g
ened after Perseus had slain Medusa, and when he was hurrying back to
his
island home. In an island near Greece, there live
iage. As for Andromeda, she had loved Perseus from the moment she saw
his
crooked sword flash above the sea serpent’s head,
flash above the sea serpent’s head, and so she gladly consented to be
his
wife. The girl’s parents now began to prepare for
ery much afraid. Some time before, he had asked for their daughter as
his
wife, and the parents had been afraid to say no.
very much frightened and clung to Perseus in terror. Her husband laid
his
right hand on a bag which he wore at his side and
in terror. Her husband laid his right hand on a bag which he wore at
his
side and said, “The one you call your bride, sir,
dle of the room he came to a sudden stop, and stood there motionless,
his
sword raised to strike; for Perseus had lifted th
and instantly the old man was turned to stone, just as he stood. When
his
followers saw what had happened to their master,
t on as though it had never been interrupted. After that Perseus took
his
wife to his island home, and there they spent man
gh it had never been interrupted. After that Perseus took his wife to
his
island home, and there they spent many happy days
to his island home, and there they spent many happy days together in
his
mother’s little cottage. 11. “Perseus led his W
appy days together in his mother’s little cottage. 11. “Perseus led
his
Wife to his Island Home.” Perseus ( Canova ).
gether in his mother’s little cottage. 11. “Perseus led his Wife to
his
Island Home.” Perseus ( Canova ). The Story
wrath before she came into the grove; and fearing that she might harm
his
companion, quick as a flash, he changed Io into a
no came to the side of the river, all that she saw was her husband in
his
own true form and the white cow nibbling the gras
husband in his own true form and the white cow nibbling the grass at
his
side. But she knew that it was Io, and she went u
her the cow as a present. What could Jupiter do? He could not refuse
his
wife such a trifle, and so he had to say yes, alt
such a trifle, and so he had to say yes, although it was much against
his
will. As Juno led Io away, she said to herself, “
sand. When he read the sad tale, her father wept aloud, and, throwing
his
arms about his daughter’s neck, gave way to his g
ead the sad tale, her father wept aloud, and, throwing his arms about
his
daughter’s neck, gave way to his grief. Meanwhile
aloud, and, throwing his arms about his daughter’s neck, gave way to
his
grief. Meanwhile, Argus faithfully kept watch, an
ther and daughter. He now thought it time to separate them, so he led
his
charge away to a distant pasture, and seated hims
not forgotten Io, and he wished to help her if he could; so he called
his
son Mercury, the messenger of the gods, and order
swiftly to earth, and there put on the dress of a shepherd boy, using
his
wonderful wand as a staff. As he went along, he g
s a staff. As he went along, he gathered the stray sheep that crossed
his
path, and when he came near to the hill where Arg
ess talking and playing; but the watchman never closed more than half
his
eyes. So they had been sitting for a long time, w
sitting for a long time, when at last Argus asked the shepherd where
his
musical pipe had come from, and then Mercury slow
ough the grove. He came up to speak to her, but she was frightened at
his
goat’s legs and his queer, furry ears, and fled f
ame up to speak to her, but she was frightened at his goat’s legs and
his
queer, furry ears, and fled from him in terror. H
reeds grew in the spot where she had vanished. When Pan stretched out
his
arm toward Syrinx, he found himself grasping, ins
he reeds that grew on the marshy banks. Then he gave a deep sigh, and
his
breath among the reeds made a soft, murmuring sou
named Syrinx, in memory of the vanished nymph.” When Mercury finished
his
tale, which he had told at great length and in a
e, which he had told at great length and in a sleepy tone, he saw, to
his
delight, that at last Argus was sound asleep, wit
he saw, to his delight, that at last Argus was sound asleep, with all
his
eyes closed. With his magic wand, he made the slu
, that at last Argus was sound asleep, with all his eyes closed. With
his
magic wand, he made the slumber sounder, and then
rieved sadly when she heard of the death of her favorite, and she set
his
eyes in the tail of her own bird, the peacock, wh
To our sound, Whilst we greet All this ground, With
his
honor and his name That defends our flocks from b
, Whilst we greet All this ground, With his honor and
his
name That defends our flocks from blame. He is g
little baby who grew up to be the strongest and most wonderful man of
his
time. When he was but a few weeks old, Juno, who
ful man of his time. When he was but a few weeks old, Juno, who hated
his
mother and therefore wished to kill the little bo
ished to kill the little boy, sent two huge snakes to strangle him in
his
cradle. The nurse screamed when she saw the serpe
selves around the child, and her scream woke the baby, Hercules, from
his
sleep. Starting up in his cradle, he seized the s
nd her scream woke the baby, Hercules, from his sleep. Starting up in
his
cradle, he seized the snakes, one with each hand,
ays, when we wish to say that any one is very, very powerful, we call
his
strength Herculean. Hercules spent the greater pa
l, we call his strength Herculean. Hercules spent the greater part of
his
life in doing things to help weaker people. Juno
to fight hard battles, and kill fierce monsters, and, in short, risk
his
life all the time. But he was so brave that he fe
othing, and so strong that he overcame all the dangers Juno placed in
his
path. When the queen saw this, she hit upon a new
and many bloody battles to be fought, before the brave man could gain
his
freedom. But at last all the dangers were overcom
d Hercules was set free. Then with a light heart, he started forth on
his
own wanderings. He had not gone far, when he came
aughter, Deïanira, and before many days, Hercules had asked her to be
his
wife. The girl would have said yes gladly, but sh
r. Very soon everybody could see that Hercules was uppermost. Against
his
mighty strength, the river god was like a child.
th, the river god was like a child. But just as the hero was clasping
his
great arms about his rival to throw him down, the
like a child. But just as the hero was clasping his great arms about
his
rival to throw him down, the river god used his m
his great arms about his rival to throw him down, the river god used
his
magic power, and, in the form of a serpent, glide
god used his magic power, and, in the form of a serpent, glided from
his
grasp. “Aha,” laughed Hercules, when he saw what
ierce-looking bull. The river god had saved himself by again changing
his
form. Now followed the fiercest part of the fight
eizing him by the horns, held him down fast to the ground in spite of
his
struggles, until all the people cried out that He
ried out that Hercules was the victor. The river god then appeared in
his
true shape, and yielded his claim. So Hercules ga
he victor. The river god then appeared in his true shape, and yielded
his
claim. So Hercules gained the king’s fair daughte
nd yielded his claim. So Hercules gained the king’s fair daughter for
his
bride. In that last fierce struggle, one of the b
such a height that Hercules was afraid to trust himself in them with
his
precious burden. As he was standing on the bank,
an to do so. Hercules accepted the kind offer, and with the maiden on
his
back, Nessus, for that was the centaur’s name, st
e undercurrent was very strong, and Nessus was a long time in working
his
way to the opposite shore. Before he reached it,
reached it, he had planned to run away with Deïanira, and take her to
his
mountain cave, to be his wife. So no sooner had h
d to run away with Deïanira, and take her to his mountain cave, to be
his
wife. So no sooner had his hoofs touched dry land
, and take her to his mountain cave, to be his wife. So no sooner had
his
hoofs touched dry land than he galloped away, wit
dry land than he galloped away, with the frightened girl clinging to
his
back, screaming with all her might. Hercules, who
, heard the scream, and looking up, saw what was happening. He raised
his
bow to his shoulder and cried out, “O false Nessu
scream, and looking up, saw what was happening. He raised his bow to
his
shoulder and cried out, “O false Nessus, you rely
pierced through the heart. Nessus gave one cry of pain; then dipping
his
shirt in the blood that flowed from his wound, he
one cry of pain; then dipping his shirt in the blood that flowed from
his
wound, he handed it to the maiden, saying, “Take
his garment dipped in the blood of a dying centaur, and it will bring
his
love back to you.” Scarcely had he finished speak
cted all the blood in the centaur’s body; so that the shirt dipped in
his
blood was poisoned as much as the arrow with whic
ess. He was tired of that quiet life at home, and he often thought of
his
early adventures, until at last the longing to se
other great deeds became too strong for him. So one day he started on
his
journeys. His wife missed him very much, but she
had not the heart to call him back, since he seemed to be happier in
his
wanderings. Hercules had traveled a great distanc
d grew to love her as he had once loved Deïanira. He forgot all about
his
wife awaiting him at home, and day after day he l
st faithful servant, and giving him the shirt, told him to take it to
his
master Hercules, in that far-off city by the sea,
e for him. He traveled many miles, and at last came to the city where
his
master was living. He sought him out and gave him
poison began its work, and Hercules was racked with strange pains. In
his
agony, he tried to tear off the fatal shirt, but
his agony, he tried to tear off the fatal shirt, but it stuck fast to
his
skin. Then the great hero began to stride up and
great hero began to stride up and down the seashore, crying aloud in
his
torture. The servant stood amazed for a moment, a
de up to him, and before the servant could stammer out a word to show
his
innocence, Hercules seized him, and flung him far
a. As for Hercules, when he found that he could not free himself from
his
torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. Wi
himself from his torture, he died as he had lived, like a hero. With
his
own hands he tore up great trees and bushes, and
th his own hands he tore up great trees and bushes, and built of them
his
own funeral pile; then, lying down on it, he wrap
uilt of them his own funeral pile; then, lying down on it, he wrapped
his
poisoned shirt about him, and, ordering a friend
and, ordering a friend to set fire to the mighty pile, calmly awaited
his
death. The flames leaped and roared and mounted e
r, as though eager to devour so great a hero; they had almost reached
his
head, when suddenly the heavens opened, and Jupit
ith so many turns and twists that one who entered it could never find
his
way out again. Perhaps, in another story, you wil
young boy, who was anxious to learn to do those things which had made
his
uncle famous. Daedalus became the boy’s teacher.
taught him all he knew and was pleased to find such an apt pupil; but
his
pleasure changed to jealousy and anger when the b
o jealousy and anger when the boy gave signs of becoming greater than
his
master. Young as he was, he had already invented
lever lad, and it was said that he would some day be far greater than
his
uncle. Thus all the uncle’s love for his nephew w
some day be far greater than his uncle. Thus all the uncle’s love for
his
nephew was turned to hatred, and he was anxious t
o hatred, and he was anxious to get rid of the boy who was so much in
his
way. One evening, toward sunset, teacher and pupi
the side of some cliffs that overhung the sea. The boy, not noticing
his
uncle’s gloomy face, was talking happily about al
great things he meant to do by and by, when suddenly Daedalus grasped
his
arm and pushed him over the edge of the cliff int
ecame afraid of what the people of Athens might do if they learned of
his
crime. So taking with him his young son, Icarus,
e of Athens might do if they learned of his crime. So taking with him
his
young son, Icarus, he left Athens in the night an
white-sailed vessels on the water, and longed to have one of them for
his
own. One day Icarus was looking now up into the s
er a sudden happy thought. He would try to make wings for himself and
his
son, and fly from this island in which he had so
two pair of wings. He joined feathers of different lengths, and, with
his
deft fingers, shaped them like birds’ wings. When
rds’ wings. When they were finished he fastened them with soft wax to
his
son’s shoulders and to his own. Then, with a trem
finished he fastened them with soft wax to his son’s shoulders and to
his
own. Then, with a trembling voice, he said, “Icar
if you fly too high the heat of the sun will scorch them.” He kissed
his
beloved child, and praying that no accident shoul
they went, swiftly and steadily, the father ever turning to see that
his
son was following in safety. For a while Icarus f
aedalus led the way. But after a time he began to feel bold; and when
his
father was not looking, flew higher and higher, t
elted the wax by which the wings were fastened, and they dropped from
his
shoulders. Poor Icarus now had nothing to hold hi
to hold him up in the air, and he began to fall down, down, down. In
his
fright he cried aloud to his father. Daedalus tur
nd he began to fall down, down, down. In his fright he cried aloud to
his
father. Daedalus turned just in time to see his s
ght he cried aloud to his father. Daedalus turned just in time to see
his
son’s head sink below the waves, while the fatal
n the surface. The poor father flew toward the spot where he had seen
his
son sink, lifted the lifeless body, and swam with
Perdix, whom he had so cruelly killed, and he felt that the death of
his
own son was his punishment for that wicked deed.
had so cruelly killed, and he felt that the death of his own son was
his
punishment for that wicked deed. For a long time
ad to go back to Athens; but, before leaving, he buried in the ground
his
sword and sandals, and covered them with a heavy
rd and sandals, and covered them with a heavy stone. Then, turning to
his
wife, he said, “When our boy is old and strong en
me to Athens, where I will make him heir to my throne.” Then, kissing
his
wife and baby, he started on his journey. Now abo
im heir to my throne.” Then, kissing his wife and baby, he started on
his
journey. Now about the same time that Theseus was
he island of Crete, also became the father of a baby boy. Minos loved
his
child very much and watched over him with great f
their skill in various games. When the prince of Crete had grown up,
his
father told him he might take part in the festiva
ete. And this was nothing less than the coming of their own prince to
his
father’s kingdom. The boy, Theseus, whom the king
had last seen as a baby, had grown to be a strong youth, and one day
his
mother took him to the place where the sword and
to the place where the sword and sandals were buried, and told him of
his
father’s message. “Try, my son,” she said, when s
had finished, “and see whether you can lift the stone.” Theseus bent
his
knee and, using all his strength, easily raised t
whether you can lift the stone.” Theseus bent his knee and, using all
his
strength, easily raised the heavy stone and took
stone and took from under it the sword and the sandals. Then, bidding
his
mother farewell, he started for Athens, The journ
e filled with fierce monsters. But Theseus killed all the robbers; by
his
cunning outwitted the cruel giants; and with his
all the robbers; by his cunning outwitted the cruel giants; and with
his
father’s sharp sword slew all the wild beasts tha
looking like a king’s son, every inch of him, he came to the gates of
his
father’s palace. Aegeus was overjoyed at having s
ace. Aegeus was overjoyed at having such a beautiful, brave youth for
his
son. He threw open the gates of the palace to all
ith joy, King Minos, in Crete, waited day after day for the return of
his
son. But alas! cruelly slain, he lay dead in a wo
utside of Athens. At last some travelers found him there, and brought
his
body back to the waiting father. When King Minos
and brought his body back to the waiting father. When King Minos saw
his
murdered son, and heard the story of his death, h
father. When King Minos saw his murdered son, and heard the story of
his
death, he wept for many a day, and vowed that he
was coming against Athens with a mighty army, to avenge the. death of
his
son. So all of a sudden the feasting in merry Ath
itter feelings, started to march against Athens with a great army. On
his
way he had to pass through a large city, in order
ite-haired man, but, strange to say, hanging right over the middle of
his
forehead, was a long lock of purple-black hair; a
he army encamped outside the walls, and seated on a white horse, with
his
purple robe fluttering in the breeze, was King Mi
and tell him how much she cared for him, she would do anything to win
his
love. No sooner had this thought come into her mi
m her high tower, the thought of this one deed by which she might win
his
love would not leave her mind. And at last, it no
father lay sleeping, and quickly cut the lock of purple hair from off
his
head. She did not even feel ashamed of the wicked
ou or your evil deeds.” Morning was breaking as he spoke; and, waking
his
men, he marched into the city and conquered it by
ke; and, waking his men, he marched into the city and conquered it by
his
own bravery and arms, without so much as looking
When he had reached the bay at the other end of the town, he ordered
his
men to seize the ships that were lying there, and
, above all, to see her dear father; but the nearest she ever came to
his
palace, was when she beat her wings against the w
he found the gates of the city closed and well-guarded. So he pitched
his
tents outside the walls, to wait there until the
d be opened. Now Minos had taken along an abundant supply of food for
his
army, and besides, when that was used up, he coul
r his army, and besides, when that was used up, he could readily send
his
soldiers for more. But the people in the besieged
but you must not forget how the poor father’s heart was bleeding for
his
murdered son. He said that every year the people
Theseus declared that he would go as one of the seven, either to free
his
city of this terrible yearly burden, or to die wi
ither to free his city of this terrible yearly burden, or to die with
his
people. In vain the old king tried to make him ch
to die with his people. In vain the old king tried to make him change
his
mind, the brave prince vowed that he would either
When the day for starting came, the king, weeping bitterly, followed
his
son down to the black-flagged ship, in which the
d that cruel deed of long ago, in return for which he was now to lose
his
own son! Theseus tried to comfort him. “Father,”
ill the Minotaur, and come back to you in triumph.” And so he went on
his
way. During the journey Theseus tried to cheer hi
And so he went on his way. During the journey Theseus tried to cheer
his
companions by hopeful words; but they had no hope
have softened. But whenever King Minos felt the least pity, he closed
his
eyes and seemed to see the body of his murdered b
felt the least pity, he closed his eyes and seemed to see the body of
his
murdered boy, and that made him as hard and cruel
t made him as hard and cruel as ever. Standing by the king’s side was
his
daughter Ariadne, a beautiful, tender-hearted gir
taur would make a meal of them. Suddenly the king beheld Theseus, and
his
eyes sparkled, as he said, “Is not the young prin
of it to the entrance gate, and to keep tight hold of the other with
his
left hand. If, then, he should kill the monster,
left hand. If, then, he should kill the monster, he could easily find
his
way out again by winding up the thread which was
food until the next morning. Stealthily, for fear of waking him from
his
sleep, Theseus crept up behind him, and with his
r of waking him from his sleep, Theseus crept up behind him, and with
his
sharp sword cut off the monster’s head. Then he s
Had the thread broken from its fastening, and had he, after all, lost
his
way? But still he followed it up anxiously, and a
e starry heavens once more. Then he sank to the ground, worn out with
his
struggle and his wanderings. Ariadne had been wai
once more. Then he sank to the ground, worn out with his struggle and
his
wanderings. Ariadne had been waiting all the whil
ged him to flee in the night. Theseus asked her to go with him and be
his
wife; and the girl consented, for she had loved t
he had loved the prince from the moment when first she pitied him and
his
helpless companions. Together they went into the
cottage, thatched with straw. In it dwelt an old couple, Philemon and
his
wife Baucis. They were very poor; but, in spite o
and there was something bright and quick about him. Indeed, at times
his
feet seemed hardly to touch the ground, as he alm
e ground, as he almost flew along. He wore a curious cap, too, and in
his
left hand he carried a staff wreathed with two sn
“follow us to the hilltop.” And there was something so commanding in
his
look and tone that the couple followed in awe-str
shall be granted,” said Jupiter in a kind voice; and thereupon he and
his
companion, Mercury — whose name I am sure you hav
, who came to the place and heard the beautiful story of Philemon and
his
wife, would hang garlands of flowers on the branc
went sadly back to her palace. Meanwhile the vessel bearing Ceyx and
his
sailors sped swiftly along before the wind; the s
while the happy-hearted crew sang at their work. Ceyx was thinking of
his
dear wife, and praying that no harm might befall
depths below, he seemed to see before him, on the water, the face of
his
beloved wife Halcyone. At last a large, green wav
within the place. Awakened by the brightness, Somnus drowsily raised
his
head and Iris spoke: “Sleep, thou gentlest of the
to send to Halcyone a vision wearing the form of Ceyx, to tell her of
his
shipwreck.” Then Iris flew back out of the darkne
d stood by the side of her bed, wearing the form of her dear husband,
his
hair wet and dripping, his garments covered with
bed, wearing the form of her dear husband, his hair wet and dripping,
his
garments covered with seaweeds and shells. In a s
o more for the absent one; for he is dead, and can never come back to
his
beloved Halcyone.” Halcyone awoke with a cry. The
. However that was, there came a time when the king began to weary of
his
wife’s long absences. Besides, there lived in the
ve with the king. Ino was a witch, who made the king forget all about
his
wife Nephele, and before long he married the dark
distant city, asking what he must do to bring back food and health to
his
people. The wicked queen Ino saw her chance, and
ne day Jason’s uncle came with a large army, and drove King Aeson and
his
family out of their own kingdom. Then the brother
e the rightful king lived far away, poor and unknown. But in spite of
his
poverty and friendlessness, King Aeson brought up
But in spite of his poverty and friendlessness, King Aeson brought up
his
little son like a prince. At that time the wisest
ittle Jason went to the centaur’s cave on the mountain top, and spent
his
youth there learning to hunt and to fish and to u
on told him that he was the son of King Aeson, who had been robbed of
his
throne; and that he must go and reclaim his fathe
n, who had been robbed of his throne; and that he must go and reclaim
his
father’s kingdom. When the time for parting came,
he truth, and be kind to all who need your help.” So Jason started on
his
journey. When he had gone some distance, he came
s. The old woman gladly accepted the offer, and Jason lifted her upon
his
shoulders and entered the stream. The water dashe
ater dashed against him with great force; he had to struggle with all
his
might, and was out of breath when he landed his c
to struggle with all his might, and was out of breath when he landed
his
companion safely on the other shore. But what was
ndness to an old woman;” then she vanished. When Jason recovered from
his
surprise, and started to go on, he saw, to his di
n Jason recovered from his surprise, and started to go on, he saw, to
his
dismay, that one of his sandals had been lost in
is surprise, and started to go on, he saw, to his dismay, that one of
his
sandals had been lost in the rushing water; so he
rest of the way with only one shoe. He came at last to the palace of
his
father’s brother and was led before the king. The
ned pale with fear at sight of Jason; for an oracle had foretold that
his
kingdom would be taken from him by a youth wearin
was bare. But the crafty king pretended to be very glad indeed to see
his
nephew. He bade him sit down and rest himself, an
uarded by the sleepless dragon. When he had finished, Jason sprang to
his
feet and cried, “I will prove to you, oh king, th
a journey so full of danger that there would be very little chance of
his
ever coming back. But, of course, he did not show
received good advice. When the ship was finished, Jason sent word of
his
intended voyage to his comrades of the old school
When the ship was finished, Jason sent word of his intended voyage to
his
comrades of the old school days, and they all cam
dea, who was a witch and knew many magic arts. The king was seated on
his
throne, with his little son at his feet and Medea
tch and knew many magic arts. The king was seated on his throne, with
his
little son at his feet and Medea at his right han
magic arts. The king was seated on his throne, with his little son at
his
feet and Medea at his right hand, when the Argona
as seated on his throne, with his little son at his feet and Medea at
his
right hand, when the Argonauts were brought befor
and, when the Argonauts were brought before him. Jason was asked what
his
errand in Colchis was; and when he answered that
sks were. He walked away from the palace, down toward the shore where
his
boat was anchored, and he thought of Juno’s promi
do the things that seemed impossible, if in return he would make her
his
wife and take her back with him to his home in Gr
if in return he would make her his wife and take her back with him to
his
home in Greece. It may seem strange that Medea wa
love him so much that she would be willing to give up everything for
his
sake. And so it really was Juno who was helping J
of Colchis went in a great crowd to the field where Jason was to meet
his
death, as they thought. In the midst of them sat
hey thought. In the midst of them sat the king himself, with Medea at
his
right hand. In all that vast crowd, she was the o
dea’s advice, he seized a large stone and hurled it into the midst of
his
foes. This made them turn from Jason against one
them turn from Jason against one another, for each one thought it was
his
neighbor who had thrown the stone. In a few minut
a had helped the hero. Therefore, when Jason asked for leave to begin
his
third task, the king answered that he had done en
Again she gave him a drug, to put the dragon to sleep, and Jason made
his
way alone into the dark wood. He had not gone far
ight as though the sun were shining upon it; then he hastened back to
his
ship, where Medea and his companions were anxious
e shining upon it; then he hastened back to his ship, where Medea and
his
companions were anxiously awaiting him. In a very
ourney, full of adventures, they at last reached home. Jason banished
his
uncle from the kingdom, and set his father back o
last reached home. Jason banished his uncle from the kingdom, and set
his
father back on the throne. Thus he fulfilled his
the kingdom, and set his father back on the throne. Thus he fulfilled
his
vow, and King Aeson, grown young again through ha
illed his vow, and King Aeson, grown young again through happiness at
his
son’s return, ruled in peace for many a year
lers. He belonged to the nymphs of the grove, and they had hung about
his
neck a golden necklace, studded with shining gems
, and was so tame that he would go around from door to door and offer
his
glossy neck to be patted. He was afraid of no one
king the shady nooks and the little streams, where the stag could see
his
beautiful antlers reflected and could drink the c
ave garlands of flowers for the stag’s neck; or, springing lightly on
his
playfellow’s back, he would speed through the woo
under a tree, and Cyparissus stood a little way off, practicing with
his
bow and arrow. Just how it happened he never knew
he never knew; but suddenly, as he was fitting the arrow to the bow,
his
foot slipped, the sharp steel glided off sidewise
red the poor stag’s breast. Cyparissus, filled with horror, rushed to
his
companion’s side and drew the cruel steel from hi
horror, rushed to his companion’s side and drew the cruel steel from
his
breast. But it was too late the arrow had done it
issus! He had killed the creature he loved most in all the world, and
his
grief was sad to see. He threw himself on the gro
over again, and moaned aloud. He felt that he could not live without
his
dear playfellow, and was ready to pierce himself
lf with the same arrow that had slain the stag. But Apollo, who heard
his
friend’s voice weeping in the forest, came hasten
be comforted, and at last he died of grief. Apollo grieved much over
his
little friend’s sad death; he wept over the lifel
ds and waters, only, Gave him their sweet companionship, And made
his
hours less lonely. Then part thy mantle, fringed
antress There was once a poor fisherman named Glaucus, who earned
his
daily bread by selling the fish he caught. One da
us, who earned his daily bread by selling the fish he caught. One day
his
net felt very heavy, and when he drew it in, he s
ht a great number of fine fish. He emptied them out upon the grass by
his
side, and then prepared his net for another throw
sh. He emptied them out upon the grass by his side, and then prepared
his
net for another throw. But the fish he had caught
took up a handful and began to chew it. As soon as the juice entered
his
blood, a strange feeling of restlessness came ove
as passing; and as Glaucus sank beneath the surface, he caught him in
his
arms, and, taking him into his ocean palace, chan
beneath the surface, he caught him in his arms, and, taking him into
his
ocean palace, changed him from a poor fisherman i
ew long, and of the color of the seaweed that the tide washes ashore;
his
hair, which streamed behind him, looked almost li
ch it floated. He was made the god of the fishermen; and, remembering
his
own struggles in former days, he sent many a poor
ll, she disappeared from view. Glaucus sighed and slowly swam back to
his
home under the sea. The next day he came again to
d, “Pray, what are you, a man or a sea monster?” Then Glaucus related
his
whole story, and ended by telling her how much he
ger walked there. Then Glaucus tried another way of winning her. Near
his
home there lived an enchantress whose name was Ci
enchantress whose name was Circe. He hastened to her palace, told her
his
story, and begged for a love potion, a drink, whi
n in love with Glaucus; so she told him that Scylla was not worthy of
his
love, and that if he would stay in her palace, sh
he would stay in her palace, she would make him happy all the rest of
his
life. But Glaucus answered, “Sooner shall seaweed
live.” Then at last Circe saw that she must at least pretend to grant
his
wish. In her heart she hated Scylla, and she had
ry is about another boy whom Apollo loved very dearly. Hyacinthus was
his
name, and I think you will agree with me that it
ain that Apollo did love Hyacinthus very, very dearly. He would leave
his
beautiful temples, and forget all about the peopl
e worshiping him and be content to wander in the woods by the side of
his
little friend; and he was happy to carry his hunt
the woods by the side of his little friend; and he was happy to carry
his
hunting nets, or hold his dogs for a while. Hyaci
is little friend; and he was happy to carry his hunting nets, or hold
his
dogs for a while. Hyacinthus did not think it at
game being to see who could throw the quoits the farthest. Apollo and
his
companion were both fond of the game, and they be
began to play, and were enjoying themselves very much. Apollo hurled
his
disc high into the air, and it shot up through th
after a long pause, fell to the ground with a crash. 17. “He hurled
his
disc high into the air.” The Discobolus (Vatican
ome). Then Hyacinthus, eager to show that he was as good a player as
his
friend, hurried forward to pick it up. But the di
nthus with a little cry of pain, sank to the ground. Apollo rushed to
his
side, and kneeling down, tried to stanch the woun
rushed to his side, and kneeling down, tried to stanch the wound with
his
hand, while he tenderly caressed the lad. He was
dying boy’s lips. But it was of no use — Hyacinthus was fast sinking,
his
head drooping like a bruised flower, and like a f
ou know the gods could never die. He lay on the ground by the side of
his
dead friend, and wept and moaned, so that it woul
have made you cry, too, if you had seen him. Then, at last, he seized
his
lyre, for now that Hyacinthus was gone, he turned
inished, he stooped down and tenderly touched the boy’s forehead with
his
hand; in an instant the lifeless body vanished, a
ere lived on this island a great sculptor, named Pygmalion, who spent
his
days in carving statues from shapeless blocks of
emed to him far more lovely than any of the living ones. So he passed
his
time singing at his work, and perfectly happy in
lovely than any of the living ones. So he passed his time singing at
his
work, and perfectly happy in living for that alon
iving for that alone. At last, one day, a beautiful thought came into
his
mind. Pygmalion seized his chisel and hammer to e
st, one day, a beautiful thought came into his mind. Pygmalion seized
his
chisel and hammer to express it in marble, just a
he last ray of sunlight faded from the sky, the sculptor stood before
his
block of marble, and worked away happily. Gradual
about like any other woman. As Pygmalion looked at the finished work,
his
heart beat fast, and his face became flushed with
n. As Pygmalion looked at the finished work, his heart beat fast, and
his
face became flushed with excitement. The more he
and it was hard to tear himself away from the marble image. He named
his
statue Galatea, for he felt almost as though it w
tue. So it went on from day to day. Pygmalion had fallen in love with
his
own work; and sometimes, as he kissed the beautif
that the statue was beginning to breathe. He could no longer sing at
his
work; in fact, he could no longer work, for he lo
longer work, for he loved that fair image so dearly that he spent all
his
time kneeling before it, and marveling at the bea
or any other woman, that she who could work such wonders would change
his
marble statue into a real, living maiden. As he f
d change his marble statue into a real, living maiden. As he finished
his
prayer, the little flame on the altar leaped up t
uld speedily grant it. Full of joy, yet at the same time fearing that
his
hope would be disappointed, Pygmalion hastened ho
ed the room where the marble girl gleamed from her pedestal. Throwing
his
arm around her, he gave her a loving kiss, and, j
temple of the goddess, at the altar where Pygmalion first offered up
his
prayer. They led a very happy life; but though Py
ver again wrought anything so lovely as the maiden who had now become
his
wife A Musical Contest of Long Ago Most of
rful story of King Midas and the Golden Touch, how everything he laid
his
hands on was turned to shining, yellow metal. But
n the world. The nymphs of the woods, also, loved to hear Pan play on
his
flute, and at last he became so used to hearing h
hear Pan play on his flute, and at last he became so used to hearing
his
praises sung that he, too, thought himself the gr
resent at the coming contest. In front of the judge stood Apollo with
his
golden cloak and shining lyre, and Pan himself, w
Apollo with his golden cloak and shining lyre, and Pan himself, with
his
goatskin flung loosely about his shoulders. A str
shining lyre, and Pan himself, with his goatskin flung loosely about
his
shoulders. A strange and beautiful picture it mus
Pan was the first to play, and, amid a breathless silence, he lifted
his
pipe of reeds to his lips. There was something in
play, and, amid a breathless silence, he lifted his pipe of reeds to
his
lips. There was something in his music that belon
ence, he lifted his pipe of reeds to his lips. There was something in
his
music that belonged to the woods and the rivers;
y startled from its lair. Yet for the first time, the listeners found
his
music a little rude and wild; somehow it did not
t the place or the occasion. Midas, alone, expressed great delight at
his
favorite’s playing, and called him to sit by his
sed great delight at his favorite’s playing, and called him to sit by
his
side. When Pan had finished, Apollo stepped to th
tepped to the front. His hair gleamed like the sun’s bright rays, and
his
eyes shone like stars. He threw open his rich gol
e the sun’s bright rays, and his eyes shone like stars. He threw open
his
rich golden mantle, and, seizing his lyre, began
shone like stars. He threw open his rich golden mantle, and, seizing
his
lyre, began to play such sweet, heavenly music th
avenly music that all the listeners wept for joy. Even Pan threw down
his
flute before this wonderful singer, who could mov
could move people to laughter or to tears by touching the strings of
his
lyre. When Apollo had finished, all the people ra
e ran up to him with cries of praise and thanks, and crowned him with
his
own laurel wreath of victory. But Midas, foolish
laurel wreath of victory. But Midas, foolish King Midas, said that to
his
taste Pan’s music was far more beautiful than the
re beautiful than the sun god’s. To punish him for this stupid use of
his
ears, Apollo changed them to long, furry asses’-
g, furry asses’- ears. In great excitement the king locked himself in
his
royal chamber and then sent for the court barber.
er and then sent for the court barber. After making him swear to keep
his
secret, Midas showed his asses’ ears, and told th
court barber. After making him swear to keep his secret, Midas showed
his
asses’ ears, and told the barber to make him a wi
e that it would hide the ugly things. In a short time, the wig was on
his
majesty’s head, and he sent away the barber with
e the secret. The barber, full of fear, hastened from the palace. But
his
secret preyed on his mind until he could neither
ber, full of fear, hastened from the palace. But his secret preyed on
his
mind until he could neither eat nor sleep for thi
ling place. In the center of it he dug a deep hole, and then, putting
his
mouth close to the ground, he whispered, “King Mi
whispered, and then they knew how Apollo had punished their king for
his
stupid judgment. But Midas could not have blamed
ut Midas could not have blamed the barber, even if he had known about
his
midnight errand; for in truth the poor fellow had
and, That the wood birds ceased from singing, And the squirrel Ceased
his
chatter in the oak tree, And the rabbit Sat uprig
listen. All the many sounds of nature Borrowed sweetness from
his
singing; All the hearts of men were softened By t
rom his singing; All the hearts of men were softened By the pathos of
his
music; For he sang of peace and freedom, Sang of
whose name was Polyphemus. Every day he sat upon the rocks, watching
his
flocks graze, and making a great deal of noise on
rocks, watching his flocks graze, and making a great deal of noise on
his
hundred-reeded pipe. And as he sat there, he watc
ky, and he fell very deeply in love with her. He forgot to look after
his
sheep, but let them wander at their own sweet wil
ll. His huge staff — a pine tree stripped of its boughs — lay idle at
his
side. He was anxious to look pleasing to the fair
He was anxious to look pleasing to the fair Galatea; so he combed out
his
tangled locks with a rake, and cut his shaggy bea
fair Galatea; so he combed out his tangled locks with a rake, and cut
his
shaggy beard with a scythe, and then gazed into t
d the very highest type of beauty for a Cyclops. Then Polyphemus took
his
pipe of reeds, and sat down on a rock that overhu
s, and sat down on a rock that overhung the water, and sang a song to
his
love. At the sound of his voice, the mountains sh
that overhung the water, and sang a song to his love. At the sound of
his
voice, the mountains shook and the waves trembled
great, shaggy monster, for such he seemed to her, and at the roar of
his
awful voice. Besides, she was in love with a youn
ith a young shepherd named Acis; and so, when Polyphemus had finished
his
song, she ran away to join her lover by the banks
e offered her, became very angry indeed. His voice began to roar, and
his
eye became fierce and flaming. He wandered into t
urried into places of shelter when they felt the ground tremble under
his
angry step, and the little birds stopped singing,
t where the shepherd and Galatea were sitting lovingly together. Then
his
heart burned with wrath, and he seized a large ro
Mr. Bulfinch held accountable for liberties that have been taken with
his
work. In the Classic Myths in English Literature,
29. Nereid on a sea-monster. [Wall painting: Müller.] 30. Neptune in
his
car. [Coin: Hirt.] 31. Sirens. [Engraved relief:
r-god. [Bronze head: Baumeister; Roscher 9: 1489.] 49. Actæon torn by
his
hounds. [Relief: Baumeister.] 50. Endymion. [Reli
de l’Art Antique, Paris, 1867.] 109. Charon receiving a passenger and
his
fare. [Relief: Sepolcri.] 110. Amazon. [Guhl &
the murmurous glades of myth, await the poet who shall bestow on each
his
new and predetermined form, and restore them, pur
tages of mythologic philosophy described by Professor J. W. Powell in
his
First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology.2
not appreciate will, if the book is used for purposes of reference in
his
further English, Latin, or Greek studies, be clea
further English, Latin, or Greek studies, be clear before the end of
his
course. The masterpieces mentioned in the Illustr
den treasures. The yellow-haired sun Phœbus drove westerly all day in
his
flaming chariot; or, perhaps, as Meleager, retire
nean waters to appear eastward again at daybreak. Sometimes Phaëthon,
his
rash, inexperienced son, would take the reins and
he wells to dry up. Sometimes, too, the great all-seeing divinity, in
his
wrath at the impiety of men, would shoot down his
seeing divinity, in his wrath at the impiety of men, would shoot down
his
scorching arrows, causing pestilence to spread ov
ircumstances. The hero is more independent than in the historic myth,
his
liberty, his choice, — in judgment, in conduct, a
The hero is more independent than in the historic myth, his liberty,
his
choice, — in judgment, in conduct, and in feeling
his liberty, his choice, — in judgment, in conduct, and in feeling, —
his
responsibility, are the centre of interest. In ro
ey this sense of freedom does not impel the poet to capricious use of
his
material. But lesser bards than Homer have permit
Greek to the thought of an angel who rejoiced as a strong man to run
his
course, whose voice, calling to life and to labor
ondition of the savage, we may comprehend the existence of myths, and
his
acceptance of them. § 6. Unreasonable Myths. — Bu
and attributes more silly and more shameful than man can conceive of
his
fellow-man? When, therefore, we find senseless an
he worshipper could not believe both sets of attributes, he preserved
his
religious attitude before the good god, only by v
rld, and God, has gradually developed truer and higher conceptions of
his
own nature, of his relation to the world about hi
radually developed truer and higher conceptions of his own nature, of
his
relation to the world about him, of duty, of art,
caped the pursuit of her ardent lover, by becoming the tree sacred to
his
worship.6 The merit of the philological method is
time would come to be understood literally. Thus Cronus, who devours
his
own children, is identified with the power that t
ah, Hercules for Samson, Arion for Jonah, etc. Sir Walter Raleigh, in
his
“History of the World,” says, “Jubal, Tubal, and
nced by the same set of religious doctrines; the other, that God made
his
revelation in the beginning once for all, and has
ated by Mr. Andrew Lang 9, whose argument is, when possible, given in
his
own language. To the question how the senseless e
dition of primitive man, the confused personality that he extended to
his
surroundings, and the belief in magical powers th
ngs, and the belief in magical powers that he conferred upon those of
his
tribesmen that were shrewdest and most influentia
ched On the soft grass through half a summer’s day, With music lulled
his
indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, i
ulled his indolent repose; And, in some fit of weariness, if he, When
his
own breath was silent, chanced to hear A distant
t, chanced to hear A distant strain far sweeter than the sounds Which
his
poor skill could make, his fancy fetched Even fro
t strain far sweeter than the sounds Which his poor skill could make,
his
fancy fetched Even from the blazing chariot of th
the illumined groves with ravishment. The nightly hunter, lifting up
his
eyes Toward the crescent Moon, with grateful hear
Called on the lovely Wanderer who bestowed That timely light to share
his
joyous sport; And hence a beaming goddess with he
atural myth may develop are expressed with poetic grace by Ruskin, in
his
“Queen of the Air.”13 The reader must, however, g
was the first Greek said to be endowed with prophetic powers. Before
his
house there stood an oak tree containing a serpen
g ones. One day when he was asleep under the oak, the serpents licked
his
ears with their tongues, enabling him to understa
o understand the language of birds and creeping things.22 At one time
his
enemies seized and imprisoned him. But Melampus i
e were- nearly eaten through and the roof would soon fall in. He told
his
captors. They took his warning, escaped destructi
rough and the roof would soon fall in. He told his captors. They took
his
warning, escaped destruction, rewarded the prophe
riod in Greek literature. Another Thracian bard, Thamyris, is said in
his
presumption to have challenged the Muses to a tri
ses to a trial of skill. Conquered in the contest, he was deprived of
his
sight. To Musæus, the son of Orpheus, was attribu
inian Mysteries,24 and other sacred poems and oracles. Milton couples
his
name with that of Orpheus: — “But O, sad virgin,
rpheus: — “But O, sad virgin, that thy power Might raise Musæus from
his
bower, Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing Such notes
ng minstrel, blind and old, who travelled from place to place singing
his
lays to the music of his harp, in the courts of p
d, who travelled from place to place singing his lays to the music of
his
harp, in the courts of princes or the cottages of
e cottages of peasants, — a dependant upon the voluntary offerings of
his
hearers. Byron calls him “the blind old man of Sc
and a well-known epigram, alluding to the uncertainty of the fact of
his
birthplace, runs: — “Seven wealthy towns contend
y towns contend for Homer dead, Through which the living Homer begged
his
bread.” These seven places were Smyrna, Chios (n
s there is no certainty. Hesiod was born in Ascra in Bœotia; he spent
his
youth as a shepherd on Mount Helicon, his manhood
n Ascra in Bœotia; he spent his youth as a shepherd on Mount Helicon,
his
manhood in the neighborhood of Corinth, and wrote
written at a somewhat later period than Homer, it is noteworthy that
his
stories of the gods have more of the savage or se
rk was a dithyramb or choral hymn to the god of wine. It is said that
his
music and song were of such sweetness as to charm
to land by an admiring dolphin. Spenser represents Arion, mounted on
his
dolphin, accompanying the train of Neptune and Am
did next ensue, And, on the floating waters as enthroned, Arion with
his
harp unto him drew The ears and hearts of all tha
the Ægean seas from pirates’ view, Stood still, by him astonished at
his
lore, And all the raging seas for joy forgot to r
st prolific of the early poets of Greece, but only a few fragments of
his
compositions have descended to us. He wrote hymns
ntation of Danaë, the most important of the fragments which remain of
his
poetry, is based upon the tradition that Danaë an
the hands of the greatest lyric poet of Greece, Pindar (522 b.c.). In
his
hymns and songs of praise to gods and in his odes
e, Pindar (522 b.c.). In his hymns and songs of praise to gods and in
his
odes composed for the victors in the national ath
her account of the family of Agamemnon, myths of Œdipus of Thebes and
his
children, stories connected with the Trojan War,
rodotus, the “father of history” (484 b.c.), embalms various myths in
his
account of the conflicts between Asia and Greece.
thology. That delightful traveller Pausanias makes special mention in
his
Tour of Greece, of the sacred customs and legends
sacred customs and legends that had maintained themselves as late as
his
time (160 a.d.). Lucian, in his Dialogues of the
had maintained themselves as late as his time (160 a.d.). Lucian, in
his
Dialogues of the Gods and Dialogues of the Dead,
ods and Dialogues of the Dead, awakens “inextinguishable laughter” by
his
satire on ancient faith and fable. § 12. Roman Po
h and fable. § 12. Roman Poets of Mythology. — Vergil, called also by
his
surname, Maro, from whose poem of the Æneid we ha
of taste, and in stylistic form. Ovid, often alluded to in poetry by
his
other name, Naso, was born in the year 43 b.c. He
c life, and held some offices of considerable dignity; but poetry was
his
delight, and he early resolved to cultivate it. L
r died when Ovid was yet too young and undistinguished to have formed
his
acquaintance. Ovid spent an easy life at Rome in
sed the poet’s happy circumstances, and clouded the latter portion of
his
life. At the age of fifty he was banished from Ro
orders of the Black Sea. His only consolation in exile was to address
his
wife and absent friends. His letters were all in
or Sorrows, and Letters from Pontus. The two great works of Ovid are
his
“Metamorphoses,” or Transformations, and his “Fas
great works of Ovid are his “Metamorphoses,” or Transformations, and
his
“Fasti,” or Poetic Calendar. They are both mythol
l furnish the poet, the painter, and the sculptor, with materials for
his
art. With exquisite taste, simplicity, and pathos
is appropriate; he rejects the superfluous, and when he has completed
his
work, it is neither defective nor redundant. The
ek and Roman myth.30 Seneca, the teacher of Nero, is best known for
his
philosophical treatises; but he wrote, also, trag
f the fact until 1609, when Arngrim Johnsson made the announcement in
his
Constitutional History of Iceland.40 While the ma
anuscript of the mythological poems of Iceland. Misled by theories of
his
own and by a fanciful suggestion of the famous an
enberg used the stanzaic form of the Nibelungenlied, the epic must be
his
.48 It has also been urged that the poem, having b
e of the ballads to suit himself, strung them together on a thread of
his
own invention. In fine, the materials of the poem
e Episode of Nala, — a prince who, succumbing to a weakness common to
his
contemporaries, has gambled away his kingdom. The
ccumbing to a weakness common to his contemporaries, has gambled away
his
kingdom. The Great Feud of the Bhâratas is, indee
he Great Feud of the Bhâratas is, indeed, assigned to an author — but
his
name, Vyasa, means simply the Arranger. The Râmây
the straits between India and Ceylon, and slaying the demon, recovers
his
lovely and innocent wife. The resemblance between
rsian, — or Pahlavi, — contains the Gáthás, or hymns of Zoroaster and
his
contemporaries, and scriptures of as recent a dat
n. He lived as early as the fourteenth or fifteenth century b.c., and
his
system became the dominant religion of Western As
cause save Cronus, the crafty. With an iron sickle he lay in wait for
his
sire, fell, upon him, and drove him, grievously w
th. He is, from the beginning, of incalculable years. In works of art
his
head is veiled, to typify his cunning and his res
of incalculable years. In works of art his head is veiled, to typify
his
cunning and his reserve; he bears the sickle not
years. In works of art his head is veiled, to typify his cunning and
his
reserve; he bears the sickle not only as memento
bears the sickle not only as memento of the means by which he brought
his
father’s tyranny to end, but as symbol of the new
golden harvests that he ushered in. For unknown ages Cronus and Rhea,
his
sister-queen, governed Heaven and Earth. To them
ns, Pluto, Neptune, and Jupiter. Cronus, however, having learned from
his
parents that he should be dethroned by one of his
having learned from his parents that he should be dethroned by one of
his
own children, conceived the well-intentioned but
goat Amalthea, he in due season attained maturity. Then, assisted by
his
grandmother Gæa, he constrained Cronus to disgorg
his grandmother Gæa, he constrained Cronus to disgorge the burden of
his
cannibal repasts. First came to light the memorab
ed themselves on the side of their brother Cronus against Jupiter and
his
recently recovered kinsfolk. Jupiter and his host
onus against Jupiter and his recently recovered kinsfolk. Jupiter and
his
hosts held Mount Olympus. For ages victory wavere
artarus. Atlas, the son of Iapetus, was doomed to bear the heavens on
his
shoulders. But a more famous son of the same Tita
succeeded, Jupiter was chosen Sovereign of the World. He delegated to
his
brother Neptune (or Posidon) the kingdom of the s
Neptune (or Posidon) the kingdom of the sea and of all the waters; to
his
brother Pluto (or Hades), the government of the u
eror. Another son was born to her — Typhon, a monster more awful than
his
predecessors — whose destiny it was to dispute th
. From the neck of Typhon dispread themselves a hundred dragon-heads;
his
eyes shot fire, and from his black-tongued chaps
pread themselves a hundred dragon-heads; his eyes shot fire, and from
his
black-tongued chaps proceeded the hissing of snak
uailing before the thunderbolt of Jove, he too descended to Tartarus,
his
own place and the abode of his brethren. To this
of Jove, he too descended to Tartarus, his own place and the abode of
his
brethren. To this day, however, he grumbles and h
tic wisdom, had adopted the cause of the Olympian deities. To him and
his
brother Epimetheus was now committed the office o
s, always rash, and thoughtful when too late, had been so prodigal of
his
gifts to other animals that no blessing was left
upon the noblest of creatures, Prometheus ascended to heaven, lighted
his
torch at the chariot of the sun, and brought down
torch at the chariot of the sun, and brought down fire. With fire in
his
possession man would be able, when necessary, to
elmets. The earth brought forth all things necessary for man, without
his
labor in ploughing or sowing. Perpetual spring re
es he garnished with a plausible mass of fat. He then offered Jupiter
his
choice. The king of Heaven, although he perceived
from Heaven in a hollow tube. Pandora. — Doubly enraged, Jupiter, in
his
turn, had recourse to stratagem. He is declared t
heus, who, without hesitation, accepted the gift, though cautioned by
his
brother to beware of Jupiter and all his ways. An
he gift, though cautioned by his brother to beware of Jupiter and all
his
ways. And the caution was not groundless. In the
ultitude of plagues for hapless man — gout, rheumatism, and colic for
his
body; envy, spite, and revenge for his mind — and
out, rheumatism, and colic for his body; envy, spite, and revenge for
his
mind — and scattered themselves far and wide. Pan
one thing only remained in the casket, and that was hope. Because of
his
unselfish devotion to the cause of humanity, Prom
and subjected to the attack of a vulture which, for ages, preyed upon
his
liver, yet succeeded not in consuming it. This st
an end at any time by Prometheus, if he had been willing to submit to
his
oppressor; for he possessed a secret which involv
a secret which involved the stability of Jove’s throne. But to reveal
his
secret he disdained. In this steadfastness he was
ould arrive a hero, — a son of the mighty Jove — to release him.60 By
his
demeanor Prometheus has become the ensample of ma
precepts less The sum of human wretchedness, And strengthen man with
his
own mind. But, baffled as thou wert from high, St
h to the assembly the frightful condition of the earth, and announced
his
intention of destroying its inhabitants, and prov
n itself on fire, he proceeded to drown the world. Not satisfied with
his
own waters, he called his brother Neptune to his
eded to drown the world. Not satisfied with his own waters, he called
his
brother Neptune to his aid. Speedily the race of
. Not satisfied with his own waters, he called his brother Neptune to
his
aid. Speedily the race of men, and their possessi
ns, overtopped the waves; and there Deucalion, son of Prometheus, and
his
wife Pyrrha, daughter of Epimetheus, found refuge
ks. The Æolians and Dorians were, according to legend, descended from
his
sons Æolus and Dorus; from his son Xuthus, the Ac
e, according to legend, descended from his sons Æolus and Dorus; from
his
son Xuthus, the Achæans and Ionians derived their
as they quaffed the nectar that Hebe poured, Apollo made melody with
his
lyre, and the Muses sang in responsive strain. Wh
8 Jupiter (Zeus).69 His daughter, Minerva (Athene), who sprang from
his
brain, full-grown and full-armed. His sister and
re the loftiest trees and the grandest mountain peaks. He required of
his
worshippers cleanliness of surroundings and perso
hippers cleanliness of surroundings and person and heart. Justice was
his
; his to repay violation of duty in the family, in
rs cleanliness of surroundings and person and heart. Justice was his;
his
to repay violation of duty in the family, in soci
ty in the family, in social relations, and in the state. Prophecy was
his
; and his will was made known at the oracle of Dod
family, in social relations, and in the state. Prophecy was his; and
his
will was made known at the oracle of Dodona, wher
piter. — The Greeks usually conceived the Jupiter of war as riding in
his
thunder-car, hurling the thunderbolt or lashing h
war as riding in his thunder-car, hurling the thunderbolt or lashing
his
enemies with a scourge of lightning. He wore a br
; the pedestal twelve feet high. The god was represented as seated on
his
throne. His brows were crowned with; wreath of ol
his throne. His brows were crowned with; wreath of olive; he held in
his
right hand a sceptre, and in hi left a statue of
lines in the first book of the Iliad: — “Jove said, and nodded with
his
shadowy brows; Waved on th’ immortal head th’ amb
th’ immortal head th’ ambrosial locks, — And all Olympus trembled at
his
nod.”72 Unfortunately, our knowledge of this fa
s in the horror of carnage. Strife and slaughter are the condition of
his
existence. Where the fight is thickest, there he
n as to which side is right. In battle-array, he is resplendent, — on
his
head the gleaming helmet and floating plume, on h
resplendent, — on his head the gleaming helmet and floating plume, on
his
arm the leathern shield, in his hand the redoubta
leaming helmet and floating plume, on his arm the leathern shield, in
his
hand the redoubtable spear of bronze. Well-favore
four horses — the offspring of the North Wind and a Fury. In the fray
his
sons attend him — Terror, Trembling, Panic, and F
fray his sons attend him — Terror, Trembling, Panic, and Fear, — also
his
sister Eris, or Discord (the mother of Strife), h
and Fear, — also his sister Eris, or Discord (the mother of Strife),
his
daughter Enyo, ruiner of cities, — and a retinue
h, northerly Thrace. His emblems are the spear and the burning torch;
his
chosen animals are haunters of the battle-field,
s. From the crater of Mount Ætna poured forth the fumes and flames of
his
smithy. He built the dwellings of the gods; he ma
on, perhaps, of the flickering, unsteady nature of fire. According to
his
own story,77 he was born halt; and his mother, ch
y nature of fire. According to his own story,77 he was born halt; and
his
mother, chagrined by his deformity, cast him from
ng to his own story,77 he was born halt; and his mother, chagrined by
his
deformity, cast him from Heaven out of the sight
ight of the gods. Yet, again,78 he says that, attempting once to save
his
mother from Jupiter’s wrath, he was caught by the
he sun. His name Phœbus signifies the radiant nature of the sunlight;
his
name Apollo, perhaps, the cruel and destructive h
pollo, perhaps, the cruel and destructive heat of noonday. Soon after
his
birth, Jupiter would have sent him to Delphi to i
had taken her seat. At last, when the year was warm, came the god in
his
chariot drawn by swans, — heralded by songs of sp
wed their bounds, and mankind made grateful offerings to the god. But
his
advent was not altogether peaceful. An enormous s
and he healed the sick. He was patron of music and of poetry. Through
his
oracle at Delphi, on the slopes of Parnassus in P
When presumption was to be punished, or wrong righted, he could bend
his
bow, and slay with the arrows of his sunlight. As
or wrong righted, he could bend his bow, and slay with the arrows of
his
sunlight. As in the days of his youth he slew the
his bow, and slay with the arrows of his sunlight. As in the days of
his
youth he slew the Python, so, also, he slew the f
to the bottom of the sea, that it might be a secure resting-place for
his
beloved. The daughter of Latona is, as her name A
is associated with her brother, the prince of archery, in nearly all
his
adventures, and in attributes she is his feminine
ce of archery, in nearly all his adventures, and in attributes she is
his
feminine counterpart. As he is identified with su
s feminine counterpart. As he is identified with sunlight, so is she,
his
fair-tressed sister, with the chaste brilliance o
pel or a rustic altar sufficed for her worship. There the hunter laid
his
offering — antlers, skin, or edible portions of t
andscape goes; Just a soft hint of singing, to beguile A man from all
his
toil; Some vanished gleam of beckoning arm, to sp
of Jupiter and Maia (the daughter of Atlas). According to conjecture,
his
name Hermes means the Hastener. Mercury, swift as
he wind, was the servant and herald of Jupiter and the other gods. On
his
ankles (in plastic art), and his low-crowned, bro
ld of Jupiter and the other gods. On his ankles (in plastic art), and
his
low-crowned, broad-brimmed petasus, or hat, were
eet-toned and powerful, he added the persuasiveness of eloquence. But
his
skill was not confined to speech: he was, also, t
e could well play the trickster and the thief, as Apollo found out to
his
vexation, and Argus, and many another unfortunate
to remain single. Whereupon Jupiter gave her to sit in the middle of
his
palace, to receive in Olympus the choicest morsel
e was often represented with eyes covered because of the blindness of
his
actions. With his bow and arrows, he shot the dar
ented with eyes covered because of the blindness of his actions. With
his
bow and arrows, he shot the darts of desire into
in the disguise of an eagle, seized and carried off from the midst of
his
playfellows on Mount Ida, bore up to Heaven, and
daughter of Uranus. She sat, as goddess of justice, beside Jupiter on
his
throne. She was’ beloved of the father of gods an
insolent, and breakers of the law. (8) Æsculapius, son of Apollo. By
his
skill in medicine, he restored the dead to life.
t of the question. Weary at last of fruitless endeavors, he acted out
his
true character, seized the maiden and bore her of
Heaven. His palace was on the precipitous isle of Æolia, where, with
his
six sons and six daughters, he kept eternal carou
of the sun, is, as has been already said, frequently identified with
his
successor, Apollo. The attributes and adventures
ed boat, which conveyed him by the northern part of the earth back to
his
place of rising in the east. § 45. Ceres (Demeter
nd the trumpets, beat the drums; Flushed with a purple grace He shows
his
honest face: Now give the hautboys breath; he com
h the chase, led the dances of the Dryads, and made love to them. But
his
suit was frequently of no avail, for though good-
ently of no avail, for though good-natured, he was not prepossessing;
his
hoofs and horns did not enhance his comeliness. H
atured, he was not prepossessing; his hoofs and horns did not enhance
his
comeliness. He was fond of music, and was himself
he spirits of the dead, and governed by Pluto (Hades) and Proserpina,
his
queen. According to the Iliad, this realm lay dee
ssed to the Elysian Fields, where each followed the chosen pursuit of
his
former life in a land of spring, sunlight, happin
e, — Lily, and rose, and asphodel, — With these doth each guest twine
his
crown And wreathe his cup, and lay him down Besid
nd asphodel, — With these doth each guest twine his crown And wreathe
his
cup, and lay him down Beside some friend he lovet
ell the sovereignty of the lower world and the shades of the dead. In
his
character of Hades, the viewless, he is hard and
the latter aspect he was revered as Pluto, or the giver of wealth. At
his
pleasure, he visited the realms of day, — as when
therwise he ignored occurrences in the upper world, nor did he suffer
his
subjects, by returning, to find them out. Mortals
ubjects, by returning, to find them out. Mortals, when they called on
his
name, beat the ground with their hands, and, aver
ands, and, averting their faces, sacrificed black sheep to him and to
his
queen. He is known also as Dis, Orcus, and Tartar
een of Hades, — a name applied both to the ruler of the shades and to
his
realm. When she is goddess of spring, dear to man
er and judges of the shades in the lower world. Æacus had been during
his
earthly life a righteous king of the island of Æg
reus. This Nereus, a genial old man of the sea, was distinguished for
his
prophetic gifts, his knowledge, his love of truth
genial old man of the sea, was distinguished for his prophetic gifts,
his
knowledge, his love of truth and justice. Taking
of the sea, was distinguished for his prophetic gifts, his knowledge,
his
love of truth and justice. Taking to wife one of
palace was in the depths of the sea, near Ægæ in Euboea; but he made
his
home on Olympus when he chose. The symbol of his
Euboea; but he made his home on Olympus when he chose. The symbol of
his
power was the trident, or three-pronged spear, wi
races. His own steeds were brazen-hoofed and golden-maned. They drew
his
chariot over the sea, which became smooth before
re him, while dolphins and other monsters of the deep gambolled about
his
path. In his honor black and white bulls, white b
dolphins and other monsters of the deep gambolled about his path. In
his
honor black and white bulls, white boars, and ram
bulls, white boars, and rams were sacrificed. Fig. 30. Neptune in
his
car. [Coin: Hirt.] § 54. Lesser Divinities of the
(1) Triton, the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, trumpeter of Ocean. By
his
blast on the sea-shell he stirred or allayed the
of the sea. He possessed the prophetic gift and the power of changing
his
shape at will. (3) The Harpies, foul creatures, w
d ever-barking dogs. (5) Atlas, who stood in the far west, bearing on
his
shoulders the vault of heaven. He was once regard
n; Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea; Or hear old Triton blow
his
wreathed horn.108 Fig. 31. Sirens. [Engraved
dentify him with the Grecian god Cronus; and it was fabled that after
his
dethronement by Jupiter, he fled to Italy, where
e fled to Italy, where he reigned during the Golden Age. In memory of
his
dominion, the feast of Saturnalia was held every
said to be no other than Romulus, the founder of Rome, exalted after
his
death to a place among the immortals. (4) Bellona
ed to them. Every master of a family was the priest to the Penates of
his
own house. The Lares, or Lars, were also tutelary
arly correspond to our ghosts. The Romans believed that every man had
his
Genius, and every woman her Juno; that is, a spir
r and Juno. § 57. Not a few of the adventures of Jupiter turn upon
his
love affairs. Among the immortals, his queen had
dventures of Jupiter turn upon his love affairs. Among the immortals,
his
queen had rivals in his affection: for instance,
n upon his love affairs. Among the immortals, his queen had rivals in
his
affection: for instance, Latona, a goddess of dar
beautiful daughters of men involved him in frequent altercations with
his
justly jealous spouse. Of his fondness for Danaë,
olved him in frequent altercations with his justly jealous spouse. Of
his
fondness for Danaë, whom he approached in a showe
er of gold, particulars are given in the story of her son Perseus; of
his
love for Alcmene, the granddaughter of that Perse
hat Perseus, we are informed in the myths of her son Hercules; and of
his
attentions to Leda, whom he wooed in guise of a s
uld. It was Io, whom Jupiter, when he became aware of the approach of
his
wife, had changed into that form. The ox-eyed god
ft. What could the king of gods and men do? He was loath to surrender
his
sweetheart to his wife; yet how refuse so triflin
king of gods and men do? He was loath to surrender his sweetheart to
his
wife; yet how refuse so trifling a present as a h
fer to Argus, to be strictly watched. Now Argus had a hundred eyes in
his
head, and never went to sleep with more than two
ith her hoof on the sand. Inachus recognized it, and discovering that
his
daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hi
r. While he thus lamented, Argus, observing, drove her away, and took
his
seat on a bank, from whence he could see in every
Vase picture: Roscher 19: 279.] Jupiter, grieved by the sufferings of
his
mistress, sent Mercury to despatch Argus. Mercury
ferings of his mistress, sent Mercury to despatch Argus. Mercury took
his
sleep-producing wand, and presented himself on ea
-producing wand, and presented himself on earth as a shepherd driving
his
flock. As he strolled, he blew upon his syrinx or
n earth as a shepherd driving his flock. As he strolled, he blew upon
his
syrinx or Pandæan pipes. Argus listened with deli
ury sat down, talked, told stories till it grew late, and played upon
his
pipes his most soothing strains, hoping to lull t
wn, talked, told stories till it grew late, and played upon his pipes
his
most soothing strains, hoping to lull the watchfu
eyes to sleep, but in vain; for Argus still contrived to keep some of
his
eyes open, though he shut the rest. But among oth
on her friends, the water-nymphs. They heard and consented. Pan threw
his
arms around what he supposed to be the form of th
called it Syrinx, in honor of the nymph.” Before Mercury had finished
his
story he saw the eyes of Argus all asleep. At onc
last the banks of the Nile. Then Jupiter interceded for her; and upon
his
engaging not to pay her any further attention, Ju
od. She stopped and felt inclined to embrace him. He, alarmed, raised
his
hunting-spear, and was on the point of transfixin
rests on the eyelids, limb-loosening sleep, that binds the eyes with
his
soft bond, when the flock of truthful dreams fare
truth, the son of Cronus, so soon as he beheld her, was troubled, and
his
heart was subdued by the sudden shafts of Cypris,
o, and being eager to beguile the maiden’s tender heart, he concealed
his
godhead, and changed his shape, and became a bull
uile the maiden’s tender heart, he concealed his godhead, and changed
his
shape, and became a bull… He came into the meadow
nd changed his shape, and became a bull… He came into the meadow, and
his
coming terrified not the maidens, nay, within the
ll wakened desire to draw nigh the lovely bull, and to touch him, and
his
heavenly fragrance was scattered afar, exceeding
d before the feet of fair Europa, and kept licking her neck, and cast
his
spell over the maiden. And she still caressed him
ssed him, and gently with her hands she wiped away the deep foam from
his
lips, and kissed the bull. Then he lowed so gentl
g a dulcet sound. He bowed himself before her feet, and, bending back
his
neck, he gazed on Europe, and showed her his broa
feet, and, bending back his neck, he gazed on Europe, and showed her
his
broad back. Then she spake among her deep-tressed
unt the bull here and take our pastime, for truly, he will bear is on
his
back, and carry all of us! And how mild he is, an
e world, appeared above the sea, and made smooth the wave, and guided
his
brother on the salt sea-path, and round him were
are famous in Greek myth: Minos, who became king of Crete, and after
his
death a judge in the lower world; Rhadamanthus, w
ans. The adventures of Europa’s brother Cadmus, who by the command of
his
father went forth in quest of the lost maiden, fa
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
e experiment. She asks a favor, without naming what it is. Jove gives
his
promise, and confirms it with the irrevocable oat
was too quick for him. The words escaped, and he could neither unsay
his
promise nor her request. In deep distress, he lef
t her, and returned to the upper regions. There he clothed himself in
his
splendors, not putting on all his terrors, as whe
egions. There he clothed himself in his splendors, not putting on all
his
terrors, as when he overthrew the giants, but wha
as when he overthrew the giants, but what is known among the gods as
his
lesser panoply. With thunders and lightnings he e
ele. With human arms the god came clasping me: New life streamed from
his
presence; and a voice, That scarce could curb its
ashed: from a body scathed and torn The soul leapt through, and found
his
breast, and died. ‘Died?’ — So the Theban maidens
escape thence, had resort to a series of deceptions that resulted in
his
eternal punishment.118 On the other hand, the inh
work. The wool dropped from the bleating sheep. The horse groaned at
his
stall, and died an inglorious death. Everything l
nds of her uncle Lycus, the usurping king of Thebes, who, egged on by
his
wife Dirce, treated her with extreme cruelty. Fin
ians. Having become king of Thebes, it is said that when he played on
his
lyre, stones moved of their own accord, and took
sung He left a small plantation; Wherever in a lonely grove He set up
his
forlorn pipes, The gouty oak began to move, And f
ing with young beeches; And briony-vine and ivy-wreath Ran forward to
his
rhyming, And from the valleys underneath Came lit
t-shot alder from the wave, Came yews, a dismal coterie; Each plucked
his
one foot from the grave, Poussetting with a sloe-
e From many a cloudy hollow. And wasn’t it a sight to see, When, ere
his
song was ended, Like some great landslip, tree by
fe was, however, not all harmony and happiness. Owing to the pride of
his
wife, Niobe, daughter of King Tantalus, there bef
e of his wife, Niobe, daughter of King Tantalus, there befell him and
his
house a crushing calamity, which is narrated amon
man shape, visited the land of Phrygia, and with him Mercury, without
his
wings. They presented themselves as weary travell
But when they sought for Cleobis, behold, He lay there still, and by
his
brother’s side Lay Biton, smiling through ambrosi
st gravity, sitting in the midst. Neptune, the ruler of the sea, held
his
trident, and appeared to have just smitten the Ea
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 ba
he velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, The silken down with which
his
back is dight, His broad outstretched horns, his
lken down with which his back is dight, His broad outstretched horns,
his
hairy thighs, His glorious colors, and his gliste
broad outstretched horns, his hairy thighs, His glorious colors, and
his
glistening eyes. Which when Arachne saw, as over
r the yoke and horses’ reins with spear of bronze, eager to take away
his
life. But the bright-eyed goddess Minerva with he
onze; and Minerva drave it home against Mars’ nethermost belly, where
his
taslets were girt about him. There smote he him a
e girt about him. There smote he him and wounded him, rending through
his
fair skin, — and plucked forth the spear again. T
ious raiment, and he sate down by Jupiter, son of Cronus, glorying in
his
might. Then fared the twain back to the mansion o
, even Juno and Minerva, having stayed Mars, scourge of mortals, from
his
man-slaying.130 § 69. Mars and Minerva. — It wo
an War: — … Jupiter knew what was coming as he sat upon Olympus, and
his
heart within him laughed pleasantly when he behel
piercer of shields, began the battle and first made for Minerva with
his
bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefo
tning of Jupiter can overcome — thereon smote blood-stained Mars with
his
long spear. But she, giving back, grasped with st
; this hurled she, and smote impetuous Mars on the neck, and unstrung
his
limbs. Seven roods he covered in his fall, and so
s Mars on the neck, and unstrung his limbs. Seven roods he covered in
his
fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his armo
nd unstrung his limbs. Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled
his
hair with dust, and his armor rang upon him. And
even roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and
his
armor rang upon him. And Minerva laughed, and spa
the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for scarce gathered he
his
spirit back to him.131 § 70. Toward mortals Mar
Toward mortals Mars could show himself, on occasion, as vindictive as
his
fair foe, the unwearied daughter of Jove. This fa
d away by Jupiter in the guise of a bull, her father Agenor commanded
his
son Cadmus to go in search of her, and not to ret
walking before him. He followed her close, offering at the same time
his
prayers to Phœbus. The cow went on till she passe
gave thanks, and stooping down kissed the foreign soil, then lifting
his
eyes, greeted the surrounding mountains. Wishing
s, greeted the surrounding mountains. Wishing to offer a sacrifice to
his
protecting deity, Minerva, he sent his servants t
ishing to offer a sacrifice to his protecting deity, Minerva, he sent
his
servants to seek pure water for a libation. Near
e lurked a serpent with crested head and scales glittering like gold;
his
eyes shone like fire; his body was swollen with v
ested head and scales glittering like gold; his eyes shone like fire;
his
body was swollen with venom; he vibrated a triple
and the ingushing waters had made a sound, than the monster, twisting
his
scaly body in a huge coil, darted upon them and d
s scaly body in a huge coil, darted upon them and destroyed some with
his
fangs, others in his folds, and others with his p
e coil, darted upon them and destroyed some with his fangs, others in
his
folds, and others with his poisonous breath. Cadm
d destroyed some with his fangs, others in his folds, and others with
his
poisonous breath. Cadmus, having waited for the r
rs with his poisonous breath. Cadmus, having waited for the return of
his
men till midday, went in search of them. When he
entered the wood, and saw their lifeless bodies, and the dragon with
his
bloody jaws, not knowing that the serpent was sac
ars, scourge of mortals, he lifted a huge stone and threw it with all
his
force at the monster. The blow made no impression
owever, was present, unseen, to aid her worshipper. Cadmus next threw
his
javelin, which penetrated the serpent’s scales, a
avelin, which penetrated the serpent’s scales, and pierced through to
his
entrails. The monster attempted to draw out the w
gh to his entrails. The monster attempted to draw out the weapon with
his
mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point r
with his mouth, but broke it off, leaving the iron point rankling in
his
flesh. His neck swelled with rage, bloody foam co
ankling in his flesh. His neck swelled with rage, bloody foam covered
his
jaws, and the breath of his nostrils poisoned the
ck swelled with rage, bloody foam covered his jaws, and the breath of
his
nostrils poisoned the air around. As he moved onw
air around. As he moved onward, Cadmus retreated before him, holding
his
spear opposite to the serpent’s opened jaws. At l
ng his spear opposite to the serpent’s opened jaws. At last, watching
his
chance, the hero thrust the spear at a moment whe
and so succeeded in pinning him to its side. While Cadmus stood over
his
conquered foe, contemplating its vast size, a voi
dle not with our civil war.” With that he who had spoken smote one of
his
earth-born brothers with a sword, and he himself
ll all but five fell slain. These five joined with Cadmus in building
his
city, to which they gave the name appointed. F
erved Mars for a period of eight years. After he had been absolved of
his
impiety, Minerva set him over the realm of Thebes
Vulcan presented the bride with a necklace of surpassing brilliancy,
his
own workmanship. Of this marriage ere born four d
serpent.” No sooner had he uttered the words than he began to change
his
form. Harmonia, beholding it, prayed the gods to
ge his form. Harmonia, beholding it, prayed the gods to let her share
his
fate. Both became serpents. It is said that, mind
§ 71. The stories of Vulcan are few, although incidents illustrating
his
character are sufficiently numerous. According to
y numerous. According to an account already given, Vulcan, because of
his
lameness, was cast out of Heaven by his mother Ju
ady given, Vulcan, because of his lameness, was cast out of Heaven by
his
mother Juno. The sea-goddesses, Enrynome and Thet
fully to themselves, and for nine years cared for him, while he plied
his
trade and gained proficiency in it. In order to r
in the depths of the sea a throne of cunning device, which he sent to
his
mother. She gladly accepting the glorious gift, s
hen Mars sought to bring Vulcan to Heaven by force that he might undo
his
trickery; but before the flames of the fire-god,
yths which cluster about the name of Phœbus Apollo illustrate, first,
his
birth and the wanderings of his mother, Latona; s
e of Phœbus Apollo illustrate, first, his birth and the wanderings of
his
mother, Latona; secondly, his victory over darkne
first, his birth and the wanderings of his mother, Latona; secondly,
his
victory over darkness and winter; thirdly, his gi
her, Latona; secondly, his victory over darkness and winter; thirdly,
his
gifts to man, — youth and vigor, the sunshine of
the sunshine of spring and the vegetation of early summer; fourthly,
his
baleful influence, — the sunstroke and drought of
he sunstroke and drought of midsummer, the miasma of autumn; fifthly,
his
life on earth, as friend and counsellor, of manki
n the slimy pool.139 § 73. Apollo, the Light Triumphant. —Soon after
his
birth the sun-god spent a year among the Hyperbor
he Hyperboreans, whose shining land has been already described.140 On
his
return, slaying with his golden arrows the Python
ining land has been already described.140 On his return, slaying with
his
golden arrows the Python that had infested- the s
all nations synonymous with jubilation, praise, and thanksgiving. In
his
conflict with another monster of darkness and win
darkness and winter, the god of the silver bow had the assistance of
his
sister Diana. By their unerring fiery darts they
s. It is reported that not Apollo and Diana, but Jupiter himself with
his
lightning slew them. They atoned for their presum
th named Hyacinthus. The god of the silver bow accompanied the lad in
his
sports, carried the nets when he went fishing, le
n he went fishing, led the dogs when he went to hunt, followed him in
his
excursions in the mountains, and neglected for hi
it high and far. Hyacinthus, excited with the sport and eager to make
his
throw, ran forward to seize the missile; but it b
inted and fell. The god, as pale as himself, raised him and tried all
his
art to stanch the wound and retain the flitting l
owers to the earth, so the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for
his
neck, fell over on his shoulder . “Thou diest, Hy
the head of the dying boy, as if too heavy for his neck, fell over on
his
shoulder . “Thou diest, Hyacinth,” spake Phœbus,
e. Phœbus then, to confer still greater honor, marked the petals with
his
sorrow, inscribing “Ai! ai!” upon them. The flowe
e name of Hyacinthus, and with returning spring revives the memory of
his
fate.142 Fig. 41. Apollo, and Hyacinthus with
hyrus (the west wind), who was also fond of Hyacinthus and jealous of
his
preference of Apollo, blew the quoit out of its c
f its course to make it strike Hyacinthus. § 75. While this youth met
his
death by accident, another of Apollo’s favorites,
this youth met his death by accident, another of Apollo’s favorites,
his
own son, brought death upon himself by presumptio
Phaëton’s being the son of a god. Phaëton complained of the insult to
his
mother Clymene. She sent him to Phœbus to ask for
to ask for himself whether he had not been truly informed concerning
his
parentage. Gladly Phaëton travelled toward the re
s of sunrise, and gained at last the palace of the Sun. He approached
his
father’s presence, but stopped at a distance, for
th the novelty and splendor of the scene, and inquired the purpose of
his
errand. The youth replied, “Oh, light of the boun
ine!” He ceased. His father, laying aside the beams that shone around
his
head, bade him approach, embraced him, owned him
shone around his head, bade him approach, embraced him, owned him for
his
son, and swore by the river Styx144 that whatever
d for one day to drive the chariot of the sun. The father repented of
his
promise, and tried to dissuade the boy by telling
thou canst.” He ended; but the youth rejected admonition, and held to
his
demand. So, having resisted as long as he might,
brosia, and attached the reins. Then the father, smearing the face of
his
son with a powerful unguent, made him capable of
tood erect, and grasped the reins with delight, pouring out thanks to
his
reluctant parent. But the steeds soon perceived t
its rage revive. Bootes, they say, fled away, though encumbered with
his
plough, and unused to rapid motion. When hapless
he earth, now spreading in vast extent beneath him, he grew pale, and
his
knees shook with terror. He lost his self-command
t beneath him, he grew pale, and his knees shook with terror. He lost
his
self-command, and knew not whether to draw tight
over the surface of heaven, — the Scorpion extending two great arms,
his
tail, and his crooked claws over the space of two
ace of heaven, — the Scorpion extending two great arms, his tail, and
his
crooked claws over the space of two signs of the
when the boy beheld him, reeking with poison and menacing with fangs,
his
courage failed, and the reins fell from his hands
and menacing with fangs, his courage failed, and the reins fell from
his
hands. The horses, unrestrained, went off into un
, and Hæmus: Ætna, with fires within and without, and Parnassus, with
his
two peaks, and Rhodope, forced at last to part wi
rnassus, with his two peaks, and Rhodope, forced at last to part with
his
snowy crown. Her cold climate was no protection t
den sands, and Caÿster where the swans resort. Nile fled away and hid
his
head in the desert, and there it still remains co
ert, and there it still remains concealed. Where he used to discharge
his
waters through seven mouths into the sea, seven d
nks light broke into Tartarus, and frightened the king of shadows and
his
queen. The sea shrank up. Even Nereus and his wif
the king of shadows and his queen. The sea shrank up. Even Nereus and
his
wife Doris, with the Nereïds, their daughters, so
sought the deepest caves for refuge. Thrice Neptune essayed to raise
his
head above the surface, and thrice was driven bac
, looked up to heaven, and with husky voice prayed Jupiter if it were
his
will that she should perish by fire, to end her a
his will that she should perish by fire, to end her agony at once by
his
thunderbolts, or else to consider his own heaven,
re, to end her agony at once by his thunderbolts, or else to consider
his
own heaven, how both the poles were smoking that
nsider his own heaven, how both the poles were smoking that sustained
his
palace, and that all must fall if they were destr
speedy remedy were applied, thundered, brandished a lightning bolt in
his
right hand, launched it against the charioteer, a
hed it against the charioteer, and struck him at the same moment from
his
seat and from existence. Phaëton, with his hair o
im at the same moment from his seat and from existence. Phaëton, with
his
hair on fire, fell headlong, like a shooting star
s as it falls, and Eridanus, the great river, received him and cooled
his
burning frame. His sisters, the Heliades, as they
cooled his burning frame. His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented
his
fate, were turned into poplar trees, on the banks
truck by Jove’s thunder, rests beneath this stone. He could not rule’
his
father’s car of fire, Yet was it much so nobly to
d before Troy, the king of men, Atrides, unjustly declined to restore
his
captive, Chryseis of the fair cheeks, to her fath
m, and came down from the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on
his
shoulders his bow and covered quiver. And the arr
wn from the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders
his
bow and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged up
his shoulders his bow and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon
his
shoulders in his wrath, as the god moved; and he
bow and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in
his
wrath, as the god moved; and he descended like to
he assail the mules and fleet dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men
his
piercing dart, he smote; and the pyres of the dea
ead burnt continually in multitude. Nor until Agamemnon had sent back
his
winsome captive to her father did Apollo remove f
illustration of the swift and awful vengeance of Apollo, and also of
his
sister Diana. This Niobe was the daughter of a ce
s, king of Phrygia, who had been received at the table of the gods by
his
father, Jupiter. But there was a strain of ingrat
mpted, at a banquet, to deceive them into eating the roasted flesh of
his
own son Pelops. The gods were not deceived. Pelop
ned, some driving gay chariots. Ismenos, the first-born, as he guided
his
foaming steeds, was struck by an arrow from above
ell lifeless. Another, hearing the sound of the bow, gave the rein to
his
horses and attempted to escape. The inevitable ar
, Ilioneus. “Spare me, ye gods!” he cried, addressing all of them, in
his
ignorance that all needed not his supplication; a
e cried, addressing all of them, in his ignorance that all needed not
his
supplication; and Apollo would have spared him, b
was erected midway between Argos and Delphi; and every year Linus and
his
mother were bewailed in melancholy lays by the mo
ssenian, Arsinoë) bore to Apollo a child who was named Æsculapius. On
his
mother’s death the infant was intrusted to the ch
, medicine, music, and the art of prophecy. When the sage returned to
his
home bearing the infant, his daughter Ocyrrhoe ca
t of prophecy. When the sage returned to his home bearing the infant,
his
daughter Ocyrrhoe came forth to meet him, and at
succeeded in restoring the dead to life. Pluto resented this; and, at
his
request, Jupiter struck the bold physician with l
er struck the bold physician with lightning and killed him, but after
his
death received him into the number of the gods.15
in Exile. — Apollo, indignant at the destruction of this son, wreaked
his
vengeance on the innocent workmen who had made th
moke and flames of their furnaces are constantly issuing. Apollo shot
his
arrows at the Cyclopes, a deed which so incensed
ollo went into the service of Admetus, king of Thessaly, and pastured
his
flocks for him on the verdant banks of the river.
. Then King Admetus, one who had Pure taste by right divine, Decreed
his
singing not too bad To hear between the cups of w
well pleased with being soothed Into a sweet half-sleep, Three times
his
kingly beard he smoothed, And made him viceroy o’
, Three times his kingly beard he smoothed, And made him viceroy o’er
his
sheep. His words were simple words enough, And y
ough, And yet he used them so, That what in other mouths was rough In
his
seemed musical and low. Men called him but a shi
, In whom no good they saw; And yet, unwittingly, in truth, They made
his
careless words their law. They knew not how he l
nes, and springs, He found a healing power profuse. Men granted that
his
speech was wise, But, when a glance they caught O
n granted that his speech was wise, But, when a glance they caught Of
his
slim grace and woman’s eyes, They laughed, and ca
called him good-for-naught. Yet after he was dead and gone And e’en
his
memory dim, Earth seemed more sweet to live upon,
by lions and boars. This task Admetus performed by the assistance of
his
divine herdsman, and was made happy in the posses
ates to spare him on condition that some one should consent to die in
his
stead. Admetus, in his joy at this reprieve, thou
ndition that some one should consent to die in his stead. Admetus, in
his
joy at this reprieve, thought little of the ranso
embering the declarations of attachment which he had often heard from
his
courtiers and dependents, fancied that it would b
for him on the bed of sickness; and old servants who had experienced
his
bounty and that of his house from their childhood
sickness; and old servants who had experienced his bounty and that of
his
house from their childhood up were not willing to
f their days to show their gratitude. Men asked, “Why does not one of
his
parents do it? They cannot in the course of natur
noble heart!” So, one look upward, as if Zeus might laugh Approval of
his
human progeny, — One summons of the whole magnifi
— but can it be? — … Ay, he it was advancing! In he strode, And took
his
stand before Admetos, — turned Now by despair to
dmetos, — turned Now by despair to such a quietude, He neither raised
his
face nor spoke, this time, The while his friend s
quietude, He neither raised his face nor spoke, this time, The while
his
friend surveyed him steadily. That friend looked
ck-swollen, beaded yet with battle-dew The golden hair o’ the hero! —
his
big frame A-quiver with each muscle sinking back
Propped by the heartbeats ‘neath the lion-coat. When he had finished
his
survey, it seemed, The heavings of the heart bega
when he found speech, you guess the speech. He could not think he saw
his
wife again: It was some mocking God that used the
e lyre, aided Neptune to build the walls of Troy, just as Amphion, in
his
turn, had aided in the building of Thebes. Apollo
It is said that on a certain occasion Pan had the temerity to compare
his
music with that of Apollo, and to challenge the g
ted, and Tmolus, the mountain-god, was chosen umpire. The senior took
his
seat, and cleared away the trees from his ears to
sen umpire. The senior took his seat, and cleared away the trees from
his
ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on his
away the trees from his ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on
his
pipes, and with his rustic melody gave great sati
his ears to listen. At a given signal Pan blew on his pipes, and with
his
rustic melody gave great satisfaction to himself
es, and with his rustic melody gave great satisfaction to himself and
his
faithful follower Midas, who happened to be prese
ithful follower Midas, who happened to be present. Then Tmolus turned
his
head toward the sun-god, and all his trees turned
o be present. Then Tmolus turned his head toward the sun-god, and all
his
trees turned with him. Apollo rose; his brow wrea
d toward the sun-god, and all his trees turned with him. Apollo rose;
his
brow wreathed with Parnassian laurel, while his r
ith him. Apollo rose; his brow wreathed with Parnassian laurel, while
his
robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In his le
rnassian laurel, while his robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground. In
his
left hand he held the lyre, and with his right ha
purple swept the ground. In his left hand he held the lyre, and with
his
right hand struck the strings. Tmolus at once awa
and questioned the justice of the award. Apollo promptly transformed
his
depraved pair of ears into those of an ass. King
depraved pair of ears into those of an ass. King Midas tried to hide
his
misfortune under an ample turban But his hair-dre
ss. King Midas tried to hide his misfortune under an ample turban But
his
hair-dresser found it too much for his discretion
tune under an ample turban But his hair-dresser found it too much for
his
discretion to keep such a secret; he dug a hole i
e him Orpheus160, and the nymph Cyrene, whose son was Aristæus161. Of
his
relations with two other maidens the following my
Daphne. 162 — The lord of the silver bow was not always prosperous in
his
wooing. His first love, which, by the way, owed i
ally unfortunate. It appears that Apollo, seeing the boy playing with
his
bow and arrows, had tauntingly advised him to lea
things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike thee.” So saying, he took
his
stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his q
” So saying, he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from
his
quiver two arrows of different workmanship, — one
ollowed her; she fled, swifter than the wind, nor delayed a moment at
his
entreaties. “Stay,” said he, “daughter of Peneüs;
y that no balm can cure.” The nymph continues her flight, and leaves
his
plea half uttered. But even as she flies she char
e branches, and lavished kisses on the wood. The branches shrank from
his
lips. “Since thou canst not be my wife,” said he,
of Daphne, of whom it was made, For the god being one day too warm in
his
wooing, She took to the tree to escape his pursui
being one day too warm in his wooing, She took to the tree to escape
his
pursuing; Be the cause what it might, from his of
to the tree to escape his pursuing; Be the cause what it might, from
his
offers she shrunk, And, Ginevra-like, shut hersel
stenance. She gazed on the sun when he rose; and as he passed through
his
daily course to his setting, she saw no other obj
on the sun when he rose; and as he passed through his daily course to
his
setting, she saw no other object, — her eyes fixe
to tell, she had become a fountain. Alpheüs attempted then to mingle
his
stream with hers. But the Cynthian queen cleft th
d above her, As she lingered towards the deep. Then Alpheus bold, On
his
glacier cold, With his trident the mountain stroo
gered towards the deep. Then Alpheus bold, On his glacier cold, With
his
trident the mountain strook And opened a chasm In
f the toilet, Actæon, the son of Autonoë and Aristæus, having quitted
his
companions of the chase, and rambling without any
mbling without any especial object, came to the place, led thither by
his
destiny. As he presented himself at the entrance
ely a pair of branching stag’s horns grew out of the huntsman’s head,
his
neck gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointe
g’s horns grew out of the huntsman’s head, his neck gained in length,
his
ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet, h
tsman’s head, his neck gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointed,
his
hands became feet, his arms, his long legs, and h
gained in length, his ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet,
his
arms, his long legs, and his body were covered wi
length, his ears grew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet, his arms,
his
long legs, and his body were covered with a hairy
ew sharp-pointed, his hands became feet, his arms, his long legs, and
his
body were covered with a hairy spotted hide. Fear
s body were covered with a hairy spotted hide. Fear took the place of
his
former boldness, and the hero fled What should he
— go home to the palace, or lie hid in the woods? While he hesitated
his
dogs saw him. Over rocks and cliffs, through moun
he air resounded with the bark of the dogs. Presently one fastened on
his
back, another seized his shoulder; the rest of th
bark of the dogs. Presently one fastened on his back, another seized
his
shoulder; the rest of the pack came up and buried
his shoulder; the rest of the pack came up and buried their teeth in
his
flesh. His friends and fellow-huntsmen cheered on
erywhere for Actæon, called on him to join the sport. At the sound of
his
name, he turned his head, and heard them regret t
called on him to join the sport. At the sound of his name, he turned
his
head, and heard them regret that he should be awa
ad no pity for him, nor was her anger appeased till the dogs had torn
his
life out. Fig. 49. Actæon torn by his hounds.
eased till the dogs had torn his life out. Fig. 49. Actæon torn by
his
hounds. [Relief: Baumeister.] § 90. The Fortunes
nd of wild beasts, and brought the spoils of the chase as presents to
his
beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred his c
chase as presents to his beloved; but as Œnopion constantly deferred
his
consent, Orion attempted to gain possession of th
r father, incensed at this conduct, made Orion drunk, deprived him of
his
sight, and cast him out on the seashore. The blin
d Lemnos, where Vulcan, taking pity on him, gave him Cedalion, one of
his
men, to be his guide to the abode of the sun. Pla
Vulcan, taking pity on him, gave him Cedalion, one of his men, to be
his
guide to the abode of the sun. Placing Cedalion o
his men, to be his guide to the abode of the sun. Placing Cedalion on
his
shoulders, Orion proceeded to the east, and there
to the east, and there meeting the sun-god, was restored to sight by
his
beam.170 After this he dwelt as a hunter with th
One day, therefore, observing Orion as he waded through the sea, with
his
head, just above the water, Apollo pointed out th
is head, just above the water, Apollo pointed out the black object to
his
sister, and maintained that she could not hit it.
ears as a giant, with a girdle, sword, lion’s skin, and club. Sirius,
his
dog, follows him, and the Pleiads fly before him.
chase across the heavens; but with dawn he sinks toward the waters of
his
father Neptune. In the beginning of summer, he ma
ually paling before the light of day till, finally, Diana, jealous of
his
happiness, draws her gentle darts, and slays him.
clear night, Selene looked down upon the beautiful Endymion, who fed
his
flock on Mount Latmos; and saw him sleeping. The
w him sleeping. The heart of the goddess was unquestionably warmed by
his
surpassing beauty. She came down to him; she kiss
d with perpetual sleep. Endymion chose the latter. He still sleeps in
his
Carian cave, and still the mistress of the moon s
ips from her nocturnal course to visit him. She takes care, too, that
his
fortunes shall not suffer by his inactive life: s
visit him. She takes care, too, that his fortunes shall not suffer by
his
inactive life: she yields his flock increase, and
, that his fortunes shall not suffer by his inactive life: she yields
his
flock increase, and guards his sheep and lambs fr
uffer by his inactive life: she yields his flock increase, and guards
his
sheep and lambs from beasts of prey.173 Keats,
milky white, Poor Cynthia greeted him, and soothed her light Against
his
pallid face: he -felt the charm To breathlessness
id face: he -felt the charm To breathlessness, and suddenly a warm Of
his
heart’s blood: ’twas very sweet; he stayed His wa
ying breath of air, He rose in silence, and once more ‘gan fare Along
his
fated way.174 7. Myths of Venus. § 93. Ro
ss, playing one day with her boy Cupid, wounded her bosom with one of
his
arrows. Before the wound healed, she looked upon
too noble to heed such counsels. The dogs had roused a wild boar from
his
lair; and the youth threw his spear, and wounded
s. The dogs had roused a wild boar from his lair; and the youth threw
his
spear, and wounded the animal with a sidelong str
the animal with a sidelong stroke. The beast drew out the weapon with
his
jaws, and rushing after Adonis, buried his tusks
t drew out the weapon with his jaws, and rushing after Adonis, buried
his
tusks in the lad’s side, and stretched him dying
nt for Adonis.177 … Low on the hills is lying the lovely Adonis, and
his
thigh with the boar’s tusk, his white thigh with
hills is lying the lovely Adonis, and his thigh with the boar’s tusk,
his
white thigh with the boar’s tusk is wounded; and
usk is wounded; and sorrow on Cypris he brings, as softly he breathes
his
life away. His dark blood drips down his skin of
rings, as softly he breathes his life away. His dark blood drips down
his
skin of snow, beneath his brows his eyes wax heav
es his life away. His dark blood drips down his skin of snow, beneath
his
brows his eyes wax heavy and dim; and the rose fl
e away. His dark blood drips down his skin of snow, beneath his brows
his
eyes wax heavy and dim; and the rose flees from h
beneath his brows his eyes wax heavy and dim; and the rose flees from
his
lip, and thereon the very kiss is dying, the kiss
unstaunched wound of Adonis, when she saw the bright red blood about
his
languid thigh, she cast her arms abroad, and moan
er vases, one from each fountain, and suspending them from the top of
his
quiver, hastened to the chamber of Psyche, whom h
ost moved him to pity; and then he touched her side with the point of
his
arrow. She awoke, and opening her eyes upon Cupid
ning her eyes upon Cupid (himself invisible), so startled him that in
his
confusion he wounded himself with his arrow. Heed
sible), so startled him that in his confusion he wounded himself with
his
arrow. Heedless of his wound, his thought now was
that in his confusion he wounded himself with his arrow. Heedless of
his
wound, his thought now was to repair the mischief
s confusion he wounded himself with his arrow. Heedless of his wound,
his
thought now was to repair the mischief he had don
me in the hours of darkness, and fled before the dawn of morning; but
his
accents were full of love, and inspired a like pa
them out of sight of her husband. That night, when he had fallen into
his
first sleep, she silently rose and uncovering her
e His gentle lips in sleep began to frame, And, as to touch her face,
his
hand did move; O then, indeed, her faint heart sw
uenched her new delight, for flickering The treacherous flame cast on
his
shoulder fair A burning drop; he woke, and seeing
here need the piteous tale to tell.179 Without a word, Cupid spread
his
white wings, and flew out of window. Psyche, in v
the mountain, each called upon Zephyr to receive her and bear her to
his
lord, then, leaping up, failed of the support of
e, she promptly exclaimed, “This is no work of thine, wicked one, but
his
, whom to thine own and his misfortune thou hast e
“This is no work of thine, wicked one, but his, whom to thine own and
his
misfortune thou hast enticed,” — threw the girl a
en not her mouth, or frame a word.180 But Cupid, now recovered from
his
wound, slipped through a crack in the window of h
ow recovered from his wound, slipped through a crack in the window of
his
chamber, flew to the spot where his beloved lay,
through a crack in the window of his chamber, flew to the spot where
his
beloved lay, gathered up the sleep from her body
etrating the heights of heaven, presented himself before Jupiter with
his
supplication. Jupiter lent a favoring ear, and pl
the scented air, She heard far echoes of the voice of Love, And found
his
footsteps’ traces everywhere. But never more the
nt date than most of the classic myths. To this fact Keats alludes in
his
exquisite Ode to Psyche. O Goddess! hear these t
n some would try. Of one such race Hippomenes was to be judge. It was
his
thought, at first, that these suitors risked too
But when he saw Atalanta lay aside her robe for the race, he changed
his
mind, and began to swell with envy of those that
to death without mercy. Hippomenes, not daunted by this result, fixed
his
eyes on the virgin, and said, “Why boast of beati
stride, first, For she half pitied him so beautiful, Running to meet
his
death, yet was resolved To conquer: soon she near
near’d him, and he felt The rapid and repeated gush of breath Behind
his
shoulder. From his hand now dropt A golden appl
elt The rapid and repeated gush of breath Behind his shoulder. From
his
hand now dropt A golden apple: she lookt down and
fair, Whom young Apollo courted for her hair, And offer’d as a dower
his
burning throne, Where she should sit, for men to
But this is true: so like was one the other, As he imagined Hero was
his
mother; And oftentimes into her bosom flew, About
his mother; And oftentimes into her bosom flew, About her naked neck
his
bare arms threw, And laid his childish head upon
to her bosom flew, About her naked neck his bare arms threw, And laid
his
childish head upon her breast, And, with still pa
ldish head upon her breast, And, with still panting rockt, there took
his
rest. In Abydos dwelt the manly Leander, who, as
-still he stood, and evermore he gaz’d, Till with the fire, that from
his
countenance blaz’d, Relenting Hero’s gentle heart
the orator.’ With that Leander stoop’d to have embrac’d her, But from
his
spreading arms away she cast her, And thus bespak
spotless chastity; but all in vain; Cupid beats down her prayers with
his
wings... Fig. 53. Genius with torch. [Wall pa
nting: H. and P.] For a season all went well. Guided by a torch which
his
mistress reared upon the tower, he was wont of ni
oy her company. But one night a tempest arose, and the sea was rough;
his
strength failed, and he was drowned. The waves bo
ea was rough; his strength failed, and he was drowned. The waves bore
his
body to the European shore, where Hero became awa
waves bore his body to the European shore, where Hero became aware of
his
death, and in her despair cast herself into the,
d not see, Untouch’d, a victim of your beauty bright, Sinking away to
his
young spirit’s night, Sinking bewilder’d ’mid the
Sinking bewilder’d ’mid the dreary sea. ’Tis young Leander toiling to
his
death. Nigh swooning he doth purse his weary lips
’Tis young Leander toiling to his death. Nigh swooning he doth purse
his
weary lips For Hero’s cheek, and smiles against h
r Hero’s cheek, and smiles against her smile. O horrid dream! see how
his
body dips Dead-heavy; arms and shoulders gleam aw
ead-heavy; arms and shoulders gleam awhile; He’s gone; up bubbles all
his
amorous breath! § 97. Pygmalion and the Statue.
d like the workmanship of nature. Pygmalion at last fell in love with
his
counterfeit creation. Oftentimes he laid his hand
t last fell in love with his counterfeit creation. Oftentimes he laid
his
hand upon it as if to assure himself whether it w
and the odor of incense filled the air. When Pygmalion had performed
his
part in the solemnities, he stood before the alta
to shoot up thrice a fiery point into the air. When Pygmalion reached
his
home, to his amazement he saw before him his stat
hrice a fiery point into the air. When Pygmalion reached his home, to
his
amazement he saw before him his statue garlanded
. When Pygmalion reached his home, to his amazement he saw before him
his
statue garlanded with flowers. Yet while he stoo
w desire now pierced him through, And therewithal a soft voice called
his
name, And when he turned, with eager eyes aflame,
es aflame, He saw betwixt him and the setting sun The lively image of
his
loved one. He trembled at the sight, for though
e was wont to be, And once again her silver voice rang clear, Filling
his
soul with great felicity, And thus she spoke, “Wi
the lovers pressed their lips upon, the wall, she on her side, he on
his
. One morning, when Aurora had put out the stars,
e been the cause of thy death; but I follow thee!” So saying, he drew
his
sword and plunged it into his heart. The blood sp
but I follow thee!” So saying, he drew his sword and plunged it into
his
heart. The blood spurted from the wound, and ting
s thine own Thisbe that speaks.” At the name of Thisbe Pyramus opened
his
eyes, then closed them again. She saw her veil st
who, eschewing love, preferred Diana to her, she brought miserably to
his
ruin (§ 157). Polyphonte she transformed into an
meditated sweetness. At evening of the same day, he stole the oxen of
his
half-brother Apollo from the Pierian mountains, w
luded). Then home he went and slept, innocent as a new-born child! To
his
mother’s warning that Apollo would catch and puni
dling clothes, accused him of it, the sweet boy swore a great oath by
his
father’s head that he stole not the cows, nor kne
ounce the baby; with scant success, however, for Mercury persisted in
his
assumption of ignorance. So the twain appeared be
gnorance. So the twain appeared before their sire, and Apollo entered
his
complaint: he had not seen nor ever dreamed of so
responded that he was, on the contrary, a veracious person, but that
his
brother Apollo was a coward to bully a helpless l
he prodigy with a glittering whip-lash, and installed him herdsman of
his
oxen. Nay even, when Mercury had sworn by sacred
oxen. Nay even, when Mercury had sworn by sacred Styx no more to try
his
cunning in theft upon Apollo, that god in gratitu
comes of youth or of wine, the golden-curled, sleepy-eyed Bacchus, —
his
wanderings, and the fortunes of mortals brought u
Bacchus, — his wanderings, and the fortunes of mortals brought under
his
influence: Pentheus, Acetes, Ariadne, and Midas,
nt Bacchus and gave him in charge to the Nysæan nymphs, who nourished
his
infancy and childhood, and for their care were pl
an indulgent preceptor. He was generally tipsy, and would have broken
his
neck early in his career, had not the Satyrs held
ptor. He was generally tipsy, and would have broken his neck early in
his
career, had not the Satyrs held him on his ass’s
e broken his neck early in his career, had not the Satyrs held him on
his
ass’s back as he reeled along in the train of his
Satyrs held him on his ass’s back as he reeled along in the train of
his
pupil. After Bacchus was of age, he discovered th
ching the people the cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of
his
wanderings is his expedition to India, which is s
he cultivation of the vine. The most famous part of his wanderings is
his
expedition to India, which is said to have lasted
lasted several years. Returning in triumph, he undertook to introduce
his
worship into Greece, but was opposed by certain p
d the disorders and madness it brought with it. Finally he approached
his
native city Thebes, where his own cousin, Pentheu
brought with it. Finally he approached his native city Thebes, where
his
own cousin, Pentheus, son of Agave and grandson o
g, men and women, young and old, poured forth to meet him and to join
his
triumphal march. Fauns with youthful Bacchus fol
ey had succeeded in taking one of the Bacchanals prisoner, whom, with
his
hands tied behind him, they brought before the ki
The prisoner, unterrified, replied that he was Acetes of Mæonia; that
his
parents, being poor, had left him their fisherman
hich he had followed till he had acquired the pilot’s art of steering
his
course by the stars. It once happened that he had
once happened that he had touched at the island of Dia, and had sent
his
men ashore for fresh water. They returned, bringi
t sail. Then Bacchus (for the youth was indeed he), as if shaking off
his
drowsiness, asked what the trouble was, and whith
all around. The god himself had a chaplet of vine leaves, and bore in
his
hand a spear wreathed with ivy. Tigers crouched a
s, and bore in his hand a spear wreathed with ivy. Tigers crouched at
his
feet, and forms of lynxes and spotted panthers pl
ante in frenzy. [Marble vase: Wælcken.] So far had Acetes advanced in
his
narrative, when Pentheus, interrupting, ordered h
ced in his narrative, when Pentheus, interrupting, ordered him off to
his
death. But from this fate the pilot, rendered inv
off to his death. But from this fate the pilot, rendered invisible by
his
patron deity, was straightway rescued. Meanwhile
od, and reached an open space where the chief scene of the orgies met
his
eyes. At the same moment the women saw him, among
orgies met his eyes. At the same moment the women saw him, among them
his
mother, Agave, and Autonoë and Ino, her sisters.
g him for a wild boar, they rushed upon him and tore him to pieces, —
his
mother shouting, “Victory! Victory! the glory is
re; Bent to the morning, like a living rose, The immortal splendor of
his
face he shows, And where he glances, leaf and flo
tained him royally, and on the eleventh day restored him in safety to
his
divine pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his
ed him in safety to his divine pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas
his
choice of a reward. The king asked that whatever
should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented. Midas hastened to put
his
new-acquired power to the test. A twig of an oak,
t. A twig of an oak, which he plucked from the branch, became gold in
his
hand. He took up a stone; it changed to gold. He
d have thought he had robbed the garden of the Hesperides. He ordered
his
servants, then, to set an excellent meal on the t
ed his servants, then, to set an excellent meal on the table. But, to
his
dismay, when he touched bread, it hardened in his
the table. But, to his dismay, when he touched bread, it hardened in
his
hand; when he put a morsel to his lips, it defied
en he touched bread, it hardened in his hand; when he put a morsel to
his
lips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of win
it hardened in his hand; when he put a morsel to his lips, it defied
his
teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed dow
ips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down
his
throat like melted gold. Fig. 58. Silenus. [Br
58. Silenus. [Bronze lamp: H. and P.] He strove to divest himself of
his
power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. H
self of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. He raised
his
arms, all shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus
ring destruction. The merciful deity heard, and sent him to wash away
his
fault and its punishment in the fountain head of
er Mount Ætna, Pluto feared lest the shock of their fall might expose
his
kingdom to the light of day. Under this apprehens
his kingdom to the light of day. Under this apprehension, he mounted
his
chariot, drawn by black horses, and made a circui
thine own interest or mine, join these two in one.” The boy selected
his
sharpest and truest arrow, and sped it right to t
for help to her mother and her companions; but the ravisher urged on
his
steeds, and outdistanced pursuit. When he reached
and outdistanced pursuit. When he reached the river Cyane, it opposed
his
passage, whereupon he struck the bank with his tr
iver Cyane, it opposed his passage, whereupon he struck the bank with
his
trident, and the earth opened and gave him a pass
thou here alone upon the rocks?” The old man begged her to come into
his
cottage. She declined. He urged her. “Go in peace
e from the stone and went with them. As they walked, Celeus said that
his
only son lay sick of a fever. The goddess stooped
boy. When night came, she arose and, taking the sleeping boy, moulded
his
limbs with her hands, and uttered over him three
restored the earth to her favor. Now she remembered, also, Celeus and
his
family, and her promise to his infant son Triptol
. Now she remembered, also, Celeus and his family, and her promise to
his
infant son Triptolemus. She taught the boy the us
d to mankind valuable grains, and the knowledge of agriculture. After
his
return, Triptolemus built a temple to Ceres in El
story than Orpheus, son of Apollo and the Muse Calliope. Presented by
his
father with a lyre and taught to play upon it, he
to play upon it, he became the most famous of musicians; and not only
his
fellow-mortals but even the wild beasts were soft
not only his fellow-mortals but even the wild beasts were softened by
his
strains. The very trees and rocks were sensible t
[Wall painting: Roscher 16, 17: 2802.] Hymen was called to bless with
his
presence the nuptials of Orpheus with Eurydice, b
a snake in the grass, was bitten in the foot, and died. Orpheus sang
his
grief to all who breathed the upper air, both god
ief to all who breathed the upper air, both gods and men, and finding
his
complaint of no avail, resolved to seek his wife
gods and men, and finding his complaint of no avail, resolved to seek
his
wife in the regions of the dead. He descended by
ented himself before the throne of Pluto and Proserpine. Accompanying
his
words with the lyre, he sang his petition for his
f Pluto and Proserpine. Accompanying his words with the lyre, he sang
his
petition for his wife. Without her he would not r
rpine. Accompanying his words with the lyre, he sang his petition for
his
wife. Without her he would not return. In such te
trains he sang that the very ghosts shed tears. Tantalus, in spite of
his
thirst, stopped for a moment his efforts for wate
ts shed tears. Tantalus, in spite of his thirst, stopped for a moment
his
efforts for water, Ixion’s wheel stood still, the
d from their task of drawing water in a sieve,207 and Sisyphus sat on
his
rock to listen.208 Then for the first time, it is
n, they proceeded on their way: he leading, she following. Mindful of
his
promise, without let or hindrance the bard passed
isyphus. [Relief: Sepolcri.] … On he stept, And Cerberus held agape
his
triple jaws; On stept the bard. Ixion’s wheel sto
pt the bard. Ixion’s wheel stood still. Now, past all peril, free was
his
return, And now was hastening into upper air Eury
gh, Seven months, seven long-continued months, ‘tis said, He breath’d
his
sorrows in a desert cave, And sooth’d the tiger,
t him her javelin. The weapon, as soon as it came within the sound of
his
lyre, fell harmless at his feet: so also the ston
on, as soon as it came within the sound of his lyre, fell harmless at
his
feet: so also the stones that they threw at him.
their missiles. Like maniacs they tore him limb from limb; then cast
his
head and lyre into the river Hebrus, down which t
sic, to which the shores responded. The Muses buried the fragments of
his
body at Libethra, where the nightingale is said t
s of his body at Libethra, where the nightingale is said to sing over
his
grave more sweetly than in any other part of Gree
htingale’s song over the grave of Orpheus is alluded to by Southey in
his
Thalaba: — “Then on his’ear what sounds Of harmo
oned, That never from that most melodious bird Singing a love-song to
his
brooding mate, Did Thracian shepherd by the grave
s hear a sweeter melody, Though there the spirit of the sepulchre All
his
own power infuse, to swell The incense that he lo
une was lord both of salt waters and of fresh. The myths that turn on
his
life as lord of the sea illustrate his defiant in
fresh. The myths that turn on his life as lord of the sea illustrate
his
defiant invasions of lands belonging to other god
illustrate his defiant invasions of lands belonging to other gods, or
his
character as earth-shaker and earth-protector. Of
other gods, or his character as earth-shaker and earth-protector. Of
his
contests with other gods, that with Minerva for A
iate the appetite of which the desperate Laomedon was driven to offer
his
daughter Hesione. But Hercules appeared upon the
killed the monster, and rescued the maiden. Neptune, however, nursed
his
wrath; and it was still warm when the Greeks marc
p was known to effect convulsions of nature that made Pluto leap from
his
throne lest the firmament of the underworld might
is throne lest the firmament of the underworld might be falling about
his
ears. But as god of the streams and fountains, Ne
patched the satyr, made love to the maiden, and boring the earth with
his
trident called forth the spring that still bears
anaïd’s name. He loved the goddess Ceres also, through whose pastures
his
rivers strayed; and Arne the shepherdess, daughte
because they increased in beauty and speed on the pastures watered by
his
streams. It is said, indeed, that the first and f
an oracle, too, had warned Œnomaüs to beware of the future husband of
his
daughter, he had provided himself with horses who
winged steeds, entered the race and won it, — whether by the speed of
his
horses or by the aid of Hippodamia, who, it is sa
of the house of Pelops. For Myrtilus, dying, cursed the murderer and
his
race.216 Chapter XIV. Myths of the Lesser Div
ed her love upon him, tried to content him, but in vain. He cared for
his
young wife Procris more than for the goddess. Fin
ver see her again.” Cephalus returned, and was as happy as before in
his
wife. She being a favorite of Diana, had received
n about to catch the swiftest fox in the country, he was changed with
his
victim into stone. For the heavenly powers who ha
n the bushes. Supposing it to proceed from some wild animal, he threw
his
javelin at the spot. A cry told him that the weap
eapon had too surely met its mark. He rushed to the place, and raised
his
wounded Procris from the earth. She, at last, ope
d to slow-winged days Heavy with June, untired and amorous, Named her
his
love; but now, in unknown ways, His heart was gon
his love; but now, in unknown ways, His heart was gone; and evermore
his
gaze Turned from her own, and even farther ranged
dull amaze, Beholding with the hours her husband changed, Sighed for
his
lost caress, by some hard god estranged. So, on
e gat her to a leafy place, Thinking, “I yet may chance unseen to see
his
face.” Leaping he went, this hunter Cephalus, Bu
seen to see his face.” Leaping he went, this hunter Cephalus, But in
his
hand his cornel bow he bare, Supple he was, round
ee his face.” Leaping he went, this hunter Cephalus, But in his hand
his
cornel bow he bare, Supple he was, round limbed a
ornel bow he bare, Supple he was, round limbed and vigorous, Fleet as
his
dogs, a lean Laconian pair. He, when he spied the
hter of Æolus.219 Their reign was happy until the brother of Ceÿx met
his
death. The direful prodigies that followed this e
yage to Claros in Ionia, to consult the oracle of Apollo. In spite of
his
wife’s entreaties (for as daughter of the god of
hipwrecked and drowned. His last prayer was that the waves might bear
his
body to the sight of Halcyone, and that it might
bony, adorned with black plumes and black curtains, the god reclines,
his
limbs relaxed in sleep. Around him lie dreams, re
p the cave, and delivered her message to the god, who, scarce opening
his
eyes, had great difficulty in shaking himself fre
er, and returned by her bow as she had come. But Somnus called one of
his
sons — Morpheus — the most expert in counterfeiti
ounterfeiting forms of men, to perform the command of Iris; then laid
his
head on his pillow, and yielded himself again to
g forms of men, to perform the command of Iris; then laid his head on
his
pillow, and yielded himself again to grateful rep
the wretched wife, and told her that the winds of the Ægean had sunk
his
ship; that he was dead. Weeping and groaning, Hal
est; then the way is safe to seafarers. Æolus confines the winds that
his
grandchildren may have peace. § 114. Aurora and T
to discern, to her great mortification, that he was growing old. When
his
hair was white she left his society; but he still
tification, that he was growing old. When his hair was white she left
his
society; but he still had the range of her palace
and was clad in celestial raiment. In time he lost the power of using
his
limbs; and then she shut him up in his chamber, w
ime he lost the power of using his limbs; and then she shut him up in
his
chamber, whence his feeble voice might at times b
r of using his limbs; and then she shut him up in his chamber, whence
his
feeble voice might at times be heard. Finally she
f morn. “Alas! for this gray shadow, once a man — So glorious in
his
beauty and thy choice, Who madest him thy chose
auty and thy choice, Who madest him thy chosen, that he seem’d To
his
great heart none other than a God! I ask’d thee
Tithonus, was king of the Æthiopians. He went with warriors to assist
his
kindred in the Trojan War, and was received by Ki
efore that hero he fell. Then Aurora, seeing her son’s fate, directed
his
brothers, the Winds, to convey his body to the ba
a, seeing her son’s fate, directed his brothers, the Winds, to convey
his
body to the banks of the river Æsepus, in Mysia.
l nature mourned for the offspring of the Dawn. The Æthiopians raised
his
tomb on the banks of the stream, in the grove of
the grove of the Nymphs, and Jupiter caused the sparks and cinders of
his
funeral pile to be turned into birds, which, divi
pile till they fell into the flame. Every year at the anniversary of
his
death they celebrated his obsequies in like manne
the flame. Every year at the anniversary of his death they celebrated
his
obsequies in like manner. Aurora remained inconso
tears.222 The kinship of Memnon to the Dawn is certified even after
his
death. On the banks of the Nile are two colossal
mnon’s fane Spontaneous concords choired the matin strain; Touched by
his
orient beam responsive rings The living lyre and
erse and a personification of Nature. “Universal Pan,” says Milton in
his
description of the creation: — “Universal Pan,
d, beginning, “The world is too much with us.” 227 Schiller, also, by
his
poem, The Gods of Greece, has immortalized his so
227 Schiller, also, by his poem, The Gods of Greece, has immortalized
his
sorrow for the decadence of the ancient mythology
to these Far shores and twenty centuries later. A ragged cap was on
his
head: But — hidden thus — there was no doubting T
frieze you see them, And trousers, patch’d of divers hues, Conceal’d
his
crooked shanks beneath them. He fill’d the quive
nks beneath them. He fill’d the quivering reeds with sound, And o’er
his
mouth their changes shifted, And with his goat’s
reeds with sound, And o’er his mouth their changes shifted, And with
his
goat’s eyes look’d around Where’er the passing cu
’d to list, — A boxer Egon, rough and merry, — A Broadway Daphnis, on
his
tryst With Naïs at the Brooklyn Ferry. A one-eye
immortal. The love of Pan for Syrinx has already been mentioned, and
his
musical contest with Apollo.229 Of Silenus we hav
rides; And when in doze His eyelids close, Off he tumbles, and I Can
his
wine-skin steal, I drink — and feel The grass rol
th all her heart, hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about
his
neck. He started back, exclaiming, “Hands off! I
ed away till there was nothing left of her but her voice. But through
his
future fortunes she was constant to her cruel lov
dess heard. Narcissus, stooping over a river-brink, fell in love with
his
own image in the water. He talked to it, tried to
d pined until he died. Indeed, even after death, it is said that when
his
shade passed the Stygian river, it leaned over th
ting episode in the life of Echo is given by Moschus: 232— Pan loved
his
neighbor Echo; Echo loved A gamesome Satyr; he, b
nmoved, Loved only Lyde; thus through Echo, Pan, Lyde and Satyr, Love
his
circle ran. Thus all, while their true lovers’ he
eir music glad, Saw and heard them flowing, flowing, flowing, And ah!
his
face was worn and sad! “Mild joys like silvery w
ak, round which the Dryads hand in hand, had often danced, he ordered
his
servants to fell. When he saw them hesitate, he s
slew him; warned by a voice from the nymph of the tree, he redoubled
his
blows, and brought down the oak. The Dryads invok
slept, enfolded him with her wings, and breathed herself into him. In
his
dreams, the caitiff craved food; and when he awok
into him. In his dreams, the caitiff craved food; and when he awoke,
his
hunger raged. The more he ate, the more he craved
e more he ate, the more he craved; till, in default of money, he sold
his
daughter into slavery for edibles. Neptune, howev
Finally, increasing demands of hunger compelled the father to devour
his
own limbs; and in due time he finished himself of
ward he would. Rhœcus boldly asked her love, and the nymph yielded to
his
desire. At the same time charging him to be mindf
rce believe he had not wings, Such sunshine seemed to glitter through
his
veins Instead of blood, so light he felt and stra
me comrades over the dice, Rhœcus forgot all else. A bee buzzed about
his
ear. Impatiently he brushed it aside: — Then thr
the red disk of the setting sun, — And instantly the blood sank from
his
heart. … … Quite spent and out of breath he reach
m all. Farewell! for thou canst never see me more.” Then Rhœcus beat
his
breast, and groaned aloud, And cried, “Be pitiful
city sparkled with its thousand lights, And sounds of revel fell upon
his
ear Harshly and like a curse; above, the sky, Wit
ve, the sky, With all its bright sublimity of stars, Deepened, and on
his
forehead smote the breeze: Beauty was all around
arth. According to the older tradition, the nymph deprived Rhœcus of
his
physical sight; but the superior insight of Lowel
nd of the changing seasons, unwearied, wooed her in as many guises as
his
seasons themselves could assume. Now as a reaper,
rcul.: Thompson’s Horace.] When Vertumnus had thus spoken, he dropped
his
disguise, and stood before Pomona in his proper p
had thus spoken, he dropped his disguise, and stood before Pomona in
his
proper person, — a comely youth. Such wooing, of
m. Therefore, as we shall see, they persecuted Orestes, who had slain
his
mother. Therefore, like the accusing voice of con
rs in the Corinthian grove of Neptune. Overcome by them, he commended
his
cause, as he fell, to a flock of cranes that happ
k of cranes that happened to be screaming hoarsely overhead. But when
his
body was found, all Greece, then gathered at the
to escape us? Fly we still faster in pursuit, twine our snakes around
his
feet and bring him to the ground. Unwearied we pu
the Cyclops Polyphemus. Polyphemus in Love. — For the first time in
his
life the Cyclops began to care for his appearance
Love. — For the first time in his life the Cyclops began to care for
his
appearance; he harrowed his coarse locks with a c
in his life the Cyclops began to care for his appearance; he harrowed
his
coarse locks with a curry-comb, mowed his beard w
his appearance; he harrowed his coarse locks with a curry-comb, mowed
his
beard with a sickle, and, looking into the sea wh
eld but trifles by the way. Many a time from the green pastures would
his
ewes stray back, self-shepherded, to the fold. Bu
shepherded, to the fold. But he was singing of Galatea; and pining in
his
place, he sat by the seaweed of the beach from th
eaweed of the beach from the dawn of day with the direst hurt beneath
his
breast of mighty Cypris’s sending, — the wound of
th his breast of mighty Cypris’s sending, — the wound of her arrow in
his
heart! Yet this remedy he found, and sitting on t
I learn to swim, if perchance some stranger come hither, sailing with
his
ship, that I may see why it is so dear to thee to
ying that this should be the last of their love-meetings, overwhelmed
his
rival with a tremendous rock. Purple blood spirte
a was Glaucus, the son of that Sisyphus who was punished in Hades for
his
treachery to the gods. Glaucus had been a comely
strange, half man, half fish, and after the fashion of a sea-god. Of
his
experience during this “sea-change,” the followin
daughter of the sea-god Phorcys and granddaughter of Pontus), he paid
his
court to her. But the maiden rejected him. Whereu
oddess has not transformed, but drowned; and learns that if he passes
his
thousand years in collecting the bodies of drowne
hter of King Nisus of Megara. Scylla of Megara betrayed her father to
his
enemy, Minos II. of Crete, with whom, although th
at war, she had fallen violently in love. It seems that Nisus had on
his
head a purple lock of hair, upon which depended h
that Nisus had on his head a purple lock of hair, upon which depended
his
fortune and his life. This lock his daughter clip
n his head a purple lock of hair, upon which depended his fortune and
his
life. This lock his daughter clipped, and conveye
lock of hair, upon which depended his fortune and his life. This lock
his
daughter clipped, and conveyed to Minos. But reco
at king, after he had conquered Megara, bound Scylla to the rudder of
his
ship, and so dragged her through the waves toward
y sailors. Palæmon was usually represented as riding on a dolphin. In
his
honor the Isthmian games were celebrated. By the
, and keeper of bees, still, he was son of Cyrene, a water-nymph, and
his
most interesting adventure brought him into conta
ty of the sea. His bees having perished, Aristæus resorted for aid to
his
mother. She, surrounded by her maidens in the cry
ed by her maidens in the crystalline abode under her river, overheard
his
complaints, and ordered that he should be brought
ured out libations to Neptune, gave the youth to eat, and listened to
his
complaint: theinformed him that an aged prophet n
o keep him fast bound,” concluded Cyrene; “and at last, when he finds
his
arts of no avail, he will obey thy behest.” The n
then sprinkled her son with nectar, whereupon an unusual vigor filled
his
frame and courage his heart. Cyrene led her son t
with nectar, whereupon an unusual vigor filled his frame and courage
his
heart. Cyrene led her son to the prophet’s cave,
and concealed him. At noon issued Proteus from the water, followed by
his
herd of sea-calves, which spread themselves along
ristæus immediately clapped fetters on him, and shouted at the top of
his
voice. Proteus, finding himself captured, resorte
the top of his voice. Proteus, finding himself captured, resorted to
his
craft, becoming first a fire, then a flood, then
succumb till all schemes had failed to set him free. Then he resumed
his
own form and, in response to the questioning of A
ife was Dejanira of Calydon, whom both heroes loved. Hercules boasted
his
divine descent. Acheloüs, not content with advanc
ules boasted his divine descent. Acheloüs, not content with advancing
his
claim as lord of the mightiest and most ancient r
n the form of a serpent. Hercules, remarking that it was the labor of
his
infancy to strangle snakes,253 clasped the neck o
ming of a bull. Whereupon Hercules, seizing him by the horns, dragged
his
head to the ground, overthrew him, and rent one h
enefits attributed by other Greeks to Prometheus. He was succeeded by
his
son Pelasgus, from whom a division of the Greek p
d of Œdipus,267 descendant of Cadmus. The Danaïds. 268 — Ægyptus and
his
fifty sons drove Danaüs and his fifty daughters b
dmus. The Danaïds. 268 — Ægyptus and his fifty sons drove Danaüs and
his
fifty daughters back to Argos, the ancestral home
Danaïds. But in accordance with a treacherous command of Danaüs, all
his
daughters, save Hypermnestra, slew their husbands
acle which had prophesied that the son of Danaë would be the means of
his
grandfather’s death, the hapless girl was shut in
sary. With this outfit, to which Minerva added her shield and Mercury
his
knife, Perseus sped to the hall of the Gorgons. I
surpassed that of all other men. He was rich in flocks and herds; but
his
chief pride was his garden of the Hesperides, who
l other men. He was rich in flocks and herds; but his chief pride was
his
garden of the Hesperides, whose fruit was of gold
at had warned him against a son of Jove who should one day rob him of
his
golden apples, attempted to thrust the youth out.
giant too strong for him, held up the Gorgon’s head. Atlas, with all
his
bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair
his bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair became forests,
his
arms and shoulders cliffs, his head a summit, and
ne. His beard and hair became forests, his arms and shoulders cliffs,
his
head a summit, and his bones rocks. Each part inc
became forests, his arms and shoulders cliffs, his head a summit, and
his
bones rocks. Each part increased in mass till the
les der Satyr und Dreifussrauber.] § 137. Perseus and Andromeda. — On
his
way back to Seriphus, the Gorgon-slayer arrived a
To appease the deities, Cepheus was directed by the oracle to devote
his
daughter Andromeda to the ravening maw of the pro
omeda to the ravening maw of the prodigy. As Perseus looked down from
his
aërial height, he beheld the virgin chained to a
disgrace. At first from modesty she was silent; but when he repeated
his
questions, for fear she might be thought guilty o
to slay the monster, on condition that, if the maiden were rescued by
his
valor, she should be his reward. The parents cons
ondition that, if the maiden were rescued by his valor, she should be
his
reward. The parents consented. Perseus embraced h
or, she should be his reward. The parents consented. Perseus embraced
his
promised bride; then — Loosing his arms from her
rents consented. Perseus embraced his promised bride; then — Loosing
his
arms from her waist he flew upward, awaiting the
276 The youth darted down upon the back of the monster, and plunged
his
sword into its shoulder, then eluded its furious
s sword into its shoulder, then eluded its furious attack by means of
his
wings. Wherever he could find a passage for his s
us attack by means of his wings. Wherever he could find a passage for
his
sword, he plunged it between the scales of flank
alighting on a rock and holding by a projection, he gave the monster
his
deathblow. The joyful parents, with Perseus and A
had formerly been betrothed to the bride, burst in demanding her for
his
own. In vain, Cepheus remonstrated that all such
tually loved the girl, he would have tried to rescue her. Phineus and
his
adherents, persisting in their intent, attacked t
d Perseus in stern tranquillity of wrath, Half stood, half floated on
his
ankle-plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face
lf floated on his ankle-plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on
his
shield Looked into stone the raging fray.277
a. [Relief in Capitoline Museum: Roscher 2: 346.] Leaving Phineus and
his
fellows in merited petrifaction, and conveying An
romeda to Seriphus, the hero, there, turned into stone Polydectes and
his
court, because the tyrant had rendered Danaë’s li
court, because the tyrant had rendered Danaë’s life intolerable with
his
attentions. Perseus then restored to their owners
ashed brute violence With sudden adoration and blank awe! ”278 With
his
mother and his wife Perseus returned to Argos to
lence With sudden adoration and blank awe! ”278 With his mother and
his
wife Perseus returned to Argos to seek his grandf
”278 With his mother and his wife Perseus returned to Argos to seek
his
grandfather. But Acrisius, still fearing his doom
eturned to Argos to seek his grandfather. But Acrisius, still fearing
his
doom, had retired to Larissa in Thessaly. Thither
owing, and hurled a quoit far beyond the mark. The disc, falling upon
his
grandfather’s foot, brought about the old man’s d
ied with Glaucus the fisherman. This Glaucus of Corinth was noted for
his
love of horse-racing, his fashion of feeding his
rman. This Glaucus of Corinth was noted for his love of horse-racing,
his
fashion of feeding his mares on human flesh, and
orinth was noted for his love of horse-racing, his fashion of feeding
his
mares on human flesh, and his destruction by the
of horse-racing, his fashion of feeding his mares on human flesh, and
his
destruction by the fury of his horses; for having
feeding his mares on human flesh, and his destruction by the fury of
his
horses; for having upset his chariot, they tore t
lesh, and his destruction by the fury of his horses; for having upset
his
chariot, they tore their master to pieces. As to
for having upset his chariot, they tore their master to pieces. As to
his
son, Bellerophon, the following is related: — In
y this Chimæra, as it was called. At that time Bellerophon arrived at
his
court. The gallant youth brought letters from Pro
n the warmest terms as an unconquerable hero, but adding a request to
his
father-in-law to put him to death. For Proetus, s
o his father-in-law to put him to death. For Proetus, suspecting that
his
wife Antea looked with too great favor on the you
is monster, Bellerophon was subjected to further trials and labors by
his
unfriendly host, but by the aid of Pegasus he tri
ength Iobates, seeing that the hero was beloved of the gods, gave him
his
daughter in marriage and made him his successor o
s beloved of the gods, gave him his daughter in marriage and made him
his
successor on the throne. It is said that Bellerop
made him his successor on the throne. It is said that Bellerophon, by
his
pride and presumption, drew upon himself the ange
he anger of the Olympians; that he even attempted to fly to heaven on
his
winged steed; but the king of gods and men sent a
s and men sent a gadfly, which, stinging Pegasus, caused him to throw
his
rider, who wandered ever after lame, blind, and l
of her husband by mortal mothers, declared war against Hercules from
his
birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he
les from his birth. She sent two serpents to destroy him as he lay in
his
cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them
s he lay in his cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them with
his
hands. In his youth he passed for the son of his
s cradle, but the precocious infant strangled them with his hands. In
his
youth he passed for the son of his step-father Am
strangled them with his hands. In his youth he passed for the son of
his
step-father Amphitryon, king of Thebes, — a grand
pecting the prowess of the other. Returning to Thebes, the hero aided
his
half-brother Iphicles and his reputed father Amph
er. Returning to Thebes, the hero aided his half-brother Iphicles and
his
reputed father Amphitryon in throwing off the yok
the yoke of the city of Orchomenus. Then, while in the very pride of
his
manhood, he was driven insane by the implacable J
pride of his manhood, he was driven insane by the implacable Juno. In
his
madness he slew his children, and would have slai
, he was driven insane by the implacable Juno. In his madness he slew
his
children, and would have slain Amphitryon, also,
th a stone, and plunged him into a deep sleep, from which he awoke in
his
right mind. Next, for expiation of the bloodshed,
ind. Next, for expiation of the bloodshed, he was rendered subject to
his
cousin Eurystheus and compelled to perform his co
as rendered subject to his cousin Eurystheus and compelled to perform
his
commands. This humiliation, Juno, of course, had
of which Hercules was ordered to bring to Mycenæ. After using in vain
his
club and arrows against the lion, Hercules strang
club and arrows against the lion, Hercules strangled the animal with
his
hands, and returned, carrying its carcass on his
gled the animal with his hands, and returned, carrying its carcass on
his
shoulders; but Eurystheus, frightened at the sigh
rodigious strength of the hero, ordered him to deliver the account of
his
exploits, in future, outside the town. His second
which the middle one was immortal. Hercules struck off the heads with
his
club; but in the place of each despatched, two ne
ch despatched, two new ones appeared. At last, with the assistance of
his
faithful nephew Iolaüs, he burned away the heads
ed in a broil with the other centaurs of the mountain. Unfortunately,
his
friend Pholus, drawing one of the arrows of Hercu
where he raised the two mountains of Abyla and Calpe as monuments of
his
progress, — the Pillars of Hercules; — or, accord
Straits of Gibraltar. The oxen were guarded by the giant Eurytion and
his
two-headed dog; but Hercules killed the warders,
he apples. The hero, accordingly, taking the burden of the heavens on
his
own shoulders,283 sent Atlas to seek the apples.
ons. While in Hades, Hercules, also, obtained the liberty of Theseus,
his
admirer and imitator, who had been detained there
whose strength was invincible so long as he remained in contact with
his
mother Earth. He compelled all strangers who came
contact with his mother Earth. He compelled all strangers who came to
his
country to wrestle with him, on condition that if
iters tell of an army of Pygmies which, finding Hercules asleep after
his
defeat of Antæus, made preparations to attack him
awakening, laughed at the little warriors, wrapped some of them up in
his
lion’s skin, and carried them to Eurystheus. F
here they had been driven, he dragged them backward by their tails to
his
cave. Hercules was deceived by the stratagem, and
Hercules was deceived by the stratagem, and would have failed to find
his
oxen, had it not happened that while he was drivi
f. Through most of these expeditions Hercules was attended by Iolaüs,
his
devoted friend, the son of his half-brother Iphic
tions Hercules was attended by Iolaüs, his devoted friend, the son of
his
half-brother Iphicles. § 140. On the later exploi
e hero, we can dwell but briefly. Having, in a fit of madness, killed
his
friend Iphitus, he was condemned for the offence
d spinning wool with the handmaidens of Omphale, while the queen wore
his
lion’s skin. But during this period he contrived
e smoke-browned beam; and all this that the lad might be fashioned to
his
mind, and might drive a straight furrow, and come
re of man…. “And Hylas of the yellow hair, with a vessel of bronze in
his
hand, went to draw water against supper-time, for
tcher to the water, intent on dipping it; but the nymphs all clung to
his
hand, for love of the Argive lad had fluttered th
on of Amphitryon was troubled about the lad, and went forth, carrying
his
bended bow in Scythian fashion and the club that
s bended bow in Scythian fashion and the club that is ever grasped in
his
right hand. Thrice he shouted ‘Hylas!’ as loud as
ever grasped in his right hand. Thrice he shouted ‘Hylas!’ as loud as
his
deep throat could call, and thrice again the boy
hroat could call, and thrice again the boy heard him, and thrice came
his
voice from the water, and, hard by though he was,
e hills, hears the bleating of a fawn afar off, and rushes forth from
his
lair to seize it, his readiest meal, even so the
ating of a fawn afar off, and rushes forth from his lair to seize it,
his
readiest meal, even so the mighty Heracles, in lo
nhospitable Phasis.” § 142. The Expedition against Laomedon. — After
his
servitude under Omphale was ended, Hercules saile
rses of Neptune, which he had promised in gratitude for the rescue of
his
daughter Hesione from the sea-monster.290 The her
anied him. Also worthy of mention among the exploits of Hercules were
his
successful expeditions against Pylos and Sparta,
of Hercules were his successful expeditions against Pylos and Sparta,
his
victory over the giants, his struggle with Death
ul expeditions against Pylos and Sparta, his victory over the giants,
his
struggle with Death for the body and life of Alce
ts, his struggle with Death for the body and life of Alcestis,291 and
his
delivery, according to prophecy, of Prometheus, w
f with her; whereupon Hercules, hearing her cries, shot an arrow into
his
heart. The centaur as he died, bade Dejanira take
to his heart. The centaur as he died, bade Dejanira take a portion of
his
blood and keep it, saying that it might be used a
he garment became warm on the body of Hercules, the poison penetrated
his
limbs. In his frenzy he seized Lichas, who had br
ame warm on the body of Hercules, the poison penetrated his limbs. In
his
frenzy he seized Lichas, who had brought him the
m into the sea; then tried to wrench off the garment, but it stuck to
his
flesh, and tore away whole pieces of his body. “
the garment, but it stuck to his flesh, and tore away whole pieces of
his
body. “Alcides, from Œchalia crowned With conque
die, ascended Mount Œta, where he built a funeral pile of trees, gave
his
bow and arrows to Philoctetes,294 and laid himsel
his bow and arrows to Philoctetes,294 and laid himself upon the pile,
his
head resting on his club, and his lion’s skin spr
o Philoctetes,294 and laid himself upon the pile, his head resting on
his
club, and his lion’s skin spread over him. With a
294 and laid himself upon the pile, his head resting on his club, and
his
lion’s skin spread over him. With a countenance a
in spread over him. With a countenance as serene as if he were taking
his
place at a festal board, he commanded Philoctetes
ods themselves grieved to see the champion of the earth so brought to
his
end. But Jupiter took care that only his mother’s
n of the earth so brought to his end. But Jupiter took care that only
his
mother’s part in him should perish by the flames.
ed; Slew the Hydra, crushed the lion’s might, Threw himself, to bring
his
friend to light, Living, in the skiff that bears
of earth, Juno’s hatred on him could impose, Well he bore them, from
his
fated birth To life’s grandly mournful close. “T
eath. High Olympus gives harmonious greeting To the hall where reigns
his
sire adored; Youth’s bright goddess, with a blush
father, Hellen, was the son of Deucalion of Thessaly. Athamas had, by
his
wife Nephele, two children, Phryxus and Helle. Af
two children, Phryxus and Helle. After a time, growing indifferent to
his
wife, Athamas put her away, and took Ino, the dau
hich she set the two children. Vaulting into the air, the animal took
his
course to the East; but when he was crossing the
ing the strait that divides Europe and Asia, the girl Helle fell from
his
back into the sea, which from her was afterward c
Another realm in Thessaly, near to that of Athamas, was ruled over by
his
nephew Æson. Æson, although he had a son Jason, s
s.301 When, however, Jason, being grown up, came to demand the crown,
his
uncle Pelias with wily intent, suggested to him t
nd passed in safety, only losing some feathers of her tail. Jason and
his
men, seizing the favorable moment of the rebound,
den Fleece. [Relief on sarcophagus: Roscher 18: 80.] Jason made known
his
message to the Colchian king, Æetes, who consente
with fear. The hero, himself, for a time, with sword and shield, kept
his
assailants at bay; but he surely would have been
ch Medea had taught him: seizing a stone, he threw it in the midst of
his
foes. Immediately they turned their arms against
ch, again, Medea had supplied. Jason then seized the fleece, and with
his
friends and his sweetheart accompanying, hastened
had supplied. Jason then seized the fleece, and with his friends and
his
sweetheart accompanying, hastened to the vessel.
o means, completed. At Jason’s request, she undertook next to restore
his
aged father Æson to the vigor of youth. To the fu
k sheep, — pouring libations of milk and wine. She implored Pluto and
his
stolen bride to spare the old man’s life. Then sh
eing that all was ready, Medea cut the throat of the old man, let out
his
blood, and poured into his mouth and his wound th
dea cut the throat of the old man, let out his blood, and poured into
his
mouth and his wound the juices of her caldron. As
roat of the old man, let out his blood, and poured into his mouth and
his
wound the juices of her caldron. As soon as he ha
the juices of her caldron. As soon as he had completely imbibed them,
his
hair and beard lost their whiteness, and assumed
hair and beard lost their whiteness, and assumed the color of youth;
his
paleness and emaciation were gone; his veins were
nd assumed the color of youth; his paleness and emaciation were gone;
his
veins were full of blood, his limbs of vigor and
his paleness and emaciation were gone; his veins were full of blood,
his
limbs of vigor and robustness; and Æson, on awake
f revenge. Pelias, the usurping uncle of Jason, still kept him out of
his
heritage. But the daughters of Pelias wished Mede
and, giving random blows, smote him with their weapons. Starting from
his
sleep, the old man cried out, “My daughters, woul
hed to marry Creüsa, princess of Corinth. Whereupon Medea, enraged at
his
ingratitude, called on the gods for vengeance: th
oes of Greece to join in a hunt for the ravenous monster. Theseus and
his
friend Pirithoüs,310 Jason,311 Peleus,312 the fat
, Telamon,313 the father of Ajax, Nestor,314 then a youth, but who in
his
age bore arms with Achilles and Ajax in the Troja
ground. Here the boar, as he lay among the reeds, heard the shouts of
his
pursuers, and rushed forth against them. One and
Grave, and with gathered sinews, like a god, — Aimed on the left side
his
well handled spear, Grasped where the ash was kno
no missile wound, the monstrous boar Right in the hairiest hollow of
his
hide, Under the last rib, sheer through bulk and
one, Deep in; and deeply smitten, and to death, The heavy horror with
his
hanging shafts Leapt, and fell furiously, and fro
ll furiously, and from raging lips Foamed out the latest wrath of all
his
life.319 Then rose a shout from those around; t
t from those around; they glorified the conqueror, — crowded to touch
his
hand. But he, placing his foot upon the head of t
glorified the conqueror, — crowded to touch his hand. But he, placing
his
foot upon the head of the slain boar, turned to A
alanta, and bestowed on her the head and the rough hide — trophies of
his
success. Thereat she laughed — Lit with a low bl
sake, Sweet,” Drove at Meleager, who with spear straightening Pierced
his
cheek through; then Toxeus made for him, Dumb, bu
tening Pierced his cheek through; then Toxeus made for him, Dumb, but
his
spear shake; vain and violent words, Fruitless; f
udden pang. He burns; he calls upon those whom he loves, Atalanta and
his
mother. But speedily the brand is ashes, and the
. A son of Jupiter and Europa, he was, after death, transferred, with
his
brother Rhadamanthus and with King Æacus, to Hade
the Minos mentioned by Homer and Hesiod, — the eminent law-giver. Of
his
grandson, Minos II., it is related that when aimi
, it is related that when aiming at the crown of Crete, he boasted of
his
power to obtain by prayer whatever he desired; an
er Mæander, so that whoever was enclosed in it might by no means find
his
way out. The Minotaur, roaming therein, lived upo
o other way of escape, the artificer made, out of feathers, wings for
his
son Icarus and himself, which he fastened on with
on the left and Lebynthos on the right. But then the boy, exulting in
his
career, soared upward. The blaze of the torrid su
upward. The blaze of the torrid sun softened the waxen fastenings of
his
wings. Off they came; and down the lad dropped in
scattered plumage danced upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereïds decked
his
watery grave; O’er his pale corse their pearly se
ed upon the wave, And sorrowing Nereïds decked his watery grave; O’er
his
pale corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And str
le corse their pearly sea-flowers shed, And strewed with crimson moss
his
marble bed; Struck in their coral towers the pass
ruck in their coral towers the passing bell, And wide in ocean tolled
his
echoing knell.”324 Dædalus, mourning his son, a
, And wide in ocean tolled his echoing knell.”324 Dædalus, mourning
his
son, arrived finally in Sicily, where, being kind
ly received by King Cocalus, he built a temple to Apollo, and hung up
his
wings, an offering to the god. But Minos, having
bear the idea of a rival. His sister had placed her son Perdix under
his
charge to be taught the mechanical arts. He was a
saw. He invented, also, a pair of compasses. But Dædalus, envious of
his
nephew, pushed him off a tower, and killed him. M
pity of the boy, changed him into a bird, the partridge, which bears
his
name. To the descendants of Inachus we shall agai
to Tereus, king of Thrace (or of Daulis in Phocis). This ruler, after
his
wife had borne him a son Itys (or Itylus), wearie
eus, on parting from Æthra, before the birth of the child, had placed
his
sword and shoes under a large stone, and had dire
and shoes. Since, at that time, the roads were infested with robbers,
his
grandfather Pittheus pressed him earnestly to tak
r Pittheus pressed him earnestly to take the shorter and safer way to
his
father’s country, by sea; but the youth, feeling
went armed with a club of iron, and all travellers stood in terror of
his
violence; but beneath the blows of the young hero
followed, in all of which Theseus was victorious. Most important was
his
slaughter of Procrustes, or the Stretcher. This g
n iron bedstead, on which he used to tie all travellers who fell into
his
hands. If they were shorter than the bed, he stre
her influence with her husband, if Theseus should be acknowledged as
his
son, she tried to poison the youth; but the sword
ed to poison the youth; but the sword which he wore discovered him to
his
father, and prevented the fatal draught. Medea fl
said to have received its name from her. Theseus was acknowledged by
his
sire, and declared successor to the throne. § 153
l painting: H. and P.] From this calamity Theseus resolved to deliver
his
countrymen, or to die in the attempt. He, therefo
r to die in the attempt. He, therefore, in spite of the entreaties of
his
father, presented himself as champion of Athens a
d with the victims in a vessel bearing black sails, which he promised
his
father to change for white in the event of his re
ils, which he promised his father to change for white in the event of
his
returning victorious. So, — Rather than cargo on
d he undertake the task; for Ariadne, apprehensive lest he might lose
his
way in the dædalian labyrinth, furnished him with
ich, unrolled by Theseus as he entered the maze, should enable him on
his
return to retrace his former path. Meanwhile, —
us as he entered the maze, should enable him on his return to retrace
his
former path. Meanwhile, — Fig. 90. The Sleepin
iant, not in vain: for, like to an oak upon Taurus, Gnarled, swinging
his
arms, — like some cone-burthened pine-tree Oozing
g his arms, — like some cone-burthened pine-tree Oozing the life from
his
bark, that, riven to heart by the whirlwind, Whol
Cretan brute by Theseus done to destruction, E’en so, tossing in vain
his
horns to the vacuous breezes, Then with abundant
bundant laud he turned, unscathed from the combat, Theseus, — guiding
his
feet unsure by the filament slender, Lest as he t
rn of the ocean. Carelessly hastens the youth, meantime, who, driving
his
oar-blades Hard in the waves, consigns void vows
hold aught trustworthy within them! Verily, while in anguish of heart
his
spirit is longing, Nothing he spares to assever,
ing he spares to assever, nor aught makes scruple to promise: But, an
his
dearest desire, his nearest of heart be accorded
ever, nor aught makes scruple to promise: But, an his dearest desire,
his
nearest of heart be accorded — Nothing he recks o
sailed and forgot me, So with folly of heart, may he slay himself and
his
household! ” … Then with a nod supreme Olympian J
vows he had cherished, Hiding away all trace of the solemn behest of
his
father. For, as was said before, Ægeus, on the d
t of his father. For, as was said before, Ægeus, on the departure of
his
son for Creta, had given him this command: “If Mi
w-enveloped mountain, So from Theseus passed all prayer and behest of
his
father. Waited the sire meanwhile, looked out fro
and behest of his father. Waited the sire meanwhile, looked out from
his
tower over ocean, Wasted his anxious eyes in futi
ited the sire meanwhile, looked out from his tower over ocean, Wasted
his
anxious eyes in futile labor of weeping, Waited e
tune of Theseus. Theseus, then, as he paced that gloom of the home of
his
father, Insolent Theseus knew himself what manner
doned, was Naxos, loved and especially haunted by Bacchus, where with
his
train of reeling devotees he was wont to hold hig
ssalian beheld him, he was seized with admiration; and stretching out
his
hand as a token of peace, he cried, “Be judge thy
y, Pirithoüs was to marry Hippodamia, daughter of Atrax, Theseus took
his
friend’s part in the battle that ensued between t
ed, attempted to offer violence to the bride. Other Centaurs followed
his
example; combat was joined; Theseus leaped into t
these friends aspired to espouse a daughter of Jupiter. Theseus fixed
his
choice on Leda’s daughter Helen, then a child, bu
afterwards famous as the cause of the Trojan war; and with the aid of
his
friend he carried her off, only, however, to rest
the underworld. But Pluto seized and set them on an enchanted rock at
his
palace gate, where, fixed, they remained till Her
ned till Hercules, arriving, liberated Theseus, but left Pirithoüs to
his
fate. § 157. Phædra and Hippolytus. — After the d
he son of Theseus, a youth endowed with all the graces and virtues of
his
father, and of an age corresponding to her own, l
ppolytus. The infatuated husband, filled, therefore, with jealousy of
his
son, imprecated the vengeance of Neptune upon him
ated the vengeance of Neptune upon him. As Hippolytus, one day, drove
his
chariot along the shore, a sea-monster raised him
ius was restored to life; and then removed by Diana from the power of
his
deluded father, was placed in Italy under the pro
her, was placed in Italy under the protection of the nymph Egeria. In
his
old age, Theseus, losing the favor of his people,
ion of the nymph Egeria. In his old age, Theseus, losing the favor of
his
people, retired to the court of Lycomedes, king o
us when he slew the dragon of Mars followed inexorably every scion of
his
house. His daughters, Semele, Ino, Autonoë, Agave
ery scion of his house. His daughters, Semele, Ino, Autonoë, Agave, —
his
grandsons, Melicertes, Actæon, Pentheus, — lived
l lives, or suffered violent deaths. The misfortunes of one branch of
his
family, sprung from his son Polydorus, remain to
lent deaths. The misfortunes of one branch of his family, sprung from
his
son Polydorus, remain to be told. The curse seeme
. But ere long Laïus was warned by an oracle that there was danger to
his
throne and life if his son, new-born, should reac
s warned by an oracle that there was danger to his throne and life if
his
son, new-born, should reach man’s estate. He, the
arted fellow-shepherd, who carried him to King Polybus of Corinth and
his
queen, by whom he was adopted and called Œdipus,
ipus, learning from an oracle that he was destined to be the death of
his
father, left the realm of his reputed sire, Polyb
that he was destined to be the death of his father, left the realm of
his
reputed sire, Polybus. It happened, however, that
ranger to leave the way at their command, the attendant killed one of
his
horses. Œdipus, consumed with rage, slew both Laï
ir king, giving him in marriage their queen, Jocasta. He, ignorant of
his
parentage, had already become, the slayer of his
sta. He, ignorant of his parentage, had already become, the slayer of
his
father; in marrying the queen he became the husba
slayer of his father; in marrying the queen he became the husband of
his
mother. These horrors remained undiscovered, till
old, with which she decked herself, He with them struck the pupils of
his
eyes, With words like these: “Because they had no
in had known.” With such like wails, not once or twice alone, Raising
his
eyes he smote them, and the balls, All bleeding,
Raising his eyes he smote them, and the balls, All bleeding, stained
his
cheek.336 § 161. Œdipus at Colonus. — After the
of Œdipus. But, after Œdipus had grown content to stay, these sons of
his
, with Creon, thrust him into exile. Accompanied b
these sons of his, with Creon, thrust him into exile. Accompanied by
his
daughter Antigone, he went begging through the la
t, stayed at home. Cursing the sons who had abandoned him, but bowing
his
own will in submission to the ways of God, Œdipus
will in submission to the ways of God, Œdipus approached the hour of
his
death in Colonus, a village near Athens. His frie
heseus, king of Athens, comforted and sustained him to the last. Both
his
daughters were, also, with him: — And then he ca
last. Both his daughters were, also, with him: — And then he called
his
girls, and bade them fetch Clear water from the s
e look upon, Owned by Demeter of the fair green corn, And quickly did
his
bidding, bathed his limbs, And clothed them in th
y Demeter of the fair green corn, And quickly did his bidding, bathed
his
limbs, And clothed them in the garment that is me
limbs, And clothed them in the garment that is meet. And when he had
his
will in all they did, And not one wish continued
lengthened out; And when he heard their bitter cry, forthwith Folding
his
arms around them, thus he spake: “My children, on
ilence. Then a voice called him, — and he followed. God took him from
his
troubles. Antigone returned to Thebes; — where, a
y year by year. The first year fell to the lot of Eteocles, who, when
his
time expired, refused to surrender the kingdom to
cles, who, when his time expired, refused to surrender the kingdom to
his
brother. Polynices, accordingly, fled to Adrastus
Polynices, accordingly, fled to Adrastus, king of Argos, who gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and aided him with an army
e him his daughter in marriage, and aided him with an army to enforce
his
claim to the kingdom. These causes led to the cel
the leaders except Adrastus would live to return from Thebes; but on
his
marriage to Eriphyle, the king’s sister, he had a
is, gave Eriphyle the necklace of Harmonia, and thereby gained her to
his
interest. This was the self-same necklace that Vu
monia on her marriage with Cadmus; Polynices had taken it with him on
his
flight from Thebes. It seems to have been still f
ribe. By her decision the war was resolved on, and Amphiaraüs went to
his
fate. He bore his part bravely in the contest, bu
ion the war was resolved on, and Amphiaraüs went to his fate. He bore
his
part bravely in the contest, but still could not
e. He bore his part bravely in the contest, but still could not avert
his
destiny. While, pursued by the enemy he was fleei
e river, a thunderbolt launched by Jupiter opened the ground, and he,
his
chariot, and his charioteer were swallowed up. It
rbolt launched by Jupiter opened the ground, and he, his chariot, and
his
charioteer were swallowed up. It is unnecessary h
paneus, having in the ardor of the fight declared that he would force
his
way into the city in spite of Jove himself, place
laced a ladder against the wall and mounted; but Jupiter, offended at
his
impious language, struck him with a thunderbolt.
offended at his impious language, struck him with a thunderbolt. When
his
obsequies were celebrated, Evadne cast herself on
underbolt. When his obsequies were celebrated, Evadne cast herself on
his
funeral pile and perished. It seems that early in
sulted the soothsayer Tiresias as to the issue. Now, this Tiresias in
his
youth had by chance seen Minerva bathing; and had
h had by chance seen Minerva bathing; and had been deprived by her of
his
sight, but afterwards had obtained of her the kno
voluntary victim. The heroic youth, learning the response, threw away
his
life in the first encounter. The siege continued
e Has nothing fearful. But, if I had left My mother’s son unburied on
his
death, In that I should have suffered; but in thi
f Creon, unable to avert her fate, would not survive her, and fell by
his
own hand. It is only after his son’s death, and a
te, would not survive her, and fell by his own hand. It is only after
his
son’s death, and as he gazes upon the corpses of
orpses of the lovers, that the aged Creon recognizes the insolence of
his
narrow judgment. And those that stand beside him
monia has not yet fulfilled its baleful mission. Amphiaraüs had, with
his
last breath, enjoined his son Alcmæon to avenge h
d its baleful mission. Amphiaraüs had, with his last breath, enjoined
his
son Alcmæon to avenge him on the faithless Eriphy
son Alcmæon to avenge him on the faithless Eriphyle. Alcmæon engaged
his
word; but before accomplishing the fell purpose,
oracle of Delphi to conduct against Thebes a new expedition. Thereto
his
mother Eriphyle, influenced by Thersander, the so
himself, perished during the flight. Alcmæon, returning to Argos, put
his
mother to death, but in consequence repeated in h
ing to Argos, put his mother to death, but in consequence repeated in
his
own experience the penalty of Orestes. The outfit
65ª. Peleus 343 was the son of Æacus and grandson of Jove. It was for
his
father Æacus, king of Phthia in Thessaly, that, a
, the Titan, that Thetis should bear a son who should be greater than
his
father, the Olympian desisted from his suit, and
son who should be greater than his father, the Olympian desisted from
his
suit, and decreed that Thetis should be the wife
d of Chiron, the Centaur, Peleus succeeded in winning the goddess for
his
bride. In this marriage to be productive of momen
Prometheus, the bold and cunning of heart, wearing still the marks of
his
ancient punishment on the rocks of Caucasus. Fina
rocks of Caucasus. Finally the father of the gods himself came, with
his
holy spouse and his offspring, — all, save Phœbus
Finally the father of the gods himself came, with his holy spouse and
his
offspring, — all, save Phœbus and his one sister,
came, with his holy spouse and his offspring, — all, save Phœbus and
his
one sister, who naturally looked askance upon a u
es! “Born unto you shall be the undaunted heart of Achilles, Aye, by
his
brave breast known, unknown by his back to the fo
daunted heart of Achilles, Aye, by his brave breast known, unknown by
his
back to the foeman, — Victor in onslaught, victor
ind bodies, into the whirling Hellespont; how finally he, himself, in
his
prime, should fall, and how on his tomb should be
spont; how finally he, himself, in his prime, should fall, and how on
his
tomb should be sacrificed the fair Polyxena, daug
d righteous action were spurned by mankind, the days when Jupiter and
his
immortals deigned to consort with zealous man, to
rtals deigned to consort with zealous man, to enjoy the sweet odor of
his
burnt-offering, to march beside him to battle, to
t odor of his burnt-offering, to march beside him to battle, to swell
his
shout in victory and his lament in defeat, to smi
ing, to march beside him to battle, to swell his shout in victory and
his
lament in defeat, to smile on his peaceful harves
, to swell his shout in victory and his lament in defeat, to smile on
his
peaceful harvests, to recline at his banquets, an
is lament in defeat, to smile on his peaceful harvests, to recline at
his
banquets, and to bless the weddings of fair women
en. Of Atreus it may be said that with cannibal atrocity like that of
his
grandsire, Tantalus, he on one occasion wreaked h
city like that of his grandsire, Tantalus, he on one occasion wreaked
his
vengeance on a brother, Thyestes, by causing him
nce on a brother, Thyestes, by causing him to eat the flesh of two of
his
own children. A son of this Thyestes, Ægisthus by
storm arising, Orpheus prayed to the Samothracian gods, and played on
his
harp, and that when the storm ceased, stars appea
ence they came to be honored as patrons of voyagers. When Theseus and
his
friend Pirithoüs had carried off Helen from Spart
to abduct. Castor was slain; but Pollux, inconsolable for the loss of
his
brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give
for the loss of his brother, besought Jupiter to be permitted to give
his
own life as a ransom for him. Jupiter so far cons
in the hour of fight Hath seen the great Twin Brethren In harness on
his
right. Safe comes the ship to haven, Through bill
es to Mount Ida, where Paris, son of Priam, king of Troy, was tending
his
flocks; and to him was committed the judgment. Th
ches, Minerva glory and renown in war, Venus the fairest of women for
his
wife, — each attempting to bias the judge in her
ris decided in favor of the last, thus making the two other goddesses
his
enemies. Under the protection of the goddess of l
enelaüs called upon the chieftains of Greece to aid him in recovering
his
wife. They came forward with a few exceptions. Ul
d a cousin of Helen’s, Penelope,347 daughter of Icarius, was happy in
his
wife and child, and loth to embark in the trouble
he plough, whereupon the father turning the plough aside, showed that
his
insanity was a mere pretence. Being himself gaine
mere pretence. Being himself gained for the undertaking, Ulysses lent
his
aid to bring in other reluctant chiefs, especiall
erish before Troy if he went on the expedition, endeavored to prevent
his
going. She, accordingly, sent him to the court of
Ulysses, who found no great difficulty in persuading him to disregard
his
mother’s counsels and join his countrymen in the
ficulty in persuading him to disregard his mother’s counsels and join
his
countrymen in the war. Fig. 94. Achilles taken
nt among the warriors was the swift-footed Achilles. After him ranked
his
cousin Ajax, the son of Telamon, gigantic in size
one, was now old; but he had been a wise prince, and had strengthened
his
state by good government at home and numerous all
ened his state by good government at home and numerous alliances with
his
neighbors. By his wife Hecuba, he had a numerous
good government at home and numerous alliances with his neighbors. By
his
wife Hecuba, he had a numerous family; but the pr
cuba, he had a numerous family; but the principal stay and support of
his
throne was his son Hector, one of the noblest fig
numerous family; but the principal stay and support of his throne was
his
son Hector, one of the noblest figures of antiqui
ugh he by no means justified the wrong which brought this danger upon
his
country. He was united in marriage with the noble
ited in marriage with the noble Andromache, and as husband and father
his
character was not less admirable than as warrior.
The principal leaders on the side of the Trojans, beside Hector, were
his
relative, Æneas, the son of Venus and Anchises, D
amemnon, however reluctant, submitted to the inevitable, and sent for
his
daughter Iphigenia, under the pretence that her m
place, Which yet to name my spirit loathes and fears; My father held
his
hand upon his face; I, blinded by my tears, “Sti
yet to name my spirit loathes and fears; My father held his hand upon
his
face; I, blinded by my tears, “Still strove to s
silaüs, fell by the hand of Hector. This Protesilaüs had left at home
his
wife Laodamia (a niece of Alcestis), — who was mo
s most tenderly attached to him. The story runs that when the news of
his
death reached her, she implored the gods for leav
mia died with him. It is said that the nymphs planted elm trees round
his
grave, which flourished till they were high enoug
the first victim in the war. The poet represents the Protesilaüs, on
his
brief return to earth, relating to Laodamia the s
laüs, on his brief return to earth, relating to Laodamia the story of
his
fate: — “The wished-for wind was given; I then r
to the share of Agamemnon. Chryses came bearing the sacred emblems of
his
office, and begged the release of his daughter. A
e bearing the sacred emblems of his office, and begged the release of
his
daughter. Agamemnon refused. Thereupon Chryses im
should be forced to yield their prey.351 Apollo granted the prayer of
his
priest, and sent such pestilence upon the Grecian
. Achilles boldly charged the misfortunes upon Agamemnon as caused by
his
withholding Chryseis. Agamemnon, in anger, consen
ng Chryseis. Agamemnon, in anger, consented, thereupon, to relinquish
his
captive, but demanded that Achilles should yield
ut declared that he would take no further part in the war, — withdrew
his
forces from the general camp, and avowed his inte
t in the war, — withdrew his forces from the general camp, and avowed
his
intention of returning to Greece. Fig. 95. The
fuge in their ships. Then Agamemnon, king of men, called a council of
his
wisest and bravest chiefs. In the debate that ens
ties. He positively refused to return to the attack, and persisted in
his
determination to embark for Greece without delay.
way. Here Ajax, son of Telamon, performed prodigies of valor. Bearing
his
massy shield, and “shaking his far shadowing spea
performed prodigies of valor. Bearing his massy shield, and “shaking
his
far shadowing spear,” he encountered Hector.352 T
r.352 The Greek shouted defiance, to which Hector replied, and hurled
his
lance at the huge warrior. It was well aimed and
warrior. It was well aimed and struck Ajax where the belts that bore
his
sword and shield crossed each other on the breast
iving back the Trojans, Jupiter saw nothing of what was going on, for
his
attention had been drawn from the field by the wi
t on Olympus watching the battle. When he beheld her, the fondness of
his
early love revived, and forgetting the contending
it would. But this oblivion did not continue long. When, upon turning
his
eyes downward, the cloud-compeller beheld Hector
ntest. Apollo was despatched to heal Hector’s bruises and to inspirit
his
heart. These orders were obeyed with such speed t
l raging, Hector returned to the field, and Neptune betook himself to
his
own dominions. Achilles and Patroclus. — An arro
ed Machaon, son of Æsculapius, a brave warrior, who, having inherited
his
father’s art, was of great value to the Greeks as
great value to the Greeks as their surgeon. Nestor, taking Machaon in
his
chariot, conveyed him from the field. As they pas
but could not discern who the wounded warrior was. Calling Patroclus,
his
companion and dearest friend, he sent him to Nest
forming the behest, saw Machaon wounded, and having told the cause of
his
coming would have hastened away, but Nestor detai
e highest pitch of glory; the other, as the elder, to keep watch over
his
friend, and to guide his inexperience. “Now,” sai
the other, as the elder, to keep watch over his friend, and to guide
his
inexperience. “Now,” said Nestor “is the time for
Achilles back to the common cause; but if not, let him at least send
his
soldiers to the field, and come thou, Patroclus,
ast send his soldiers to the field, and come thou, Patroclus, clad in
his
armor. Perhaps the very sight of it may drive bac
of Achilles. — Patroclus, strongly moved by this address, hastened to
his
friend, revolving in his mind what he had seen an
strongly moved by this address, hastened to his friend, revolving in
his
mind what he had seen and heard. He told the prin
trust Patroclus with the Myrmidons for the onslaught, and to lend him
his
armor that he might thereby strike the more terro
riot of Achilles, and led forth the men ardent for battle. But before
his
friend went, Achilles strictly charged him to be
eir best, he dismissed them full of ardor to the fight. Patroclus and
his
Myrmidons at once plunged into the contest where
ons of Nestor performed prodigies of valor. Hector was forced to turn
his
horses’ heads and retire from the enclosure, leav
rced to turn his horses’ heads and retire from the enclosure, leaving
his
men encumbered in the fosse to escape as they cou
, ventured to oppose the Greek warrior. The Olympian looked down upon
his
son, and would have snatched him from the fate im
ng were endangered; an argument to which Jove yielded. Sarpedon threw
his
spear, but missed Patroclus; the spear of the Gre
the other hand, pierced Sarpedon’s breast, — and he fell, calling to
his
friends to save his body from the foe. Then a fur
rced Sarpedon’s breast, — and he fell, calling to his friends to save
his
body from the foe. Then a furious contest arose f
t arose for the corpse. The Greeks succeeded in stripping Sarpedon of
his
armor; but Jove would not suffer the body to be d
of his armor; but Jove would not suffer the body to be dishonored. By
his
command Apollo snatched it from the midst of the
roclus had succeeded to the utmost in repelling the foe and relieving
his
countrymen, but now came a change of fortune. Hec
ng his countrymen, but now came a change of fortune. Hector, borne in
his
chariot, confronted him. Patroclus threw a vast s
and felled him from the car. Hector leaped from the chariot to rescue
his
friend, and Patroclus also descended to complete
hariot to rescue his friend, and Patroclus also descended to complete
his
victory. Thus the two heroes met face to face. At
Phœbus Apollo, taking part against Patroclus, struck the helmet from
his
head and the lance from his hand. At the same mom
against Patroclus, struck the helmet from his head and the lance from
his
hand. At the same moment an obscure Trojan wounde
wounded him in the back, and Hector pressing forward pierced him with
his
spear. He fell mortally wounded. Then arose a tre
nded. Then arose a tremendous conflict for the body of Patroclus; but
his
armor was at once taken possession of by Hector,
ion of by Hector, who, retiring a short distance, divested himself of
his
own mail, put on that of Achilles, then returned
ned to the fight. Ajax and Menelaüs defended the body, and Hector and
his
bravest warriors struggled to capture it. The bat
e one whom he might despatch to Achilles .to tell him of the death of
his
friend and of the imminent danger of his remains
.to tell him of the death of his friend and of the imminent danger of
his
remains falling into the hands of the enemy, coul
the intelligence of Patroclus’ death, and of the conflict raging for
his
remains; and the Greeks at last succeeded in bear
f the Trojans. The Remorse of Achilles. — Achilles heard the fate of
his
friend with such distress that Antilochus feared
se. She found him overwhelmed with self-reproach that he had suffered
his
friend to fall a victim to his resentment. His on
ith self-reproach that he had suffered his friend to fall a victim to
his
resentment. His only consolation was the hope of
the hope of revenge. He would fly instantly in search of Hector. But
his
mother reminded him that he was now without armor
Thetis immediately repaired to Vulcan’s palace. She found him busy at
his
forge, making tripods for his own use, so artfull
Vulcan’s palace. She found him busy at his forge, making tripods for
his
own use, so artfully constructed that they moved
ssed. On hearing the request of Thetis, Vulcan immediately laid aside
his
work and hastened to comply with her wishes. He f
When the leaders were assembled, Achilles addressed them. Renouncing
his
displeasure against Agamemnon and bitterly lament
de him irresistible. The bravest warriors fled before him, or fell by
his
lance. Hector, cautioned by Apollo, kept aloof; b
though he felt himself unequal, did not decline the combat. He hurled
his
spear with all his force against the shield, the
elf unequal, did not decline the combat. He hurled his spear with all
his
force against the shield, the work of Vulcan. The
wo plates of the shield, but was stopped in the third. Achilles threw
his
spear with better success. It pierced through the
ter success. It pierced through the shield of Æneas, but glanced near
his
shoulder and made no wound. Then Æneas, seizing a
attle. Achilles, when the mist cleared away, looked round in vain for
his
adversary, and acknowledging the prodigy, turned
ound in vain for his adversary, and acknowledging the prodigy, turned
his
arms against other champions. But none dared stan
inst other champions. But none dared stand before him; and Priam from
his
city walls beheld the whole army in full flight t
d taken the way apart from the city. Achilles pursued, and had chased
his
supposed victim far from the walls before the god
oke.” While he thus ruminated, Achilles approached, terrible as Mars,
his
armor flashing lightning as he moved. At that sig
the form of Deiphobus, Hector’s bravest brother, appeared suddenly at
his
side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus stren
his side. Hector saw him with delight, and thus strengthened, stopped
his
flight and, turning to meet Achilles, threw his s
strengthened, stopped his flight and, turning to meet Achilles, threw
his
spear. It struck the shield of Achilles and bound
the hand of Deiphobus, but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector understood
his
doom and said, “Alas! it is plain this is my hour
is still in Troy. But I will not fall inglorious.” So saying he drew
his
falchion from his side and rushed at once to comb
But I will not fall inglorious.” So saying he drew his falchion from
his
side and rushed at once to combat. Achilles secur
on from his side and rushed at once to combat. Achilles secure behind
his
shield waited the approach of Hector. When he cam
is shield waited the approach of Hector. When he came within reach of
his
spear, Achilles choosing with his eye a vulnerabl
ector. When he came within reach of his spear, Achilles choosing with
his
eye a vulnerable part where the armor leaves the
ye a vulnerable part where the armor leaves the neck uncovered, aimed
his
spear at that part, and Hector fell, death-wounde
body of its armor, and, fastening cords to the feet, tied them behind
his
chariot, leaving the body to trail along the grou
herself a captive, and her son, the youthful Astyanax, dependent for
his
bread on the charity of strangers. After Achilles
hilles partook neither of the feast nor of sleep. The recollection of
his
lost friend kept him awake, — the memory of their
, in battle or on the perilous deep. Before the earliest dawn he left
his
tent, and joining to his chariot his swift steeds
ilous deep. Before the earliest dawn he left his tent, and joining to
his
chariot his swift steeds, he fastened Hector’s bo
Before the earliest dawn he left his tent, and joining to his chariot
his
swift steeds, he fastened Hector’s body to be dra
e preserved it free from taint or defilement. While Achilles indulged
his
wrath in thus disgracing Hector, Jupiter in pity
s wrath in thus disgracing Hector, Jupiter in pity summoned Thetis to
his
presence. Bidding her prevail on Achilles to rest
ojans, he sent Iris to encourage Priam to beg of Achilles the body of
his
son. Iris delivered her message, and Priam prepar
on. Iris delivered her message, and Priam prepared to obey. He opened
his
treasuries and took out rich garments and cloths,
tripods and a golden cup of matchless workmanship. Then he called to
his
sons and bade them draw forth his litter and plac
less workmanship. Then he called to his sons and bade them draw forth
his
litter and place in it the various articles desig
herald Idseus, drove forth from the gates, parting there with Hecuba
his
queen, and all his friends, who lamented him as g
ve forth from the gates, parting there with Hecuba his queen, and all
his
friends, who lamented him as going to certain dea
ter, beholding with compassion the venerable king, sent Mercury to be
his
guide and protector. Assuming the form of a young
nd offered to be their guide to Achilles’ tent. Priam gladly accepted
his
service, and Mercury, mounting the carriage, assu
introduced Priam into the tent where Achilles sat, attended by two of
his
warriors. The aged king threw himself at the feet
hilles and kissed those terrible hands which had destroyed so many of
his
sons. “Think, O Achilles,” he said, “of thine own
ighbor chief oppresses him and there is none at hand to succor him in
his
distress. Yet, knowing that Achilles lives, he do
one more than all the rest the strength of my age, whom fighting for
his
country thou hast slain. His body I come to redee
som with me. Achilles! reverence the gods! recollect thy father ! for
his
sake show compassion to me!” These words moved Ac
to me!” These words moved Achilles, and he wept; remembering by turns
his
absent father and his lost friend. Moved with pit
ved Achilles, and he wept; remembering by turns his absent father and
his
lost friend. Moved with pity of Priam’s silver lo
place conducted by some god, for without aid divine no mortal even in
his
prime of youth had dared the attempt. I grant thy
to by the manifest will of Jove.” So saying he arose, went forth with
his
two friends, and unloaded of its charge the litte
st Greeks, was at last slain by Achilles. But when the hero bent over
his
fallen foe, and contemplated her beauty, youth, a
and contemplated her beauty, youth, and valor, he bitterly regretted
his
victory. Thersites, an insolent brawler and demag
Thersites, an insolent brawler and demagogue, attempting to ridicule
his
grief, was in consequence slain by the hero.356
57 which, guided by Apollo, fatally wounded him in the heel. This was
his
only vulnerable spot; for Thetis having dipped hi
rated above valor; wherefore Ajax slew himself.359 On the spot where
his
blood sank into the earth a hyacinth sprang up, b
a hyacinth sprang up, bearing on its leaves the first two letters of
his
name, Ai, the Greek interjection of woe.360 It w
s, the friend who had been with Hercules at the last, and had lighted
his
funeral pyre. Philoctetes361 had joined the Greci
the Grecian expedition against Troy; but having accidentally wounded
his
foot with one of the poisoned arrows, the smell f
he poisoned arrows, the smell from the wound proved so offensive that
his
companions carried him to the isle of Lemnos, and
duce him to rejoin the army. They succeeded. Philoctetes was cured of
his
wound by Machaon, and Paris was the first victim
aris was the first victim of the fatal arrows. Paris and Œnone. — In
his
distress Paris bethought him of one whom in his p
Paris and Œnone. — In his distress Paris bethought him of one whom in
his
prosperity he had forgotten. This was the nymph Œ
fear the Greeks even when they offer gifts.” 363 So saying, he threw
his
lance at the horse’s side. It struck, and a hollo
d reverberated like a groan. Then perhaps the people might have taken
his
advice and destroyed the fatal horse with its con
was brought before the chiefs, who reassured him, promising him that
his
life should be spared on condition of his answeri
red him, promising him that his life should be spared on condition of
his
answering truly the questions asked him. He infor
t in consequence of the malice of Ulysses, he had been left behind by
his
countrymen at their departure. With regard to the
. The serpents advanced directly to the spot where Laocoön stood with
his
two sons. They first attacked the children, windi
on gasp.364 He struggles to tear them away, but they overpower all
his
efforts, and strangle him and the children in the
he Vatican) The Death of Priam. — Priam lived to see the downfall of
his
kingdom, and was slain at last on the fatal night
ts365, but was prevailed on by Hecuba to take refuge with herself and
his
daughters as a suppliant at the altar of Jupiter.
nd his daughters as a suppliant at the altar of Jupiter. While there,
his
youngest son, Polites, pursued by Pyrrhus, the so
s, the son of Achilles, rushed in wounded, and expired at the feet of
his
father; whereupon Priam, overcome with indignatio
eet of his father; whereupon Priam, overcome with indignation, hurled
his
spear with feeble hand against Pyrrhus, and was f
d by the ghost of that warrior, and was sacrificed by the Greeks upon
his
tomb. Helen and Menelaüs. — On the fall of Troy,
and Menelaüs. — On the fall of Troy, Menelaüs recovered possession of
his
wife, who, it seems, had not ceased to love him,
ed in splendor; and when Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, in search of
his
father, arrived at Sparta, he found them celebrat
of Achilles. Agamemnon 370 was not so fortunate in the issue. During
his
absence, his wife Clytemnestra had been false to
Agamemnon 370 was not so fortunate in the issue. During his absence,
his
wife Clytemnestra had been false to him; and when
ng his absence, his wife Clytemnestra had been false to him; and when
his
return was expected, she with her paramour, Ægist
ed, she with her paramour, Ægisthus, son of Thyestes, laid a plan for
his
destruction. Cassandra warned the king, but as us
hile Agamemnon was bathing previous to the banquet given to celebrate
his
return, the conspirators murdered him. Electra a
ectra and Orestes. — It was the intention of the conspirators to slay
his
son Orestes also, a lad not yet old enough to be
ister of Orestes, saved her brother’s life by sending him secretly to
his
uncle Strophius, king of Phocis. In the palace of
frequently reminded her brother by messengers of the duty of avenging
his
father’s death; he, too, when he reached maturity
rted to be the ashes of the deceased in a funeral urn. After visiting
his
father’s tomb and sacrificing upon it, according
ng upon it, according to the rites of the ancients, he met by the way
his
sister Electra. Mistaking her for one of the dome
ctra. Mistaking her for one of the domestics, and desirous of keeping
his
arrival a secret till the hour of vengeance shoul
ll the hour of vengeance should arrive, he produced the urn. At once,
his
sister, believing Orestes to be really dead, took
pair. Soon a recognition was effected, and the prince with the aid of
his
sister slew both Ægisthus and Clytemnestra.371
forded him protection, and appointed the court of Areopagus to decide
his
fate. The Erinyes brought their accusation, and O
accusation, and Orestes pleaded the command of the Delphic oracle as
his
excuse. When the court voted and the voices were
The Odyssey of Homer narrates the wanderings of Ulysses (Odysseus) in
his
return from Troy to his own kingdom, Ithaca. From
rates the wanderings of Ulysses (Odysseus) in his return from Troy to
his
own kingdom, Ithaca. From Troy, the vessels first
ntry of the Lotos-eaters. Here, after watering, Ulysses sent three of
his
men to discover who the inhabitants were. These m
se men away, and he was even obliged to tie them under the benches of
his
ship. Tennyson in the Lotos-eaters has charmingl
when the surge was seething free, Where the wallowing monster spouted
his
foam-fountains in the sea. Let us swear an oath,
locks yielded, for they were shepherds. Ulysses left the main body of
his
ships at anchor, and with one vessel went to the
went to the Cyclopes’ island to explore for supplies. He landed with
his
companions, carrying with them a jar of wine for
s rock, that twenty oxen could not draw. Next, he sat down and milked
his
ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting th
his ewes, preparing a part for cheese, and setting the rest aside for
his
customary drink. Then turning round his one huge
nd setting the rest aside for his customary drink. Then turning round
his
one huge eye he discerned the strangers, and grow
Troy; that they were now on their way home, and finished by imploring
his
hospitality in the name of the gods. Polyphemus d
the name of the gods. Polyphemus deigned no answer, but reaching out
his
hand seized two of the men, whom he hurled agains
oor to sleep. Ulysses was tempted to seize the opportunity and plunge
his
sword into him as he slept, but recollected that
agment was left. He then moved away the rock from the door, drove out
his
flocks, and went out, carefully replacing the bar
him. When he was gone Ulysses planned how he might take vengeance for
his
murdered friends, and effect his escape with his
nned how he might take vengeance for his murdered friends, and effect
his
escape with his surviving companions. He made his
t take vengeance for his murdered friends, and effect his escape with
his
surviving companions. He made his men prepare a m
friends, and effect his escape with his surviving companions. He made
his
men prepare a massive bar of wood cut by the Cycl
The Cyclops came home at evening, rolled away the stone and drove in
his
flock as usual. After milking them and making his
stone and drove in his flock as usual. After milking them and making
his
arrangements as before, he seized two more of Uly
ed two more of Ulysses’ companions, dashed their brains out, and made
his
evening meal upon them as he had on the others. A
as a favor that he should be the last of the party devoured. He asked
his
name, to which Ulysses replied, “My name is Noman
asked his name, to which Ulysses replied, “My name is Noman.” After
his
supper the giant sought his repose, and was soon
ysses replied, “My name is Noman.” After his supper the giant sought
his
repose, and was soon sound asleep. Then Ulysses w
giant sought his repose, and was soon sound asleep. Then Ulysses with
his
four select friends held the end of the stake in
lunged it deep into the socket, twirling it round as a carpenter does
his
auger. The howling monster with his outcry filled
ling it round as a carpenter does his auger. The howling monster with
his
outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with his ai
e howling monster with his outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with
his
aids nimbly got out of his way and concealed them
outcry filled the cavern, and Ulysses with his aids nimbly got out of
his
way and concealed themselves in the cave. He, bel
the Cyclopes dwelling in the caves around him, far and near. They, on
his
cry, flocked round the den, and inquired what gri
t him groaning. Next morning the Cyclops rolled away the stone to let
his
flock out to pasture, but planted himself in the
he door of the cave to feel of all as they went out, that Ulysses and
his
men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had
Ulysses and his men should not escape with them. But Ulysses had made
his
men harness the rams of the flock three abreast,
at passed. When they had got a few paces from the cavern, Ulysses and
his
friends released themselves from their rams, and
nding it from its bed he lifted it high in the air, then exerting all
his
force, hurled it in the direction of the voice. D
they desired to take. Ulysses was about to hail the giant again, but
his
friends besought him not to do so. He could not f
ld not forbear, however, letting the giant know that they had escaped
his
missile, but waited till they had reached a safer
e than before. The giant answered them with curses, while Ulysses and
his
friends plying their oars vigorously, regained th
arrived at the island of Æolus. He treated Ulysses hospitably, and at
his
departure gave him, tied up in a leathern bag wit
e appearance of the cove, completely land-locked; only Ulysses moored
his
vessel without. As soon as the Læstrygonians foun
ad remained outside, and finding no safety but in flight, he exhorted
his
men to ply their oars vigorously, and they escape
perceived a palace embowered with trees. He sent forward one half of
his
crew, under the command of Eurylochus, to see wha
on determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver
his
companions. As he strode onward alone, he met a y
a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearing to be acquainted with
his
adventures. He announced himself as Mercury, and
he danger of approaching her. As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded from
his
attempt, Mercury provided him with a sprig of the
as courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done
his
companions; but, after he had eaten and drunk, to
e stye and wallow with thy friends.” But he, instead of obeying, drew
his
sword and rushed upon her with fury in his counte
, instead of obeying, drew his sword and rushed upon her with fury in
his
countenance. She fell on her knees and begged for
nd begged for mercy. He dictated a solemn oath that she would release
his
companions and practise no further harm against h
ntly entertained day after day, till Ulysses seemed to have forgotten
his
native land, and to have reconciled himself to an
to an inglorious life of ease and pleasure. The Sirens. — At length
his
companions recalled him to nobler sentiments, and
sea to their destruction. Circe directed Ulysses to fill the ears of
his
seamen with wax, so that they should not hear the
not hear the strain; to have himself bound to the mast, and to enjoin
his
people, whatever he might say or do, by no means
ctive, that Ulysses struggled to get loose, and by cries and signs to
his
people, begged to be released; but they, obedient
and signs to his people, begged to be released; but they, obedient to
his
previous orders, sprang forward and bound him sti
c grew fainter till it ceased to be heard, when with joy Ulysses gave
his
companions the signal to unseal their ears, and t
ompanions the signal to unseal their ears, and they relieved him from
his
bonds. It is said that one of the Sirens, Parthen
a distance, but Scylla could nowhere be discerned. While Ulysses and
his
men watched with anxious eyes the dreadful whirlp
ylla,375 and the monster darting forth her snaky heads, caught six of
his
men, and bore them away shrieking to her den. Uly
land whereon were pastured the cattle of Hyperion, the Sun, tended by
his
daughters Lampetia and Phaëthusa. These flocks mu
uld willingly have passed the island of the Sun without stopping, but
his
companions so urgently pleaded for the rest and r
d by offering from them a portion to the offended powers. Ulysses, on
his
return to the shore, was horror-struck at perceiv
to retain him forever, offering him immortality. But he persisted in
his
resolution to return to his country and his wife
ring him immortality. But he persisted in his resolution to return to
his
country and his wife and son. Calypso at last rec
lity. But he persisted in his resolution to return to his country and
his
wife and son. Calypso at last received the comman
provisioned it well for him, and gave him a favoring gale. He sped on
his
course prosperously for many days, till at last,
y days, till at last, when in sight of land, a storm arose that broke
his
mast, and threatened to rend the raft asunder. In
ft, and presented him with a girdle, directing him to bind it beneath
his
breast, that if he should be compelled to trust h
to take. At a short distance he perceived a wood, to which he turned
his
steps. There finding a covert sheltered by interm
Nausithoüs, was now their king, a wise and just sovereign, beloved by
his
people. Now it happened that the very night on wh
was cast ashore on the Phæacian island, and while he lay sleeping on
his
bed of leaves, Nausicaä, the daughter of the king
h courage and discernment. Ulysses, standing respectfully aloof, told
his
sad case, and besought the fair object (whether q
n this was done, and Ulysses retiring to a sheltered place had washed
his
body free from the sea-foam, and clothed himself
free from the sea-foam, and clothed himself and eaten, Pallas dilated
his
form and diffused grace over his ample chest and
ed himself and eaten, Pallas dilated his form and diffused grace over
his
ample chest and manly brows. The princess seeing
princess and her companions to reach the city, he was then to pursue
his
way thither, and should be easily guided by any h
f Alcinoüs, the king. The maiden replied respectfully, offering to be
his
guide; for the palace, she informed him stood nea
ry plain; The nightingale sings to the dewy cedar, The cedar scatters
his
scent to the main. The strange flowers’ perfume
feet and implored her favor and assistance to enable him to return to
his
native country. Then withdrawing, he seated himse
d supplied with food and wine.” At these words the king, rising, gave
his
hand to Ulysses and led him to a seat, displacing
ng, gave his hand to Ulysses and led him to a seat, displacing thence
his
own son to make room for the stranger. Food and w
before him and he ate and refreshed himself. The king then dismissed
his
guests, notifying them that the next day he would
rself had made) from whom he received those garments. He told them of
his
residence in Calypso’s isle and his departure the
d those garments. He told them of his residence in Calypso’s isle and
his
departure thence; of the wreck of his raft, his e
residence in Calypso’s isle and his departure thence; of the wreck of
his
raft, his escape by swimming, and of the relief a
in Calypso’s isle and his departure thence; of the wreck of his raft,
his
escape by swimming, and of the relief afforded by
s heard approvingly, and the king promised to furnish a ship in which
his
guest might return to his own land. The next day
he king promised to furnish a ship in which his guest might return to
his
own land. The next day the assembled chiefs confi
l, Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine.” He took for
his
theme the Wooden Horse, by means of which the Gre
s, when the song was done, demanded of him why at the mention of Troy
his
sorrows awaked. Had he lost there a father, or br
brother, or any dear friend? Ulysses replied by announcing himself by
his
true name, and, at their request, recounted the a
their request, recounted the adventures which had befallen him since
his
departure from Troy. This narrative raised the sy
l in the Phæacian vessel, and in a short time arrived safe at Ithaca,
his
own island. When the vessel touched the strand he
g him, carried him on shore, and landed with him the chest containing
his
presents, and then sailed away. Neptune was so di
pleased at the conduct of the Phæacians in thus rescuing Ulysses from
his
hands, that, on the return of the vessel to port,
from Ithaca for twenty years, and when he awoke he did not recognize
his
native land. Minerva appeared to him in the form
pherd, informed him where he was, and told him the state of things at
his
palace. More than a hundred nobles of Ithaca, and
ighboring islands, had been for years suing for the hand of Penelope,
his
wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over his
e hand of Penelope, his wife, imagining him dead, and lording it over
his
palace and people as if they were owners of both.
duct as well. She was the niece of Tyndareus, — being the daughter of
his
brother Icarius, a Spartan prince. Ulysses, seeki
father’s house, Icarius, unable to bear the thoughts of parting with
his
daughter, tried to persuade her to remain with hi
errupted by the events which called Ulysses to the Trojan war. During
his
long absence, and when it was doubtful whether he
was kindly received by Eumæus, the swine-herd, a faithful servant of
his
house. Telemachus, his son, had, for some time, b
Eumæus, the swine-herd, a faithful servant of his house. Telemachus,
his
son, had, for some time, been absent in quest of
use. Telemachus, his son, had, for some time, been absent in quest of
his
father, visiting the courts of the other kings, w
esented herself to Ulysses, and directed him to make himself known to
his
son. At the same time she touched him, removed at
thought he must be more than mortal. But Ulysses announced himself as
his
father, and accounted for the change of appearanc
that it was Minerva’s doing. Then threw Telemachus His arms around
his
father’s neck and wept. Desire intense of lamenta
st; though sometimes, also, no doubt, with contumely. Ulysses charged
his
son not to betray, by any display of unusual inte
iot going on. The suitors pretended to receive Telemachus with joy at
his
return, though secretly mortified at the failure
turn, though secretly mortified at the failure of their plots to take
his
life. The old beggar was permitted to enter, and
in the yard almost dead with age, and seeing a stranger enter, raised
his
head, with ears erect. It was Argus, Ulysses’ own
o the chase. Soon as he perceived Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell
his
ears Clapped close, and with his tail glad sign h
ed Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears Clapped close, and with
his
tail glad sign he gave Of gratulation, impotent t
l glad sign he gave Of gratulation, impotent to rise, And to approach
his
master as of old. Ulysses, noting him, wiped off
r as of old. Ulysses, noting him, wiped off a tear Unmarked. … Then
his
destiny released Old Argus, soon as he had lived
ee Ulysses in the twentieth year restored.379 As Ulysses sat eating
his
portion in the hall, the suitors soon began to ex
ool and with it gave him a blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain
his
indignation at seeing his father so treated in hi
blow. Telemachus had hard work to restrain his indignation at seeing
his
father so treated in his own hall; but, rememberi
d work to restrain his indignation at seeing his father so treated in
his
own hall; but, remembering his father’s injunctio
ion at seeing his father so treated in his own hall; but, remembering
his
father’s injunctions, said no more than what beca
hat became him as master of the house, though young, and protector of
his
guests. Once, again, was the wanderer all but bet
of his guests. Once, again, was the wanderer all but betrayed; — when
his
aged nurse Euryclea, bathing his feet, recognized
he wanderer all but betrayed; — when his aged nurse Euryclea, bathing
his
feet, recognized the scar of a wound dealt him by
for delay. The continued absence of her husband seemed to prove that
his
return was no longer to be expected. Meanwhile he
o be expected. Meanwhile her son had grown up, and was able to manage
his
own affairs. She therefore consented to submit th
se arrow was sent through the whole twelve, was to have the queen for
his
prize. A bow that one of his brother heroes had g
whole twelve, was to have the queen for his prize. A bow that one of
his
brother heroes had given to Ulysses in former tim
r to attach the string. Telemachus endeavored to do it, but found all
his
efforts fruitless; and modestly confessing that h
ruitless; and modestly confessing that he had attempted a task beyond
his
strength, he yielded the bow to another. He tried
ried it with no better success, and, amidst the laughter and jeers of
his
companions, gave it up. Another tried it and anot
s hooted with derision, and commanded to turn him out of the hall for
his
insolence. But Telemachus spoke up for him, and m
ct at the most insolent one of the suitors. The arrow pierced through
his
throat and he fell dead. Telemachus, Eumæus, and
have ample vengeance. All were slain, and Ulysses was left master of
his
palace and possessor of his kingdom and his wife.
ere slain, and Ulysses was left master of his palace and possessor of
his
kingdom and his wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulysses
lysses was left master of his palace and possessor of his kingdom and
his
wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulysses represents the o
m and his wife. Tennyson’s poem of Ulysses represents the old hero, —
his
dangers past and nothing left but to stay at home
and pay Meet adoration to my household gods, When I am gone. He works
his
work, I mine. “There lies the port: the vessel p
sed Free hearts, free foreheads — you and I are old; Old age hath yet
his
honor and his toil; Death closes all: but somethi
s, free foreheads — you and I are old; Old age hath yet his honor and
his
toil; Death closes all: but something ere the end
ly. — Homer tells the story of one of the Grecian heroes, Ulysses, in
his
wanderings, on his return home from Troy. Vergil
he story of one of the Grecian heroes, Ulysses, in his wanderings, on
his
return home from Troy. Vergil in his Æneid narrat
, Ulysses, in his wanderings, on his return home from Troy. Vergil in
his
Æneid narrates the mythical fortunes of the remna
he capture and conflagration of the city were the result, Aeneas made
his
escape from the scene of destruction, with his fa
he result, Aeneas made his escape from the scene of destruction, with
his
father, and his wife, and young son. The father,
s made his escape from the scene of destruction, with his father, and
his
wife, and young son. The father, Anchises, was to
was too old to walk with the speed required, and Æneas took him upon
his
shoulders. Thus burdened, leading his son and fol
quired, and Æneas took him upon his shoulders. Thus burdened, leading
his
son and followed by his wife, he made the best of
im upon his shoulders. Thus burdened, leading his son and followed by
his
wife, he made the best of his way out of the burn
rdened, leading his son and followed by his wife, he made the best of
his
way out of the burning city; but, in the confusio
e the best of his way out of the burning city; but, in the confusion,
his
wife, Creiisa, was swept away and lost. Fig. 1
ing to offer sacrifice, he tore some twigs from one of the bushes. To
his
dismay the wounded part dropped blood. When he re
recollection of Æneas that Polydore was a young prince of Troy, whom
his
father had sent with ample treasures to the neigh
ors of war. The king to whom he was sent had murdered him, and seized
his
treasures. Æneas and his companions, considering
hom he was sent had murdered him, and seized his treasures. Æneas and
his
companions, considering the land accursed by the
y the gods to torment a certain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of
his
sight, in punishment of his cruelty; and whenever
ain Phineus, whom Jupiter had deprived of his sight, in punishment of
his
cruelty; and whenever a meal was placed before hi
r talons the meat from the dishes, and flying away with it. Æneas and
his
companions drew their swords, and dealt vigorous
. Here they were hailed from the shore by a miserable object, whom by
his
garments tattered as they were, they perceived to
them he was one of Ulysses’ companions, left behind by that chief in
his
hurried departure. He related the story of Ulysse
ught them to take him off with them, as he had no means of sustaining
his
existence where he was, but wild berries and root
ived in constant fear of the Cyclopes. While he spoke Polyphemus made
his
appearance; terrible, shapeless, vast, and, of co
ast, and, of course, blind.380 He walked with cautious steps, feeling
his
way with a staff, down to the sea-side, to wash h
us steps, feeling his way with a staff, down to the sea-side, to wash
his
eye-socket in the waves. When he reached the wate
n the waves. When he reached the water he waded out towards them, and
his
immense height enabled him to advance far into th
sea, so that the Trojans, in terror, took to their oars to get out of
his
way. Hearing the oars, Polyphemus shouted after t
d Charybdis. There Ulysses, the reader will remember, had lost six of
his
men, seized by Scylla, while the navigators were
ntment dwell!381 Accordingly she gave orders to Æolus, who sent forth
his
sons, Boreas, Typhon and the other winds, to toss
, and were separated, so that Æneas thought that all were lost except
his
own vessel. 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 ÆÆneas
nding the hostility of Juno, he was at no loss to account for it, but
his
anger was not the less at this interference in hi
ccount for it, but his anger was not the less at this interference in
his
province. He called the winds and dismissed them
sun. Some of the ships which had got on the rocks, he pried off with
his
own trident, while Triton and a sea-nymph, puttin
aughter of Belus, king of Tyre, and sister of Pygmalion who succeeded
his
father on the throne. Her husband was Sichæus, a
band was Sichæus, a man of immense wealth, but Pygmalion, who coveted
his
treasures, caused him to be put to death. Dido, w
and flourishing place. Such was the state of affairs when Æneas with
his
Trojans arrived there. Dido received the illustri
her request a recital of the closing events of the Trojan history and
his
own adventures after the fall of the city. Dido w
his own adventures after the fall of the city. Dido was charmed with
his
discourse and filled with admiration of his explo
ty. Dido was charmed with his discourse and filled with admiration of
his
exploits. She conceived an ardent passion for him
of his exploits. She conceived an ardent passion for him, and he for
his
part seemed well content to accept the fortunate
ate chance which appeared to offer him at once a happy termination of
his
wanderings, a home, a kingdom, and a bride. Month
espatched Mercury with a message to Æneas recalling him to a sense of
his
high destiny, and commanding him to resume his vo
ling him to a sense of his high destiny, and commanding him to resume
his
voyage. Æneas parted from Dido, though she tried
low her son at last to attain the wished-for goal, and find an end of
his
perils on the deep. Neptune consented, stipulatin
e victim was Palinurus, the pilot. As he sat watching the stars, with
his
hand on the helm, Somnus, sent by Neptune, approa
eather and the winds?” And he continued to grasp the helm and to keep
his
eyes fixed on the stars. But Somnus waved over hi
s. But Somnus waved over him a branch moistened with Lethæan dew, and
his
eyes closed in spite of all his efforts. Then Som
ranch moistened with Lethæan dew, and his eyes closed in spite of all
his
efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he
is efforts. Then Somnus pushed him overboard and he fell; but keeping
his
hold upon the helm, it came away with him. Neptun
his hold upon the helm, it came away with him. Neptune was mindful of
his
promise and kept the ship on her track without he
pt the ship on her track without helm or pilot, till Æneas discovered
his
loss, and sorrowing deeply for his faithful steer
lm or pilot, till Æneas discovered his loss, and sorrowing deeply for
his
faithful steersman took charge of the ship himsel
ply for his faithful steersman took charge of the ship himself. Under
his
guidance the ships at last reached the shores of
joyfully the adventurers leaped to land. The Sibyl of Cumæ. — While
his
people were employed in making their encampment Æ
as contemplated the scene, the Sibyl accosted him. She seemed to know
his
errand, and under the influence of the deity of t
ntimations of labors and perils through which he was destined to make
his
way to final success. She closed with the encoura
cted in a dream to seek the abode of the dead in order to confer with
his
father Anchises to receive from him a revelation
o confer with his father Anchises to receive from him a revelation of
his
future fortunes and those of his race, he asked h
to receive from him a revelation of his future fortunes and those of
his
race, he asked her assistance to enable him to ac
up with a bloody fillet. Here also were the monsters, Briareus, with
his
hundred arms, Hydras hissing, and Chimæras breath
sing, and Chimæras breathing fire. Æneas shuddered at the sight, drew
his
sword and would have struck, but the Sibyl restra
t strong and vigorous, who was receiving passengers of all kinds into
his
boat, stout-hearted heroes, boys and unmarried gi
at last they are. taken over.” Æneas grieved at recollecting some of
his
own companions who had perished in the storm. At
s who had perished in the storm. At that moment, he beheld Palinurus,
his
pilot, who fell overboard and was drowned. He add
verboard and was drowned. He addressed him and asked him the cause of
his
misfortune. Palinurus replied that the rudder was
swept away with it. He besought Æneas most urgently to extend to him
his
hand and take him in company to the opposite shor
but consoled him by informing him that the people of the shore where
his
body had been wafted by the waves should be stirr
rus consoled by these words, they approached the boat. Charon, fixing
his
eyes sternly upon the advancing warrior, demanded
hat they would commit no violence, that Æneas’ 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
e. There they were encountered by the three-headed dog Cerberus, with
his
necks bristling with snakes. He barked with all t
ed cake, which he eagerly devoured, and then stretched himself out in
his
den and fell asleep. Æneas and the Sibyl sprang t
in, but approaching, perceived it was indeed herself. Tears fell from
his
eyes, and he addressed her in the accents of love
es fixed on the ground, and then silently passed on, as insensible to
his
pleadings as a rock. Æneas followed for some dist
Æneas followed for some distance; then, with a heavy heart, rejoined
his
companion and resumed his route. Fig. 109. Cha
istance; then, with a heavy heart, rejoined his companion and resumed
his
route. Fig. 109. Charon receiving a passenger
and resumed his route. Fig. 109. Charon receiving a passenger and
his
fare. [Relief: Sepolcri.] They next entered the f
m, and could not be satisfied with the sight. They asked the cause of
his
coming, and plied him with innumerable questions.
plied him with innumerable questions. But the Greeks, at the sight of
his
armor glittering through the murky atmosphere, re
used to do on the plains of Troy. Æneas would have lingered long with
his
Trojan friends, but the Sibyl hurried him away. T
f iron, and the clanking of chains. Æneas, horror-struck, inquired of
his
guide what crimes were those whose punishments pr
to vie with Jupiter, and built a bridge of brass over which he drove
his
chariot that the sound might resemble thunder, la
ot that the sound might resemble thunder, launching flaming brands at
his
people in imitation of lightning, till Jupiter st
as he lies, he stretches over nine acres, while a vulture preys upon
his
liver, which, as fast as it is devoured grows aga
upon his liver, which, as fast as it is devoured grows again, so that
his
punishment will have no end. Æneas saw groups sea
, or failed in fidelity to their employers. Here was one who had sold
his
country for gold, another who perverted the laws,
down to the plain. Again, he toiled at it, while the sweat bathed all
his
weary limbs, but all to no effect. There was Tant
limbs, but all to no effect. There was Tantalus, who stood in a pool,
his
chin level with the water, yet he was parched wit
rched with thirst, and found nothing to assauge it; for when he bowed
his
hoary head, eager to quaff, the water fled away,
oary head, eager to quaff, the water fled away, leaving the ground at
his
feet all dry. Tall trees, laden with fruit, stoop
a sudden grasp, he tried to seize them, winds whirled them high above
his
reach. The Elysian Fields. — The Sibyl now warne
gth or skill, others dancing or singing. Orpheus struck the chords of
his
lyre, and called forth ravishing sounds. Here Æne
ound him in a verdant valley, where he was contemplating the ranks of
his
posterity, their destinies and worthy deeds to be
always before me to guide and guard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold
his
father in his embrace, but his arms enclosed only
me to guide and guard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold his father in
his
embrace, but his arms enclosed only an unsubstant
uard me.” Then he endeavored to enfold his father in his embrace, but
his
arms enclosed only an unsubstantial shade. The V
ing explained so much, proceeded to point out to Æneas individuals of
his
race, who were hereafter to be born, and to relat
perform in the world. After this he reverted to the present, and told
his
son of the events that remained to him to be acco
m to be accomplished before the complete establishment of himself and
his
followers in Italy. Wars were to be waged, battle
l. 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,
nduring youth. This also he would have granted, could I have accepted
his
love, but offended at my refusal, he allowed me t
nd Latins. § 176. Æneas, having parted from the Sibyl and rejoined
his
fleet, coasted along the shores of Italy and cast
y and cast anchor in the mouth of the Tiber. The poet, having brought
his
hero to this spot, the destined termination of hi
et, having brought his hero to this spot, the destined termination of
his
wanderings, invokes his Muse to tell him the situ
ero to this spot, the destined termination of his wanderings, invokes
his
Muse to tell him the situation of things at that
the wishes of her parents. But Latinus had been warned in a dream by
his
father Faunus, that the destined husband of Lavin
he promised son-in-law announced by the oracle. He cheerfully granted
his
alliance and sent back the messengers mounted on
nted his alliance and sent back the messengers mounted on steeds from
his
stables, and loaded with gifts and friendly messa
of the foreigners, and of the attempts of their prince to rob him of
his
bride. Next, she turned her attention to the camp
attention to the camp of the Trojans. There she saw the boy Iulus and
his
companions amusing themselves with hunting. She s
angers from the country. He resisted as long as he could, but finding
his
opposition unavailing, finally gave way and retre
finding his opposition unavailing, finally gave way and retreated to
his
retirement. The Gates of Janus opened . — It was
try, when war was to be undertaken, for the chief magistrate, clad in
his
robes of office, with solemn pomp to open the gat
cruelty. He had been the chief of one of the neighboring cities, but
his
people drove him out. With him was joined his son
neighboring cities, but his people drove him out. With him was joined
his
son Lausus, a generous youth worthy of a better s
ad been singular from the beginning. Her father, Metabus, driven from
his
city by civil discord, carried with him in his fl
, Metabus, driven from his city by civil discord, carried with him in
his
flight his infant daughter. As he fled through th
driven from his city by civil discord, carried with him in his flight
his
infant daughter. As he fled through the woods, hi
him in his flight his infant daughter. As he fled through the woods,
his
enemies in hot pursuit, he reached the bank of th
e paused for a moment, then decided what to do. He tied the infant to
his
lance with wrappers of bark, and poising the weap
infant to his lance with wrappers of bark, and poising the weapon in
his
upraised hand, thus addressed Diana: “Goddess of
e other side. Thenceforth he lived among the shepherds and brought up
his
daughter in woodland arts. While a child she was
he open heavens. The god of the stream, Father Tiber, seemed to raise
his
head above the willows and to say, “O goddess-bor
sion. He sacrificed to Juno, and invoked the god of the river and all
his
tributary fountains to lend their aid. Then for t
ing annual solemnities in honor of Hercules and all the gods. Pallas,
his
son, and all the chiefs of the little commonwealt
ame, invited them to land, and when Æneas touched the shore he seized
his
hand, and held it long in friendly grasp. Proceed
friendly grasp. Proceeding through the wood they joined the king and
his
party, and were most favorably received. Seats we
ll moved towards the city. The king, bending with age, walked between
his
son and Æneas, taking the arm of one or the other
eir hunted prey. Such were they when Saturn, expelled from Olympus by
his
sons, came among them and drew together the fierc
em laws. Such peace and plenty ensued that men ever since have called
his
reign the golden age; but by degrees far other ti
wakened by the dawn and the shrill song of birds beneath the eaves of
his
low mansion, old Evander rose. Clad in a tunic, a
, old Evander rose. Clad in a tunic, and a panther’s skin thrown over
his
shoulders, with sandals on his feet, and his good
unic, and a panther’s skin thrown over his shoulders, with sandals on
his
feet, and his good sword girded to his side, he w
nther’s skin thrown over his shoulders, with sandals on his feet, and
his
good sword girded to his side, he went forth to s
his shoulders, with sandals on his feet, and his good sword girded to
his
side, he went forth to seek his guest. Two mastif
is feet, and his good sword girded to his side, he went forth to seek
his
guest. Two mastiffs followed him, his whole retin
his side, he went forth to seek his guest. Two mastiffs followed him,
his
whole retinue and body-guard. He found the hero a
him, his whole retinue and body-guard. He found the hero attended by
his
faithful Achates, and, Pallas soon joining them,
ng, a monster of cruelty, who invented unheard-of torments to gratify
his
vengeance. He would fasten the dead to the living
die in that dreadful embrace. At length people cast him out, him and
his
house. They burned his palace and slew his friend
mbrace. At length people cast him out, him and his house. They burned
his
palace and slew his friends. He escaped and took
ople cast him out, him and his house. They burned his palace and slew
his
friends. He escaped and took refuge with Turnus,
nd took the way to the Etruscan city,386 having sent back the rest of
his
party in the ships. Eneas and his band safely arr
ty,386 having sent back the rest of his party in the ships. Eneas and
his
band safely arrived at the Etruscan camp, and wer
at the Etruscan camp, and were received with open arms by Tarchon and
his
countrymen. Turnus attacks the Trojan Camp. — In
nus attacks the Trojan Camp. — In the meanwhile, Turnus had collected
his
bands, and made all necessary preparations for th
r guard, and having received strict orders from Eneas not to fight in
his
absence, they lay still in their intrenchments, a
with him. These two were friends and brothers in arms. Nisus said to
his
friend, “Dost thou perceive what confidence and c
case of success. Iulus especially addressed Euryalus, assuring him of
his
lasting friendship. Euryalus replied, “I have but
ulus and the other chiefs were moved to tears, and promised to do all
his
request. “Thy mother shall be mine,” said Iulus,
w extricate the youth! or would it be better to die with him? Raising
his
eyes to the moon which now shone clear, he said,
hich now shone clear, he said, “Goddess, favor my effort!” and aiming
his
javelin at one of the leaders of the troop, struc
the penalty of both,” he said, and would have plunged the sword into
his
bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment saw t
and would have plunged the sword into his bosom, when Nisus, who from
his
concealment saw the peril of his friend, rushed f
into his bosom, when Nisus, who from his concealment saw the peril of
his
friend, rushed forward exclaiming, “’Twas I, ’twa
fell, and pierced the comely bosom of Euryalus. His head fell over on
his
shoulder, like a flower cut down by the plough. N
flower cut down by the plough. Nisus rushed upon Volscens and plunged
his
sword into his body, and was himself slain on the
by the plough. Nisus rushed upon Volscens and plunged his sword into
his
body, and was himself slain on the instant by num
e instant by numberless blows. The Death of Mezentius. — Æneas, with
his
Etrurian allies, arrived on the scene of action i
his Etrurian allies, arrived on the scene of action in time to rescue
his
beleaguered camp; and now the two armies being ne
pal characters. The tyrant Mezentius, finding himself engaged against
his
revolted subjects, raged like a wild beast. He sl
. Eneas, and the armies stood still to see the issue. Mezentius threw
his
spear, which striking Æneas’ shield glanced off a
glanced off and hit Antores, — a Grecian by birth who had left Argos,
his
native city, and followed Evander into Italy. The
es, and, dying, remembered sweet Argos.” 387 Æneas now in turn hurled
his
lance. It pierced the shield of Mezentius, and wo
ierced the shield of Mezentius, and wounded him in the thigh. Lausus,
his
son, could not bear the sight, but rushed forward
e the followers pressed round Mezentius and bore him away. Æneas held
his
sword suspended over Lausus and delayed to strike
Mezentius meanwhile had been borne to the river-side, and had washed
his
wound. Soon the news reached him of Lausus’ death
eath, and rage and despair supplied the place of strength. He mounted
his
horse and dashed into the thickest of the fight,
le, throwing one javelin after another, while Æneas stood fenced with
his
shield, turning every way to meet them. At last a
At last after Mezentius had three times made the circuit, Æneas threw
his
lance directly at the horse’s head. The animal fe
m both armies rent the skies. Mezentius asked no mercy, but only that
his
body might be spared the insults of his revolted
asked no mercy, but only that his body might be spared the insults of
his
revolted subjects, and be buried in the same grav
nsults of his revolted subjects, and be buried in the same grave with
his
son. He received the fatal stroke not unprepared,
his son. He received the fatal stroke not unprepared, and poured out
his
life and his blood together. Of Pallas. — While
received the fatal stroke not unprepared, and poured out his life and
his
blood together. Of Pallas. — While these things
The victor almost relented when he saw the brave youth lying dead at
his
feet, and spared to use the privilege of a conque
, and spared to use the privilege of a conqueror in despoiling him of
his
arms. The belt only, adorned with studs and carvi
y, adorned with studs and carvings of gold, he took and clasped round
his
own body. The rest he remitted to the friends of
ntest as long as he could; but at last impelled by the ill success of
his
arms, and by the murmurs of his followers, he bra
t last impelled by the ill success of his arms, and by the murmurs of
his
followers, he braced himself to the conflict. The
On the side of Æneas were the expressed decree of destiny, the aid of
his
goddess-mother in every emergency, and impenetrab
her request, for her son. Turnus, on the other hand, was deserted by
his
celestial allies, Juno having been expressly forb
expressly forbidden by Jupiter to assist him any longer. Turnus threw
his
lance, but it recoiled harmless from the shield o
ecoiled harmless from the shield of Æneas. The Trojan hero then threw
his
, which penetrating the shield of Turnus pierced h
n hero then threw his, which penetrating the shield of Turnus pierced
his
thigh. Then Turnus’ fortitude forsook him, and he
orsook him, and he begged for mercy; Æneas, indeed, would have spared
his
opponent’s life, but at the instant his eye fell
as, indeed, would have spared his opponent’s life, but at the instant
his
eye fell on the belt of Pallas, which Turnus had
Pallas, which Turnus had taken from the slaughtered youth. Instantly
his
rage revived, and exclaiming, “Pallas immolates t
g, “Pallas immolates thee with this blow,” he thrust him through with
his
sword. Here the poem of the Æneid closes, and we
id closes, and we are left to infer that Æneas, having triumphed over
his
foes, obtained Lavinia for his bride. Tradition a
nfer that Æneas, having triumphed over his foes, obtained Lavinia for
his
bride. Tradition adds that he founded a city and
he air and formed clouds, from which sprang Ymir, the Frost giant and
his
progeny, and the cow Audhumbla, whose milk afford
nes there appeared at first the hair of some being, on the second day
his
whole head, and on the third the entire form endo
ty, agility, and power. This new being was a god, Bori, from whom and
his
wife, a daughter of the giant race, sprang Bor, t
he father of Odin, Vili, and Ve. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of
his
body formed the earth, of his blood the seas, of
e. They slew the giant Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth, of
his
blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of hi
Ymir, and out of his body formed the earth, of his blood the seas, of
his
bones the mountains, of his hair the trees, of hi
rmed the earth, of his blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of
his
hair the trees, of his skull the heavens, and of
blood the seas, of his bones the mountains, of his hair the trees, of
his
skull the heavens, and of his brain clouds, charg
he mountains, of his hair the trees, of his skull the heavens, and of
his
brain clouds, charged with hail and snow. Of Ymir
en he tries to shake off its weight the earth quakes. § 178. Odin and
his
Valhalla. — To Asgard, the abode of the gods, acc
eautiful of these is Valhalla, the great hall of Odin. When seated on
his
throne he overlooks heaven and earth. Beside him
on his throne he overlooks heaven and earth. Beside him sits Frigga,
his
wife, who knows all things. Upon his shoulders ar
d earth. Beside him sits Frigga, his wife, who knows all things. Upon
his
shoulders are the ravens Hugin and Munin, — Thoug
, and on their return report to him what they have seen and heard. At
his
feet lie his two wolves, Geri and Freki, to whom
r return report to him what they have seen and heard. At his feet lie
his
two wolves, Geri and Freki, to whom Odin gives th
superior to Odin, uncreated and eternal. In Valhalla Odin feasts with
his
chosen heroes, all those who have fallen bravely
f those who shall be slain. The Valkyries, Choosers of the Slain, are
his
messengers. When they ride forth on their errand,
many a skull of their fathers and kindred. When thrown, it returns to
his
hand of its own accord. The second rare thing he
hing he possesses is the belt of strength. When he girds it about him
his
divine might is doubled. The third is his iron gl
When he girds it about him his divine might is doubled. The third is
his
iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would u
The third is his iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would use
his
mallet efficiently. From Thor’s name is derived o
goddess of love. Her day is Friday. Bragi is the god of poetry, and
his
song records the deeds of warriors. His wife, Idu
st of the Anses, is the god of sunlight, spring, and gladness. Höder,
his
opposite, is the blind god of winter. Heimdall i
s 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 he
even hear the grass grow, — and the wool on a sheep’s back. Loki and
his
Progeny. — Loki is described as the calumniator o
them into difficulties, and in extricating them out of the danger by
his
cunning, wit, and skill. Loki has three children.
nded. But the monster has grown to such an enormous size that holding
his
tail in his mouth he encircles the whole earth. H
e monster has grown to such an enormous size that holding his tail in
his
mouth he encircles the whole earth. Hela he cast
consented to be bound with it upon condition that one of the gods put
his
hand in his (Fenris’) mouth as a pledge that the
be bound with it upon condition that one of the gods put his hand in
his
(Fenris’) mouth as a pledge that the band was to
ge enough to do this. But when the wolf found that he could not break
his
fetters, and that the gods would not release him,
the Frost giants and the giants of the mountains. But he demanded for
his
reward the goddess Freya, together with the sun a
d these terms, the artificer stipulated that he be allowed the use of
his
horse Svadilfari, and this request by the advice
ngly set to work on the first day of winter, and during the night let
his
horse draw stone for the building. The enormous s
aw clearly that the horse did one half more of the toilsome work than
his
master. Their bargain, however, had been conclude
unless he contrived some way to prevent the artificer from completing
his
task and obtaining the stipulated recompense. The
he stipulated recompense. They proceeded to lay hands on Loki, who in
his
fright promised upon oath that, let it cost him w
im what it might, he would so manage matters that the man should lose
his
reward. That night when the man went with Svadilf
an after the mare into the forest, obliging the man also to run after
his
horse, thus, therefore, between one and another t
e the usual progress. The man, seeing that he must fail of completing
his
task, resumed his own gigantic stature; and the g
ss. The man, seeing that he must fail of completing his task, resumed
his
own gigantic stature; and the gods now clearly pe
lled on Thor, who immediately ran to their assistance, and lifting up
his
mallet, paid the workman his wages, not with the
ran to their assistance, and lifting up his mallet, paid the workman
his
wages, not with the sun and moon, and not even by
he giant’s promise to restore the weapon if Freya would consent to be
his
bride. Loki returned and reported the result of h
uld consent to be his bride. Loki returned and reported the result of
his
mission, but the goddess of love was horrified at
elf in Freya’s clothes and accompany him to Jötunheim. Thrym received
his
veiled bride with due courtesy, but was greatly s
ned ruler of Jötunheim. Thrym had at last the curiosity to peep under
his
bride’s veil, but started back in affright, and d
be brought in and laid on the maiden’s lap. Thereupon Thor threw off
his
disguise, grasped his redoubted weapon, and slaug
d on the maiden’s lap. Thereupon Thor threw off his disguise, grasped
his
redoubted weapon, and slaughtered Thrym and all h
disguise, grasped his redoubted weapon, and slaughtered Thrym and all
his
followers. Thor’s visit to Jötunheim. — One day
d all his followers. Thor’s visit to Jötunheim. — One day Thor, with
his
servant Thialfi, and accompanied by Loki, set out
an earthquake which shook the whole edifice. Thor rising up called on
his
companions to seek with him a place of safety. On
into which the others entered, but Thor remained at the doorway with
his
mallet in his hand, prepared to defend himself, w
e others entered, but Thor remained at the doorway with his mallet in
his
hand, prepared to defend himself, whatever might
ing in the way that had alarmed them. For once Thor was afraid to use
his
mallet, and as the giant soon waked up, Thor cont
as the giant soon waked up, Thor contented himself with simply asking
his
name. “My name is Skrymir,” said the giant, “but
ken overnight for a hall was the giant’s glove, and the chamber where
his
two companions had sought refuge was the thumb. S
one, Skrymir packed all the provisions into one wallet, threw it over
his
shoulder, and strode on before them, taking such
ould not untie a single knot. At last Thor became wroth, and grasping
his
mallet with both hands he struck a furious blow o
head. Skrymir awakening merely asked whether a leaf had not fallen on
his
head, and whether they had supped and were ready
loud that the forest reechoed with the noise, he arose, and grasping
his
mallet launched it with such force at the giant’s
k he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again grasping
his
mallet, he dashed it with such violence that it f
the giant’s skull up to the handle. But Skrymir sat up, and stroking
his
cheek said, “An acorn fell on my head. What! Art,
tward, mine lies northward, so we must part here.” Hereupon he threw
his
wallet over his shoulders, and turned away from t
northward, so we must part here.” Hereupon he threw his wallet over
his
shoulders, and turned away from them into the for
he forest, and Thor had no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of
his
company. Thor and his companions proceeded on the
d no wish to stop him or to ask for any more of his company. Thor and
his
companions proceeded on their way, and towards no
promisest, and it shall be tried forthwith.” He then ordered one of
his
men who was sitting at the farther end of the ben
er end of the bench, and whose name was Logi, to come forward and try
his
skill with Loki. A trough filled with meat having
he trough. But it was found that Loki had only eaten the flesh, while
his
adversary had devoured both flesh and bone, and t
un a match with Thialfi. In the first course Hugi so much outstripped
his
competitor that he turned back and met him not fa
red that he would try a drinking-match with any one. Utgard-Loki bade
his
cupbearer bring the large horn which his follower
th any one. Utgard-Loki bade his cupbearer bring the large horn which
his
followers were obliged to empty when they had tre
, though somewhat long; however, as he was very thirsty, he set it to
his
lips, and without drawing breath, pulled as long
r was diminished. After taking breath, Thor went to it again with all
his
might, but when he took the horn from his mouth,
r 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
s 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 lookin
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 liq
finished speaking a large gray cat sprang on the hall floor. Thor put
his
hand under the cat’s belly and did his utmost to
ng on the hall floor. Thor put his hand under the cat’s belly and did
his
utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat,
and did his utmost to raise him from the floor, but the cat, bending
his
back, had, notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, on
ending his back, had, notwithstanding all Thor’s efforts, only one of
his
feet lifted up, seeing which Thor made no further
take hold of Thor. The tale is shortly told. The more Thor tightened
his
hold on the crone the firmer she stood. At length
e stood. At length, after a very violent struggle, Thor began to lose
his
footing, and was finally brought down upon one kn
wrestle with him, and it was also getting late; so he showed Thor and
his
companions to their seats, and they passed the ni
night there in good cheer. The next morning at break of day, Thor and
his
companions dressed themselves and prepared for th
hem to the gate of the city, and on parting asked Thor how he thought
his
journey had turned out, and whether he had met wi
fting 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-
retched by thee, that he was barely long enough to enclose it between
his
head and tail. Thy wrestling with Elli was also a
contest with me.” On hearing these words Thor in a rage laid hold of
his
mallet and would have launched it at him, but Utg
moment he could neither sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skirnir,
his
messenger, drew his secret from him, and undertoo
her sleep, nor drink, nor speak. At last Skirnir, his messenger, drew
his
secret from him, and undertook to get him the mai
er, 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
d undertook to get him the maiden for his bride, if he would give him
his
sword as a reward. Freyr consented and gave him t
eward. Freyr consented and gave him the sword, and Skirnir set off on
his
journey and obtained the maiden’s promise that wi
ain place and there wed Freyr. Skirnir having reported the success of
his
errand, Freyr exclaimed, — “Long is one night, L
half.” So Freyr obtained Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for
his
wife, but he lost his sword. § 182. The Death of
ned Gerda, the most beautiful of all women, for his wife, but he lost
his
sword. § 182. The Death of Balder. — Balder the G
the Good, having been tormented with terrible dreams indicating that
his
life was in peril, told them to the assembled god
din, not satisfied with all this, and feeling alarmed for the fate of
his
son, determined to consult the prophetess Angerbo
an oath from.” As soon as Loki heard this he went away, and resuming
his
natural shape, cut off the mistletoe, and repaire
Höder standing apart, without partaking of the sports, on account of
his
blindness, and going up to him, said, “Why dost t
rt had idly thrown At Balder, whom no weapon pierced or clove; But in
his
breast stood fixt the fatal bough Of mistletoe, w
est god of heaven, and best beloved, had but met the doom ordained at
his
birth by the Norns. Rather let the funeral pile b
t vengeance on Loki be left to Odin himself. So speaking Odin mounted
his
horse Sleipnir and rode away to Lidskialf; and th
. Might Hela perchance surrender Balder, if Höder himself should take
his
place among the shades? “Nay,” replied Frigga, “n
ityward met Hermod, swiftest of the gods, — Nor yet could Hermod see
his
brother’s face, For it grew dark; but Höder touch
ld Hermod see his brother’s face, For it grew dark; but Höder touched
his
arm. And as a spray honeysuckle flower Brushes ac
d gazed into the night, and said: “Who is it utters through the dark
his
hest So quickly, and will wait for no reply? The
voice was like the unhappy Höder’s voice. Howbeit I will see, and do
his
hest; For there rang note divine in that command.
speaking, the fleet-footed Hermod came Home, and lay down to sleep in
his
own house; And all the gods lay down in their own
ied. But from the hill of Lidskialf Odin rose, The throne, from which
his
eye surveys the world; And mounted Sleipnir, and
d to Valhalla’s gate he rode, and left Sleipnir; and Sleipnir went to
his
own stall; And in Valhalla Odin laid him down. T
Odin laid him down. That night in a vision appeared Balder to Nanna
his
wife, comforting her; — “Yes, and I fain would a
en, While we yet lived, among the other gods.” He spake, and straight
his
lineaments began To fade; and Nanna in her sleep
tretched out Her arms towards him with a cry, but he Mournfully shook
his
head and disappeared. And as the woodman sees a l
d morn appeared. With the morn Hermod, mounting Sleipnir, set out on
his
mission. For the space of nine days and as many n
overed with glittering gold. The maiden who kept the bridge asked him
his
name and lineage, telling him that the day before
yonder lieth the way he took to the abodes of death.” Hermod pursued
his
journey until he came to the barred gates of Hel.
y until he came to the barred gates of Hel. Here he alighted, girthed
his
saddle tighter, and remounting clapped both spurs
ted, girthed his saddle tighter, and remounting clapped both spurs to
his
horse, which cleared the gate by a tremendous lea
ithout touching it. Hermod then rode on to the palace, where he found
his
brother Balder occupying the most distinguished s
ying the most distinguished seat in the hall, and passed the night in
his
company. The next morning he besought Hela to let
obsequies. First came Odin accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyries, and
his
ravens; then Freyr in his car drawn by Gullinburs
n accompanied by Frigga, the Valkyries, and his ravens; then Freyr in
his
car drawn by Gullinbursti, the boar; Heimdall rod
then Freyr in his car drawn by Gullinbursti, the boar; Heimdall rode
his
horse Gulltopp, and Freya drove in her chariot dr
ed to the pile fully caparisoned and consumed in the same flames with
his
master. But Loki did not escape his merited punis
consumed in the same flames with his master. But Loki did not escape
his
merited punishment. When he saw how wroth the god
invented a net to catch the fishes, such as fishermen have used since
his
time. But Odin found out his hiding-place and the
ishes, such as fishermen have used since his time. But Odin found out
his
hiding-place and the gods assembled to take him.
salmon, and lay hid among the stones of the brook. But the gods took
his
net and dragged the brook, and Loki finding he mu
ine and thin. They bound him with chains and suspended a serpent over
his
head, whose venom falls upon his face drop by dro
chains and suspended a serpent over his head, whose venom falls upon
his
face drop by drop. His wife Siguna sits by his si
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
ly at night. They avoided the sun as their most deadly enemy, because
his
beams changed them immediately into stones. Their
ast upon their still quivering bodies. The wolf Fenris will now break
his
bands, the Midgard serpent rise out of his bed in
wolf Fenris will now break his bands, the Midgard serpent rise out of
his
bed in the sea, and Loki, released from his bonds
dgard serpent rise out of his bed in the sea, and Loki, released from
his
bonds, will join the enemies of the gods. Amidst
and And cross the bridge of heaven, with Lok for guide, And Fenris at
his
heel with broken chain; While from the east the g
ay! The day will come, when fall shall Asgard’s towers, And Odin, and
his
sons, the seed of Heaven; But what were I, to sav
our? If strength might save them, could not Odin save, My father, and
his
pride, the warrior Thor, Vidar the silent, the im
shall’d, and in heaven The golden-crested cock shall sound alarm, And
his
black brother-bird from hence reply, And bucklers
nor Rerir were to compare with Volsung, who ruled over Hunland after
his
father Rerir went home to Odin. To Volsung were b
g a mighty man there strode, One-eyed and seeming ancient, yet bright
his
visage glowed; Cloud-blue was the hood upon him,
, yet bright his visage glowed; Cloud-blue was the hood upon him, and
his
kirtle gleaming-gray As the latter morning sun-do
atter morning sun-dog when the storm is on the way; A bill he bore on
his
shoulder, whose mighty ashen beam Burnt bright wi
of the sea, and the blended silver’s gleam. And such was the guise of
his
raiment as the Volsung elders had told Was borne
So strode he to the Branstock, nor greeted any lord, But forth from
his
cloudy raiment he drew a gleaming sword, And smot
pluck it from the oak-wood e’en take it for my gift. Then ne’er, but
his
own heart falter, its point and edge shall fail U
hail to thee, King Volsung! farewell for a little while! ” So sweet
his
speaking sounded, so wise his words did seem That
arewell for a little while! ” So sweet his speaking sounded, so wise
his
words did seem That moveless all men sat there, a
n sat there, as in a happy dream We stir not lest we waken; but there
his
speech had end And slowly down the hall-floor, an
outward did he wend; And none would cast him a question or follow on
his
ways, For they knew that the gift was Odin’s, a s
s, a sword for the world to praise. Then all made trial, Siggeir and
his
earls, and Volsung and hiss people, to draw forth
h the sword from Branstock, but with no success, till Sigmund, laying
his
hand carelessly on the precious hilt, drew forth
for the sword, but Sigmund scorned the offer. But in time Siggeir had
his
vengeance. Inviting King Volsung and his sons to
fer. But in time Siggeir had his vengeance. Inviting King Volsung and
his
sons to Gothland, he fell upon them, slew the kin
succession by a she wolf, — all but Sigmund, who through the wile of
his
sister Signy was rescued. He, driven to the life
rescued. He, driven to the life of an outlaw, sought means to avenge
his
father, and Signy, on her part, strove to aid him
the form of men, they slew the children of Siggeir, and burned him in
his
hall. Signy, having helped to avenge her father,
oned him with a horn of ale. Then Sigmund sorrowed nigh to death over
his
son, and drove away that queen, and soon after sh
Hunding, — a chieftain who also had loved the fair Hiordis, — he got
his
death-wound: — For lo, through the hedge of the
warshafts a mighty man there came, One-eyed and seeming ancient, but
his
visage shone like flame; Gleaming-gray was his ki
d seeming ancient, but his visage shone like flame; Gleaming-gray was
his
kirtle, and his hood was cloudy-blue; And he bore
t, but his visage shone like flame; Gleaming-gray was his kirtle, and
his
hood was cloudy-blue; And he bore a mighty twi-bi
ly folk. But changed were the eyes of Sigmund, and the war-wrath left
his
face; For that gray-clad mighty helper was gone,
rath left his face; For that gray-clad mighty helper was gone, and in
his
place Drave on the unbroken spear-wood ’gainst th
wn Sigmund, the wonder of all lands, On the foemen, on the death-heap
his
deeds had piled that day. To Hiordis, after Sigm
. For Regin told that the gods, Odin, Loki, and Hœnir, wandering near
his
father Rod mar’s house, Loki slew one of Rodmar’s
Then Sigurd swore that he would slay the dragon. But first, riding on
his
horse, Greyfell, of the blood of Odin’s Sleipnir,
of Odin’s Sleipnir, he avenged upon the sons of Hunding the death of
his
father. This done, Sigurd rode to Glistenheath an
igurd rode to Glistenheath and slew Fafnir, the dragon, and eating of
his
heart, learned the language of the birds; and at
gin also, who plotted against him. So, setting the ring of Andvari on
his
finger, and bearing the gold before him on his ho
the ring of Andvari on his finger, and bearing the gold before him on
his
horse, Greyfell, Sigurd comes to the Hill of Hind
ing tangle, where the dark rents went and came… … Now Sigurd turns in
his
saddle, and the hilt of the Wrath he shifts, And
ll wavers before him and the flame-flood rusheth apart, And high o’er
his
head it riseth, and wide and wild is its roar As
nd of the summer and the hid spears draw anigh; The white flame licks
his
raiment and sweeps through Greyfell’s mane, And b
both hands of Sigurd and the hilts of Fafnir’s bane, And winds about
his
war-helm and mingles with his hair, But nought hi
hilts of Fafnir’s bane, And winds about his war-helm and mingles with
his
hair, But nought his raiment dusketh or dims his
e, And winds about his war-helm and mingles with his hair, But nought
his
raiment dusketh or dims his glittering gear; — Th
elm and mingles with his hair, But nought his raiment dusketh or dims
his
glittering gear; — Then it falls and fades and da
ith, “Awake! I am Sigurd,” but she moveth never the more…. Then with
his
bright blade Sigurd rends the ring-knit mail that
et the Volsung’s eyes. And mighty and measureless now did the tide of
his
love arise, For their longing had met and mingled
ing the court of the Niblungs, was kindly entreated by King Giuki and
his
three sons, Gunnar, Hogni, and Guttorm; and he pe
ed and wedded the fair Gudrun. Indeed he soon joined others in urging
his
wife’s brother Gunnar, a doughty warrior, to sue
f Andvari back again. But even this did not recall to Sigurd’s memory
his
former ride and his former love. Returning to the
. But even this did not recall to Sigurd’s memory his former ride and
his
former love. Returning to the land of the Niblung
e. Returning to the land of the Niblungs, he announced the success of
his
undertaking; and told all things to Gudrun, givin
lotted revenge. She loved Sigurd still, and he, since he had regained
his
memory, could not overcome his love for her. But
d still, and he, since he had regained his memory, could not overcome
his
love for her. But the insult from Gudrun Brynhild
f Niblung, her brother Hogni’s son, in the end slew Atli, set fire to
his
hall and brought ruin on the Budlung folk. Then l
nt lover, Sigurd, to come and look upon her, as he had promised, from
his
abiding-place among the dead. And thus had the wo
e, had fulfilled for Gunther. He had also succored poor Gunther after
his
marriage with Brunhild. For that heroine, in cont
y Siegfried, whom she had been led to regard as a vassal, to Gunther,
his
reputed overlord. In her heart this thought she
bore. How came it that their vassal to court declined to go, Nor for
his
land did homage, she inly yearned to know. She m
higher at the view…. Received was bold Sir Siegfried, as fitted well
his
state, With the highest honors; no man bore him h
er mortification, must die the death. The foes of Siegfried persuaded
his
wife, unaware of their design, to embroider in hi
iegfried persuaded his wife, unaware of their design, to embroider in
his
vesture a silken cross over the one spot where th
y Hagen, who had been suborned by Brunhild to the baleful deed, bided
his
time. One day, when heated by running, Gunther, H
, Gunther, Hagen, and Siegfried stayed by a brook to drink. Hagen saw
his
chance. … Then, as to drink, Sir Siegfried down
t, that sudden from the wound Forth the life-blood spurted, e’en o’er
his
murderer’s weed. Nevermore will warrior dare so f
th Siegfried’s sword Balmung, severs the head of the hated Hagen from
his
body. With these warriors the secret of the hidde
Catullus, and from whose Origins (of sacred rites) Ovid drew much of
his
information. Also Nicander (150 b.c.), whose Tran
(Bohn) 2 v., Lond.: 1854-58. § 12. Roman Poets. — Horace (65 b.c.) in
his
Odes, Epodes, and Satires makes frequent referenc
losophic statement of star-myths. Valerius Flaccus (d. 88 a.d.) based
his
Argonautics upon the poem of that name by Apollon
onius of Rhodes. Statius (61 a.d.) revived in the brilliant verses of
his
Thebaid and his Achilleid the epic myths and epic
Statius (61 a.d.) revived in the brilliant verses of his Thebaid and
his
Achilleid the epic myths and epic machinery, but
’s Rig-Veda-Sanhita, 6 v., Lond.: 1850-70; Muir’s Sanskrit Texts, and
his
Principal Deities of the Rig-Veda, 5 v., Lond.: 1
them into the Ocean, or into Tartarus. Cronus (Greek Kronos) is, as
his
name shows, the god of ripening, harvest, maturit
ends Zeus was born in Arcadia, or even in Epirus at Dodona, where was
his
sacred grove. He was in either case reared by the
to other accounts, was not doomed to support the heavens until after
his
encounter with Perseus. See § 136. § 21. See Milt
preserved by Prometheus was to the effect that, in time, Jupiter and
his
dynasty should be overthrown. Prometheus knew als
Prometheus knew also that he would be released from chains by one of
his
descendants in the thirteenth generation. This de
nte (Durante) degli Alighieri was born in Florence, 1265. Banished by
his
political opponents 1302, he remained in exile un
Banished by his political opponents 1302, he remained in exile until
his
death, which took place in Ravenna, 1321. His Vit
ch took place in Ravenna, 1321. His Vita Nuova (New Life), recounting
his
ideal love for Beatrice Portinari, was written be
ideal love for Beatrice Portinari, was written between 1290 and 1300;
his
great poem, the Divina Commedia (the Divine Comed
f three parts, — Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso, — during the years of
his
exile. Of the Divine Comedy, says Lowell, “It is
ted, into the stormy sea of politics and war. Perhaps the severity of
his
later sonnets and the sublimity of his Paradise L
d war. Perhaps the severity of his later sonnets and the sublimity of
his
Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agon
y Algerine cruisers, he remained five years in harsh captivity. After
his
return to Spain he was neglected by those in powe
neglected by those in power. For full twenty years, he struggled for
his
daily bread. Don Quixote was published in and aft
ldsen’s Minerva and Prometheus, and Cellini’s Minerva (on the base of
his
Perseus). In modern painting, Tintoretto’s Minerv
ontests took place; here Mars was adored by sacrifice, and here stood
his
temple, where his priests, the Salii, watched ove
; here Mars was adored by sacrifice, and here stood his temple, where
his
priests, the Salii, watched over the sacred spear
itting figure, beautiful in form and feature, with an Eros playing at
his
feet. (See § 36.) Modern sculpture: Thorwaldsen’s
ing Pandora; one of him assisting at the birth of Minerva; and one of
his
return to Olympus led by Bacchus and Comus. Of mo
ens.) Interpretative. — The birth, wanderings, return of Apollo, and
his
struggle with the Python, etc., are explained by
protector or as the destroyer of mice. In the Troad mice were fed in
his
temple; elsewhere he was honored as freeing the c
t, and were heard no more after that date. Milton adopts this view in
his
Hymn to the Nativity, and in lines of solemn and
ous hum Rings through the arched roof in words deceiving. Apollo from
his
shrine Can no more divine, With hollow shriek the
nd light — The sun, in human limbs arrayed, and brow All radiant from
his
triumph in the fight; The shaft has just been sho
as just been shot — the arrow bright With an immortal’s vengeance; in
his
eye And nostril, beautiful disdain, and might And
ue exhibiting the perfection of female beauty, and that to aid him in
his
task the most perfect forms the city could supply
Argus; Raphael’s allegorical Mercury (Wednesday), Vatican, Rome; and
his
Mercury with Psyche (Farnese Frescos). § 42. Inte
indsor Forest, — on Lord Surrey, “In the same shades the Cupids tuned
his
lyre To the same notes of love and soft desire.”
and my Campaspe play’d, At cardes for kisses, Cupid pay’d; He stakes
his
quiver, bow, and arrows, His mother’s doves, and
e of sparrows; Looses them too; then, downe he throwes The corrall of
his
lippe, the rose Growing on’s cheek (but none know
se Growing on’s cheek (but none knows how) With these, the crystal of
his
brow, And then the dimple of his chin; All these
nows how) With these, the crystal of his brow, And then the dimple of
his
chin; All these did my Campaspe winne; At last he
his chin; All these did my Campaspe winne; At last he’e set her both
his
eyes; She won, and Cupid blind did rise. O love!
, 1359); Eros bending the Bow, in the Museum at Berlin; Cupid bending
his
Bow (Vatican). Modern sculpture: Thorwaldsen’s Ma
(in series with Pyramus and Thisbe); Raphael Mengs’ Cupid sharpening
his
Arrow; Guido Reni’s Cupid; Van Dyck’s Sleeping Cu
F. 81; Tennyson, in the Palace of Art, “There, too, flushed Ganymede,
his
rosy thigh Half buried in the eagle’s down,” etc.
M. Thomas, Homesickness of Ganymede; S. Margaret Fuller, Ganymede to
his
Eagle; Drummond on Ganymede’s lament, “When eagle
ginary vale of Thrace, Bœotia, or elsewhere, in which the deity spent
his
youth. The name Bacchus owes its origin to the en
husiasm with which the followers of the god lifted up their voices in
his
praise. Similar names are Iacchus, Bromius, Evius
admæan Mænad”; Keats, To a Nightingale, “Not charioted by Bacchus and
his
pards.” On Semele, Milton, P. R. 2: 187. Poems.
Harold 4: 115-120; Tennyson, Palace of Art, “Holding one hand against
his
ear,” etc. Pan, etc.: Milton, P. L. 4: 707; 4: 32
be greater than he. Whereupon Zeus swallowed her; and, in time, from
his
head, sprang Athene, “the virgin of the azure eye
them shut, some blinking, some always agleam. The wand of Hermes and
his
music may be the morning breeze, at the coming of
lonely tower, Where I may oft outwatch the Bear” (Il Penseroso); and
his
“Where perhaps some beauty lies The Cynosure of n
some beauty lies The Cynosure of neighb’ring eyes” (L’Allegro); also
his
“And thou shalt be our star of Arcady, Or Tyrian
t prowled all night about the fold Of the North-star hath shrunk into
his
den” (Prometheus). See also the song beginning “H
r of the World: Neptune. Crete: where Jupiter had been concealed from
his
father Cronus, and nourished by the goat Amalthea
s both of the moon and of the earth ( Helbig, in Roscher). Cox, after
his
usual method, finds here the Dawn borne across th
. Her brother Cadmus, who pursues her, would be the sun searching for
his
lost sister or bride. Very fanciful, but inconclu
the child Dionysus (Bacchus) after Semele’s death, and sews him up in
his
thigh for safe keeping. Preller finds here “the w
ias, tells us that Asopus was the discoverer of the river which bears
his
name. Sisyphus, see § 175. This description of th
oem: Garrick, Upon a Lady’s Embroidery. § 68. Textual. — Diomede: for
his
genealogy, see § 148 C, or 132 (5) C. Taslets: ar
Paiëon), classed by Homer among the Olympian gods, of whom he is, as
his
name implies, the “healer.” Later, the name was a
nged into Tartarus (see § 17). § 69. Textual. — Lessing points out in
his
Laocoön the artistic skill with which Homer, stat
r its fertility. Panope: a town on the Cephissus. Tyrians: Cadmus and
his
followers came from Tyre in Phœnicia. The Necklac
serving Admetus for eight years (§ 80). Interpretative. — Cadmus and
his
Tyrians: according to the usual explanation, this
ccording to the Sun-and-Cloud theory of Cox, Cadmus, the Sun, pursues
his
sister, Europa, the broad-flushing light of Dawn,
. — Milton, Arcades; sonnet 7, “On the detraction which followed upon
his
writing certain treatises.” § 73. Textual. — Hyp
erworld, he lay stretched over nine acres while two vultures devoured
his
liver (§ 21). Interpretative. — Python: In many
ydia. Mount Œte: between Thessaly and Ætolia, where Hercules ascended
his
funeral pile. Ida: the name of two mountains, — o
f Helios, or Apollo, and to suppose that extreme drought is caused by
his
careless driving of his father’s chariot. The dro
to suppose that extreme drought is caused by his careless driving of
his
father’s chariot. The drought is succeeded by a t
ared to explain the amber in the same way. Illustrative. — Milman in
his
Samor alludes to the story. See also Chaucer, H.
and poor poet, Thomas Moore writes the following stanza: — “’Twas in
his
carriage the sublime Sir Richard Blackmore used t
e, And, if the wits don’t do him wrong, ‘Twixt death and epics passed
his
time, Scribbling and killing all day long; Like P
passed his time, Scribbling and killing all day long; Like Phœbus in
his
car at ease, Now warbling forth a lofty song, Now
ionship of men. Chiron was the wisest and justest of the Centaurs. At
his
death he was placed by Jupiter among the stars as
took possession of an island, upon which a temple was soon erected to
his
honor. Interpretative. — The healing powers of n
of Thessaly, on the river Peneus. Illustrative. — Milton’s sonnet On
his
Deceased Wife, “Methought I saw my late espoused
08, 142. Interpretative. — Apollo evidently fulfils, under Laomedon,
his
function as god of colonization. § 83. Textual. —
f the secret. “This Midas knew, and durst communicate To none but to
his
wife his ears of state.” § 83ª. Marsyas also was
ret. “This Midas knew, and durst communicate To none but to his wife
his
ears of state.” § 83ª. Marsyas also was unfortun
n in the eastern sky, then the rising of the sun as if hurrying after
his
bride, then the gradual fading away of the bright
long, In devious forest, Grove, and fountain side, The god had sought
his
Daphne,” etc.; Lyly, King Mydas; Apollo’s Song to
of one whose amatory verses, though they did not soften the heart of
his
mistress, yet won for the poet wide-spread fame.
istress, yet won for the poet wide-spread fame. “Yet what he sung in
his
immortal strain, Though unsuccessful, was not sun
ccessful, was not sung in vain. All but the nymph that should redress
his
wrong, Attend his passion and approve his song. L
sung in vain. All but the nymph that should redress his wrong, Attend
his
passion and approve his song. Like Phœbus thus, a
e nymph that should redress his wrong, Attend his passion and approve
his
song. Like Phœbus thus, acquiring unsought praise
Phœbus thus, acquiring unsought praise, He caught at love and filled
his
arms with bays.” In Art. — Sculpture: Bernini’s
le of the underground course of Alpheüs that Coleridge has in mind in
his
dream of Kubla Khan: — “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
ip of Thammuz or Adon, who represents the verdure of spring, and whom
his
mistress, the goddess of fertility, seeks, after
spring, and whom his mistress, the goddess of fertility, seeks, after
his
death, in the lower regions. With their departure
but when he has been revived by sprinkling of water, and restored to
his
mistress and to earth, all nature again rejoices.
nhabits the underworld. (4) His burial is attended with lamentations,
his
resurrection with festivals. (5) These events tak
heocritus contains a typical Psalm of Adonis, sung at Alexandria, for
his
resurrection. Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis; Tam
of hyacinth and roses, Where young Adonis oft reposes, Waxing well of
his
deep wound In slumber soft, and on the ground Sad
hly existence of trial; third, a heavenly future of fruition. Cox, by
his
usual method, finds here a myth of the search for
wing from Max Müller. “Hermes is the god of the twilight, who betrays
his
equivocal nature by stealing, though only in fun,
eathed with ivy and surmounted by a pine cone, carried by Bacchus and
his
votaries. Mænads and Bacchantes were female follo
tes were female followers of Bacchus. Bacchanal is a general term for
his
devotees. Interpretative. — “Bacchus (Dionysus)
1-241.) That Rhea taught him would account for the Oriental nature of
his
rites; for Rhea is an Eastern deity by origin. Th
nd others would indicate the reluctance with which the Greeks adopted
his
somewhat doubtful doctrine and his evidently undi
ance with which the Greeks adopted his somewhat doubtful doctrine and
his
evidently undignified ceremonial. According to O.
f some city just as the people were casting about for a king. He tied
his
wagon in the temple of the prophetic deity with t
ture lord of Asia might undo. Alexander the Great undid the knot with
his
sword. Interpretative. — An ingenious, but not h
he golden touch of Midas as the rising sun that gilds all things, and
his
bathing in Pactolus as the quenching of the sun’s
favorite animal of Silenus, the ass’s ears of Midas merely symbolize
his
fondness for and devotion to such habits as were
he light of day. The following, from Aubrey de Vere’s Introduction to
his
Search for Proserpine, is suggestive: “Of all the
dering the fable with reference to the physical world, Bacon says, in
his
Wisdom of the Ancients, that by the Rape of Prose
Laconia. For the crime of Tantalus, see § 77. In Hades he stood up to
his
neck in water which receded when he would drink;
neck in water which receded when he would drink; grapes hanging above
his
head withdrew when he would pluck them; while a g
h serpents or brazen bands to an ever-revolving wheel. Sisyphtus, for
his
treachery to the gods, vainly rolled a stone towa
recovers Eurydice, but while he looks back upon her she fades before
his
gaze, as the mists of morning vanish before the g
e. — The monsters that wreak the vengeance of Neptune are, of course,
his
destructive storms and lashing waves. § 109. Text
st ruddy flush of morning ( Welcker); or, as a solar-myth, the sun in
his
setting and waning, — Tithonus meaning, by deriva
y derivation, the illuminator ( Max Müller). The sleep of Tithonus in
his
ocean-bed, and his transformation into a grasshop
lluminator ( Max Müller). The sleep of Tithonus in his ocean-bed, and
his
transformation into a grasshopper, would then typ
” His birth in this borderland of light and darkness signifies either
his
existence as king of an eastern land or his ident
darkness signifies either his existence as king of an eastern land or
his
identity with the young sun, and strengthens the
ity with the young sun, and strengthens the theory according to which
his
father Tithonus is the gray glimmer of the mornin
h Steropes, Brontes, and Arges, the offspring of Uranus and Gæa, save
his
one eye and his monstrous size. The sons of Gæa a
tes, and Arges, the offspring of Uranus and Gæa, save his one eye and
his
monstrous size. The sons of Gæa are emphatically
re the sheep that he pastures; the sun glowering through the vapor is
his
single eye ( Cox). Illustrative. — John Gay, Son
There is another account of the origin of the Cornucopia. Jupiter at
his
birth was committed by his mother Rhea to the car
f the origin of the Cornucopia. Jupiter at his birth was committed by
his
mother Rhea to the care of the daughters of Melis
lthea. Jupiter, breaking off one of the horns of the goat, gave it to
his
nurses, and endowed it with the power of becoming
and Libyan Jove, Hid Amalthea and her florid son, Young Bacchus, from
his
stepdame Rhea’s eye.” See also Milton, P. R. 2:
ile Danaüs is, in fact, a native mythical hero of Argos, the story of
his
arrival from Egypt is probably an attempt to expl
xt overcome the Gray-women, forms of the gloaming, and then slay with
his
sword of light the black cloud of the heavenly va
iant Atlas, who, stationed where heaven and earth meet, sustains upon
his
shoulders the celestial vault. The Doom of Acrisi
oets. From the story of Bellerophon being unconsciously the bearer of
his
own death-warrant, the expression “Bellerophontic
she falls under the sword of the sun, is Pegasus, the rain-cloud. In
his
contest with the Chimæra we have a repetition of
rant who slays the powers of storm and darkness. The earth, struck by
his
horse’s hoof, bubbles into springs ( Rapp in Rosc
ny represented the Pillars of Hercules entwined by a scroll that bore
his
motto, “Plus Ultra” (still farther). This device,
d 5: 397), and in the case of Hercules there may be some reference to
his
journey to the gate or Pylos of Hades. For Alcest
, attacking the corn-fields, they precipitated war. H. M. Stanley, in
his
last African expedition, discovered a race of dim
asks, it is easy to, class him with other sun-heroes. But to construe
his
whole history and all his feats as symbolic of th
him with other sun-heroes. But to construe his whole history and all
his
feats as symbolic of the sun’s progress through t
progress through the heavens, beginning with the labors performed in
his
eastern home and ending with the capture of Cerbe
ed, but absurd. To some extent Hercules is a sun-hero; to some extent
his
adventures are fabulous history; to a greater ext
his adventures are fabulous history; to a greater extent both he and
his
adventures are the product of generations of æsth
interest, it may be noted that the serpents that attacked Hercules in
his
cradle are explained as powers of darkness which
ds of morning. His choice between pleasure and duty, at the outset of
his
career, enforces, of course, a lesson of conduct.
y denote the tawny cloud which the sun trails behind him as he fights
his
way through the vapors that he overcomes ( Cox).
janeira, by M. Arnold. Hylas: Moore (song), “When Hylas was sent with
his
urn to the fount,” etc.; Bayard Taylor, Hylas; tr
at of Hercules (in the flaming sunset?). Jason is no more faithful to
his
sweetheart than other solar heroes— Hercules, Per
ed. Minos, according to Preller, is the solar king and hero of Crete;
his
wife, Pasiphaë, is the moon (who was worshipped i
a cow); and the Minotaur is the lord of the starry heavens which are
his
labyrinth. Others make Pasiphaë, whose name means
, “shiner upon all,” the bright heaven; and Minos (in accordance with
his
name, the Man, par excellence), the thinker and m
nd Jul. 1: 2; 2: 4; 4: 1; 5: 3- On Helen: A. Lang, Helen of Troy, and
his
translation of Theocritus XVIII.; Landor, Menelaü
Taurians.” (See Index.) Iphigenia and Agamemnon by W. S. Landor; also
his
Shades of Agamemnon and Iphigenia; Dryden, Cymon
of the death of Corythus, the son of Œnone and Paris, at the hands of
his
father, who was jealous of Helen’s tenderness tow
Art.— The original of the celebrated group (statuary) of Laocoön and
his
children in the embrace of the serpents is in the
r; Clytemnestra, by L. Morris, in the Epic of Hades. Troy: Byron, in
his
Bride of Abydos, thus describes the appearance of
d in vain, The desert of old Priam’s pride, The tombs, sole relics of
his
reign, All — save immortal dreams that could begu
the suitors, Mercury conducting the souls of the suitors, Ulysses and
his
dog, etc., by Flaxman. Penelope: Poems by R. Buc
ys 2: 45; poem by Edgar Fawcett (Putnam’s Mag. 14, 1869). Fénelon, in
his
romance of Telemachus, has given us the adventure
achus, has given us the adventures of the son of Ulysses in search of
his
father. Among other places which he visited, foll
arch of his father. Among other places which he visited, following on
his
father’s footsteps, was Calypso’s isle; as in the
inerva, who, in the shape of Mentor, accompanied him and governed all
his
movements, made him repel her allurements. Finall
self-moved, instinct with mind,” etc., Od. Bk. 8. Lord Carlisle, in
his
Diary in the Turkish and Greek Waters, thus speak
ree remaining the same price which she had before asked for the nine,
his
curiosity was excited, and he purchased the books
was a native of the island of Samos, but passed the chief portion of
his
life at Crotona in Italy. He is therefore sometim
Crotona; enjoined sobriety, temperance, simplicity, and silence upon
his
throngs of disciples. Ipse Dixit (Pythagoras said
gs, and attributed to them a real and distinct existence; so that, in
his
view, they were the elements out of which the uni
and fell by the spear of Menelaüs. Lately, he said, he had recognized
his
shield hanging among the trophies in the Temple o
ch other. This is the idea which Dryden expresses in the beginning of
his
song for St. Cecilia’s Day, “From harmony, from h
Swedes, harvest-god. Balder means also lord or king. On the one hand,
his
attributes recall those of Apollo; on the other h
e one hand, his attributes recall those of Apollo; on the other hand,
his
story appeals to, and is colored by, the Christia
the Roman tyrants of Germany, defeating the Roman commander Varus and
his
legions in the Teutoburg Forest in the Valley of
he Saxons, the Danes, and finally in consequence of a quarrel between
his
wife Brünhilde and his sister-in-law Fredegunde,
nd finally in consequence of a quarrel between his wife Brünhilde and
his
sister-in-law Fredegunde, was, in 576 a.d. assass
nized in a slightly known king of the Burgundians, Gundicar, who with
his
people was overwhelmed by the Huns in 437 a.d.
lizations of the renowned Hunnish chieftain, Attila, who united under
his
rule the German and Slavonic nations, ravaged the
from Italy what had been the Western Empire. In these poems, however,
his
earlier illustrious career is overlooked; he is m
court of the Hunnish king; and, even so, is confounded with uncles of
his
who had been retainers of Attila: for the histori
üs, myth of, 221; Com. § 131. Ach′eron, 78. Achil′les, 102, 199, 254;
his
descent, 278-281; in the Trojan War, 284-304; in
f A., 296; reconciliation with Agamemnon, 297; slays Hector and drags
his
body, 298-300; A. and Priam, 301,302; death of A.
4; Com. §§ 132 (3), 132 (5), 148. Africa, 342. Agamem′non, 4, 27,125;
his
family, 281; in the Trojan War, 284-302; quarrel
of, 138; explained, 10, Com. § 85; identified with Tubalcain, 23; and
his
lyre, 51; son of Latona, 52; attributes of, 59-63
and his lyre, 51; son of Latona, 52; attributes of, 59-63; meaning of
his
names, 59; among the Hyperboreans, the Delphians,
-63; meaning of his names, 59; among the Hyperboreans, the Delphians,
his
victory over Python, 60; the Pythian games, his o
reans, the Delphians, his victory over Python, 60; the Pythian games,
his
oracles, his patronage of music, etc., 61; hymn o
lphians, his victory over Python, 60; the Pythian games, his oracles,
his
patronage of music, etc., 61; hymn of Apollo by S
s, legend of, 82; see the Timæus of Plato. At′las, 40; described, 86;
his
offspring, the Atlantides, 87; Com. § 19; genealo
’s Feast (stanza), 76; worshippers of B., 76; or the Roman Liber, 88;
his
mother Semele, 98; myths of B., 174-180; his wand
or the Roman Liber, 88; his mother Semele, 98; myths of B., 174-180;
his
wanderings, 174-176; story of Acetes, 176-178; li
§ 46. Bat′tus, a peasant who informed Apollo of Mercury’s robbery of
his
cattle; or who, having promised secrecy to Mercur
8 b.c., son of the king of Kapilavastu, north of Oude, India; died in
his
eighty-fifth year. Founder of Buddhism which, in
e soul is the Karma, the sum total of a man’s deeds, good and evil, —
his
character, by which is determined his state of fu
a man’s deeds, good and evil, — his character, by which is determined
his
state of future existence. The Karma passes throu
3. Busi′ris: an Egyptian despot who sacrificed all strangers entering
his
realm, but was put to death by Hercules. Bu′to: a
the dragon, 114-117; builds Thebes, 115; marries Harmonia; curse upon
his
family, 117, 145, 175, 219, 223, 246, 269, 273; C
, 223, 245, 254, 281; Com. § 165 (2). Catul′lus, 29; translations of
his
Peleus and Thetis, 261-266,278-280; note and tran
215, 314, 317, 340; Com. §§ 17, 126. Cyc′nus: (1) Son of Apollo. With
his
mother Thyria, he leaped into lake Canope, where
cules; changed into a swan. (4) A friend of Phaëthon. While lamenting
his
friend’s fate, Cycnus was changed by Apollo into
d Danaë and Perseus from the waves, and entrusted them to Polydectes,
his
brother. Di′do, 140, 342, 343, 348; Com. § 174. D
a man with the head of a goose; he corresponds with the Greek Cronus;
his
consort was Nut. Nut: wife of Seb, mother of the
Greek Apollo, as a representative of spiritual light; to Dionysus in
his
vivifying function. He wages war with his brother
itual light; to Dionysus in his vivifying function. He wages war with
his
brother Seth (Set), the principle of Evil, but is
n of the night, the tutelary deity of the Egyptians. He is avenged by
his
son Horus, who, with the aid of Thoth (reason) te
of Osiris and Isis, who, as the strong young sun of the day, avenges
his
father, the sun of the underworld. He is Horus th
world. He is Horus the child, Horus the elder (as taking the place of
his
father on earth), or sometimes Horus Harpocrates,
Harpocrates, the god of silence. As the latter, he holds a finger to
his
lips. He may be compared with the Greek Apollo.
hysical, and later of moral, darkness and evil. He is the opponent of
his
brother, or father, Osiris. Represented as a mons
have certain distinguishing marks; he was treated like a god; and on
his
death (he was drowned at twenty-five years of age
rowned at twenty-five years of age) the land went into mourning until
his
successor was found. He was worshipped with pomp
Egypt, and associated with other gods who are then manifestations of
his
various attributes. He is the victorious principl
hem he is the god of productivity, and is represented with a flail in
his
hand. His consort is Mut, or Maut, and their son
he is the wife of Thoth. Thoth: the chief moon-god; characterized by
his
wisdom, and his patronage of letters. Husband of
f Thoth. Thoth: the chief moon-god; characterized by his wisdom, and
his
patronage of letters. Husband of Ma-t. Anubis: s
Com. § 51; see Furies. Eumol′pus and Eumolpidæ; a Thracian singer and
his
descendants, priests of Demeter in the Eleusinian
, Centim′anus, Com. § 17- Gy′ges, the first king of Lydia; famous for
his
riches. Gyoll, 384. H Ha′des, Com. § 48; se
Hel′icon, Mount, 124; Com. § 75. He′lios, confounded with Apollo, 61;
his
family, 73; the sun, 75, 189; Com. §§ 17. 75- Hel
Hel′le, 244; Com. §§ 144-147. Hel′len, ancestor of the Hellenes, 49;
his
sons, 49, 231, 244; Com. §§ 59, 132 (5)- Hellespo
erywhere awakening men, preparing the pathway of the sun, and leading
his
white steed (Gk. Eos). Surya: the god who dwell
ho dwells in the sun (Gk. Helios). Savitar: the golden-handed sun in
his
daily course; the shining wanderer, comforter of
ython). Rakshasas: powers of darkness, combated by Indra. Yama, and
his
sister Yami: the first man and woman; leaving thi
en annexed by the Brahmans as a manifestation of the supreme being in
his
work of preservation. He has nine times assumed h
edemption of mankind from oppression or error. These incarnations are
his
Av′atars. His ninth Avatar, say some, was as Budd
tions are his Av′atars. His ninth Avatar, say some, was as Buddha; in
his
tenth he will end this world, and reproduce Brahm
used to give her to Hercules, although the hero had fairly won her by
his
success in archery. Eurytus assigned as reason fo
rly won her by his success in archery. Eurytus assigned as reason for
his
refusal the apprehension lest Hercules might a se
nd time become insane, and in that condition destroy Iole in spite of
his
love for her. By some she is made the half-sister
39; war with Titans, sovereign of world, 40; Com. § 18; reign, 40-42;
his
abode, 51; his family, 52; attributes, 52-54; sig
tans, sovereign of world, 40; Com. § 18; reign, 40-42; his abode, 51;
his
family, 52; attributes, 52-54; signification of n
family, 52; attributes, 52-54; signification of names, 52; Com. § 33;
his
oracles, 52, 53; explanation of his love-affairs,
fication of names, 52; Com. § 33; his oracles, 52, 53; explanation of
his
love-affairs, 53; other children of, 53; Greek co
100-102; and Antiope, 92, 102-104; and Baucis and Philemon, 105-107;
his
treatment of Mars, 113; and Æsculapius, 130; and
e sum of a man’s deeds, good and evil, which determines the nature of
his
future existence; see Buddhism and Metempsychosis
e of the great gods, 52; attributes of, 57, 58; meaning of names, 57;
his
retinue, his mistress, his favorite animals, and
t gods, 52; attributes of, 57, 58; meaning of names, 57; his retinue,
his
mistress, his favorite animals, and abode, 58; Ro
tributes of, 57, 58; meaning of names, 57; his retinue, his mistress,
his
favorite animals, and abode, 58; Roman divinity,
; conductor of ghosts, 81; among the Romans, 88; Argus and Io, 92-94;
his
story of Pan and Syrinx, 93; with Philemon and Ba
on from Ancient and Modern Poems, 3 v., Lond. 1810; account of O. and
his
poems, 28, 29; references to his works, 92, 95, 9
3 v., Lond. 1810; account of O. and his poems, 28, 29; references to
his
works, 92, 95, 98, 100, 106, 110, 111, 117, 119,
ital of Thessalia Pelasgiotis, home of Admetus. Phid′ias (Phi′dias),
his
Olympian Jove, 54; Homer’s lines in Iliad, 54; Co
ss of, 221. Plexip′pus, 251, 253. Plu′to, Aides, Ades, Hades, 39, 40;
his
abode, 78; attributes, 83; or the Roman Orcus, 88
a creator, 42,43; champion of man, 44; chained on Mount Caucasus, 45;
his
secret, 45; quotations from Byron and Longfellow,
om. § 165 (1). Py-thag′oras: a philosopher of Samos, about 550 b.c.;
his
doctrine of metempsychosis, 351, 352, and Com. §
gons. Stro′phius, 310. Stry′mon, 187; Com. § 107. Sturlason, Snorri,
his
connection with the Prose Edda, 31, 32; Com. §§ 1
s, Com.§ 98. Thok, 385. Thor, 32, 369; deeds of, 371-379; recovery of
his
hammer, 372; visit to Jotunheim, 373-379, 387; Co
e of the great gods, 52; attributes of, 58, 59; meaning of names, 58;
his
lameness, his wives, Aglaia and Aphrodite, 59; am
gods, 52; attributes of, 58, 59; meaning of names, 58; his lameness,
his
wives, Aglaia and Aphrodite, 59; among the Romans
his wives, Aglaia and Aphrodite, 59; among the Romans, Mulciber, 88;
his
wife Maia, 89; myths of V., 117, 118; made the ch
like rascals, two of whom, while Hercules was sleeping, made off with
his
weapons; but, caught by him, were strapped knees-
esphontes, the Heraclid, king of Messenia, had been slain with two of
his
sons by rebellious nobles, and one Polyphontes, l
ellious nobles, and one Polyphontes, leader of the revolt, reigned in
his
stead. But Æp′y-tus, the third son of Merope, who
eknown to her and in disguise, to wreak vengeance on the murderers of
his
sire. Pretending to have slain Æpytus, the strang
ytus, the stranger won the favor of Polyphontes, but came near losing
his
life at his mother’s hands. A recognition being h
ranger won the favor of Polyphontes, but came near losing his life at
his
mother’s hands. A recognition being happily effec
other’s hands. A recognition being happily effected, Æpytus, aided by
his
mother, put Polyphontes to death, and took posses
§§ 158-164, Fragment of an Antigone; § 171, The Strayed Reveller. For
his
Merope, see p. 526. Ashe, Thos., 1836-1889. Com.
e Lost Eros. B Bacon, Lord, 1561-1626. Wisdom of the Ancients;
his
method of explaining Greek Myths, 12. Bandinelli
d; § 168, paraphrase on Homer. Browning, R., 1812-1889. Passage from
his
Balaustion’s Adventure, 133-136; Com. § 80, Apoll
Edition of Elder Edda. Buchanan, R. W., 1841. Cited or quoted; from
his
Satyr, 204, 205; from his Naiad, 207, 208; Com. §
uchanan, R. W., 1841. Cited or quoted; from his Satyr, 204, 205; from
his
Naiad, 207, 208; Com. § 17, Cloudland; § 49, Ades
-184, Balder the Beautiful. Bulfinch, S. G., 1809-1870. Extract from
his
translation of Schiller’s Ideal and Life, 243. B
eference to, 47; Com. § 26. Darwin, Erasmus, 1731-1802. Extract from
his
Botanic Garden, 199, 256. Dasent, Sir G. W., 182
ent of Danaë. Fuller, S. Margaret, 1810-1850. Com. § 43, Ganymede to
his
Eagle. G Garnett, Richard, 1835. Com. § 59
(Dresden). Gladstone, W. E., 1809. Works referred to or cited, 12 n
his
theory of myths, 12; on the number of the Olympia
Poynter, E. J., 1836 (paint.). Com. § 95, Atalanta’s Race. Note also
his
Andromeda, Perseus, and Andromeda and Helen. Pra
re. Regnault, J. B., 1754-1829 (paint.). § 43, The Graces. Note also
his
Education of Achilles, Pygmalion and Venus, Death
(paint.). Com. § 171, Circe and the Companions of Ulysses. Note also
his
Argus and Actæon. Robinson, A. Mary F., 1857. Co
). Com. § 43, Hebe. Schiller, J. C. F., von, 1759-1805. Extract from
his
Ideal and Life, transl. by S. G. Bulfinch, 201, 2
1809-1892. Quotations from the Amphion, 103, 104; Locksley Hall, 149;
his
Tithonus, 197-199; Dream of Fair Women, (Helen) 2
§ 85, Daphne; § 92, Endymion; § 107, Orpheus and Eurydice. Note also
his
Ariadne, and The Wife of Pygmalion. Weber, A. F.
10. 60. See Commentary, § 25. 61. From Byron’s Prometheus. See also
his
translation from the Prometheus Vinctus of Æschyl
See also his translation from the Prometheus Vinctus of Æschylus, and
his
Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte. 62. Prometheus, or
Illiad, 18: 395. 78. Illiad, 1: 390. 79. On the birth of Apollo,
his
adventures, names, festivals, oracles, and his pl
n the birth of Apollo, his adventures, names, festivals, oracles, and
his
place a literature and art, see Commentary. For o
and 22: 29; Odys. 5: 121, 274. 172. The story is told by Hyginus in
his
Fables, and in his Poetical Astronomy. 173. Auth
5: 121, 274. 172. The story is told by Hyginus in his Fables, and in
his
Poetical Astronomy. 173. Authorities are Pausani
between these heroes, describing the farewell of Hector to Andromache
his
wife and Astyanax his son, is the most delicate a
describing the farewell of Hector to Andromache his wife and Astyanax
his
son, is the most delicate and pathetic in the Ili
ps. V.-VIII. 402. The Olympian Religion (N. A. Rev. May, 1892). See
his
Juventus Mundi. 403. Furtwängler, Meisterw. d.
God imparted to him the knowledge of himself and of the uses to which
his
gifts were to be applied. The first and second ch
thousand years ago. Sixteen hundred years after Adam, God taught Noah
his
own character and will. Four hundred years after
n centuries before the birth of Christ, Moses, more fully than any of
his
predecessors, was instructed in the nature of a h
st heard it to others still younger than himself. When a father tells
his
son, My father told me that he planted yonder tre
ll him that your grandfather planted that tree, and let your son tell
his
son this fact. The history of the tree becomes a
ere the parents of Titan and Saturn. Titan, the elder son, gave up to
his
brother Saturn, his right to reign over the domin
itan and Saturn. Titan, the elder son, gave up to his brother Saturn,
his
right to reign over the dominions of his parents,
ve up to his brother Saturn, his right to reign over the dominions of
his
parents, that is over heaven and earth. Saturn, t
aturn, when he took the kingdom of the world, agreed always to devour
his
male children; as the Hours and Days, portions of
other of Saturn’s sons, were saved. When Titan discovered that one of
his
brother’s sons, contrary to a promise which Satur
ter, who deposed Saturn, and afterwards ruled the universe instead of
his
father. Saturn, upon the usurpation of Jupiter, t
from him all Italy has been sometimes styled Saturnia. Saturn taught
his
subjects agriculture, and other useful arts, and
lture, and other useful arts, and made them so happy that the time of
his
reign was called the Golden Age. Saturn is repres
the Golden Age. Saturn is represented as an old man, with a scythe in
his
hand. At Rome, a festival was annually celebrated
ven from some little kingdom by a successful usurper, who was perhaps
his
son; and, as a fugitive prince, escaping from inj
acquired dominion. Janus was a patriotic king, one who wished to make
his
subjects wiser and better, and who devoted himsel
f the government, and acquired useful knowledge from him. Janus, from
his
wisdom, was regarded as a prophet, and was suppos
eople supposed that he was a supernatural being, and therefore, after
his
death he was deified. It is probable, that Janus
ied. It is probable, that Janus regulated the divisions of time among
his
subjects, as the first month of the year was call
st month of the year was called in honour of him, January. In some of
his
temples, the statue of Janus was surrounded by tw
gates of heaven. The images of Janus had in one hand a key, to denote
his
power in heaven, and in the other hand a sceptre
enote his power in heaven, and in the other hand a sceptre to express
his
authority upon earth. The Roman king Numa institu
under of a moral kingdom which shall extend to the end of the world —
his
coming into the world, the prince of peace, while
the fable of Saturn? Why did Janus admit Saturn to be the partner of
his
throne? How was Janus regarded by his subjects? W
mit Saturn to be the partner of his throne? How was Janus regarded by
his
subjects? Why were the images of Janus sometimes
e Thunderer, as master of thunder and lightning. When Jupiter deposed
his
father Saturn, he divided the empire of the unive
ure of a majestic man, with a venerable beard, seated on a throne. In
his
right hand he held a thunderbolt, and in his left
, seated on a throne. In his right hand he held a thunderbolt, and in
his
left, a sceptre of cypress wood. The Titans are b
t, and in his left, a sceptre of cypress wood. The Titans are beneath
his
feet, and an eagle by his side. The sceptre is th
tre of cypress wood. The Titans are beneath his feet, and an eagle by
his
side. The sceptre is the symbol of his majesty. T
eath his feet, and an eagle by his side. The sceptre is the symbol of
his
majesty. The ancients represented this god as hav
ernal Thunderer, sits enthroned in gold. High heaven the footstool of
his
feet he makes, And, wide beneath him, all Olympus
And, wide beneath him, all Olympus shakes, He speaks, and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls and gives
ll Olympus shakes, He speaks, and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls and gives the nod — The stamp of
divine mind which could not be altered. When Jove nodded, or inclined
his
head, that motion expressed his unalterable will.
ltered. When Jove nodded, or inclined his head, that motion expressed
his
unalterable will. Jupiter, in Homer, answers a pe
eals thy suit, and this fulfils thy vows. — He spoke, and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls, and give
fulfils thy vows. — He spoke, and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls, and gives the nod, — The stamp o
uds, Pavilioned in the thickness of the clouds. With lightning armed,
his
red right hand puts forth, And shakes with burnin
by the heathens, he had not the infinite purity of the true God, for
his
worshippers, in their blindness, admitted many vi
God, for his worshippers, in their blindness, admitted many vices in
his
character, and related concerning him many scanda
s enemies were the Titans and the giants: the former were the sons of
his
uncle Titan, who imprisoned Saturn; and the latte
ter often love J mortal ladies; however, he did not appear to them in
his
own awful character, but assumed the shape of som
e Styx to grant her whatever she should ask, so he was forced to keep
his
word, and he entered her apartment in the terribl
a great but gentle dog; when he lay down at her feet she sprang upon
his
back. This was what the wily god desired, and he
he shore of the Mediterranean, plunged into the sea and swam off with
his
lovely burden to Crete. Crete is a European islan
and. With rosy wreaths, Europa’s hand adorns His fringed forehead and
his
pearly horns, Light on his back the sportive dams
opa’s hand adorns His fringed forehead and his pearly horns, Light on
his
back the sportive damsel bounds, And pleased he m
And pleased he moves along the flowery grounds; Bears with slow steps
his
beauteous prize aloof; Dips in the lucid flood hi
rs with slow steps his beauteous prize aloof; Dips in the lucid flood
his
ivory hoof; Then wets his velvet knees, and wadin
uteous prize aloof; Dips in the lucid flood his ivory hoof; Then wets
his
velvet knees, and wading laves His silky sides am
e draws her snowy feet, And half-reclining on her ermine seat, Around
his
raised neck her radiant arms she throws^ And rest
raised neck her radiant arms she throws^ And rests her fair cheek on
his
curled brows; Her yellow tresses wave on wanton g
ents suppose that Jupiter loved human females, and what is related of
his
appearance to Semele? How did Jupiter appear to L
eive Europa? Was Europa easily allured to trust herself to the god in
his
assumed form? Who has given a fine description of
, he is called Pæan. Apollo is sometimes represented with rays around
his
head, to show that he was the dispenser of light,
e sun, distinct from Apollo. Apollo frequently appears with a lyre in
his
hand. He is sometimes drawn in a car, commonly ca
ot of the sun. Apollo’s chariot was drawn by horses which no hand but
his
own could control. Many absurd and immoral action
y mortals, that Pluto complained to Jupiter that Esculapius prevented
his
dominions from being peopled, therefore Jupiter s
whenever the former should be summoned from the world by death, that
his
life should be spared, provided he could find ano
uld be spared, provided he could find another person who would die in
his
place. A mortal disease afterwards seized Admetus
uld die in his place. A mortal disease afterwards seized Admetus, and
his
wife, Alceste, offered herself to die instead of
ted by the poets that Apollo raised the walls of Troy by the music of
his
harp; and that a stone upon which he laid his lyr
of Troy by the music of his harp; and that a stone upon which he laid
his
lyre became so melodious, that whenever it was st
d Hyacinthus, by the blow of a quoit, Apollo caused to spring up from
his
blood, the flower called after his name. Among th
t, Apollo caused to spring up from his blood, the flower called after
his
name. Among the stories which relate to Apollo, i
. Epaphus, a son of Jupiter, one day told Phaeton that Apollo was not
his
father. The youth, distressed at this, repaired t
the horses; but Phaeton, notwithstanding, persevered in demanding of
his
father to grant his request. To keep his word, Ap
eton, notwithstanding, persevered in demanding of his father to grant
his
request. To keep his word, Apollo intrusted his c
, persevered in demanding of his father to grant his request. To keep
his
word, Apollo intrusted his chariot to Phaeton; bu
f his father to grant his request. To keep his word, Apollo intrusted
his
chariot to Phaeton; but the latter, unskilled in
te, page 31. The God who mounts the winged winds, Fast to
his
feet the golden pinions binds, That high through
to his feet the golden pinions binds, That high through fields of air
his
flight sustain, O’er the wide earth, and o’er the
pirits. Mercury is represented as a young man; wings were fastened to
his
sandals and to his cap, and in his hand he held t
represented as a young man; wings were fastened to his sandals and to
his
cap, and in his hand he held the caduceus. This w
young man; wings were fastened to his sandals and to his cap, and in
his
hand he held the caduceus. This was a wand entwin
ad a power to induce wakefulness, or to cause sleep. Mercury, besides
his
higher offices, was the god of thieves, of mercha
ts say that Mercury was born at Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, and that in
his
infancy he was intrusted to the care of the Seaso
kable. He stole the quiver and arrow of Apollo, and robbed Neptune of
his
trident, Venus of her girdle. Mars of his sword,
ollo, and robbed Neptune of his trident, Venus of her girdle. Mars of
his
sword, and Vulcan of his anvil. The cunning and a
of his trident, Venus of her girdle. Mars of his sword, and Vulcan of
his
anvil. The cunning and address of Mercury recomme
s of Mercury recommended him to those gods, and Jupiter chose him for
his
special messenger. The king of heaven presented t
se him for his special messenger. The king of heaven presented to him
his
winged cap called the petasus, and with wings for
resented to him his winged cap called the petasus, and with wings for
his
feet called talaria. He had also a small sword wh
rcury? How was Mercury represented? Where was Mercury born? What were
his
gifts? Who was the Hermes of Egypt? What inventio
s? Mars. Mars was the god of war. He was commonly depicted by
his
worshippers as a warrior completely armed, and at
s worshippers as a warrior completely armed, and attended by Bellona,
his
sister, a goddess, fierce as himself. They were r
, Clamour, Anger, and Fear attended the chariot of Mars. The dog, for
his
eagerness in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for his f
of Mars. The dog, for his eagerness in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for
his
fierceness; the raven, which feeds upon the slain
his fierceness; the raven, which feeds upon the slain; the cock, for
his
wakefulness, were all consecrated to a god, who w
lf without pity, forbearance, or fear. Men worshipped Mars, to engage
his
assistance against their enemies, or through fear
s, to engage his assistance against their enemies, or through fear of
his
power. They could not feel love and trust in a be
ration, and was, in fact, a labourer at the anvil. “Obscure in smoke
his
flaming forges sound, While bathed in sweat, from
heaven, and that he fell into the island of Lemnos, and was lamed by
his
fall. At Lemnos he set up his forges, but afterwa
the island of Lemnos, and was lamed by his fall. At Lemnos he set up
his
forges, but afterwards moved to the volcanic isla
Lipari, near Sicily, where he forged Jupiter’s thunderbolts. Nor was
his
name unheard or unadorned In ancient Greece: and
for the celestial deities. At Athens and Rome, festivals were kept to
his
honour. Upon Mount Etna a temple was dedicated to
precepts less The sum of human wretchedness, And strengthen man with
his
own mind. Byron. Prometheus was, doubtless, on
ain him to mount Caucasus. There a vulture was commanded to prey upon
his
liver, which was reproduced so soon as it was dev
d is, indeed, commanded by him. To punish a benefactor of mankind for
his
benevolence, is not suitable to the character of
aracter of a benevolent being. Æschylus, the Greek dramatic poet, in
his
drama of Prometheus, describes Prometheus as bein
and who might have confined him in some solitary place, on account of
his
generous services to his fellow-men. In modern hi
ed him in some solitary place, on account of his generous services to
his
fellow-men. In modern history many distinguished
he demonstrated the motions of the heavenly bodies. The malignity of
his
enemies is a more rational cause for the sufferin
Prometheus accused? How did Jupiter persecute Prometheus, and who was
his
deliverer? Is it natural to suppose that a god wo
variegated garment. Jupiter, on account of her beauty, chose Hebe for
his
cup-bearer. The gods of the heathen were not repr
omes the gods depart, The shining monuments2 of Vulcan’s art. Jove on
his
couch reclined his awful head, And Juno slumbered
t, The shining monuments2 of Vulcan’s art. Jove on his couch reclined
his
awful head, And Juno slumbered on the golden bed.
was offering nectar to Jupiter, she fell. This carelessness offended
his
majesty, and she was deprived of the honour of se
he creation of the world. “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of
his
way, before his works of old. I was set up from e
he world. “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before
his
works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from
en he strengthened the fountains of the deep. When he gave to the sea
his
decree, that the waters should not pass his comma
. When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass
his
commandment: when he appointed the foundations of
nted the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, and I was daily
his
delight, rejoicing always before him.” Minerva w
erning her is, that Jupiter being tormented with an excessive pain in
his
head, applied to Vulcan to open it with a keen ax
n in his head, applied to Vulcan to open it with a keen axe; and upon
his
doing so, Minerva instantly sprang forth, a godde
assisted by the gods. Mercury gave him a cimeter, and the wings from
his
heels; Minerva lent him a shield, polished like a
fields of Enna, Pluto, the king of the infernal regions, appeared in
his
chariot drawn by two fine horses, black as ebony.
ny. Admiring the beauty of Proserpine, Pluto was resolved to make her
his
queen, and had come to carry her off with him. Th
to us From the depths of Tartarus. For what of evil doth he roam From
his
red and gloomy home, In the centre of the world,
d On our grassy world has trod; Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of
his
divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks
orld has trod; Like a Titan steppeth he, Yet full of his divinity. On
his
mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in his eye
full of his divinity. On his mighty shoulders lie Raven locks, and in
his
eye A cruel beauty, such as none Of us may wisely
at this act of violence, Ceres supplicated Jupiter that Proserpine by
his
supreme authority might be restored to earth. Jup
the pomegranate, in her anger she sprinkled water of Phlegethon upon
his
head, and metamorphosed him into an owl, which Mi
took for her attendant. The owl is not accounted a sagacious bird but
his
faculty of seeing in darkness, when others cannot
in the air; There her son Cupid stood before her feet, Two wings upon
his
shoulders, fair and fleet; And blind as night, as
ite occupation was hunting Venus often cautioned him against exposing
his
life to the violence of wild beasts, but he did n
were celebrated in Greece and Syria. They commenced with mourning for
his
death, and concluded with expressions of joy for
r joining in the funeral procession with which the Syrians celebrated
his
memory. On Lebanon’s sequestered heig
’s sequestered height The fair Adonis left the realms of light, Bowed
his
bright locks, and, fated from his birth To change
nis left the realms of light, Bowed his bright locks, and, fated from
his
birth To change eternal, mingled with the earth;
les, and rivers blushed with blood. And Beauty’s goddess bending o’er
his
bier, Breathed the soft sigh, and poured the tend
winged boy, with a bow and arrows, and very often with a bandage over
his
eyes. Ancient statues sometimes represent him bes
k of a lion, and playing on a lyre, whilst the fierce savage, turning
his
head, seems to listen to its harmonious chords. S
as breaking the winged thunderbolt of Jove. He was the son of Venus;
his
wife was Psyche — a Greek word, signifying spirit
Alexander the Great was born. A man named Erostratus, wishing to make
his
name immortal, set fire to this magnificent templ
cent temple, imagining that such an action would necessarily transmit
his
name to posterity. Diana was worshipped with pecu
e the poet — to give him some portion of celestial intelligence, that
his
poetry might be worthy of the favour of the godde
and was called Pegasus — when Pegasus struck the earth forcibly with
his
foot the fountain Hippocrene sprung out. The Muse
the division of their father’s kingdom the empire of the seas fell to
his
share. He was worshipped as the god of the seas.
o his share. He was worshipped as the god of the seas. Amphitrite was
his
wife. He was represented with black hair and blue
shell drawn by sea-horses; clothed in an azure mantle, and holding in
his
hand the trident which commanded the waves. Aroun
uler of the waters, the god of ships and of all maritime affairs, and
his
supreme command could raise the stormy waves, or
es when he was driven to the island of Sicily and devoured several of
his
companions. Ulysses contrived to intoxicate Polyp
trived to intoxicate Polyphemus, and while he was asleep extinguished
his
only eye. Phorcus, father of the Gorgons and of P
une, terrified the giants in their war with the gods, by the sound of
his
instrument. ——— The Sirens were sea nymphs of ra
her husband driven on shore by the tide, who had been shipwrecked on
his
return from consulting the Oracle of Delphi, thre
——— Proteus was a son of Neptune, who was intrusted with the care of
his
flocks, consisting of sea-calves, (phocæ, or seal
g of Egypt, about the time of the Trojan war, who was illustrious for
his
secrecy, wisdom, and foresight. Proteus was a pro
s was a prophet. When Menelaus was detained on the coast of Africa on
his
return from Troy, he wished to consult Proteus; P
t Proteus; Proteus, however, would not attend to him, so Menelaus and
his
companions covered themselves with seal skins, an
covered themselves with seal skins, and appeared to Proteus to be of
his
flock. In that way they succeeded in securing him
the monsters sleep Then Proteus mounting from the hoary deep, Surveys
his
charge unknowing of deceit, Pleased with the fals
eased with the false review secure he lies, And leaden slumbers press
his
drooping eyes. Shouting we4 seize the god; ou
we4 seize the god; our force to evade, His various arts he summons to
his
aid. A lion now he curls a surgy mane; Sudden
bands a spotted pard retain; Then armed with tusks, and lightning in
his
eyes, A boar’s obscener shape the god belies. On
eful arts over brute force. Bacchus, drawn by wild beasts, subject to
his
will, attended by rural deities, — Pan, Silenus,
the fig, and the vine, were sacred to Bacchus. The goat was slain in
his
sacrifices, because that animal is injurious to v
es. The festivals of Bacchus were celebrated in the woods. Women were
his
principal worshippers His priestesses were called
acchus upon the pine trees when they went into the woods to celebrate
his
worship. To Bacchus. Bacchus, on thee we call, i
ough the deep valleys and the sloping hills Where’er the god inclines
his
lovely face, More luscious fruits the rich planta
Michel Angelo. He is crowned with ivy and vine tendrils, and holds in
his
right hand a cup, and in his left a bunch or clus
with ivy and vine tendrils, and holds in his right hand a cup, and in
his
left a bunch or cluster of grapes, of which a lit
he god of gardens. He was accounted the son of Venus and Bacchus; and
his
image, a most hideous mis-shapen figure, was set
uilt a temple to him upon the Tarpeian mountain, instituted feasts to
his
honour, and prescribed the form of his worship. H
mountain, instituted feasts to his honour, and prescribed the form of
his
worship. He was represented under the form of an
of an immovable rock. Milk, cakes, and fruit were offered to him, and
his
image was crowned with flowers and rubbed with oi
ich he was supposed to retain in a vast cave, or to set at liberty at
his
own will, or at the command of his father. His ch
vast cave, or to set at liberty at his own will, or at the command of
his
father. His children were Boreas, the north wind;
he Vulcanian. Æolus, possessing penetration and foresight superior to
his
contemporaries, by frequently foretelling the app
? Who were the Fauns and Satyrs? Who was Terminus? Who were ÆoIus and
his
children? What fact in history is connected with
esented under the form of a satyr, half man and half goat, holding in
his
hand the rural pipe, invented by him, and called
ll the rural deities. In the month of February, the Romans celebrated
his
feasts, which they called Lupercalia, from the pl
e of him, like that of Mars. And in some antique gems and sculptures,
his
figure is nearly as frightful as that of Medusa.
rinx, and Pithys. Echo preferred the beautiful Narcissus; who, seeing
his
own image in a fountain, was so captivated with i
ourable to the god, but Boreas being jealous of this preference, with
his
powerful blast precipitated her from a rock. Whil
upon an ass, but so intoxicated, as to be almost incapable of keeping
his
seat. Historians give a different account of him.
philosopher of great wisdom and learning, who accompanied Bacchus in
his
expedition to India, and was his principal counse
learning, who accompanied Bacchus in his expedition to India, and was
his
principal counsellor. Who was Silenus? Dome
ld so sacred by the Romans, that the expression of driving a man from
his
Penates, signified that he was expelled from his
f driving a man from his Penates, signified that he was expelled from
his
home, his country, and from all that he loved. G
a man from his Penates, signified that he was expelled from his home,
his
country, and from all that he loved. Genii were
as the intimate companions of man’s thoughts, governing and disposing
his
mind and his conduct. Every man was supposed to h
te companions of man’s thoughts, governing and disposing his mind and
his
conduct. Every man was supposed to have two Genii
is evil genius disposed him to wrong conduct, and led him to misery —
his
good genius inspired him with virtuous sentiments
d Tithonus, and a prince of Troy, and a mortal. Tithonus entreated of
his
wife to bestow upon him the gift of immortality,
ee revere! The muses love thy shrilly tone; Apollo calls thee all
his
own; ”Twas he who gave that voice to thee, ”Twas
ul youth, with butterfly’s wings. He cooled the air by the fanning of
his
wings during the heat of the summer, and revived
by Apollo. Hyacinth preferred Apollo, but the envious Zephyr applied
his
strongest breath to a discus which Apollo was thr
was represented seated on a throne, surrounded with gloomy darkness,
his
countenance severe and frowning; in his hand a tw
rounded with gloomy darkness, his countenance severe and frowning; in
his
hand a two-pronged fork, or a key, denoting the i
-pronged fork, or a key, denoting the impossibility of returning from
his
dominions; his head crowned with the flowers of t
or a key, denoting the impossibility of returning from his dominions;
his
head crowned with the flowers of the narcissus, o
imes he was seen in a chariot drawn by black horses, with a helmet on
his
head, which had the power of rendering him invisi
ed the chariot and invoked the skies. Pleased as he grasps her in
his
iron arms, Frights with soft sighs, with tender a
f the same family. When a man perished at sea, or in an unknown spot,
his
friends would erect some monument in honour of hi
ot, his friends would erect some monument in honour of him to satisfy
his
manes, or parted soul. The entrance to the infern
s into hell, and thus it appears to him. Now to the left Eneas darts
his
eyes, Where lofty walls with triple ramparts rise
ierce Phlegethon, with thundering sound. His broken rocks, and whirls
his
surges round, On mighty columns raised sublime, a
of the island of Crete, and was contemporary with Moses. He governed
his
kingdom with such eminent skill and justice, that
es. He governed his kingdom with such eminent skill and justice, that
his
laws became celebrated all over Greece, and conti
rated all over Greece, and continued in operation for centuries after
his
death. Who were the judges of the dead? What is
and Atropos. They were supposed to preside over the life of man, from
his
birth to his death, and to put an end to his life
They were supposed to preside over the life of man, from his birth to
his
death, and to put an end to his life by cutting o
er the life of man, from his birth to his death, and to put an end to
his
life by cutting off a thread. Stern Clotho weave
ood of black sheep or heifers. During the prayers, the priest lowered
his
hands towards the earth, instead of raising them
s impetuous down, and smokes along the ground. Again the restless orb
his
toil renews. Dust mounts in clouds, and sweat des
to hell, and was placed under a vast stone, which was suspended over
his
head, perpetually threatening to fall and crush h
a, and was thrown into Tartarus, where vultures unceasingly prey upon
his
liver, which is continually renewed. There Tityu
s vultures, furious for their food, Scream o’er the fiend and riot in
his
blood; Incessant, gore the liver in his breast; T
am o’er the fiend and riot in his blood; Incessant, gore the liver in
his
breast; The immortal liver grows, and gives the i
e, page 101. Tantalus, King of Phrygia, for having savagely murdered
his
own son, Pelops, and served up his body at a banq
ygia, for having savagely murdered his own son, Pelops, and served up
his
body at a banquet of the gods, was condemned to t
e severe punishment of Tantalus. In a lake whose waters approached to
his
lips, he stood burning with thirst without the po
burning with thirst without the power to drink. Whenever he inclined
his
head to the stream, some deity commanded it to be
eam, some deity commanded it to be dry and the dark earth appeared at
his
feet. Around him lofty trees spread their fruits
and the luscious fig quivered before him, which, whenever he extended
his
hand to seize them, were snatched by the winds in
63. There, Tantalus, along the Stygian bound, Pours out deep groans;
his
groans through hell resound E’en in the circling
, And pines with thirst, amidst a sea of waves. When to the water, he
his
lip applies, Back from his lip the treacherous wa
idst a sea of waves. When to the water, he his lip applies, Back from
his
lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath,
Back from his lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath, around
his
hapless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruita
o Argos in Peloponnesus; thither he was followed by the fifty sons of
his
brother Egyptus, who married the daughters of the
or some cause, not precisely told by the mythologists, Danaus ordered
his
daughters to murder their husbands. They all, exc
e of Pluton, but the hero was permitted to take him. From the foam of
his
mouth, which dropped upon the earth, sprung deadl
. We trust in it because Christ declared it; but we have it proved by
his
resurrection and ascension. He died, and lived ag
s, the god of physic. Being exposed upon a mountain immediately after
his
birth, he was nourished by a goat. A shepherd dis
by rays of light, carried him home, and committed him to the care of
his
wife. He was afterwards placed under the tuition
was, probably, only an excellent physician, but ignorant men mistook
his
skill for a supernatural power, and exalted him t
he nymphs, companions of Echo, entreated Love to punish Narcissus for
his
contempt to her. The god granted their prayer, an
a fountain side. In the fountain, Narcissus beheld the reflection of
his
own face and form; it was more lovely than any ob
ty of so charming a injure. Who was Echo? Was Narcissus punished for
his
contempt of her? ——— Morpheus, the minister of
us or Sleep, is represented with the wings of a butterfly, to express
his
lightness. He holds in his hand a bunch of poppie
with the wings of a butterfly, to express his lightness. He holds in
his
hand a bunch of poppies, which he shakes over the
on of Nox, was represented as a child in a profound sleep, holding in
his
hand poppies, which serve also for his pillow. So
n a profound sleep, holding in his hand poppies, which serve also for
his
pillow. Somnus, or sleep, is called by Homer, “De
courageous spirit than others of these small communities, encourages
his
affrighted associates, arms himself with a strong
ets fire to their dens; strangles their little ones; and, at last, by
his
fearlessness, ingenuity, and perseverance, clears
anger and fear, feel lively gratitude to their deliverer; they admire
his
generosity and courage; he has exposed his life f
eir deliverer; they admire his generosity and courage; he has exposed
his
life for their security; he has endangered himsel
dangered himself, but he has preserved them. They delight to remember
his
extraordinary exploits, and to speak of all his g
y delight to remember his extraordinary exploits, and to speak of all
his
goodness. When he is dead they relate his sufferi
ploits, and to speak of all his goodness. When he is dead they relate
his
sufferings and his triumphs, and observe days to
k of all his goodness. When he is dead they relate his sufferings and
his
triumphs, and observe days to commemorate him. At
ey say the gods assisted him, but after many years, those who hear of
his
achievements declare that he was a god who accomp
of antiquity, was reputed to be the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. From
his
birth Hercules was favoured with extraordinary ab
rcules was favoured with extraordinary abilities: but notwithstanding
his
strength, courage, and accomplishments, he was de
he infant Hercules was the strangling of two serpents while he was in
his
cradle. Juno, who hated Hercules, sent the serpen
when they aimed at him their dreadful stings, the fearless babe, with
his
little hands, squeezed them to death, while his e
e fearless babe, with his little hands, squeezed them to death, while
his
elder brother, Iphiclus, who saw the deed, ran ab
im; Linus, to play upon the harp; and Eumolpus, to sing. Like some of
his
illustrious contemporaries, his education was fin
; and Eumolpus, to sing. Like some of his illustrious contemporaries,
his
education was finished under Chiron the Centaur.
the Thebans the tribute of a hundred oxen, because a Theban had slain
his
father. These public services induced Creon, King
ese public services induced Creon, King of Thebes, to bestow upon him
his
daughter in marriage, and to intrust him with the
m his daughter in marriage, and to intrust him with the government of
his
kingdom. When Eurystheus heard that Hercules was
piter had given him the power to command him. Hercules upon this lost
his
senses, but Apollo restored to him his reason, an
d him. Hercules upon this lost his senses, but Apollo restored to him
his
reason, and admonished him to submit to the will
rtook the enterprises commanded by Eurystheus, the gods armed him for
his
labours. Minerva gave him a helmet and coat of ma
he neighbourhood of Mycenæ. Hercules, not able to kill this lion with
his
club, pursued him to his den, and choked him to d
æ. Hercules, not able to kill this lion with his club, pursued him to
his
den, and choked him to death. Hercules ever after
immediately sprung up. But Hercules was enabled by the assistance of
his
friend Iolas to despatch the enemy. As fast as He
, and soon killed the Hydra. Hercules afterwards dipped the points of
his
arrows in the gall of the Hydra, which was a mort
y years. This was effected by turning a liver through the stable. For
his
sixth labour Hercules was ordered to kill some ca
enth labour was to kill Geryon, King of Gades, in Spain, and to bring
his
flock to Eurystheus. The eleventh labour was to o
apples, and took from him the burden of the earth which he bore upon
his
shoulders, while Atlas procured the apples. The t
xen, so that Hercules discovered the theft, pursued Cacus, broke into
his
retreat, and strangled him, though the latter vom
Hercules as an adversary. Hercules conquered Achelous, and broke off
his
horn. This horn was picked up by the nymphs, fill
le, but her father Eurytus refused her to him. He then once more lost
his
reason, and showing some disrespect to the Pythia
of Lydia. In the service of Omphale, it is said, that Hercules forgot
his
former habits, and, confining himself to the conv
princess of Etolia. Having accidentally killed a man at the court of
his
father-in-law, Hercules was obliged to leave the
in-law, Hercules was obliged to leave the place, and he took with him
his
wife. On his journey, being obliged to swim acros
les was obliged to leave the place, and he took with him his wife. On
his
journey, being obliged to swim across the river E
essus offered to carry off Dejanira, but Hercules aimed at him one of
his
poisoned arrows, and killed him. The dying Nessus
, if she could contrive to put that garment upon him, it would revive
his
attachment to her. After that time, Hercules, rem
t time, Hercules, remembering that the father of Iole had refused him
his
daughter, took upon himself to make war upon that
ter, took upon himself to make war upon that king, and killed him and
his
three sons. Iole, therefore, fell into the hands
ll into the hands of her father’s murderer, and was carried by him to
his
house as a domestic slave. Hercules soon preferre
s robe; but no sooner was he arrayed in it than the poison penetrated
his
body, and threw him into mortal agonies. Tortured
, Hercules prayed to Jupiter, and prepared himself for death. He gave
his
bow and arrows to Philoctetes, pulled up trees by
and erected for himself a funeral pile upon Mount Œta. He then spread
his
lion’s skin upon his pile, sustained himself upon
lf a funeral pile upon Mount Œta. He then spread his lion’s skin upon
his
pile, sustained himself upon his club, and demand
He then spread his lion’s skin upon his pile, sustained himself upon
his
club, and demanding of Philoctetes to set fire to
. Hercules is sometimes called Alcides. Hercules was worshipped after
his
death. He was often invoked by people who wanted
ung, two females once appeared to him, — one was Virtue, who proposed
his
arduous duties; the other was Pleasure, who offer
o proposed his arduous duties; the other was Pleasure, who offered to
his
acceptance an easy and indolent life; but he chos
sguises of eminent services rendered by some good and powerful man to
his
fellow-creatures. Eurystheus, probably represents
his fellow-creatures. Eurystheus, probably represents the dictates of
his
conscience, which commanded him to severe toils i
Omphale, may be the love of pleasure, which sometimes made him remit
his
exertions, and indulge himself for a time in repo
imposed twelve labours upon Hercules? Who enabled Hercules to achieve
his
labours? What was the first labour of Hercules? T
Whom did Hercules prefer to Dejanira, and what was the consequence of
his
preference? How did Hercules die? Labours of He
e? Labours of Hercules. The mighty Hercules o’er many a clime Waved
his
vast mace in virtue’s cause sublime, Unmeasured s
Grasps Achelous with resistless force And drags the rolling river to
his
course; Binds with loud bellowing, and with h
hell. Then where Nemea’s howling forests wave, He drives the lion to
his
dusky cave; Seized by the throat, the growling fi
sky cave; Seized by the throat, the growling fiend disarms; And tears
his
gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Ant
d tears his gaping jaws with sinewy arms; Lifts proud Antæus from
his
mother plains, And with strong grasp the struggli
lains, And with strong grasp the struggling giant strains; Back falls
his
fainting head, and clammy hair. Writhe his weak l
giant strains; Back falls his fainting head, and clammy hair. Writhe
his
weak limbs, and flits his life in air; By steps r
his fainting head, and clammy hair. Writhe his weak limbs, and flits
his
life in air; By steps reverted, o’er the blood-dr
By steps reverted, o’er the blood-dropped fen He tracks huge Cacus to
his
murderous den, Where, breathing flames through br
s through brazen lips, he fled, And shook the rock-roofed cavern o’er
his
head. Last, with wide arms the solid earth he tea
r her whirling flood Charybdis roars, Affrighted Scylla bellows round
his
shores: Vesuvius groans through all his echoing c
frighted Scylla bellows round his shores: Vesuvius groans through all
his
echoing caves, And Ætna thunders o’er the insurge
y young and adventurous Greeks. Jason’s ship was called the Argo, and
his
companions the Argonauts. The history of Jason is
was the son of Eson, King of Iolchos, in upper Greece. Eson died, and
his
kingdom was usurped by Pelias, and the young Jaso
nd his kingdom was usurped by Pelias, and the young Jason driven from
his
country. Chiron, the preceptor of Achilles, likew
the rightful heir to the throne returned, in order to remove him from
his
sight, advised him to undertake the recovery of t
out to be offered, a winged ram, with a golden fleece, took them upon
his
back, and flew away to Colchis through the air. H
, he sacrificed the ram to Jupiter, as an expression of gratitude for
his
preservation, and dedicated the fleece to the god
e fleece, and murdered him in order to obtain it. When Jason demanded
his
inheritance of Pelias, the latter promised it to
to kill an ever-watchful dragon that guarded the fleece; to pluck out
his
teeth, and sew the plain; armed men were to sprin
fleece being thus obtained, Jason, as he had promised, took Medea for
his
wife, and returned in triumph to his native count
he had promised, took Medea for his wife, and returned in triumph to
his
native country. The return of the Argonauts was c
t going one day to the water-side to look at the Argo, a beam fell on
his
head, and he was thus killed. Who was Jason? Fro
s Jason? From what place did Jason embark? Who was Jason’s father and
his
preceptor? What induced Jason to undertake the vo
end of Hercules. The father of Theseus was Ægeus, King of Athens, and
his
mother was Æthra, daughter of Pittheus, King of T
vaged Peloponnesus, and Theseus resolved to expel them. Æthra, during
his
youth, had never informed Theseus that his father
expel them. Æthra, during his youth, had never informed Theseus that
his
father was King of Athens, but when he was grown
ber that it was left in my possession, and he will acknowledge you as
his
son. Depart, but do not venture the perils of a l
e; nevertheless, Theseus ventured, and soon distinguished himself. On
his
road to Athens, Theseus met three famous robbers.
eus met three famous robbers. The first, Sinis, used to dart out from
his
haunts, seize the unwary passer-by, and having st
aunts, seize the unwary passer-by, and having stripped him, would tie
his
limbs to the branches of trees, which, having bee
pitated him into the sea. The third, Procrustes, in the wantonness of
his
cruelty, had invented a bed into which he forced
he wantonness of his cruelty, had invented a bed into which he forced
his
victims; and, if they were too tall for its lengt
ntidæ saw that Ægeus loved Theseus. They said, “He will adopt him for
his
son, and will leave him the kingdom. We then shal
ranger, and even persuaded him to offer Theseus a cup of poison, with
his
own hand. Before this wicked project was executed
wn hand. Before this wicked project was executed, Theseus appeared to
his
father with the sword which Æthra had given him.
eus knew the sword, and readily believed Theseus when he related what
his
mother had told him. Ægeus was delighted with his
hen he related what his mother had told him. Ægeus was delighted with
his
new-found son, and the Athenians were rejoiced to
Athens, Minos, King of Crete, accused the Athenians of having killed
his
son, Androgeus, and demanded of them, as a satisf
h, the injured person was permitted to strike out the eye or tooth of
his
adversary. The Athenians admitted such a law to b
d Minos demanded many lives, as a compensation for the single life of
his
son, because in those days people pretended to th
heseus witnessed this melancholy scene. At once he determined to free
his
country from this odious tribute, and comforted t
Theseus’ vessels was black, and that when he left Athens he promised
his
father, should he return successful, that he woul
s, Ægeus used to go to a promontory that overlooked the sea, to watch
his
approach: at length the vessel appeared in sight,
w the black sail, he apprehended that some misfortune had happened to
his
son, and, in his despair, precipitated himself in
he apprehended that some misfortune had happened to his son, and, in
his
despair, precipitated himself into the sea. From
hievements excited the ambition of Theseus? Who acquainted Theseus of
his
parentage? What counsel did Æthra give Theseus? W
eived at Athens? What enemies did Theseus meet at Athens, and how did
his
father learn who he was? How did Theseus treat th
in Crete? How did Theseus treat Ariadne, and how did Ægeus terminate
his
life? ——— The character of Theseus, as a king, b
ith each other. When Theseus became King of Attica, he perceived that
his
subjects could not improve nor be happy, because
s injuring each other, and always in fear. No man wishes to cultivate
his
field if he expects another to take away his harv
man wishes to cultivate his field if he expects another to take away
his
harvest; nor will he plough and sow the soil, if
be punished. In peaceable and prosperous society, every man must have
his
own property; every man must take care of his own
ty, every man must have his own property; every man must take care of
his
own, and no man must take what does not belong to
e what does not belong to himself; and if one should take what is not
his
own, that dishonest and violent conduct is punish
e criminal or the breakers of laws. The right which a man has to keep
his
own property separately from others is political
s soon as Theseus became king, he travelled all over Attica, and told
his
people he was sorry to see them always quarrellin
ed to be governed in this manner, and they soon became so happy under
his
regulations, that peaceable people from other pla
ones, to be erected: and he showed much respect to religion: extended
his
dominions to the territory of Megara, and set up
the territory of Megara, and set up a column to show the boundary of
his
kingdom. On that side of the column which stood t
a legislator so wise and so successful in improving the condition of
his
subjects as Theseus, could not have spent his who
roving the condition of his subjects as Theseus, could not have spent
his
whole life so honourably and usefully; but he bec
o books to read, he felt the want of something more to do, so he left
his
people to govern themselves, and went into the le
e Athenians could no longer respect Theseus, because he had abandoned
his
duty, and had shown no regard to the rights of ot
d. In time, the Athenians forgot the follies of Theseus, and honoured
his
memory. Cimon, about four centuries before Christ
seus, had them removed to Athens, and there buried. Over the place of
his
interment a monument was erected; and a beautiful
ppy? What is a state of civil order? What admonition did Theseus give
his
subjects? What measures did Theseus propose in or
rable? Who attended Theseus in search of new adventures, and what was
his
conduct to Helen? How were Theseus and his compan
w adventures, and what was his conduct to Helen? How were Theseus and
his
companion received by Aidoneus? How did the Athen
a, and an oracle foretold to them that the former should be killed by
his
son. As soon as Jocasta had a son, Laius commande
and ordered him to destroy it. The man, not willing to kill him with
his
own hands, carried the child to the woods, bored
to kill him with his own hands, carried the child to the woods, bored
his
heels and hung him upon a tree of Mount Citheron.
nown at that time to the Corinthians. The companions of Œdipus envied
his
talents, and told him he was some low-born strang
ranger, and not the son of Peribœa. When Œdipus heard this, he begged
his
supposed mother to tell who were his real parents
hen Œdipus heard this, he begged his supposed mother to tell who were
his
real parents: Peribœa did not herself know, but s
ed to know, went to the oracle at Delphi. When he inquired concerning
his
parents, the oracle answered Œdipus, that he must
ered Œdipus, that he must not go home, for if he did, he would murder
his
father, and marry his mother. Œdipus did not know
ust not go home, for if he did, he would murder his father, and marry
his
mother. Œdipus did not know what to do: he had no
he met on the way a chariot, on which was Laius, King of Thebes, and
his
armour-bearer. The road was narrow, and Laius ord
s. Œdipus refused; the two parties began to fight, and soon Laius and
his
attendant were killed. In that rude age it does n
ing, and explained it thus: — Man, in the morning of life, walks upon
his
hands and feet; when he has grown to maturity, wh
maturity, which is the noon or middle of the day of life, he walks on
his
feet only: and, in the evening of his days, when
of the day of life, he walks on his feet only: and, in the evening of
his
days, when he is very old, he uses a staff in add
ning of his days, when he is very old, he uses a staff in addition to
his
own limbs. The monster, upon hearing this, dashed
in addition to his own limbs. The monster, upon hearing this, dashed
his
head on a rock and killed himself. While the Sphi
d marry the queen, and govern the kingdom; accordingly Œdipus married
his
mother. But in a few years a terrible pestilence.
the murderer of Laius should be discovered and punished. Œdipus loved
his
people, and forgetting that he had ever killed a
ht. When this fact was proved, Jocasta killed herself; and Œdipus, in
his
distress, tore out his own eyes. Œdipus had four
proved, Jocasta killed herself; and Œdipus, in his distress, tore out
his
own eyes. Œdipus had four children: two sons and
that Œdipus should not die in Thebes, so, blind as he was, and led by
his
daughter, Antigone, he wandered into Attica. Arri
exclaimed that the gods had appointed that spot on which he stood for
his
burial place, and instantly expired. What melanc
ancholy story is told of a king of Thebes? What happened to Œdipus in
his
infancy? Who educated Œdipus? On what account did
rcumstance soon occurred to Œdipus? What was the Sphinx, and what was
his
riddle? How did Œdipus expound the riddle of the
e death of Œdipus? The Theban Pair. After Œdipus left Thebes,
his
two sons Eteocles and Polynices, agreed to reign
, alternately. Eteocles reigned over Thebes, the first year, and then
his
brother demanded the throne. Eteocles refused to
he kingdom, and Polynices went into Argos, and asked aid in procuring
his
right, from Adrastus, King of Argos. Seven chiefs
eban pair. Another story is related concerning Polynices; it is, that
his
uncle Creon refused to allow him to be buried, an
obsequies of Polynices, but when Creon accused Antigone of disobeying
his
commands, Ismene urged that she was equally guilt
father? Who took, the part of Polynices; and what was the occasion of
his
death? Who resolved to bury Polynices? What was t
nd played so sweetly, that beasts and trees, as well as men danced to
his
music. Eurydice was the wife of Orpheus; he loved
so she went to the dark dominions of Pluto and Proserpine. Orpheus in
his
grief at the loss of Eurydice, thought he could p
dice, thought he could persuade Pluto to restore her to him, and with
his
lyre in his hand, he descended to the infernal re
t he could persuade Pluto to restore her to him, and with his lyre in
his
hand, he descended to the infernal regions, and p
of Ixion stopped, the stone of Sisyphus stood still, Tantalus forgot
his
thirst, and even the Furies relented. Pluto and h
, Tantalus forgot his thirst, and even the Furies relented. Pluto and
his
queen, charmed with the music, and pitying the af
ed to the region of day, and Eurydice followed; but before he had set
his
foot upon earth, Orpheus forgot the command of th
about to look at Eurydice; he saw her, but she vanished directly from
his
eyes. Thus deprived of Eurydice forever, Orpheus
forever, Orpheus consoled himself for the loss of her by playing upon
his
lyre as he wandered about Mount Rhodope, in the r
ted, in their drunken revelry, to have torn him to pieces, and thrown
his
head into the Hebrus, a river of Thrace. The floa
nother musical prodigy, who raised the walls of the city of Thebes by
his
lyre, as Apollo raised those of Troy, perhaps per
—— Arion was also a famous poet and musician, who acquired wealth by
his
talents, and being on a voyage to Lesbos was thro
on a voyage to Lesbos was thrown overboard by the sailors, who wanted
his
money. Arion was playing on his lyre when his mur
overboard by the sailors, who wanted his money. Arion was playing on
his
lyre when his murderers precipitated him into the
the sailors, who wanted his money. Arion was playing on his lyre when
his
murderers precipitated him into the sea, and so c
ey gathered round the ship to hear the music, and one taking Arion on
his
back, conveyed him to Cape Tenarus. What miracle
Leda were all called Jupiter s, was immortal, but Castor begged that
his
brother might share his undying existence, and th
piter s, was immortal, but Castor begged that his brother might share
his
undying existence, and that they might be alive a
m Erechtheus, a king of Athens. Dædalus was the most ingenious man of
his
time and was the reputed inventor of the wedge, t
at Talus, a nephew of Dædalus, discovered as much inventive talent as
his
uncle and that the latter, through envy, killed t
vy, killed the young artist. After the murder of Talus, Dædalus, with
his
son Icarus, fled from Athens to Crete, where they
fice. Dædalus contrived wings of wax and of feathers, for himself and
his
son, and they took their flight towards Italy. Ic
aly. Icarus mounted too high, fell into the sea, and was drowned, but
his
father was more fortunate, getting safe into Sici
are supposed to have signified ships. Who was Dædalus, and what were
his
inventions? Why did Dædalus quit Athens, who rece
beguiled by music. Priam, son of Laomedon, was the last king of Troy;
his
wife was Hecuba, and he had according to the stor
Paris, and Cassandra. It was foretold to Priam, that the last-born of
his
children should cause the destruction of Troy. Pr
oyed in this inhuman service, did not kill the child, but left him to
his
fate in the solitude of Mount Ida. There he was f
, touched with compassion, took home the foundling, and reared him as
his
son. Paris, though educated among peasants, soon
ld beasts, that he was called the deliverer, and he might have passed
his
life in rural quiet and honour, if the deities th
ral quiet and honour, if the deities themselves had not intruded upon
his
peaceful obscurity. Peleus, a prince of Thessaly,
d engage in war; and Venus, the most beautiful woman in the world for
his
wife. Venus obtained the apple, and the beautiful
to the princes of Troy, and promised that the most beautiful bull in
his
dominions should be given as a price to the victo
skilfully did he acquit himself in the contest, that he defeated all
his
competitors, and obtained the prize. His sister C
d in the beautiful stranger a resemblance to her family. She inquired
his
history, finally discovered that he was her broth
overed that he was her brother, and introduced him to their father as
his
son. Priam forgot the disastrous prophecy, and af
take with her much of the treasure of her husband; nor did Priam and
his
family refuse to receive her. When Helen was youn
m to assist him in punishing the Trojans, who had encouraged Paris in
his
perfidy. Menelaus, with more forbearance than was
oy? Who was the last king of Troy, and who were the most memorable of
his
children? Where was the early life of Paris spent
the Greeks by adverse winds, until the king should sacrifice to her,
his
daughter Iphigenia. At first, Agamemnon chose rat
In obedience to this suggestion, the King of Mycenæ sent a message to
his
wife Clytemnestra, requesting her to bring to him
ion hardened him against her supplications. Calchas took the knife in
his
hand, and was about to strike Iphigenia to the he
and communicated a mortal poison. When Hercules was expiring, he gave
his
bow and arrows to Philoctetes, and made the latte
he would never reveal the place where Hercules commanded him to inter
his
remains, when his body should be consumed on the
eal the place where Hercules commanded him to inter his remains, when
his
body should be consumed on the pile. After the de
ins, when his body should be consumed on the pile. After the death of
his
friend, Philoctetes repaired to Sparta, and Menel
lysses the place where Hercules was interred; and the gods, to punish
his
perjury, suffered him to let fall one of the arro
o punish his perjury, suffered him to let fall one of the arrows upon
his
foot, which inflicted a loathsome and incurable w
, Philoctetes remained alone upon the desolate island, suffering from
his
wound, and sustaining himself by the flesh of bir
nd, and sustaining himself by the flesh of birds which he killed with
his
arrows. A soothsayer at that time told the Greeks
nd entreated him to follow him to Troy. Philoctetes hated Ulysses for
his
treachery, and refused at first to accompany him,
t lame, and was much the happier of the two; Philoctetes was cured of
his
wound by Machaon, the son of Esculapius, who was
e host at Aulis, and what remedy was proposed? Did Agamemnon send for
his
daughter from Mycenæ? Was Iphigenia sacrificed? H
d Agamemnon to the sovereignty of Argos and Mycenæ; and, having given
his
two daughters to the brothers, left his own kingd
and Mycenæ; and, having given his two daughters to the brothers, left
his
own kingdom of Sparta to Menelaus. When Agamemnon
left his own kingdom of Sparta to Menelaus. When Agamemnon sacrificed
his
daughter Iphigenia, Clytemnestra was bitterly inc
the absence of Agamemnon, Egisthus and Clytemnestra ruled together in
his
kingdom; and when Agamemnon, after the taking of
a would put him to death. Agamemnon despised her warning, and entered
his
palace without fear. Egisthus and Clytemnestra so
her husband, and how did she injure him? Who forewarned Agamemnon of
his
fate, and how was his destruction accomplished?
did she injure him? Who forewarned Agamemnon of his fate, and how was
his
destruction accomplished? Orestes and Pylades
sthus, feared that Orestes, when he should become a man, would punish
his
perfidious conduct. To save her brother’s life, E
en Orestes was grown to manhood, he conceived the design of punishing
his
mother and her accomplice; and, to aid her brothe
ncealed himself near the temple, and, watching their approach, killed
his
father’s murderers, alter they had reigned seven
that he was sorry for what he had done; that he thought constantly of
his
murdered mother, and hated himself for his crime.
t he thought constantly of his murdered mother, and hated himself for
his
crime. Euripides, one of the Greek poets, says, t
consulted the oracle of Apollo, to learn how he must make amends for
his
crime, and to escape from the vengeance of the Fu
he Furies. The oracle commanded him, in order to recover the peace of
his
mind, to go to Taurica Chersonesus,6 and bring fr
the King of Chersonesus always sacrificed every stranger who entered
his
dominions. But Orestes was not intimidated, and,
d his dominions. But Orestes was not intimidated, and, accompanied by
his
friend Pylades, set out for the dominions of the
e, entreated Pylades to be the bearer of the letters, and to preserve
his
own life. Pylades, in his turn, not to be outdone
the bearer of the letters, and to preserve his own life. Pylades, in
his
turn, not to be outdone in generosity, begged tha
lis, and she instantly resolved she would return with her brother and
his
friend to Greece, and that they would take along
lcomed by Electra. Pylades married that princess, and Orestes married
his
cousin, Hermione, the daughter of Menelaus and He
of Orestes? What sentence did the Scythian king pass upon Orestes and
his
friend? How did Iphigenia treat the friends? What
Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, went to Sparta to inquire concerning
his
father, he found Menelaus and Helen living in muc
ng in much luxury and enjoyment. Menelaus relates to Telemachus, that
his
vessels were tossed about the Egean sea for eight
s, His wasted vigour and exhausted stores. But one day while some of
his
men were gone to the shore for provisions, and ot
ked any thing of him. Eidothea, however clothed Menelaus and three of
his
associates in the skins of Phocæ, or seals, which
received these instructions, Menelaus inquired of the seer concerning
his
companions in arms, Agamemnon, Ulysses, and Ajax.
n arms, Agamemnon, Ulysses, and Ajax. Proteus told him of the fate of
his
brother and of Ajax, and informed him that Ulysse
he death of Achilles, Ulysses and Ajax contended which should possess
his
armour, and because it was given to Ulysses, Ajax
ss his armour, and because it was given to Ulysses, Ajax went mad. In
his
phrensy, he slew a flock of sheep, supposing them
e of the gods. This impiety offended Neptune, who shook the rock with
his
trident, and precipitated Ajax into the sea, wher
ut frowning on the floods, Impious he roared defiance to the gods; To
his
own prowess all the glory gave, The power defraud
is spear, indignant for such high disdain, He launched, dividing with
his
forky mace The aerial summit from its mighty base
f Greece, was, of all the heroes of the Trojan war, most renowned for
his
eloquence and cunning. Ulysses was the son of Lær
the son of Lærtes, and the husband of Penelope. When Ulysses married,
his
father went into rural retirement, and left his k
When Ulysses married, his father went into rural retirement, and left
his
kingdom to his son. Ulysses was very happy in his
rried, his father went into rural retirement, and left his kingdom to
his
son. Ulysses was very happy in his government, an
etirement, and left his kingdom to his son. Ulysses was very happy in
his
government, and in his family, for he tenderly lo
kingdom to his son. Ulysses was very happy in his government, and in
his
family, for he tenderly loved Penelope, and their
sses was summoned to go to the war of Troy, he was unwilling to leave
his
wife and child, and pretended to be insane. To ma
ling to leave his wife and child, and pretended to be insane. To make
his
insanity probable, he yoked a horse and a bull to
services, and received thanks and praises from all the Greeks. But on
his
return from Troy, he was exposed to many misfortu
the Cyclops. Polyphemus, the King of the Cyclops, seized Ulysses and
his
companions, five of whom he devoured; but the Kin
ng of Ithaca put out the eye of Polyphemus, and narrowly escaped with
his
life, by tying himself under the body of a sheep,
riven to the island of Circe, where the enchantress metamorphosed all
his
companions into hogs. The god Mercury had given U
ly, which preserved him from the effects of her arts, and he retained
his
human figure. Ulysses afterwards visited the infe
how he might return to Ithaca. Ulysses had compelled Circe to restore
his
men to their natural form, and once more, with hi
d Circe to restore his men to their natural form, and once more, with
his
single vessel, he embarked for Ithaca, but he was
ury ordered Calypso to furnish Ulysses with every thing necessary for
his
voyage, and she obeyed him, and the hero departed
Ithaca. He had almost reached Corcyra, when Neptune recollected that
his
son Polyphemus had had his single eye put out by
hed Corcyra, when Neptune recollected that his son Polyphemus had had
his
single eye put out by Ulysses, and thought it jus
Nausicaa, the daughter of Antinöus, King of the Phocians, came, with
his
attendants, to the spot where the stranger lay, a
the stranger lay, and awakened him by their voices. Ulysses soon made
his
forlorn state known to these young women. They we
e first of duties. At a convenient time, they persuaded him to relate
his
adventures. Ulysses readily complied, and afterwa
readily complied, and afterwards Antinöus had him safely conveyed to
his
own kingdom, which he reached after an absence of
Ulysses found himself once more in Ithaca, ho resolved to proceed to
his
palace in the disguise of an old beggar; but he f
disguise of an old beggar; but he first went to the cottage of one of
his
servants, Eumæus; who, though he did not know his
e cottage of one of his servants, Eumæus; who, though he did not know
his
master, entertained him kindly, and afterwards co
w his master, entertained him kindly, and afterwards conducted him to
his
palace, where he asked charity of his son Telemac
and afterwards conducted him to his palace, where he asked charity of
his
son Telemachus, which the latter gave. As Ulysses
y of his son Telemachus, which the latter gave. As Ulysses approached
his
palace, his faithful dog Argus recognised him, an
Telemachus, which the latter gave. As Ulysses approached his palace,
his
faithful dog Argus recognised him, and immediatel
, his faithful dog Argus recognised him, and immediately fell dead at
his
feet. During the absence of Ulysses, the neighbou
ere called, took up their abode in the palace of Ulysses, slaughtered
his
flocks, drank his wine, and insulted his son. No
p their abode in the palace of Ulysses, slaughtered his flocks, drank
his
wine, and insulted his son. No sooner did Ulysses
lace of Ulysses, slaughtered his flocks, drank his wine, and insulted
his
son. No sooner did Ulysses appear in Ithaca, and
son. No sooner did Ulysses appear in Ithaca, and discover himself to
his
family, than the suitors were properly punished f
nd violence. Ulysses killed them all, and restored order and quiet in
his
dominions; rewarding Penelope for her fidelity, c
iet in his dominions; rewarding Penelope for her fidelity, cherishing
his
son, and improving his people. The interesting st
ewarding Penelope for her fidelity, cherishing his son, and improving
his
people. The interesting story of Ulysses is relat
was certainly not very honest; and the want of honour is a blemish in
his
character, which diminishes esteem for him. Who
om going to the siege of Troy? What were the adventures of Ulysses on
his
return to Ithaca? What accident was caused to Uly
ns of Ulysses metamorphosed? After Ulysses left Circe, what prevented
his
return to Ithaca? How long did Ulysses live with
by the king and queen of Phocia? In what character did Ulysses go to
his
palace? Who had taken possession of the palace of
o to his palace? Who had taken possession of the palace of Ulysses in
his
absence? How did Ulysses conduct himself on his r
palace of Ulysses in his absence? How did Ulysses conduct himself on
his
return to Ithaca, and what is the chief defect of
duct himself on his return to Ithaca, and what is the chief defect of
his
character? Achilles. Achilles, the princi
n of Pelides, King of Thessaly, and of Thetis, a sea-nymph. To render
his
person invulnerable, (impenetrable to the darts o
mph. To render his person invulnerable, (impenetrable to the darts of
his
enemies,) Thetis, in his infancy, dipped her son
invulnerable, (impenetrable to the darts of his enemies,) Thetis, in
his
infancy, dipped her son into the waters of the St
of the Styx. After this precaution, the heel only, the part by which
his
mother held him, was liable to be wounded. Achill
dens of Lycomedes’ court. Achilles was among them; and, in despite of
his
habiliment, chose the armour, and thus discovered
, in despite of his habiliment, chose the armour, and thus discovered
his
sex. Achilles then felt himself in honour compell
mself in honour compelled to engage in the cause of Menelaus, and led
his
myrmidons, the soldiers of Pythia, in fifty ships
Pythia, in fifty ships to Troy. Here he soon distinguished himself by
his
ravages in the neighbouring districts, his person
n distinguished himself by his ravages in the neighbouring districts,
his
person being defended by a suit of impenetrable a
o be made for him by Vulcan. Among the captives taken by Achilles, in
his
predatory incursions, was Briseis, a beautiful fe
incursions, was Briseis, a beautiful female, upon whom Agamemnon set
his
affections. Agamemnon was the chief of the expedi
goddess, sing.” Achilles withdrew himself from the battle, and after
his
separation, the Trojans prevailed. Achilles had a
ignant at this misfortune, Achilles determined to avenge the death of
his
friend by that of Hector. He therefore returned t
they came to an engagement in which Achilles slew Hector, and dragged
his
lifeless body three times round the walls of Troy
married to her, and that her brother, Paris, there aimed an arrow at
his
defenceless heel, which caused his death. From th
er, Paris, there aimed an arrow at his defenceless heel, which caused
his
death. From this circumstance the tendon of the h
lled, by anatomists, the tendon of Achilles. When Achilles was young,
his
mother asked him whether he preferred a long life
not being better instructed, he chose the latter, and Jupiter granted
his
desire. When Achilles was lamenting the loss of B
s desire. When Achilles was lamenting the loss of Briseis, he reminds
his
mother of his destiny. Oh! parent goddess! since
Achilles was lamenting the loss of Briseis, he reminds his mother of
his
destiny. Oh! parent goddess! since in early bloo
of Achilles, to celebrate the hero, and the poet who had transmitted
his
fame to posterity. Who was Achilles? What is the
sire long life? Where was Achilles buried, and who offered sacrifices
his
tomb? Nestor. Nestor, King of Pylos, a ci
mutual fury. To calm their passions with the words of age, Slow from
his
seat arose the Pylian sage, Experienced Nestor, i
Experienced Nestor, in persuasion skilled, Words sweet as honey from
his
lips distilled. Two generations now had passed aw
from his lips distilled. Two generations now had passed away, Wise by
his
rules and happy by his sway; Two ages in his nati
. Two generations now had passed away, Wise by his rules and happy by
his
sway; Two ages in his native realm he reigned, An
had passed away, Wise by his rules and happy by his sway; Two ages in
his
native realm he reigned, And now the example of t
Iliad , Book I. Nestor returned from the war of Troy in safety to
his
own dominions and family in Messinia. He lost his
f Troy in safety to his own dominions and family in Messinia. He lost
his
son Antilochus in the battles of Troy; but his ol
y in Messinia. He lost his son Antilochus in the battles of Troy; but
his
old age is represented to have been passed in the
be likely to enjoy without disturbance. Who was Nestor, and what was
his
character? How does Homer describe Nestor? How wa
lowers of Menelaus. Diomed is celebrated in Homer, for what is called
his
night adventure. This was entering during the nig
Is there, said he,9 a chief so greatly brave His life to hazard, and
his
country save? Lives there a man who singly dares
and white as winter snow.” When Diomed returned to Etolia, he found
his
kingdom and family in the condition which any mig
ily in the condition which any might presume upon, who should abandon
his
duties for ten years. His wife had married a stra
bandon his duties for ten years. His wife had married a stranger, and
his
subjects had become regardless of all laws; so he
anger, and his subjects had become regardless of all laws; so he left
his
country and settled himself in Magna Grecia, wher
hilles. After Achilles withdrew himself from the Greeks on account of
his
quarrel with Agamemnon, the Trojans gained perpet
antages, and Patroclus entreated Achilles that he might be clothed in
his
armour and combat Hector. Achilles consented, and
d Patroclus fell, Achilles, exasperated beyond measure at the loss of
his
friend, returned to the field, and renewed his at
measure at the loss of his friend, returned to the field, and renewed
his
attack upon the Trojans. Fear fell upon them as t
Trojans. Fear fell upon them as this mighty barbarian, instigated by
his
terrible passions, dealt death at every blow. Hec
ut terror at the thought of encountering so invincible a warrior; and
his
father, mother and friends, entreated him to avoi
roud to fly from an enemy; he met the ferocious Achilles, and died by
his
hand. Achilles afterwards fastened the dead body
by his hand. Achilles afterwards fastened the dead body of Hector to
his
car, and dragged it ignominiously round the tomb
Patroclus. Priam afterwards went to the tent of Achilles, and begged
his
son’s body. Achilles could not resist the supplic
natural beauty, and when he was brought back to Troy, and received by
his
mother, wife, and sister, Hecuba exclaimed, “Yet
uld be cruelly treated by whomsoever among the Greeks should make her
his
prisoner; he says, “I see thee weeping, tremblin
etched Priam kissed the hands that had been stained with the blood of
his
dear son, and supplicated the iron-hearted Achill
of his dear son, and supplicated the iron-hearted Achilles to restore
his
mangled form. Achilles, implacable as he had show
o allowed a truce; a suspension of hostilities, that Priam might bury
his
son, and the funeral honours were paid according
the place, inflicted a mortal wound upon the youth, who fell dead at
his
parents’ feet. Priam lifted his spear against the
ound upon the youth, who fell dead at his parents’ feet. Priam lifted
his
spear against the murderer, but in vain; his hand
ents’ feet. Priam lifted his spear against the murderer, but in vain;
his
hand was feeble, opposed to the strong arm of the
t compassion or reverence, seized the gray hair of Priam, and severed
his
head from his body. Hecuba was assigned, as a cap
r reverence, seized the gray hair of Priam, and severed his head from
his
body. Hecuba was assigned, as a captive, to Ulyss
hat was the fate of Hector’s wife and child? What became of Priam and
his
family? Is the history of Priam likely to be true
es and the goddess Venus. When Troy was in flames, Eneas escaped with
his
life, taking upon his shoulders his aged father,
us. When Troy was in flames, Eneas escaped with his life, taking upon
his
shoulders his aged father, Anchises, and in one h
was in flames, Eneas escaped with his life, taking upon his shoulders
his
aged father, Anchises, and in one hand his househ
taking upon his shoulders his aged father, Anchises, and in one hand
his
household gods, while he led, in his other hand,
ather, Anchises, and in one hand his household gods, while he led, in
his
other hand, his young son, Ascanius. Creusa, the
and in one hand his household gods, while he led, in his other hand,
his
young son, Ascanius. Creusa, the wife of Eneas, f
opes to establish himself in some country more favoured than Troy. In
his
voyage, Eneas stopped at Delos, the Strophades, C
ped at Delos, the Strophades, Crete, and Sicily. In Sicily, he buried
his
father; hence he would have continued his course
icily. In Sicily, he buried his father; hence he would have continued
his
course to Italy, but he was driven upon the coast
to the infernal regions, that he might learn the fate of himself, and
his
posterity. After a voyage of seven years, and the
was kindly received by Latinus, the king of the country, who gave him
his
daughter Lavinia, though she had been previously
les which ensued between Eneas and Turnus; that Eneas was assisted by
his
mother, Venus, and by Evander, and that, being ti
e was drowned in the Numicus, a river of Italy, being weighed down by
his
armour; and that the Latins, as the Romans afterw
he proper way to honour great men. Who was Eneas, and what became of
his
family at the destruction of Troy? Did Eneas imme
of his family at the destruction of Troy? Did Eneas immediately after
his
escape from Troy proceed to Italy? Can it be a fa
the Greeks at that time looked to Egypt for instruction. Thales, in
his
solicitude for improvement, repaired to Egypt, an
he philosophers of that country, was initiated in their doctrines. On
his
return to Asia Minor, he discoursed to his countr
ted in their doctrines. On his return to Asia Minor, he discoursed to
his
countrymen on various subjects of theology, moral
e Greeks who made discoveries in astronomy, and foretold eclipses. Of
his
theology and morals, the following tradition is p
ls, the following tradition is preserved; for, if he wrote any thing,
his
treatises are lost. Thales maintained that the su
t as a capital offender. The wise Solon was more just and humane, and
his
countrymen respected him so highly, that they cal
aphorism, “Know thyself.” — “Desire nothing too much,” was often in
his
mouth. Chilo had a beloved and accomplished son —
ed a victory at the Olympic games, and so overjoyed was the father by
his
son’s success, that he expired in embracing him.
ioned — like them he was a moral philosopher, though little more than
his
name now remains. He is said to have died suddenl
eir own. When Lesbos was attacked by the Athenians, Pittacus defended
his
countrymen and defeated their invaders. In gratit
defended his countrymen and defeated their invaders. In gratitude for
his
services, the people of Mytilene chose him for th
isdom. Periander, tyrant of Corinth, knew how to govern so as to keep
his
subjects in order, and his enemies in fear. He ca
Corinth, knew how to govern so as to keep his subjects in order, and
his
enemies in fear. He caused to be built and equipp
d man; he is remembered as a skilful politician, not as the father of
his
people, or for his virtuous example. Periander di
ered as a skilful politician, not as the father of his people, or for
his
virtuous example. Periander died 588 B. C. Who w
Bias? Who was Pittacus? For what is Cleobulus memorable, and who was
his
daughter? Was Periander of Corinth a virtuous man
ich was committed to the care of a guardian spirit. Besides Brahma in
his
three characters, and the guardian spirits, the H
of these are, Casgapa, the ancient god of the heavens, with Aditi
his
consort, parents of many of the inferior deities.
f the heavens; chief of the good spirits. His consort is named Sachi;
his
celestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta
d spirits. His consort is named Sachi; his celestial city, Amaravati;
his
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chie
s named Sachi; his celestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta;
his
garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his
lestial city, Amaravati; his palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana;
his
chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali;
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat;
his
charioteer, Matali; and his weapon, Vajra, or the
en, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali; and
his
weapon, Vajra, or the thunderbolt. He is the mast
gues, and body, are black. His eyes gleam like torches. The skirts of
his
robes are yellow. A sparkling jewel is hung on ea
rts of his robes are yellow. A sparkling jewel is hung on each one of
his
ears. His arms are extended and adorned with rich
is he still Himself the same, one form, one face, one will And these
his
twofold aspects are but one; And cha
other weapons of war. Seraswatti is the wife of Brahma, and emblem of
his
creative power, the patroness of the arts and sci
sented as riding in a chariot, drawn by seven green horses, guided by
his
charioteer Arun, or the dawn. Temples, in honour
age of the radiant divinity, hardly inferior to himself in splendour;
his
rays being imitated by a boundless profusion of r
ern gate are two very fine figures of elephants, each with a man upon
his
trunk. On the west are two surprising figures of
s is an incarnate deity. He was a celebrated conqueror, who delivered
his
wife Sita from the giant Ravan, King of Lanca. Ch
endidly decorated, wearing a rich garland of wild flowers, and having
his
ankles adorned with strings of pearls. His comple
nd hence, the large bee of that colour is often drawn fluttering over
his
head. His character and attributes greatly resemb
, a period of nineteen centuries; and where our Saviour himself spent
his
days on earth, that a universal corruption of rel
ere — prevents any particular individual from endeavouring to improve
his
fellow-citizens. In the history of modern Europe,
ed the universal father; the father of battles; because he adopted as
his
children all those who died with arms in their ha
, he governed them wisely and improved their condition; so that after
his
death they celebrated him equally as the god of w
hing to meet it, as he had often braved it in the field, he assembled
his
companions, and inflicted upon himself nine deep
anions, and inflicted upon himself nine deep wounds with the point of
his
lance. As he was expiring he declared that he was
As he was expiring he declared that he was going into Scythia to take
his
place amongst the other deities at the immortal b
ons. The fifth day of the week was dedicated to him, and called after
his
name, Thor’s day or Thursday. The principal of th
He was mild and eloquent, uttering just and irrevocable decrees. Into
his
palace no impure person could enter; and upon its
d to have power to revive the dead. He was killed unintentionally, by
his
blind brother, Hoder. Heimdal, the guardian of t
n the ground, and the wool on the backs of the sheep. Heimdal held in
his
hand a trumpet, the sound of which might be heard
of combats and disputes. He was represented with a cock’s crest upon
his
head. To the gods just described, may be added se
the Spirit dwells, And still if bold intruder come. Her voice unfolds
his
hidden doom. And oft the rugged ear of Hell Is so
of Niflheim. Uprose the king of men with speed, And saddled straight
his
coal-black steed; Down the yawning steep he rode.
e dog of darkness spied; His shaggy throat he opened wide. While from
his
jaws, with carnage filled, Foam and human gore di
most distinguished; to conduct the souls of heroes slain to Valhalla,
his
hall; and there to pour out for them the beverage
fulgent form. He who rules, by night, the heaven. Wist not where
his
beams to throw. All to barren darkness given.
Mark their steel divinely glancing, Imir falls in holy fight! Of
his
bones, the rocks high swelling Of his flesh t
ir falls in holy fight! Of his bones, the rocks high swelling Of
his
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide
nes, the rocks high swelling Of his flesh the glebe is made; From
his
veins the tide is welling. And his locks are
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide is welling. And
his
locks are verdant shade. Hark! his crest with go
eins the tide is welling. And his locks are verdant shade. Hark!
his
crest with gold adorning. Chanticleer on Odin
Chanticleer on Odin calls. Hark! another bird of morning Claps
his
wings in Hela’s halls. Nature shines in glory be
e light of morn? ’Tis Heimdallar’s form immortal, Shrill resounds
his
golden horn. Say, proud warder, robed in glory,
ed the lofty sky? On the wings of tempest riding, Surtur spreads
his
fiery spell; Elves in secret caves are hiding;
om eye hath never seen Earth and heaven and powers infernal, Mark
his
port and awful mien. He shall judge, and he shal
ntelligent inhabitants. The ninth stanza supposes Imir to perish, and
his
substance to form the material world. The Scriptu
d. Adonis or Thammuz was worshipped throughout Phrygia and Syria, and
his
supposed death by the tusks of a wild boar was an
els loud, Their children’s cries unheard; that passed through fire To
his
glim idol. Him the Ammonite Worshipped in Rabba,
atery plain. Next Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab’s sons; Peor,
his
other name. With these, in troop, Came Astoreth,
Whose annual wound, in Lebanon, allured The Syrian damsels to lament
his
fate. ————————— Next, came one Who mourned in ear
—— Next, came one Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark Maimed
his
brute image; head and hands lopped off. Dagon hi
captive ark Maimed his brute image; head and hands lopped off. Dagon
his
name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish;
Dagon his name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish; yet had
his
temple high, Reared in Azotus dreaded through the
Of Abana and Pharpar, lucid streams. ——————— The captive ark Maimed
his
brute image. These lines concerning Dagon and th
temple of Dagon, but on the following morning, Dagon was broken from
his
pedestal, and lay upon the earth. As soon as they
s pedestal, and lay upon the earth. As soon as they saw it prostrate,
his
worshippers replaced the image; but it was not su
ations, and who imitated their idolatries? Who was Baal, and what was
his
worship? Who was Dagon, and the other principal g
s depicted as a naked boy, crowned with an Egyptian mitre. He held in
his
left hand the horn of plenty, whilst a finger of
itre. He held in his left hand the horn of plenty, whilst a finger of
his
right hand was placed upon his lip, to denote sil
the horn of plenty, whilst a finger of his right hand was placed upon
his
lip, to denote silence. What rites were peculiar
consisted in the belief of one supreme God, who formed all things by
his
power, and continually governs them by his provid
, who formed all things by his power, and continually governs them by
his
providence; in pious reverence, fear, and love of
o pretend to form visible images of Orosmades, or to erect temples to
his
honour, with the idea of him making them his dwel
, or to erect temples to his honour, with the idea of him making them
his
dwelling-place. They venerated fire as his sacred
he idea of him making them his dwelling-place. They venerated fire as
his
sacred emblem; the sun as his image; and their wo
dwelling-place. They venerated fire as his sacred emblem; the sun as
his
image; and their worship of him consisted in bloo
rom Zoroaster was the song derived, Who, on the hills of Persia, from
his
cave, By flowers environed and melodious founts.
genial warmth, whence teeming nature smiles, Burst from the east, at
his
creating voice; When straight beyond the golden v
ful Arimanius frowned. The author foul of evil: How, with shades From
his
dire mansion, he deformed the works Of Oromazes;
avarice, blasts the joy. But yet at last, shall Arimanius fall Before
his
might, and evil be no more. Glover’sLeonidas.
en, some imperfect accounts that God had long ago declared himself to
his
creatures, savages describe that God as many gods
d wonders like the Hebrew Samson. Jephthah, a Hebrew general, offered
his
daughter to his god; and Agamemnon, the Greek chi
he Hebrew Samson. Jephthah, a Hebrew general, offered his daughter to
his
god; and Agamemnon, the Greek chief, sacrificed h
d his daughter to his god; and Agamemnon, the Greek chief, sacrificed
his
daughter Iphigenia to Diana. These are only a few
ns. The Romans celebrate the reign of Saturn, and call the time of
his
government the Golden Age; and they honoured his
and call the time of his government the Golden Age; and they honoured
his
memory, because he loved peace and detested war,
oured his memory, because he loved peace and detested war, and taught
his
subjects to be industrious, and to love one anoth
, which was commenced under the instructions of a good king, who kept
his
people in peace and order, and they worshipped hi
who kept his people in peace and order, and they worshipped him after
his
death as their benefactor. The Mexicans could nev
ed profound wisdom in laws which he made, and an excellent example in
his
conduct. Quet-zal-cot also taught the art of dyin
ingly left the country, but never reached Tlapalla. He was stopped on
his
way at the city of Cholula, where the inhabitants
n his way at the city of Cholula, where the inhabitants, charmed with
his
gracious manners, persuaded him to remain with th
ir benefactor’s death, but that he disappeared from among them. After
his
disappearance, temples in honour of Quet-zal-cot
s of rivers; and the people often resorted to mountains, to celebrate
his
worship. Tlaloc ruled over some inferior water go
say, “Does not Mexitli (or any other god) behold me now;” and kissing
his
hand, he touched the earth with it. His declarati
ubjects of Jupiter and guardians of men.” Because Socrates said that
his
genius inspired him, his enemies accused him of w
ardians of men.” Because Socrates said that his genius inspired him,
his
enemies accused him of worshipping an unacknowled
eity, carried Paul to the Areopagus, that he might give an account of
his
doctrines; but from that day, the old dark supers
s shown for the images of the gods. Alcibiades was obliged to fly for
his
life, because he was only suspected of irreverenc
id their foundation in the beginning; who lifted their lofty heads to
his
own heaven, and who has fixed the everlasting hil
of Apollo, appears before Agamemnon, and implores the restoration of
his
daughter Chryseis. The Hebrew priests were requir
but if the birds took a contrary course, an evil presage took hold of
his
imagination; and he was thrown, by his foolish su
, an evil presage took hold of his imagination; and he was thrown, by
his
foolish superstition, into apprehension of some c
ich promised him many blessings; and awaking, he felt the presence of
his
Maker. — “And Jacob rose up early in the morning
rose up early in the morning, and took the stone which he had put for
his
pillow, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oi
ed of a crime or having committed one, would seek some altar, and lay
his
hands upon the horns; or he would enter a temple,
nd lay his hands upon the horns; or he would enter a temple, and when
his
pursuers overtook him, they would not tear him fr
e places. Sometimes the criminal would not be suffered to escape from
his
asylum, and was thus famished to death. Besides t
on innocent persons, by the Greeks. The exiled person was driven from
his
house, and was forced to entreat compassion from
tering a word, would sit down among the ashes upon the hearth, and by
his
looks express his forlorn condition; and thus app
ld sit down among the ashes upon the hearth, and by his looks express
his
forlorn condition; and thus appeal to the pity of
rth is a common expression. The master of a house would not drag from
his
hearth the unhappy exile who entreated his protec
house would not drag from his hearth the unhappy exile who entreated
his
protection. What are temples? What were altars a
re said of Phidias,13 that as a sculptor, he particularly excelled in
his
statues of horses. Perhaps some notion may be con
atues of horses. Perhaps some notion may be conceived of the magic of
his
art, when it is related, that of a hundred horses
uired if it were the will of the gods, that the Spartans should adopt
his
laws. The oracle replied that it was the divine w
ill I cleanse you.” When Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, against
his
conviction of his innocence, was about to give up
” When Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, against his conviction of
his
innocence, was about to give up the blameless Jes
viction of his innocence, was about to give up the blameless Jesus to
his
enemies, “he took water, and washed his hands bef
ive up the blameless Jesus to his enemies, “he took water, and washed
his
hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent
ncluded with a petition that the god who was addressed would continue
his
favour to the supplicants. Various offerings besi
. Piety is a disposition to bear God in mind, to thank him always for
his
manifold goodness. This disposition was always ch
atened would actually overtake the accursed person, and sometimes all
his
posterity. “All men are afraid of imprecations,”
in the forty-fourth chapter of Genesis. The patriarch Jacob assembles
his
children around his death-bed, and upon some, he
chapter of Genesis. The patriarch Jacob assembles his children around
his
death-bed, and upon some, he pronounces blessings
the inheritance of Esau, he could not withdraw the blessing, and give
his
property to the first-born, because he had, as it
“Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by
his
name.” — Deuteronomy. There was another mode of s
s by the elements, the sun, moon, or stars; or, a king would swear by
his
sceptre, a soldier by his spear, a fisherman by h
, moon, or stars; or, a king would swear by his sceptre, a soldier by
his
spear, a fisherman by his nets, etc. Thus Achille
ng would swear by his sceptre, a soldier by his spear, a fisherman by
his
nets, etc. Thus Achilles, in the Iliad, addressin
either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is
his
footstool,” etc. This injunction was given becaus
hundred and thirty years after God had given this promise to Abraham,
his
posterity was increased to six hundred thousand p
ersons, and then God appointed one of this nation to be instructer of
his
people, Israel. This person was Moses. God, about
God, about fourteen centuries before Christ, gave to Moses a law for
his
people to observe. This law is contained in the P
nto the fables of their religion. The worship which God appointed for
his
people the Hebrews, is described in the book of L
, and perfected by the Messiah; who only laid aside the ceremonies of
his
country, but has preserved through all time, the
ss of life. This vow was only made for a time. The Nazarite permitted
his
hair to grow during the time for which the vow wa
hair. Milton says, “blue-haired deit’es.” See Comus. 4. Menelaus and
his
associates. 5. One of the Furies. 6. Chersonesu
as was banished by the Athenians, because they accused him of carving
his
own image upon the shield of Minerva. Phidias ret
where he produced a statue of Jupiter, which was the most admired of
his
performances. 14. See note to Francklin’s Sophoc
ce to come under the eye of any of them, and should he happen to find
his
ideas anywhere adopted without a reference to his
d he happen to find his ideas anywhere adopted without a reference to
his
work, I trust he will have the candour to impute
iend Mr. St. John, whose enthusiasm for Greece far exceeds mine ; and
his
work, when it appears, will, I am confident, be f
inst us, it becomes every author to take an opportunity of expressing
his
sentiments on it. The following are mine. No fall
period of copyright provided the author be empowered to transfer all
his
rights to them, and that any extension of the ter
ublic be the gainer ; and if an author has parted, or will part, with
his
copyright, let it become common property at the e
part, with his copyright, let it become common property at the end of
his
life, or of the twenty-eight years. Otherwise the
.» Perhaps the idea was suggested to Sidney by Psalm xix. 5. Tasso in
his
Rime Amorose (canz. viii. 25), has «Rose dico e
«Rose dico e viole, A cui madre è la Terra e padre il Sole ;» and in
his
note on it he says, «È detto ad imitazione del Po
metos, apparently another form of Hades (p. 122), was also famous for
his
herds. We find the herds of Hades (p. 360) pastur
σκω, to feed) is the Herdsman, and is the same as Hermes. The name of
his
wife, we may observe (see p. 381), is Chthonia. H
Jupiter Capitolinus holding a sceptre and a patera, a crown lying in
his
lap. G. M. 44. Passeri, Lucern. i. 28. Plate
r. Coin of the Sentian family. G. M. 4. — 2. Kronos with the harpe in
his
hand. G. M. 1. Winkelman, Pierres Gravées de Stos
1. Demeter and Triptolemos in a chariot drawn by dragons ; he has in
his
chlamys the seed which he is to scatter abroad ;
; a Genius hovers over her ; a female stands behind her. Heracles has
his
lion-skin and club ; a female with a thyrse stand
ip. de l’Egypte Antiq. i. pl. 22. Plate X. 1. Iasôn putting on
his
sandal. Statue, G. M. 416. Mus. Pio Clem. iii. 48
in the soul of man, and the ready eloquence which at times flows from
his
lips, being referable to no known cause, would be
iving pure spirit, and he knows no form so perfect or so beautiful as
his
own, and none so well adapted to be the vehicle o
aturally, therefore, fell into the habit of assigning a human form to
his
gods ; but a human form divested of weakness and
but a human form divested of weakness and imperfection, and raised to
his
highest ideal of beauty, strength and power, yet
o their duration. In the eyes of their worshipers these gods had each
his
distinct personal existence and sphere of action.
ves, that it was the god who had sent the pestilence on the prayer of
his
priest9. How far this theory is well founded, and
who lived on the west side adopted the ingenious expedient of pelting
his
adversary with balls of ox-fat, which sticking to
ient of pelting his adversary with balls of ox-fat, which sticking to
his
body and there taking fire, annoyed him beyond me
e priests, were produced from the mouth of Bramah ; the warriors from
his
arms ; the traders from his thighs ; the Parias,
m the mouth of Bramah ; the warriors from his arms ; the traders from
his
thighs ; the Parias, or lowest class, from his fe
rms ; the traders from his thighs ; the Parias, or lowest class, from
his
feet. The poor Laplanders account for the differe
aw as he was one day on the seashore a huge lion approaching him with
his
mouth wide open. In his terror he uttered a praye
the seashore a huge lion approaching him with his mouth wide open. In
his
terror he uttered a prayer to Dionysos and fled t
climbed. The lion came and laid himself at the foot of the tree with
his
mouth still open, as if he required compassion, a
f he required compassion, and Elpis saw that a bone was stuck fast in
his
teeth which prevented him from eating ; he took p
coast the grateful lion brought each day a portion of the produce of
his
hunting, and Elpis on his return to Samos built a
rought each day a portion of the produce of his hunting, and Elpis on
his
return to Samos built a temple to the Gaping Dion
h king Richard I. was called Lion-heart (Cœur de Lion), on account of
his
valour and intrepidity ; and this title gave occa
this title gave occasion to a legend, alluded to by Shakspeare32, of
his
combat with a lion, and pulling out his heart. Th
lluded to by Shakspeare32, of his combat with a lion, and pulling out
his
heart. The rich melodious language of poets and o
pe of some branch of human science. The illustrious Bacon38 exercised
his
ingenuity in deriving ethical and political doctr
it is but too well known how, in our own days, Sir William Jones and
his
followers have been deceived by their own imagina
t the goddesses had indeed cohabited with Zeus, but they had not been
his
lawful wives. And this, if I mistake not, is the
nsorts of the Olympian king, each of whom we look upon as having been
his
sole and lawful wife in the creed of some one or
pides, the poet appears at times to have found it necessary to inform
his
audience in a long prologue of what they were abo
uty, in the description of which the writer exerted all the powers of
his
imagination. At a distance of several miles from
om Crete, whence they had been brought by Zeus after he had succeeded
his
predecessors Uranos and Kronos in the empire of t
o this monument, been the most potent of monarchs : the chief seat of
his
dominion had been Crete, where he died and was bu
iculture, and thus reformed their manners. He gradually reduced under
his
sway the greater part of the world. By study of t
e reputation of being of a nature superior to man ; and when he died,
his
people gave him divine honours and named the heav
, whence she was called the Great Mother. She succeeded her father in
his
dominion ; and after some time she married Hyperi
he people and the highest mountain of the country after himself. Like
his
father he was addicted to astronomy ; he first ta
tious of the Titans, ruled over Libya, Sicily, and Italy. He espoused
his
sister Rhea, who bore a son named Zeus, in all th
sister Rhea, who bore a son named Zeus, in all things the opposite of
his
grim sire ; whence the people, delighted with his
ngs the opposite of his grim sire ; whence the people, delighted with
his
virtues, named him Father, and finally placed him
m on the throne. Kronos, aided by the other Titans, sought to recover
his
dominion ; but the new monarch defeated him, and
led, the lord of the whole world and the benefactor of mankind. After
his
death he was deified by his grateful subjects. We
orld and the benefactor of mankind. After his death he was deified by
his
grateful subjects. We will not pursue any further
ideas entertained on this subject by the most accomplished Romans of
his
time. After the conflict had commenced between He
on of the Choice of Hercules, and Protagoras’ story of Prometheus and
his
brother84. We are now arrived at the Alexandrian
eir earth iron)122, and its upper surface as the abode of Jehovah and
his
holy angels, the place where he had formed his ma
e abode of Jehovah and his holy angels, the place where he had formed
his
magazines of hail, rain, snow, and frost123. Acco
ent Greeks, to compare with it that invented by our own great poet in
his
Paradise Lost, more especially as it is a subject
ubject which does not seem to have attracted much of the attention of
his
commentators. According to Milton the universe pr
pyreal Heaven, and Chaos. The former was the abode of God himself and
his
angels ; it was of immense magnitude, being …………
ost. It contained the ‘embryon atoms’ which the Almighty employed in
his
creations, being The womb of Nature, and perhaps
ternal glory, rode Far into Chaos and the world unborn ; and placing
his
golden compasses set off the space for the world
thrust them out of sight into a cavern of Earth141 , who, grieved at
his
unnatural conduct, produced the ‘substance of hoa
them all except Kronos, who lying in wait with the sickle with which
his
mother had armed him, mutilated his unsuspecting
n wait with the sickle with which his mother had armed him, mutilated
his
unsuspecting sire. The drops which fell on the ea
nd whirlwinds. The progeny of the Titans was numerous. Oceanos had by
his
sister Tethys all the rivers that flow on the ear
Demeter, Hera, Aïdes, Poseidôn, and Zeus. Kronos, having learned from
his
parents, Heaven and Earth, that he was fated to b
parents, Heaven and Earth, that he was fated to be deprived by one of
his
sons of the kingdom which he had taken from his f
be deprived by one of his sons of the kingdom which he had taken from
his
father, devoured his children as fast as they wer
his sons of the kingdom which he had taken from his father, devoured
his
children as fast as they were born. Rhea, when ab
by Earth, she concealed him in a cavern of Crete, and gave a stone in
his
stead to Kronos. This stone he afterwards threw u
ho in return distributed honours and dominion among the associates of
his
victory. In this theogony order and philosophical
inclosed within the earth, and cannot act till Uranos is deprived of
his
procreative power, and Aphrodite is produced. The
n the most splendid poetry ; but the contradictions and variations in
his
narrative give convincing proof of its being alie
is made to mutilate Kronos as Kronos did Uranos160. The latter hides
his
children under the earth, the former swallows his
0. The latter hides his children under the earth, the former swallows
his
. Kronos is the youngest child, so is Zeus ; the T
ivide the dominion of the world, so do the Kronids. As Kronos devours
his
children for fear of their dethroning him, so som
Olympians to bind Zeus is mentioned, in which Briareôs again comes to
his
aid163. There would also appear to have been some
their offspring in particular, omitting Iapetos, whom we shall set in
his
proper place at the head of mankind. Though Night
ith Night, ‘the subduer of gods and men,’ whom Zeus revering remitted
his
anger173. The poet gives here no intimation of an
s her as driving through Olympos, — the sky according to the views of
his
time ; Theocritus179 calls the stars ‘the attenda
Oceanus et Tethys. Oceanos, the first-born of the Titans, espoused
his
sister Tethys. Their offspring were the rivers of
m and Tethys as the origin of the gods184. When Zeus, he says, placed
his
sire in Tartaros, Rhea committed her daughter Her
est186. He dwelt, according to Æschylus, in a grotto-palace ; beneath
his
stream, as it would appear187. In the ‘Prometheus
d advise the lofty-minded sufferer ; and from the account he gives of
his
journey it is manifest he came from the West. Whe
rney it is manifest he came from the West. When Hercules was crossing
his
stream in the cup of the sungod to fetch the oxen
he sungod to fetch the oxen of Geryôn, Oceanos rose, and by agitating
his
waters tried to terrify him, but on the hero's be
agitating his waters tried to terrify him, but on the hero's bending
his
bow at him he retired188. In the Ilias189 Oceanos
ight to men and gods during the day. In the Odyssey, when Helios ends
his
diurnal career, he is said to go under the earth1
east and set in the west each day, were naturally led to inquire how
his
return to the east was effected. If then, as ther
to feign that on reaching the western stream of Ocean Helios himself,
his
chariot and his horses, were received into a magi
reaching the western stream of Ocean Helios himself, his chariot and
his
horses, were received into a magic cup or boat ma
eyed him during the night round the northern part of the earth, where
his
light was only enjoyed by the happy Hyperboreans,
re told, in the Titanomachia of Arctinos or Eumelos201. Peisander, in
his
Heracleia, represented Oceanos giving the hero th
the Sun-god’s cup to pass over to Erytheia ; and Stesichorus said in
his
Geryoneïs, Helios Hyperionides Into the golden c
cean passed, He to the depths of sacred gloomy Night might come, Unto
his
mother and his wedded wife, And his dear children
to the depths of sacred gloomy Night might come, Unto his mother and
his
wedded wife, And his dear children ; but the grov
red gloomy Night might come, Unto his mother and his wedded wife, And
his
dear children ; but the grove with laurel shaded
d The son of Zeus went into202. Mimnermus had the following lines in
his
poem named Nanno. Helios is doomed to labour eve
s doomed to labour every day ; And rest there never is for him Or for
his
horses, when rose-fingered Eôs Leaves Ocean and t
ingered Eôs Leaves Ocean and to heaven ascends. For through the waves
his
loved bed beareth him, Hollow and formed of preci
sleeping god, From the Hesperides’ to the Æthiops’ land, Where stand
his
horses and swift car Until the air-born Eôs goeth
arth during the night ; and in the following passage of the same poet
his
palace is evidently situated in the East. Æetes’
situated in the East. Æetes’ city, where swift Helios’ beams Within
his
golden chamber lie, By Ocean’s marge, whither bol
o in the East that ‘the stables’ of Helios are placed by Euripides in
his
Phaëthôn204; while in another passage205 he speak
s that it grew for Helios in the Isles of the Blest, and that he gave
his
horses their evening meal (δόρπον) of it to recru
and Statius208, in a beautiful passage, describes the Sun as loosing
his
steeds on the margin of the western sea, where th
god drives them round the Ocean to the East. In two other passages of
his
wild poem210 Nonnus places the abode of the Sun i
Helios are thus richly described by Claudian211 : Thus having said,
his
gardens all bedewed With yellow fires he (Sol) en
said, his gardens all bedewed With yellow fires he (Sol) enters, and
his
vale, Which a strong-flaming stream surrounding p
which the Sun’s steeds pasture. There he binds With fragrant wreaths
his
locks, and the bright manes And yellow reins of h
fragrant wreaths his locks, and the bright manes And yellow reins of
his
wing-footed steeds. He does not, however, tell t
the site of this brilliant spot ; but as the Sun sets out from it on
his
diurnal course, when his steeds’ manes have been
nt spot ; but as the Sun sets out from it on his diurnal course, when
his
steeds’ manes have been adorned by Lucifer and Au
ng. Perhaps the prevalent opinion was that the Sun rested himself and
his
weary steeds in the West, and then returned to th
ays Homer218, fed the flocks and herds of Helios, under the charge of
his
daughters, the nymphs Phaëthusa and Lampetia (Shi
im more frequently than to other deities for obvious reasons, such as
his
being, as it were, the celestial shepherd or over
Brightness ?), a daughter of Oceanos, Helios was father of Æetes, and
his
sister Circe the great enchantress223, and of Pas
spoused Minôs the son of Zeus224. The nymphs just mentioned, who kept
his
cattle, were his children by Neæra (Newness ?)225
son of Zeus224. The nymphs just mentioned, who kept his cattle, were
his
children by Neæra (Newness ?)225. Augeas, king of
ng disputed by Epaphos the son of Zeus, he journeyed to the palace of
his
sire, from whom he extracted an unwary oath that
trated, but to no purpose. The youth persisted, and the god, bound by
his
oath, reluctantly committed the reins to his hand
d, and the god, bound by his oath, reluctantly committed the reins to
his
hands, warning him of the dangers of the road, an
ion would have ensued, had not Zeus, at the prayer of Earth, launched
his
thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from his
of Earth, launched his thunder, and hurled the terrified driver from
his
seat. He fell into the river Eridanos. His sister
into the river Eridanos. His sisters, the Heliades, as they lamented
his
fate were turned into poplar trees229 on its bank
d of the Hyperboreans, an exile from heaven on account of the fate of
his
son Asclepios. But as this did not accord with th
daughter of Oceanos, was beloved by the Sun-god ; but he transferred
his
affections to Leucothea, daughter of Orchamos (Ru
ght, in the form of her mother. The virgin was obliged to comply with
his
wishes, and Clytia filled with jealous rage disco
illed with jealous rage discovered the secret to Orchamos, who buried
his
hapless daughter alive. The god, unable to save h
ad altars at Corinth, Argos, and some other places. The chief seat of
his
worship was the isle of Rhodes, where stood the c
d the celebrated Colossus, or statue of brass seventy cubits high, in
his
honour239. The legend said240 that, when Zeus and
th among them by lot, the Sun happening to be absent got no share. On
his
reminding Zeus of this, the god was about to make
hodes emerged from the deep. Helios is represented by artists driving
his
four-horse chariot, his head surrounded with rays
eep. Helios is represented by artists driving his four-horse chariot,
his
head surrounded with rays, a whip in his hand, an
ving his four-horse chariot, his head surrounded with rays, a whip in
his
hand, and preceded by Eosphoros. Sometimes he is
nd preceded by Eosphoros. Sometimes he is standing with a flambeau in
his
hand, and two of his horses near him. This god wa
ros. Sometimes he is standing with a flambeau in his hand, and two of
his
horses near him. This god was styled241, 1. Morta
ene is the sister of Helios, but another view of the subject made her
his
daughter, he being the source of her light252; wh
escend to him every night on the summit of Mount Latmos, the place of
his
repose255. The god Pan was also said to have gain
darts of Artemis274. Cleitos (Bright ?), the son of Mantios, was for
his
exceeding beauty snatched away by her, ‘that he m
eeping over the visage and limbs of her beautiful lover. When she saw
his
hairs blanching, she abstained from his bed, but
beautiful lover. When she saw his hairs blanching, she abstained from
his
bed, but still kept him and treated him with due
osial food and fair garments’. But when he was no longer able to move
his
limbs, she deemed it the wisest course to shut hi
to move his limbs, she deemed it the wisest course to shut him up in
his
chamber, whence his feeble voice was incessantly
she deemed it the wisest course to shut him up in his chamber, whence
his
feeble voice was incessantly heard277. Later poet
os is not apparent289. Pallas (Shaker ?) would seem from the names of
his
offspring to be of a moral, not of a physical nat
ecatos, one of the epithets of Apollo298, and is itself an epithet of
his
sister Artemis299. It was a common practice with
the gods worshiped throughout all Greece. The mutilation of Uranos by
his
youngest son Kronos, and the overthrow of the lat
his youngest son Kronos, and the overthrow of the latter by Zeus and
his
other children, the Kronids, have been already na
names Kronos and Iapetos311, but he evidently included the others in
his
view of the subject312. At a later period it was
er period it was said that Zeus had released the Titans313. Hesiod in
his
didactic poem314 says that Kronos ruled over the
e departed heroes of Greece dwelt beneath the mild rule of Kronos and
his
assessor Rhadamanthys. In the ‘Prometheus Loosed’
ty-bestowing’ Erinnyes319. The only adventure recorded of this god is
his
amour with the Ocean-nymph Philyra : dreading the
is his amour with the Ocean-nymph Philyra : dreading the jealousy of
his
wife Rhea, he changed her into a mare, and himsel
a horse of perfect strength and beauty, says, Such, at the coming of
his
wife, the swift Saturnus’ self upon his equine cr
says, Such, at the coming of his wife, the swift Saturnus’ self upon
his
equine crest Poured out a mane, and lofty Pelion
upon his equine crest Poured out a mane, and lofty Pelion filled With
his
shrill neighings as away he fled. This legend, i
noticed by Pindar322. Probably the praise of Cheirôn by Homer323 for
his
love of justice, led to the making him the offspr
d over the golden race of men ; and if, as it would appear, he taught
his
heroic pupils music as well as other accomplishme
; he is married to Rhea (ῥέα, flowingly), and time flows ; he devours
his
own children, and time destroys what it has broug
e slight analogy of this practice with the legend of Kronos devouring
his
children, may have sufficed for the Greeks to inf
tins327. The fabled flight of this last from Olympos to Hesperia, and
his
there establishing the golden age, may have been
o temples of Kronos in Greece328; but the Athenians had a festival in
his
honour named the Kronia, which was celebrated on
by the elder poets is Crooked-counselled 331. This probably refers to
his
art in mutilating his sire. Chapter V. THE
Crooked-counselled 331. This probably refers to his art in mutilating
his
sire. Chapter V. THE HOMERIC GODS IN GENER
dwell in bliss332. We have observed above, that man loves to bestow
his
own form upon his gods, as being the noblest that
. We have observed above, that man loves to bestow his own form upon
his
gods, as being the noblest that he can conceive.
handed round by Hebe (Youth), Apollo delights them with the tones of
his
lyre, and the Muses in responsive strains pour fo
voices in song. When the sun descends, each god retires to repose in
his
own dwelling345. They frequently partake of the h
air and clouds, which had fallen to him by lot on the dethronement of
his
father Kronos ; the sea was the realm of his brot
t on the dethronement of his father Kronos ; the sea was the realm of
his
brother Poseidôn ; the under-world fell to Aïdes,
ty353. Zeus however, as eldest brother354, exercised a supremacy, and
his
power was the greatest. The other inhabitants of
a the sister and spouse of Zeus, Apollo the god of music and archery,
his
sister Artemis the goddess of the chace, and thei
heir cheering beams abroad. Of the residents of Olympos, its king and
his
son Hephæstos356 alone knew the pleasures or the
eded from the workshop of Hephæstos was filled with automatic power ;
his
statues were endowed with intelligence360 ; his t
ith automatic power ; his statues were endowed with intelligence360 ;
his
tripods could move of themselves ; he made the go
r. Zeus is in the Ilias the eldest son of Kronos and Rhea. He and
his
brothers, Poseidôn and Hades, divided the world b
is the fountain378. Zeus is called the ‘father of men and gods’379 ;
his
power over both is represented as supreme380, and
and gods’379 ; his power over both is represented as supreme380, and
his
will is fate. Earthly monarchs obtain their autho
te. Earthly monarchs obtain their authority from him381; they are but
his
vicegerents, and are distinguished by epithets de
e but his vicegerents, and are distinguished by epithets derived from
his
name382. In his palace on Olympos Zeus lives afte
rents, and are distinguished by epithets derived from his name382. In
his
palace on Olympos Zeus lives after the fashion of
mpos Zeus lives after the fashion of a Grecian prince in the midst of
his
family ; altercations and quarrels occur between
midst of his family ; altercations and quarrels occur between him and
his
queen, Hera383; and, though in general kind and a
d his queen, Hera383; and, though in general kind and affectionate to
his
children, he occasionally menaces or treats them
d order. No indecent altercations occur ; both gods and men submit to
his
power without a murmur, yet he is anxious to show
o his power without a murmur, yet he is anxious to show the equity of
his
decrees and to ‘justify his ways385.’ The Theogon
, yet he is anxious to show the equity of his decrees and to ‘justify
his
ways385.’ The Theogony, as we have seen, represen
and according to it the supreme power was freely conferred on him by
his
brothers, and he thus became the acknowledged hea
. Though Homer names the parents of nearly all the gods who appear in
his
poems, and it follows thence that they must have
es, he never indicates any spot of earth as the natal place of any of
his
gods386. A very ancient tradition, however, (for
while the Curetes387 danced about him clashing their arms to prevent
his
cries from reaching the ears of Kronos388. Accord
the streams of Ocean, and on nectar which an eagle drew each day with
his
beak from a rock389. This legend was gradually pr
merely the cave in which he was reared, but the tomb which contained
his
remains, was shown by the ‘lying Cretans390 The
wallowed her ; and after a time the goddess Pallas Athene sprang from
his
head. He then married Themis, who bore him the Se
ecies of transmutation and disguise was employed by him to accomplish
his
object. He assumed the form of her husband Amphit
view more closely the conduct of mankind over whom he ruled. Such was
his
visit to Lycaôn king of Arcadia, whom he punished
d. Such was his visit to Lycaôn king of Arcadia, whom he punished for
his
impiety ; and that on occasion of which the piety
ost pleasing tale is that of Philemôn and Baucis, narrated by Ovid in
his
most agreeable manner, to the following effect400
a humble cottage where dwelt an aged man, named Philemôn, with Baucis
his
wife, of equal years : by them the wayfarers were
years : by them the wayfarers were gladly received. The poet pleases
his
imagination amidst the luxury of Rome in describi
na403. In like manner the eagle was evidently the bird best suited to
his
service404. The celebrated Ægis405, the shield wh
n Elis, where every fourth year the Olympian games were celebrated in
his
honour : he had also a splendid fane in the isle
His great oracle was at Dodona, where, even in the Pelasgian period,
his
priests, the Selli, announced his will and futuri
here, even in the Pelasgian period, his priests, the Selli, announced
his
will and futurity409. Zeus was represented by the
resented by the artists as the model of dignity and majesty of mien ;
his
countenance grave but mild. He is seated on a thr
is countenance grave but mild. He is seated on a throne, and grasping
his
sceptre and the thunder. The eagle is standing be
nd others of similar signification. The epithets of Zeus derived from
his
offices, such as Xenios, as protector of stranger
hat he came riding on a dolphin, and thus won her affection ; and for
his
service he placed the dolphin among the stars418.
his service he placed the dolphin among the stars418. Poseidôn, like
his
brother Zeus, had a numerous progeny both by godd
med the equine form419. According to one account the nymph Rhodos was
his
daughter by Aphrodite420. Tyro, the daughter of S
moneus, and wife of Cretheus, loved the river Enipeus, and frequented
his
stream ; Poseidôn, under the form of the river-go
ccording to a Thessalian legend, he smote a rock in that country with
his
trident, and forth sprang the first horse, which
s, when Zeus returns from Ida to Olympos, it is Poseidôn that unyokes
his
horses432; the same god is said to have given the
is so notorious, that few, we should suppose, would lay any stress on
his
testimony in these matters. Had a god of the sea
places where the scenes of the supposed contests are laid451. Beside
his
residence on Olympos, Poseidôn had a splendid pal
palace beneath the sea at Ægæ452. Homer gives a noble description of
his
passage from it on his way to Troy, his chariot-w
at Ægæ452. Homer gives a noble description of his passage from it on
his
way to Troy, his chariot-wheels but touching the
gives a noble description of his passage from it on his way to Troy,
his
chariot-wheels but touching the watery plain, and
Poseidôn is represented, like Zeus, of a serene and majestic aspect ;
his
form is strong and muscular. He usually bears in
ajestic aspect ; his form is strong and muscular. He usually bears in
his
hand the trident, the three-pronged symbol of his
He usually bears in his hand the trident, the three-pronged symbol of
his
power : the dolphin and other marine objects acco
symbol of his power : the dolphin and other marine objects accompany
his
images. The poetic epithets of Poseidôn are456, 1
springs and rivers as well as of the sea. The legends respecting him (
his
amour with Demeter, the earth, for instance,) are
are on this supposition easy of explanation. The simple Doric form of
his
name, Ποτίδας, shows its true origin to be from t
is described as being inexorable and deaf to supplication, — for from
his
realms there is no return, — and an object of ave
men458. All the latter were sure to be sooner or later collected into
his
kingdom. His name appears to denote invisibility
adventures of this god were few, for the gloomy nature of himself and
his
realm did not offer much field for such legends o
ch legends of the gods as Grecian fancy delighted in ; yet he too had
his
love-adventures. The tale of his carrying off Per
fancy delighted in ; yet he too had his love-adventures. The tale of
his
carrying off Persephone (which we shall relate at
λεύκη, white poplar,) to spring up in the Elysian Fields. Another of
his
loves was the nymph Mentha, whom Persephone out o
lms of day465 ; others that it was in Pylos, where the god was aiding
his
worshipers against the son of Zeus466. The region
ce475; and the three judges, Minôs, Æacos, and Rhadamanthys, allotted
his
place of bliss or of pain to each of the dead who
eleventh book of Homer's Odyssey. The poet Claudian480 too has, with
his
usual elegance, drawn a luxuriant description of
ns of Greece to Egypt is not yet extinct. Before we quit Aïdoneus and
his
realms, we must call attention to the circumstanc
g Diomedes, wore it to conceal her from Ares486. When Perseus went on
his
expedition against the Gorgons, the helm of invis
his expedition against the Gorgons, the helm of invisibility covered
his
brows487. This helmet of Hades will find its para
y. By artists, the god of the nether-world was represented similar to
his
brothers, but he was distinguished from them by h
sented similar to his brothers, but he was distinguished from them by
his
gloomy and rigid mien. He usually bears a two-pro
by his gloomy and rigid mien. He usually bears a two-pronged fork in
his
hand. The poets called Hades488, 1. Subterranean
elf the agent in removing from the realms of day those who were to be
his
subjects. Pindar speaks of the staff of Hades, wi
onos and Rhea, and wife and sister to Zeus499. When the latter placed
his
sire in Tartaros, Rhea committed Hera to the care
02. According to the Argive legend, Zeus, who had long secretly loved
his
sister, watched one day when she was out walking
oor bird, as she thought him, with her mantle, and Zeus then resuming
his
proper form accomplished his wishes. But when she
with her mantle, and Zeus then resuming his proper form accomplished
his
wishes. But when she had implored him in the name
of her mother to spare her, he gave her a solemn promise to make her
his
wife503, — a promise which he faithfully performe
does not appear in the Odyssey) Hera, as the queen of Zeus, shares in
his
honours. The god is represented as a little in aw
is represented as a little in awe of her tongue, yet daunting her by
his
menaces. On one occasion he reminds her how once,
ion he reminds her how once, when she had raised a storm, which drove
his
son Heracles out of his course at sea, he tied he
nce, when she had raised a storm, which drove his son Heracles out of
his
course at sea, he tied her hands together and sus
s rising up A bird, whose wings with many coulours glow’d : Spreading
his
tail, like a swift-sailing ship, The golden baske
ve-union of Zeus and Hera on the summit of Ida515 : He said ; and in
his
arms Kroniôn seized His spouse. Beneath them boun
legend said, offended for some cause or another with Zeus, renounced
his
bed and society. The god in perplexity sought adv
d in perplexity sought advice from the autochthon Alalcomenos, and by
his
counsel gave out that he was going to marry anoth
e son of Zeus and Hera546. His delight was in tumult and strife ; yet
his
wild fury was always forced to yield to the skill
ess herself strikes him to the earth with a stone. To give an idea of
his
huge size and strength, the poet says in the form
rror and Fear (Δϵιμὸς and Φόβος), the sons of Ares, and Strife (Ἔρις)
his
sister, accompany him to the field when he seeks
r, accompany him to the field when he seeks the battle549. Another of
his
companions is Enyo550 (Ἐνυὼ), the daughter of Pho
y Homer, a branch or shoot of Ares (ὄζος Ἄρηος). But the only tale of
his
amours related at any length by the poets is that
only tale of his amours related at any length by the poets is that of
his
intrigue with Aphrodite. Ares — so sang Demodocos
, and he gave information to the injured artist. Hephæstos dissembled
his
rage, and going to his workshop forged a net so s
on to the injured artist. Hephæstos dissembled his rage, and going to
his
workshop forged a net so subtile as to be invisib
y, set out as it were for Lemnos. Ares, who was on the watch, flew to
his
expecting mistress : the heedless lovers were cau
net : the Sun-god gave notice ; the husband returned, and standing at
his
door called all the gods to come and behold the c
seidôn pledged himself to see him paid. He then yielded, and released
his
prisoners. Ares hastened away to his favourite re
d. He then yielded, and released his prisoners. Ares hastened away to
his
favourite region of Thrace : Aphrodite fled to hi
res placed to watch while he was with Aphrodite ; and, for neglect of
his
task, he was changed by the angry god into the bi
neglect of his task, he was changed by the angry god into the bird of
his
name555. Hesiod says556 that Harmonia (Order) was
in the heroic style, with a cuirass on, and a round Argive shield on
his
arm. His arms are sometimes borne by his attendan
and a round Argive shield on his arm. His arms are sometimes borne by
his
attendants. The epithets of Ares were all signifi
ian creed, and to think that, like those of Hermes and Pallas-Athene,
his
character changed with the change of manners in G
Zeus when he had given birth to Pallas-Athene. He was born lame, and
his
mother was so displeased at the sight of him that
g for them various ornaments and trinkets568. We are not informed how
his
return to Olympos was effected, but we find him i
ses, furniture, ornaments, and arms of the Olympians were the work of
his
hands. It would be an almost endless task to enum
other mortal heroes569. The fatal collar of Harmonia was the work of
his
hands570. The brass-footed, brass-throated, fire-
cinoös, king of the Phæacians, the gold and silver dogs which guarded
his
house572. For himself he formed the golden maiden
to Minôs, king of Crete, the brazen man Talôs, who each day compassed
his
island three times, to guard it from the invasion
the invasion of strangers574. The brazen cup in which the Sun-god and
his
horses and chariot are carried round the earth ev
was here he fell when flung from heaven by Zeus for attempting to aid
his
mother Hera, whom Zeus had suspended in the air w
he forges of Hephæstos ; and the Cyclopes were associated with him as
his
assistants. In Homer, when Thetis wants Hephæstia
she seeks Olympos, and the armour is fashioned by the artist-god with
his
own hand. In the Augustan age, Venus prevails on
Æneas with arms ; and he goes down from Heaven to Hiera, and directs
his
men the Cyclopes to execute the order584. It is t
sented as of ripe age, with a serious countenance and muscular form :
his
hair hangs in curls on his shoulders. He generall
a serious countenance and muscular form : his hair hangs in curls on
his
shoulders. He generally appears with hammer and t
curls on his shoulders. He generally appears with hammer and tongs at
his
anvil, in a short tunic, and his right arm bare,
lly appears with hammer and tongs at his anvil, in a short tunic, and
his
right arm bare, sometimes with a pointed cap on h
short tunic, and his right arm bare, sometimes with a pointed cap on
his
head. The Cyclopes are occasionally placed with h
d with him. The poetic epithets of Hephæstos were derived either from
his
lameness or from his skill. He was called586, 1.
c epithets of Hephæstos were derived either from his lameness or from
his
skill. He was called586, 1. Both-feet-lame ;2. La
must have been regarded originally as simply the fire-god, a view of
his
character which we find even in the Ilias587. Fir
e an artist. The former was probably Hephæstos’ Pelasgian, the latter
his
Achæan character. The simplest derivation of his
elasgian, the latter his Achæan character. The simplest derivation of
his
name therefore seems to be that which, regarding
es ready the chariot of Hera591, and she bathes and dresses Ares when
his
wound has been cured592. When Heracles was assume
om the ancient Phliasians, Pausanias says597, called Ganymede, but in
his
time she was named Hebe. Strabo says598 that Hebe
r arrows. His punishment did not cease with life : vultures preyed on
his
liver in Erebos605. Leto was called606, 1. Fair-a
h as Otos and Ephialtes610: all sudden deaths of men were ascribed to
his
darts ; sometimes as a reward, at other times as
sometimes as a reward, at other times as a punishment. He was also by
his
shafts the sender of pestilence, and he removed i
propitiated. At the banquets of the gods on Olympos, Apollo played on
his
phorminx or lyre, while the Muses sang611. Thus
they the whole day long till set of sun Feasted ; nor wanted any one
his
part Of the equal feast, or of the phorminx fair
erior to the time of these poets. According to the Homeridian hymn in
his
honour, it took place in the following manner. Le
ot contemn her humble isle, and would erect there the temple vowed by
his
mother. Leto assented with an oath, and the frien
Apollo sprang to light, and the goddesses shouted aloud to celebrate
his
birth. They washed and swathed the infant deity,
ve him nectar and ambrosia. As soon as he had tasted the divine food,
his
bands and swaddling-clothes no longer retained hi
er to Zeus than her own son Ares, was resolved if possible to prevent
his
birth. Determined therefore that no place should
valued justice and humanity more than the wrath of Hera : he checked
his
stream to give a shelter to the goddess ; but ins
to give a shelter to the goddess ; but instantly Ares arose, clashed
his
arms, that the mountains and all Thessaly tremble
her ; and the god called out to her that a floating island was to be
his
birth-place. At length she met Delos, then called
e Mæonian Pactolos, and flies seven times round the isle to celebrate
his
birth ; the Delian nymphs receive and sing the sa
in gold. In the Homeridian hymn to the Pythian Apollo, the manner of
his
first getting possession of Pytho is thus related
of Pytho is thus related. When Apollo resolved to choose the site of
his
first temple, he came down from Olympos into Pier
thence went to Eubœa, Attica, and Bœotia, but could find no place to
his
mind. The situation of Tilphussa, near Lake Copaï
, in Bœotia, pleased him ; and he was about to lay the foundations of
his
temple there, when the nymph of the place, afraid
nity of the oracle of Apollo, dissuaded him, by representing how much
his
oracle would be disturbed by the noise of the hor
of the brothers Trophonios and Agamedes. Meanwhile Apollo slays with
his
arrows the monstrous serpent which abode there an
e wanting. The god, as he stood on the lofty area of the temple, cast
his
eyes over the sea, and beheld far south of the Pe
god in the form of a blazing star left the vessel, and descended into
his
temple. Then quick as thought he came as a handso
uick as thought he came as a handsome youth with long locks waving on
his
shoulders, and accosted the strangers, inquiring
hich they were come, he replies by informing them who he is, and what
his
purpose was in bringing them thither. He invites
ould also derive its name617. They now disembark : the god playing on
his
lyre precedes them, and leads them to his temple,
embark : the god playing on his lyre precedes them, and leads them to
his
temple, where they become his priests and ministe
s lyre precedes them, and leads them to his temple, where they become
his
priests and ministers618. As might be expected, t
to one of a huge serpent named Pythôn, which, it is said, came out of
his
den and attacked Leto when she was going by with
er son by calling to him, ἵε, παî, and he dispatched the monster with
his
arrows619. This serpent, another version of the l
did also for that of the change of the god into the porpoise, and for
his
title Delphinios. The Homeric Apollo is a being o
ty, and the poet seems to have had a strong feeling of the dignity of
his
character, for he never ventures to use the same
, Zeus himself not excepted. Apollo is the friend of man, he protects
his
worshipers, and he punishes the unjust and impiou
er of joy and innocent pleasure621; but at the same time dignified in
his
sentiments and actions. The purity of his charact
the same time dignified in his sentiments and actions. The purity of
his
character appears also in this, that no amours wi
e from the residents of Olympos, Phœbos-Apollo was also provided with
his
love-adventures by the poets ; yet it is observab
the poets ; yet it is observable that he was not remarkably happy in
his
love, either meeting with a repulse, or having hi
emarkably happy in his love, either meeting with a repulse, or having
his
amour attended with a fatal termination, and that
,» says Ovid, «was Daphne, the daughter of Peneios.» Apollo, proud of
his
victory over the Pythôn, beholding Erôs bending h
Apollo, proud of his victory over the Pythôn, beholding Erôs bending
his
bow, mocked at the efforts of the puny archer. Er
ked at the efforts of the puny archer. Erôs incensed flew, and taking
his
stand on Parnassos shot his golden arrow of love
ny archer. Erôs incensed flew, and taking his stand on Parnassos shot
his
golden arrow of love into the heart of the son of
olden arrow of love into the heart of the son of Leto, and discharged
his
leaden one of aversion into the bosom of the nymp
and burned with passion. She flies, he pursues ; in vain he exhausts
his
eloquence, magnifying his rank, his power, his po
She flies, he pursues ; in vain he exhausts his eloquence, magnifying
his
rank, his power, his possessions ; the nymph but
he pursues ; in vain he exhausts his eloquence, magnifying his rank,
his
power, his possessions ; the nymph but urges her
; in vain he exhausts his eloquence, magnifying his rank, his power,
his
possessions ; the nymph but urges her speed the m
ion and change of form. The river-god heard ; bark and leaves covered
his
daughter, and Daphne became a bay-tree (δάϕνη, la
od embraced its trunk, and declared that it should be ever afterwards
his
favourite tree623. Of this legend we need only ob
love and fidelity of Coronis, a maiden of Larissa. His ignorance was
his
bliss, for the nymph was faithless. The raven, th
aithless. The raven, the favourite bird of the god, and then white as
his
swans, saw the maiden in the arms of a Hæmonian y
w the maiden in the arms of a Hæmonian youth, and bore the tidings to
his
master, who immediately discharged one of his ine
and bore the tidings to his master, who immediately discharged one of
his
inevitable arrows into the bosom of the frail fai
of her unborn babe. The god repents when too late ; he tries in vain
his
healing art, and, dropping celestial tears, place
to be reared by Cheirôn, the centaur. To punish the raven, he changed
his
hue from white to black624. This is probably a le
king the god himself, though at Pytho, discover what was done through
his
divine power. At his desire Artemis shot the fair
though at Pytho, discover what was done through his divine power. At
his
desire Artemis shot the fair offender with her ar
pursued the fugitives, but coming to the river Lycormas, and finding
his
progress stopped by it, he slew his horses and ca
o the river Lycormas, and finding his progress stopped by it, he slew
his
horses and cast himself into the stream, which fr
river Peneios, was another of the loves of Phœbos ; he carried her in
his
golden chariot over the sea to Libya, where she b
tag, pined away with grief, and was changed into the tree which bears
his
name631. The latter, a youth of Amyclæ, was playi
cus, it rebounded and struck him in the face. The god, unable to save
his
life, changed him into the flower which was named
e days in the summer of each year at Amyclæ, in honour of the god and
his
unhappy favourite634. The babe saved from the pyr
aved from the pyre of Coronis was Asclepios, who became so famous for
his
healing powers. Extending them so far as to resto
he drew on himself the enmity of Hades, on whose complaint Zeus with
his
thunder deprived him of life. Apollo incensed sle
ds on the verdant banks of the river Amphrysos, making the kine under
his
charge all bear twins635 ; while according to ano
discharged for him even the most servile offices636. When the term of
his
servitude was expired he was permitted to return
rsonated Apollo, having in mimic show slain the Pythôn, fled and took
his
way along the Sacred Road to the vale of Tempe in
taught divination by Pan, the son of Zeus and the nymph Thymbris. For
his
musical instrument he was indebted to the inventi
mbris. For his musical instrument he was indebted to the invention of
his
half-brother Hermes. Pan, the god of shepherds, v
his half-brother Hermes. Pan, the god of shepherds, venturing to set
his
reed-music in opposition to the lyre of Apollo, w
ay, contended with Apollo before the Muses, and was by him flayed for
his
temerity when vanquished ; and the tears of the n
for the fate of their companion gave origin to the stream which bore
his
name649. This last legend admits of a very simple
clear, a leathern bag651, and hence it was fabled that Apollo flayed
his
vanquished rival652. The Homeric Apollo is a pers
aling art653. This god was a favourite object of Grecian worship, and
his
temples were numerous. Of these the most celebrat
merous. Of these the most celebrated were that of Delphi in Phocis, —
his
acquisition of which we have above related, and w
laros in Ionia, Grynion in Æolis, Didyma at Miletus ; in all of which
his
oracles revealed the future. A very able mytholog
llo was originally peculiar to the Dorian race, who were at all times
his
most zealous votaries. As the Homeric poems prove
he rights of the others being denied656. Apollo was supposed to visit
his
various favourite abodes at different seasons of
try Lycia and the streams Of Xanthos fair Apollo leaves, and comes To
his
maternal Delos, and renews The dances ; while aro
and comes To his maternal Delos, and renews The dances ; while around
his
altars shout Cretans, Dryopians, and the painted
oliage binds His flowing hair, and fastens it in gold ; His arrows on
his
shoulders sound657. One of the most beautiful de
he had appointed for the Delphic tripods also to resound, he directed
his
swans to fly back from the Hyperboreans. It was t
with poetic silver streams, and Cephissos swells high and bright with
his
waves, emulating the Enipeus of Homer. For, like
these birds661. The wolf was also assigned to this god, on account of
his
bright colour, as some think, but it is far more
s some think, but it is far more likely that it was the similitude of
his
name to an epithet of the god which gave occasion
s long curling hair hangs loose, or bound with the strophium behind ;
his
brows are wreathed with bay ; in his hands he bea
ound with the strophium behind ; his brows are wreathed with bay ; in
his
hands he bears his bow or lyre. The wonderful Apo
hium behind ; his brows are wreathed with bay ; in his hands he bears
his
bow or lyre. The wonderful Apollo Belvidere shows
s called Delian, Delphian, Pataræan, Clarian, etc. from the places of
his
worship ; and Smynthian from a Phrygian word sign
e was peculiar to the Dorians666. Apollo was called Pæan, either from
his
healing power (from παύω or ΠΑΩ), in which case h
αύω or ΠΑΩ), in which case he would be identical with Pæeôn ; or from
his
protecting and avenging character (from παίω) The
Cretan form ᾽Αβέλιος to be the original one, deduces it, according to
his
system of tracing the Greek religion from the Eas
The Homerids have also sung the huntress-goddess : one of them in
his
hymn to her thus describes her occupations672 :
carry in her game, till Heracles was received into Olympos, when for
his
strength that office devolved on him. He carries
oxen ; for Heracles, the poet observes, though deified, still retains
his
appetite. The Amnisiades then unyoke her stags, a
a hind which was sacred to her, and to have required the sacrifice of
his
daughter Iphigeneia. The Aloeids, Otos and Ephial
lief, and was immediately dissolved into a fountain. Alpheios resumed
his
aqueous form, and sought to mingle his waters wit
o a fountain. Alpheios resumed his aqueous form, and sought to mingle
his
waters with hers. She fled on under the earth and
fount contained water of the Alpheios, and thence came the legend of
his
course under the sea686. Eventually, when the poe
pannychis or wake, and mingled with them. But the goddess, suspecting
his
design, had daubed her own face and those of her
s a hunter who was in love with the huntress Arethusa. To escape from
his
importunities she passed over to Ortygia, where s
ppears only as the god of prophecy, music and archery, and Artemis as
his
counterpart in this last office. Voss713 therefor
he sun, who in the Psalms is described as ‘a bridegroom coming out of
his
chamber, and rejoicing to run his race ;’ a golde
ibed as ‘a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoicing to run
his
race ;’ a golden sword is the weapon of Freyr, th
ating beams of the sun, or the coups de soleil and diseases caused by
his
action. For a similar reason arrows were given to
epose of the night, and the songs of birds which precede or accompany
his
rising728, might easily cause the sun-god to be r
kely that Apollo owes this character to the employment of the lyre in
his
worship. Artemis may in like manner have been reg
he offering of ripe ears of corn, the ‘golden summer’, to Apollo, and
his
being prayed to as the averter of mildew and the
he god who sends death from afar ; that nothing can be concluded from
his
being a patron and protector of agriculture, as h
ture, as he is such as the averter of misfortune in general ; that in
his
religious character he is no god of nature, not b
duction, but represented as ever youthful and unmarried, the tales of
his
amours being all of a late age, and having no con
s of his amours being all of a late age, and having no connexion with
his
worship. Finally, great stress is laid on the fac
ione shared in the honours and the worship of Zeus, being regarded as
his
queen736. Her name is apparently the feminine of
eing regarded as his queen736. Her name is apparently the feminine of
his
, and probably signified simply goddess 737. Ἀϕ
f the sea, into which the mutilated part of Uranos had been thrown by
his
son Kronos. She first, he adds, approached the la
of whom admired, saluted, and loved her, and each god desired her for
his
wife. Empedocles said that Aphrodite was the daug
s most pleasingly told by a Homerid ; the following is an analysis of
his
hymn. Aphrodite had long exercised uncontrolled d
hises happened to be alone in the cotes at this time, and was amusing
his
leisure by playing on the lyre. When he beheld th
. She earnestly entreats the Trojan youth to conduct her unsullied to
his
family, and to dispatch a messenger to her father
the heart of the youth with love. Believing her now to be mortal, all
his
veneration vanishes, and he declares that not eve
eration vanishes, and he declares that not even Apollo should prevent
his
taking advantage of the favourable moment. He sei
g lover to awake and observe the change. Filled with awe, he conceals
his
face in the clothes and sues for mercy ; but the
commit to the mountain-nymphs to rear, and will bring to him when in
his
fifth year. He is then to feign that the child is
; but the secret of the goddess is to remain inviolate, under pain of
his
being struck with lightning by Zeus. So saying,
her hymn, — concludes the poet, according to the regular practice of
his
brethren. Myrrha, the daughter of Cinyras, having
bject745. When Cinyras found what he had unwittingly done, he pursued
his
daughter with his drawn sword, to efface her crim
yras found what he had unwittingly done, he pursued his daughter with
his
drawn sword, to efface her crime in her blood. He
opened, and the young Adonis came to light. Aphrodite, delighted with
his
beauty, put him into a coffer, unknown to all the
with Aphrodite, and the remaining third with Persephone. Adonis gave
his
own portion to Aphrodite, and lived happily with
Artemis, he was torn by a wild boar746 and died747. The ground where
his
blood fell was sprinkled with nectar by the mourn
le of Adonis is evidently an Eastern mythe. His own name and those of
his
parents refer to that part of the world751. He ap
, Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured The Syrian damsels to lament
his
fate, While smooth Adonis from his native rock Ra
lured The Syrian damsels to lament his fate, While smooth Adonis from
his
native rock Ran purple to the sea, supposed with
ich Erôs was most worshiped. The Thespians used to celebrate games in
his
honour on Mount Helicôn. The oldest image of the
d as a plump-cheeked boy, rosy and naked, with light hair floating on
his
shoulders. He is always winged, and armed with a
son Erôs continued always a child, was told by her that the cause was
his
being solitary, and that if he had a brother he w
w apace. Anterôs was soon afterwards born, and Erôs immediately found
his
wings enlarge, and his person and strength greatl
on afterwards born, and Erôs immediately found his wings enlarge, and
his
person and strength greatly increase. But this wa
was near ; for if he was at a distance, Erôs found himself shrink to
his
original dimensions. The meaning of this fable is
rful works, the sophist Eunapius told the following curious legend in
his
life of Jamblichus, the author of as marvellous a
hus, the author of as marvellous a life of Pythagoras. Jamblichus and
his
companions having gone to the warm baths of Gadar
from the bottom a little boy of a fair complexion and moderate size :
his
hair, of a rich golden hue, hung down his back, w
plexion and moderate size : his hair, of a rich golden hue, hung down
his
back, which was bright and clean as that of a per
efore ; and instantly another Love, similar to the first, except that
his
hair was of a bright dark hue, rose to light. The
ard him as an impostor, convinced by this wonder, henceforth received
his
words as those of a divinity. The adventures of E
little trifles respecting him will be found in the bucolic poets, and
his
adventure with Apollo has been already noticed. T
ticed. The most celebrated is that contained in the agreeable tale of
his
love for Psyche (ψυχὴ, the soul), preserved by Ap
ale of his love for Psyche (ψυχὴ, the soul), preserved by Apuleius in
his
Metamorphoses, and which we will here give in an
an unseen youth addresses her in the softest accents, and she becomes
his
wife. Her sisters had meanwhile come to console t
arns her of the danger likely to arise from it. Moved by the tears of
his
bride, he however consents that her sisters shoul
e beheld, instead of a dragon, Love himself. Filled with amazement at
his
beauty, she leaned in rapture over his charms : a
self. Filled with amazement at his beauty, she leaned in rapture over
his
charms : a drop of oil fell from the lamp on the
p on the shoulder of the god : he awoke, and flew away. Psyche caught
his
leg as he rose, and was raised into the air, but
ad escaped by the window of the chamber where he had been confined by
his
mother : he awakens her with the point of one of
been confined by his mother : he awakens her with the point of one of
his
arrows, reproaches her with her curiosity, and th
es sprinkle the halls of Heaven with fragrant odours, Apollo plays on
his
lyre, the Arcadian god on his reeds, the Muses si
n with fragrant odours, Apollo plays on his lyre, the Arcadian god on
his
reeds, the Muses sing in chorus, while Venus danc
lebrate the nuptials of her son. Thus Cupid was at length reunited to
his
long-lost Psyche, and their loves were speedily c
, and their loves were speedily crowned by the birth of a child, whom
his
parents named Pleasure779. This beautiful fiction
s of evil, Cupid falls in love with her : he persuades her not to see
his
face, that is, not to learn the joys of desire ;
ew to the original, fair and divine, and who gaining the victory over
his
rival, leads off the soul as his bride.” Accordin
ne, and who gaining the victory over his rival, leads off the soul as
his
bride.” According to a third expositor782 the myt
ony Zeus swallows Metis, and the ‘blue-eyed Tritogeneia’ is born from
his
head785, which Pindar786 says Hephæstos opened wi
ine birth, the earth resounded, the sea was moved, and Helios checked
his
steeds in their career till the new-born goddess
seus was therefore her especial favourite, whom she relieved from all
his
perils, and whose son Telemachos she also took un
achos she also took under her protection, assuming a human form to be
his
guide and director. In like manner Cadmos, Heracl
g birthplaces on earth to the gods does not seem to have prevailed in
his
age. Indeed we strongly suspect that the streamle
god827,) is in one place of the Ilias called the son of Zeus828, but
his
mother is unnoticed. When, in the same poem, Dion
s and Ephialtes, where he languished till Hermeias, being informed of
his
state, contrived to steal him out of his dungeon.
Hermeias, being informed of his state, contrived to steal him out of
his
dungeon. Elsewhere the poet tells us that of all
o steal it away. On king Priamos’ setting forth to ransom the body of
his
son, Zeus desires Hermeias to accompany him, remi
of his son, Zeus desires Hermeias to accompany him, reminding him of
his
fondness for associating with mankind833. The god
ng him of his fondness for associating with mankind833. The god obeys
his
sire, puts on his ‘immortal golden sandals, which
ness for associating with mankind833. The god obeys his sire, puts on
his
‘immortal golden sandals, which bear him over the
ater and the extensive earth like the blasts of the wind,’ and takes ‘
his
rod, with which he lays asleep the eyes of what m
all in this poem, and becomes the messenger of Zeus. He still retains
his
character of a friend to man, and comes unsent to
commencement of the spurious twenty-fourth book, Hermeias appears in
his
character of conveyer of souls to the realms of H
in a cavern of Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He had scarcely been laid in
his
cradle, when he got up and set off for Pieria to
which he immediately played with perfect skill. He then laid it up in
his
cradle, and resumed his journey. He arrived by su
yed with perfect skill. He then laid it up in his cradle, and resumed
his
journey. He arrived by sunset in Pieria, where th
e them away, contriving to make them go backwards ; and throwing away
his
sandals, bound branches of myrtle and tamarisk un
hrowing away his sandals, bound branches of myrtle and tamarisk under
his
feet, that the herdsman-god might have no clue by
his feet, that the herdsman-god might have no clue by which to trace
his
cattle. As he passed by Onchestos in Bœotia, he s
passed by Onchestos in Bœotia, he saw an old man engaged in planting
his
vineyard, whom he straitly charged not to tell wh
hom he straitly charged not to tell what he had seen. He then pursued
his
way by ‘shady hills, resounding vales, and flower
g vales, and flowery plains,’ and as the moon was rising arrived with
his
booty on the banks of the Alpheios in the Pelopon
s and feet, and put out the fire, effacing all signs of it, and flung
his
twig-sandals into the river. With day-break he sl
g-sandals into the river. With day-break he slunk home and stole into
his
cradle, not unobserved by his mother, who reproac
day-break he slunk home and stole into his cradle, not unobserved by
his
mother, who reproached him with his deeds ; but h
nto his cradle, not unobserved by his mother, who reproached him with
his
deeds ; but he replied, that he was resolved by h
proached him with his deeds ; but he replied, that he was resolved by
his
actions to procure admission for her and himself
and himself to the assembly of the gods. In the morning Apollo missed
his
kine : he set out in search of them, met the old
: he set out in search of them, met the old man, who informed him of
his
having seen a child driving cows along. He comes
ld driving cows along. He comes to Pylos, where he sees the traces of
his
cattle, but is amazed at the strange footprints o
and even very innocently asks what cows are. Apollo pulls him out of
his
cradle, and they agree to go and argue the matter
ly denied and its absurdity shown by the little fellow, who still has
his
cradle-clothes about him. Zeus however gives it a
es drives the cattle out of the cave : Apollo misses two of them ; to
his
amazement he sees their skins upon the rock, and
es had rooted their feet to the ground. Hermes then begins to play on
his
lyre, the tones of which so ravish Apollo that he
yre, and receives the cattle. The divine herdsman also bestows on him
his
whip, and instructs him in the management of the
still suspicious exacts an oath from Hermes that he will never steal
his
lyre or bow ; and this being complied with, he pr
of Hymenæos son of Magnês, a Thessalian youth, neglected the care of
his
oxen, which pastured along with those of Admetos.
of twigs to the tail of each to efface their footprints, and brought
his
prize safely on to the place called the Look-out
ting them. Hermes having arranged this matter drove on, and concealed
his
stolen kine in a cavern. He then resolved to make
then resolved to make trial of the fidelity of Battos, and, changing
his
form, came and inquired if he had seen any one dr
ous Battos took the cloak, and turned informer : the god, incensed at
his
duplicity, struck him with his rod and changed hi
turned informer : the god, incensed at his duplicity, struck him with
his
rod and changed him into a rock, ‘which the cold
prank is also laid to the charge of this sly deity. Watching one day
his
mother and her sisters when they went to bathe, h
of him who he was and why he came. Hermes immediately informed her of
his
rank, and his love for her sister, entreating her
was and why he came. Hermes immediately informed her of his rank, and
his
love for her sister, entreating her good offices
his rank, and his love for her sister, entreating her good offices in
his
suit. These she promised on the condition of rece
t the door, determined not to permit the god to enter. Hermes exerted
his
eloquence and his blandishments on her in vain ;
ined not to permit the god to enter. Hermes exerted his eloquence and
his
blandishments on her in vain ; at length, provoke
which the offspring was a son named Hermaphroditos, from the names of
his
parents, and whose adventure with the Naïs Salmac
ts, and whose adventure with the Naïs Salmacis is narrated by Ovid in
his
Metamorphoses847. Hermes is in some legends said
of Hermes, the most beautiful of the Tanagrian youths bore a lamb on
his
shoulders round the walls in honour of the god. T
ngenuity. A certain good-humoured roguery was at all times a trait in
his
character. In the pleasing tale of Ares and Aphro
god is usually represented with a chlamys or cloak neatly arranged on
his
person, with his petasus or winged hat, and the t
presented with a chlamys or cloak neatly arranged on his person, with
his
petasus or winged hat, and the talaria or wings a
s person, with his petasus or winged hat, and the talaria or wings at
his
heels. In his hand he bears his caduceus 851 or s
his petasus or winged hat, and the talaria or wings at his heels. In
his
hand he bears his caduceus 851 or staff, with two
nged hat, and the talaria or wings at his heels. In his hand he bears
his
caduceus 851 or staff, with two serpents twined a
riginal Pelasgian system a telluric power. The simplest derivation of
his
name is from ἔρα, the earth ; and he is, we may o
re particularly over flocks and herds857. From this last view some of
his
Hellenic attributes may be simply deduced. Thus t
nventor of music ; the lyre is ascribed to Hermes as the pipes are to
his
son Pan, music having been always a recreation of
es of Hermes above related, it will appear that most of them refer to
his
character as a rural deity865. Such are his patro
hat most of them refer to his character as a rural deity865. Such are
his
patronage of Phorbas, and his being the sire of E
character as a rural deity865. Such are his patronage of Phorbas, and
his
being the sire of Eudoros in Homer ; the hymn in
of Phorbas, and his being the sire of Eudoros in Homer ; the hymn in
his
honour, which plainly represents him as a rural d
ymn in his honour, which plainly represents him as a rural deity866 ;
his
being the sire of the cattle-stealer Autolycos (V
the wondrous flower, when suddenly the wide earth gaped, Aïdoneus in
his
golden chariot rose, and catching the terrified g
rsephone. Together they proceed to Helios ; they stand at the head of
his
horses, and Demeter entreats that he will say who
ïdoneus, who by the permission of her sire had carried her away to be
his
queen ; and he exhorts the goddess to patience, b
by dwelling on the rank and dignity of the ravisher. Helios urged on
his
steeds ; the goddess, incensed at the conduct of
ht she hid him ‘like a torch within the strength of fire,’ unknown to
his
parents, who marvelled at his growth886. It was t
ithin the strength of fire,’ unknown to his parents, who marvelled at
his
growth886. It was the design of Demeter to make h
on the ground, declaring what he had lost by the inconsiderateness of
his
mother, but announcing that he would be great and
t places of earth,’ and found the king at home seated on a couch with
his
wife, who was mourning for her mother. On making
Aïdoneus the wish of Zeus, ‘the king of the Subterraneans smiled with
his
brows’ and yielded compliance. He kindly addresse
ts the chariot, and beside her mounts Strong Argos-slayer, holding in
his
hands The reins and whip : forth from the house h
eed, But o’er them going they cut the air profound. Hermes conducted
his
fair charge safe to Eleusis : Demeter on seeing h
Arethusa gives intelligence of the ravisher, and Ascalaphos (who for
his
mischief-making is turned into an owl)887 tells o
er over and over again, and thus obtain the means of living after all
his
property was gone891. This last legend, we may ob
llanicus892 said that he was also called Æthôn (Αἴθων, burning), from
his
insatiate hunger. The destructive mildew is there
ld, and that Zeus, offended at the deed, struck the mortal lover with
his
thunder. Hesiod895 makes Crete the scene of this
s ; but the seagod assumed the form of a horse, and thus accomplished
his
wishes. The produce of their union was the celebr
nger of famine ; but no one knew the place of her retreat till Pan in
his
huntings chanced to see her. He gave information
οινα)905 ; and the fertile isle of Sicily, which was given by Zeus to
his
daughter on her day of unveiling (ἀνακαλυπρια), t
d judicious Lobeck, referring those anxious for fuller information to
his
valuable work entitled Aglaophamus. In the very e
ce in the mysteries ; whose name would rather seem to be derived from
his
exhibiting the sacred things, — ancient statues,
elieved to draw down its favour on the performer. The Mussulman makes
his
pilgrimage to the Kaaba at Mecca, the Catholic to
illuminated temple, and the sacred things which it contained, when to
his
excited imagination the very gods themselves had
gh after-life ; and, as man can never divest himself of the belief of
his
continued existence after death, a vivid hope of
place in the Eleusinian mysteries. The stranger, dazzled and awed by
his
own conception of the sacredness and importance o
Achæans, the poet invokes the Muses, the daughters of Zeus, to prompt
his
memory929. No definite number of the Muses is giv
finite number of the Muses is given by Homer, for we cannot regard as
his
the verse930 in which they are said to be nine. P
. He had boasted that he could excel them in singing ; and enraged at
his
presumption they struck him blind, and deprived h
enraged at his presumption they struck him blind, and deprived him of
his
knowledge of music. Shortly after the birth of th
rivers stood motionless, and Helicôn swelled up with delight, so that
his
summit would have reached the sky had not Poseidô
e reached the sky had not Poseidôn directed Pegasos to strike it with
his
hoof. The Muses then turned the presumptuous maid
Love. Calliope bore to Œagros a son named Linos941, who was killed by
his
pupil Heracles. She also had by the same sire Orp
er to return to the realms of light. Hades and Persephone listened to
his
prayer ; she was allowed to return, on condition
e listened to his prayer ; she was allowed to return, on condition of
his
not looking on her till they were arrived in the
s torn to pieces by the Mænades. The Muses collected the fragments of
his
body, and buried them, and at their prayer Zeus p
agments of his body, and buried them, and at their prayer Zeus placed
his
lyre in the skies943. Cleio, having drawn on hers
e, was said to be the offspring of the divine Urania, but the name of
his
sire is unknown946. Those who took a less sublime
8. By the Latin poets he is presented to us arrayed in a yellow robe,
his
temples wreathed with the fragrant plant amaracus
a yellow robe, his temples wreathed with the fragrant plant amaracus,
his
locks dropping odour, and the nuptial torch in hi
nt plant amaracus, his locks dropping odour, and the nuptial torch in
his
hand949. Beside the usual epithets common to all
ently derived from those of rivers ; and the comic poet Epicharmus in
his
drama named ‘Hebe's Wedding,’ where the gods appe
one of the youngest of the Graces, for a wife to Sleep, in return for
his
aid in deceiving Zeus. By later writers she is ev
Aisa [a name synonymous with Moira] span with her thread for him when
his
mother brought him forth ; ’ and in the latter100
what Aisa and the heavy Cataclothes span with the thread for him when
his
mother brought him forth.’ It is probable that Ho
common noun, it seems to be equivalent to fate. Achilleus says, that
his
mother gave him the choice of two keres ; — one,
n the Theogony they spring from the blood of Uranos when mutilated by
his
son Kronos, whose own children they are according
n Achaia, which if any one polluted with crime dared to enter he lost
his
reason1022. In the poets we find the Erinnyes sty
to mankind. In Pindar and the Homeridian Hymns Themis sits by Zeus on
his
throne to give him counsel1034. Themis is said103
æeon is in Homer the family surgeon of Olympos. Nothing is said about
his
origin. All we are told is, that he cured Ares wh
he cured Ares when wounded by Diomedes1045, and Hades of the wound in
his
shoulder given him by Heracles1046, and that the
r given him by Heracles1046, and that the Egyptian physicians were of
his
race1047. His attributes were afterwards transfer
son of Zeus falls by the hands of Patroclos, Apollo at the command of
his
father washes his body in the waters of the strea
by the hands of Patroclos, Apollo at the command of his father washes
his
body in the waters of the stream, anoints it with
brothers Sleep and Death to convey to Lycia, there to be interred by
his
relatives and friends. In the same poem, when Her
f all gods and men, and prays him to aid in her project, promising as
his
reward a seat and footstool, the workmanship of H
at her desire sealed the eyes of Zeus in slumber when Heracles was on
his
return from Troy, during which she raised a storm
ction of Zeus for the Trojans could not be supposed equal to that for
his
own son, and finally by offering and swearing to
ly by offering and swearing to give him one of the younger Graces for
his
spouse, overcomes the fears of Sleep, who accompa
in a tree till she has beguiled her lord. Sleep, having accomplished
his
task, speeds to the battle-field to inform Poseid
of inanimate objects. Death was brought on the stage by Euripides in
his
beautiful drama of Alcestis. He is deaf to the en
he Thessalian queen, but, vanquished by Heracles, is forced to resign
his
victim. Μωμος. Momus. This god of raillery
ppearing as persons. Terror and Fear, the children of Ares and Strife
his
sister, rouse with him the Trojans to battle1069.
to be heard at either extremity. When Ares1071 hears of the death of
his
son Ascalaphos, Terror and Fear are commanded to
s son Ascalaphos, Terror and Fear are commanded to yoke the steeds to
his
car for the war. Prayers (Λιταὶ), says the poet10
god of wine. Creuzer1080, for example, the prince of mystics, deduces
his
worship from India, and makes him identical with
er and sagacious Voss1081, who, rejecting all air-built theory, bases
his
system on fact and testimony alone. We shall here
tem on fact and testimony alone. We shall here attempt, chiefly under
his
guidance, to illustrate the changes which it is p
ge in the fourteenth book1084, in which Zeus so indecorously recounts
his
various amours to Hera, is liable to the same obj
f Dionysos’ ; but the circumstance of the o in the second syllable of
his
name being short in this place satisfied the gram
1089, ‘gold-tressed Dionysos made blond Ariadne the daughter of Minôs
his
blooming spouse, and Kroniôn made her ageless and
to come on. But the captain rebuked him sharply, desired him to mind
his
own business, and declared that they would take t
n board ; the god then declared to him who he was, and took him under
his
protection. Another of these hymns relates, that
nother of these hymns relates, that the Nymphs received Dionysos from
his
father, and reared him in a fragrant cavern of th
olds in the realms of Hades the image (εἴδωλογ) of Heracles, pursuing
his
usual occupations when on earth ; but himself we
power of a god1092. Supposing therefore Dionysos to have been, as
his
name might appear to indicate, one of the origina
one’s self beholding Captain Wilford listening with devout belief to
his
artful Pundit1099 ; so little suspicion does the
Pundit1099 ; so little suspicion does the Father of History betray of
his
having been played upon by the grave linen-clad p
e land of Nile1101. Herodotus informs us how Melampûs, who introduced
his
worship into Greece, had learned it from Cadmos t
nto Greece, had learned it from Cadmos the Phœnician, who had derived
his
knowledge of course from Egypt1102. As the realm
n of Semele — for the popular faith did not give up the old legend of
his
Theban birth — as roaming through the greater par
ingled Greeks and barbarians, throughout all which he had established
his
dances and his religious rites. When Alexander an
nd barbarians, throughout all which he had established his dances and
his
religious rites. When Alexander and his army had
ad established his dances and his religious rites. When Alexander and
his
army had penetrated to the modern Caubul, they fo
he city Nysa ; and named the mountain Meros, from the circumstance of
his
birth from the thigh (μηρòς) of Zeus1106. At leng
required to perform ; and he therefore entered the bower of Semele in
his
chariot, the lightning and thunder flaming, flash
abe, which was prematurely expelled from her womb, and sewed it up in
his
thigh. In due time it came to the birth, and Zeus
the sea ; but he avenged himself by driving Lycurgos mad, who killed
his
own son Dryas with a blow of an axe, taking him f
n son Dryas with a blow of an axe, taking him for a vine-branch ; and
his
subjects afterwards bound him and left him on Mou
wild horses, for such was the will of Dionysos. When Dionysos reached
his
native city, the women readily received the new r
imself against them ; but Dionysos caused him to be torn to pieces by
his
mother and his aunts. The daughters of Minyas, Le
them ; but Dionysos caused him to be torn to pieces by his mother and
his
aunts. The daughters of Minyas, Leucippe, Aristip
daughters of Minyas, Leucippe, Aristippe and Alcathoe, also despised
his
rites, and continued plying their looms, while th
hen went roaming through the mountains, till Hermes touched them with
his
wand, and turned them into a bat, an owl, and a c
oned killed him. When they came to their senses they buried him ; and
his
daughter Erigone, being shown the spot by his fai
s they buried him ; and his daughter Erigone, being shown the spot by
his
faithful dog Mæra, hung herself through grief1110
opposed by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae ; Zeus however reduced
his
two sons to amity1111, and Dionysos thence passed
Dionysos thence passed over to Naxos, where he met Ariadne. It was on
his
way thither that his adventure with the Tyrrhenia
d over to Naxos, where he met Ariadne. It was on his way thither that
his
adventure with the Tyrrhenians occurred. Dionysos
occurred. Dionysos afterwards descended to Erebos, whence he fetched
his
mother, whom he now named Thyone, and ascended wi
; in other parts he seems to have adhered with tolerable fidelity to
his
authorities, and the ‘Dionysiacs’ may be regarded
god prevailed in almost all parts of Greece. Men and women joined in
his
festivals, dressed in Asiatic robes and bonnets ;
e delicate lineaments of a maiden, rather than those of a young man ;
his
whole air and gait are effeminate ; his long flow
r than those of a young man ; his whole air and gait are effeminate ;
his
long flowing hair is, like that of Apollo1118, co
; his long flowing hair is, like that of Apollo1118, collected behind
his
head, wreathed with ivy or a fillet ; he is eithe
, or wrapped in a large cloak, and the nebris is sometimes flung over
his
shoulders ; he carries a crook or a thyrse, and a
ers ; he carries a crook or a thyrse, and a panther generally lies at
his
feet. In some monuments Dionysos appears bearded,
πολυνυμος), for in the Orphic hymns alone we meet upwards of forty of
his
appellations. Some of the principal of them are,
ipal of them are, Bacchos 1120 and Bromios, from the noise with which
his
festivals were celebrated ; Bassareus, from the f
n by the Thracians ; Dithyrambos, from the odes of that name, or from
his
double birth (δὶς ϴύρɑ) ; Eleleus and Euios, from
ung (Λιμνηγενὴς). In some places he was called the Rainer (Ὕης)1125 ;
his
festival, the Anthesteria, was celebrated in the
lation of Dionysos to the celestial heat is expressed in the story of
his
birth, and also in the dog Mæra (Μɑȋρɑ), another
Mæra (Μɑȋρɑ), another name for Sirius the dog-star1127 ; the name of
his
companion Marôn1128 also seems to refer to heat ;
h-born, lies in this word. It is not impossible that the real root of
his
mother’s name may be ϭέλɑς. 1129. In favour of th
well-known circumstance of the goat being the victim offered to him ;
his
being in his infancy conveyed to Nysa in the form
rcumstance of the goat being the victim offered to him ; his being in
his
infancy conveyed to Nysa in the form of a kid, an
; his being in his infancy conveyed to Nysa in the form of a kid, and
his
being worshiped under that name. He also wore the
pretation of it is God-of-Nysa, which last place occurs frequently in
his
legend. Like Tritôn, however, it has been multipl
on any other foundation : and these were posterior to Homer ; for if
his
contemporaries had known anything of that art, he
d to distinctions of this kind ; for Odysseus, we may observe, in all
his
wanderings never found any want of an interpreter
of Cybele is given by Diodorus. Cybele was daughter to king Mæôn and
his
queen Dindyme. She was exposed by her father on M
a appropriated to themselves the birth of Apollo, calling a hill near
his
temple Delos, and two springs Palm and Olive ; th
kind of opium. The historic circumstances of the voyage of Menelaos,
his
adventures there, etc. are fictions. From this po
n, that when (Ol. 27.) the Egyptian prince Psammitichos was driven by
his
competitors for the throne to seek shelter in the
was told by the oracle of Buto that brazen men from the sea would be
his
avengers. Shortly afterwards some Carians and Ion
undering. Calling to mind the oracle, he sent to invite them to enter
his
service : they consented, and with their aid he m
bout eighty years afterwards removed to Memphis by Amasis to serve as
his
guards1160. This monarch appointed the town named
child was the result of their secret interviews. But so monstrous was
his
appearance, that the nurse on beholding him fled
refully in a hare-skin, and carried him away to Olympos : then taking
his
seat with Zeus and the other gods, he produced hi
mpos : then taking his seat with Zeus and the other gods, he produced
his
babe. All the gods, especially Dionysos, were del
y by priests and philosophers, becoming a symbol of the universe, for
his
name signified all. Further, as he dwelt in the w
orns in similitude of the rays of the sun and the horns of the moon :
his
face is ruddy, in imitation of the æther : he has
e is ruddy, in imitation of the æther : he has a spotted fawn-skin on
his
breast, in likeness of the stars : his lower part
he has a spotted fawn-skin on his breast, in likeness of the stars :
his
lower parts are shaggy, on account of the trees,
cause, as we read, Love conquers all, omnia vincit amor.” In Arcadia,
his
native country, Pan appears never to have attaine
hus allude to the treatment which he sometimes there experienced from
his
worshipers : And if thou do so, Pan beloved, may
valleys, roams through the woods, floats along the streams, or drives
his
sheep into a cave, and there plays on his reeds m
long the streams, or drives his sheep into a cave, and there plays on
his
reeds music not to be excelled by that of the bir
while echo peals around The mountain’s top. The god meanwhile moves
his
feet rapidly as he joins in the dance, with the s
his feet rapidly as he joins in the dance, with the skin of a lynx on
his
back, and delighted with the sweet song. In after
ccess in fishing and fowling1178. The god of herdsmen was not without
his
amours ; he is said to have captivated the goddes
id of her sister-nymphs ; and when Pan thought to grasp the object of
his
pursuit, he found his arms filled with reeds. Whi
s ; and when Pan thought to grasp the object of his pursuit, he found
his
arms filled with reeds. While he stood sighing at
rsuit, he found his arms filled with reeds. While he stood sighing at
his
disappointment, the wind began to agitate the ree
. The god took the hint, cut seven of the reeds, and formed from them
his
syrinx (σύριγξ) or pastoral pipe1181. Another of
formed from them his syrinx (σύριγξ) or pastoral pipe1181. Another of
his
loves was the nymph Pitys, who was also loved by
ng man hardened by the toils of a country life. Short horns sprout on
his
forehead, to characterize him ; he bears his croo
e. Short horns sprout on his forehead, to characterize him ; he bears
his
crook and his syrinx ; and he is either naked, or
sprout on his forehead, to characterize him ; he bears his crook and
his
syrinx ; and he is either naked, or clad in the l
pithet of Hermes. Buttmann connects Pan with Apollo Nomios, regarding
his
name as the contraction of Pæan1188. Welcker says
os the Naïs’ husband. Socrates used to compare himself, on account of
his
wisdom, his baldness, and his flat nose, to the S
husband. Socrates used to compare himself, on account of his wisdom,
his
baldness, and his flat nose, to the Silens born o
used to compare himself, on account of his wisdom, his baldness, and
his
flat nose, to the Silens born of the divine Naïde
this garden Silenos was in the habit of repairing ; and Midas1204, or
his
people, by pouring wine into the fount from which
ng to another version of this legend1209, as Dionysos was in Lydia on
his
return from the conquest of the East, some of the
the country people met Silenos staggering about, and binding him with
his
own garlands, led him to their king. Midas entert
r king. Midas entertained him for ten days, and then conducted him to
his
foster-son, who, in his gratitude, desired the ki
d him for ten days, and then conducted him to his foster-son, who, in
his
gratitude, desired the king to ask what gift he w
touched might turn to gold. His wish was granted ; but when he found
his
very food converted to precious metal, and himsel
point of starving in the midst of wealth, he prayed the god to resume
his
fatal gift. Dionysos directed him to bathe in the
osed, riding on a broad-backed ass, usually intoxicated, and carrying
his
can (cantharus), or tottering along supported by
ed, and carrying his can (cantharus), or tottering along supported by
his
staff of fennel (ferula)1211. Πρίαπος. Priapus
employment usually assigned him by the Romans after they had adopted
his
worship – merely the god of gardens, but of fruit
son of Dionysos and Aphrodite.” In Theocritus1214, the shepherds set
his
statue with those of the Nymphs at a shady founta
he will free him from love ; and by Virgil1215 bees are placed under
his
care. Fishermen also made offerings to him as the
hat Priapos was the son of Aphrodite by Dionysos1220, whom she met on
his
return from his Indian expedition at the Lampsace
the son of Aphrodite by Dionysos1220, whom she met on his return from
his
Indian expedition at the Lampsacene town Aparnis.
Aparnis. Owing to the malignity of Hera, he was born so deformed that
his
mother was horrified and renounced (ἀπαρνϵῖτο) hi
at he had a long-eared father, — Pan or a Satyr perhaps, or it may be
his
own sacred beast the ass1223 ; others gave him He
ion. His cloak is filled with all kinds of fruits : he has a sithe in
his
hand, and usually a horn of plenty. He is rarely
sithe in his hand, and usually a horn of plenty. He is rarely without
his
indecent symbol of productiveness. Νύμϕαι. Nym
divine nature ; and when Zeus, the father of the gods, calls together
his
council, None of the streams, save Ocean, stayed
ades1232. The good Eumæos prays to the Nymphs to speed the return of
his
master, reminding them of the numerous sacrifices
ear. But, in the pride of youth, he foolishly Cut it ; and to him and
his
race the Nymph Gave ever after a lot profitless.
os, happening to see an oak just ready to fall to the ground, ordered
his
slaves to prop it up. The Nymph, who had been on
requested her to permit him to be her lover, and the Nymph acceded to
his
desire. She at the same time charged him strictly
f Sicily. At length a princess contrived to intoxicate him : he broke
his
vow, and the threatened penalty was inflicted1238
most accommodating disposition to Zeus ; and while he was engaged in
his
pranks with the other nymphs, Echo, being of a ve
ice), as he was hunting, became deeply enamoured of him. She followed
his
steps everywhere, but was long unable to accost h
as long unable to accost him. At length It happed the youth was from
his
faithful band Of comrades parted, and he called a
s any here ? and Echo answered, Here. Amazed, on every side he turns
his
view, And in loud tones cries, Come ; and Echo ca
ter were turned to stone. Narcissos, however, suffered the penalty of
his
hard-heartedness to her and other nymphs and maid
his hard-heartedness to her and other nymphs and maidens ; for seeing
his
own figure in a clear spring, he became enamoured
it, and pined away till he was converted into the flower which bears
his
name1239. These are fables invented, in the usual
d himself into a serpent : the nymphs fled in affright, and he gained
his
object. Dryope returned home, and shortly afterwa
on the mountains. The nymphs assisted him, for they were charmed with
his
singing and his music, in which he excelled all t
. The nymphs assisted him, for they were charmed with his singing and
his
music, in which he excelled all the men of his ti
d with his singing and his music, in which he excelled all the men of
his
time, being the inventor of the lyre and the shep
nventor of the lyre and the shepherd’s pipe, and they often danced to
his
melody. Pan also loved him, and one time warned h
d to his melody. Pan also loved him, and one time warned him to drive
his
flocks down into the plain, as a most terrific wi
uently alluded to under the title of the Sea-elder (ἅλιος γέρων), and
his
daughters are called Nereïdes. According to Hesio
iod1248 he was the son of Pontos and Earth, and was distinguished for
his
knowledge and his love of truth and justice, when
son of Pontos and Earth, and was distinguished for his knowledge and
his
love of truth and justice, whence he was termed a
Paris, when he was carrying away Helena, the evils he would bring on
his
country and family1250. Nereus was married to Dor
ôn and Amphitrite, who, ‘keeping to the bottom of the sea, dwelt with
his
mother and royal father in a golden house.’ Later
his mother and royal father in a golden house.’ Later poets made him
his
father’s trumpeter. He was also multiplied, and w
elf down on the shore to sleep ; where as he lay, a Tanagrian cut off
his
head with an axe. He relates these legends to acc
He calls him Egyptian, and the servant of Poseidôn1259, and says that
his
task was keeping the seals or sea-calves1260. Whe
os was wind-bound at the island of Pharos, opposite Egypt, and he and
his
crew were suffering from want of food, Eidothea t
and bringing seal-skins directed him to disguise himself and three of
his
companions in them ; and when Proteus at noon sho
Proteus at noon should come up out of the sea and go to sleep amidst
his
herds, to seize and hold him till he disclosed so
ds, to seize and hold him till he disclosed some means of relief from
his
present distress. Menelaos obeys the nymph ; and
distress. Menelaos obeys the nymph ; and Proteus drives up and counts
his
herds, and then lies down to rest. The hero immed
r, water, and a tree. At length, finding he cannot escape, he resumes
his
own form, and reveals to Menelaos the remedy for
cape, he resumes his own form, and reveals to Menelaos the remedy for
his
distress. He at the same time informs him of the
for his distress. He at the same time informs him of the situation of
his
friends, and particularly notices his having seen
informs him of the situation of his friends, and particularly notices
his
having seen Odysseus in the island of Calypso, —
s having seen Odysseus in the island of Calypso, — a clear proof that
his
own abode was not confined to the coast of Egypt.
Odyssey has been beautifully imitated by Virgil in the fourth book of
his
Georgics, where Aristæos on the loss of his bees
gil in the fourth book of his Georgics, where Aristæos on the loss of
his
bees seeks in a similar way a remedy from Proteus
es him a son of Poseidôn1261, and Euripides would seem to make Nereus
his
sire1262. Those who embraced the theory of repres
ater itself1264. Γλαῦκος. Glaucus. Glaucos, as is evident from
his
name, was an original god of the sea, probably on
to happen. In later times sailors were continually making reports of
his
soothsaying1268. Some said he dwelt with the Nere
old in the Æolic dialect all kinds of evil. The fishermen watched for
his
approach, and endeavoured by fastings, prayer and
ured by fastings, prayer and fumigations to avert the ruin with which
his
prophecy menaced the fruits and cattle. At times
aced the fruits and cattle. At times he was seen among the waves, and
his
body appeared covered with muscles, sea weed and
ed with muscles, sea weed and stones. He was heard evermore to lament
his
fate in not being able to die1270. This last circ
ht and thrown on the grass to bite it, and then to jump into the sea,
his
curiosity excited him to taste it also ; immediat
the sea, his curiosity excited him to taste it also ; immediately on
his
doing so he followed their example, and thus beca
ple, and thus became a sea-god. It was also said1272 that he obtained
his
immortality by tasting the grass which had revive
epresented riding on a dolphin. The Isthmian games were celebrated in
his
honour1276. We should suppose it hardly necessary
remity of Libya, the dwelling of the Hesperides was usually placed in
his
vicinity ; others set it in the country of the Hy
having one eye and one tooth in common, on whom neither the sun with
his
beams nor the nightly moon ever looks’1293. Perse
, serpent-fleeced, hateful to man, whom no one can look on and retain
his
breath1301.’ They were also represented as winged
le of Alcina as of those of Circe and Calypso. The moment he conducts
his
hero away from Greece, he engages him in magic re
rs of other mythic cycles to the West-sea, which he made the scene of
his
hero's adventures. It is a question among critics
he was at liberty to place what isles he pleased, and people them as
his
fancy prompted. On this principle we now will tra
s-eaters. Odysseus, when doubling the Cape of Malea in Laconia on
his
return from Troy1335, encountered a violent north
e country of the Lotus-eaters. Here, after watering, he sent three of
his
men to discover who the inhabitants were. These m
se men away, and he was even obliged to tie them under the benches of
his
ship. As the coast of Cyrene lies opposite the Pe
titutions, neither assemblies nor laws, but dwelt separately, each in
his
cave, on the tops of lofty mountains, and each wi
e tops of lofty mountains, and each without regard to others governed
his
own wife and children. In front of a harbour of t
could not derive any advantage from it. Odysseus, leaving the rest of
his
fleet at the island, went with one ship to the co
Poseidôn by the nymph Thoösa, the daughter of Phorcys. The Cyclôps on
his
return in the evening with his flocks, finding st
he daughter of Phorcys. The Cyclôps on his return in the evening with
his
flocks, finding strangers there, inquired who the
d on Odysseus saying that they had been shipwrecked, and appealing to
his
mercy and reverence for the gods, he declared tha
of a merchant-vessel ; and when the monster had devoured two more of
his
victims gave him wine to drink, and then while he
eeping profoundly, heated the stick in the fire, and aided by four of
his
companions bored out his eye with it. Polyphemos
the stick in the fire, and aided by four of his companions bored out
his
eye with it. Polyphemos roaring out with pain, th
in, the other Cyclopes came to inquire what had befallen him ; but on
his
informing them that Nobody (Οὔτις) — the name whi
inking it was some disease they left him, recommending him to pray to
his
father. Next morning, when Polyphemos turned out
g him to pray to his father. Next morning, when Polyphemos turned out
his
sheep and goats, his prisoners fastened themselve
father. Next morning, when Polyphemos turned out his sheep and goats,
his
prisoners fastened themselves under their bellies
es, and so escaped. Odysseus, when a little way out at sea called out
his
real name, and the Cyclôps hurled immense rocks a
and the Cyclôps hurled immense rocks at him, which were near sinking
his
ship. Nothing is said by the poet respecting the
hen it is cast on the ground, terrifies the Greeks who were hiding in
his
cave : the teams of twenty-two waggons could not
ms of twenty-two waggons could not move the rock with which he closed
his
door : his staff was in length and thickness equa
y-two waggons could not move the rock with which he closed his door :
his
staff was in length and thickness equal to the ma
oets1342. The river Acis in Sicily was originally a shepherd, whom in
his
jealous rage the monster crushed beneath a rock f
Encelados, on the last of whom Athena flung the isle of Sicily, where
his
motions cause the eruptions of Ætna1349. It is sa
gods. The stature of this monster reached the sky, fire flashed from
his
eyes ; he hurled glowing rocks with loud cries an
oud cries and hissing against heaven, and flame and storm rushed from
his
mouth. The gods in dismay fled to Egypt, and conc
the sire of the Chimæra, Echidna, and other monsters. The Greeks gave
his
name to the Egyptian dæmon Baby, the opponent of
Æolus in Æolia. After their escape from the Cyclôps, Odysseus and
his
companions sailed further on, and came to the flo
ous rocks : and here Æolos dwelt in continual joy and festivity, with
his
wife and his six sons and as many daughters, whom
nd here Æolos dwelt in continual joy and festivity, with his wife and
his
six sons and as many daughters, whom, after the f
when Odysseus, who had hitherto held the helm himself, fell asleep :
his
comrades, who fancied that Æolos had given him tr
y the gods, the director of the winds drove them with reproaches from
his
isle. As Æolia was a floating isle, it is evident
uring the month that he spent in it, or the time that elapsed between
his
departure and return. The Latin poets, following
he Læstrygonians lay very far to the west. Odysseus, when driven from
his
isleby Æolos, sailed on further for six days and
er father’s house. On entering it they were terrified at the sight of
his
wife, who was ‘as large as the top of a mountain.
oast of Italy. Κίρκη ἐν Αἰαίῃ. Circe in Ææa. When Odysseus and
his
surviving companions had escaped from the Læstryg
roduced its usual effect, striking him with her wand bade him go join
his
comrades in their sty. But Odysseus drawing his s
wand bade him go join his comrades in their sty. But Odysseus drawing
his
sword threatened to slay her ; and the terrified
bound herself by a solemn oath to do him no injury. She afterwards at
his
desire restored his companions to their pristine
olemn oath to do him no injury. She afterwards at his desire restored
his
companions to their pristine form, and they all a
n and Achilleus. Terror at length came over him ; he hastened back to
his
ship ; the stream carried it along, and they reac
on named Telegonos (Far-born), who, as we shall see, unwittingly slew
his
own father. The Theogony1364 gives them for offsp
rsenians.’ Hesiod said elsewhere1365 that Helios had brought Circe in
his
chariot to her isle off the coast of Tyrrhenia. I
ographer makes Circe the daughter of Æætes by Hecate, the daughter of
his
brother Perses. This pragmatiser goes on to say t
married to the king of the Sarmatians, whom she poisoned, and seized
his
kingdom ; but governing tyrannically she was expe
s to have sprung from the blood of a giant slain by Helios, in aid of
his
daughter in her island. Its name, we are told, co
n that Ææa, in opposition to the country beyond the Ocean, from which
his
hero had just returned, lay within the realms of
ruth ; but we cannot help fancying that our poet, in the plenitude of
his
authority, had seized on the Argonautic cycle, an
renes. Sirens. Leaving Ææa on their homeward voyage, Odysseus and
his
companions came first to the island of the Sirens
the strand. By the directions of Circe, Odysseus stopped the ears of
his
companions with wax, and had himself tied to the
81. Some said that they sprang from the blood which ran from him when
his
horn was torn off by Heracles1382. Sophocles call
arded as purely musical beings with entrancing voices. Hence Plato in
his
Republic1389 places one of them on each of the ei
ific Scylla and Charybdis, between which the goddess had informed him
his
course lay. She said1392 he would come to two lof
pass Charybdis than Scylla. As Odysseus sailed by, Scylla took six of
his
crew ; and when, after he had lost his ship and c
sailed by, Scylla took six of his crew ; and when, after he had lost
his
ship and companions, he was carried by wind and w
is. He held by the fig-tree till it was thrown out again, and resumed
his
voyage. Such is the earliest account we have of t
; and being rejected, applied to Circe to exercise her magic arts in
his
favour. Circe wished him to transfer his affectio
o exercise her magic arts in his favour. Circe wished him to transfer
his
affections to herself ; and filled with rage at h
d him to transfer his affections to herself ; and filled with rage at
his
refusal, she infected with noxious juices the wat
, on which the flocks and herds of the Sun-god fed, under the care of
his
daughters Phaëthusa and Lampetia, and to which he
h he had received ; but as it was evening when he came to the island,
his
companions forced him to consent to their landing
uninhabited isle ; and that during the whole month that Odysseus and
his
men were in it they did not meet with any one, an
of Circe and Calypso, belonging to the Sun-god, and tenanted only by
his
flocks and herds, and his two daughters their kee
onging to the Sun-god, and tenanted only by his flocks and herds, and
his
two daughters their keepers. He must also have co
ived at it. Καλυψ ἐν Ὠγυγίῃ. Calypso in Ogygia. Odysseus, when
his
ship had gone to pieces, fastened the mast and ke
rmes arriving with a command from Zeus, she was obliged to consent to
his
departure. She gave the hero tools to build a raf
a final leave of him. Calypso, that is The Concealer (the poet after
his
usual manner giving her a significant name), is c
far remote from all the other isles and coasts ; and he thus brought
his
hero into all parts of that sea, and informed his
and he thus brought his hero into all parts of that sea, and informed
his
auditors of all its wonders. A south-east wind ca
ors of all its wonders. A south-east wind carried Odysseus thither on
his
mast in nine days and nights from Charybdis. When
nine days and nights from Charybdis. When he left Ogygia, sailing on
his
raft, as directed by Calypso, with the constellat
s raft, as directed by Calypso, with the constellation of the Bear on
his
left, that is in an easterly or southeasterly dir
eeded no pilot when impelled by the rowers1420. As Odysseus sailed on
his
raft from Ogygia, the isle of Scheria appeared to
in the dark sea’1421 ; and when the storm by which Poseidôn destroyed
his
raft had subsided, he was carried along, as he sw
pposes some one to say1424, “Is it some stranger who has strayed from
his
ship that she has taken under her care, since the
he Ionian Singer’s idea of it may have been. All we will say is, that
his
language respecting it accords much better with s
mis slew him with her gentle darts in Ortygia. Eumæos1432, describing
his
native isle Syria, says that it lies beyond (καθύ
grow old, ‘silver-bowed Apollo comes with Artemis and kills them with
his
gentle darts.’ It contained two towns ; between t
world ever gone on thus decaying and renewing ? — and he carries back
his
thoughts through ages and generations, till for v
ate of man to have been one of peace and happiness. At all periods of
his
life man looks back to the gay and careless days
and careless days of childhood with pleasure and regret. Then, while
his
faculties were new and unworn, each part of natur
of the world. Hesiod, who is the first that treats of them, gives in
his
didactic poem the following venerable mythe1439.
smal picture of the fifth or iron race of men ; a picture often since
his
time redrawn by moralists and poets in every regi
py state return1444. A mythologist, of whom even when we dissent from
his
opinions we must always admire the sound learning
nto Grecian literature by Hesiod, who may be regarded as the Plato of
his
age. It contained originally, as it is given by A
order and method than is usually supposed) the account of Iapetos and
his
progeny immediately succeeds that of Kronos and t
These circumstances, combined with the plain meaning of the names of
his
children, lead to the conclusion of Iapetos being
d to render Iapetos the Afflicted or the Oppressed. 1449. The name of
his
wife may refer to that faded splendour which stil
efer to that faded splendour which still adheres to man, and those of
his
sons express the qualities of the human mind ; At
the insolent and the haughty ; and Zeus, it is added, struck him with
his
thunder and precipitated him into Erebos on accou
k him with his thunder and precipitated him into Erebos on account of
his
‘insolence and excessive manhood ;’ perhaps intim
perhaps intimating that pride and haughtiness and extreme reliance on
his
powers hurry man to death. It is said by later wr
n his powers hurry man to death. It is said by later writers that for
his
share in the Titan-war Menœtios was hurled into T
rth asunder.’ In the Theogony1454 he is said to support the heaven on
his
head and hands in the extreme West, a task assign
task assigned him by Zeus, in punishment, the later writers say, for
his
share in the Titan-war1455. Atlas was the father
s named Hyades1458. When, therefore, we consider the signification of
his
name in connexion with the position assigned him
y Homer and Hesiod, and the species of knowledge ascribed to him, and
his
being the father of two of the celestial constell
es. An ancient prophecy delivered by Themis had announced to him that
his
precious trees would be plundered by a son of Zeu
trees would be plundered by a son of Zeus. When therefore Perseus, on
his
return from slaying the Gorgon, arrived in the re
rn monarch, calling to mind the prophecy, attempted to repel him from
his
doors. Perseus, inferior in strength, displayed t
he inhospitable prince was turned into the mountain which still bears
his
name. Another said that he was a man of Libya dev
voted to astronomy, and that having ascended a lofty mountain to make
his
observations he fell from it into the sea, and bo
and gave it to man. Zeus then sent Pandora on earth to deceive man to
his
ruin, and he bound Prometheus with chains to a pi
with chains to a pillar, and sent an eagle to prey without ceasing on
his
liver, which grew every night as much as it had l
r own fashion. Prometheus was, they say, a king of the Scythians, and
his
country was wasted by a river named Eagle (Aϵτòς)
named Eagle (Aϵτòς), whose inundations when he was unable to prevent,
his
subjects laid him in chains. But Heracles coming
and thus freed the captive monarch1470. The name of Prometheus led to
his
being viewed as the bestower of all knowledge on
clay and fire within the earth, and then committed to Prometheus and
his
brother the task of distributing powers and quali
ometheus said that he could not tell what there might be in heaven to
his
purpose, unless he could go thither and judge for
seeing everything animated by the celestial heat, he secretly applied
his
ferula to the wheel of the Sun’s chariot and thus
d thus stole some of the fire, which he then applied to the breast of
his
man and thus animated him. Zeus, to punish Promet
s, to punish Prometheus, bound him and appointed a vulture to prey on
his
liver, and the incensed gods sent fevers and othe
ained possession of the gift of Zeus, but with it as a punishment for
his
art he got the thirst of the ass. Hence it is tha
t he got the thirst of the ass. Hence it is that the snake by casting
his
skin annually renews his youth, while man is born
e ass. Hence it is that the snake by casting his skin annually renews
his
youth, while man is borne down by the weight of t
l into the world by means of a woman is related at large by Hesiod in
his
didactic poem, and is touched on in the Theogony1
he was brought by Hermes to the dwelling of Epime-theus ; who, though
his
brother had warned him to be upon his guard and t
ng of Epime-theus ; who, though his brother had warned him to be upon
his
guard and to receive no gifts from Zeus, dazzled
nd to receive no gifts from Zeus, dazzled with her charms took her to
his
house and made her his wife. The evil effects of
from Zeus, dazzled with her charms took her to his house and made her
his
wife. The evil effects of this imprudent act were
be supposed, had rigidly obeyed this direction, and had hitherto kept
his
brother also from transgressing it. But the case
st in time to prevent the escape of Hope, who thus remained with man,
his
chief support and comfort. This fable of Pandora
with others. Contradictions however becoming apparent, Prometheus and
his
brother ceased to be looked on as the first men,
esigned to destroy the brazen race of men, Deucaliôn by the advice of
his
father made himself an ark (λὰρνακα), and putting
self an ark (λὰρνακα), and putting provisions into it entered it with
his
wife Pyrrha. Zeus then poured rain from heaven an
e Peloponnese was overflowed. Deucaliôn was carried along this sea in
his
ark for nine days and nights until he reached Mou
have the earth replenished with men. By the direction of Zeus he and
his
wife flung stones behind them ; and those which D
aped as well as Deucaliôn, yet at the same time intimates that he and
his
wife alone had been preserved in the catastrophe.
Alcestis. Cretheus the son of Æolos married Tyro the daughter of
his
brother Salmoneus. By her he had three sons, name
es1530. This last built the city of Pheræ, which was named from him :
his
son Admetos married Alcestis the daughter of Peli
he became the servant of Admetos1532, and it was during the period of
his
service that Admetos souo his chariot, and this A
os1532, and it was during the period of his service that Admetos souo
his
chariot, and this Admetos effected by the aid of
hat Admetos souo his chariot, and this Admetos effected by the aid of
his
divine herdsman. Apollo also obtained from the Fa
s to terminate should come, he might defer it if any one would die in
his
place. When the fatal day arrived Admetos implore
e would die in his place. When the fatal day arrived Admetos implored
his
aged father and mother to lay down their small re
is aged father and mother to lay down their small remnant of life for
his
sake, but they were deaf to his prayers. With a g
down their small remnant of life for his sake, but they were deaf to
his
prayers. With a generous self-devotion Alcestis t
o others Hades himself) came, he seized him, and forced him to resign
his
victim, whom he then restored to her husband. It
as Persephone. Her name would then answer to Strong (ἴφθιμος), one of
his
epithets, and to Awful (ἐπαινὴ), one of those of
ἴφθιμος), one of his epithets, and to Awful (ἐπαινὴ), one of those of
his
queen. Ἰάσων καὶ Μὴδϵια. Iason et Medea.
s was succeeded in the dominion over Iolcos, which he had founded, by
his
son Æsôn. This prince married Alcimede daughter o
om he had a son named Iasôn1534. By force or fraud he was deprived of
his
kingdom by his half-brother Pelias1535, who sough
named Iasôn1534. By force or fraud he was deprived of his kingdom by
his
half-brother Pelias1535, who sought the life of t
Pelias1535, who sought the life of the infant Iasôn ; and to save him
his
parents gave out that he was dead, and meantime c
ne-sandaled man,’ but during many years none such appeared to disturb
his
repose. At length, when Iasôn had attained the ag
ty, he proceeded unknown to Cheirôn to Iolcos, to claim the rights of
his
family. He bore, says the Theban poet, two spears
e-fitting Magnesian dress, and a pard-skin to throw off the rain, and
his
long unshorn locks waved on his back. He entered
pard-skin to throw off the rain, and his long unshorn locks waved on
his
back. He entered the market-place, and the people
razen-carred spouse of Aphrodite’ (Ares). Just then Pelias came by in
his
mule-car ; and the moment he looked on him, and p
dal, he shuddered. He asked him who he was, and Iasôn mildly answered
his
question, telling him that he was come to demand
d his question, telling him that he was come to demand the kingdom of
his
fathers which Zeus had given to Æolos. He then we
fathers which Zeus had given to Æolos. He then went into the house of
his
father, by whom he was joyfully recognised. On th
was joyfully recognised. On the intelligence of the arrival of Iasôn,
his
uncles Pheres and Amythaôn, with their sons Admet
feasted and enjoyed themselves : on the sixth Iasôn disclosed to them
his
wishes, and went accompanied by them to the dwell
t Pelias, being about to offer a sacrifice on the shore of the sea to
his
sire Poseidôn, invited all his subjects. Iasôn, w
a sacrifice on the shore of the sea to his sire Poseidôn, invited all
his
subjects. Iasôn, who was ploughing on the other s
auros, crossed that stream to come to it, and in so doing lost one of
his
sandals. It is said that Hera, out of enmity to P
, and asked Iasôn to carry her over, which caused him to leave one of
his
sandals in the mud ; her object was to give occas
power, had it been predicted to him that he should be slain by one of
his
citizens. Iasôn replied, that he would order him
would order him to go and fetch the Golden Fleece. Pelias took him at
his
word, and imposed this task on himself1539. Iasôn
m at his word, and imposed this task on himself1539. Iasôn proclaimed
his
enterprise throughout Greece, and the bravest her
cos in safety1540. But during the absence of Iasôn, Pelias had driven
his
father and mother to self-destruction, and put to
livered the fleece to Pelias, entreated Medeia to exercise her art in
his
behalf. He sailed with his companions to the Isth
s, entreated Medeia to exercise her art in his behalf. He sailed with
his
companions to the Isthmos, and there dedicated th
her in the same manner1541. Pelias was buried with great splendour by
his
son Acastos, and the most renowned heroes of the
ng unknown to Colchis, found that her father Æetes had been robbed of
his
throne by his brother Perses : she restored him,
Colchis, found that her father Æetes had been robbed of his throne by
his
brother Perses : she restored him, and deprived t
hich the haughty insolent king Pelias had imposed on him. He made her
his
spouse, and she bore to the ‘shepherd of the peop
erefore that this poet supposed Iasôn to have reigned at Iolcos after
his
return from his great adventure. According to the
s poet supposed Iasôn to have reigned at Iolcos after his return from
his
great adventure. According to the poem of the Nos
cient priestess of Artemis, went to the house of Pelias, and deceived
his
daughters as above related1548. She then made the
fter gave up to Acastos the son of Pelias, who had accompanied him on
his
voyage, and retired with Medeia to Corinth1549. I
tired with Medeia to Corinth1549. Iasôn is said to have put an end to
his
life after the tragic fate of his children ; or,
Iasôn is said to have put an end to his life after the tragic fate of
his
children ; or, as another account has it, when th
nymphs ; and that Zeus made love to her, but she would not hearken to
his
suit, fearing the anger of Hera, who therefore re
, the son of Helios and Antiope, and born at Ephyra or Corinth, which
his
sire gave to him ; but he committed the charge of
opos Zeus was the father of Æacos, who dwelt in the island named from
his
mother. The children of Æacos were, Peleus, Telam
acos were, Peleus, Telamôn, and Phocos. The last having been slain by
his
brothers out of jealousy, Æacos banished them fro
, whose daughter Polymela he married. Being so unfortunate as to kill
his
father-in-law by accident at the Calydonian hunt,
vain, to gratify her passion. Out of revenge, she then sent to inform
his
wife that he was going to marry Sterope the daugh
t out the tongues of all the beasts which he killed and put them into
his
pouch. The companions of Acastos getting all thes
lled just so many. He fell asleep on Mount Pelion, and Acastos taking
his
famous sword, which had been made by Hephæstos, a
aurs would find him and kill him1560. When Peleus awoke he sought for
his
sword, but in vain ; and the Centaurs coming on h
but for Cheirôn, who saved him, and then looked for and returned him
his
sword1561. Shortly after Peleus attacked and took
cording to others, who add that he put Hippolyta to death and marched
his
troops into the town between her severed members1
him was the sea-nymph Thetis, who had been wooed by Zeus himself and
his
brother Poseidôn, but Themis having declared that
idôn, but Themis having declared that her child would be greater than
his
sire, the gods withdrew1564. Others say that she
by Hera, would not assent to the wishes of Zeus, and that the god in
his
anger condemned her to espouse a mortal1566, or t
he guests1573. When the celebrated son of Peleus and Thetis was born,
his
mother wished to make him immortal. She therefore
night in the fire, to purge away what he had inherited of mortal from
his
father ; and by day she anointed him with ambrosi
ars and wild boars, and named him Achilleus, because he never applied
his
lips (χϵίλη) to a breast1574. According to the Æg
e of their son1576. Of Peleus it is further related, that he survived
his
son and even grandson1577, and died in misery in
Deïoneus, having, according to the usage of the heroic ages, promised
his
father-in-law large nuptial gifts (ἒδνα) ; but he
ed his father-in-law large nuptial gifts (ἒδνα) ; but he did not keep
his
engagement, and Deïoneus seized his horses and de
ifts (ἒδνα) ; but he did not keep his engagement, and Deïoneus seized
his
horses and detained them as a pledge. Ixiôn then
ready if he would come to fetch them. Deïoneus accordingly came, but
his
treacherous son-in-law had prepared in his house
neus accordingly came, but his treacherous son-in-law had prepared in
his
house a pit filled with fire, and covered over wi
h Zeus himself took pity on him and purified him, and admitted him to
his
house and table on Olympos. But incapable of good
os. But incapable of good, Ixiôn cast an eye of desire on the wife of
his
benefactor and dared to make love to her. Hera in
cloud in the likeness of herself, which Ixiôn embraced. He boasted of
his
fortune, and Zeus precipitated him to Erebos, whe
s of early mythology, is represented like an earthly prince receiving
his
suppliant to his house and board. The punishment
ogy, is represented like an earthly prince receiving his suppliant to
his
house and board. The punishment inflicted was sui
ts, their lower parts resembling their dams, the upper their sire. By
his
wife Dia, Ixiôn had a son named Peirithoös, who m
married Hippodameia daughter of Adrastos king of Argos. The chiefs of
his
own tribe, the Lapiths, were all invited to the w
ttempted to offer violence to the bride ; the other Centaurs followed
his
example, and a dreadful conflict arose, in which
ved so ill, that the heroes rose and dragging him to the door cut off
his
ears and nose, which was the occasion of ‘strife
ths, which ended in the expulsion of the former. When Heracles was on
his
way to hunt the Erymanthian boar, he was entertai
lowed him1593. It is also said that Cæneus, filled with confidence in
his
strength and invulnerability, set up his spear in
s, filled with confidence in his strength and invulnerability, set up
his
spear in the market and ordered the people to wor
by Homer1596 ‘the most upright of the Centaurs.’ He reared Iasôn and
his
son Medeios, Heracles, Asclepios, and Achilleus,
s son Medeios, Heracles, Asclepios, and Achilleus, and was famous for
his
skill in surgery1597, which he taught the two las
one of Heracles’ poisoned arrows, he suffered extreme pain, till, on
his
prayer to Zeus for relief, he was raised to the s
ery idea is suggested by the figure of a Cossack leaning forward with
his
protruded lance as he gallops along. But he regar
n of Deucaliôn. Pride, it is said, caused the ruin of both. He called
his
wife Hera, and was by her styled Zeus in return.
laros to consult the oracle of Apollo perished by shipwreck, and that
his
wife on finding his lifeless body on the strand c
oracle of Apollo perished by shipwreck, and that his wife on finding
his
lifeless body on the strand cast herself into the
cient mythic cycle, it is not unlikely that it was the resemblance of
his
name to that of the bird that caused his wife to
at it was the resemblance of his name to that of the bird that caused
his
wife to be called Halcyone, and the legend above
d taught him the mode of its culture1610 ; in reward it was added for
his
allowing the god’s familiarity with Althæa, by wh
came the father of Deïaneira1611. Œneus, it is also said, killed with
his
own hand his son Toxeus for leaping over the fenc
er of Deïaneira1611. Œneus, it is also said, killed with his own hand
his
son Toxeus for leaping over the fence of his vine
killed with his own hand his son Toxeus for leaping over the fence of
his
vineyard1612. When Œneus offered sacrifices at th
his vineyard1612. When Œneus offered sacrifices at the conclusion of
his
harvest to the gods, he omitted to notice Artemis
oös, by whom he had a son named Tydeus1613 ; who, having slain either
his
uncle, his cousins, or his brother (for writers d
m he had a son named Tydeus1613 ; who, having slain either his uncle,
his
cousins, or his brother (for writers differ), fle
amed Tydeus1613 ; who, having slain either his uncle, his cousins, or
his
brother (for writers differ), fled to Adrastos at
fled to Adrastos at Argos. When Œneus was grown old and helpless, and
his
son Tydeus was dead, the sons of his brother Agri
was grown old and helpless, and his son Tydeus was dead, the sons of
his
brother Agrios dispossessed him of his kingdom, a
n Tydeus was dead, the sons of his brother Agrios dispossessed him of
his
kingdom, and kept him in prison1614. But Diomedes
l the sons of Agrios but two, who escaped to the Peloponnese ; and as
his
grandfather was now too old to reign, he gave the
the aged prince at the house of Telephos in Arcadia. Diomedes brought
his
body to Argos, and buried it where the town calle
ably a legend of great antiquity. In the Ilias1617, when Phœnix joins
his
entreaties to those of Odysseus to prevail on Ach
entreaties to those of Odysseus to prevail on Achilleus to lay aside
his
wrath and aid the Achæans, he quotes the case of
s.” He relates the circumstance of the neglect of Artemis by Œneus at
his
harvest-home feast (θαλύσια), and her vengeance.
the worst of it, and could not keep the field ; but when, enraged at
his
mother Althæa, he remained with his wife the fair
the field ; but when, enraged at his mother Althæa, he remained with
his
wife the fair Cleopatra and abstained from the wa
orth and defend them : they offered him a piece of land (τέμϵνος), at
his
own selection, of fifty gyas 1618, half arable, h
yas 1618, half arable, half vine-land. His aged father Œneus ascended
his
chamber and implored him, his sisters and his mot
ne-land. His aged father Œneus ascended his chamber and implored him,
his
sisters and his mother supplicated him, but in va
d father Œneus ascended his chamber and implored him, his sisters and
his
mother supplicated him, but in vain. He remained
his mother supplicated him, but in vain. He remained inexorable, till
his
very chamber was shaken, when the Curetes had mou
hen the Curetes had mounted the towers and set fire to the town. Then
his
wife besought him with tears, — picturing to him
ccidentally killed Eurytiôn : Atalanta with an arrow gave the monster
his
first wound : Amphiaraos shot him in the eye ; an
l to them of right, on account of their family, if Meleagros resigned
his
claim to it. Meleagros in a rage killed them, and
e vigour of Meleagros wasted away ; and when it was reduced to ashes,
his
life terminated. Repenting when too late of what
n end to her life by a cord or a sword. Cleopatra died of grief ; and
his
sisters, who would not be comforted in their affl
ropa carried her away to Crete ; and Agenôr, grieving for the loss of
his
only daughter, ordered his sons to go in quest of
ete ; and Agenôr, grieving for the loss of his only daughter, ordered
his
sons to go in quest of her, and not to return til
refore established himself in Phœnicia, Cilix in Cilicia ; Cadmos and
his
mother went to Thrace, where Thasos founded a tow
Thasos founded a town also named from himself1623. After the death of
his
mother Cadmos went to Delphi, to inquire of the o
him to cease from troubling himself about her, but to follow a cow as
his
guide, and to build a city where she should lie d
d there lay down. Wishing to sacrifice her to Athena1624, Cadmos sent
his
companions to fetch water from the fount of Ares
rriage in the Cadmeia, the palace of Cadmos. The bridegroom presented
his
bride with a magnificent robe, and with a collar,
After the various misfortunes which befel their children, Cadmos and
his
wife quitted Thebes, now grown odious to them, an
nia their leaders they should be successful. They obeyed the god, and
his
prediction was verified. Cadmos became king of th
; but it is very remarkable that this Theban poet never even hints at
his
Phœnician origin. It was however an article of ge
e rise to all this mystery in which he is enveloped. It was certainly
his
name that led to the idea of giving him Harmonia
as certainly his name that led to the idea of giving him Harmonia for
his
bride. The influence of names is also we think pe
ation of her beauty and her courage, he called out to Cheirôn to quit
his
cave and come to look at her. To the questions of
d, by informing him that he was to be her spouse, and to carry her in
his
golden car over the sea to the rich garden of Zeu
s (Herdsman), and Aristæos. The god forthwith seized the nymph and in
his
car drawn by swans1642 conveyed her to the part o
at of the dog-days, the inhabitants invited Aristæos thither ; and on
his
erecting an altar to Zeus Icmæos (Moistener), the
Etesian breezes breathed over the isle, and the evil departed. After
his
death he was deified by the people of Ceos1645. V
the story of the love of Aristæos for Eurydice the wife of Orpheus ;
his
pursuit of her, and her unfortunate death ; on wh
ate death ; on which the Napæan nymphs, her companions, destroyed all
his
bees ; and the mode adopted by him on the advice
destroyed all his bees ; and the mode adopted by him on the advice of
his
mother to stock once more his hives. Actæôn was t
he mode adopted by him on the advice of his mother to stock once more
his
hives. Actæôn was the offspring of the marriage o
ed by Cheirôn, and becoming passionately devoted to the chase, passed
his
days chiefly in pursuit of the wild beasts that h
Artemis and her nymphs as they were bathing. The goddess, incensed at
his
intrusion, flung some water upon him and turned h
that he was superior to her at the chase1648 ; while others ascribed
his
transformation and death to the jealousy of Zeus,
and olive, and especially the management of bees. The chief seats of
his
worship were Arcadia1650 (whence it was carried o
at Artemis threw a stag's-hide over him, and thus caused the error of
his
dogs, and this might refer to the sheep-skins ; t
y that Apollo directed Phrixos to be sacrificed to Zeus. Compelled by
his
people Athamas reluctantly placed his son before
acrificed to Zeus. Compelled by his people Athamas reluctantly placed
his
son before the altar ; but Nephele snatched away
f Helios, who received him kindly, and gave him in marriage Chalciope
his
daughter. He there sacrificed his ram to Zeus Phy
and gave him in marriage Chalciope his daughter. He there sacrificed
his
ram to Zeus Phyxios, and gave the golden fleece t
d suckled the infant Dionysos, was afterwards seized with madness. In
his
phrensy he shot his son Learchos with an arrow, o
Dionysos, was afterwards seized with madness. In his phrensy he shot
his
son Learchos with an arrow, or, as others say, da
fice. The ram then spoke with a human voice to Phrixos warning him of
his
danger, and offering to carry him and his sister
e to Phrixos warning him of his danger, and offering to carry him and
his
sister to a place of safety. The ram, it was adde
olchis1661. It was also said that the flight of Phrixos was caused by
his
rejection of the amorous advances of his step-mot
ght of Phrixos was caused by his rejection of the amorous advances of
his
step-mother or his aunt1662, and again that in th
caused by his rejection of the amorous advances of his step-mother or
his
aunt1662, and again that in the time of dearth he
sent one, for it was a favourite subject with them. Thus Euripides in
his
Ino said that Athamas thinking that Ino had peris
sh the crime of Athamas the oracle directed that the eldest person of
his
posterity should abstain from entering the Prytan
of Kytissoros the son of Phrixos, who had come from Colchis and saved
his
grandfather Athamas, when the people were about t
the oracle. By this act Kytissoros had drawn the anger of the gods on
his
posterity. It is not unlikely then that this myth
as married to Echiôn, one of the Spartans. Her son Pentheus succeeded
his
grandfather in the government over Thebes. During
theus succeeded his grandfather in the government over Thebes. During
his
reign, Dionysos came from the East and sought to
During his reign, Dionysos came from the East and sought to introduce
his
orgies into his native city. The women all gave e
, Dionysos came from the East and sought to introduce his orgies into
his
native city. The women all gave enthusiastically
to be an ocular witness of the revels. While there he was descried by
his
mother and aunts, to whom Dionysos made him appea
ntheus, it is plain, is derived from the grief (πένθος) occasioned by
his
fate. Agaue (Illustrious) is an epithet of Persep
ïs the daughter of Nycteus. Their son was Labdacos, who on succeeding
his
father opposed himself like Pentheus to the relig
entheus to the religion of Dionysos, and underwent a similar fate. As
his
son Laïos was but a year old, the throne was occu
e throne was occupied by Lycos the brother of Nycteus. Both Lycos and
his
brother, it is said, had fled from Eubœa for kill
Nycteus out of grief put an end to himself, having previously charged
his
brother Lycos to punish Epopeus and Antiope. Lyco
The former devoted himself to the care of cattle ; the latter passed
his
time in the practice of music, having been presen
iope in bonds, and she was treated with the utmost cruelty by him and
his
wife Dirce. But her chains loosed of themselves,
by the arrows of the former, while her daughters perished by those of
his
sister. Nine days they lay in blood, and there
ring of the Deity and the Moon, may then be the Sun who goes each day
his
round, and whose eye searches out all things1675.
ever warned him against having children, declaring that he would meet
his
death by means of his offspring. He long abstaine
t having children, declaring that he would meet his death by means of
his
offspring. He long abstained from his wife : at l
ould meet his death by means of his offspring. He long abstained from
his
wife : at length, having one time drunk too much
at length, having one time drunk too much wine on a solemn occasion,
his
love overcame his prudence, and Iocasta gave birt
one time drunk too much wine on a solemn occasion, his love overcame
his
prudence, and Iocasta gave birth to a son, whom h
his love overcame his prudence, and Iocasta gave birth to a son, whom
his
father delivered to his herdsman to expose on Mou
udence, and Iocasta gave birth to a son, whom his father delivered to
his
herdsman to expose on Mount Cithærôn. The herdsma
xposure, had pierced its heels. Many years afterwards Laïos, being on
his
way to Delphi accompanied only by his herald Poly
ears afterwards Laïos, being on his way to Delphi accompanied only by
his
herald Polyphontes, met in a narrow road in Phoci
in a narrow road in Phocis a young man also driving in a chariot. On
his
refusal to leave the way at their command, the he
s refusal to leave the way at their command, the herald killed one of
his
horses ; and the stranger, filled with rage, slew
his horses ; and the stranger, filled with rage, slew both Laïos and
his
herald, and then pursued his journey. The body of
r, filled with rage, slew both Laïos and his herald, and then pursued
his
journey. The body of Laïos was found and honourab
pus et Iocasta. The foundling Œdipûs was brought up by Polybos as
his
heir. Happening to be reproached by some one at a
went to Delphi and consulted the oracle. The god directed him to shun
his
native country, or he should be the slayer of his
irected him to shun his native country, or he should be the slayer of
his
father and the sharer of his mother's bed. He the
e country, or he should be the slayer of his father and the sharer of
his
mother's bed. He therefore resolved never to retu
o Corinth, where so much crime as he thought awaited him, and he took
his
road through Phocis. He it was who encountered La
d, the Sphinx carried off and devoured one of their number. At length
his
son Hæmôn having become her victim, Creôn offered
ctim, Creôn offered by public proclamation the throne and the hand of
his
sister Iocasta to whoever should solve the riddle
s now unknowingly accomplished the remainder of the oracle. He had by
his
mother two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, and two
ng made, ended her days by a cord, and her unhappy son and husband in
his
grief and despair put out his eyes. He was banish
ord, and her unhappy son and husband in his grief and despair put out
his
eyes. He was banished from Thebes ; and accompani
ir put out his eyes. He was banished from Thebes ; and accompanied by
his
daughters, who faithfully adhered to him, after a
os, a village not far from Athens, and there found the termination of
his
wretched life1688. Such is the form in which the
did an awful deed, marrying her own son ; and he married having slain
his
own father, and immediately the gods made this kn
by her son, Eurygeneia the daughter of Hyperphas being the mother of
his
wellknown children. According to the cyclic Theba
en. According to the cyclic Thebaïs1692, the fatal curse of Œdipûs on
his
sons had the following origin. Polyneices placed
Œdipûs on his sons had the following origin. Polyneices placed before
his
father a silver table which had belonged to Cadmo
olden cup with wine for him ; but when he perceived the heir-looms of
his
family thus set before him, he raised his hands a
perceived the heir-looms of his family thus set before him, he raised
his
hands and prayed that his sons might never divide
f his family thus set before him, he raised his hands and prayed that
his
sons might never divide their inheritance peaceab
peaceably, but ever be at strife. Elsewhere the Thebaïs1693 said that
his
sons having sent him the loin instead of the shou
cles, contrary to the current tradition, made Œdipûs die at Colonos ;
his
blindness seems also a tragic fiction. Euripides
hebes this celebrated soothsayer occupies a distinguished place ; and
his
fame was apparently widely extended in the most r
terwards goes to the abode of Aides, Teiresias approaches him bearing
his
golden staff ; and he alone of the dead recognise
of the Spartans (Sown). Various accounts are given as to the cause of
his
blindness : one ascribes it to his having seen At
ounts are given as to the cause of his blindness : one ascribes it to
his
having seen Athena bathing1697 ; another, to his
: one ascribes it to his having seen Athena bathing1697 ; another, to
his
having divulged to mankind the secrets of the god
serpents similarly engaged, he killed the male, and thus returned to
his
pristine state. On some occasion Zeus and Hera fe
rank of its waters, and immediately died. The victorious Argives sent
his
daughter Manto along with a portion of the spoil
Teiresias1702 is apparently derived from τέρας, prodigy, and that of
his
daughter from μάντις. Ϻινύαι кαὶ Φλεγύαι. Min
river Peneios, who named it from himself Andreïs. He was succeeded by
his
son Eteocles, who is said to have been the first
en the first who sacrificed to the Graces. Eteocles gave a portion of
his
territory to Halmos the son of Sisyphos of Corint
escaped to Phocis. Minyas reigned next, and was wealthier than any of
his
predecessors. He built the first treasury, simila
in a quarrel with the Thebans at the feast of Poseidôn at Onchestos,
his
son Erginos made war on them, and reduced them to
celebrated in the mythe of Dionysos, on account of their contempt for
his
rites, and their consequent punishment1707. The s
. When Erginos, king of Orchomenos, had been overcome by Heracles,
his
affairs fell into such a reduced state, that in o
s from time to time purloined the treasure. This amazed Hyrieus ; for
his
locks and seals were untouched, and yet his wealt
This amazed Hyrieus ; for his locks and seals were untouched, and yet
his
wealth continually diminished. At length he set a
fearing that when found he would be compelled by torture to discover
his
accomplice, cut off his head1713. Trophonios hims
he would be compelled by torture to discover his accomplice, cut off
his
head1713. Trophonios himself is said to have been
es 1727 . Electryôn, the son of Perseus king of Mycenæ, had given
his
daughter Alcmena in marriage to his nephew Amphit
Perseus king of Mycenæ, had given his daughter Alcmena in marriage to
his
nephew Amphitryôn. Having had the misfortune to k
marriage to his nephew Amphitryôn. Having had the misfortune to kill
his
father-in-law, Amphitryôn was forced to fly from
ced to fly from Mycenæ. Alcmena and her brother Licymnios accompanied
his
flight, and he was kindly received at Thebes by C
form of her husband, and was admitted by her without suspicion to all
his
privileges. He related to her all the events of t
l his privileges. He related to her all the events of the war, and by
his
power extended the night to three times its usual
r extended the night to three times its usual duration. Amphitryôn on
his
return was surprised at the indifference with whi
eturn was surprised at the indifference with which he was received by
his
wife ; but on coming to an explanation with her,
ned that it was no less a personage than Zeus himself who had assumed
his
form1728. Alcmena brought forth twins, Heracles t
called to her husband to save them, but Heracles raised himself up on
his
feet, caught the two mon- sters by the throat and
r, to prevent the recurrence of such an event, sent him away to where
his
herds were feeding, and there he grew up to great
trength and size. His look was terrible, for he was the son of Zeus ;
his
stature was four cubits ; fire flashed from his e
was the son of Zeus ; his stature was four cubits ; fire flashed from
his
eyes : his arrow and his dart never missed. In hi
of Zeus ; his stature was four cubits ; fire flashed from his eyes :
his
arrow and his dart never missed. In his eighteent
stature was four cubits ; fire flashed from his eyes : his arrow and
his
dart never missed. In his eighteenth year, while
fire flashed from his eyes : his arrow and his dart never missed. In
his
eighteenth year, while he was still with his fath
is dart never missed. In his eighteenth year, while he was still with
his
father's herds, he slew a huge lion which lay in
by Thestios for fifty days. Each night one of the fifty daughters of
his
host ascended the couch of the hero, for Thestios
aware of this design, fancied that but one of the maidens had enjoyed
his
embraces1731. Revolving time, however, beheld fif
ad enjoyed his embraces1731. Revolving time, however, beheld fifty of
his
progeny. He slew the lion, whose hide he ever aft
ty of his progeny. He slew the lion, whose hide he ever after wore on
his
shoulders, and made the skin of his head serve hi
whose hide he ever after wore on his shoulders, and made the skin of
his
head serve him as a helmet1732. As he was returni
idôn. Clymenos, being brought in a dying state to Orchomenos, charged
his
son Erginos to avenge his death. Erginos in conse
ght in a dying state to Orchomenos, charged his son Erginos to avenge
his
death. Erginos in consequence led an army against
ribute to Erginos and the Minyans. Incensed at this insult offered to
his
heralds, Erginos made war anew on Thebes ; but He
to pay. In this battle Amphitryôn fell valiantly fighting. Creôn gave
his
daughter Megara in marriage to Heracles, and her
te by Hephæstos, horses by Poseidôn, a robe by Athena. He himself cut
his
club in the Nemean wood1735. Some time after his
hena. He himself cut his club in the Nemean wood1735. Some time after
his
war with the Minyans he fell into madness, owing
he Minyans he fell into madness, owing to the envy of Hera, and flung
his
own three children by Megara, and the two of his
y of Hera, and flung his own three children by Megara, and the two of
his
brother Iphicles, into the fire. As a punishment
named him Heracles1736, for hitherto he had been called Alceides from
his
grandfather, and she desired him to settle at Tir
d in Thebes, Zeus, in exultation, announced to the gods that a man of
his
race was that day to see the light, who would rul
an of his race was that day to see the light, who would rule over all
his
neighbours. Hera, pretending incredulity, exacted
ept back the Eileithyiæ. The oath of Zeus was not to be recalled, and
his
son was fated to serve Eurystheus1737. The first
nimal was the progeny of Typhôn1738 and Echidna, and invulnerable. On
his
way to engage him Heracles arrived at Cleonæ, whe
the Nemean wood and had discovered the lion, he began to ply him with
his
arrows, but finding soon that he was invulnerable
ith his arrows, but finding soon that he was invulnerable, he grasped
his
club and pursued him to his den, which was pervio
soon that he was invulnerable, he grasped his club and pursued him to
his
den, which was pervious. He then built up one of
trances, and going in at the other, and grasping the lion’s throat in
his
hands, held him till he was suffocated1739. Then
in his hands, held him till he was suffocated1739. Then taking him on
his
shoulders, he proceeded toward Mycenæ, and coming
s saw this proof of the wonderful strength of Heracles, he prohibited
his
entrance in future into the city, and ordered him
future into the city, and ordered him to announce the performance of
his
tasks before the gates. Some even say that the te
rground, and employ the herald Copreus, the son of Pelops, to set him
his
tasks1740. This Copreus, having slain Iphitos, ha
ight of them mortal, and one in the middle immortal. Heracles mounted
his
chariot, which was driven by Iolaos, the son of I
ut ; and he then grasped and held her, while she twined herself about
his
legs. The hero crushed her heads with his club, b
le she twined herself about his legs. The hero crushed her heads with
his
club, but to no purpose, for when one was crushed
racles. He killed the crab, and then he called upon Iolaos to come to
his
assistance. Iolaos immediately set fire to the ne
rna to Eleos. He cut the body of the hydra up into pieces, and dipped
his
arrows in her gall. Eurystheus however denied tha
hat stream, Heracles struck her with an arrow, caught her, put her on
his
shoulder, and was going with his burden through A
ith an arrow, caught her, put her on his shoulder, and was going with
his
burden through Arcadia, when he met Artemis and h
rymanthos, and thence laid waste the region of Psophis. Heracles took
his
road through Pholoe, where he was hospitably ente
ntaur, the son of Silenos and the nymph Melia. The Centaur set before
his
guest roast meat, though he himself fared on it r
st meat, though he himself fared on it raw. Heracles asking for wine,
his
host said he feared to open the jar, which was th
n back by Heracles with burning brands : he hunted the remainder with
his
arrows to Malea. They fled there to Cheirôn, who
at that place. As Heracles was here shooting at the Centaurs, one of
his
arrows went through the arm of Elatos and stuck i
, the venom of the hydra was not to be overcome. Cheirôn retired into
his
cave, longing to die, but unable on account of hi
eirôn retired into his cave, longing to die, but unable on account of
his
immortality, till, on his expressing his willingn
e, longing to die, but unable on account of his immortality, till, on
his
expressing his willingness to die for Prometheus,
ie, but unable on account of his immortality, till, on his expressing
his
willingness to die for Prometheus, he was release
his willingness to die for Prometheus, he was released by death from
his
misery. The other Centaurs fled to different plac
w so small a thing could destroy such large beings, it dropped out of
his
hand and stuck in his foot, and he died immediate
ld destroy such large beings, it dropped out of his hand and stuck in
his
foot, and he died immediately1745. Heracles burie
s buried him, and then set out to hunt the boar, and driving him from
his
lair with loud cries, chased him into a snow-drif
hing to him of the commands of Eurystheus, but offered for a tenth of
his
herds to clean out his stables in one day. Augeas
ands of Eurystheus, but offered for a tenth of his herds to clean out
his
stables in one day. Augeas agreed, not thinking t
one of the tasks imposed by Eurystheus, not only refused to stand to
his
agreement, but denied that he had promised anythi
es. When the cause was tried, Phyleus honestly gave testimony against
his
father ; and Augeas in a rage, even before the vo
Augeas in a rage, even before the votes had been given, ordered both
his
son and Heracles to depart out of Elis. The forme
enos at Olenos, whom he found on the point of being compelled to give
his
daughter in marriage to the Centaur Eurytiôn. Dex
his daughter in marriage to the Centaur Eurytiôn. Dexamenos imploring
his
aid, he killed the Centaur as he was coming for h
xamenos imploring his aid, he killed the Centaur as he was coming for
his
bride. Eurystheus however refused to count this a
hem : the birds terrified rose in the air, and he then shot them with
his
arrows1747. His seventh task was to fetch the Cre
and size of the animal, Minôs substituted another, and put him among
his
herds. Poseidôn in anger made the bull run wild a
rathôn in Attica, where he did great mischief to the inhabitants. For
his
eighth task he was enjoined to bring to Mycenæ th
pursued with arms. Heracles, leaving the mares in charge of Abderos,
his
favourite, the son of Hermes, a Locrian of Opûs,
hey were destroyed by the wild beasts. The ninth task was to bring to
his
master the girdle of Hippolyta queen of the Amazo
ceeding all the Amazons in valour. This girdle Eurystheus coveted for
his
daughter Admeta, and he ordered Heracles to bring
the haven of Themiscyra, where Hippolyta came to inquire the cause of
his
arrival, and on hearing it she promised to give h
clared that there would be no end of the evil till Laomedôn had given
his
daughter Hesione1750 for food to the monster. He
give him the mares which Zeus had presented to Trôs, in exchange for
his
son Ganymedes. Laomedôn assented, and Heracles sl
ster and delivered Hesione : but the faithless Trojan refused to keep
his
word, and the hero sailed away, threatening to re
ivided into three. His oxen were of a purple hue, and were guarded by
his
herdsman, named Eurytiôn, and the two-headed dog
o-headed dog Orthos, the progeny of Echidna and Typhôn. Heracles took
his
road through Libya, and when he came to the verge
erected two pillars, one on each side of the strait, as monuments of
his
journey1753. Being scorched with the burning rays
orched with the burning rays of the sun, he had the hardihood to bend
his
bow against the Sun-god ; who, admiring his coura
had the hardihood to bend his bow against the Sun-god ; who, admiring
his
courage, gave him his golden cup to pass over to
end his bow against the Sun-god ; who, admiring his courage, gave him
his
golden cup to pass over to Erytheia. As he was cr
ytheia. As he was crossing, Oceanos appeared to him, and by agitating
his
waters, and tossing the cup in which he was saili
was sailing, endeavoured to frighten him ; but on the hero's bending
his
bow at him he ceased, and called to him to hold h
he hero's bending his bow at him he ceased, and called to him to hold
his
hand1754. Having reached the island he passed the
dog Orthos discovering him flew at him, but Heracles struck him with
his
club, and killed Eurytiôn who came up to his aid.
Heracles struck him with his club, and killed Eurytiôn who came up to
his
aid. Menœtios, who kept in the same place the oxe
tle along the river Anthemos. He there attacked him, but was slain by
his
arrows ; and Heracles, placing the oxen in the cu
xen in the cup, brought them over to the continent, where he returned
his
vessel to the Sun-god. He drove his cattle throug
the continent, where he returned his vessel to the Sun-god. He drove
his
cattle through Iberia, and came to Lygia, where A
These he slew, and then went on through Tyrrhenia. At Rhegion one of
his
bulls broke away1756, ran through the country, sw
son of Poseidôn, who ruled over the Elymians. Eryx put the bull among
his
herds ; and Heracles, committing the care of his
x put the bull among his herds ; and Heracles, committing the care of
his
other cattle to Hephæstos, went in quest of the s
and flinging him three times to the ground killed him. He then drove
his
cattle along the Ionian Sea. At the ‘recess of th
nth task, — that of bringing him the apples of the Hesperides1758. On
his
way in quest of the apples Heracles came to the r
o a single combat by Cycnos the son of Ares and Pyrene. Ares defended
his
son ; and Zeus ended the conflict by casting a th
These directed him to Nereus, whom he found asleep ; and, in spite of
his
numerous changes of form, bound and held him fast
g them to wrestle with him, and to hang their skulls on the temple of
his
sire. Heracles engaged him ; and, finding that ev
threw him to the ground he rose with renewed strength, he held him in
his
arms till he died. Antæos, on account of this pro
e prophet himself first, and then continued the practice. Heracles on
his
arrival was seized and dragged to the altar ; but
les on his arrival was seized and dragged to the altar ; but he burst
his
bonds, and slew Busiris, his son Amphidamas, and
and dragged to the altar ; but he burst his bonds, and slew Busiris,
his
son Amphidamas, and his herald Chalbes1761. He th
r ; but he burst his bonds, and slew Busiris, his son Amphidamas, and
his
herald Chalbes1761. He then roamed through Arabia
ough the mountains of Libya, which he cleared of the wild beasts with
his
arrows ; and having come to the eastern course of
site side1762. He came to where Prometheus lay chained, and, moved by
his
entreaties, shot the eagle that preyed on his liv
chained, and, moved by his entreaties, shot the eagle that preyed on
his
liver. Prometheus out of gratitude warned him not
to send Atlas for them, and in the mean time to support the heaven in
his
stead. The hero did as desired, and Atlas at his
upport the heaven in his stead. The hero did as desired, and Atlas at
his
request went and obtained three apples from the H
t, but begged him to hold the heaven till he had made a pad to put on
his
head. Atlas threw down the apples, and resumed hi
de a pad to put on his head. Atlas threw down the apples, and resumed
his
burden ; and Heracles then picked them up, and we
terror, — all but Meleagros and Medusa the Gorgôn1766. He was drawing
his
sword on the latter, when Hermes reminded him tha
w Heracles they stretched forth their hands, hoping to be relieved by
his
might. He took Theseus by the hand, and raised hi
s, the son of Acherôn and Gorgyra, the rock which Demeter had cast on
his
body. Wishing to give the shades blood to drink,
mediately challenged him to wrestle. Heracles laid hold on him, broke
his
ribs, and but for the prayers of Persephone would
ros ; and the god consented, provided he could take him without using
his
weapons. He found him at the gate of Acherôn ; an
weapons. He found him at the gate of Acherôn ; and, protected only by
his
corslet and lion’s skin, he flung his arms about
cherôn ; and, protected only by his corslet and lion’s skin, he flung
his
arms about his head, and grasping him by the neck
rotected only by his corslet and lion’s skin, he flung his arms about
his
head, and grasping him by the neck made him submi
d, and grasping him by the neck made him submit, though the dragon in
his
tail bit him severely. He brought him through Trœ
, took him back to the under-world. The hero having now performed all
his
tasks, returned to Thebes, where he gave Megara i
ng that Eurytos, king of Œchalia1768, had declared that he would give
his
daughter Iola to him who should overcome himself
e would give his daughter Iola to him who should overcome himself and
his
sons in shooting with the bow, he went thither, a
ot obtain the promised prize. Iphitos, the eldest son, was for giving
his
sister to Heracles ; but Eurytos and his other so
e eldest son, was for giving his sister to Heracles ; but Eurytos and
his
other sons refused, lest he should destroy her ch
ra. Shortly afterwards the oxen of Eurytos being stolen by Autolycos,
his
suspicions fell upon Heracles. Iphitos, who gave
went to Neleus, who being a friend of Eurytos refused to comply with
his
desire. Heracles then went to Amyclæ, where he wa
to Delphi to seek relief, he was refused a response by the Pythia. In
his
rage at her denial he went to plunder the temple,
d put an end to their contest. Heracles now received a response, that
his
malady would be removed if he let himself be sold
gave the purchase-money to Eurytos as a compensation for the loss of
his
son1769. Accordingly, in obedience to the oracle,
was offered to Eurytos, but he refused to accept it. When the term of
his
servitude was expired, he prepared, being now rel
term of his servitude was expired, he prepared, being now relieved of
his
disease, to take his long-threatened vengeance on
was expired, he prepared, being now relieved of his disease, to take
his
long-threatened vengeance on Laomedôn. He accordi
ailed for Ilion. Leaving the fleet under the charge of Oïcles, he led
his
men against the town ; but while he was advancing
in making a breach in the walls, and entered. Heracles followed with
his
drawn sword, for he would have no one thought his
acles followed with his drawn sword, for he would have no one thought
his
superior. When Telamôn saw this he began to colle
raising an altar to Heracles Callinicos (Victor). Heracles slew with
his
arrows Laomedôn and all his sons but Podarkes. He
s Callinicos (Victor). Heracles slew with his arrows Laomedôn and all
his
sons but Podarkes. He gave Hesione to Telamôn as
all his sons but Podarkes. He gave Hesione to Telamôn as a reward of
his
valour, and allowed her to choose one among the c
rom most of the towns of Greece, and marched against Augeas ; who put
his
Eleians under the command of his nephews Eurytos
and marched against Augeas ; who put his Eleians under the command of
his
nephews Eurytos and Cteatos, the sons of Molione
o fall sick, made a truce with the Molionids ; but when they heard of
his
illness, they attacked his army, and killed sever
ith the Molionids ; but when they heard of his illness, they attacked
his
army, and killed several of his men. He retired a
y heard of his illness, they attacked his army, and killed several of
his
men. He retired at that time ; but in the third I
d them. He then led an army into Elis, took the city, slew Augeas and
his
sons, and set Phyleus on the throne. He also esta
is he marched against Pylos, took the city, and killed Neleus and all
his
sons, except Nestôr, who was living with the Gere
with sticks and beat him to death1776. Heracles therefore, to avenge
his
death, collected an army. At Tegea in Arcadia he
nty sons, to join in the expedition : but Cepheus, afraid lest during
his
absence the Argives might make an attempt on Tege
without looking at it herself, they would take to flight. Cepheus and
his
sons now joined Heracles ; but they all fell in b
e brother of the hero. Hippocoön himself was slain in the engagement,
his
sons were taken prisoners, and his kingdom was gi
mself was slain in the engagement, his sons were taken prisoners, and
his
kingdom was given to Tyndareos. Returning through
eos went into the temenos of the goddess ; and searching about, found
his
daughter's infant, which he exposed on Mount Part
finding him named him Telephos from that circumstance1777. Aleos gave
his
daughter Auge to Nauplios the son of Poseidôn, to
to Teuthras king of Teuthrania on the Caÿster in Mysia, who made her
his
wife. Telephos having, when grown up, consulted t
wife. Telephos having, when grown up, consulted the oracle respecting
his
parents, came to Mysia, where he was kindly recei
Mysia, where he was kindly received by Teuthras, whom he succeeded in
his
kingdom. Heracles went afterwards to Calydôn, whe
r-god Acheloös, who turned himself into a bull ; in which form one of
his
horns was broken off by the victorious hero. The
ater on the hands of the guests, Heracles happening unawares to swing
his
hand suddenly struck the boy and killed him1780.
780. As it was evidently an accident, the father forgave the death of
his
son ; but Heracles resolved to banish himself, ag
nish himself, agreeably to the law in such cases, and he set out with
his
wife for Trachis, the realm of his friend Ceÿx. O
in such cases, and he set out with his wife for Trachis, the realm of
his
friend Ceÿx. On their way they came to the river
way they came to the river Euenos, where Nessos the Centaur had taken
his
abode, and carried over travellers, saying he had
ers, saying he had received this office from the gods as a reward for
his
uprightness. Heracles went across through the wat
or the conveyance of Deïaneira. Nessos attempted to offer violence to
his
fair freight. She resisted, and cried out loudly
g the love of Heracles, to keep carefully the blood which flowed from
his
wound, — an advice with which she incautiously co
and ate it. He took with him Hylas the son of Theiodamas, who became
his
especial favourite. While residing with Ceÿx he a
unt of a dispute respecting their boundaries, and had besieged him in
his
town. Heracles slew Coronos, and put Ægimios in p
n in dispute. He afterwards killed Laogoras king of the Dryopians and
his
children, as he was feasting in the sacred ground
ren, as he was feasting in the sacred ground of Apollo, on account of
his
violence and his aiding the Lapiths. As he was pa
asting in the sacred ground of Apollo, on account of his violence and
his
aiding the Lapiths. As he was passing by the temp
nos fell in the combat ; and when Ares, who had witnessed the fate of
his
son, would avenge him, he received a wound in the
on Eurytos king of Œchalia (in Eubœa), whom he killed, together with
his
sons ; and having buried those of his own men who
, whom he killed, together with his sons ; and having buried those of
his
own men who had fallen, among whom were Hippasos
t from it, but when it warmed the venom of the hydra began to consume
his
flesh. In his fury he caught Lichas, the ill-fate
when it warmed the venom of the hydra began to consume his flesh. In
his
fury he caught Lichas, the ill-fated bearer of th
ea1782. He attempted to tear off the tunic, but it adhered closely to
his
skin, and the flesh came away with it. In this wr
of what she had done, hanged herself ; and Heracles, charging Hyllos
his
eldest son by her to marry Iola when he was of su
and there causing a pyre to be constructed, ascended it, and directed
his
followers to set it on fire1783. But no one would
d venture to obey ; till Pœas, happening to arrive there in search of
his
stray cattle, complied with the desire of the her
his stray cattle, complied with the desire of the hero, and received
his
bow and arrows as his reward. While the pyre was
plied with the desire of the hero, and received his bow and arrows as
his
reward. While the pyre was flaming, a thunder-clo
to be the son of the king of the gods, by a mortal mother. To render
his
perfection the more manifest, the poet gives him
d of a mortal sire. As virtue is not to be learned, Heracles exhibits
his
strength and courage in infancy ; he strangles th
strength and courage in infancy ; he strangles the snakes, which fill
his
brother with terror. The character of the hero th
the boy as the wild instinct of nature ; and the mythe makes him kill
his
tutor Linos with a blow of the lyre. When sent aw
olitude of the shepherd’s life, by feats of strength and courage, for
his
future task of purifying the earth of violence. T
of an heroic age, — the destruction of monsters, and bringing home to
his
own country the valuable productions of other reg
in the heroic age, — the conquest over death. This is represented by
his
descent into the under-world, and dragging Cerber
t into the under-world, and dragging Cerberos to light, as a proof of
his
victory. In the old mythe he was made to engage w
es the willing slave of Omphale, the fair queen of Lydia, and changes
his
club and lion’s skin for the distaff and the fema
hero into Olympos. His protecting deity abandons him to the power of
his
persevering enemy1786 ; his mortal part is consum
ecting deity abandons him to the power of his persevering enemy1786 ;
his
mortal part is consumed by fire, the purest of el
y1786 ; his mortal part is consumed by fire, the purest of elements ;
his
shade or image (ϵἵδωλον)1787, like those of other
Hera's persecution being now effected, espouses Youth the daughter of
his
reconciled foe. Our chief objection to this beaut
Hence we find Heracles so frequently represented as the sun-god, and
his
twelve labours regarded as the passage of the sun
e destroyer of the Nemean lion ; but the enmity of Hera, the delay at
his
birth, the servitude to Eurystheus, etc., are Dor
by the legend of the coming of Alcmena to Thebes, and by the fact of
his
temples there being without the walls, — a fact w
it to which it is difficult to refuse assent. But we think that, like
his
theory of Apollo, it is too much affected by what
ke his theory of Apollo, it is too much affected by what appear to us
his
exaggerated idea of the influence of Doric ideas
ythology to our apprehension almost inexplicable on this hypothesis :
his
name too, Hera-renowned, seems quite unsuitable t
ess ; on the contrary, all analogy would lead us to suppose him, from
his
name, to have been her favourite1789. We would th
, as we have seen, frequent mention of Heracles ; and in the Theogony
his
birth at Thebes, his combats with the Nemean lion
equent mention of Heracles ; and in the Theogony his birth at Thebes,
his
combats with the Nemean lion, the hydra and Geryo
at Thebes, his combats with the Nemean lion, the hydra and Geryoneus,
his
release of Prometheus and marriage with Hebe, are
ced Heracles into their dramas ; and as they viewed him as a Bœotian,
his
character was treated with but little ceremony on
d by some to have been the first who reigned over Attica and Bœotia :
his
son Eleusinos was the founder of Eleusis. But in
eneral, to have had a body composed of those of a man and a snake. In
his
time the gods began to choose cities for themselv
s. The former came and struck the middle of the future Acropolis with
his
trident, and formed the well of salt water in the
ce to Athena. She named the city from herself, and Poseidôn testified
his
anger by laying the Thriasian plain under water17
at the logographers, and their follower Apollodorus, seem ignorant of
his
Egyptian birth ; that the same should be the case
r the very reverse. Elsewhere he states the genuine Athenian creed of
his
day. “Neither a Pelops nor a Danaos, nor a Cadmos
o mythe1796.” Cecrops then is purely an ideal being, and the names of
his
family all relate to agriculture and to the worsh
o have happened. He married Pedias the daughter of Menytes ; and from
his
daughter Atthis, who died a maid, he named the co
s said the son of Deucaliôn, who after a reign of twelve years was in
his
turn expelled by Ἐριχθόνιος. Erichthonius.
him. Erichthonios when he died was buried in the temenos of Athena by
his
son ; or, according to others, by the goddess her
when she sat in hers was unable to rise. Hephæstos was called to set
his
mother free ; but he, who had done it through mal
grudge to Athena, persuaded him to ask her in marriage. Zeus granted
his
desire, but recommended his daughter to stand on
him to ask her in marriage. Zeus granted his desire, but recommended
his
daughter to stand on her defence1802. — The remai
e same as the former one. Πανδίων. Pandion. Pandiôn succeeded
his
father in the kingdom. In his reign Demeter and D
Πανδίων. Pandion. Pandiôn succeeded his father in the kingdom. In
his
reign Demeter and Dionysos came to Attica. The fo
eleos, the latter by Icarios. Pandiôn married Zeuxippe, the sister of
his
mother, by whom he had two sons, Erechtheus and B
being at war about boundaries with Labdacos king of Thebes, called to
his
aid Tereus the son of Ares out of Thrace1804. Hav
lled to his aid Tereus the son of Ares out of Thrace1804. Having with
his
assistance come off victorious in the contest, he
g with his assistance come off victorious in the contest, he gave him
his
daughter Procne in marriage, by whom Tereus had a
ht out and released her sister ; and killing her own son Itys, served
his
flesh up to his father. The two sisters fled away
sed her sister ; and killing her own son Itys, served his flesh up to
his
father. The two sisters fled away ; and Tereus, d
of the legend. Ἐρϵχθϵύς. Erechtheus. On the death of Pandiôn
his
sons Erechtheus and Butes divided his offices bet
us. On the death of Pandiôn his sons Erechtheus and Butes divided
his
offices between them, the former taking the kingd
ena and Poseidôn-Erichthonios. Butes married Chthonia the daughter of
his
brother, and the sacerdotal family of the Butads
or answer, that victory would fall to him who should sacrifice one of
his
daughters. Erechtheus offered up his youngest dau
him who should sacrifice one of his daughters. Erechtheus offered up
his
youngest daughter Chthonia ; and her sisters, as
icos in Attica, and were happy, till curiosity to try the fidelity of
his
wife entered the mind of Cephalos. Feigning a jou
questioned the slave who used to accompany him ; and he told her that
his
master frequently ascended the summit of a hill,
ng “Come, Nephela, come !” she rushed forwards to her husband, who in
his
astonishment and confusion threw his dart and kil
forwards to her husband, who in his astonishment and confusion threw
his
dart and killed her1817. This legend also is told
said that Cephalos refused to comply with the wishes of Eôs, pleading
his
fidelity to his wife, and that the goddess change
os refused to comply with the wishes of Eôs, pleading his fidelity to
his
wife, and that the goddess changed his form to pu
Eôs, pleading his fidelity to his wife, and that the goddess changed
his
form to put the faith of Procris to the test. Pro
e children, and received the dog and dart in return1819. Cephalos for
his
involuntary crime was sentenced by the Areiopagos
ch nothing could overtake, and joined Amphitryôn in the chase of it :
his
dog Lælaps ran it down ; but just as he was catch
a historic personage, he is probably the son of Hermes and Herse, and
his
name appears to signify the twilight (diluculum),
eal her weakness she threw the babe into the sea to the protection of
his
father. Poseidôn took him to Æthiopia, and gave h
tection of his father. Poseidôn took him to Æthiopia, and gave him to
his
daughter Benthesicyme to rear. When Eumolpos was
en Eumolpos was grown up, the husband of Benthesicyme gave him one of
his
two daughters in marriage ; but Eumolpos, attempt
arriage ; but Eumolpos, attempting to offer violence to the sister of
his
wife, was forced to fly. He came with his son Ism
r violence to the sister of his wife, was forced to fly. He came with
his
son Ismaros to Tegyrios, a king of Thrace, who ga
He came with his son Ismaros to Tegyrios, a king of Thrace, who gave
his
daughter in marriage to Ismaros. But Eumolpos, be
reconciled to Eumolpos, who returned to Thrace, and succeeded him in
his
kingdom. War breaking out between the Athenians a
ird daughter of Erechtheus, married Zuthos the son of Hellên, to whom
his
father had assigned the Peloponnese. Her sons by
o consult the oracle on the subject of progeny, Iôn was recognised by
his
mother, and as the true representative of the Ere
ue representative of the Erechtheids he occupied the throne, and from
his
four sons Teleôn, Hoples, Ergades and Ægicoreus t
ίων. Pandion II. On the death of Erechtheus the sceptre passed to
his
son Cecrops II. The successor of Cecrops was his
he sceptre passed to his son Cecrops II. The successor of Cecrops was
his
son Pandiôn II., who was expelled by the Metionid
daughter of king Pylos ; who, being obliged to fly for the murder of
his
brother Bias, resigned Megara to his son-in-law,
obliged to fly for the murder of his brother Bias, resigned Megara to
his
son-in-law, and retiring to the Peloponnese built
Minôs king of Crete against the Athenians, on account of the death of
his
son Androgeôs, Megara was besieged, and it was ta
of Nisos. This prince had a golden or purple lock of hair growing on
his
head ; and as long as it remained uncut, so long
r growing on his head ; and as long as it remained uncut, so long was
his
life to last. Scylla, having seen Minôs, fell in
ed with her unnatural treachery, tied her by the feet to the stern of
his
vessel, and thus dragged her along till she was d
meaning of the response which he received being dubious1832, he took
his
way homewards through Trœzên, in order to consult
wise son of Pelops. Pittheus, divining the sense of the oracle, made
his
guest drunk, and put him to sleep with his own da
sense of the oracle, made his guest drunk, and put him to sleep with
his
own daughter Æthra ; and Poseidôn, it was also sa
son to rear him, and to tell no one whose he was. He moreover placed
his
sword and shoes under a large stone, and directed
ced his sword and shoes under a large stone, and directed her to send
his
son to him when he was able to roll away the ston
Panathenæan games ; in which Androgeôs the son of Minos overcame all
his
opponents. Ægeus, envious of his worth, engaged h
rogeôs the son of Minos overcame all his opponents. Ægeus, envious of
his
worth, engaged him to go and fight with the Marat
celebrated by Laïos. Minôs made war on Athens to avenge the death of
his
son. Megara fell as above related. Athens held ou
t their deliverance. He went, and succeeded ; but he forgot to change
his
black sails to white, as agreed on in case of suc
to white, as agreed on in case of success ; and Ægeus, thinking that
his
son was lost, cast himself from the Acropolis and
on of Ægeus by Æthra was named Theseus. When grown to the proper age,
his
mother led him to the stone under which his fathe
grown to the proper age, his mother led him to the stone under which
his
father had deposited his sword and shoes, and he
his mother led him to the stone under which his father had deposited
his
sword and shoes, and he removed it with ease and
took them out. He was now to proceed to Athens and present himself to
his
father. As the roads were infested by robbers, hi
present himself to his father. As the roads were infested by robbers,
his
grandfather Pittheus pressed him earnestly to tak
alled Club-bearer (Κορυνήτης) ; and all travellers stood in terror of
his
cruelty. When he saw Theseus approach, he immedia
dily fell beneath the blows of the young hero, who took possession of
his
club, and bore it ever afterwards as a memorial o
possession of his club, and bore it ever afterwards as a memorial of
his
first victory1834. Theseus now pursued his journe
fterwards as a memorial of his first victory1834. Theseus now pursued
his
journey, and met with no interruption till he cam
a feat, held down the tree with ease ; and then, to punish Sinis for
his
previous cruelty, killed him, and hung him out of
e the robber Scirôn — from whom the pass derived its name — had fixed
his
abode. The practice of Scirôn was, when any stran
ties of hospitality ; and instead of giving water to wash the feet of
his
guest, to insist on the guest’s washing the feet
those who were thrown down. Theseus killed Scirôn himself, and flung
his
body down to the tortoise1838. Theseus came now t
ers to wrestle with him, and killed the vanquished. Theseus accepting
his
challenge overcame him, and paid him in his own c
uished. Theseus accepting his challenge overcame him, and paid him in
his
own coin1839. Not far from thence, on the banks o
stead, and then cut as much off him as made him of the same length as
his
bed. But Theseus meted to him with his own measur
made him of the same length as his bed. But Theseus meted to him with
his
own measure1840. Having overcome all the perils o
seus at length reached Athens, where new danger awaited him. He found
his
father's court all in confusion. The Pallantids,
he sceptre in the hands of an old man, and meditated wresting it from
his
feeble grasp. Thinking however that his death cou
nd meditated wresting it from his feeble grasp. Thinking however that
his
death could not be very remote, they resolved to
ght find in him a protector and avenger ; and they resolved to poison
his
mind against him. Their plot so far succeeded, th
eir plot so far succeeded, that Ægeus was on the point of sacrificing
his
son, when he recognised him, and then acknowledge
e loss of her influence when Theseus should have been acknowledged by
his
father, resolved to anticipate that event ; and m
; and moved by her calumnies, Ægeus was presenting a cup of poison to
his
son, when the sight of the sword left with Æthra
ught from Crete was now at Marathôn, and the country was in terror of
his
ravages. Theseus, probably deeming this a good op
ding to custom drawn by lot to be sent, in spite of the entreaties of
his
father to the contrary, he voluntarily offered hi
The ship departed as usual under black sails, which Theseus promised
his
father to change for white in case of his returni
ils, which Theseus promised his father to change for white in case of
his
returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete,
r lay, whom he caught by the hair and slew. He then got on board with
his
companions, and sailed for Athens. Ariadne accomp
board with his companions, and sailed for Athens. Ariadne accompanied
his
flight, but was abandoned by him on the isle of D
xos1844. Before he returned to Athens, Theseus sailed to Delos to pay
his
vow : for ere setting out on his perilous expedit
hens, Theseus sailed to Delos to pay his vow : for ere setting out on
his
perilous expedition, he had made a vow to send an
on account of the aid she had given him. He moreover, to commemorate
his
victory, established there a dance, the evolution
pproaching the coast of Attica Theseus forgot the signal appointed by
his
father, and returned under the same sails with wh
which he had departed ; and the old king, thinking he was bereaved of
his
newly-found son, ended his life. Theseus, with th
the old king, thinking he was bereaved of his newly-found son, ended
his
life. Theseus, with the general approbation, moun
e general approbation, mounted the vacant throne. The hero now turned
his
thoughts to legislation. The Attic territory had
eigners, to settle at Athens, then nothing but a castle on a rock. By
his
prudence and his authority he induced the heads o
e at Athens, then nothing but a castle on a rock. By his prudence and
his
authority he induced the heads of the villages to
from taking part in military enterprises : he accompanied Heracles in
his
expedition against the Amazons, who dwelt on the
ct, that Heracles after the victory bestowed on him, as the reward of
his
valour, the hand of the vanquished queen Antiope.
the adventurous band who sailed in the Argo to Colchis ; and he aided
his
friend Peirithoös and the Lapiths in their confli
s beheld him, he was seized with secret admiration ; he stretched out
his
hand as a token of peace, and cried, “Be judge th
, and would possess a daughter of the king of the gods. Theseus fixed
his
thoughts on Helena the daughter of Leda, then a c
e carrying her off, and they succeeded. Placing her under the care of
his
mother Æthra at Aphidnæ, Theseus prepared to assi
r the care of his mother Æthra at Aphidnæ, Theseus prepared to assist
his
friend in a bolder and more perilous attempt : fo
eed of carrying away from the palace of the monarch of the underworld
his
queen Persephone. Theseus, though aware of the ri
ueen Persephone. Theseus, though aware of the risk, would not abandon
his
friend. They descended together to the region of
ign, seized them, and placed them on an enchanted rock at the gate of
his
realms ; where they sat unable to move, till Hera
s realms ; where they sat unable to move, till Heracles passing by in
his
descent for Cerberos free'd Theseus, but was by a
free'd Theseus, but was by a divine intimation prevented from aiding
his
friend, who remained there everlastingly in punis
aiding his friend, who remained there everlastingly in punishment of
his
audacious attempt1847. After the death of Antiope
d with fear and hate, on the return of her husband she accused to him
his
innocent son of an attempt on her honour. Without
hatever wish he should first form, cursed and implored destruction on
his
son from the god. As Hippolytos, leaving Trœzên,
n on his son from the god. As Hippolytos, leaving Trœzên, was driving
his
chariot along the sea-shore, a monster sent by Po
ong the sea-shore, a monster sent by Poseidôn from the deep terrified
his
horses ; they burst away in fury, heedless of the
y her own hand ; and Theseus, when too late, learned the innocence of
his
son1848. The invasion of Attica by Castôr and Pol
red to Lycomedes, king of the island of Scyros, and there he met with
his
death, either by accident or by the treachery of
here he met with his death, either by accident or by the treachery of
his
host : for ascending with Lycomedes a lofty rock,
ofty rock, to take a view of the island, he fell or was pushed off by
his
companion, and lost his life by the fall. The Ath
w of the island, he fell or was pushed off by his companion, and lost
his
life by the fall. The Athenians honoured his memo
his companion, and lost his life by the fall. The Athenians honoured
his
memory by feasts and temples, placed him among th
we presume, to set about proving that king Rocky or Hilly (Cranaos),
his
wife Plain (Pedias) and his daughter Attica (Atth
oving that king Rocky or Hilly (Cranaos), his wife Plain (Pedias) and
his
daughter Attica (Atthis) are not historical perso
viewed as the first Attic king. We have seen how entirely Cecrops and
his
family belong to the worship of Pallas-Athene. Be
the well of salt water which Poseidôn was said to have produced with
his
trident ; it was called the ‘Erechthean Sea1850.’
thonios the invention of the four-horse chariot, is a confirmation of
his
identity with Poseidôn ; and it may be observed,
irmation of his identity with Poseidôn ; and it may be observed, that
his
Trojan namesake was renowned for his stud1852. It
n ; and it may be observed, that his Trojan namesake was renowned for
his
stud1852. It may be that Pandiôn is indebted for
was renowned for his stud1852. It may be that Pandiôn is indebted for
his
Attic royalty to his part in the mythe of the nig
stud1852. It may be that Pandiôn is indebted for his Attic royalty to
his
part in the mythe of the nightingale and swallow,
probably was derived the name of the king Nisos. The story of him and
his
daughter Scylla is one of the many tales of maide
nted to us under a more historic aspect than the other heroes. Though
his
adventures are manifestly formed on those of Hera
f Eupalamos, son of Metiôn, son of Erechtheus : he was celebrated for
his
skill in architecture and statuary, of which latt
ough the air. He made wings of feathers united by wax for himself and
his
son Icaros. They mounted into the air ; but Icaro
s kindly received by Cocalos king of that island, who took up arms in
his
defence against Minôs when he pursued him thither
is defence against Minôs when he pursued him thither1863. Dædalos, as
his
own name (which perhaps was merely an epithet of
name (which perhaps was merely an epithet of Hephæstos) and those of
his
progenitors show, was a personification of manual
wooden statues preserved till late times, and said to be the work of
his
hands. Icaros (from εἴκω, like εἰκὼν, ἴκελος) was
hands. Icaros (from εἴκω, like εἰκὼν, ἴκελος) was a suitable name for
his
son, and the resemblance between it and the name
When Zeus carried off Ægina the daughter of Asopos, the river-god in
his
search after her came to Corinth. Sisyphos, on hi
, the river-god in his search after her came to Corinth. Sisyphos, on
his
giving him a spring for the Acrocorinth, informed
h at liberty, and Sisyphos was given up to him. When dying he charged
his
wife to leave his body unburied ; and then compla
Sisyphos was given up to him. When dying he charged his wife to leave
his
body unburied ; and then complaining to Hades of
t to upbraid her with her conduct. But when he found himself again in
his
own house, he refused to leave it. Hermes however
me in quest of them, he, to the great surprise of the thief, selected
his
own beasts out of the herd ; for he had marked th
ted his own beasts out of the herd ; for he had marked the initial of
his
name under their hoofs1868. Autolycos forthwith c
self too able for him ; and Sisyphos, it is said, seduced or violated
his
daughter Anticleia (who afterwards married Laerte
iod speaks of him in a similar manner1871 ; Odysseus sees him rolling
his
stone in Erebos1872. Of the antiquity of his lege
dysseus sees him rolling his stone in Erebos1872. Of the antiquity of
his
legend there can therefore be little doubt. Sisyp
ing spirit of that city. He is a son of Æolos, probably on account of
his
name1875 (in conformity with a very usual practic
son of the Windman 1876, as the wind enables him to import and export
his
merchandise. He is married to a daughter of the s
death, as she desired. He therefore sent Bellerophontes to Lycia, to
his
father-in-law the king of that country, giving hi
which he was to present to the king of Lycia, and which were to cause
his
death. Beneath the potent guidance of the gods Be
appeared,’ he asked to see the token (σῆμα) which he had brought from
his
son-in-law. When he had received it, he resolved
, he resolved to comply with the desire of Prœtos ; and he first sent
his
guest to slay the Chimæra, a monster with the upp
ving him to be of the race of the gods, kept him in Lycia, giving him
his
daughter and half the royal dignity, and the peop
wandered alone in the ‘Plain of Wandering’ (πεδίον ἀλήϊον), consuming
his
soul, shunning the path of men.’ Later authoritie
was at first named Hipponoös : but having accidentally killed one of
his
relatives named Belleros, he thence derived his s
entally killed one of his relatives named Belleros, he thence derived
his
second name. He was purified of the bloodshed by
ry over all whom Iobates sent him to encounter. Sthenobœa, hearing of
his
success, hung herself. Bellerophontes at last att
attempted by means of Pegasos to ascend to heaven : Zeus, incensed at
his
boldness, sent an insect to sting the steed ; and
sed at his boldness, sent an insect to sting the steed ; and he flung
his
rider to the earth, where he wandered in solitude
rider to the earth, where he wandered in solitude and melancholy till
his
death. Though Homer makes no mention of Pegasos,
the only account that really does so), and furnishes us with a key to
his
mythe. According to this poet1883, Bellerophontes
to herself as Hippeia ([I]Of-the-Horse[/I]). Pegasos at once yielded
his
mouth to the magic bit, and the hero mounting him
ielded his mouth to the magic bit, and the hero mounting him achieved
his
adventures. We do not well see how this narrative
o Prœtos and Anteia, or to Lycia, and the hero apparently sets out on
his
adventures from Corinth. It would not surprise us
ave only one of the forms of Poseidôn, namely as Hippios. This god is
his
father1884 ; and he is also the sire of Pegasos18
original sense of the mythe was lost, the King (Prœtos, πρῶτος), and
his
wife Foe (Anteia, from ἄντα)1886, and the common
refer. The Argive mythic history commences with the river Inachos and
his
son Phoroneus. It is, moreover, in this cycle alo
achus et Phoroneus. Inachos, a son of Oceanos and Tethys, married
his
sister the Oceanis Melia, by whom he had a son na
tive earth [Hera], and of agriculture and social institutions. One of
his
children is an ancient or poetic name of the peni
t another Argos, named All-seeing (πανόπτης), as having eyes all over
his
body. His strength was prodigious : and Arcadia b
nfested by a wild bull, he attacked and slew him, and afterwards wore
his
hide. He moreover killed a satyr, who carried off
Hera1897, and unhappily for her she was loved by Zeus. When he found
his
amour suspected by Hera, he changed Io into a whi
amour suspected by Hera, he changed Io into a white cow, and swore to
his
spouse that he had been guilty of no infidelity.
ices made the attempt ; but as a vulture always gave Argos warning of
his
projects, he found it impossible to succeed. Noth
poets as might have been expected. Homer never alludes to it, unless
his
employment of the term Argeiphontes is to be rega
sleep, and then set him as a guard over Io. Æschylus introduces Io in
his
‘Prometheus Bound,’ and he also relates her story
oduces Io in his ‘Prometheus Bound,’ and he also relates her story in
his
‘Suppliants.’ The general opinion respecting Io s
sons, Danaos and Ægyptos1912. Belos assigned the country of Libya to
his
son Danaos ; to Ægyptos he gave Arabia. The latte
g between him and the sons of Ægyptos, they aimed at depriving him of
his
dominions ; and fearing their violence, he built
d vessel, — the first that was ever made, — in which he embarked with
his
daughters and fled over the sea. He first landed
e water (Poseidôn having dried up the springs)1914, Danaos sent forth
his
daughters in quest of some. As Amymone, one of th
satyr who was sleeping in the neighbouring thicket1915. Starting from
his
sleep, he beheld the beauty of the maid, and rush
desire. She prayed to Poseidôn for aid ; the god appeared, and flung
his
trident at the satyr, who fled ; Amymone submitte
juries to him, and distrustful of their promises, consented to bestow
his
daughters on them, whom he divided among them by
te regard which he had shown to her modesty. Her father, at first, in
his
anger at her disobedience, put her into close con
er into close confinement. Relenting however after some time, he gave
his
consent to her union with Lynceus, and proclaimed
us, and proclaimed gymnic games, in which the victors were to receive
his
other daughters as the prizes. It was said, howev
by Poseidôn was called Nauplios. He attained a great age, and passed
his
time on the sea lamenting the fate of those who w
eligion or institutions with Egypt. Moreover the origin of Danaos and
his
family may be easily traced to the physical chara
Пροȋτος кαὶ αί Пριτίδϵς. Prœtus et Prœtides. Lynceus succeeded
his
father-in-law on the throne. He had by Hypermnest
the throne. He had by Hypermnestra a son named Abas, to whom he left
his
kingdom. Abas had twin children, Prœtos and Acris
riven out of Argos. He fled to Lycia, where the king Iobates gave him
his
daughter Anteia or Sthenobœa in marriage, and, br
eir paternal territory with Prœtos : he reigned himself at Argos, and
his
brother dwelt in Tiryns. Prœtos had three daughte
anged into cows1928. Prœtos was greatly afflicted at the condition of
his
daughters. Melampûs, the son of Amythaôn a sooths
re them to their senses, if Prœtos would agree to give him a third of
his
kingdom. The demanded fee appeared out of all rea
out of all reason, and the father declined accepting the recovery of
his
daughters on such high terms. But speedily the ma
o comply with the terms of Melampûs ; but the Mantis would not employ
his
art without another third of the realm being give
not employ his art without another third of the realm being given to
his
brother Bias. Prœtos now, fearing that delay woul
Prœtos now, fearing that delay would only make him advance further in
his
demands, consented ; and the prophet set about th
restored to sanity ; and Prœtos gave them in marriage to Melampûs and
his
brother Bias. He had afterwards a son named Megap
re it was ascribed to the vengeance of Dionysos for their contempt of
his
rites, and he would appear to have struck them wi
d the god replied, that he would himself have no male issue, but that
his
daughter would bear a son whose hand would depriv
ion, he framed a brazen subterranean chamber1934, in which he shut up
his
daughter and her nurse, in order that she might n
a son, whom she and her nurse reared in secrecy until he had attained
his
fourth year. Acrisios then chanced to hear the vo
fourth year. Acrisios then chanced to hear the voice of the child at
his
play. He brought forth his daughter and her nurse
chanced to hear the voice of the child at his play. He brought forth
his
daughter and her nurse ; and putting the latter i
the little isle of Seriphos, where a man named Dictys drew it out in
his
nets (δίкτυα) ; and delivering Danae and Perseus,
was now grown up, was an invincible obstacle to the accomplishment of
his
wishes. He had therefore recourse to artifice to
s wishes. He had therefore recourse to artifice to deliver himself of
his
presence ; and feigning that he was about to beco
a suitor to Hippodameia, the daughter of Œnomaos, he called together
his
vassals, and among them Perseus, to a banquet, an
hem Perseus, to a banquet, and requested of them to contribute toward
his
bride-gift. Perseus inquiring what was the object
g said nothing at the time ; but next day, when the rest brought each
his
horse, he desired Perseus to keep his word and fe
day, when the rest brought each his horse, he desired Perseus to keep
his
word and fetch him the Gorgon’s head. Perseus ful
isle, where Hermes came to him, promising that he and Athena would be
his
guides. Hermes brought him first to the faircheek
lmet of Hades which made the wearer invisible. The Grææ complied with
his
desire, and he came unto the Nymphs, who gave him
o gave him their precious possessions : he then flung the wallet over
his
shoulder, placed the helmet on his head, and fitt
ns : he then flung the wallet over his shoulder, placed the helmet on
his
head, and fitted the shoes to his feet. Thus equi
his shoulder, placed the helmet on his head, and fitted the shoes to
his
feet. Thus equipped, and grasping the adamantine
lder to stone, he looked on the head of Medusa as it was reflected on
his
shield, and Athena guiding his hand he severed it
head of Medusa as it was reflected on his shield, and Athena guiding
his
hand he severed it from her body. The blood gushe
the time pregnant by Poseidôn. Perseus took up the head, put it into
his
wallet, and set out on his return. The two sister
dôn. Perseus took up the head, put it into his wallet, and set out on
his
return. The two sisters awoke, and pursued the fu
hey were obliged to give over the bootless chase1938. Perseus pursued
his
aërial journey till he came to the country of the
reluctance of Cepheus was forced to give way to the determination of
his
subjects, and the unhappy princess was bound to a
e, was seized with love, and he forthwith promised Cepheus to deliver
his
daughter from the monster if he would give her to
rothed, plotted to destroy the hero ; who, coming to the knowledge of
his
designs, displayed the Gorgon’s head, and turned
ledge of his designs, displayed the Gorgon’s head, and turned him and
his
partisans to stone. Perseus now proceeded to Seri
sans to stone. Perseus now proceeded to Seriphos, where he found that
his
mother and Dictys had been obliged to fly to the
Polydectes. He immediately went to the royal residence ; and when at
his
desire Polydectes had summoned thither all the pe
ead to Athena, who set it in the middle of her shield. Accompanied by
his
mother and his wife Andromeda, Perseus now set ou
who set it in the middle of her shield. Accompanied by his mother and
his
wife Andromeda, Perseus now set out for Argos ; b
for Argos ; but Acrisios, fearing the fulfilment of the oracle, left
his
kingdom, and retired to Larissa in Thessaly. Pers
rissa, happening at that time to celebrate funeral games in honour of
his
father lately dead, Perseus engaged in them. As h
und. After this unlooked-for fulfilment of the oracle, Perseus buried
his
grandfather before the city, and returned to the
e. But feeling ashamed to take the inheritance of one who had died by
his
means, he proposed an exchange of dominions with
nd Mideia1941. According to Pindar, Athena conducted Perseus, when on
his
way to the Gorgons, to the country of the Hyperbo
y people1942. He is also said to have turned Atlas into a mountain on
his
return1943, and the drops of the Gorgon’s blood w
s placed under the Gorgon’s head1945. When Dionysos came to introduce
his
orgies into Argos he was vigorously opposed by Pe
was Acrisios who opposed the introduction of the Bacchic orgies into
his
dominions1947. Andromeda bore to Perseus six sons
. The sons were Perses (who was born in Æthiopia, and being left with
his
grandfather became the ancestor of the kings of P
as an altar of Dictys and Clymene at the temenos of Perseus, as being
his
deliverers1957 ; which seems to identify Dictys w
hat this of Perseus at first consisted of no more than the account of
his
birth and the killing of the Gorgon Medusa1961, a
ύων кαὶ Ἀλкμήνη. Amphitryon et Alcumena. Perseus was succeeded by
his
son Alcæos, who had a son named Amphitryôn. Alcæo
son Alcæos, who had a son named Amphitryôn. Alcæos left the throne to
his
brother Electryôn, who had married his daughter A
yôn. Alcæos left the throne to his brother Electryôn, who had married
his
daughter Anaxo, by whom he had several children.
there bore him a son named Taphios, who settled at Taphos, and called
his
people Teleboans, because he had gone far from hi
Taphos, and called his people Teleboans, because he had gone far from
his
native land1963. He had a son named Pterolaos, wh
laos, whom Poseidôn made immortal by setting a golden lock of hair on
his
head. Pterolaos had several sons, and one daughte
great-grandfather Mestôr, who was elder brother to Electryôn ; and on
his
refusal to comply with their demands, they drove
yôn ; and on his refusal to comply with their demands, they drove off
his
cows. The sons of Electryôn came to the rescue of
s, and redeemed them ; for Electryôn, desirous to avenge the death of
his
sons, had given to Amphitryôn the kingdom and his
avenge the death of his sons, had given to Amphitryôn the kingdom and
his
daughter Alcmena, binding him by oath not to clai
im by oath not to claim a husband’s rights until he had returned from
his
expedition against the Teleboans. But as Amphitry
, one of the cows chancing to run aside, he flung the stick he had in
his
hand after her, which happening to strike Electry
lucky deed, drove Amphitryôn from Mycenæ and Tiryns ; and sending for
his
nephews Atreus and Thyestes, the sons of Pelops,
he sons of Pelops, settled them at Mideia. Amphitryôn, accompanied by
his
wife Alcmena and her half-brother Licymnios, reti
icymnios, retired to Thebes, where he was purified by Creôn, who gave
his
daughter Perimede in marriage to Licymnios. Alcme
eôn to assist him in the war. To this Creôn assented, on condition of
his
guest’s first freeing Cadmeia from the fox which
rest. Amphitryôn undertook the task, and with the aid of Cephalos and
his
dog succeeded1964. Strengthened by a number of au
were conquered1965. Amphitryôn, putting to death Comætho, sailed with
his
booty to Thebes, giving the islands to his ally C
death Comætho, sailed with his booty to Thebes, giving the islands to
his
ally Cephalos and his uncle Eleios. The remainder
with his booty to Thebes, giving the islands to his ally Cephalos and
his
uncle Eleios. The remainder of the history of Amp
as the son of Apollo by Coronis the daughter of Phlegyas. The care of
his
education was committed to Cheirôn, who taught hi
g come to explore the strength of the Peloponnese, was accompanied by
his
daughter, who was at the time pregnant by Apollo,
uck, and the goatherd’s dog kept guard over it. The herdsman, missing
his
dog and goat, went in search of them. He thus dis
ther was Arsinoe the daughter of Leucippos, and the places from which
his
sons led the troops to Troy were in Messene, and
hey showed at Gerenia the tomb of Machaôn, and at Pharæ the temple of
his
children1974. Asclepios was one of those who sail
d that when he was about to raise Glaucos a serpent came and crept to
his
staff ; he struck and killed it. Soon after anoth
ality. To entertain the stranger they slaughtered a boy, and mingling
his
flesh with that of the victims, set it before the
described as impious in the primitive legend. The opposition between
his
name and that of Nyctimos strongly confirms this
gly confirms this hypothesis. It may indeed be said that Zeus derived
his
appellation from the mountain ; but against this
us Lycæos1983. Καλλιστὼ καὶ Ἄρκας . Callisto et Arcas. Beside
his
other sons, and Nyctimos who reigned over Arcadia
g whom was her own son, followed to kill her ; but Zeus, in memory of
his
love, snatched her out of their hands, and placed
Maia to rear. It is also said that Areas, having been separated from
his
mother and reared among men, meeting her one day
of Triptolemos, who taught him agriculture, which he introduced into
his
country, now called from himself Arcadia, and ins
t was the ancient poet Pamphôs who first gave Artemis this epithet in
his
verses, having learned it from the Arcadians. Whe
ne the daughter of Minyas. He was anxious for male offspring ; and on
his
wife's bringing forth a female, he exposed the ba
e course to pick them up, and Meilaniôn won the race. Atalanta became
his
wife, and they had a son named Parthenopæos. It i
r authorities make the name of the victor Hippomenes, and say that on
his
neglecting to give thanks to Aphrodite for her ai
ofanation of the temple of Zeus and the transformation of himself and
his
bride1995. According to other accounts1996 Atalan
fterwards vanquished the sons of Hippocoön, and restored Tyndareos to
his
country ; whither he led with him his Ætolian spo
coön, and restored Tyndareos to his country ; whither he led with him
his
Ætolian spouse, who bore him Timandra, who was ma
of Tyndareos. This however does not prove that Helena was held to be
his
daughter ; and we shall see reason for supposing
he most distinguished pugilist, Castôr the most expert charioteer, of
his
day. Hermes bestowed on them the fleet steeds Phl
, they became enamoured of the brides, and carried them off. Idas and
his
brother pursued the ravishers. In the conflict Ca
said that one half of the prey should fall to him who had first eaten
his
share, and the remainder to him who next finished
and the remainder to him who next finished. He then quickly devoured
his
own and his brother's part, and drove the whole h
ainder to him who next finished. He then quickly devoured his own and
his
brother's part, and drove the whole herd to Messe
ve the whole herd to Messene. The Dioscuri (Zeus-sons), as Castôr and
his
brother were called, made war on Messene. Driving
ton, and looking over all the Peloponnese saw them there ; and he and
his
brother hastened to attack them. Castôr fell by t
to it. Unretarded by the blow, he rushed on, and killed Lynceus with
his
spear ; and Zeus, at the same moment, struck Idas
s with a thunderbolt2008. Polydeukes was inconsolable for the loss of
his
brother ; and Zeus, on his prayer, gave him his c
olydeukes was inconsolable for the loss of his brother ; and Zeus, on
his
prayer, gave him his choice of being taken up him
lable for the loss of his brother ; and Zeus, on his prayer, gave him
his
choice of being taken up himself to Olympos, and
and sharing the honours of Ares and Athena, or of dividing them with
his
brother, and for them to live day and day about i
heaven and under the earth. Polydeukes chose the latter, and divided
his
immortality with Castôr2009. The remarkable circu
onours due to that god. He fastened dried hides and brazen kettles to
his
chariot, and their clatter, he said, was thunder
hunder ; and flinging lighted torches against the sky, he called them
his
lightnings. Zeus, incensed at his impiety, struck
hes against the sky, he called them his lightnings. Zeus, incensed at
his
impiety, struck him with thunder, and consumed hi
Zeus, incensed at his impiety, struck him with thunder, and consumed
his
city and all its inhabitants2021. Τυρώ. Tyro.
lmoneus was, after the death of her father, brought up in Thessaly by
his
brother Deïôn. She was in love with the river Eni
amed Pero. When Heracles attacked Pylos2024, he killed Neleus and all
his
sons but Nestôr, who was a child, and reared amon
nswering to an epithet of Poseidôn, κλυτός. The wisdom of Nestôr, and
his
brother's power of changing his form, remind us a
ôn, κλυτός. The wisdom of Nestôr, and his brother's power of changing
his
form, remind us also of the sea-deities. Pero may
etheus and Tyro settled at Pylos. He married Eidomene the daughter of
his
brother Pheres, by whom he had two sons, Bias and
d two sons, Bias and Melampûs. This last lived in the country. Before
his
house stood an oak-tree, in a hole of which abode
, which were now grown to full size, came, and getting each on one of
his
shoulders, licked his ears with their tongues. He
to full size, came, and getting each on one of his shoulders, licked
his
ears with their tongues. He awoke in some terror
licked his ears with their tongues. He awoke in some terror ; and to
his
astonishment, found that he understood the voices
of victims, and he thus became an excellent soothsayer2029. Meanwhile
his
brother Bias fell in love with Pero the daughter
d give her only to him who should bring him from Thessaly the cows of
his
mother Tyro, which Iphiclos of Phylace detained,
man nor beast could venture to approach. Bias, relying on the aid of
his
brother, undertook the adventure. Melampûs, previ
about having offspring. Melampûs agreed to tell him, on condition of
his
giving him the cows. The seer then sacrificing an
the bark grew over it. The terror, he said, had deprived Iphiclos of
his
generative power ; but if this knife was gotten,
med Podarkes. Melampûs drove the kine to Pylos, and Pero was given to
his
brother2030. The cure of the Prœtides by Melampûs
had sent the mild Eleutho and the Moiræ to ease her labour, and bring
his
offspring to the light. The mourning mother left
, he said, had told him that he would be a renowned prophet, and that
his
race would never fail. All declared that they had
ive days old, but lay concealed in the rushes and extensive thicket, ‘
his
tender body bedewed with the yellow and purple ra
ple rays’ i. e. of the violets (ἴων) which surrounded him ; and hence
his
mother called him Iamos — Violety. On attaining
eam of the Alpheios ; and by night in the open air called on Poseidôn
his
‘wide-powerful’ ancestor, and on ‘the bow-bearing
uardian of god-built Delos,’ to grant him public honour. The voice of
his
father replied, directing him to follow ; and uns
acles came to Olympia, and established the festival of Zeus, Iamos by
his
direction founded a temple, at which he and his p
val of Zeus, Iamos by his direction founded a temple, at which he and
his
posterity the Iamids continued to officiate2032.
. He proposed the succession to the kingdom as the prize of a race to
his
sons ; Epeios won, and the people were named from
as others said, granted him the boon of perpetual sleep. The place of
his
repose was a cavern of Mount Latmos in Caria, and
elene used to repair to visit him. Some said he was made immortal for
his
righteousness ; others that, like Ixiôn, when rai
is nothing more than a personification of the Olympic games (ἄϵθλα) ;
his
sons express the kindred between the Epeians and
th the moon, and their fifty daughters, will perhaps furnish a key to
his
true nature. In these daughters Boeckh2039 sees t
antalos I saw great woe enduring, Placed in a lake that reached up to
his
chin. Like one athirst he seemed, but could not d
old man stooped to drink intent The water shrank absorbed, and round
his
feet The sable earth appeared ; God dried it up.
and round his feet The sable earth appeared ; God dried it up. Above
his
head tall leafy trees displayed Their fruit, pome
and olives green and ripe ; But when the old man would grasp them in
his
hands, The winds straight tossed them to the shad
he dwellers of Olympos it was Tantalos ; but that he could not digest
his
happiness. They admitted him, he adds, to feast a
de him immortal ; but he stole some of the divine food and gave it to
his
friends on earth. For this Zeus hung a stone over
and gave it to his friends on earth. For this Zeus hung a stone over
his
head, which always menacing to descend and crush
deprives him of all joy2053. This poet does not mention the place of
his
punishment, but Euripides says that it was the ai
by golden chains2054. The offence of Tantalos, according to him, was
his
not restraining his tongue, that is, probably his
4. The offence of Tantalos, according to him, was his not restraining
his
tongue, that is, probably his divulging the secre
cording to him, was his not restraining his tongue, that is, probably
his
divulging the secrets of the gods. Tantalos was s
sent to reclaim the dog, Tantalos denied all knowledge of it, and for
his
falsehood the mountain was thrown on him2055. Thi
c rock. The name Tantalos is, like Sisyphos, a reduplication2056, and
his
mythe is evidently one of those handed down from
ate pursuit of honours ; for when Tantalos, it was said, had attained
his
ultimate desire, and was admitted to the table of
ained his ultimate desire, and was admitted to the table of the gods,
his
joy was converted into terror by his fancying a r
mitted to the table of the gods, his joy was converted into terror by
his
fancying a rock suspended over his head and ready
s joy was converted into terror by his fancying a rock suspended over
his
head and ready to crush him, and he sought permis
r his head and ready to crush him, and he sought permission to resign
his
place at the celestial table2058. It was probably
given to the gods by Tantalos, he is said to have killed and dressed
his
son Pelops, and to have set him for food before t
2059. Poseidôn, smitten with the beauty of Pelops, carried him off in
his
golden car to Olympos. But when his father had dr
uty of Pelops, carried him off in his golden car to Olympos. But when
his
father had drawn on himself the indignation of th
s, king of Pisa. An oracle having told this prince that he would lose
his
life through his son-in-law, or, as others say, b
An oracle having told this prince that he would lose his life through
his
son-in-law, or, as others say, being unwilling on
surpassing beauty to part with her, he proclaimed that he would give
his
daughter only to him who should conquer him in th
eidôn at the Isthmus, and it was run in this manner : Œnomaos placing
his
daughter in the chariot with the suitor, gave him
the suitor, gave him the start ; he followed himself with a spear in
his
hand, and if he overtook the unhappy lover ran hi
the sea, and invoked the god who rules it. Suddenly Poseidôn stood at
his
feet, and he conjured him by the memory of his af
enly Poseidôn stood at his feet, and he conjured him by the memory of
his
affection to grant him the means of obtaining the
mpt, he regarded fame beyond inglorious old-age. Poseidôn assented to
his
prayer, and bestowed on him a golden chariot, and
e charioteer of Œnomaos, to leave out the linch-pins of the wheels of
his
chariot, or as others said to put in waxen ones i
the marriagebed2064. Pelops is said2065 to have promised Myrtilos for
his
aid one half of the kingdom, or as other accounts
im a share in the favours of Hippodameia. Unwilling, however, to keep
his
promise, he took an opportunity as they were driv
dameia being thirsty, Pelops went in search of water for her ; during
his
absence Myrtilos attempted to offer her violence2
ung him into the sea2067. To the vengeance of Hermes for the death of
his
son were ascribed all the future woes of the line
a legitimate title. This certainly does not contradict the notion of
his
being a foreigner, but it does not confirm it ; a
to the Asiatic origin of the Atreids if it was a matter of belief in
his
days. Hesiod2071 probably related the winning of
shing, and the brother of Niobe, the young green earth. The legend of
his
being cut up and eaten raw by Demeter2076 may den
ng, and the mythes above related may owe their origin to this view of
his
character. Ἀτρεὺς καὶ Θυέστης. Atreus et Thye
educed Aërope the wife of Atreus, who for this offence drove him from
his
kingdom ; and Thyestes, out of revenge, sent Atre
t of revenge, sent Atreus’ son Pleisthenes, whom he had brought up as
his
own, to murder his father. Atreus taking the yout
Atreus’ son Pleisthenes, whom he had brought up as his own, to murder
his
father. Atreus taking the youth to be the son of
ounts for the enmity between the brothers. Hermes, in order to avenge
his
son Myrtilos whom Pelops had murdered, put a gold
was disputed. Atreus, in order to prove that the kingdom by right was
his
, said he would produce a goldfleeced lamb : Thyes
ingdom. Sometime after however Atreus returned and said that to prove
his
right he would let them see the Sun and the Pleia
the Pleiades moving from west to east. This miracle Zeus performed in
his
favour, and he thus obtained the kingdom and drov
tale in a more tragic and horrible form. Atreus, it is said, invited
his
brother to return, promising to bury all enmity i
ther ; and while Thyestes was eating he caused the heads and hands of
his
children to be brought in and shown to him. The S
him. The Sun, it is said, at the sight of this horrible deed checked
his
chariot in the midst of his course2081. Thyestes
t the sight of this horrible deed checked his chariot in the midst of
his
course2081. Thyestes fled to Thesprotia, whence h
rse2081. Thyestes fled to Thesprotia, whence he went to Sicyôn, where
his
daughter Pelopia dwelt. He arrived on the very ni
dirt from her garment. When she had taken it off, Thyestes, covering
his
head that he might not be known, sprang from his
, Thyestes, covering his head that he might not be known, sprang from
his
lurkingplace, and forcibly embraced her. In the s
his lurkingplace, and forcibly embraced her. In the struggle she drew
his
sword from the sheath, and taking it back with he
ted himself to the king of Sicyôn, and besought him to restore him to
his
native country. Meantime famine and plague had co
the oracle had responded, that to remove it Atreus should bring back
his
brother. He went to Thesprotia in search of him,
him, reared him on the dugs of a she-goat (αἰγὸς) — whence he derived
his
name, Ægisthos. Atreus, hearing he was alive, had
reus, hearing he was alive, had him sought for, and brought him up as
his
own son. Atreus afterwards sent his sons Agamemnô
sought for, and brought him up as his own son. Atreus afterwards sent
his
sons Agamemnôn and Menelaos in search of Thyestes
he god on the nature of the vengeance which he should seek to take on
his
brother. They seized and brought him to Atreus, w
aptive to death. Ægisthos went to the prison, bearing the sword which
his
mother had given him ; and the moment Thyestes be
d the youth how he had come by it. He replied that it was the gift of
his
mother. At the desire of Thyestes, Pelopia came,
king with blood, and brought it to Atreus as a proof of having obeyed
his
commands. Rejoiced at the death, as he thought, o
having obeyed his commands. Rejoiced at the death, as he thought, of
his
brother, Atreus offered a sacrifice of thanksgivi
os the son of Thyestes2087. The common solution of Atreus having left
his
kingdom to his brother in charge for his son, who
hyestes2087. The common solution of Atreus having left his kingdom to
his
brother in charge for his son, who was not of age
lution of Atreus having left his kingdom to his brother in charge for
his
son, who was not of age, is not, we believe, agre
irgin named Comætho. A youth named Melanippos, also distinguished for
his
beauty, conceived a violent passion for the fair
ld find it. Eurypylos opening it saw the statue, and immediately lost
his
senses : his reason however did not entirely depa
urypylos opening it saw the statue, and immediately lost his senses :
his
reason however did not entirely depart, and he ha
he sailed to Cirrha, and consulted the oracle at Delphi for relief of
his
disorder. He was directed to take up his abode, a
acle at Delphi for relief of his disorder. He was directed to take up
his
abode, and dedicate the coffer, where he should f
fulfilled, the human sacrifices ceased, the stranger was restored to
his
reason, the coffer of Dionysos was dedicated, and
nysos in that country. A maiden named Callirrhoe became the object of
his
love, but unhappily the fervour of his attachment
allirrhoe became the object of his love, but unhappily the fervour of
his
attachment only augmented the hatred and aversion
ties could avail to win her love, the priest in despair turned him to
his
god, and besought him to avenge his sufferings. T
e priest in despair turned him to his god, and besought him to avenge
his
sufferings. The god heard the prayer of the suppl
Selemnus and Argyra. Selemnos was a beautiful youth, who pastured
his
flocks near the shore of the sea. Argyra, one of
and loved him, and frequently emerging from the waters, came to enjoy
his
society on the banks of a river. But the beauty o
ing, the fickle sea-maiden ceased to regard him, and no longer sought
his
company. Grief at her loss killed the deserted sh
ted shepherd, and Aphrodite in compassion changed him into a river of
his
own name. But his love still continuing, Aphrodit
Aphrodite in compassion changed him into a river of his own name. But
his
love still continuing, Aphrodite again moved with
selves possess, and that the art of historic criticism was unknown in
his
time. The Cretan cycle is confined to the Minoïc
to a beautiful white bull, and approached her ‘breathing saffron from
his
mouth’ as she was gathering flowers with her comp
sed him, crowned him with flowers, and at length ventured to mount on
his
back. The disguised god immediately made off with
red to mount on his back. The disguised god immediately made off with
his
lovely burden, ran along the waves of the sea, an
d not till he arrived at Crete, not far from Gortyna. Here he resumed
his
own form, and beneath a plane-tree embraced the t
beneath a plane-tree embraced the trembling maid2091 . The fruits of
his
caresses were three sons, Minôs, Rhadamanthys, an
Crete espoused Europa, and reared her sons2092 . He was succeeded in
his
kingdom by Minôs. In the Ilias2093 Zeus says that
ropriately made Agenôr the sire of Cadmos, Europa was also said to be
his
daughter, while her mother Telephassa became the
g to give him the royal dignity after the death of Asteriôn, to prove
his
claim to it he asserted that he could obtain what
friend (ὀαριστὴς) of Zeus, who gave him wise laws and regulations for
his
people. Minôs was victorious in war, and extended
regulations for his people. Minôs was victorious in war, and extended
his
dominion over the isles of the Ægæan. Minôs had a
she could make him immortal : he suffered her to pull out the pin in
his
heel, and let the ichôr run out from his only vei
d her to pull out the pin in his heel, and let the ichôr run out from
his
only vein, and he thus died2099. The bull which P
eared to Minôs too beautiful an animal to be slain, and he put him in
his
herd, and substituted an ordinary bull. Poseidôn
and Pasiphae became the mother of Asterios, called the Minotaur, from
his
having the head of a bull joined to the body of a
st Cocalos king of Sicily, who protected Dædalos. He was succeeded in
his
kingdom by his son Deucaliôn, whose son Idomeneus
of Sicily, who protected Dædalos. He was succeeded in his kingdom by
his
son Deucaliôn, whose son Idomeneus led the troops
aid that The gold-haired Dionysos made the blond Ariadne Minôs’ maid
his
blooming spouse, And Kronos’ son gave her immorta
l into a jar of honey, and was smothered. When he could not be found,
his
father sent to inquire of the oracle about him. T
ut him. The answer he got was, that there was a three-coloured cow in
his
herd, and that he who could best tell what she wa
herd, and that he who could best tell what she was like could restore
his
son to life. The soothsayers were all assembled ;
the briar, — green, red, and lastly black. Minôs desired him to find
his
son ; and Polyeidos, by his skill in divination,
d lastly black. Minôs desired him to find his son ; and Polyeidos, by
his
skill in divination, discovered where he was. Min
where he was. Minôs then ordered him to restore him to life ; and on
his
declaring his incapacity so to do, shut him up in
Minôs then ordered him to restore him to life ; and on his declaring
his
incapacity so to do, shut him up in a chamber wit
recovered the child2107. Minôs, before he let him depart, insisted on
his
communicating his art to Glaucos. He did so ; but
d2107. Minôs, before he let him depart, insisted on his communicating
his
art to Glaucos. He did so ; but as he was taking
is art to Glaucos. He did so ; but as he was taking leave, he desired
his
pupil to spit into his mouth. Glaucos obeyed, and
id so ; but as he was taking leave, he desired his pupil to spit into
his
mouth. Glaucos obeyed, and lost the memory of all
see in the Cretan cycle only personifications of the moon, Minôs and
his
family may have been real persons named after the
aval power ascribed to him, and the names Glaucos and Deucaliôn among
his
children, might seem to indicate a Cretan worship
t the waters of the Asopos carried coals along them2110. Zeus carried
his
fair prize into the desert isle of Œnone, afterwa
orth a son named Æacos, who being weary of solitude, when he grew up,
his
father to relieve him turned all the ants in the
s. By the Nereïs Psamathe, who changed herself into a fount to escape
his
embraces, he had another son named Phocos2112, wh
unt to escape his embraces, he had another son named Phocos2112, whom
his
brothers, envying his superior skill in the gymni
aces, he had another son named Phocos2112, whom his brothers, envying
his
superior skill in the gymnic exercises, killed wi
n the gymnic exercises, killed with a blow of a discus, and concealed
his
body in a wood : but the murder coming to light,
acos drove them both from the island2113. Æacos was distinguished for
his
piety and his favour with the gods. When Poseidôn
m both from the island2113. Æacos was distinguished for his piety and
his
favour with the gods. When Poseidôn and Apollo we
e removed on the prayer of Æacos. The righteous son of Zeus preferred
his
petition, copious rains descended, and the land o
n Æacos died, the keys of the nether-world were by Pluto committed to
his
custody2116. Telamôn, when banished by his father
were by Pluto committed to his custody2116. Telamôn, when banished by
his
father, fled to the neighbouring isle of Salamis,
hen reigned, having slain a serpent which ravaged the island. He gave
his
daughter in marriage to Telamôn, and left him the
ady a son called Aias ; for Heracles having prayed for male issue for
his
friend, an eagle (ἀετὸς) appeared in answer to hi
for male issue for his friend, an eagle (ἀετὸς) appeared in answer to
his
prayer, and the child was named from it2117. As i
Artemis slew him with her ‘gentle darts’ in Ortygia. In another place
his
size and beauty are praised2121. Odysseus2122, wh
asphodelian mead, Which in the lonely mountains he had slain, Bearing
his
brazen aye-enduring club. Oriôn was said to be t
aid to be the son of Poseidôn by Euryale the daughter of Minyas ; and
his
father gave him the power of wading through the d
126 named Hyrieus. Seeing the wayfarers, Hyrieus, who was standing at
his
door, invited them to enter and pass the night in
was standing at his door, invited them to enter and pass the night in
his
humble abode. The gods accepted the kind invitati
e had sworn never to marry another. She was dead : he was childless :
his
vow was binding : and yet he was desirous of bein
and yet he was desirous of being a father. The gods took the hide of
his
only ox, which he had sacrificed in their honour
phæstos, who taking pity on him, gave him Kedaliôn (Guardian), one of
his
men, to be his guide to the abode of the Sun. Pla
king pity on him, gave him Kedaliôn (Guardian), one of his men, to be
his
guide to the abode of the Sun. Placing Kedaliôn o
his men, to be his guide to the abode of the Sun. Placing Kedaliôn on
his
shoulder, Oriôn proceeded to the East ; and there
o the East ; and there meeting the Sun-god, was restored to vision by
his
beam. Anxious for vengeance on Œnopiôn, he return
vengeance on Œnopiôn, he returned to Chios ; but the Chians, aware of
his
intention, concealed the object of his search und
ios ; but the Chians, aware of his intention, concealed the object of
his
search under the ground, and Oriôn unable to find
as able to kill anything that would come from the earth. Indignant at
his
boast they sent a huge scorpion, which stung him,
rpose. At length, observing one day Oriôn wading through the sea with
his
head just above the waters, he pointed it out to
ugh the sea with his head just above the waters, he pointed it out to
his
sister, and maintained that she could not hit tha
ing through Bœotia with their mother when they were met by Oriôn, and
his
chase of them lasted for five years2133. The Hyad
æo and Eudora. They went about with their divine charge communicating
his
discovery to mankind, till being chased with him
145. Oriôn was named by the Latins Jugula 2146, or the ‘Warrior,’ and
his
Greek name probably signifies the Rouser or Excit
probably signifies the Rouser or Exciter (ΟΡΩ, ὀρίνω), in allusion to
his
hunting, or to the storms which he raised2147. To
iant constellation Oriôn with Sirius behind him would be a hunter and
his
dog, before whom the Pigeons were flying, while t
g, before whom the Pigeons were flying, while the Bear, the object of
his
pursuit, kept watching him. Thus there would be a
ls. Their relative positions in the sky gave occasion to the mythe of
his
love and pursuit of the Pleiades ; and the proxim
e grapes are gathered and pressed, they are, as it were, taken out of
his
sight, or he is made drunk with new wine and blin
l rising of the star ; and when he comes back the vine is hidden from
his
power within the ground2148. It is probable that
s lightnings flashed through the sky ; the joyful heroes grasped each
his
oar at the word of the soothsayer ; and while Orp
each his oar at the word of the soothsayer ; and while Orpheus struck
his
lyre in concert with his voice, their oars kept t
of the soothsayer ; and while Orpheus struck his lyre in concert with
his
voice, their oars kept time to the harmony. The g
of Pelion gazed in wonder at this first of ships, and Cheirôn leaving
his
mountain-cave cheered them, and prayed for their
aid hold on and kept by the nymphs of the spring into which he dipped
his
urn. Polyphemos, hearing him call, went with his
into which he dipped his urn. Polyphemos, hearing him call, went with
his
drawn sword to aid him, supposing him to have fal
Bebrycians, seeing the fate of their prince, fell on the victor ; but
his
companions coming to his aid, they were repelled
te of their prince, fell on the victor ; but his companions coming to
his
aid, they were repelled with great loss2156. Leav
he Strophodes, because the Boreiads there turned back2159. Freed from
his
tormentors, Phineus now instructs his deliverers
ere turned back2159. Freed from his tormentors, Phineus now instructs
his
deliverers in the nature of their future voyage.
he Phasis. Iasôn lost no time in informing king Æetes of the cause of
his
coming, and in requesting him to give him the Gol
hero swore : Medeia, who was an enchantress, gave him a salve to rub
his
body, shield, and spear. The virtue of this salve
which guarded it ; and then taking her little brother Apsyrtos out of
his
bed she embarked with him in the Argo, and the ve
was yet night2160. Æetes, on discovering the treachery and flight of
his
daughter, got on shipboard and pursued the fugiti
a seeing him gaining on them cut her brother to pieces, and scattered
his
limbs on the stream2161 : while Æetes was engaged
collecting them the Argo escaped2162. He then dispatched a number of
his
subjects in pursuit of the Argo, threatening if t
bjects in pursuit of the Argo, threatening if they did not bring back
his
daughter to inflict on them the punishment design
ains they were about to land on that fatal shore, when Orpheus struck
his
lyre, and with its tones overpowered their voices
lack and dark that they knew not where they were ; but Apollo, taking
his
stand on the rocks called the Melantian Neeks, sh
n order to augment the marvels of the sea, which he made the scene of
his
hero's wanderings, transferred thither the abode
Τὰ Θηβάϊκα. — The Theban Wars. When Œdipûs, on the discovery of
his
involuntary crime, had either died or abandoned h
the discovery of his involuntary crime, had either died or abandoned
his
throne, his sons Eteocles and Polyneices agreed t
ry of his involuntary crime, had either died or abandoned his throne,
his
sons Eteocles and Polyneices agreed to reign on a
ng to some, Polyneices governed for the first year, and then resigned
his
throne to his brother ; others say that Eteocles
lyneices governed for the first year, and then resigned his throne to
his
brother ; others say that Eteocles was the first
s was the first occupant of the royal seat : all are agreed that when
his
year was expired he refused to make way for his b
are agreed that when his year was expired he refused to make way for
his
brother. Polyneices taking with him the collar an
to the conflict. An oracle had told this prince that he should marry
his
two daughters to a lion and a bear, and he now sa
Tydeus, and Argeia to the Theban prince, engaging to restore each to
his
country. The expedition against Thebes was the fi
in it. Amphiaraos the son of Oïcles was a soothsayer, and he knew by
his
art that it was fated that Adrastos alone should
r to gain Eriphyle, the sister of Adrastos and wife of Amphiaraos, to
his
interest ; for on his marriage Amphiaraos had agr
e sister of Adrastos and wife of Amphiaraos, to his interest ; for on
his
marriage Amphiaraos had agreed, that whenever he
rced to share in the war. He departed with evil forebodings, charging
his
sons to avenge his fate on their mother2175. The
e war. He departed with evil forebodings, charging his sons to avenge
his
fate on their mother2175. The leaders were seven
alled the child Archemoros2177. They then celebrated funeral games in
his
honour. Adrastos gained the prize in the horse-ra
meians were feasting in the halls of Eteocles ; and, after delivering
his
embassy, challenged them to a trial of skill and
e who contended with him. They laid an ambush of fifty men for him on
his
return, all of whom except Mæôn, one of their lea
t a ladder against the wall, and was ascending, when Zeus offended at
his
impious language struck him with a thunderbolt217
he Ismenos. A thunderbolt launched by Zeus opened the ground, and he,
his
chariot, and his charioteer Bato, were swallowed
nderbolt launched by Zeus opened the ground, and he, his chariot, and
his
charioteer Bato, were swallowed up2182. Adrastos
ato, were swallowed up2182. Adrastos alone, owing to the fleetness of
his
steed Areiôn, escaped2183. Creôn, now king of The
ced them to give the dead bodies to their friends. As Capaneus lay on
his
burning pyre, his wife Euadne flung herself amids
he dead bodies to their friends. As Capaneus lay on his burning pyre,
his
wife Euadne flung herself amidst the flames, and
by Alcmæôn the son of Amphiaraos. Alemæôn would however first punish
his
mother ; but Eryphile, who had received the robe
rmonia from Thersandros the son of Polyneices, persuaded both him and
his
brother Amphilochos to join in the expedition. Æg
gives, and Thersandros placed on the throne. Alcmæôn on learning that
his
mother had taken a bribe against himself, as well
earning that his mother had taken a bribe against himself, as well as
his
father, consulted Apollo, and by his advice put h
ribe against himself, as well as his father, consulted Apollo, and by
his
advice put her to death. He was immediately assai
d by her Erinnys. In phrenzy he roamed through Arcadia, came first to
his
grandfather Oïcles, and from him went to Phegeus
d from him went to Phegeus at Psophis, who purified him, and gave him
his
daughter Arsinoe in marriage. He presented his br
fied him, and gave him his daughter Arsinoe in marriage. He presented
his
bride with the fatal collar and robe ; his disord
in marriage. He presented his bride with the fatal collar and robe ;
his
disorder however still continued, and the Pythia
r quit him except in a place which the sea had disclosed posterior to
his
parricide2186. He went to Calydôn, thence to Thes
Acheloös was purified by the river-god himself, who gave him to wife
his
daughter Callirrhoe. On the soil just deposited b
rrhoe. On the soil just deposited by the stream at its mouth he fixed
his
dwelling2187. Callirrhoe now longed for the colla
obtained them. Alcmæôn returned to Psophis, and telling Phegeus that
his
madness would never end till he had deposited the
deposited the collar and robe at Delphi2188, got them from him ; but
his
servant betraying his secret, the sons of Phegeus
and robe at Delphi2188, got them from him ; but his servant betraying
his
secret, the sons of Phegeus by order of their fat
cmæôn, who slew them, and then went to Psophis and killed Phegeus and
his
wife. The Psophites pursued them to Tegea ; the T
ent struck him with lightning2190. Dardanos afflicted at the death of
his
brother left Samothrace, where they had dwelt, an
lled Teucrians2191. He was well received by this prince, who gave him
his
daughter Bateia2192 in marriage, and a part of hi
ince, who gave him his daughter Bateia2192 in marriage, and a part of
his
territory, on which he built a town called Dardan
tra, and three sons Ilos, Assaracos, and Ganymedes. This last was for
his
beauty carried off to Olympos by the gods, to be
, by whom he had a son named Capys, who was by Themis the daughter of
his
brother Ilos father of Anchises, to whom Aphrodit
etness, four of which he kept, and two he gave to draw the war-car of
his
son2195. Ilos went to Phrygia, and won at wrestli
and the following day he found the Zeus-fallen Palladion lying before
his
tent2196. This image of Pallas-Athene, we are tol
ybe he had a son named Bucoliôn2198. Priamos reigned over Ilion after
his
father. He married Hecabe (Hecuba), the daughter
ll Ilion in flames. On her telling this dream to Priamos, he sent for
his
son Æsacos, by a former wife Arisbe the daughter
hter of Merops, who had been reared and taught to interpret dreams by
his
grandfather. Æsacos declared that the child would
andfather. Æsacos declared that the child would be the destruction of
his
country, and recommended to expose it. As soon as
Struck with this strange event, he took home the babe, reared him as
his
own son, and named him Paris. When Paris grew up
, and named him Paris. When Paris grew up he distinguished himself by
his
strength and courage in repelling robbers from th
cks, and the shepherds named him Alexandros2202. He was recognised by
his
parents in the course of time, and he verified hi
was recognised by his parents in the course of time, and he verified
his
mother's dream2203. Beside his children by Hecabe
in the course of time, and he verified his mother's dream2203. Beside
his
children by Hecabe Priamos had several by other w
ren by Hecabe Priamos had several by other women. The whole number of
his
offspring was fifty2204. The preceding Trojan his
best course seeming to be a war between Hellas and Troy, Discord, by
his
direction, came to the banquet of the gods at the
o build a ship, and she desires her son Æneias to be the companion of
his
adventure. The soothsaying Helenos and Cassandra
os, the husband of Helena. The Trojan at the banquet bestows gifts on
his
fair hostess, and shortly after Menelaos sails to
is fair hostess, and shortly after Menelaos sails to Crete, directing
his
wife to entertain the guests while they stayed. B
s takes and plunders, and sailing thence to Ilion he there celebrates
his
marriage with Helena2207. Menelaos being informed
informed by Iris of what had occurred, returns home and consults with
his
brother Agamemnôn about an expedition against Ili
s, loath to leave home, feigned madness, but Palamedes2208 discovered
his
artifice by placing his young son Telemachos befo
feigned madness, but Palamedes2208 discovered his artifice by placing
his
young son Telemachos before his plough. The chief
08 discovered his artifice by placing his young son Telemachos before
his
plough. The chiefs at length2209 all assembled at
aving by direction of an oracle come to Argos in search of a cure for
his
wound, he is healed by Achilleus, and undertakes
; and here Philoctetes being bitten by a water-snake, the smell from
his
wound proved so offensive, that they carried him
it into effect ; a forged letter, as from king Priamos, was placed in
his
bed, and he was stoned by the troops as a traitor
ed by the troops as a traitor2216. Chryses came to the camp to ransom
his
daughter, but he was driven away with insult by A
som his daughter, but he was driven away with insult by Agamemnôn. At
his
prayer Apollo sent a pestilence among the Achæans
cease till the maiden was restored to her father. Agamemnôn expressed
his
willingness to give her up, but said that some ma
ing take Briseïs away from Achilleus. The injured prince complains to
his
mother, at whose entreaty Zeus promises to punish
eus. The ships are on the point of being burnt, when Achilleus allows
his
friend Patroclos to lead forth his troops. The Tr
being burnt, when Achilleus allows his friend Patroclos to lead forth
his
troops. The Trojans are driven back to their town
s at last falls by the hand of Hectôr. Rage and grief at the death of
his
friend overcome the wrath of Achilleus. He is rec
iend overcome the wrath of Achilleus. He is reconciled to Agamemnôn ;
his
mother brings him armour made by Hephæstos ; he g
battle, routs the Trojans, and slays Hectôr, whose corpse he binds to
his
chariot, and drags round the walls of Troy. He th
Patroclos, and on the supplication of the aged Priamos, who comes to
his
tent by night with a ransom, he restores the body
rayed in Hephæstean armour, and Antilochos the son of Nestôr falls by
his
hand ; he is himself slain by Achilleus, but his
n of Nestôr falls by his hand ; he is himself slain by Achilleus, but
his
mother obtains immortality for him from Zeus. Ach
Zeus. Achilleus chases the Trojans to the city, and as he is forcing
his
way in he is slain by Paris and Apollo. A furious
s way in he is slain by Paris and Apollo. A furious fight arises over
his
body, which Aias at length takes up and carries t
from the pyre and conveys him to the White Isle. The Achæans heap up
his
mound, games are celebrated, and Thetis proposing
Achæans heap up his mound, games are celebrated, and Thetis proposing
his
armour as the prize of him who had done most to s
is proposing his armour as the prize of him who had done most to save
his
corse, Aias and Odysseus contend for it2219. The
were Trojan captives, having awarded the arms to Odysseus, Aias loses
his
senses and falls on and slaughters the cattle in
fetches from Scyros Neoptolemos, the son of Achilleus, and gives him
his
father's armour. The shade of Achilleus appears t
read. Two huge serpents now appeared and destroyed Laocoôn and one of
his
sons, dismayed by which prodigy Æneias forthwith
former of whom had the chief command), Nestôr the son of Neleus, and
his
sons Antilochos and Thrasymedes, Odysseus son of
parts of Thessaly were led by Achilleus son of Peleus and Thetis and
his
friend Patroclos, Eumelos son of Admetos, Philoct
d thousand men2223. The Trojans were led by Hectôr son of Priamos and
his
brothers, by Æneias son of Anchises, and by the s
of Mycenæ in the division of the spoil, and she was the companion of
his
return. A storm arising, he was driven to that pa
part of the coast where Ægisthos the son of Thyestes resided. During
his
absence Ægisthos had carried on an adulterous int
t he was on the coast, he went out to welcome him, and invited him to
his
house. At the banquet in the evening, he, with th
n in concealment, who fell on and slaughtered him, Cassandra, and all
his
companions ; who, however, died not unrevenged, f
tes the son of Agamemnôn was still alive. He had been saved by one of
his
sisters, and sent to Phocis to Strophios, with wh
ew up he and Pylades secretly returned to Mycenæ2226, where he killed
his
mother and Ægisthos. The Erinnyes of his mother p
Mycenæ2226, where he killed his mother and Ægisthos. The Erinnyes of
his
mother persecuting him, he fled to Delphi, whose
itted by the court of Areiopagos. He took possession of the throne of
his
father, and married Hermione the daughter of Mene
e wind has been already related2229. Menelaos stayed at Tenedos after
his
companions, whom he overtook at Lesbos. He and Ne
mpany until they reached Cape Sunion in Attica. Apollo here slew with
his
‘gentle darts’ Phrontis, the pilot of Menelaos’ s
e approached Cape Maleia, Zeus sent forth a storm which drove some of
his
vessels to Crete, where they went to pieces again
carried by the wind and waves to Egypt2230. During the eight years of
his
absence Menelaos visited all the adjacent coasts,
ese various countries he collected much wealth ; but leaving Egypt on
his
voyage homewards, he neglected offering sacrifice
ent by them, which speedily carried him homewards ; and he arrived in
his
native country on the very day that Orestes was g
country on the very day that Orestes was giving the funeral feast for
his
mother and Ægisthos, whom he had slain2233. Helen
ill they had taken it ; and that then Menelaos sailed to Egypt, where
his
wife was restored to him2234. Odysseus sailed wit
ewards2236 he landed in the country of the Ciconians in Thrace, where
his
men took and burned the town of Ismaros ; but del
to the country of the Lotus-eaters. The wanderings of Odysseus until
his
arrival in the island of the Phæacians have been
magic vessels conveyed him and the gifts which they had given him to
his
native isle ; the sailors departed, leaving him,
native isle ; the sailors departed, leaving him, who was asleep, with
his
wealth on the shore. On awaking he was informed b
ng he was informed by Athena where he was ; and going to the house of
his
swineherd Eumæos, there met and revealed himself
the house of his swineherd Eumæos, there met and revealed himself to
his
son Telemachos. After a variety of adventures, he
variety of adventures, he succeeded in killing the princes who wooed
his
chaste spouse Penelope and wasted his substance22
n killing the princes who wooed his chaste spouse Penelope and wasted
his
substance2238. After the death of the suitors Ody
g offered a sacrifice to the Nymphs sailed over to Elis to look after
his
cattle, and on his return he went as directed by
ce to the Nymphs sailed over to Elis to look after his cattle, and on
his
return he went as directed by Teiresias to Thespr
he contest. After the death of Callidice Odysseus gave the kingdom to
his
son by her, named Polypœtes, and returned to Itha
her, named Polypœtes, and returned to Ithaca. Soon after, Telegonos,
his
son by Circe, coming in quest of him, landed and
d began to plunder the isle, and Odysseus going to oppose him fell by
his
hand2239. Telegonos, on learning whom he had unwi
e had unwittingly slain, took Penelope and Telemachos and the body of
his
father with him to his mother's isle. Circe there
, took Penelope and Telemachos and the body of his father with him to
his
mother's isle. Circe there made them immortal, an
e Agamemnôn, the Choëphoræ, and the Eumenides, is the only portion of
his
works on this subject which has reached us ; of S
the Tzetzes contains much Troïc matter. Ovid gives the war a place in
his
Metamorphoses, and Statius has left an imperfect
; Hectôr plainly signifies the defender (ἔχω), equivalent to that of
his
son Astyanax2244 ; the leaders of the people of t
pany the sacrifice to a god, could only, like a Christian bard, extol
his
goodness and implore his favour. When, therefore,
od, could only, like a Christian bard, extol his goodness and implore
his
favour. When, therefore, the papyrus made its way
and digested in Grecian hexameters the events which it recorded into
his
Annals. Grecian forms now supplanted all the old
der the soil before the plough of a peasant of Tarquinii as he was at
his
work, and who instructed the people in divination
251. The other consisted of twelve gods, six male and as many female,
his
ordinary council. These were called by the common
h being the usage among the Romans. Cicero, when laying down laws for
his
ideal republic, says2264, “Patrum delubra esse in
ly of it : they immediately afterwards fell asleep, and Numa quitting
his
retreat came and bound them. On awaking, they str
they would inform him how Jupiter was to be appeased. They yielded to
his
prayer, and on his loosing them drew down (“elici
im how Jupiter was to be appeased. They yielded to his prayer, and on
his
loosing them drew down (“eliciunt”) Jupiter by th
; — “I demand a life” — “of a fish.” The deity smiled, and said that
his
weapons might thus be averted, and promised a sig
sembled before the doors of the king : Numa came forth, and seated on
his
maple throne looked for the rising of the sun. Th
ky : thrice the god thundered, without a cloud ; thrice he sent forth
his
lightnings. The heavens opened, and a light buckl
2.) may be seen a convincing proof of how firmly the vulgar, even in
his
time, clung to the old notions. 61. Müller, Prol
. seq. Buttmann, i. 197. 67. Herodotus, ii. 144. 68. Hecatæus began
his
work in these words : «I write as it appears to m
seq.), and in the fragment of the sixth book preserved by Eusebius in
his
Evangelic Preparation. There arc fragments remain
h wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean-brim, Shot parallel to the earth
his
dewy ray ; and Tasso, Ger. Lib. i. 15. Sorgeva
223.), as is too often the case with him, by no means bear him out in
his
theory. Statius is the earliest poet who speaks o
ive representation of things on earth, while Milton gave utterance to
his
genuine conception of what heaven might really be
ing (as there is every reason to do) that Apollodorus followed him in
his
theogony. 158. The Titanesses are evidently also
wing axle doth allay In the steep Atlantic stream ; And the slope sun
his
upward beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing
d beam Shoots against the dusky pole, Pacing toward the other goal Of
his
chamber in the cast. — Comus, 95-101. 201. At
supra. 235. Ovid, Met. iv. 190. seq. 236. Lactantius Placidus, in
his
Arguments of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, quotes Hesiod
; vii. 247 ; xi. 187 ; xii. 5 ; xlviii. 320. (βοῶν ἐλάτϵιρα Σϵλήνη is
his
usual expression). Claudian, R. P. iii. 403. Eidy
Euripides (l. c.) says that «Æschylus and the ϕνσικώτϵροι say she is
his
daughter, because she partakes of the solar light
ed by them, be correct (See Heyne on Il. v. 768.) ; another notion of
his
, that the horses of the gods were shod by Hephæst
217. seq. 400. Met. viii. 620. seq. We have been unable to discover
his
Greek original. 401. The reader will doubtless h
eeks at Alexandria. See Leclerc’s ‘Dissertatio de Sodoma, &c.’ in
his
‘Mosis Prophetæ V Libri, &c.’ In the Fairy My
i. 605. Eudocia, 207. The other authorities arc collected by Heyne in
his
note on Il. v. 397. Voss translates in this sense
ng in Erebos, but he only judged there as Oriôn hunted, i. e. pursued
his
occupation as when on earth. According to the fin
0. Voss, M. B. ii. 109. 659. Claudian (De VI. Con. Honor. 30.) makes
his
team on this occasion griffons. 660. See above,
yasis (Id. ib.) made him the offspring of Theias, king of Assyria, by
his
own daughter Smyrna. 746. Ares, out of jealousy,
σόπτερος ; 3.ϒλυκύθυμος. 776. Nonnus (vii. 194.) seems to represent
his
arrows as tipt with flowers. The arrows of Cama,
ve, p. 66. 838. Works and Days, 67. 839. Ant. Lib. 23. He quotes as
his
authorities Hesiod in the Eoiæ, Nicander, Didymar
ntigonus in their respective Metamorphoses, and Apollonius Rhodius in
his
Epigrams. It is uncertain which of these authorit
rtain which of these authorities Ovid followed (Met. ii. 676. seq.) ;
his
narrative differs in some points from that in the
r statue at Olympia (Id. v. 27,8.). At Corinth there was a ram beside
his
statue, ὅτι μάλιστα δοκϵῑ θϵῶν ἐϕορᾱν και αὔξϵιν
en the Grecian Hermes and the Italian Mercurius. 859. Hence probably
his
epithet δόλιος. Aristoph. Plut. 1158. Thes. 1202.
Mag. s. v.), from the turning (στροϕὴ) of the door on its hinges, as
his
statue was placed at the door. 862. What was thu
e, p. 94. 865. Müller, Proleg. 355. 866. See vv. 491, 567. 867. By
his
touch, it was said, he turned the fleece to gold.
ription of the effect of the solemn service in St. Peter’s at Rome on
his
mind, in Schiller’s Marie Stuart, act i. sc. 6. S
neral inclined to what we call the mystic theory, expressly denies in
his
Indian Library that the Greeks had, previous to t
and Libyan Jove, Hid Amalthea and her florid son, Young Bacchus, from
his
step-dame Rhea’s eye. Milton, P. L. iv. 275. The
p-dame Rhea’s eye. Milton, P. L. iv. 275. The Poet makes here one of
his
usual slips of memory (Tales and Popular Fictions
n Ovid’s Fasti, iv. 276. 1139. Diodor. iii. 58, 59. He probably took
his
account of Cybele from Dionysius of Samos, not fr
erv. Æn. x. 142. Max. Tyr. 30. 1210. Compare the story of Pythes and
his
wife in Plutarch. (De Mul. Virt. ad fin.) 1211.
iguous, but somewhat depressed lands. Mr. Todd says that Lye gives in
his
Anglo-Saxon Dictionary the Icelandic Slaed. Certa
287. Apoll. Rh. iv. 1427. seq. Milton has (Comus, 981.) Hesperus and
his
daughters three That sing about the golden tree,
ght pronounces the whole passage 311-333 to be spurious, and we think
his
reasons satisfactory. Aristarchus suspected the f
ear in the English translation of bis work, we may perhaps infer that
his
opinion is changed. 1434. Strabe, x. 5. Müller a
1446. Myth. der Jap. 250. seq. 1447. On the subject of Iapetos and
his
children, see the excellent work of Völcker so fr
; as Menœtios belonged to the human race, Erebos and not Tartaros was
his
proper prison. 1453. Od. i. 52. 1454. Theog. 51
ly from this circumstance that the father of Cæneus is named Elatos ;
his
own name (from καινὸϛ new) refers to his metamorp
of Cæneus is named Elatos ; his own name (from καινὸϛ new) refers to
his
metamorphose. 1594. Sch. Il. i. 264. Eudocia, 2
ioned Meleagros’ death by the billet, was the tragedian Phrynichus in
his
play of the ‘Pleuronian Women,’ from which he quo
e very view of nature which we ascribe to a Pelasgian sage. Milton in
his
youth had a similar idea. In his Hymn on the Nati
cribe to a Pelasgian sage. Milton in his youth had a similar idea. In
his
Hymn on the Nativity he calls the sun Nature's ‘l
he Nativity he calls the sun Nature's ‘lusty paramour,’ and in one of
his
Latin Elegies (v. 55 — 94.) he describes this ‘br
41. Hes. Th. 313. 1742. The hydra was a sophist, says Socrates, with
his
usual irony (Plat. Euthyd. 297.). 1743. Pindar (
cles, on account of the horses, relating to which Laomedôn had broken
his
word. 1750. Hesione is the same as Eïone (name o
les being hard pressed by the Lygians in the combat, and having spent
his
arrows, Zeus aided him with a shower of stones, w
aided him with a shower of stones, with which he pelted and overcame
his
enemies. This was when he was on his way to the H
ith which he pelted and overcame his enemies. This was when he was on
his
way to the Hesperides (Strab. iv. 1.). Hyginus (P
v. 1.). Hyginus (P. A. ii. 6.), also quoting Æschylus, says it was on
his
return from Erytheia. 1756. Аποῤῥήγνυσι. The cou
rytos having challenged Apollo at archery was killed by the god ; and
his
son Iphitos, coming to Heracles in quest of his m
lled by the god ; and his son Iphitos, coming to Heracles in quest of
his
mares and foals, was slain by him in violation of
778. When he met Meleagros in Erebos the latter besought him to marry
his
sister. (Sch. Il. xxi. 194.) 1779. Amaltheia (ab
enexenus, 245. Isocrates (Enc. Hel. 20. Panath. 19.) omits Cecrops in
his
list of Athenian kings ; and he speaks (Panath. 2
s Protogeneia and Pandora formed another pair. 1799. Mr. Kenrick, in
his
ingenious Essay on the Mythic Kings of Attica, in
us that Persephone was wife to Aïdoneus king of the Molossians ; that
his
dog was called Cerberos, who tore Peirithoös to p
of Ky Kaoos, king of Persia, is, on rejecting the amorous advances of
his
step-mother Soodâbeh, accused by her to his fathe
g the amorous advances of his step-mother Soodâbeh, accused by her to
his
father ; but the gallant youth clears himself by
meh, Meliketh (Princess), daughter of an Arab chief, delivers him and
his
castle up to Shâh-pûr, with whom she had fallen i
. 1892. Id. ib. The river-gods Inachos, Cephisos, and Asteriôn were
his
assessors ; and Poseidôn in revenge caused them a
ing Pharamond (Wahrmund) Fieramonte. 1912. The legend of Danaos and
his
family will be found in Apollod. ii. 1, 4. Hygin,
the satyr attempted to violate her. He adds, that when Poseidôn flung
his
trident at the satyr it stuck in a rock, and on t
ones of the monster which M. Scaurus brought to Rome and exhibited in
his
ædileship. See Plin. H. N. ix. 5. Strabo, i. 2. M
osing this last to be the true meaning of all these names, infers, in
his
usual manner, the original unity of all these peo
2115. Others ascribed it to the prayers of Minôs to Zeus to avenge
his
son Androgeos. Diodor. iv. 61. 2116. Apollod. ut
. Athen. xi. 490. Eustath. and Sch. on Od. xi. 62. 2153. Burmann, in
his
edition of Valerius Flaccus, gives the different
. 232.) says that when Alcmæôn consulted the god about the removal of
his
insanity, he got the following reply : Τιμῆϵν μ՚
of Apollo urged them to remain for the nine years, assuring them that
his
three daughters would support them. These maidens
hat Odysseus discovered him by going as a pedlar with some arms among
his
women’s wares, which at once attracted the attent
d married the nymph Œnone, who warned him against the consequences of
his
voyage to Greecc. She at the same time told him t
wounded, as she alone could cure him. He did so now, but offended at
his
desertion of her, she refused her aid, and he die
offended at his desertion of her, she refused her aid, and he died on
his
return to Ilion. Repenting of her cruelty Œnone
d on his return to Ilion. Repenting of her cruelty Œnone hastened to
his
relief, but coming too late she threw herself on
none hastened to his relief, but coming too late she threw herself on
his
pyre and died. Apollod. iii. 12. 6. Quint. Smyr.
. See Plato, Rep. ix. 586. Phædr. 243. Eudoeia, 35. 329. Euripides in
his
‘Helena’ follows this account. 2235. Od. iii. 16
. 164.) we should have said, “The circumstance of a son thus slain by
his
father, etc.” for the subject of the Euryalos of
as somewhat like that of Soohrâb, and who was sent in quest of him by
his
mother, and through the artifice of Penelope fall
t of him by his mother, and through the artifice of Penelope falls by
his
hands. Parthen. Erot. 3. 2240. The Catalogue giv
s ap. Gell. v. 12. Festus, s. v. Servius (Æn. ix. 570.) says this was
his
name in Oscan. It had gone so completely out of u
is expressed in the verses of the poet Aratus, quoted by St. Paul in
his
address to the Athenians on the Hill of Mars. Ins
e. Unforced by punishment, unawed by fear, His words were simple, and
his
soul sincere; Needless was written law where none
s was written law where none oppressed; The law of man was written in
his
breast: No suppliant crowds before the judge appe
of ill to man. The same poet says: “Then land-marks limited to each
his
right; For all before was common as the light. No
passage of the Celestials when they descended to earth. Each god had
his
own dwelling, but all were obliged to repair, whe
ers, or in the lower shades, were compelled to assemble in Olympus at
his
command. Here they feasted on ambrosia and nectar
, sitting on a throne of gold and ivory. He brandishes the thunder in
his
right hand; giants lie prostrate under his feet,
brandishes the thunder in his right hand; giants lie prostrate under
his
feet, and an eagle stands at his side. Jupiter is
ght hand; giants lie prostrate under his feet, and an eagle stands at
his
side. Jupiter is sometimes called Jove, and as th
as the son of Saturn and Ops. According to the fable, Saturn promised
his
brother Titan, that after his death, the latter s
According to the fable, Saturn promised his brother Titan, that after
his
death, the latter should succeed him in his kingd
brother Titan, that after his death, the latter should succeed him in
his
kingdom. To ensure this, Titan made Saturn promis
dom. To ensure this, Titan made Saturn promise farther to destroy all
his
male children. In fulfillment of this engagement,
gement, Saturn devoured them as soon as they were born. Ops, or Rhea,
his
wife, succeeded in concealing Jupiter from him. S
. Titan was so much enraged against Saturn for failing to destroy all
his
male children, that he assembled the giants, gene
th Ops, or Rhea, in hell. Jupiter conquered the Titans, and delivered
his
father and mother. He afterwards took up arms aga
against Saturn himself, whom he overcame and banished. He then shared
his
power with his two brothers, Neptune and Pluto; t
himself, whom he overcame and banished. He then shared his power with
his
two brothers, Neptune and Pluto; to Neptune he ga
he gave the command of the seas and rivers, while Pluto received for
his
portion the subterranean world, or infernal regio
appeared in the form of a crow. He constantly excited her jealousy by
his
admiration of mortal women, and this gave rise to
ed him, crowned him with flowers, and at length fearlessly mounted on
his
back. He immediately plunged into the sea, and ca
it was a god who had taken her away. As this report was flattering to
his
pride, he would of course be pleased to hear it e
, however, did not prevent Agenor from making every effort to recover
his
lost child. Ques. Relate the story of Cadmus. A
the story of Cadmus. Ans. Cadmus, the son of Agenor, was ordered by
his
father to go in search of his sister Europa, with
dmus, the son of Agenor, was ordered by his father to go in search of
his
sister Europa, with the further injunction, that
r Europa, with the further injunction, that he should never return to
his
native land without her. The search proved fruitl
The search proved fruitless, and Cadmus, not daring to appear before
his
father, went to consult the oracle of Apollo as t
uctions; while preparing to offer sacrifice to Jupiter on the site of
his
intended town, the solemnity was interrupted by a
and becoming impatient at the delay, proceeded to the spot, and found
his
servants lifeless, while the dragon was basking a
pot, and found his servants lifeless, while the dragon was basking at
his
ease upon the grass. The hero, aroused to vengean
, through the assistance of Minerva, was victorious. As he gazed upon
his
expiring foe, he heard a frightful voice which th
ntil all were killed except five. These assisted the hero in building
his
city. Cadmus married Hermione [Hermi′one], the da
ed an ambassador from the Molossians. He ordered him to be slain, and
his
flesh to be served for the entertainment of his g
him to be slain, and his flesh to be served for the entertainment of
his
guest. Jupiter was seized with indignation; he ov
s. He was the son of Jupiter and Latona [Lato′na]. This god was, with
his
twin-sister Diana, born at Delos, an island in wh
her. One of the first exploits of Apollo was to kill the Python with
his
arrows. Ques. How is this god generally represen
ns. As a young man, comely and graceful. He wears a laurel crown over
his
flowing hair; his garments are embroidered with g
, comely and graceful. He wears a laurel crown over his flowing hair;
his
garments are embroidered with gold; in his right
own over his flowing hair; his garments are embroidered with gold; in
his
right hand he carries his bow, and bears on his s
his garments are embroidered with gold; in his right hand he carries
his
bow, and bears on his shoulder a quiver filled wi
oidered with gold; in his right hand he carries his bow, and bears on
his
shoulder a quiver filled with arrows. Apollo and
ow, and bears on his shoulder a quiver filled with arrows. Apollo and
his
sister Diana presided respectively over the sun a
iter banished Apollo from heaven. Ques. How did he occupy himself in
his
banishment? Ans. He guarded the flocks of Admetu
ollo mourned deeply for the youth, and caused a flower to spring from
his
blood, which is called the hyacinth. Cyparissus [
unintentionally killed a favorite deer, that he begged Apollo to make
his
mourning perpetual. The god heard his prayer and
, that he begged Apollo to make his mourning perpetual. The god heard
his
prayer and changed him to a cypress, the branches
He obtained from the Fates, that when Admetus should be about to end
his
existence, his life might be prolonged, provided
om the Fates, that when Admetus should be about to end his existence,
his
life might be prolonged, provided another died wi
ence, his life might be prolonged, provided another died willingly in
his
stead. When the fatal day came, Alcestis, the wif
cestis, who was restored to her husband. Euripides has founded one of
his
most beautiful tragedies upon this story. Ques.
nd impossible adventures are told. He seems to have been very vain of
his
musical skill, as we see from the punishment he i
ive, and afterwards changed him into a river, which is still known by
his
name. The punishment inflicted on King Midas was
King Midas was not so cruel. This prince had the bad taste to declare
his
preference for the vulgar music of Pan, in a cont
n a contest which that god had with Apollo. The insulted deity caused
his
ears to grow in length and shape like those of an
hape like those of an ass. Midas endeavored to cover the deformity by
his
hair, and since it was impossible to conceal it f
deformity by his hair, and since it was impossible to conceal it from
his
barber, he bound him to silence by great promises
a little hole in the ground, and whispered it to the earth. What was
his
dismay at hearing the hollow reeds which grew upo
d all around him transformed into glittering metal. He soon perceived
his
folly, however, for when, pressed by hunger, he t
it was suddenly converted into gold, and when he would have quenched
his
thirst, the water was changed into a golden strea
e river Pactolus [Pac′tolus]. Midas obeyed, but the virtue which left
his
body was communicated to the waters of the stream
son of Phœbus and Clymene [Clym′ene]. At the earnest solicitation of
his
mother, he repaired to the palace of the Sun for
other, he repaired to the palace of the Sun for the purpose of having
his
parentage publicly acknowledged. The youth was ki
e day only, the chariot of the Sun. Apollo tried to dissuade him from
his
foolish wish, but in vain. The rash youth was not
iver Po, where it was found and buried by the nymphs of the place. As
his
sisters were weeping around his tomb, they were c
buried by the nymphs of the place. As his sisters were weeping around
his
tomb, they were changed by Jupiter into poplars.
ing before him in tattered garments, while Anger and Clamor follow in
his
train. Fear and Terror are the horses which draw
dance,” and was considered appropriate, because Mars is inconstant in
his
temper, and inclines now to this side, now to tha
es now to this side, now to that, in time of war. Except the story of
his
attachment to Venus, the poets relate but little
He was the son of Jupiter and Maia [Ma′ia], the daughter of Atlas. On
his
mother’s account, sacrifices were generally offer
? Ans. As a young man of cheerful countenance, having wings fixed to
his
helmet and his sandals, and carrying a rod in his
ung man of cheerful countenance, having wings fixed to his helmet and
his
sandals, and carrying a rod in his hand, which is
ving wings fixed to his helmet and his sandals, and carrying a rod in
his
hand, which is also winged, and entwined with ser
quieting all disputes. His helmet was called Petasus [Pet′asus], and
his
winged sandals Talaria. Ques. What were the offi
ia. Ques. What were the offices of Mercury? Ans. They were various;
his
most important function was to carry the commands
of weights and measures, and the patron of commerce. Ques. Were all
his
talents equally honorable? Ans. No; he was most
. No; he was most skillful in the art of thieving. On the very day of
his
birth, he stole some cattle from King Admetus, al
tus, although Apollo was keeping them; and while that god was bending
his
bow against him, he contrived to steal his quiver
while that god was bending his bow against him, he contrived to steal
his
quiver. While yet an infant, he stole the tools o
lay Argus and deliver Io. To effect this, it was necessary to set all
his
eyes to sleep. Mercury disguised himself as a she
ered into conversation with Argus, and at length played so sweetly on
his
pipe, that, one by one, the keeper’s hundred eyes
one by one, the keeper’s hundred eyes were closed. The god then drew
his
falchion, and cut off the head of Argus with a si
rgus with a single blow. Juno was grieved for her servant, and placed
his
eyes in her peacock’s tail. Io, still persecuted
panthers and lynxes, and sometimes by tigers and lions. He carries in
his
hand a thyrsus — that is, a staff encircled by iv
med by the lightnings which surrounded Jupiter. Bacchus did not share
his
mother’s fate, but was conveyed to Naxos, where h
he is sometimes represented as seated intoxicated on a cask of wine,
his
head crowned with grape leaves, and his face stai
ntoxicated on a cask of wine, his head crowned with grape leaves, and
his
face stained with the lees of wine; sometimes as
and the vine were consecrated to him. Ques. What feasts were held in
his
honor? Ans. The feasts of Bacchus were various.
the divinity of Bacchus, but endeavored to prevent the celebration of
his
orgies. Having presumed to intrude on the revels
e captive youth. In the meantime Bacchus, for it was he, awaking from
his
slumber, begged the sailors to land him at Naxos.
e suddenly appeared hung with grapes and ivy; spotted panthers lay at
his
feet, and when the terrified sailors tried to lea
the people to till the ground, and cultivate the vine. They disgraced
his
memory in after times by the drunken revels they
isgraced his memory in after times by the drunken revels they held in
his
honor. Chapter VII. Celestial Goddesses. Juno
f youth, on account of her extraordinary beauty, and Jupiter made her
his
cup-bearer. She offended him by an unlucky fall,
Juno that he would never receive either Callisto or her offspring in
his
watery domain. Hence it is, that the Greater and
on man, might give a name to the city. Neptune struck the ground with
his
trident, and a horse appeared; but Minerva caused
ortune. He looked, therefore, not at Medusa, but at her reflection in
his
polished shield, and when he perceived that she w
ed shield, and when he perceived that she was asleep, Minerva guiding
his
sword, he struck off her head. Mercury had lent P
a guiding his sword, he struck off her head. Mercury had lent Perseus
his
wings, and as he flew over the Lybian desert bear
elicon, the residence of the Muses, where, by striking the earth with
his
foot, he produced the fountain Hippocrene [Hippoc
r adventures in which Medusa’s head did him good service, by changing
his
enemies into stone. He afterwards gave the head t
y with wings, carrying a bow and arrows; he has sometimes a band over
his
eyes to show that love is blind. Ques. What do y
e, to refer the matter to the decision of Paris, who was then feeding
his
sheep on Mount Ida. This prince was the son of Pr
nce was the son of Priam, king of Troy. An oracle had foretold before
his
birth that he was destined to cause the destructi
old before his birth that he was destined to cause the destruction of
his
native city. He was, therefore, exposed on Mount
disputes; hence the difference between the goddesses was referred to
his
decision. When they appeared before him, they beg
d to his decision. When they appeared before him, they began to court
his
favor with promises. Juno offered him great power
then pronounced Venus the fairest. He was soon after acknowledged by
his
father, King Priam; and Venus fulfilled her engag
ame expedient, and with such success that he reached the goal and won
his
bride. Hippomenes was ungrateful to Venus, who re
ith that goddess. Venus grieved much for her favorite. To commemorate
his
cruel fate she caused the flower anemone to sprin
mmemorate his cruel fate she caused the flower anemone to spring from
his
blood. According to the poets, the rose was forme
regarded the goddess with indifference, and insisted on returning to
his
young wife Procris. Aurora allowed him to depart,
Procris. Aurora allowed him to depart, but prevailed on him to visit
his
house in disguise, that he might judge of the con
visit his house in disguise, that he might judge of the constancy of
his
bride. Cephalus found his wife lamenting his abse
se, that he might judge of the constancy of his bride. Cephalus found
his
wife lamenting his absence and refusing all conso
udge of the constancy of his bride. Cephalus found his wife lamenting
his
absence and refusing all consolation, but when sh
covered her husband in the supposed stranger, she was so indignant at
his
suspicion that she fled from him and joined the a
a, and caused a rustling among the leaves. Cephalus immediately threw
his
unerring dart, which returned to his hand stained
aves. Cephalus immediately threw his unerring dart, which returned to
his
hand stained with the blood of his beloved wife.
s unerring dart, which returned to his hand stained with the blood of
his
beloved wife. He hastened to the spot, but it was
He hastened to the spot, but it was too late, and Procris expired in
his
arms, acknowledging she had fallen a victim to he
ambrosial food and fair garments.” When Tithonus could no longer move
his
aged limbs, and his feeble voice was scarcely hea
air garments.” When Tithonus could no longer move his aged limbs, and
his
feeble voice was scarcely heard, the goddess was
hen Troy was besieged, Memnon came with an army to aid the kindred of
his
father. In the first engagements he slew Antiloch
eavens, and when she saw Memnon fall she directed the winds to convey
his
body to the banks of the river Æsopus [Æso′pus] i
banks of the river Æsopus [Æso′pus] in Paphlagonia. Here they raised
his
tomb in a sacred grove, and his obsequies were ce
pus] in Paphlagonia. Here they raised his tomb in a sacred grove, and
his
obsequies were celebrated with solemn pomp. The s
The Saturnalia — Modern Carnival — Janus — Contradictory Accounts of
his
Origin — Temple of Janus — Quirinus at Rome.
ne and Pluto. As we have already learned, Saturn devoured the rest of
his
male children. Ques. How is he represented? Ans
gnifies that time mows down everything in its course; and he holds in
his
hands an infant which he is about to devour, beca
se time destroys all that it brings forth. Ques. How did Saturn lose
his
kingdom? Ans. He was deposed by Jupiter, and was
arts of civilized life. Janus, king of Italy, made Saturn partner of
his
kingdom, and that part of the country was called
called Saturnia. Saturn’s government was so wise and beneficial that
his
reign was called the Golden Age. The poets tell u
son of Jupiter and Juno, but was cast down from heaven on account of
his
deformed appearance. He landed in Lemnos, but bro
on account of his deformed appearance. He landed in Lemnos, but broke
his
leg in the fall, and remained lame ever afterward
lcan represented? Ans. As a smith standing by an anvil with tools in
his
hand. Ques. What was his occupation? Ans. He ha
a smith standing by an anvil with tools in his hand. Ques. What was
his
occupation? Ans. He had a blacksmith shop in Lem
ues. How was Vulcan worshipped? Ans. The Romans celebrated feasts in
his
honor called Vulcania. At these they sacrificed a
ns of Ulysses, but the hero, having made him drunk with wine, put out
his
single eye with a firebrand and escaped. He embar
firebrand and escaped. He embarked in haste, pursued by the monster;
his
companions shouted defiance as they weighed ancho
r Alcinoüs, king of the Phæacians, gold and silver dogs which guarded
his
house. To Minos, king of Crete, he gave the braze
He said that Neptune was imprudent in not placing the bull’s horns in
his
forehead, before his eyes, that he might give a s
was imprudent in not placing the bull’s horns in his forehead, before
his
eyes, that he might give a stronger and surer blo
t of all, because he did not put a window in the man’s breast so that
his
thoughts might be seen. No god could escape the c
procession by the plebeian tribunes, who endeavored to pull him from
his
chariot. His daughter, who was a Vestal Virgin, a
]). Ans. None of the goddesses were willing to marry Pluto, or share
his
gloomy kingdom. He determined, nevertheless, to o
oserpine, and striking the waters of the fountain Cyane [Cy′ane] with
his
trident, he opened a passage, through which he de
ith his trident, he opened a passage, through which he descended with
his
prize. Ceres, ignorant of what had occurred, wand
was terrified with the most fearful sights and sounds. After this, if
his
courage did not fail, he was suddenly introduced
indly entertained by Celeus, king of Eleusis, in Attica. She rewarded
his
hospitality by taking care of his young son, whom
of Eleusis, in Attica. She rewarded his hospitality by taking care of
his
young son, whom she nourished during the day with
ng wheat, On Ceres call; and let the lab’ring hind With oaken wreaths
his
hollow temples bind; On Ceres let him call, and C
He took some of the reeds away for a remembrance. On applying them to
his
lips, he found they produced the most melodious s
one. When Constantine embraced Christianity, and placed the cross on
his
standard, he replaced these Terminal stones by th
verto, (to turn or change,) and was bestowed upon him in allusion to
his
power of taking any form he pleased. Vertumnus pr
by the god of the river Alpheus [Alphe′us], but refused to listen to
his
addresses. As she fled from his presence, he purs
[Alphe′us], but refused to listen to his addresses. As she fled from
his
presence, he pursued. The terrified nymph had spe
elief, and was immediately dissolved into a fountain. Alpheus resumed
his
watery form, and sought to mingle his current wit
nto a fountain. Alpheus resumed his watery form, and sought to mingle
his
current with hers, but Diana opened for her a pas
Ques. What was the fate of Narcissus? Ans. One legend is that he saw
his
image reflected in a fountain, and, not perceivin
is image reflected in a fountain, and, not perceiving that it was but
his
own shadow, gazed at it, lost in admiration, unti
, lost in admiration, until he was changed into the flower that bears
his
name. According to another version, Narcissus had
a twin-sister who resembled him closely in form and feature, and was
his
constant companion. This sister died young, and N
used to go to a neighboring fountain, and try to recall the image of
his
sister by gazing at his own reflection in the wat
ring fountain, and try to recall the image of his sister by gazing at
his
own reflection in the waters. Ques. Were there m
e God — How represented — Offices of Neptune — Feasts held at Rome in
his
Honor — Children of Neptune — Triton — Phorcus or
ines; he is arrayed in a blue mantle, and is generally accompanied by
his
queen Amphitrite. Neptune’s chariot is drawn by s
y his queen Amphitrite. Neptune’s chariot is drawn by sea-horses, and
his
attendants, who swim on either side, are human on
Ques. Why was he supposed to preside over horses? Ans. In memory of
his
contest with Minerva, when he produced a horse by
with Minerva, when he produced a horse by striking on the ground with
his
trident. Neptune was obliged by Jupiter to aid Ap
ero Perseus, when about to attack Medusa, visited them, and, watching
his
opportunity, while one of the sisters was handing
three in darkness. Ques. For what was Proteus remarkable? Ans. For
his
power of transforming himself instantaneously int
o was Triton? Ans. He was the son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and was
his
father’s companion and trumpeter. The upper half
rite, and was his father’s companion and trumpeter. The upper half of
his
body was like that of a man, but below the waist
body was like that of a man, but below the waist he resembled a fish;
his
tail was cleft and crooked, and his hair resemble
ow the waist he resembled a fish; his tail was cleft and crooked, and
his
hair resembled wild parsley. Ques. What other se
the danger by the enchantress Circe; he therefore stopped the ears of
his
companions with wax, and had himself firmly bound
n art; for he sang the praises of the gods, accompanying himself upon
his
lyre, and made such divine melody that the music
, which rendered it powerless; he then rushed upon the sorceress with
his
sword, and forced her to restore his companions w
n rushed upon the sorceress with his sword, and forced her to restore
his
companions whom she had transformed. After this,
and the goddess, in revenge, deprived Athamas of reason. The king, in
his
frenzy, took the queen and her children for wild
ldren for wild beasts, and pursued them through the palace. He killed
his
son Learchus by dashing him against a wall, but I
sied that Thetis would give birth to a son who should be greater than
his
father. Jupiter thereupon desisted from his suit,
ho should be greater than his father. Jupiter thereupon desisted from
his
suit, and Thetis was betrothed to Peleus, king of
sence. Achilles, the son of Thetis, fulfilled the Titan’s prophecy by
his
heroic exploits. Chapter XXIII. Infernal Deiti
n and Ops, and the brother of Jupiter and Neptune. In the division of
his
father’s kingdom, the infernal regions were allot
of clouds and darkness; he wears a crown of ebony, and holds a key in
his
hand instead of a sceptre. Ques. What does the k
had taken up their abode with him, they meant that the remembrance of
his
crimes did not leave him any repose. Judges of
d. He was chained to the ground in the infernal regions, and such was
his
stature, that he covered nine acres. A frightful
that he covered nine acres. A frightful vulture fed continually upon
his
liver, which grew as fast as it was consumed, tha
ntinually upon his liver, which grew as fast as it was consumed, that
his
punishment might be eternal. Ques. Who was Ixion
r. He invited the gods to a feast, at which he served up the flesh of
his
son Pelops to try their divinity. In hell he is t
hell he is tormented by continual hunger and thirst. He stands up to
his
lips in a cool fountain, whose waters recede when
public proclamation, that he would give the throne, with the hand of
his
sister Jocasta, to that man who should solve the
t which watched over the family, each individual was supposed to have
his
Lar, or familiar genius, who watched over him fro
pposed to have his Lar, or familiar genius, who watched over him from
his
birth. In early times, children were sacrificed t
band’s house. The Roman boy, on attaining the age of fifteen, put off
his
childish dress, and consecrated the golden bulla,
ish dress, and consecrated the golden bulla, which he had worn around
his
neck from infancy, to the domestic Lares. The sol
mestic Lares. The soldier whose term of service had expired dedicated
his
arms to these powerful genii; while captives, and
ods, and gave them divine honors. The circumstance of a mortal taking
his
place among the gods, was called an Apotheosis.
ds? Ans. Hercules, the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. Juno hated him on
his
mother’s account, and resolved upon his destructi
nd Alcmena. Juno hated him on his mother’s account, and resolved upon
his
destruction. For this purpose she sent two monstr
ose she sent two monstrous serpents to kill him as he was sleeping in
his
cradle. The infant hero awoke, and seizing the se
ing in his cradle. The infant hero awoke, and seizing the serpents in
his
hands, strangled them both. Juno was not discoura
refully instructed by the Centaur Chiron, and he was now equipped for
his
labors by the liberality of the gods. He received
clothed in the skin of this animal, and leaning on the club which was
his
ordinary weapon. Second. He destroyed the Hydra,
sight of the animal, that he shut himself up in a brazen apartment of
his
palace. Fourth. He caught, after a chase which l
o Eurystheus. Ninth. He overcame Diomedes, tyrant of Thrace, who fed
his
horses with the flesh of his guests. Hercules cau
came Diomedes, tyrant of Thrace, who fed his horses with the flesh of
his
guests. Hercules caused him, in turn, to serve as
said that Hercules was contending on this spot with two giants, when,
his
arrows becoming exhausted, he prayed to Jupiter f
his hero had slain the Centaur Nessus to revenge an insult offered to
his
wife, Deianira [Deiani′ra]. When the monster was
ed philter, telling her that if Hercules ever gave her cause to doubt
his
affection, she could secure his constancy by maki
Hercules ever gave her cause to doubt his affection, she could secure
his
constancy by making him wear a garment which had
ro, who wished to keep a festival, and to offer sacrifice in honor of
his
victory, sent for a splendid robe befitting the o
and Hercules endeavored in vain to tear off the tunic, which clung to
his
flesh and consumed even the marrow of his bones.
f the tunic, which clung to his flesh and consumed even the marrow of
his
bones. In his fury he caught the youth who had br
hich clung to his flesh and consumed even the marrow of his bones. In
his
fury he caught the youth who had brought him the
he garment, by the foot, and hurled him into the sea. He then fled in
his
agony to the summit of Mount Œta, where he erecte
tore up by the roots. On this he laid the skin of the Nemean lion and
his
famous club, after which he ascended the pile and
on and his famous club, after which he ascended the pile and directed
his
followers to set it on fire. All refused except P
hilocte′tes], who pitied the sufferings of the dying hero, and obeyed
his
command. He received the bow and arrows of Hercul
s the son of Æson, king of Thessaly, and was celebrated on account of
his
expedition in search of the Golden Fleece. He is
Fleece? Ans. Phryxus, son of Athamas, king of Thebes, received from
his
mother a ram of a golden color, or, according to
ng to fable, with a fleece of pure gold. Some time after, Phryxus and
his
sister Helle, to escape from their step-mother In
m their nostrils, and also by a sleepless dragon. When Jason demanded
his
father’s throne, his uncle, who wished to continu
also by a sleepless dragon. When Jason demanded his father’s throne,
his
uncle, who wished to continue in the government,
at he would tame the wild bulls that guarded it, kill the dragon, sow
his
teeth in the ground, and afterwards destroy the s
with Jason, upon whom she conferred an additional favor by restoring
his
aged and decrepit father to the vigor and beauty
ir father, the two children whom she had borne to Jason, and consumed
his
palace and bride in a conflagration raised by her
bute ship departed as usual under black sails, which Theseus promised
his
father to change for white, in case of his return
ls, which Theseus promised his father to change for white, in case of
his
returning victorious. When they arrived in Crete,
ck by the courage and generosity of Theseus that she resolved to save
his
life. For this purpose she gave him a ball of thr
s, and when he came to where the Minotaur lay, he slew him, and found
his
way out by the thread. The whole band then embark
hens. Ques. What became of Ariadne? Ans. She accompanied Theseus on
his
flight, but he was so ungrateful as to abandon he
s, or Northern Crown. Ques. Of what negligence was Theseus guilty on
his
return to Athens? Ans. He forgot his promise to
egligence was Theseus guilty on his return to Athens? Ans. He forgot
his
promise to his father with regard to the color of
heseus guilty on his return to Athens? Ans. He forgot his promise to
his
father with regard to the color of his sails, and
Ans. He forgot his promise to his father with regard to the color of
his
sails, and Ægeus, who watched every day for his s
egard to the color of his sails, and Ægeus, who watched every day for
his
son’s return, saw the black sails in the distance
turn, saw the black sails in the distance. He believed from this that
his
son was dead. In his despair he cast himself into
ails in the distance. He believed from this that his son was dead. In
his
despair he cast himself into the sea, which was c
ir he cast himself into the sea, which was called Ægean [Æ′gean] from
his
name. Theseus, after performing many other wonder
eus, after performing many other wonderful actions, was banished from
his
country, and died in obscurity. Chapter XXVII
e twin brothers, the sons of Jupiter and Leda. Castor was mortal like
his
mother, and when he died, Pollux grieved so much
n he died, Pollux grieved so much that Jupiter permitted him to share
his
immortality with his brother. It was arranged, th
eved so much that Jupiter permitted him to share his immortality with
his
brother. It was arranged, therefore, that they sh
ing wrong, refused to touch the box, upon which Pandora carried it to
his
brother Epimetheus. He was less cautious, and ope
rcury to chain him to a rock on Mount Caucasus; there an eagle fed on
his
liver, which was continually renewed. Prometheus
alliope. He played so sweetly on the lyre accompanying the music with
his
voice, that he tamed wild beasts, stayed the cour
ied, leaving Orpheus overwhelmed with grief. Trusting to the magic of
his
lyre, he repaired to the infernal regions. Here,
his lyre, he repaired to the infernal regions. Here, “at the music of
his
golden shell,” the wheel of Ixion stopped; Tantal
sic of his golden shell,” the wheel of Ixion stopped; Tantalus forgot
his
thirst; the vulture ceased to prey on the vitals
e they passed the confines of Pluto’s kingdom. Orpheus forgot this in
his
eagerness, and Eurydice vanished from his sight.
dom. Orpheus forgot this in his eagerness, and Eurydice vanished from
his
sight. In his despair, he now shunned all interco
orgot this in his eagerness, and Eurydice vanished from his sight. In
his
despair, he now shunned all intercourse with mank
nd, and retired to woods and solitary grottoes, endeavoring to forget
his
misfortune in the charms of music. Orpheus was mu
th which he had treated them. After tearing him to pieces, they threw
his
head into the river Hebrus, and were surprised to
iners agreed among themselves that they would murder Arion, and seize
his
treasures. The unhappy musician offered in vain t
vain to abandon everything to their cupidity, if they would but spare
his
life. The only favor he could obtain was the choi
he desired to be laid on shore under the green turf, they would carry
his
lifeless body to land, and give it sepulture. If
ight die as became a bard, after having played for the last time upon
his
lyre, and sung his own death-song. The mariners g
a bard, after having played for the last time upon his lyre, and sung
his
own death-song. The mariners granted his request,
time upon his lyre, and sung his own death-song. The mariners granted
his
request, not from pity, but they desired to hear
ms even for their rude hearts. Arion attired himself in festal robes;
his
mantle was of purple fringed with gold, and his b
self in festal robes; his mantle was of purple fringed with gold, and
his
brow was adorned with a golden wreath. He struck
d with gold, and his brow was adorned with a golden wreath. He struck
his
lyre with the ivory wand, and sung a sweet and mo
ng, and now, as he was struggling in the waves, a dolphin took him on
his
back, and carried him safe to shore. Periander re
ok him on his back, and carried him safe to shore. Periander received
his
friend with a cordial welcome, and listened with
iend with a cordial welcome, and listened with wonder to the story of
his
escape. When the ship arrived, he ordered the mar
pon this Arion stepped forth, clothed in gold and purple, and holding
his
lyre as when he had cast himself into the sea. Ov
He obtained the kingdom of Thebes, which he governed conjointly with
his
twin-brother Zethus. Amphion cultivated the art o
brother of Prometheus. He is represented as sustaining the heavens on
his
shoulders. Atlas had been warned that he would su
whom he claimed the rites of hospitality, declaring at the same time
his
divine parentage. The king, remembering the proph
him the head of Medusa, and changed him into the mountain which bears
his
name. The fable, that Atlas sustained the heavens
which bears his name. The fable, that Atlas sustained the heavens on
his
shoulders, has been explained by saying he was an
of the heavenly bodies from the summit of a lofty mountain, to which
his
name was afterwards given. Ques. Who were the ch
was afterwards given. Ques. Who were the children of Atlas? Ans. By
his
wife Pelione [Peli′one], he had seven daughters,
was the son of Neptune and Euryale [Eury′ale]. The accounts given of
his
exploits and of his death are many and contradict
une and Euryale [Eury′ale]. The accounts given of his exploits and of
his
death are many and contradictory. According to on
subdue the wildest and fiercest animals, the earth was displeased at
his
presumption, and sent a scorpion to sting him. Th
crisius, king of Argos. This prince had been warned by an oracle that
his
daughter would have a son, who was destined to de
er of saying that he bribed the guards. When Acrisius discovered that
his
precautions had been of no avail, he enclosed Dan
island of Seriphus, where a fisherman named Dictys drew it ashore in
his
net. He was much surprised at beholding Danaë and
the strangers kindly, but when Perseus was grown, he strove to effect
his
destruction by engaging him in an expedition agai
o be devoured by the monster. Cepheus consented to the sacrifice, and
his
daughter was chained to a rock by the sea-shore,
e was abandoned to her fate. Perseus, returning through the air, from
his
conquest of the Gorgons, saw the unhappy maiden a
w the unhappy maiden and resolved to rescue her. He asked her hand as
his
only reward, which Cepheus readily promised. When
d of the Gorgon again procured for Perseus an easy victory. He warned
his
friends to avert their eyes, and displayed the fr
heir eyes, and displayed the frightful trophy, upon which Phineus and
his
followers were changed into stone, in the very at
the same manner. The hero afterwards fulfilled the oracle by killing
his
grandfather, whom he did not know, by an accident
ndson of Sisyphus, king of Corinth. Having accidentally killed one of
his
relatives, he fled, as was usual in such circumst
ed to violate the rights of hospitality, he despatched Bellerophon to
his
father-in-law, Jobates [Joba′tes], king of the Ly
ince to put the bearer to death. Jobates was also unwilling to imbrue
his
hands openly in the blood of a guest; he resolved
nds openly in the blood of a guest; he resolved, therefore, to effect
his
purpose indirectly, by engaging Bellerophon in da
ucting him as to its use. On awaking, Bellerophon found the bridle in
his
hand, and repaired immediately to the spring at w
Bellerophon mounted him fearlessly, and was borne through the air to
his
combat with the Chimæra. When he returned to Joba
iors, and destroyed a party of Lycians, who laid an ambush for him on
his
return. Jobates perceived from these exploits tha
ush for him on his return. Jobates perceived from these exploits that
his
guest was indeed allied to the gods, and abandone
gods, and abandoned all further designs against him. He even gave him
his
daughter in marriage, and declared him his succes
inst him. He even gave him his daughter in marriage, and declared him
his
successor in the kingdom. Bellerophon might have
clared him his successor in the kingdom. Bellerophon might have ended
his
days in happiness and prosperity, had he not irri
is days in happiness and prosperity, had he not irritated the gods by
his
pride. He conceived the project of mounting to he
gods by his pride. He conceived the project of mounting to heaven on
his
winged steed; Jupiter was indignant, and sent a g
him to throw the presumptuous rider. Bellerophon, lame and blind from
his
fall, wandered in lonely places, avoiding the hau
onely places, avoiding the haunts of men, until death came to relieve
his
misery. Deucalion. Ques. Who was Deucalion
ucalion? Ans. He was king of Thessaly, and son of Prometheus. During
his
reign, there occurred so great a flood that the w
covered with the waters. Of the entire human race, only Deucalion and
his
wife, Pyrrha, were saved. When the waters abated,
′alus]? Ans. He is said to have been a native of Athens, eminent for
his
skill in architecture and statuary. His nephew Pe
ight through the air. For this purpose, he made wings for himself and
his
son Icarus [Ic′arus], which were so skilfully con
n the air, and directed their flight over the sea. Icarus disregarded
his
father’s instructions, and approached so near the
ear the sun that its heat melted the wax which united the feathers of
his
wings. He could no longer sustain himself, and wa
in himself, and was drowned in that sea which is called Icarian, from
his
name. Dædalus arrived in Sicily, where he was emp
alcyone [Halcy′one], a daughter of the god Æolus. Ceyx was drowned on
his
way to consult the oracle of Claros. Halcyone was
ger was the son of Œneus and Althea, king and queen of Calydon. After
his
birth, the Fates entered the chamber of Althea, a
foe. There came on the appointed day, Castor and Pollux, Theseus and
his
friend Pirithous, Peleus, afterwards father of Ac
trampling down and slaying the nearest huntsmen. In vain Jason threw
his
spear, praying that Diana might guide his arm. It
ntsmen. In vain Jason threw his spear, praying that Diana might guide
his
arm. It glanced aside, and the weapon of Telamon
a. Meleager, following up this advantage, despatched the monster with
his
spear. The heroes crowded around to congratulate
honors of the day, snatched them rudely from her. Meleager forgot, in
his
anger, the ties of kindred, and slew the offender
nto the flames. At the same moment Meleager started with sudden pain,
his
strength ebbed away, and as the brand fell to ash
lished Althea killed herself in despair. The sisters of Meleager wept
his
loss, until Diana, pitying their sorrow, changed
was king of Megara; this city was closely besieged by Minos, but all
his
efforts were vain, as the Fates had decreed that
displayed. Believing that he would reward her treachery by making her
his
queen, she cut the fatal lock while her father sl
cylla to accompany him to Crete. In despair, she clung to the prow of
his
ship; but Nisus, who had just been transformed in
the trees around as they did the garden shrubs. Erisichthon commanded
his
attendants to fell the tree, and when they hesita
Dryad dwelling in the oak, warned him of the punishment which awaited
his
impiety. Erisichthon persisted in his crime, and
of the punishment which awaited his impiety. Erisichthon persisted in
his
crime, and at length the tree, severed by repeate
he slept. Awaking he craved food, but the more he consumed, the more
his
hunger raged. In vain the unhappy man spent all h
onsumed, the more his hunger raged. In vain the unhappy man spent all
his
substance to obtain relief; he was reduced to mis
nets. The master, strangely surprised at the sudden disappearance of
his
slave, questioned the supposed fisherman. Mestra
ed to her father, who was well pleased to find that he had still both
his
daughter and the money for which he had sold her.
nts of the unhappy Erisichthon, who was compelled by hunger to devour
his
own flesh before death came to end his misery.
compelled by hunger to devour his own flesh before death came to end
his
misery. Chapter XXXIII. Poets of Classic Fabl
re not known. Nothing is known certainly regarding Homer’s parentage,
his
birth-place, or even the exact era in which he li
the poet was by birth an Ionian; the Ionic is the dialect employed in
his
works, with a slight mixture, however, of the Æol
l voyages in the company of a sea captain named Mentes; but at length
his
sight became so much affected that he was obliged
er returned to Smyrna, where he probably composed the greater part of
his
poems. He afterwards led a wandering life, gainin
ds led a wandering life, gaining wealth and fame by the recitation of
his
verses. He died at Ios, one of the Cyclades, wher
of the Cyclades, where he was buried. The fame of Homer is founded on
his
two great poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. The f
nest productions of human genius. Homer is distinguished not only for
his
sublimity, but for the high moral tone which perv
ot only for his sublimity, but for the high moral tone which pervades
his
works. Ques. Who was Hesiod? Ans. This poet flo
ished about half a century later than Homer. He was a Bœotian, and in
his
youth tended sheep upon Mount Helicon. He emigrat
st sublime passages in classic poetry; Milton has borrowed from it in
his
Battle of the Angels. Ques. When did Virgil flou
he year 70, B. C. He received a liberal education, and inherited from
his
father a considerable estate. Of this he was depr
tor, and the happiness felt by the poet in the peaceful possession of
his
patrimony, form the subject of his first pastoral
poet in the peaceful possession of his patrimony, form the subject of
his
first pastoral poem or Eclogue. Virgil enjoyed th
th the friendship of Mæcenas and other generous and powerful patrons;
his
life was, therefore, spent in ease and prosperity
e civil wars; Virgil hoped to revive the taste for rural pursuits, by
his
beautiful descriptions of country life. The Æneid
ful descriptions of country life. The Æneid, the last and greatest of
his
works, is an epic poem in twelve books. It is a h
er in sublimity, but he exceeds him in sweetness and in the beauty of
his
descriptions. The moral, and even to a certain ex
ral, and even to a certain extent the religious spirit which pervades
his
writings is beyond praise, and places him almost
ow Sulmona), a town about ninety miles distant from Rome. The date of
his
birth is rendered memorable in history by the mur
and enjoyed every advantage that splendid capital afforded. He showed
his
taste for poetry at an early age, but was dissuad
oetry at an early age, but was dissuaded from cultivating this art by
his
father, who wished him to apply exclusively to th
nce. Ovid gained some distinction as an orator; but when the death of
his
elder brother left him sole heir to an ample fort
he death of his elder brother left him sole heir to an ample fortune,
his
natural inclination prevailed, and he gave himsel
f Augustus, and the friendship of the most distinguished men in Rome;
his
verses were universally admired, they were sung i
t severity. But one wretched night was allowed to the poet to deplore
his
fate, and take leave of his friends. His wife beg
night was allowed to the poet to deplore his fate, and take leave of
his
friends. His wife begged in vain to be allowed to
ds. His wife begged in vain to be allowed to accompany her husband in
his
exile. It is not known by what crime the unfortun
poet merited so severe a punishment. The immoral tendency of some of
his
poems, was the ostensible reason set forth by the
manner which the latter did not choose to make public. Ovid wrote, in
his
exile, poems appropriately named “Tristia,” in wh
n his exile, poems appropriately named “Tristia,” in which he bewails
his
hard fate, and describes the scenes by which he w
desert shore. The only animated object was the wild Sarmatian driving
his
car, yoked with oxen, across the icy waste, himse
car, yoked with oxen, across the icy waste, himself wrapped in furs,
his
shaggy hair and beard sparkling with the hoar fro
Augustus, and the sunny skies of Italy. He died in the ninth year of
his
exile, and the sixty-first of his age. The poems
Italy. He died in the ninth year of his exile, and the sixty-first of
his
age. The poems of Ovid, however beautiful otherwi
ruption of the author’s private character has left its impress on all
his
works. The claim of Ovid to be numbered among the
of Ovid to be numbered among the poets of mythology, rests chiefly on
his
Metamorphoses. This is a collection of legends of
dred and fifty of these stories. Ovid was engaged in correcting this,
his
greatest work, when he was surprised by the sente
a fit of impatience and despair, he threw it into the flames. Some of
his
friends possessed copies, and the poem was thus p
s which have been rendered immortal by the beauty of Ovid’s verse and
his
graceful fancy. The Tristia are not so generally
he borders of the Euxine Sea. The barbarians listened with delight to
his
recitations, until their anger was excited by his
ned with delight to his recitations, until their anger was excited by
his
constant complaints of their rude manners and inh
prediction was disregarded. Agamemnon was assassinated immediately on
his
arrival at Mycenæ; according to the tragic poets,
He was the son of Peleus, king of Phthiotis [Phthio′tis] in Thessaly;
his
mother was Thetis, a sea-goddess. Many incredible
tories are told concerning the manner in which the hero was nursed in
his
infancy. According to one account, his mother des
n which the hero was nursed in his infancy. According to one account,
his
mother designed to make him immortal, and for tha
t to death. Calchas had declared that Troy could not be taken without
his
aid, and Thetis, who was aware that her son was d
aughters of King Lycomedes [Lycome′des]. Ulysses was sent to discover
his
retreat, which he effected by the following strat
d no entreaties could induce him to return to the field. The death of
his
friend Patroclus, who fell by the hand of Hector,
ording to Homer, Achilles took an ignoble revenge on the dead body of
his
foe, which he dragged at his chariot-wheels, thre
k an ignoble revenge on the dead body of his foe, which he dragged at
his
chariot-wheels, three times around the tomb of Pa
formance of the funeral rites. Achilles was himself slain soon after;
his
ashes were mingled in a golden urn with those of
it of Achilles knew no repose, even in death. After the fall of Troy,
his
ghost appeared to the Greeks, and commanded them,
manded them, with fearful menaces in case of refusal, to sacrifice on
his
tomb, Polyxena, one of the daughters of Priam. Th
closures with regard to hidden treasures, she induced Polymnestor and
his
children to visit her in secret. Then, aided by h
of Icarus. His suit was granted; but when he was about to depart with
his
bride, Icarus was so much grieved, that he tried
pon to revenge the abduction of Helen, Ulysses was unwilling to leave
his
peaceful kingdom, and sacrifice the happiness he
ich the father hastened to remove the child, convinced every one that
his
insanity was feigned. He was obliged, therefore,
ition against Troy, but he never forgave Palamedes for having exposed
his
stratagem. The manner in which Ulysses revenged h
d, and put to death. Ulysses distinguished himself during the war, by
his
wisdom and prudence in council, and his courage o
ed himself during the war, by his wisdom and prudence in council, and
his
courage on the field of battle. We have already s
which he took in carrying off the Palladium of Troy. As a reward for
his
services, he received the armor of Achilles, whic
ry of the Lotus-eaters. When the tempest abated, Ulysses sent some of
his
companions on shore. They were kindly entertained
etained a long time at Thrinakia by contrary winds; and Ulysses bound
his
companions by an oath that they would not touch t
aken no part in the sacrilege. He formed a raft from the fragments of
his
ship, and was at length cast by the waves upon th
ould dismiss Ulysses, and provide him with all that was necessary for
his
homeward voyage. The goddess reluctantly obeyed;
hero could not have occurred more opportunely for the deliverance of
his
wife, the faithful Penelope. When a long time had
e contest, that Ulysses landed in Ithaca. It was necessary to conceal
his
return; for this purpose the hero disguised himse
disguised himself as a beggar, and by the aid of Minerva, so changed
his
whole appearance that it was impossible for any o
hus, the son of Ulysses, had been absent for a long time in search of
his
father. He had visited the courts of the other ki
and the goddess contrived that he should arrive on the same day with
his
father, and meet him in the hut of Eumæus. After
ses entered, a dog which lay in the court, half dead with age, raised
his
head in sudden recognition, fawned upon his old m
alf dead with age, raised his head in sudden recognition, fawned upon
his
old master, and expired. It was Argus, whom Ulyss
banquet proceeded, but Telemachus had much difficulty in dissembling
his
feelings when the suitors made his father a subje
had much difficulty in dissembling his feelings when the suitors made
his
father a subject of mockery; and one of them carr
suitors made his father a subject of mockery; and one of them carried
his
insolence so far as to strike the disguised hero.
string. This Telemachus tried to do, and was obliged to confess that
his
strength was unequal to the effort. He passed the
suitors, who was compelled to yield it in turn, amid the raillery of
his
companions. When several had failed in the same m
ed in the same manner, Ulysses begged that he might be allowed to try
his
skill. The request was received with shouts of de
dead, and as the others rushed forward, Telemachus placed himself by
his
father’s side, with Eumæus and other armed retain
uggle ensued, in which all were slain, and Ulysses was left master of
his
palace and his kingdom. The Odyssey concludes wit
n which all were slain, and Ulysses was left master of his palace and
his
kingdom. The Odyssey concludes with a description
ed by the Tragic Poets — Hector — Character and Exploits of the Hero;
his
Death — Fate of Astyanax — Œdipus — Eteocles and
s? Ans. He was the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. At the time of
his
father’s assassination, Orestes, then a child, wa
me of his father’s assassination, Orestes, then a child, was saved by
his
sister Electra, who sent him secretly to their un
ant that it passed into a proverb. Orestes was urged by messages from
his
sister Electra, to avenge the murder of his fathe
as urged by messages from his sister Electra, to avenge the murder of
his
father, and her counsels were confirmed by the re
responses of the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Orestes, accompanied by
his
friend Pylades [Pyl′ades], repaired in disguise t
ed to grieve at these tidings, but Ægisthus made no effort to conceal
his
satisfaction. Orestes was now seized with horror
bout to commit, but the reproaches of Electra, and the remembrance of
his
father’s cruel fate, banished every thought of pi
hed every thought of pity, and he slew Clytemnestra and Ægisthus with
his
own hand. This act, however justified by the guil
ht to Argos. Orestes reigned many years in Mycenæ, and was married to
his
cousin Hermione, daughter of Menelaus and Helen.
aughter of Menelaus and Helen. Pylades married Electra, the sister of
his
friend. The tragic poets add many incidents to th
lived. The hero knew that he was destined to fall before the walls of
his
native city, and that he could at best only postp
his native city, and that he could at best only postpone the ruin of
his
country for a little time. Not discouraged by thi
discouraged by this, he performed prodigies of valor, and slew, with
his
own hand, Patroclus, the friend of Achilles. He n
twithstanding the remonstrances of Priam and Hecuba, and the tears of
his
wife Andromache [Androm′ache]. He fell as we have
we have seen, and this event was shortly followed by the overthrow of
his
father’s kingdom. Hector was not only distinguish
patriot; he was equally admirable as a son, husband, and father; and
his
character is perhaps the noblest which has been d
], the son of Hector, were permitted to live, he would one day avenge
his
father’s death, and raise Troy from its ruins. Di
nt search was therefore made for the child, who had been concealed by
his
mother in the recesses of Hector’s tomb. Here he
ipus was the son of Laius [La′ius], king of Thebes. He was exposed by
his
father immediately on his birth, to avoid the ful
[La′ius], king of Thebes. He was exposed by his father immediately on
his
birth, to avoid the fulfillment of an oracle whic
which declared that Laius was destined to fall by the hand of one of
his
children. Œdipus was found by a herdsman, who bro
ing of Corinth. This monarch was childless, and adopted the infant as
his
own. When Œdipus was grown to manhood, he desired
n. When Œdipus was grown to manhood, he desired to learn something of
his
real parentage, and went to consult the oracle of
and went to consult the oracle of Delphi. The god warned him to shun
his
native country, declaring that if he returned thi
eclaring that if he returned thither, he would become the murderer of
his
father, and be guilty of crimes which would draw
instead of returning to that city, proceeded to Thebes. Here he slew
his
father Laius in an accidental encounter, and, aft
Here he slew his father Laius in an accidental encounter, and, after
his
victory over the Sphinx, which we have already me
the oracle. Œdipus reigned many years in Thebes before he discovered
his
parentage, and the crimes which he had unknowingl
his parentage, and the crimes which he had unknowingly committed. In
his
despair, he put out his eyes, and went into exile
crimes which he had unknowingly committed. In his despair, he put out
his
eyes, and went into exile, leaving the throne to
pair, he put out his eyes, and went into exile, leaving the throne to
his
sons Eteocles [Ete′ocles] and Polynices [Polyni′c
drastus. This monarch assembled a large army to enforce the claims of
his
son-in-law. The command of the expedition was giv
any one should bestow on him the rites of sepulture. He thus carried
his
vengeance beyond the grave, as, according to Gree
e], the daughter of Œdipus, had, meanwhile, accompanied her father in
his
exile, and watched over him with touching devotio
ned by the tyrant to be entombed alive. The misfortunes of Œdipus and
his
children have been celebrated by three Greek trag
Mount Ida, where he was nurtured by the Dryads until he had attained
his
fifth year, when he was brought to his father. An
e Dryads until he had attained his fifth year, when he was brought to
his
father. Anchises was not on friendly terms with t
d not prevent Æneas from exerting himself to the utmost in defence of
his
country. Excepting Hector only, there was no Troj
ting Hector only, there was no Trojan who so distinguished himself by
his
valor. When Troy was taken, Æneas made his escape
o distinguished himself by his valor. When Troy was taken, Æneas made
his
escape from the burning city, bearing on his shou
oy was taken, Æneas made his escape from the burning city, bearing on
his
shoulders the aged Anchises, and leading his litt
burning city, bearing on his shoulders the aged Anchises, and leading
his
little son Ascanius by the hand. His wife was sep
of the enemy. Anchises bore with him the sacred Penates of Troy, and
his
household gods. Æneas was joined by the greater p
f prophecy, now confirmed what had been already foretold. He rendered
his
exiled countrymen all the assistance in his power
ady foretold. He rendered his exiled countrymen all the assistance in
his
power, and dismissed them at length, loaded with
resolved, therefore, to share her throne with the hero, and to offer
his
followers a permanent settlement in the country.
y to the hero, commanding him to embark without delay, and proceed to
his
destined settlement in Italy. Æneas obeyed, and m
nt some time in Sicily, where he celebrated funeral games in honor of
his
father, who had died there the preceding year. He
ak elsewhere. She foretold to the hero much that was to happen during
his
settlement in Italy; but in order that he might b
t in order that he might be fully informed of the future destinies of
his
race, she offered to conduct him to the world of
s. Returning to upper air, Æneas took leave of the sibyl, and pursued
his
voyage along the Italian coast, anchoring at leng
us, prince of the Rutulians, but Latinus was warned by an oracle that
his
destined son-in-law was to come from afar, and th
an chief was the person pointed out by the oracle, and invited him to
his
palace. All now seemed to promise a peaceful sett
excite this prince against the stranger, who was about to rob him of
his
promised bride. A long war ensued, which forms th
particulars handed down by tradition. Æneas built a city, called from
his
bride, Lavinium. Here he governed his Trojan and
Æneas built a city, called from his bride, Lavinium. Here he governed
his
Trojan and Italian subjects, who became one peopl
ected the suit of Apollo, and the god refused, therefore, to withdraw
his
gift or mitigate the severity of her lot. This si
till remained of the time granted by Apollo. She accompanied Æneas on
his
visit to the lower world. According to a well-kno
it is said, pointed clearly to the advent of a Redeemer, the time of
his
coming, and the submission of Rome to the new dis
aces. He cites in favor of this opinion, the fact that St. Justin, in
his
apology addressed to the Emperor Marcus Antoninus
ve that the expectation of a Saviour, and the belief that the time of
his
advent was approaching, existed even among the pa
led by Nero and others — Oracle of Trophonius — Story of the Hero and
his
Brother — Agamedes — Discovery of the Oracle — Pe
as not been ascertained. In the earlier times Jupiter gave answers to
his
votaries by means of a so-called vocal oak or bea
t Delphi? Ans. This historian relates that a shepherd, while feeding
his
flocks on the side of Mount Parnassus, observed t
hile feeding his flocks on the side of Mount Parnassus, observed that
his
sheep and goats, on approaching a certain cavity
n, the vapors, exhaling from the earth, affected him in the same way;
his
body was convulsed, and he spoke words which reve
dered the most propitious season. When Apollo was favorably disposed,
his
approach was made known by the moving of a laurel
king of Lydia, when he consulted the oracle concerning the result of
his
expedition against the Medes. The Pythia told him
ould ruin a great empire, but as she did not say what empire, whether
his
own or that of his enemies, the oracle could not
mpire, but as she did not say what empire, whether his own or that of
his
enemies, the oracle could not fail of being fulfi
xes, after having forced the pass of Thermopylæ, sent a detachment of
his
army to plunder the treasures of Delphi. The expe
melus [Philome′lus], a Phocian general, seized these treasures to pay
his
troops. He is said to have carried off, in gold a
e temple was finally dismantled by Constantine the Great, who adorned
his
Hippodrome with the sacred tripods. No traces are
uins of the ancient city. Ques. Who was Trophonius, and for what was
his
oracle remarkable? Ans. Trophonius, and his brot
honius, and for what was his oracle remarkable? Ans. Trophonius, and
his
brother Agamedes [Agame′des] were the architects
rough the Libyan desert, Bacchus came to a barren waste of sand where
his
whole army was in danger of perishing for want of
reat visited the temple of Jupiter Ammon to question the oracle as to
his
parentage; and the priests, who were undoubtedly
tage; and the priests, who were undoubtedly apprised of the object of
his
visit, did not wait to be questioned, but saluted
ulapius? Ans. This god was consulted by the sick in many places, but
his
most celebrated oracle was in his native city of
ted by the sick in many places, but his most celebrated oracle was in
his
native city of Epidaurus in Argolis. This oracle
of Christ, but this is an error. Milton, however adopts this idea in
his
beautiful Hymn of the Nativity: “The oracles are
hum Rings through the arched roof in words deceiving. Apollo from
his
shrine Can no more divine, With hollow shriek
. A palm branch was at the same time placed in the victor’s hand, and
his
name was proclaimed by the herald. On his return
d in the victor’s hand, and his name was proclaimed by the herald. On
his
return home, more distinguished honors awaited hi
On his return home, more distinguished honors awaited him. He entered
his
native city, not by the gate, but through a breac
ive city, not by the gate, but through a breach made in the walls for
his
reception. Banquets were given to him by his frie
ch made in the walls for his reception. Banquets were given to him by
his
friends, at which odes were sung in honor of his
were given to him by his friends, at which odes were sung in honor of
his
victory. The horse and chariot races held the hig
ay, each being the bearer of joyful tidings. The first announced that
his
general had gained a great victory; the second, t
nounced that his general had gained a great victory; the second, that
his
horse had won the prize in the Olympic games; whi
ze in the Olympic games; while the third brought news of the birth of
his
son, afterwards Alexander the Great. This passage
a great reputation in a little time. It was thus that Herodotus read
his
history to assembled Greece. It was received with
poet of the time, and employed professional readers to recite some of
his
pieces at Olympia. When they began to read these
Ans. According to Greek fable, by Apollo himself, in commemoration of
his
victory over the serpent Python; according to the
es. We are told that when Æschylus introduced such a chorus in one of
his
tragedies, the terror of the spectators was such
connection we have an interesting story. Ibycus, a lyric poet, was on
his
way to the Isthmian games, when he was waylaid by
The unhappy bard called in vain for aid; no human help was near; but
his
last, despairing cry was echoed by the hoarse scr
ian games were sorely disappointed and dismayed at the sad tidings of
his
death. They crowded the tribunals and demanded ve
A cry was raised to seize the man who had spoken, and the one to whom
his
speech had been addressed. The wretched murderers
Pericles. It existed in its full beauty for more than a century after
his
death. It was first despoiled by Lachares, who st
work. The god is represented as having just discharged an arrow from
his
bow against the monster Python. The form and atti
which he governed so well and wisely as to receive divine honors from
his
subjects even during his life. He married, as we
and wisely as to receive divine honors from his subjects even during
his
life. He married, as we have already learned, Io,
to the Egyptians by the name of Isis. Osiris was cruelly murdered by
his
brother Typhon. Isis, after a long search, found
elly murdered by his brother Typhon. Isis, after a long search, found
his
body, which she laid in a monument in an island n
y of its successor. Sacrifices were offered to this strange divinity;
his
birth-day was celebrated with great magnificence,
years, he was drowned by the attendant priests in the sacred cistern;
his
body was then carefully embalmed, and buried in t
ence, the whole country was plunged into mourning, which lasted until
his
successor was found. The animal into whom the div
sidered a favorable omen. It was also a good augury if he entered, of
his
own accord, a particular stall. When Germanicus o
Silence, and is represented as a boy, seated on a lotus-flower, with
his
finger on his lips. Besides the gods we have ment
is represented as a boy, seated on a lotus-flower, with his finger on
his
lips. Besides the gods we have mentioned, the Egy
n attributed divinity to certain plants and roots. Juvenal, in one of
his
Satires, thus ridicules their superstition: Who
lites by Achab — Reproaches of Jeremias — Moloch — Nations devoted to
his
Worship — Human Sacrifices — Representation of th
In Babylon. The famous tower of Babel or Belus, was there devoted to
his
worship, although the highest apartment of the ed
ty of the Ammonites. The Phœnicians were also particularly devoted to
his
worship. Young children and infants were offered
n to Moloch, by passing them through fire. Solomon built a temple for
his
worship on the Mount of Olives. Later human sacri
ls loud, Their children’s cries unheard, that passed through fire, To
his
grim idol. Him the Ammonite Worshipp’d in Rabba a
e right against the temple of God, On that opprobrious hill: and made
his
grove The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thenc
d, Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured The Syrian damsels to lament
his
fate In amorous ditties all a summer’s day; While
fate In amorous ditties all a summer’s day; While smooth Adonis from
his
native rock Ran purple to the sea, supposed with
ncient passages, which are in verse, were probably written soon after
his
time, when the knowledge of his doctrines was sti
rse, were probably written soon after his time, when the knowledge of
his
doctrines was still preserved. The Parsees, or mo
supreme deity, replies to the inquiries of Zoroaster, and teaches him
his
will with regard to his creatures. Ques. What we
o the inquiries of Zoroaster, and teaches him his will with regard to
his
creatures. Ques. What were the doctrines of Zoro
trines of Zoroaster? Ans. This philosopher was more enlightened than
his
contemporaries, and was probably acquainted with
ho created two other mighty beings, and imparted to them a portion of
his
own eternal divinity. Ques. Who were these deiti
s which are given to the true God. Ahriman, on the contrary, uses all
his
energies for evil; and is, in all respects, consi
rs, and everything which can contribute to the welfare or pleasure of
his
creatures. Ahriman created the wild beasts, poiso
and those of Vishnu form two distinct sects. Brahma, having finished
his
work, has but one temple in India. It is doubtful
gration of souls. The Hindoos believe that if a man lead a pure life,
his
soul will pass, after death, into another human b
sprung from the head of Brahma; the Warrior caste, which issued from
his
arms; the Agriculturists and Traders, who came fr
h issued from his arms; the Agriculturists and Traders, who came from
his
thighs, and lastly, the Sudras, or laborers, who
from his thighs, and lastly, the Sudras, or laborers, who sprung from
his
feet. Ques. Is there much distinction between th
said by the Vedas to have been a delusive incarnation of Vishnu, but
his
followers give a different account. Ques. What d
six years in prayer and meditation. At the end of this time, he began
his
career as a religious teacher. He preached first
his career as a religious teacher. He preached first in Benares, but
his
doctrines were received with so much favor that h
ha is to study the medicinal properties of plants in order to benefit
his
fellow men. We may see, therefore, that Buddha ha
se who composed the Vedas, and that he was probably a true sage among
his
people. Ques. Is Buddhism common in India? Ans.
was born. Confucius was carefully educated in virtue and learning by
his
widowed mother. At her death he retired, accordin
rines. After careful preparation, he set himself up as a teacher, and
his
disciples were soon numbered by tens of thousands
herever he went; he was at one time prime minister of the empire, but
his
last years were spent in retirement with some cho
was so confounded by the sublime wisdom of that philosopher, that on
his
return home he remained three days buried in prof
ught, refusing to speak, or answer any of the questions put to him by
his
disciples. Confucius enjoyed unbounded popularity
e beginning and end of each class. Every town has a temple erected in
his
honor, and his statue is to be found in every lit
end of each class. Every town has a temple erected in his honor, and
his
statue is to be found in every literary instituti
as simply a teacher of morality. It is thought, from many passages in
his
writings, that he believed in one Omnipotent God.
last traces of natural religion. Ques. Why then do they persevere in
his
worship? Ans. The honors paid to Confucius, as w
as a Chinese philosopher, contemporary with Confucius. With regard to
his
life and actions, many absurd and impossible thin
hey sell charms and spells. Notwithstanding the degraded character of
his
followers, the writings of Lao-tze prove that he
osaic law. Ques. What did Lao-tze teach with regard to God? Ans. In
his
writings he declares plainly that the world was e
n which politeness requires that each one should speak slightingly of
his
own religion, and praise the sect to which he doe
ual Incarnation of Buddha — His transmigrations — Mode of discovering
his
Successor. Ques. What is the prevailing religi
the Lama residing in Thibet has been considered the Chief Pontiff of
his
sect, and a perpetual incarnation of Buddha. He i
rnment. Ques. How is the line perpetuated? Ans. When the Lama dies,
his
soul enters immediately into the body of some chi
d Freya — Bragi — Heimdall — Vidar — Hodur — The Valkyrior — Loki and
his
Progeny — Death of Baldur — His Funeral — Loki’s
e barbarian, is softened into harmony with the scenes around him, and
his
superstitions, though still sensual, are more gen
as educated in France and Germany, and spent some time in Rome before
his
return to Iceland. He was induced to compile the
ld seem, from a patriotic desire of preserving the ancient legends of
his
race. The word Edda means ancestress, and it is s
e in the air and formed clouds, from which sprung the Frost Giant and
his
progeny; also the cow Audhumbla, by whose milk th
three sons, Odin, Vili and Ve. These slew the giant Ymir, and out of
his
body formed the earth on which we live. His bones
ed the earth on which we live. His bones were changed into mountains,
his
hair into trees; of his skull they made the heave
live. His bones were changed into mountains, his hair into trees; of
his
skull they made the heavens, and of his brain, cl
ains, his hair into trees; of his skull they made the heavens, and of
his
brain, clouds charged with hail and snow. Odin ne
eheim, the region of darkness and cold. Under the tree lies Ymir, and
his
efforts to throw off the weight cause earthquakes
sented as seated on a throne which overlooks all heaven and earth. On
his
shoulders sit the ravens, Hugin and Munin, who fl
was god of thunder. His mighty strength depended upon three things —
his
hammer, his belt of strength, and his iron gloves
thunder. His mighty strength depended upon three things — his hammer,
his
belt of strength, and his iron gloves. The giants
th depended upon three things — his hammer, his belt of strength, and
his
iron gloves. The giants at one time obtained his
elt of strength, and his iron gloves. The giants at one time obtained
his
hammer, and he was obliged to use a very singular
over it. Ques. What was this? Ans. Thor was most anxious to recover
his
hammer, but the giant Thrym had buried it eight f
to the abode of the Frost Giants. Thor consented, and Thrym welcomed
his
veiled bride with great joy, attributing her sile
on the lap of the supposed bride. Thor seized the weapon, and finding
his
wonted strength restored, he threw off his disgui
ed the weapon, and finding his wonted strength restored, he threw off
his
disguise, and rushed upon Thrym, whom he slew wit
threw off his disguise, and rushed upon Thrym, whom he slew with all
his
followers. Loki had served Thor in this adventure
ki had served Thor in this adventure; on another occasion he incurred
his
wrath by an injury offered to Sif or Sifa, his wi
r occasion he incurred his wrath by an injury offered to Sif or Sifa,
his
wife. The hair of this goddess flowed around her
e, and Thor sought the insolent offender, intending to crush him with
his
redoubtable hammer. Loki was terrified, and sough
s. He presided over rain, sunshine, and the fruits of the earth. From
his
name comes our word Friday. Ques. Who was Freya?
ly who sung the praises of the gods and the deeds of warriors. Iduna,
his
wife, kept in a casket certain apples which the g
h, and invade Valhalla. Heimdall required less sleep than a bird, and
his
sight was so keen that he could distinguish the s
ermitted to marry, lest any care for wife or children might interrupt
his
unceasing watchfulness. Vidar. Ques. Who w
such terror in Asgard that it was not lawful for any god to pronounce
his
name. Hodur seems to have been a personification
s called by men, “Aurora Borealis,” or “Northern Lights.” Loki and
his
Progeny. Ques. Who was Loki? Ans. Loki was a
ounded. The monster soon grew to such an enormous size, that, holding
his
tail in his mouth, he encircled the whole world.
monster soon grew to such an enormous size, that, holding his tail in
his
mouth, he encircled the whole world. Hela was cas
ingly beautiful. He was tormented by terrible dreams, indicating that
his
life was in peril. He told these things to the as
er of weapons at the hero, who was not harmed by anything. Loki, with
his
usual malice, was determined on Baldur’s death, b
at Baldur, without being able to hurt him. He inquired of Frigga, in
his
turn, if it were really true that she had exacted
lamentations. Then Frigga came, and asked, who among them would show
his
love for her, and for Baldur, by procuring the de
to repair thither, and pay to Hela a mighty ransom for the return of
his
brother Baldur. He set out, therefore, mounted on
nd Hermod rode over it fearlessly, although it shook and swayed under
his
living weight. He passed the night in discourse w
ed the night in discourse with Baldur, and the next morning preferred
his
petition to Hela. He offered any ransom she might
e to the sea-shore, and placed upon a funeral pile which was built of
his
own ship, the largest in the world. All the gods
revenge the death of Baldur? Ans. They pursued Loki, who made use of
his
magical power to escape their wrath. He changed h
mons ever since have had that part remarkably thin. Being restored to
his
natural form, Loki was bound with chains in a glo
as bound with chains in a gloomy cavern. A serpent was suspended over
his
head, whose venom falls upon his face drop by dro
cavern. A serpent was suspended over his head, whose venom falls upon
his
face drop by drop. One comfort is allowed him; hi
e venom falls upon his face drop by drop. One comfort is allowed him;
his
wife Siguna sits by his side, and catches the dro
ace drop by drop. One comfort is allowed him; his wife Siguna sits by
his
side, and catches the drops as they fall, in a cu
he venom falls upon Loki, which makes him howl with horror, and twist
his
body so violently that the whole earth shakes.
et upon the flesh of kings and heroes. The wolf Fenris will now break
his
bands; the Midgard serpent rise out of the sea, a
nds; the Midgard serpent rise out of the sea, and Loki, released from
his
chains, will join the enemies of the gods. The Ed
ate; he was free and self-existent, and the creation of the world was
his
own voluntary act. The Druids taught that excepti
es,) he “wrote upon stone the arts and the sciences of the world.” In
his
more beneficent character, the name Gwyon was oft
ouraged the warrior going to the field of combat, and received him on
his
return with notes of triumph. To live in heroic s
nstruction was necessary before a candidate could be admitted to take
his
place in this influential class. According to Cæs
ted, and were often attended with much bloodshed. The Arch-druid held
his
office for life. Ques. Who were the Druidesses?
victim dragged thither by her companions. She plunged her knife into
his
heart, and watched carefully to obtain an omen, a
well aware of the penalty of death attached to such an act, commanded
his
disciples to light the paschal fire at the moment
t paganism. Almost within our own day, many an Irish peasant has made
his
scanty harvest still smaller, rather than violate
on. His temples were the most stately of all the public edifices, and
his
altars in every part of the empire were continual
men in the use of metals, in agriculture and every useful art. Under
his
beneficent rule, the earth brought forth its frui
e proceeded to the shores of the Mexican gulf, where he took leave of
his
followers, promising that, when many years had ro
nce of the Sun, whom they accompanied with songs and choral dances in
his
journey through the heavens. After a certain peri
en the fatal day arrived, the victim, who had been trained to perform
his
part with calmness and dignity, was conducted to
r and more mournful as the cortege advanced, until at length he broke
his
lute, and cast it aside. He then threw from him,
roke his lute, and cast it aside. He then threw from him, one by one,
his
chaplets of flowers, and stood unadorned before t
m was thrown at the feet of the idol. The career of this captive, and
his
progress to the altar, was intended as an allegor
bodies of the victims; and no Aztec noble would venture to entertain
his
friends on a festival day without placing before
s loathsome food. It is worthy of remark that Montezuma surpassed all
his
predecessors in the pomp with which he celebrated
ifferent names of Pachacamac and Viracocha. They raised no temples in
his
honor; that which stood near the present site of
r of the world, the source of light and life. The Moon was honored as
his
sister-wife, and the Stars were worshipped as her
locks;” they worshipped it as the page of the Sun, whom he attends in
his
rising and setting. The Sun was honored also as t
of mankind, took compassion on their degraded state, and sent two of
his
children, Manco-Capac, and Mama Oello Huaco, to f
such a manner that the first rays of the morning Sun fell directly on
his
golden image, and were reflected from the rich or
ed Villac Vmu, was second only to the Inca, and was chosen from among
his
brothers or nearest kindred. Ques. What sacrific
als offered in sacrifice were served at the tables of the Inca and of
his
nobles; but of the flocks belonging to the temple
ña, the hangings of the temples and the garments worn by the Inca and
his
household. They were completely secluded, even fr
b of a deceased noble. That he might not lack attendance and society,
his
favorite wives and domestics were sacrificed on h
ance and society, his favorite wives and domestics were sacrificed on
his
tomb. The Peruvians believed in an evil spirit wh
xty-six dramas, in thirteen of which he obtained the victory over all
his
competitors. He was at length defeated by a young
were about to stone him, when he was saved by the presence of mind of
his
brother Aminias. The latter had won much glory in
had won much glory in the Persian war, and now, while interceding for
his
brother he dexterously dropped his mantle so as t
ar, and now, while interceding for his brother he dexterously dropped
his
mantle so as to expose the stump of the arm he ha
in the fields, an eagle which was flying over him with a tortoise in
his
claws, mistook the bald head of the poet for a st
shell, and he was killed by the blow, thus verifying a prophecy that
his
death would come from on high. Of the dramas writ
lds a high rank among Latin authors. During the most active period of
his
life, he found time to devote to literary pursuit
ten by him on various subjects, both in prose and verse, we have only
his
“Commentaries,” in ten books. Seven of these trea
an age, in clearness and beauty of style. He exaggerates nothing, and
his
most brilliant achievements are related with a ce
an orator and statesman. He filled the highest offices in the gift of
his
country, and took so prominent a part in public a
y, and took so prominent a part in public affairs, that an account of
his
life would be also a history of his times. Cicero
ublic affairs, that an account of his life would be also a history of
his
times. Cicero wrote on the art of public speaking
rom the plots of Catiline, and rendered many other signal services to
his
country, was basely murdered by the order of the
sthenes . A famous Athenian orator, who defended the liberties of
his
country against the aggressions of Philip of Mace
of Philip of Macedon. Diodorus, surnamed Siculus, from Sicily,
his
birth-place. He was a celebrated historian, conte
f King Archelaûs. On the death of the poet, the Athenians begged that
his
body might be sent to Athens for interment. This
Sophocles, not only in dignity of sentiment, but in the moral tone of
his
dramas. Sophocles is said to have observed that w
e the manners and customs of the people, and collecting materials for
his
great work. His account of the Persian war is ful
rsian war is full of interest, and won for him great popularity among
his
countrymen. Herodotus relates many things which
r travellers. The general opinion is that where Herodotus speaks from
his
own observation, or relates events of which the m
istian writer of the second century. He is principally celebrated for
his
“Apology for the Christians,” addressed to the Em
er the influence of the heathen philosophers whom he had assembled at
his
court, to judge impartially in the matter. One of
Caligula, but the exact date is not known. Juvenal is celebrated for
his
satires, in which he attacked the vices and folli
brated for his satires, in which he attacked the vices and follies of
his
day, not sparing the emperors themselves where th
orite of the Emperor Augustus. He was distinguished for the wisdom of
his
counsels, and his rare abilities as a statesman.
or Augustus. He was distinguished for the wisdom of his counsels, and
his
rare abilities as a statesman. Although himself a
ce, Ovid and other celebrated writers of the Augustan age, were among
his
most intimate friends. Such was the care with whi
th which Mæcenas sought out and rewarded every species of merit, that
his
name is proverbially used to denote a generous pa
s name is proverbially used to denote a generous patron. Admirable in
his
public capacity, he was in private life as indole
oriental. His villas were laid out with unexampled magnificence, and
his
banquets surpassed, in taste and display, those g
t wakefulness, and this great man, with the resources of the world at
his
command, would probably have sacrificed both weal
alth and power for the common boon of sleep enjoyed by the meanest of
his
slaves. In vain the physicians exercised their sk
ary alleviation. We are told, however, that for three years preceding
his
death, Mæcenas never slept. Pelasgi. A name
ed the office of procurator in Spain, and we find him, at the time of
his
death, in command of the fleet which guarded the
plication of Pliny to literary pursuits was uninterrupted. He rose to
his
studies at two in the morning, and during the ent
d during the entire day, whether in the bath, at table, or sitting in
his
garden, he either listened to reading, wrote, or
is garden, he either listened to reading, wrote, or dictated. Even on
his
journeys and military expeditions, a secretary al
n on his journeys and military expeditions, a secretary always sat in
his
chariot. We are told that in winter Pliny was car
y was careful to provide him with a warm glove of peculiar make, that
his
fingers might not be too much benumbed to hold th
bed to hold the stylus. We have but one complete work of this author,
his
Natural History, in thirty-seven books. It treats
ons. He attributes to many plants properties altogether fabulous, and
his
work, although formerly much quoted on these poin
d Pompeii. He observed the phenomena accompanying it from the deck of
his
ship. Wishing to take a nearer view, and also to
f his ship. Wishing to take a nearer view, and also to succor some of
his
friends whose villas lay near the scene of peril,
landed at the foot of the mountain. The next morning, while pursuing
his
investigations, regardless of the remonstrances o
while pursuing his investigations, regardless of the remonstrances of
his
friends, he was suffocated by the noxious vapors
g, is generally distinguished as Pliny the Younger. Under the care of
his
uncle he made such rapid progress in literature,
ature, that he was generally accounted one of the most learned men of
his
age. He began his career as an orator at the earl
generally accounted one of the most learned men of his age. He began
his
career as an orator at the early age of nineteen.
y Trajan governor of Bithynia. It was from this country that he wrote
his
celebrated letter in favor of the Christians. It
ey convey with regard to public events, and the manners and habits of
his
contemporaries. The style of these letters is stu
n the Elder and Justinian, and accompanied Belisarius as secretary on
his
military expeditions. Simonides . This po
ament of Danaë, and a few scattered fragments, are all that remain of
his
verses, but these are sufficient to prove that hi
all that remain of his verses, but these are sufficient to prove that
his
reputation in this respect was well deserved. Si
to all the perfection of which it was capable. The most celebrated of
his
epitaphs is the monumental inscription composed f
oet requested a day to deliberate on the subject. When Hiero repeated
his
question on the morrow, he asked for two days. As
the king required an explanation. Simonides replied that he postponed
his
answer, because, the longer he meditated on the s
ated on the subject, the more obscure it became, and the more he felt
his
inability to treat it in an adequate manner. Sim
s, king of Sparta. This poet is accused of having become mercenary in
his
old age, and Greek writers speak of him as the fi
the poet was not believed to have forfeited the favor of the gods by
his
avarice. While residing at the court of Scopas, k
king of Thessaly, he was engaged by that prince to compose a poem in
his
honor for an approaching banquet. Whether Simonid
ether Simonides found the exploits of Scopas too barren a subject for
his
muse, or that his piety led him to introduce high
und the exploits of Scopas too barren a subject for his muse, or that
his
piety led him to introduce higher themes, we do n
, the praises of Castor and Pollux were mingled largely with those of
his
royal patron. A mortal might have been content to
those of his royal patron. A mortal might have been content to share
his
honors with the divine pair; but Scopas grudged e
he divine pair; but Scopas grudged every line which did not celebrate
his
own fame. When Simonides approached to receive hi
did not celebrate his own fame. When Simonides approached to receive
his
reward, the king gave him half the appointed sum,
eward, the king gave him half the appointed sum, saying, that was for
his
part; for what related to Castor and Pollux, they
doubt bestow a generous recompense. The disconcerted poet returned to
his
place amid the jeers and laughter of the guests.
the roof of the palace fell with a terrible crash, burying Scopas and
his
guests beneath the ruins. On being informed of th
Castor and Pollux who had acknowledged, in this manner, the homage of
his
verse. Sophocles . Was the second in orde
ong the erection of the trophy in honor of the victory at Salamis. In
his
twenty-fifth year, he carried off the tragic priz
ifferent occasions. Irreproachable in private life, distinguished for
his
skill in every manly exercise, and a rare excelle
cellence in the arts of poetry and music, Sophocles was considered by
his
admiring countrymen as an especial favorite of th
dies, was verified in the case of this great poet. If the morning of
his
life was bright in the lustre of national glory a
ry and personal renown, the evening was clouded by the misfortunes of
his
country, and domestic unhappiness. Sophocles serv
ut the year 24, B. C. He spent many years in travelling, at first for
his
own gratification, and in the pursuit of knowledg
e order of Augustus. He was already advanced in life when he compiled
his
great work on geography. It is divided into seven
time of its discovery. Varro . A Latin writer, celebrated for
his
extensive learning. He is said to have composed f
ful: he was favored by Julius Cæsar, proscribed by Antony, and passed
his
later years in literary ease under the protection
f the sky. They were beautiful and happy and kind. When the Sun drove
his
flaming chariot from his palace in the East, the
tiful and happy and kind. When the Sun drove his flaming chariot from
his
palace in the East, the Greeks seemed to hear the
e who had done him wrong. The eagle which soared above the clouds was
his
bird, and sometimes was seen carrying his thunder
soared above the clouds was his bird, and sometimes was seen carrying
his
thunderbolts. If Jupiter but nodded his head, all
d sometimes was seen carrying his thunderbolts. If Jupiter but nodded
his
head, all creation shook with a muttering of thun
nother brother, Pluto, who ruled the underworld; and Ceres was one of
his
sisters. She was the stately and beautiful goddes
earth might have been so harmed that the sun would shine through into
his
kingdom. As he drove along the earth in his black
would shine through into his kingdom. As he drove along the earth in
his
black chariot, he passed the valley of Enna and s
in the meadow with the nymphs. Pluto hated the light and was blinking
his
eyes a good deal, but he had no need to see well
ee well to make out that Proserpina was fair and charming. He stopped
his
four terrible black horses and looked again. He h
The grim, rough old god was in love with gentle Proserpina. He turned
his
black horses and drove slowly down the valley tow
chariot was beside her. Without drawing rein, Pluto caught her up in
his
arms, and in a moment they were driving like mad
to tried to comfort the goddess-child. He told her that she should be
his
bride and queen; that she should have all the und
was rich with sparkling gold and jewels. But Proserpina was afraid of
his
dark face. She kept weeping, and would not be com
they came near the fountain of Arethusa, Pluto struck the earth with
his
spear. A great hole gaped before them, and, with
could see nothing at first, but Pluto gave a sigh of contentment, for
his
eyes were used only to this. Soon the poor little
He thought she was foolish to make such an ado about the darkness. To
his
mind, sunlight was unbearable, and he felt sure t
men. In the stern she could make out Charon, the grim ferryman, with
his
long, white beard and hair, and in his hand the g
haron, the grim ferryman, with his long, white beard and hair, and in
his
hand the great oar with which he was rowing the b
oserpina, who seemed like a sunbeam gone astray; and, indeed, for all
his
talk, Pluto thought her look and the light she br
d the light she brought with her worth more than all the treasures of
his
underworld; and from that day, though she was alw
ch river she would stop and call. Very soon the river-god would raise
his
great, dripping head above the water and look at
o meet her. He was like a man, but he had hoofs in place of feet, and
his
ears were pointed and furry. Besides that, he had
pointed and furry. Besides that, he had two little stubby horns upon
his
forehead. When he spoke, his voice was like the w
hat, he had two little stubby horns upon his forehead. When he spoke,
his
voice was like the whinny of a horse, or the cry
as Pan; but when. Ceres called, he hurried to meet her, stamping with
his
hard little hoofs, and bounding over the rocks an
she had seen; and how the fierce, dark god had struck the earth with
his
spear, and how the earth had opened and swallowed
o, the ruler of the underworld, and that she could do nothing against
his
mighty power. At last, she uncovered her face and
ed or frowned, it was always beautiful and majestic, like the sky. At
his
right sat Juno, the stately goddess-queen, in a r
ddess-queen, in a robe of dazzling white, and with golden sandals; at
his
left sat Minerva, goddess of truth and wisdom, cl
daughter again, for he took her from me by force.” Then Jupiter bowed
his
head in thought, and Minerva, the goddess of wisd
ughter. But on Olympus Jupiter sat long in thought. At last he called
his
messenger, the god Mercury, who is quickest and c
underworld with messages to Pluto. Now Mercury has winged sandals on
his
feet and a winged cap upon his head, and he sails
uto. Now Mercury has winged sandals on his feet and a winged cap upon
his
head, and he sails through the air more swiftly t
h he — “My wife, my wife Persephone.” Low laughs the dark king on
his
throne — “I gave her of pomegranate seeds.” De
at fatal morn, And give thy dark lord power to take Thee living to
his
realm forlorn?” Her lips reply without her wil
ess that she made; The greater soul that draweth thee Hath left
his
shadow plain to see On thy fair face, Persepho
to Olympus, to cast the king of the gods out of it. Jupiter, with all
his
thunderbolts, was not entirely secure at that tim
e. Among the Titans, two were special friends of man — Prometheus and
his
brother, Epimetheus. Prometheus was the braver an
ed he had brought with him. Then he strode out, laughing and stamping
his
feet in defiance. When Jupiter saw the smoke risi
and he must be punished.” Then Jupiter sent two monstrous servants of
his
, who took Prometheus and bound him to the side of
g upon him. Every day an eagle came and fed upon him, and every night
his
body was healed again, but with great pain, and h
, and every night his body was healed again, but with great pain, and
his
suffering was always terrible. He saw, too, that
ttle better off than they were.” “I know it well,” said Prometheus in
his
suffering. “Even here the noise and clash of war
pus will harm men. Let the world alone.” Epimetheus said no more, but
his
mind was not changed. Next day he went up the sta
Vulcan is the workman of the gods. He is lame, but skillful, and with
his
hands he makes wondrous things. So when Jupiter h
s. So when Jupiter had said these words, the lame god hobbled away to
his
workshop. Soon he came back with a rich and wonde
clay and formed of it a woman, warm and alive and human. He called to
his
aid Venus, the goddess of love, to add beauty to
aven will work evil if they are set free on earth.” So Mercury put on
his
winged sandals and his winged hat, took Pandora b
they are set free on earth.” So Mercury put on his winged sandals and
his
winged hat, took Pandora by the hand, and led her
the hand, and led her away. Next morning Epimetheus heard a knock at
his
door. He knew that it was the messenger of the go
thought of what Prometheus had said of the danger. He almost made up
his
mind not to take the gift; then he opened the doo
us that there was the music and fragrance and light of heaven come to
his
door, and he welcomed them eagerly, forgetting th
“for men are not strong enough to receive them.” Then, with a wave of
his
snake-wand and a whir of the wings on his feet an
them.” Then, with a wave of his snake-wand and a whir of the wings on
his
feet and head, he disappeared. Then came happy da
ts and lyres By day, by night, belong; And the breath we draw from
his
living fires, We give him back in song. From
ul morning Cupid, the little winged god of love, sat busily polishing
his
bow and his arrows. Some of his arrows were tippe
upid, the little winged god of love, sat busily polishing his bow and
his
arrows. Some of his arrows were tipped with gold,
ged god of love, sat busily polishing his bow and his arrows. Some of
his
arrows were tipped with gold, and some with lead,
re neatly winged with white dove-feathers. Then he put them back into
his
quiver, taking care not to prick himself, for the
god fall in love and the leaden ones caused hate. Next, Cupid took up
his
little bow and saw that the string was unworn and
whole land prayed to the gods for aid in its peril. Then Apollo took
his
mighty and terrible bow and with his arrows slew
d in its peril. Then Apollo took his mighty and terrible bow and with
his
arrows slew the beast. Now as he was returning, h
beast. Now as he was returning, he saw Cupid polishing and preparing
his
tiny arms. He stopped, and watched the little god
step or a more winning face. At that very moment Cupid was stringing
his
bow behind the shelter of a neighboring thicket.
the shelter of a neighboring thicket. He took two shining arrows from
his
quiver, one tipped with gold and one with lead. F
ad sunk deep into the breast of Apollo. The god felt the pang and put
his
hand to his heart, but it was too late: he was ma
into the breast of Apollo. The god felt the pang and put his hand to
his
heart, but it was too late: he was madly in love
ould not listen. She fled only the more swiftly, and Apollo, with all
his
speed, could hardly keep in sight of her fair swi
er shining white shoulders and flowing golden hair. Then he redoubled
his
, pace and began to gain upon her; but the nearer
he thought she had yielded. He went quickly to her and caught her in
his
arms. But even as he touched her, he felt her cha
. Apollo kissed the flowers, which seemed even then to draw back from
his
touch. “Though you would not be my bride, Daphne,
t hear that Apollo ever again treated him with scorn, for he had felt
his
power. Cupid and the Bee. Cupid once upon a
s power. Cupid and the Bee. Cupid once upon a bed Of roses laid
his
weary head; Luckless urchin, not to see Within th
anger wild The bee awak’d, and stung the child. Loud and piteous are
his
cries; To Venus quick he runs, he flies; “Oh moth
elf could sing. Apollo, god of light and song, loved him and gave him
his
own divine harp, which the Greeks called a lyre.
n heard upon earth. The birds would cease singing, for they preferred
his
songs to their own; the spirits in the trees woul
autiful goddess-born Eurydice, and Orpheus returned her love with all
his
heart. Their wedding was soon celebrated, and the
upon earth had been seen a nobler or a happier pair, for Orpheus and
his
bride were fair and tall, and looked as though th
kingdom of Pluto and Proserpina. Orpheus was heartbroken. He sang of
his
grief to the gods of the streams and to the spiri
ge of the river Styx. Charon, the ferryman, saw him coming and pushed
his
boat far out into the stream. There he stopped. B
came slowly toward the shore and let the grieving musician step into
his
boat. It nearly sank with the weight of a live pe
, barking savagely. Yet he, too, let Orpheus pass unharmed and forgot
his
fierceness at the sound of that wondrous lyre and
but no one did him harm, and he passed through them without stopping,
his
thoughts being all of Eurydice. Thus he reached t
es, and came into the presence of the dread god himself, sitting upon
his
throne with Proserpina at his side. All about the
of the dread god himself, sitting upon his throne with Proserpina at
his
side. All about the hall stood the lesser gods an
irits of the world of shadows. The time had come for Orpheus to plead
his
cause. He struck upon the strings of his lyre and
ad come for Orpheus to plead his cause. He struck upon the strings of
his
lyre and began. In his song, he told how he had l
plead his cause. He struck upon the strings of his lyre and began. In
his
song, he told how he had loved Eurydice, and she
own into the underworld, not searching for glory or fame, nor to show
his
power or strength, but to beg for the spirit of E
h the dark land they went, through hosts of spirits, by Cerberus with
his
three terrible heads, across Styx in Charon’s boa
but the return — this is the work, this the labor. Orpheus, with all
his
eagerness, mounted but slowly, and always the dou
Orpheus took her by the hand — and it seemed to melt into nothing in
his
. “O Orpheus,” she said; and then, “Goodbye! goodb
tood dazed; then he would have rushed after her, but the god stood in
his
way. “You can do nothing,” he said. And Orpheus,
way. “You can do nothing,” he said. And Orpheus, stupid with grief at
his
second loss, turned and went out into the fresh,
months of grief before the god Death came at last to take him down to
his
Eurydice. When he died, Jupiter put the lyre whic
sky. There it still shines, set with brilliant stars. Orpheus with
his
Lute. Orpheus, with his lute, made trees, And
set with brilliant stars. Orpheus with his Lute. Orpheus, with
his
lute, made trees, And the mountain-tops that free
untain-tops that freeze, Bow themselves, when he did sing: To
his
music, plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and
cheerful and strong. When he was a mere babe of a few months, he met
his
first great danger. His mother, Alcmena, had put
great danger. His mother, Alcmena, had put him to bed one night with
his
twin brother, Iphicles. Their cradle was the insi
ike any other baby, was terribly frightened and began to cry with all
his
lungs, but Hercules did not seem in the least afr
o him, he seized them both about the necks and squeezed them with all
his
might. Then Alcmena, who had heard the crying, ca
shing fire. But Hercules soon put her fears to rest, for he tightened
his
grip, and laughing as if it were all a great joke
human. He will be a great sufferer and a great hero, for he will pass
his
whole life ridding the world of plagues and monst
arefully and sternly reared. Linus, son of the god Apollo, taught him
his
letters, and he had other teachers such as mortal
e. He learned to box and wrestle, to shoot with the bow, and to drive
his
chariot close round the goal post without ever to
l me Virtue.” Then the goddesses went away, and left him debating, in
his
great heart. He remembered what Tiresias had said
bating, in his great heart. He remembered what Tiresias had said, for
his
mother, Alcmena, had told him. Then, lifting his
resias had said, for his mother, Alcmena, had told him. Then, lifting
his
head, he chose the path of the fair, stern goddes
be the most ignoble ruler in all the world. From this time, he spent
his
days and nights inventing the hardest tasks he co
ry much afraid of him. He even feared that Hercules might try to take
his
kingdom from him, though he knew, as everybody di
he oracle in the temple at Delphi had commanded Hercules to submit to
his
service, and he knew that Hercules was not the so
ad killed many men and was ravaging the land far and wide. Armed with
his
bow and arrows, and with a club that he himself h
arrow never so much as scratched the lion’s skin. Then Hercules tried
his
club. He hit the lion with all his might upon the
e lion’s skin. Then Hercules tried his club. He hit the lion with all
his
might upon the head. It was a crushing blow, but
and terrible, in the end he served him as he had served the snakes in
his
baby days, for he squeezed the life quite out of
st asleep; and in the midst lay the aged sea-god Nereus himself, with
his
long white beard and hair. Hercules drew near as
ore he will talk. The aged god awoke with a cry, and, at the sound of
his
voice, all the sea-creatures shuffled and slid of
re of himself. Then began the struggle, Nereus doing everything in
his
power to escape, Hercules doing everything to hol
he became a little bird, but before he could flit away, Hercules had
his
hand about him. Then he was a fly, and Hercules a
Hercules, and though he grumbled, he was secretly glad that it was in
his
power to help the hero. “Insolent man,” he cried
rica, he found the Titan, standing enormous and supporting the sky on
his
head with his mighty arms. A solemn old giant was
the Titan, standing enormous and supporting the sky on his head with
his
mighty arms. A solemn old giant was Atlas, for it
ut he was kindly, and was glad to see Hercules, and glad to listen to
his
story. “You wish to get the apples of Hesperides,
ot mind it. I will come back directly.” So Hercules took the sky upon
his
shoulders, but his task was not half so easy as h
come back directly.” So Hercules took the sky upon his shoulders, but
his
task was not half so easy as he had expected. He
gone after the apples himself. As for Atlas, he was glad to be rid of
his
burden, even for a little while. He stretched his
s glad to be rid of his burden, even for a little while. He stretched
his
great, cramped limbs to their full length, then s
toward him, and as he came nearer, Hercules could see that he had in
his
hand a branch with the beautiful apples of gold u
that Atlas had the apples. What he wished now was to get the sky off
his
shoulders and begin his journey home. He thanked
es. What he wished now was to get the sky off his shoulders and begin
his
journey home. He thanked Atlas very heartily, and
matter. He found it very pleasant to be able to move about and swing
his
arms and bend over when he pleased. He did not in
nd bend over when he pleased. He did not in the least fancy taking up
his
burden again. “Suppose you let me take the apples
over my shoulders.” When, however, Atlas, without thinking, had taken
his
old load once more, Hercules picked up the apples
n,” shouted the Titan. But the hero only laughed and walked away, for
his
work in the world was to perform the labors comma
Eurystheus, and it was Atlas’ work to hold up the sky. Hercules found
his
home journey easy. Without an adventure he reache
be patient and brave, doing great deeds for others to the very end of
his
life. Then Jupiter, who loves heroes, took him up
ecial protector and helper of heroic champions. Song of Hercules to
his
Daughter. “I’ve been, oh, sweet daughter,
in Thessaly a good king named Admetus. He was a gentle ruler and led
his
people in the ways of peace, as a shepherd leads
le ruler and led his people in the ways of peace, as a shepherd leads
his
flock to green pastures. His kingdom prospered, f
een pastures. His kingdom prospered, for war and famine came not near
his
land, and the gods loved him. The hillsides were
nd sleek cattle browsed contentedly in the valleys and woodlands; and
his
people showed the gladness of their hearts in son
he palace of Admetus a stranger. He seemed to be a beggar; but though
his
clothes were worn and tattered, he was fairer to
might tend the king’s flocks. Admetus received him gladly and granted
his
request. So the stranger became the king’s shephe
claim her in a chariot drawn by a lion and a wild boar. Pelias loved
his
daughter dearly, and thought by this condition to
t despair, for how shall I live without Alcestis? But who can yoke to
his
chariot a lion and a wild boar?” “Bring out the c
of the forest, playing sweet music as he went. Sometimes the king and
his
courtiers heard him stop playing; then he would b
, as tame as kittens. Now and then he would pause to stroke them with
his
hand. When he came to the gate, he harnessed them
drove off without the least difficulty. Thus it was that Admetus won
his
bride. When he returned with her to Thessaly, the
him to serve a mortal man for one year to atone for a fault, but now
his
time upon earth was ended. Thus Apollo departed,
but now his time upon earth was ended. Thus Apollo departed, leaving
his
blessing upon all the land. Joy and peace and the
er people. If ever Admetus was moved to anger, it was she that calmed
his
stormy moods. No wonder, then, that the folk of T
for the king. When Admetus came, the stranger seized him and cut from
his
forehead a lock of hair, and told him he must die
that the stranger was none other than the god Death, and he felt that
his
day of doom was come, for against Death no mortal
rkens not to prayers; he heeds not sacrifices, but unpitying, fulfils
his
word. No sooner had the god left than Admetus fel
to see dark Death coming again to carry him away. Alcestis stayed by
his
bedside and nursed him tenderly, but to no avail.
heir beloved king, but Death turned them a deaf ear. Then Admetus, in
his
despair, remembered the promise of the shepherd-g
et as was Admetus’ life to them, there was no one in the land to whom
his
own life was not sweeter, and so Admetus came ver
t, and for the love she bore her husband she offered her own life for
his
. She vowed that she would rather die than be spar
rather die than be spared, if he were taken from her. She thought of
his
people, too, and prayed that Admetus might be sav
eople, too, and prayed that Admetus might be saved to bless them with
his
gentle rule. From that moment Admetus grew strong
k she saw Charon, the aged ferryman of the dead, coming toward her in
his
boat. Now she would think she saw dark Death appr
verge of death, who should come to the palace but Hercules? He was on
his
way to Thrace, to tame the man-eating horses of D
y to Thrace, to tame the man-eating horses of Diomed and lead them to
his
master Eurystheus. He was stopping to find rest a
master Eurystheus. He was stopping to find rest and refreshment with
his
friend Admetus. When Hercules saw the signs of mo
ish to burden him with needless sorrow. Then Hercules wished to go on
his
way at once, but Admetus knew how hard was the lo
there food and wine were set before him. The strong man even crowned
his
head with garlands, and made merry in the house o
silent prayer and sorrow, and it is no wonder if grief was written on
his
face. Yet he strove to hide his feelings, for Adm
is no wonder if grief was written on his face. Yet he strove to hide
his
feelings, for Admetus had bidden him to give Herc
ed the place where they had buried her, there was Death carrying away
his
victim in his arms. In a flash the mighty arms of
here they had buried her, there was Death carrying away his victim in
his
arms. In a flash the mighty arms of Hercules were
n the two fought for her, Hercules crushing the icy, bloodless god in
his
terrible arms, Death clutching Hercules with his
cy, bloodless god in his terrible arms, Death clutching Hercules with
his
iron hands and breathing upon him with his pestil
th clutching Hercules with his iron hands and breathing upon him with
his
pestilent breath. Long they wrestled and strove;
they wrestled and strove; then, suddenly, with a fierce strain of all
his
knotted muscles, Hercules forced the grim god dow
hispered Death. “Let me go; you cannot kill me!” Then Hercules loosed
his
great arms and stood panting, but with the joy of
osed his great arms and stood panting, but with the joy of victory on
his
face, while Death fled like a shadow before the s
at last, the hero told what he had done, rebuking Admetus because of
his
treatment. “Friends should share griefs with frie
festival of thanksgiving. He had other labors to perform, and went on
his
way to master the man-eating steeds of King Diome
d. Phaëton. As Helios, the god of the sun, was once driving
his
flaming chariot across the sky, he saw beautiful
alace in the east, to be ready for sunrise. Phaëton was very proud of
his
divine origin and one day as he was quarreling wi
vine origin and one day as he was quarreling with Epaphus, a youth of
his
own age, he boasted of it. “And is Helios proud o
s would have been blinded to look at him, and Phaëton dared not raise
his
head. His courage, however, did not fail. He stoo
se his head. His courage, however, did not fail. He stood waiting for
his
father to speak. “What is it that you wish, my so
med of your child.” And Helios, as he looked at him, was pleased with
his
courage and pride. “Indeed, I am not ashamed of y
rive it grew double. Meanwhile, the Morning Star had gone onward with
his
flaming lamp, and the rosy goddess of dawn had ap
ar, and all was ready. When Helios saw that Phaëton was still firm in
his
wish, he wet the forehead of the youth with a div
urn them back to the east. He hoped to put the chariot once more into
his
father’s hands. But the steeds did not heed him.
id, “even though Phaëton be the son of one of us.” Now, Jupiter hurls
his
thunderbolts from the clouds, but in the hot air
raightway into pound. Then the sombre village crier, Ringing loud
his
brazen bell, Wandered down the street, proclaimin
tranquil stars; Then, with nostrils wide distended, Breaking from
his
iron chain And unfolding far his pinions, To t
ils wide distended, Breaking from his iron chain And unfolding far
his
pinions, To those stars he soared again. On t
new not when nor where. But they found upon the greensward, Where
his
struggling hoofs had trod. Pure and bright, a fou
, a fisherman of the island of Seriphus, was going along the beach to
his
boat, he saw a strange sight. Upon the sand sat a
Her words were queenly and gracious, and Dictys, taking her child in
his
strong arms, led the way to the palace of King Po
beauty of the strange princess, and King Polydectes stepped down from
his
throne and came to greet her. “By what name shall
crisius of Argos. My child is called Perseus. Because of ill omens at
his
birth, we have been driven from home to die.” “Fe
no less because you come without a gift.” At this, the young man held
his
head up proudly and said: — “O King, whatever you
Medusa’s head,” and he arose and went quietly out. While the king and
his
court were still eating and making merry, Perseus
, considering what he should do, but discovering no way to accomplish
his
wish. Suddenly he saw before him a woman, very ol
d much bent with years. “Why are you here, Perseus, when the king and
his
court are feasting?” she asked. “I have promised
usa is to be found.” With these words the goddess disappeared, but at
his
feet Perseus saw the winged sandals and the magic
nd King Polydectes was glad at heart to think that now he should have
his
way. He sent a messenger to Danaë and commanded h
, threatening that after ten days, if she refused, he would come with
his
soldiers to get her. All day long Perseus was fly
ut in the evening he came to the ice cliffs, where the North Wind has
his
home. Here also live the Grææ, and Perseus soon f
r; and as one was passing the eye to another, Perseus quietly put out
his
hand and took it. When they discovered that the e
h made him invisible, he went in; but he walked backwards, holding up
his
shining shield as a mirror. Thus he might see the
was pale and terror-stricken because of them. As he looked at her in
his
shield, Perseus felt his blood grow chill. “Will
cken because of them. As he looked at her in his shield, Perseus felt
his
blood grow chill. “Will he never come?” Medusa wa
she moaned. At that very moment Perseus was by her side. Looking into
his
shield, he raised his sword and with one blow cut
ry moment Perseus was by her side. Looking into his shield, he raised
his
sword and with one blow cut off her direful head
ow cut off her direful head and ended her misery. To wrap the head in
his
mantle was the work of a second. Then he started
out of the door, their brazen hands and terrible teeth were close to
his
winged feet. Now the sandals of Mercury and the e
the air, sometimes he darted down close to the waves, hoping to elude
his
pursuers; but their swift golden wings were tirel
y Perseus saw the hills of Africa. Panting and exhausted, he directed
his
flight toward them, and there he set his tired fo
g and exhausted, he directed his flight toward them, and there he set
his
tired foot once more upon the earth. He took off
and there he set his tired foot once more upon the earth. He took off
his
helmet and prepared to lie down to rest. But a ne
a move toward the hero and would have crushed him, Perseus drew from
his
mantle the terrible head of Medusa and held it up
as darting toward it. Before the monster even saw him, he had plunged
his
sword into it up to the hilt. Then the fight bega
sea was beaten into foam and spray by its struggles. But Perseus with
his
winged feet was far too quick, and though he coul
quick, and though he could not at once kill the creature, he plunged
his
sword into it again and again. At last his wings
l the creature, he plunged his sword into it again and again. At last
his
wings became so wet that they could hardly suppor
Cepheus was pleased with this request. He wished even to make Perseus
his
heir, but this offer the hero could not accept. “
. Danaë had refused the offer of King Polydectes and was not moved by
his
threats. On the tenth day she went for safety to
she went for safety to the temple of Minerva. When the king came with
his
soldiers to seek her, he found her there, sitting
her, he found her there, sitting beside the altar. The king, for all
his
anger, dared do her no harm, for he feared the gr
Next day the king returned. His wrath now knew no bounds. He ordered
his
soldiers to seize Danaë and carry her forth from
tepped forward himself to do the impious deed. Then Dictys stepped in
his
way and boldly commanded him to stand hack. Mad w
dly commanded him to stand hack. Mad with passion, Polydectes leveled
his
spear at the brave fisherman, but at that moment
” shrieked Polydectes. “Kill him!” and without another word he hurled
his
spear at the young hero. The spear was well aimed
the head of the Gorgon Medusa.” With that he drew the head from under
his
mantle and held it up before Polydectes’ face; an
ys, the good and wise fisherman. A few days afterward, the hero, with
his
queenly mother and his beautiful bride, set out a
isherman. A few days afterward, the hero, with his queenly mother and
his
beautiful bride, set out at last for Argos and Gr
and his beautiful bride, set out at last for Argos and Greece, where
his
own kingdom awaited him, and there he gave back t
he noon’s bright eye, And oft he wooed the wandering wind, To cool
his
brow with its sigh. While mute lay even the wild
day.” Quick o’er the sunny glade he springs, The arrow flies from
his
sounding bow, “Hilliho — hilliho!” he gaily sings
aw in the rustling grove, But the bridal veil, as pure as snow, Of
his
own young wedded love. And, ah, too sure that arr
young wedded love. And, ah, too sure that arrow sped, For pale at
his
feet he sees her lie; — “I die, I die,” was all s
tle and box, to shoot with the bow and hurl the spear, and to control
his
grandfather’s splendid horses; and often, in the
with heroic thoughts. All this time Æthra told him never a word about
his
father. Theseus did not know even that his father
old him never a word about his father. Theseus did not know even that
his
father was living. But when he was sixteen years
men could hardly have moved it. He made a third trial. The muscles of
his
body stood out and the perspiration rolled from h
sandals and the shining sword. Then Æthra told him the whole story of
his
father and these hidden things. “Take the sandals
y to Athens by land was full of dangers, but Theseus was eager to try
his
strength and, if possible, to rid the road of the
us robber and bore a great club of iron. It was here that Theseus had
his
first fight, and it was a hard one; but in the en
irst fight, and it was a hard one; but in the end the robber, for all
his
iron club, lay dead upon the ground, and the youn
Trœzenian strand He scorned to go over the smooth-flowing wave, To
his
home in the dear Attic land; But over the mountai
strong, fair young man, who had slain so many robbers and giants, was
his
own son. There was one person, however, who knew
ine with us, O King,” said Medea. “If there be two drops of poison in
his
wine, who can know it?” The plan of the wicked Me
oves you well.” Then Theseus took the wine and, smiling, raised it to
his
lips. But before he could taste it, King Ægeus su
before he could taste it, King Ægeus suddenly struck the goblet from
his
hand, and it fell with a crash upon the marble fl
n began good days. Theseus lived happily in the palace with the king,
his
father. He was always active, ridding the country
dens to feed the Minotaur. Thus do we pay King Minos for the death of
his
son.” “Tell me about it,” said Theseus. “It is a
It is a sad story,” said the old man. “Minos, the king of Crete, sent
his
son to take part in the games at our great yearly
y festival. The young man won many prizes and much honor, but some of
his
jealous rivals lay in wait for him after the cele
there, who lords the deep, With fate shall overpower them, And in
his
darksome-winding keep The Minotaur devour them
ip and round him at the mourning people, and a firm purpose came into
his
mind. “Choose but six young men,” he said to thos
p of the gods I shall slay this Minotaur.” When King Ægeus heard what
his
son had chosen to do, he was stricken with grief.
of King Minos. There, at the end of the hall, sat the stern king upon
his
throne, and beside him stood his beautiful daught
of the hall, sat the stern king upon his throne, and beside him stood
his
beautiful daughter, Ariadne. The king wondered at
nd Ariadne gazed at him long; indeed she could not take her eyes from
his
fair, noble face. “Oh, father,” she said, “will y
as gentle as she was beautiful. That night Theseus paced up and down
his
room for many hours. He was thinking of the fight
g stairs and twisted caverns, so that no one who enters can ever find
his
way out. There the Minotaur wanders, lost in the
he heard it. Then all the splendid courage of the hero surged through
his
limbs, and he shouted in return. That was a warri
ting down its head to gore him with its horns. Theseus struck it with
his
sword, but the sword glanced off harmless from th
its great teeth and to gore him with its horns, and Theseus with all
his
quickness and strength could hardly avoid it, and
d strength could hardly avoid it, and when, in return, he struck with
his
sword, the monster caught the blows upon its horn
enus, the goddess of love, for it was these two who had given Theseus
his
lovely bride, and had saved them all. Next day th
ill eve I’ve scanned That weary sea from strand to strand, To mark
his
sail against the spray. In vain I in vain! The mo
il against the spray. In vain I in vain! The morning ray Shows not
his
hark mid all the seas, Though I can trace from wh
lped them tend their flocks, and made the wild creatures of the glens
his
friends, and he was so beautiful that even the go
ey gave the golden apple to Mercury and sent him to seek out Paris in
his
mountain home. In a twinkling, Mercury, with his
to seek out Paris in his mountain home. In a twinkling, Mercury, with
his
winged shoes and cap, was off. He soon alit on th
gone, and Paris found himself standing alone with the golden apple in
his
hand. Long before the sun went down, Paris was wa
youthful shepherd, who had lived a simple life in the wood and among
his
flocks, power and wealth seemed magic words and h
ts of gods or men.” But before he could utter the thought that was in
his
heart, Venus, the goddess of love, stepped forth.
feet and all the birds sang with joy. As Paris gazed, she smiled and
his
heart beat faster with pleasure. “Give the apple
. When he woke at early dawn, the voice of Venus was still ringing in
his
ears. Down the mountain-side he hastened, nor did
ut to the brook beyond the palace gates. Paris awaits you there. Heed
his
words.” Then Helen went out and found Paris. That
riam received them gladly. He did not know that the fair shepherd was
his
son who had been cast forth to die, but Cassandra
vil omen under which the youth had been born, but took him to live in
his
own royal household. Meanwhile there was great ra
when Hector, the bravest and strongest of the Trojans, hurled at him
his
mighty spear. Right through the chieftain’s heart
she were given up. Helen longed to return to her home, and Priam and
his
people would gladly have let her go, but Paris wo
le would gladly have let her go, but Paris would not agree to it, and
his
will prevailed. The chieftains returned disappoin
the hour of fight Hath seen the great Twin Brethren In harness on
his
right. Safe comes the ship to haven, Through b
arriors to help the Greeks, and he led in so many fierce attacks that
his
name became a terror to the Trojan hosts. Through
red not venture outside the gate, for fear of the mighty Achilles and
his
men. It happened that among the captives the Gree
den came to the Grecian camp, bringing precious gifts as a ransom for
his
child, and beseeching Agamemnon to set her free.
tain her, however, for the leader of the Greeks wished to keep her as
his
slave, since she was very beautiful and very skil
ery skillful. He sent the priest away with angry words and threatened
his
life if he were seen again in the Grecian camp. T
n Agamemnon for the deed, and Apollo heard him. The god of light took
his
silver bow and from afar shot his terrible arrows
lo heard him. The god of light took his silver bow and from afar shot
his
terrible arrows into the Grecian camp and slew be
home, with sacrifices and gifts, that the plague might be stayed. But
his
heart was hot with rage at the loss of his share
lague might be stayed. But his heart was hot with rage at the loss of
his
share of the spoil of battle, and, as king, he de
od; and when Achilles, with violent words, rebuked him, Agamemnon, in
his
rage, said that he would send and take Briseis, A
at he would send and take Briseis, Achilles’ share of the plunder and
his
favorite slave. For this threat, Achilles would h
but Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, came behind him and caught him by
his
golden hair, and said: — “Do him no harm, for you
rm, for you shall yet have justice done you.” So Achilles pushed back
his
sword into its sheath and allowed Agamemnon to se
allowed Agamemnon to send and take Briseis, but after that he sat in
his
tent with his friend Patroclus, and neither they
mnon to send and take Briseis, but after that he sat in his tent with
his
friend Patroclus, and neither they nor their foll
nst the Trojans. And Achilles wept with grief and rage at the loss of
his
slave, Briseis, whom he loved. Then Thetis, the g
great oath that she and her son should be avenged; and when he nodded
his
head, the heavens shook with a muttering of thund
s. The Grecian heroes fought hard; Agamemnon, the king, and Menelaus,
his
brother, with Ulysses, the wise warrior, and Ajax
e Trojans; but Hector, the great Trojan warrior, with brave. Æneas at
his
side, did more. Jupiter kept his vow and the vict
Trojan warrior, with brave. Æneas at his side, did more. Jupiter kept
his
vow and the victory was with the Trojans. By the
rately, but it was all in vain against the valor of mighty Hector and
his
followers. All seemed lost, for the Greeks had on
are setting fire to our fleet.” Then, at last, Achilles yielded, but
his
heart was still bitter, and he said: — “Fight onl
owed the Trojan host out into the plain before the walls of Troy, for
his
courage was high and he was doing wonderful deeds
rful deeds of valor. There in the plain he met the mighty Hector, but
his
power left him, for the god Apollo confused his m
he mighty Hector, but his power left him, for the god Apollo confused
his
mind, and Hector pierced him through with his swo
the god Apollo confused his mind, and Hector pierced him through with
his
sword and slew him, and in the shining armor of A
ved above all men, he cast himself upon the earth and threw dust upon
his
head and tore his hair. And all his friends, as t
he cast himself upon the earth and threw dust upon his head and tore
his
hair. And all his friends, as they saw the great
pon the earth and threw dust upon his head and tore his hair. And all
his
friends, as they saw the great hero lying there,
burst out into cries of lamentation, and they stood near him, lest in
his
grief he should do himself harm. Far away, at the
. He had no armor, but the goddess Minerva threw a golden light about
his
head, so that he shone like one of the gods. And
the gods. And Achilles stood upon the edge of the trench and shouted
his
terrible battle cry. When the Trojans heard it, t
ining head of Achilles. And the hero shouted again, and a third time,
his
terrible battle cry, and the Trojan host left off
that he could do this thing for Thetis. He hobbled away willingly to
his
workshop, and all that night there was heard the
ly to his workshop, and all that night there was heard the blowing of
his
bellows and the clang of his heavy hammers. When
hat night there was heard the blowing of his bellows and the clang of
his
heavy hammers. When morning came, he brought the
their eyes from it. But the hero, when he saw it, felt the courage in
his
breast rise high. He hastened to put on the helme
and the breastplate and greaves of shining silver. Then he took upon
his
arm the wondrous shield, wrought with carvings of
of the heavens and the earth, of men and of gods. Finally he took up
his
spear, which no one but he could wield, and set o
Many a brave deed was done that day, but wherever Achilles went with
his
shining armor and his terrible spear, the Trojans
done that day, but wherever Achilles went with his shining armor and
his
terrible spear, the Trojans fled before him like
snatched him away out of the front of battle, and Achilles looked for
his
foe in vain. Toward evening a panic came upon the
is day.” When Achilles saw that Hector was waiting to fight with him,
his
heart bounded with joy and he hastened toward him
when he came near, Hector avoided him and dared not meet the hero in
his
flaming, heavenly armor. Achilles followed close
d toward Achilles, who waited eagerly. When they came near, he hurled
his
mighty spear with all his force at Hector, but th
ted eagerly. When they came near, he hurled his mighty spear with all
his
force at Hector, but the Trojan hero dodged it an
Trojan hero dodged it and it sank into the ground. Then Hector hurled
his
spear against Achilles. Full on the shining shiel
o Achilles the mighty spear he had thrown at Hector. Then Hector drew
his
great sword and rushed with desperate courage upo
e courage upon the Grecian hero. But as he came near, Achilles hurled
his
mighty spear once more, and it struck between the
died. The Greek warriors came near and gazed upon him and wondered at
his
great body, but the heart of Achilles was still s
fastened thongs to the ankles of the dead hero and dragged him behind
his
chariot, through the dust and dirt, back to the G
to the Grecian camp. There games were held in honor of Patroclus, and
his
body was burned on a high funeral pyre, but the b
came to Achilles by night with precious gifts and begged the body of
his
son, and the grief of the old man touched Achille
s was fighting before the walls, a chance arrow struck him and caused
his
death. After that, the war dragged. The Greeks we
fright, and at first could not speak for fear. When at last he found
his
voice, he told a long tale of suffering, and of h
t the hands of the Greeks, who hated him. King Priam was touched with
his
story and ordered that he be set free. “Forget th
ks,” said the king. “From this time be a Trojan.” Sinon, for that was
his
name, seemed to weep tears of joy. “Tell us about
d the shore, they went straight to the place where Laocoön stood with
his
two sons. In a moment they coiled about the sons,
oment they coiled about the sons, and when Laocoön came to the aid of
his
children, they caught him also in their folds. Af
Trojans were struck with awe, and said, “It is because Laocoön threw
his
spear at the wooden horse, impious man that he wa
anger and bade them be silent, and when Anticlus, despite all, opened
his
mouth to speak, Ulysses took him by the throat an
is mouth to speak, Ulysses took him by the throat and put a hand over
his
mouth and held him so until Helen and Deiphobus h
was a mass of flames. Good old King Priam was slain, and the last of
his
sons died with him. His daughters were taken capt
ry doom that lay in wait When Troy should fall. He wooed her with
his
wondrous song. The birds flew down to list his
He wooed her with his wondrous song. The birds flew down to list
his
lyre; And wild and bloody beasts athrong Came
art. Then last of all he touched her brow. Prophetic power came at
his
call — Ah I what is this? She sees it now: “Tr
the Grecian chiefs, laden with spoil, turned their faces each toward
his
own home. Their labors seemed now at an end, and
perhaps happier than any of the others. Ten years before, he had left
his
young wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, an
e others. Ten years before, he had left his young wife, Penelope, and
his
son, Telemachus, and the great warrior was eager
was eager to see them again, and to be at home as a king once more in
his
rugged island of Ithaca. With his twelve ships he
o be at home as a king once more in his rugged island of Ithaca. With
his
twelve ships he set sail from the land of Troy, a
and of the Ciconians, which was near by. From that land he started on
his
journey home Before a fair breeze he would soon h
ted on his journey home Before a fair breeze he would soon have ended
his
voyage, but as his ships were rounding Cape Melea
home Before a fair breeze he would soon have ended his voyage, but as
his
ships were rounding Cape Melea, the southernmost
” said Ulysses, “and see what sort of men live there.” So Ulysses and
his
crew rowed across the strait. As they came near t
kindled a little fire in the midst of the cave and sat down to await
his
return. He soon came, driving before him his shee
ve and sat down to await his return. He soon came, driving before him
his
sheep and goats, and a frightful looking monster
y beard, and only one eye, fierce and staring, right in the middle of
his
forehead, He drove in his flocks, and when they w
fierce and staring, right in the middle of his forehead, He drove in
his
flocks, and when they were all in, lifted a huge
milk and stored it away, but he put aside the most of it in bowls for
his
supper. Then, first, he noticed Ulysses and his c
st of it in bowls for his supper. Then, first, he noticed Ulysses and
his
companions. “Who are you, strangers?” he said, “a
them as if he had been some wild animal, and lay down to sleep among
his
flocks. “Shall I draw my sword and kill him?” tho
the cave? We should all die miserably.” That whole night Ulysses and
his
men sat, sleeplessly waiting for the day. At dawn
t, sleeplessly waiting for the day. At dawn, Polyphemus awoke, milked
his
flocks, and killed and ate two more of Ulysses’ c
f Ulysses’ companions. Then he opened the door of the cave, drove out
his
sheep and goats, and again closed the door with t
an of punishment and escape. In the evening, Polyphemus returned with
his
flocks. For his supper, he again killed two of Ul
and escape. In the evening, Polyphemus returned with his flocks. For
his
supper, he again killed two of Ulysses’ men and b
dark red wine he had brought, and as the Cyclops was in the midst of
his
hideous meal, the hero came near and handed it to
e said, “my name is Noman.” “Noman shall be eaten last. That shall be
his
gift,” said Polyphemus savagely; but be bad hardl
and had left it in the cave to season, but during the day Ulysses and
his
men had sharpened one end of it and hidden it. No
clops’ great eye. The monster awoke roaring with pain, and called for
his
friends, the other Cyclops. They soon came. “Ho,
he came to the door-stone. This he lifted away. Then he sat down with
his
arms outstretched to catch the Greeks as they cam
am of each three, a man was tied. When day dawned, the Cyclops called
his
sheep and goats, and the animals went out. As the
eath them. When all were out and well away from the cave, Ulysses and
his
men got down, hurried to their boat, drove some o
ithin your gates, Jupiter has made you pay well for your cruelty.” In
his
rage Polyphemus tore the whole top from the hill
ened. Overcome with grief, he lay during the whole storm covered with
his
mantle. The ships were swept away from the shore,
that eleven of the ships and their crews were destroyed. Ulysses and
his
crew alone escaped. They sailed away in haste, bu
ave up two whole days to grief. On the third day Ulysses sent half of
his
ship’s crew, under Eurylochus, to explore the isl
sery, for they still had the minds of men. Eurylochus waited long for
his
friends, but at last returned to the ship alone a
disappearance. Ulysses, alarmed, set out at once, resolved to find
his
companions or share their fate. Then, indeed, it
drink nor the wand had its effect. Instead of yielding, Ulysses drew
his
sword, as if to take her life, and the fair encha
as if to take her life, and the fair enchantress, trembling, fell at
his
feet and begged for mercy. Her evil power was at
sses’ men, but younger and fairer and taller than before. Ulysses and
his
companions stayed a year on the island of Circe.
hem stay always, but when she saw that Ulysses’ thoughts were only of
his
home and wife and child, she let them go. She gav
e ship and all its crew, though you yourself may escape.” Ulysses and
his
men set sail, and Circe gave them a fair wind. Fi
nd sing sweetly to passing voyagers; but whoever hears the song turns
his
boat to the shore and is slain, for the sweet-voi
. He struggled hard to get loose, when he heard the sweet voices, but
his
men bound him only the more firmly until the ship
and. Year after year she kept him by her, hoping that he would forget
his
home. She even promised to make him immortal, if
awing the raft down to the sea, he pushed off, and started at last on
his
way home, for the gods were now favorable. Neptun
Neptune, it is true, was still angry for the harm done to Polyphemus,
his
son, and he shipwrecked Ulysses on the coast of P
; but the Phæacians, when they knew him, received him like a god, for
his
deeds before Troy were well known to them. They c
e tree near by. Thus, alone and unknown, the sleeping Ulysses reached
his
native land, after twenty years of absence. The
ing about, over unknown lands and seas, things were not going well at
his
home in Ithaca. His son, Telemachus, was but a ch
ition when the Phæacians put the sleeping Ulysses ashore and piled up
his
gifts under the olive tree near him. Minerva, god
w where he was, but soon the mist cleared, and with joy he recognized
his
native hills. Then Minerva appeared to him, and a
after helping him hide the gifts in a cave near by, told him how much
his
home had need of him. “For years these lawless me
ear,” said the disguised hero. “Never,” said Eumæus; “and I fear that
his
good son, Telemachus, will perish, too. He has go
d son, Telemachus, will perish, too. He has gone to Pylos for news of
his
father, and even now the suitors are lying in wai
nd the hero made himself known. With tears of joy the young man flung
his
arms about his father’s neck. “Son,” said Ulysses
e himself known. With tears of joy the young man flung his arms about
his
father’s neck. “Son,” said Ulysses, after their g
may act together.” Next morning Telemachus set out for the palace, as
his
father commanded. The suitors were beside themsel
to beg round the table, as was the custom in those days, Antinoüs, in
his
wrath, seized a heavy stool and flung it at him.
led an ox, Ulysses was not moved by it. He walked quietly on, shaking
his
head, but curbing his wrath until the proper time
not moved by it. He walked quietly on, shaking his head, but curbing
his
wrath until the proper time should come. Meantime
n which she had formed. She went up into her husband’s armory and got
his
great bow and carried it down among the suitors.
suitors set upon Ulysses with their swords, but Telemachus rushed to
his
aid, and the two held them at bay while Ulysses s
und her asleep. “Awake, Penelope!” she cried. “Ulysses has come. With
his
own hand he has slain the suitors. Come and see h
wave Far far away did seem to mourn and rave On alien shores; and if
his
fellow spake, His voice was thin, as voices from
rom the grave; And deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake, And music in
his
ears his beating heart did make. They sat them d
rave; And deep-asleep he seem’d, yet all awake, And music in his ears
his
beating heart did make. They sat them down upon
a chance arrow. Late traditions relate that he was vulnerable only in
his
heel. Acris΄ius. King of Argos; father of Danaë;
Adme΄tus. King of Thessaly; was served by Apollo as shepherd, 98; won
his
wife, Alcestis, by going to claim her in a chario
oar, 100; was called by Death, but spared, 102-104, Alcestis dying in
his
stead, 106; received Alcestis back at the hands o
f Greece. Ruled by Ægeus, 146. At΄las. A Titan. Supported the sky on
his
head and hands, 91; outwitted by Hercules, 94; tu
offered him immortality, 232; commanded by Jupiter to send Ulysses on
his
way, 232. Cape Mele΄a. At the southern extremity
ris, 178. Loved of Apollo, she received prophetic power, but refusing
his
love, he decreed that she should not be believed,
Apollo, 185. Cico΄nians (Land of). First landing-place of Ulysses in
his
wanderings, 217. Cir΄ce. Daughter of Helios. A b
eriphus, 125; was sought in marriage by King Polydectes, and incurred
his
hatred by refusing him, 127; was freed by Perseus
of Ulysses, 238, 239. Eurycle΄a. Ulysses’ old nurse and the chief of
his
female servants, 246. Euryd΄ic e (u-rid΄i-se). W
warned the Trojans-to beware of the wooden horse, 204. Devoured (with
his
two sons) by serpents, 206. Leio΄des (li-o΄deez)
Sacred mountain in Boeotia; the home of the Muses. Here Hercules got
his
club, 85. Mt. I΄da. A mountain near Troy, 212. I
lyphemus, 221. Œno΄ne. Beautiful shepherd girl, companion of Paris in
his
youth, 172. Ogyg΄ia (o-jij΄i-a). Calypso’s islan
΄suse). Son of Danaë. As an infant, was cast adrift upon the sea with
his
mother in a small boat; rescued by Dictys, 18; se
King of Argos, 144. Phæ΄c ians. The last people whom Ulysses met in
his
wanderings. They sent Ulysses home with rich gift
s. Ser΄iphus. Island east and south of Greece, 125. Here Perseus and
his
mother were found on the beach by Dictys. Sic il
ngth, 147; slew Procrustes, 151; reached Athens and was recognized by
his
father, 154; went to Crete on the black ship, 158
158; aided by Ariadne, slew the Minotaur, 165; carried off Ariadne as
his
wife, 166; lost her, or deserted her, at Naxos, 1
d from the Cyclopædia of Dr. Rees. The Author acknowledges, likewise,
his
obligations to Dr. Prichard, for the information
o Dr. Prichard, for the information and pleasure he has received from
his
scientific work on Egyptian Mythology and Chronol
of seniority assigned the kingdom, to Titan, who, in compliance with
his
mother’s desire, yielded his right to his younger
ngdom, to Titan, who, in compliance with his mother’s desire, yielded
his
right to his younger brother Saturn, on condition
an, who, in compliance with his mother’s desire, yielded his right to
his
younger brother Saturn, on condition that he shou
o his younger brother Saturn, on condition that he should destroy all
his
male children. Conformably to this agreement, Sat
all his male children. Conformably to this agreement, Saturn devoured
his
sons as fast as they were born. What appears to b
things perish, it is allegorically said, that Time or Saturn devours
his
own offspring. What is the continuation of this f
, from being informed of what had passed; who, wishing to preserve to
his
children their right of succession, made war on S
r released them by vanquishing Titan. But, taking the government into
his
own hands, he drove away his father Saturn, who s
g Titan. But, taking the government into his own hands, he drove away
his
father Saturn, who sought refuge in Italy, with J
ces, because he governed two different people, and because he divided
his
kingdom with Saturn. He likewise caused medals to
. He likewise caused medals to be struck with two faces, to shew that
his
dominions should be governed by the joint counsel
nour of him, and of the happy state of things which prevailed, during
his
reign, in Italy, emphatically called the golden a
ss. Janus must be reckoned among those gods called Indigetes. Besides
his
having two faces, he was represented with a wand
etes. Besides his having two faces, he was represented with a wand in
his
hand, as inspector of the public roads; and with
were living in a wild and savage state; and when success had crowned
his
efforts, gratitude raised altars to his memory. H
and when success had crowned his efforts, gratitude raised altars to
his
memory. How was Saturn represented? The ancient s
ent statues of Saturn wear chains, in remembrance of those with which
his
son loaded him. These were taken off during the f
se were taken off during the festival of the Saturnalia, to shew that
his
reign had been that of happiness and liberty. He
the Supreme Being, and to regard fire as the most striking emblem of
his
beneficent influence. The sacred fire, drawn from
r the greatest of the Gods, to be the purest air, the æther: and Juno
his
wife, the grosser air which surrounds the earth.
Jupiters among different nations? Yes; and this circumstance renders
his
history the more obscure. The first of them, is t
ardian God of their empire. They styled him Jupiter Capitolinus, from
his
chief temple on the Capitoline hill; Jupiter Tona
ory of this God? Jupiter having been saved from the devouring fury of
his
father Saturn, by the address of Rhea his mother,
from the devouring fury of his father Saturn, by the address of Rhea
his
mother, as has before been recounted, and nourish
recounted, and nourished by the milk of the goat Amalthea, delivered
his
brothers and sisters from prison, made war upon S
luge, as related in the book of Genesis. Noah divided the earth among
his
three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japhet. Ham went into
rson afterwards known under the name of Jupiter Ammon. Japhet had for
his
share the maritime parts of Asia, with the Archip
er, Saturn, who reigned over a very large empire, being suspicious of
his
children, caused them all to be confined. Rhea, J
imprisoned him; Jupiter leaving Crete, defeated them, re-established
his
father, and returned victorious. Saturn, again gr
, where he was kindly received by Janus. Exciting the ‘Titans against
his
son, and being again beaten, he tied with them in
e ocean that washes them was called the Atlantic Ocean. Jupiter ended
his
days in his favourite island Crete, having lived
washes them was called the Atlantic Ocean. Jupiter ended his days in
his
favourite island Crete, having lived 120 years, a
g the youngest of Saturn’s sons, and from gaining great reputation in
his
youth. Afterwards Pater, or father, was added to
of Dodona, that of Trophonius, and that of Ammon, in Lybia. What was
his
character? In their extreme blindness, the heathe
ugh ascribing to him power, wisdom, and justice, yet intermingled, in
his
character, many shameful vices and weaknesses of
in his character, many shameful vices and weaknesses of mortality. In
his
real history, as an earthly monarch, he would hav
e, had he not been excessively addicted to pleasure, and indulgent to
his
vicious passions. In what manner was Jupiter repr
hrone, under the figure of a majestic man, with a venerable beard. In
his
right-hand, holding the thunder; in his left, a s
n, with a venerable beard. In his right-hand, holding the thunder; in
his
left, a sceptre made of cypress wood, expressive
ve of durability, and the image of victory; treading the Titans under
his
feet, and having an eagle near him with extended
, and having an eagle near him with extended wings. The upper part of
his
body was naked, the lower part clothed. The thron
as naked, the lower part clothed. The throne denoted the stability of
his
empire; the upper part of his body, being uncover
ed. The throne denoted the stability of his empire; the upper part of
his
body, being uncovered, signified that he was visi
ial regions, while the long garments robing the lower part, expressed
his
invisibility to mortals. The sceptre was emblemat
xpressed his invisibility to mortals. The sceptre was emblematical of
his
irresistible power; and the eagle with outstretch
of his irresistible power; and the eagle with outstretched wings, of
his
sovereignty over the heavens. Homer describes him
he heavens. Homer describes him with black eyebrows and curling hair;
his
head surrounded with clouds, and shaking the heav
g hair; his head surrounded with clouds, and shaking the heavens with
his
nod; the eagle placed at his feet; the winged thu
ith clouds, and shaking the heavens with his nod; the eagle placed at
his
feet; the winged thunderbolt in his hand; by his
with his nod; the eagle placed at his feet; the winged thunderbolt in
his
hand; by his side, respect and equity; before him
the eagle placed at his feet; the winged thunderbolt in his hand; by
his
side, respect and equity; before him, two urns of
ternal Thunderer sits enthron’d in gold. High heaven the footstool of
his
feet he makes, And, wide beneath him, all Olympus
And, wide beneath him, all Olympus shakes. He speaks, and awful bends
his
sable brows, Shakes his ambrosial curls and gives
ll Olympus shakes. He speaks, and awful bends his sable brows, Shakes
his
ambrosial curls and gives the nod; The stamp of f
uds, Pavilion’d in the thickness of the clouds, With lightning arm’d,
his
red right hand puts forth, And shakes, with burni
r, provided she had neither eaten nor drunken during her residence in
his
dominions. Unfortunately she had taken part of a
Ceres. Ascalaphus, thereupon, became the object of her vengeance; but
his
prudence and wisdom engaged Minerva to take him u
Apollo is always represented as a young man, having a bow or lyre in
his
hand; while the Sun is depicted with his head sur
man, having a bow or lyre in his hand; while the Sun is depicted with
his
head surrounded with rays, holding in one hand a
uires a brighter colour; the third, signifies noon, when he is in all
his
glory; and the fourth, the time of his setting, w
nifies noon, when he is in all his glory; and the fourth, the time of
his
setting, when he appears to approach the earth.
orning, opens the gates of heaven, precedes her father, and announces
his
return. She petitioned the Gods to bestow immorta
to prove that he was really the child of the Sun, Phaeton demanded of
his
father, to drive the chariot of light for one day
agration. To save the world from absolute destruction, Jupiter hurled
his
dreadful thunderbolt, dashed Phaeton lifeless fro
ht he ascends the high ethereal throne, Whence fierce he us’d to dart
his
thunder down; Whence his dread show’rs and storms
hereal throne, Whence fierce he us’d to dart his thunder down; Whence
his
dread show’rs and storms he used to pour; Then ai
ms he used to pour; Then aiming at the youth with lifted hand Full at
his
head he hurl’d the flaming brand, In awful thunde
ming hair, Shot from the chariot, like a falling star; Till on the Po
his
blasted corpse was hurl’d, Far from his country i
falling star; Till on the Po his blasted corpse was hurl’d, Far from
his
country in the western world. Ovid’s Met. What
life. Pythius, from the dreadful serpent Python, which he killed with
his
arrows; Cynthius, from Mount Cynthus, in Delos; D
n Delos; Delphicus from Delphi: Nomius, or law-giver; and Paean, from
his
mitigating pain, or from his great skill in hunti
i: Nomius, or law-giver; and Paean, from his mitigating pain, or from
his
great skill in hunting. What were the attributes
g, pestilential disorders. The laurel was dedicated to him. What were
his
actions? Among many absurd and immoral actions as
who forged Jupiter’s thunder-bolts, in order to revenge the death of
his
son Esculapius, who was killed by thunder, for ha
eath of his son Esculapius, who was killed by thunder, for having, by
his
great skill in physic, prevented men from dying,
for a time, to undergo many trials and difficulties on earth. During
his
banishment, he invented the harp. It is asserted
serted by the poets, that he raised the walls of Troy by the music of
his
harp; and that a stone upon which he laid his lyr
of Troy by the music of his harp; and that a stone upon which he laid
his
lyre, became so melodious, that whenever it was s
alled Hyacynthus, by the blow of a quoit, he caused to spring up from
his
blood, the flower called after his name. Apollo w
quoit, he caused to spring up from his blood, the flower called after
his
name. Apollo was challenged to a musical contest
o a musical contest by a satyr named Marsyas. He flayed him alive for
his
presumption, and afterwards metamorphosed him int
o also contended with Apollo for the prize of music, Apollo stretched
his
ears to the length and shape of asses’ ears, Mida
s. Phœbus, himself, the rushing battle led; A veil of clouds involv’d
his
radiant head: High, held before him, Jove’s enorm
vouring power attends, And from Olympus’ lofty tops descends Pent was
his
bow, the Grecian hearts to wound, Pierce as he mo
nds Pent was his bow, the Grecian hearts to wound, Pierce as he mov’d
his
silver shafts resound. Breathing revenge, a sudde
revenge, a sudden night he spread, And gloomy darkness roll’d around
his
head. The fleet in view, he twang’d his deadly bo
gloomy darkness roll’d around his head. The fleet in view, he twang’d
his
deadly bow; And hissing fly the feather’d fates b
le Pegasus, with extended wings, springs forwards into the air and at
his
foot gushes forth the fountain Hippocrene. Cha
lexander the Great was born. A man, named Erostratus, wishing to make
his
name immortal, set fire to this magnificent templ
cent temple; imagining that such an action would necessarily transmit
his
name to posterity. It was this temple which is me
rides in a chariot drawn by tigers and lions, or lynxes and panthers;
his
head is crowned with ivy or vine leaves, and in h
xes and panthers; his head is crowned with ivy or vine leaves, and in
his
hand is a thyrsus or javelin, entwined with branc
rs some cheerful and gay, and others morose and dull. Dionysius, from
his
father Jupiter; or, from the nymphs called Nysæ,
nursed. Brisæus, from the use of grapes and honey. Nictilius, because
his
feasts were celebrated in the night by torch ligh
y torch light. Euvyhe, an expression signifying well done, son! which
his
father Jove frequently addressed to him during th
e God to deprive him of the dangerous influence. This was effected by
his
washing in the river Pactolus, which, ever after,
the fig, the vine, were consecrated to Bacchus. The goat was slain in
his
sacrifices, because peculiarly destructive to vin
peculiarly destructive to vines; and the Egyptians immolated swine to
his
honour. What were the feasts of Bacchus? The vari
ugh the deep valleys and the sloping hills. Where’er the God inclines
his
lovely face, More luscious fruits the rich planta
educated at Nysa, a city in Arabia Felix; whither he had been sent by
his
father, Jupiter Ammon. From them it appears that
ount Sinai. Bacchus was brought up on Mount Nysa. Bacchus, armed with
his
thyrsus, defeated the giants. The miraculous rod
same in Palestine. The god Pan gave Bacchus a dog to accompany him in
his
travels; Caleb, which, in Hebrew, signifies a dog
the faithful companion of Moses. Bacchus, by striking the earth with
his
thyrsus, produced rivers of wine. Moses, by strik
is thyrsus, produced rivers of wine. Moses, by striking the rock with
his
miraculous rod, caused water to gush out to satis
ncerning her birth? Jupiter being tormented with an excessive pain in
his
head, applied to Vulcan to open it with a keen ax
n in his head, applied to Vulcan to open it with a keen axe; and upon
his
doing so, Minerva instantly sprang forth, a godde
ul gift, should have that privilege. Neptune striking the ground with
his
trident, a fiery and beautiful horse sprang forth
in sad triumph for the mournful field, O’er her broad shoulders hangs
his
horrid shield, Dire, black, tremendous! Round the
them in tattered garments. Clamour and Anger, Fear and Terror, attend
his
progress. The dog, for his vigilance in pursuit o
Clamour and Anger, Fear and Terror, attend his progress. The dog, for
his
vigilance in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for his f
rogress. The dog, for his vigilance in pursuit of prey; the wolf, for
his
fierceness; the raven, because he follows embattl
se he follows embattled armies to feast upon the slain; the cock, for
his
wakefulness, whereby he prevents surprise; are co
nts surprise; are consecrated to the furious God of battle. What were
his
titles? Mars; Ares, or injury, calamity; from whi
he ravages of war; and Corythaix, or Shaker of the Helmet. Where were
his
temples and what were his priests called? He had
ythaix, or Shaker of the Helmet. Where were his temples and what were
his
priests called? He had several temples at Rome, a
, The daring Greek; the dreadful God of war. Full at the chief, above
his
courser’s head, From Mars’ arm th’ enormous weapo
velin hiss’d; the Goddess urg’d it on: “Where the broad cincture girt
his
armour round, It pierc’d the God: his groin recei
“Where the broad cincture girt his armour round, It pierc’d the God:
his
groin receiv’d the wound. From the rent skin the
itt’s Virgil, and Pope’s Homer’s Odyssey. Venus wounded. Meanwhile (
his
conquest ravish’d from his eyes) The raging chief
mer’s Odyssey. Venus wounded. Meanwhile (his conquest ravish’d from
his
eyes) The raging chief in chase of Venus flies: N
l, While flames ascend, and mighty ruins fall. Through breaking ranks
his
furious course he bends, And at the Goddess his b
hrough breaking ranks his furious course he bends, And at the Goddess
his
broad lance extends. Through her bright veil the
winged boy, with a bow and arrows, and very often with a bandage over
his
eyes. Ancient statues and intaglios sometimes rep
ck of a lion, and playing on a lyre; whilst the fierce savage turning
his
head, seems to listen to its harmonious chords. S
as breaking the winged thunderbolt of Jove. He was the son of Venus;
his
wife was Psyche; a Greek word, signifying Spirit,
nos, where he established the art of working iron and brass. What was
his
poetical history? He was said by the poets to be
as a wife. Afterwards, misbehaving himself, Jupiter, with one kick of
his
foot, precipitated him from heaven. He fell upon
m from heaven. He fell upon the island of Lemnos, and was crippled by
his
fall. In the caves of that isle, and in the immen
in the immense subterraneans of Mount Etna, he was supposed to follow
his
profession, assisted by the Cyclops, Giants with
hine. There, the lame architect, the Goddess found, Obscure in smoke,
his
forges flaming round, While, bathed in sweat, fro
o fire he flew; And puffing loud, the roaring bellows blew. Then from
his
anvil the lame artist rose; Wide with distorted l
es, And stills the bellows, and (in order laid) Locks in their chests
his
instruments of trade. Then with a sponge the soot
sooty workman drest His brawny arms imbrown’d, and hairy breast. With
his
huge sceptre grac’d, and red attire, Came halting
ometheus stole from the chariot of the sun; these, all, were works of
his
art. What were his various names? Besides Vulcan,
the chariot of the sun; these, all, were works of his art. What were
his
various names? Besides Vulcan, he was called Lemn
s and festivals of Vulcan? At Athens and Rome, festivals were kept to
his
honour. Upon Mount Etna, a temple was dedicated t
eet high. What children had he? Erictheus, fourth king of Athens, was
his
son, as were likewise Cacus, a horrid monster of
heir style; instructed them in astronomy; invented the lyre: and from
his
being the first who paid particular attention to
of Hermes given to him, He is said to have left forty-two volumes of
his
works. These famous books have long been lost, an
s, and conducted departing spirits to the infernal regions. What were
his
names? Mercury, from Mercatura, Commerce; Hermes,
uence; Cyllenius, from Mount Cyllene, where he was born. Nomius, from
his
inventing laws. Camillus, from his office of mini
e, where he was born. Nomius, from his inventing laws. Camillus, from
his
office of minister to the Gods; and Vialis, becau
man with a cheerful countenance, and lively eyes; wings were fixed to
his
cap and to his sandals; and in his hand was the c
rful countenance, and lively eyes; wings were fixed to his cap and to
his
sandals; and in his hand was the caduceus, a wand
d lively eyes; wings were fixed to his cap and to his sandals; and in
his
hand was the caduceus, a wand, round which were e
Egyptians gave him a face partly dark, and partly bright; to signify
his
being employed sometimes in heaven and sometimes
ravellers. Mercury. ——— The God who mounts the winged winds, Fast to
his
feet the golden pinions binds, That high through
to his feet the golden pinions binds, That high through fields of air
his
flight sustain, O’er the wide earth, and o’er the
teous Son of May Prepares th’ almighty’s orders to obey; First, round
his
feet the golden wings he bound, That speed his pr
to obey; First, round his feet the golden wings he bound, That speed
his
progress o’er the seas profound, And earth’s unme
rains, he shrouds His shady forehead in surrounding clouds; With ice,
his
horrid beard is crusted o’er; From his bleak brow
surrounding clouds; With ice, his horrid beard is crusted o’er; From
his
bleak brows, the gushing torrents pour; Out-sprea
ed o’er; From his bleak brows, the gushing torrents pour; Out-spread,
his
mighty shoulders heave below The hoary piles of e
he division of their father’s kingdom, the empire of the seas fell to
his
share. He was worshiped as the god of the seas. A
to his share. He was worshiped as the god of the seas. Amphitrite was
his
wife. He was represented with black hair and blue
shell drawn by seahorses; clothed in an azure mantle, and holding in
his
hand the trident which commanded the waves. Aroun
od of Counsel. These latter called the games which they celebrated to
his
honour Consualia, when the horses and mules were
exempted from labour, and crowned with garlands of flowers. What were
his
offices? He presided over the training of horses,
over the training of horses, having produced that animal by stamping
his
foot upon the ground, when he contested with Mine
uler of the waters; the God of ships and of all maritime affairs, and
his
supreme command could raise the stormy waves, or
ls, And now, she thunders from the Grecian walls. Mars, hovering o’er
his
Troy, his terror shrouds In gloomy tempests, and
w, she thunders from the Grecian walls. Mars, hovering o’er his Troy,
his
terror shrouds In gloomy tempests, and a night of
untain shakes, the rapid stream stands still. Above, the Sire of Gods
his
thunder rolls, And peals on peals, redoubled, ren
n. Deep in the dismal regions of the dead, Th’ infernal monarch rears
his
horrid head Leaps from his throne, lest Neptune’s
ns of the dead, Th’ infernal monarch rears his horrid head Leaps from
his
throne, lest Neptune’s arm should lay His dark do
d devoured those human beings who were so unfortunate as to fall into
his
hands; Phorcus, father of the terrible Gorgons; P
rce had he said; when lo! th’ enormous swain, Huge Polyphemus, ’midst
his
fleecy train, A bulk prodigious! from the mountai
ter grim, tremendous, vast and high; His front deform’d, and quench’d
his
blazing eye! His huge hand held a pine, tall, lar
ing eye! His huge hand held a pine, tall, large, and strong, To guide
his
footsteps as he towers along. His flock attends,
ers along. His flock attends, the only joy he knows; H is pipe around
his
neck, the solace of his woes. Soon as the giant r
ends, the only joy he knows; H is pipe around his neck, the solace of
his
woes. Soon as the giant reach’d the deeper flood,
deeper flood, With many a groan, he cleansed the gather’d blood From
his
bor’d eye-ball, in the briny main, And, bellowing
od From his bor’d eye-ball, in the briny main, And, bellowing, grinds
his
teeth in agonizing pain: Then, stalks enormous th
ormous through the midmost tides, And scarce the topmost surges reach
his
sides. Pitt’s Virgil. Chap. XIX. [Tritons, S
une, terrified the giants in their war with the Gods, by the sound of
his
instrument. What were the Sirens? They are repres
Who was Proteus? A son of Neptune, who was entrusted with the care of
his
flocks, consisting of sea calves and other marine
g of Egypt, about the time of the Trojan war, who was illustrious for
his
secrecy, wisdom, and foresight. Proteus. Now, t
onsters sleep; Then Proteus mounting from the hoary deep, Surveys
his
charge unknowing of deceit. Pleas’d with the fa
s’d with the false review secure he lies, And leaden slumbers press
his
drooping eyes, Shouting we seize the God; our f
e seize the God; our force to evade, His various arts he summons to
his
aid. A lion now, he curls a surgy mane; Sudde
ands a spotted pard retain, Then arm’d with tusks, and lightning in
his
eyes, A boar’s obscener shape the God belies.
re, from our strict embrace, a stream he glides. And, last, sublime
his
stately growth he rears A tree and well dissemb
chinia, seeing the corpse of her husband (who had been shipwrecked on
his
return from consulting the oracle of Delphi) driv
ch he was supposed to retain in a vast cave, or to set at liberty, at
his
own will, or at the command of his father. Who we
ast cave, or to set at liberty, at his own will, or at the command of
his
father. Who were his children? Boreas, the north
t liberty, at his own will, or at the command of his father. Who were
his
children? Boreas, the north wind; Auster, the sou
the Vulcanian. Eolus possessing penetration and foresight superior to
his
contemporaries, by frequently foretelling the app
the mountain pent, Roar round the cave, and struggle for a vent. From
his
high throne, their fury to assuage, He shakes his
le for a vent. From his high throne, their fury to assuage, He shakes
his
sceptre, and controls their rage; Or, down the vo
al Divinity was the genius of the earth. Such fear and veneration did
his
name inspire, that no one durst pronounce it alou
th. What did the poets feign concerning him? Weary and disgusted with
his
dismal abode, Demogorgon formed a ball, seated hi
to prevent the presence of any male animal. The master of the house,
his
sons, his men-servants, were excluded; all the wi
t the presence of any male animal. The master of the house, his sons,
his
men-servants, were excluded; all the windows care
uilt a temple to him upon the Tarpeian Mountain, instituted feasts to
his
honour, and prescribed the form of his worship. H
Mountain, instituted feasts to his honour, and prescribed the form of
his
worship. He was represented under the form of an
an immoveable rock. Milk, cakes, and fruit, were offered to him, and
his
image was crowned with flowers and rubbed with oi
he God of gardens. He was accounted the son of Venus and Bacchus; and
his
image, a most hideous mis-shapen figure, was set
esented under the form of a satyr, half man and half goat, holding in
his
hand the rural pipe, invented by him, and called
ll the rural Deities. In the month of February, the Romans celebrated
his
feasts, which they called Lupercalia from the pla
e of him, like that of Mars. And in some antique gems and sculptures,
his
figure is nearly as formidable as that of Medusa.
inx, and Pithy s. Echo preferred the beautiful Narcissus; who, seeing
his
own image in a fountain, was so captivated with i
ourable to the God, but Boreas being jealous of this preference, with
his
powerful blast, precipitated her from a rock. Whi
upon an ass, but so intoxicated, as to be almost incapable of keeping
his
seat. Historians give a different account of him.
philosopher of great wisdom and learning, who accompanied Bacchus in
his
expedition to India, and was his principal counse
learning, who accompanied Bacchus in his expedition to India, and was
his
principal counsellor. Who were the Lares and Pena
ry man was supposed to have two, accompanying him; one, the author of
his
happiness, the other, of his misery. They were re
wo, accompanying him; one, the author of his happiness, the other, of
his
misery. They were represented as young men, holdi
o pass over. Charon4, the aged, surly, boat- man, receives those into
his
bark who had been honoured with funeral rites, bu
three gates of solid brass, round which the flaming Phlegethon rolls
his
waves of fire, and Cocytus extends his stagnant m
h the flaming Phlegethon rolls his waves of fire, and Cocytus extends
his
stagnant marsh. Here likewise is the river Styx,
l, feasted in the fragrant shade. Here, glittering through the trees,
his
eyes survey The streams of Po descending from the
the infernal regions, was the third son of Saturn and Ops. What were
his
names? His principal names were Dis, signifying r
ented? Sometimes seated on a throne, surrounded with gloomy darkness;
his
countenance severe and frowning; in his hand a tw
rounded with gloomy darkness; his countenance severe and frowning; in
his
hand a two-pronged fork, or a key, emblematical o
d fork, or a key, emblematical of the impossibility of returning from
his
dominions; his head crowned with the flowers of t
y, emblematical of the impossibility of returning from his dominions;
his
head crowned with the flowers of the Narcissus, o
mes he is seen in a black chariot, drawn by black horses, a helmet on
his
head, which has the power of rendering him invisi
p, son of Nox, represented as a child in a profound sleep, holding in
his
hand, poppies, which serve also for his pillow. W
a profound sleep, holding in his hand, poppies, which serve also for
his
pillow. Who was Mors? Mors, or Death, was a daugh
od of black sheep, or heifers. During the prayers, the priest lowered
his
hands towards the earth, instead of raising them
s impetuous down, and smokes along the ground. Again the restless orb
his
toil renews, Dust mounts in clouds, and sweat des
of Apollo, at Delphi, sees, with terror, a vast stone suspended over
his
head, perpetually threatening to fall and crush h
a, and was thrown into Tartarus, where vultures unceasingly prey upon
his
liver, which is continually renewed. Tityus. The
vultures, furious for their food, Scream o’er the fiend, and riot in
his
blood: Incessant, gore the liver in his breast; T
m o’er the fiend, and riot in his blood: Incessant, gore the liver in
his
breast; Th’ immortal liver grows, and gives th’ i
iver of fire. Tantalus, King of Phrygia, for having savagely murdered
his
own son Pelops, and served up his body at a banqu
rygia, for having savagely murdered his own son Pelops, and served up
his
body at a banquet of the Gods, is condemned to th
plunged in water, and surrounded with delicious food, they both elude
his
eager grasp. Tantalus. There, Tantalus, along th
lus. There, Tantalus, along the Stygian bound, Pours out deep groans;
his
groans thro’ hell resound; E’en in the circling f
, And pines with thirst, amidst a sea of waves. When to the water, he
his
lip applies, Back from his lip the treacherous wa
idst a sea of waves. When to the water, he his lip applies, Back from
his
lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath,
ack from his lip the treacherous water flies. Above, beneath, around,
his
hapless head, Trees of all kinds delicious fruita
f Apollo and Coronis. Being exposed upon a mountain immediately after
his
birth, he was nourished by a goat. A shepherd dis
by rays of light, carried him home, and committed him to the care of
his
wife. He was afterwards placed under the tuition
th, destroying monsters, giants, and oppressors of various kinds. For
his
illustrious actions he was deified, and regarded
and regarded as the god of strength. He was also named Alcides, from
his
extraordinary force and valour. What were the lab
dinary force and valour. What were the labours of Hercules? Twelve of
his
most remarkable actions were particularized by th
lve of his most remarkable actions were particularized by the name of
his
labours. He killed, in the forest of Nemea, an en
t mischief in Crete. He vanquished Diomede, tyrant of Thrace, who fed
his
horses with the flesh of his guests. He slew Gery
ished Diomede, tyrant of Thrace, who fed his horses with the flesh of
his
guests. He slew Geryon, king of Spain, a cruel gi
the triple-headed dog of the infernal regions. What other actions of
his
life were remarkable? When in his cradle, he stra
rnal regions. What other actions of his life were remarkable? When in
his
cradle, he strangled two serpents, sent by Juno t
, in lofty lays, Resound great Hercules’ immortal praise, How, first,
his
infant hands the snakes o’er threw, That Juno sen
That Juno sent; and the dire monsters slew. What mighty cities, next,
his
arms destroy, Th’ Oechalian walls, and stately to
ild beasts. Pirithous, king of the Lapithæ, a people of Thessaly, was
his
friend, and his companion in many of his enterpri
thous, king of the Lapithæ, a people of Thessaly, was his friend, and
his
companion in many of his enterprises. The poets r
æ, a people of Thessaly, was his friend, and his companion in many of
his
enterprises. The poets relate a number of extrava
uriously constructed, that a person once placed in it, could not find
his
way out again. This was called the labyrinth. Hen
unt Caucasus: and a vulture was commissioned to prey unceasingly upon
his
liver, which renewed itself as fast as it was dev
il, might pass between its legs. A man could not grasp its thumb with
his
two arms. After having stood fifty years, it was
ur of her deceased husband, Mausolus. Fourth. A statue of Jupiter, in
his
temple, in the city of Olympia, formed with wonde
at religion, who is supposed to be immortal, by the transmigration of
his
soul into an infant body, as his successive mater
e immortal, by the transmigration of his soul into an infant body, as
his
successive material coverings are worn out, and a
y? The creation; the general deluge, with the deliverance of Noah and
his
children, and their re-peopling the earth; the di
xth heaven, where he remains in happiness and incorruptibility; while
his
doctrine will remain in splendour for five thousa
and ornamented by art. According to the respective forms and sizes of
his
temples, the images of this deity are either stan
polas, placed on pedestals, and supposed to contain some particles of
his
bones. His priests are clothed in yellow, are for
flowers on the statues of Buddha, and to perform musical services in
his
honour every morning and evening. Chap. IV. In
prior existence of an Eternal and Spiritual Being, who, by an act of
his
will, called forth the material universe, and gav
me, or the Great One; he is declared to be uncreated and eternal, and
his
essence is asserted to be infinitely above the co
is asserted to be infinitely above the comprehension of any mind but
his
own. He is supposed to manifest his power by the
the comprehension of any mind but his own. He is supposed to manifest
his
power by the operation of his Divine Spirit; who
but his own. He is supposed to manifest his power by the operation of
his
Divine Spirit; who is entitled Vishnu, or Veeshnu
gloom. He, desiring to raise up various creatures by an emanation of
his
own glory, first created the waters and impressed
Hindû Mythology? Casyapa, the ancient God of the heavens, with Aditi
his
consort, parents of many of the inferior Deities.
of the Heavens chief of the good spirits. His consort is named Sachi;
his
celestial city, Amarávati; his palace, Vaijayanta
d spirits. His consort is named Sachi; his celestial city, Amarávati;
his
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chie
s named Sachi; his celestial city, Amarávati; his palace, Vaijayanta;
his
garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his
lestial city, Amarávati; his palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana;
his
chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali;
palace, Vaijayanta; his garden, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat;
his
charioteer, Matali; and his weapon, Vajra, or the
en, Nandana; his chief elephant, Airavat; his charioteer, Matali; and
his
weapon, Vajra, or the thunderbolt. He is the mast
gues, and body, are black. His eyes gleam like torches. The skirts of
his
robes are yellow. A sparkling jewel is hung on ea
rts of his robes are yellow. A sparkling jewel is hung on each one of
his
ears. His arms are extended, and adorned with ric
is he still Himself the same, one form, one face, one will; And these
his
twofold aspects are but one; And change is none I
d other weapons of war. Seraswatti, the wife of Brahmá, and emblem of
his
creative power, the patroness of the arts and sci
e of Surya, and the sect amongst them which is peculiarly addicted to
his
worship is called Saura. Surya is represented as
sented as riding in a chariot, drawn by seven green horses, guided by
his
charioteer Arun, or the dawn. A very ancient trav
age of the radiant Divinity, hardly inferior to himself in splendour;
his
rays being imitated by a boundless profusion of r
ern gate are two very fine figures of elephants, each with a man upon
his
trunk. On the west are two surprising figures of
f the sovereign of Ayodhya, a conqueror of high renown; who delivered
his
wife Sita from the giant Ravan, king of Lanca. He
endidly decorated, wearing a rich garland of wild flowers, and having
his
ankles adorned with strings of pearls. His comple
nd hence, the large bee of that colour is often drawn fluttering over
his
head. His character and attributes greatly resemb
btain power equal to that of Indra, and gain possession of the Swerga
his
delicious abode. The Ayeen Akbery mentions five k
nt monarch of ancient Egypt, who was slain by the treachery of Typhon
his
wicked brother; but whose death was avenged by Ho
y of Typhon his wicked brother; but whose death was avenged by Horus,
his
son, and Isis his consort. Some writers imagine O
cked brother; but whose death was avenged by Horus, his son, and Isis
his
consort. Some writers imagine Osīris to have been
lotos. Sometimes he was depicted by a serpent, and an eye, to express
his
power and providence. Frequently he was seen in t
Frequently he was seen in the appearance of a hawk, significative of
his
piercing sight and rapidity of motion. But the gr
sight and rapidity of motion. But the greatest adoration was paid to
his
living image, the ox, Apis. Who was Isis? Isis, t
arren and unproductive elements were assigned to Typhon, and Nepthys,
his
consort, the sister of Isis. When Osīris was the
nusual extent of the annual inundation, then Osīris was said to leave
his
garland of melilotus in the bed of Nepthys; and t
emendous monster of terrific bulk, having several heads, and wings on
his
shoulders; and his thighs terminating in the volu
terrific bulk, having several heads, and wings on his shoulders; and
his
thighs terminating in the volumes of two enormous
enormous serpents. Having inclosed Osīris in an ark, he drove Horus,
his
son, into the floating island Chemmis; and compel
f regulating the times and seasons. Light was considered to be one of
his
attributes; and obelisks, as emblems of the solar
d obelisks, as emblems of the solar rays, were dedicated to him. When
his
father was vanquished by Typhon, aided by Isis hi
cated to him. When his father was vanquished by Typhon, aided by Isis
his
mother, Horus revenged his death, expelled the us
er was vanquished by Typhon, aided by Isis his mother, Horus revenged
his
death, expelled the usurper, and reigned glorious
in the science of medicine, and knew its profoundest secrets, finding
his
body in the Nile, restored her son to life, and r
y, under a burning sky. This is the victory of Horus over Typhon, and
his
illustrious reign. Who was Anūbis? Anūbis, was th
d had the head of a dog: dogs were accounted sacred to him; and where
his
worship principally prevailed, these animals were
approach of the inundation of the Nile, as a dog awakens vigilance by
his
barking. In the festivals of the gods, his image
a dog awakens vigilance by his barking. In the festivals of the gods,
his
image was the leader of the pompous processions;
after he was overcome by Typhon, the power of darkness, and shorn of
his
beams, became Serāpis. Serāpis was considered, li
, but who, when dead, was named Sorāpis, or Serāpis; that is, Apis in
his
soros, or coffin. Others have maintained that Ser
em only with prayers and frankincense. By the example of Ptolemy, and
his
court, this deity became so great a favourite wit
with one another in erecting temples to him, and burning incense upon
his
altars. Who was Harpōcrǎtes? Harpōcrǎtes, a son o
of the annual rise of the sun after passing the winter solstice, when
his
beams are as yet weak, and the day has but a shor
ented, was that of a naked boy crowned with an Egyptian mitre, having
his
finger placed upon his lips, and sitting on the f
ked boy crowned with an Egyptian mitre, having his finger placed upon
his
lips, and sitting on the flower of the lotus expa
the Nile into Ethiopia, with a splendid procession, every year, or to
his
temple at Meroë. There he was received with great
s worshiped under the form of a goat; and great abominations degraded
his
rites. Who was Papremis? Papremis was the Egyptia
he heavens, and was represented as gaping upwards, and receiving into
his
jaws the descending sun. Papremis seems to have b
oks, as being consecrated to Hermes, and supposed to be the effect of
his
inspiration. Like other Egyptian deities, Thoth h
a sacred animal appropriated to him, whose figure was connected with
his
particular rites. The animal consecrated to Thoth
a trench in a vineyard, accidentally cut an asp in two, by a blow of
his
spade, and was so terrified by the horrible impie
bull, having a white star on the forehead, the figure of an eagle on
his
back, and a crescent on his right side. The imagi
n the forehead, the figure of an eagle on his back, and a crescent on
his
right side. The imagined offspring of the celesti
cat, every inmate of the house in which the event took place cut off
his
eyebrows; but to celebrate the funeral of a dog,
as inculcating “a firm belief that one Supreme God made the world by
his
power, and continually governed it by his provide
preme God made the world by his power, and continually governed it by
his
providence; a pious fear, love, and adoration of
round the throne of the Universal Ruler; the noblest and first among
his
subjects. Heaven was depicted as filled by the sa
Persian religion, as reformed by Zoroaster ; and what was the name of
his
sacred book? The book containing the Persian Myth
or spirits, whom he had seduced from obedience to the great Deity. By
his
venom, the Man-Bull was poisoned, and died. But a
nom, the Man-Bull was poisoned, and died. But after he was dead, from
his
left arm issued a being called Goschoraun, who, a
rmance of solemn sacrifices, the obsequies of departed ancestors, and
his
own funeral pile. The reformed religion of Persia
ghout the universe, but as making the most brilliant manifestation of
his
presence, in that fine and subtle ether. The anci
ious to pretend to form visible images of him, or to erect temples to
his
honour, with the idea of his making them his dwel
le images of him, or to erect temples to his honour, with the idea of
his
making them his dwelling-place. They venerated fi
, or to erect temples to his honour, with the idea of his making them
his
dwelling-place. They venerated fire as his sacred
he idea of his making them his dwelling-place. They venerated fire as
his
sacred emblem; the sun as his image; and their wo
dwelling-place. They venerated fire as his sacred emblem; the sun as
his
image; and their worship of him consisted in bloo
serpent, a globe, and wings united. Certain mysteries were called by
his
name, similar to those of Isis and Ceres; founded
rank of genii; who, aspiring to equal himself to the God Mithras, by
his
eloquence seduced all the spirits of his order to
mself to the God Mithras, by his eloquence seduced all the spirits of
his
order to unite with him, to disturb the harmony o
region. To punish these rebellious genii, Oromasdes suddenly withdrew
his
rays, and the sphere of Ahriman became a chaos of
rom Zoroaster was the song derived, Who, on the hills of Persia, from
his
cave, By flowers environ’d, and melodious founts.
genial warmth, whence teeming nature smiles, Burst from the east, at
his
creating voice; When, strait beyond the golden ve
l, Arimanius frown’d, The author foul of evil; How, with shades, From
his
dire mansion, he deform’d the works Of Oromazes;
varice, blasts the joy. But, yet at last, shall Arimanius fall Before
his
might, and evil be no more. Glover’s Leonidas.
he Jupiter of the Greeks, and Apia, or the Earth, who was regarded as
his
consort. The celestial Venus, Apollo, and Neptune
red a libation of wine upon the head of the destined captive, pierced
his
throat, and received the blood in a bowl, and wit
of him within the inclosure of walls, but enjoined the celebration of
his
worship in consecrated woods. From this Supreme,
m Borus, and from Beyzla, the daughter of the giant Baldorn. Aided by
his
two brothers, Vile and Ve, he created man and wom
ed the universal father; the father of battles; because he adopts, as
his
children, all those who die with arms in their ha
arms of Pompey, and established himself in the north of Europe, with
his
army and the principal inhabitants of his country
n the north of Europe, with his army and the principal inhabitants of
his
country. There, assuming the name of Odin, he bec
hing to meet it, as he had often braved it in the field, he assembled
his
companions, and inflicted upon himself nine deep
anions, and inflicted upon himself nine deep wounds with the point of
his
lance. As he was expiring, he declared that he wa
s he was expiring, he declared that he was going into Scythia to take
his
place amongst the other deities, at the immortal
against terror; and was said to contain 540 halls. Three articles of
his
armour, were particularly celebrated by the Scand
f his armour, were particularly celebrated by the Scandinavian poets;
his
club, which was represented as instinct with life
h was represented as instinct with life, and voluntarily returning to
his
hand after he had hurled it at his foes; his belt
life, and voluntarily returning to his hand after he had hurled it at
his
foes; his belt, inspiring strength and valour; hi
voluntarily returning to his hand after he had hurled it at his foes;
his
belt, inspiring strength and valour; his gauntlet
e had hurled it at his foes; his belt, inspiring strength and valour;
his
gauntlets, without which he could not grasp the f
ons. The fifth day of the week was dedicated to him, and called after
his
name, Thor’s day; Thursday. Which were the princi
He was mild and eloquent, uttering just and irrevocable decrees. Into
his
palace no impure person could enter; and upon its
to have power to revive the dead. He was killed, unintentionally, by
his
blind brother, Hoder. Heimdal; the guardian of th
ing on the ground, and the wool on the backs of the sheep. He held in
his
hand a trumpet, the sound of which might be heard
of combats and disputes. He was represented with a cock’s crest upon
his
head. Tyr, the dispenser of victory. Braga, the G
the Spirit dwells; And still if bold intruder come, Her voice unfolds
his
hidden doom. And oft the rugged ear of Hell Is so
the entrance. Uprose the King of men with speed And saddled strait,
his
coal-black steed; Down the yawning steep he rode
e dog of darkness spied; His shaggy throat he opened wide, While from
his
jaws, with carnage fill’d, Foam, and human gore d
ost distinguished; to conduct the souls of heroes slain, to Valhalla,
his
hail; and there, to pour out for them, the bevera
in battle array, upon an extensive plain. Immediately Heimdal sounds
his
trumpet; Odin consults the head of Mimer; the gre
of Mimer; the great ash tree Idrasil, which overshadowed the gates of
his
palace, is agitated. The combat begins between Od
led by Vidar. Loke and Heimdal fall by mutual wounds. Surtur scatters
his
fires over all the earth, till it is consumed. Vi
welling surge, “With giant form, and frequent flings The tempest from
his
eagle wings. And that dark power, whose ample shi
fulgent form. He who rules, by night, the heaven, Wist not where
his
beams to throw; All to barren darkness given,
Mark their steel divinely glancing, Imir falls in holy fight! Of
his
bones, the rocks high swelling, Of his flesh
r falls in holy fight! Of his bones, the rocks high swelling, Of
his
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide
es, the rocks high swelling, Of his flesh the glebe is made; From
his
veins the tide is welling, And his locks are
flesh the glebe is made; From his veins the tide is welling, And
his
locks are verdant shade. Hark his crest with gol
veins the tide is welling, And his locks are verdant shade. Hark
his
crest with gold adorning, Chanticleer on Odin
Chanticleer on Odin calls. Hark! another bird of morning, Claps
his
wings in Hela’s halls. Nature shines in glory be
e light of morn? ’Tis Heimdallar’s form immortal, Shrill resounds
his
golden horn. Say, proud Warder rob’d in glory,
’d the lofty sky? On the wings of tempest riding, Surtur spreads
his
fiery spell; Elves in secret caves are hiding;
eye hath never seen. Earth, and Heav’n, and Powers infernal, Mark
his
port and awful mien. He shall judge, and he shal
he dungeon now To the viper brood, nor to the eagle’s shape Carve out
his
mangled form. Southey. Chap. IX. Arabian and
his image, supposed to be the great Pul, or Belus, who was deified by
his
son Tiglathpileser, being situated below the Supr
agon, whose statue was compounded of the figures of a man and a fish;
his
name signifies the sun worshiped under the form o
and Syria, under that name, or the appellation of Attis or Atys, and
his
supposed death by the tusk of a wild boar was ann
els loud, Their children’s cries unheard, that passed through fire To
his
grim idol. Kim the Ammonite Worship’d in Rabba, a
er wat’ry plain. Next Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab’s sons; Peor,
his
other name. With these, in troop, Came Astoreth,
Whose annual wound, in Lebanon, allur’d The Syrian damsels to lament
his
fate. ——— —— Next, came one Who mourn’d in earnes
—— Next, came one Who mourn’d in earnest, when the captive ark Maim’d
his
brute image; head and hands lopp’d off. Dagon his
captive ark Maim’d his brute image; head and hands lopp’d off. Dagon
his
name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish;
. Dagon his name; sea monster; upward man, And downward fish; yet had
his
temple high, Rear’d in Azotus, dreaded through th
were offered, annually, multitudes of human victims, on the summit of
his
pyramidal temple in ancient Mexico. The unhappy v
s forehead also was azure, and a band of the same colour passed under
his
nose, from one ear to the other. On his head was
the same colour passed under his nose, from one ear to the other. On
his
head was a rich plume of feathers, covered on the
s head was a rich plume of feathers, covered on the top with gold. In
his
left hand was a white target; and in his right, a
red on the top with gold. In his left hand was a white target; and in
his
right, an azure staff in form of a waving wand. T
ost ancient God and Goddess? Who mentions Jupiter Belus, and who were
his
peculiar worshipers? Who were the Galli? What acc
ined copper money? By whom was Jupiter Ammon worshiped, and where was
his
temple? Who was the inventor of boats and crowns?
wed, and at what time of the year? On what condition did Titan resign
his
right of primogeniture to Saturn, and at whose de
? On what account was Janus represented with a double face? What were
his
attributes? Describe the chariot and horses of So
t name was Jupiter known among the Gauls? What became of Saturn after
his
liberation from the power of Titan? How came the
edicated to Apollo? Who were the Cyclops? Who was Midas, and what was
his
history? Of what was Circe the emblem? Where was
f the winged horse of the Muses, and what did he produce by a blow of
his
foot? Of what is Diana figurative? What animals w
secrated to Venus? Where was the workshop of Vulcan, and who were
his
workmen? Who was the wife of Cupid? How were the
he Naiads? Who built a temple to Terminus, and prescribed the form of
his
worship? Who was the God of the winds? Who were t
at colour were the chariot and horses of Pluto, and what property did
his
helmet possess? Repeat Virgil’s account of Mercur
waters of the river Lethe? What was the form of the god Pan; what was
his
musical instrument, and how were his priests name
he form of the god Pan; what was his musical instrument, and how were
his
priests named? Which of the Muses presided over t
cribed? Who was the foster-father and attendant of Bacchus? What were
his
different characters? What Muse presided over epi
What colour is sacred to Buddha? How is he represented, and where was
his
worship celebrated? Who were Suradevi, Carticéya,
logy called? What is the Sanscrit? How is Brahme supposed to manifest
his
power? Who are the celestial beings that form the
sed to have introduced human sacrifices? Who was Indra, and what were
his
attributes? Describe the residence of Indra. Who
Mahadeva? What was the Swerga? Who was Buddha; and what the figure of
his
images? Was there any affinity between the ancien
rt of Egypt was the uncreated God alone worshiped, and from what were
his
worshipers exempted? Where was the Serapeum, what
Jupiter Ammon the representation, and what honours were conferred on
his
statue? To what god was the Ibis consecrated, und
described Arimanius? What were the symbols of Orosmades, and what was
his
first production? What circumstance established t
of Odin? What is the historical account of Odin? What was the name of
his
wife, and what day of our week is called after he
an Divinities is the fifth day of the week named, and what is said of
his
palace? Who was the god of the sea in the Scandin
sts? Who were its Deities? By whom was Belus worshiped, and where was
his
celebrated temple? Who was Belus supposed to have
mighty hunter before the Lord, who first usurped arbitrary power over
his
brethren of mankind. Others have imagined that Sa
mankind. Others have imagined that Saturn was Noah himself, and that
his
sons Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto, were Ham, Japhe
t rough, begrim’d, and dreadful he appear’d; Rude and neglected, hung
his
length of beard; All patch’d and knotted, flutter
eglected, hung his length of beard; All patch’d and knotted, flutters
his
attire; His watchful eyeballs glare with sanguine
he surly God. Himself still plied the oars, the canvas spread, And in
his
sable bark convey’d the dead. 5. Cerberus. Ar
5. Cerberus. Arriv’d, they first grim Cerberus survey; Stretch’d in
his
den th’ enormous monster lay: His three wide mout
ful yell, And long loud bellowings, shook the realms of hell Now o’er
his
neck the starting serpents rose, When to the fien
lumb’ring monster lay. 6. Tisiphone. Now to the left, Æneas darts
his
eyes, Where lofty walls with triple ramparts rise
ierce Phlegethon, with thund’ring sound, His broken rocks, and whirls
his
surges round. On mighty columns rais’d sublime, a
u to afflict Psyche.” “But why, dear mother, said Cupid, interrupting
his
mother,” would you afflict poor Psyche. Has she d
ing the young and innocent. The fable says, that Cupid readily obeyed
his
mother’s injunction to visit Psyche. He found the
sted their slender stalks together, while her fawn looked at her with
his
large eyes, and sometimes fondly rested has head
ted has head upon her shoulder, or cropped the rose she would hold to
his
mouth. Cupid, when he saw in Psyche’s sweet mi
o himself as he gazed at her, “Ah, mother!” at the same time dropping
his
bow and arrows, with which he was prepared to wou
nseen.” But now he thought more of earth than of heaven, and checking
his
flight, he again descended to the garden, and lin
liest being he had ever beheld; and at last, when he once more winged
his
way to Olympus, he thought it were better to dwel
l gods. As he flew upward, Cupid thought it might be well not to tell
his
mother of his intention to disobey her. She might
flew upward, Cupid thought it might be well not to tell his mother of
his
intention to disobey her. She might, perhaps, emp
the most ancient deities of Egypt, and the parents of Harpocrates. In
his
left hand Harpocrates held a seal, and the forefi
ates. In his left hand Harpocrates held a seal, and the forefinger of
his
right hand was pressed upon his lips; before him
es held a seal, and the forefinger of his right hand was pressed upon
his
lips; before him stood an altar crowned with frui
ded to relate to the god the commands of Venus concerning Psyche, and
his
desire to possess her himself. Harpocrates did no
er himself. Harpocrates did not speak in reply, but he descended from
his
throne, and covered Cupid entirely with a veil. A
rsue; and when he was covered with a veil, he only determined to hide
his
own plans. — Not to tell his mother his intention
with a veil, he only determined to hide his own plans. — Not to tell
his
mother his intentions concerning Psyche, lest she
l, he only determined to hide his own plans. — Not to tell his mother
his
intentions concerning Psyche, lest she should be
d imprudently inform some person who he was, that would betray him to
his
mother. Some persons call such planning and conce
s conveyed, repaired to Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, and asked
his
assistance to remove her. Zephyrus readily compli
the cave of Somnus, the god of sleep. Near the couch of Somnus stood
his
three sons, Morpheus, Phobetor, and Phantasmo. Ze
beheld Somnus in profound slumber. Zephyrus, fanning him gently with
his
wings, soon awaked him. “Cupid,” said Zephyrus to
om the place where she now is.” Somnus instantly arose, and expanding
his
large shadowy pinions, which seemed to extend ove
gazing pensively upon the dashing waves of the sea. Somnus carried in
his
hand a leaden sceptre which was wreathed with pop
as she was become insensible to every thing around her, Zephyrus and
his
attendant spirit, took her up, and bore her over
m who addressed her. His voice was uncommonly sweet. If, thought she,
his
face should resemble this delightful voice, how g
voice proclaimed that Psyche was the wife of him who claimed her for
his
bride. And from this time Psyche was content to r
conversation was so entertaining, and Psyche became so accustomed to
his
society, that she found it painful to live withou
asonable and capricious, very likely he may, some night, take it into
his
head to kill you. You are extremely foolish to mi
take it into his head to kill you. You are extremely foolish to mind
his
injunction never to attempt to see him. Follow my
of him. When you know that he is fast asleep, take a lamp and examine
his
features. If be should be found to be a very shoc
Psyche a look of the keenest displeasure and reproach, and spreading
his
light wings, flew toward the open window of the r
oward the open window of the room. The wretched culprit caught one of
his
feet, hoping to detain him, but she was drawn aft
to the ground. As Cupid flew off, Psyche heard these angry words from
his
lips: “I quit you, ungrateful Psyche. My mother c
eless when the waters closed round her, but the river god bore her in
his
arms to a flowery bank on his border, and now the
ound her, but the river god bore her in his arms to a flowery bank on
his
border, and now the first rays of morning light s
om their grottoes to look at her. As soon as Venus saw her son, after
his
return from earth, she perceived that an accident
perceived that an accident had happened to him, and she inquired why
his
fair shoulder was covered with the folds of that
covered with the folds of that slight mantle which sometimes wrapped
his
waist. He fled away from her inquiries, but she s
m, and urged him to tell her the truth. At first Cupid would not open
his
lips, but when his mother importuned him, he told
tell her the truth. At first Cupid would not open his lips, but when
his
mother importuned him, he told her the whole stor
when an eagle darted down from over her head, snatched the vase with
his
beak from her hand, flew to the fountain, and hav
ou must cross, where you will see a boatman ready to convey you over;
his
name is Charon; give him the money, for your pass
e box, revived Psyche, and giving her a kiss of peace, bade her go to
his
mother and deliver it, telling her at the same ti
Jupiter received Cupid with a gracious smile, and after he had heard
his
petition, made some good natured objections to ma
nce of all the gods and goddesses. He next informed all the gods that
his
son had declared that he could not enjoy heaven i
t he could not enjoy heaven itself if he were there to be deprived of
his
beloved Psyche; and it was his will, (and none of
elf if he were there to be deprived of his beloved Psyche; and it was
his
will, (and none of the gods ever opposed his sove
loved Psyche; and it was his will, (and none of the gods ever opposed
his
sovereign will,) that they should be united. Venu
l the gods and goddesses, and presented her with a cup of nectar with
his
own hand. “Receive,” said be, fair Psyche, this m
ians. Mother. Some of them learned to be Christiana while Christ and
his
apostles were in the world, and all of them left
ls of the dead to the borders of Styx, and Charon took them across in
his
boat. Ann. What dug was Cerberus, to whom Psyche
is whole story painted in a palace in Italy; he says, in a journal of
his
travels, “The Farnesina, a little palace on the T
but he knew that her fond mother would never consent she should go to
his
gloomy kingdom; for such, all who dwelt in in the
seated a majestic figure, of a stern, but not frightful countenance;
his
bright keen eyes were fixed upon Proserpine, and
he approached her. Cyane knew, by the kingly crown which he wore, and
his
magnificent appearance, it could be no other than
; nor was Proserpine unwilling to be carried off. He caught her up in
his
arms, seated her beside him in the chariot, and s
ms, seated her beside him in the chariot, and striking the earth with
his
trident, they disappeared together. “They are go
at the poor child than he deserved; for, to punish him, she threw in
his
face the contents of her dish, and transformed hi
y, like the rest of its species, and he glided into a hole from which
his
mother couldn’t recover him. Conversation: Mot
bo’s son so severely for so small a fault. She should have remembered
his
mother’s kindness to herself, and excused the lit
ce, to Tereus, the king of that country, and told him the distress of
his
people. Tereus promised to do what he could to re
is people. Tereus promised to do what he could to relieve Pandion and
his
subjects; and he came with a sufficient army into
em. Pandion was very grateful to Tereus, and invited him to live with
his
family, while he should stay in Greece. Pandion h
e eldest, that he asked her of her father for a wife. Pandion granted
his
request, and Progne herself agreed to marry Tereu
. In those days, the king of a little city was known by every body in
his
domain, and beloved by all. He was the judge that
exposed to the rude gales of the sea; and if we should leave him with
his
nurse, we should not be happy away from him. Will
shes. She was a dutiful wife, and did not set up her own will against
his
. She readily consented to stay at home, while Ter
dearly; he could not bear to be separated from her; and he only shook
his
head, as if to say “No,” when Tereus urged him to
omela was thus urging the consent of her father, she tenderly pressed
his
hand, and looked lovingly in his face. “I can ref
of her father, she tenderly pressed his hand, and looked lovingly in
his
face. “I can refuse you nothing, my own Philomela
y own Philomela,” answered the fond old man, smiling upon her through
his
tears. “But, my child, do not forget me. Recollec
d solitary parent weeps daily for you — weeps that you do not walk by
his
side, nor sit with him at his table. Go; but hast
for you — weeps that you do not walk by his side, nor sit with him at
his
table. Go; but haste thee home again.” All things
” All things having been prepared for her departure, Pandion attended
his
daughter to the harbour of Piræus, where the vess
o Tereus, returned sorrowfully to Athens, solemnly commending her and
his
son-in-law, as he left them, to the protection of
upon you for your perfidy.” Tereus was alarmed at these menaces, and
his
own guilty conscience told him, that if his treac
med at these menaces, and his own guilty conscience told him, that if
his
treachery should be known, every one would abhor
from ever proclaiming it, he cut her tongue out, and then returned to
his
own house. Progne was grieved and disappointed, w
their child, Itys. When the guilty father saw the dead body, he drew
his
sword, and would have murdered Progne and Philome
have murdered Progne and Philomela, but an invisible power restrained
his
hand, and all three were metamorphosed into birds
rowing better is the progress of society. Ann. What made Tereus tell
his
wife that it was a long voyage to Athens from Thr
of men, the rich and the poor, which were the best. Jupiter laid down
his
thunder-bolts, and Mercury his caduceus. They app
which were the best. Jupiter laid down his thunder-bolts, and Mercury
his
caduceus. They appeared, in this journey, like co
had seen the taller stranger before. He was the same who carried off
his
uncle’s daughter, as she was watering the flock w
ou will find indifferent cheer, but you shall be welcome;” and waving
his
hand for them to pass, they stooped their heads a
n it a kettle which shone like burnished gold. Philemon went out into
his
garden, and plucking some coleworts, a sort of ca
ves by conversing with Philemon, who talked of rains and droughts, of
his
garden and his grape vines, and of pigs and fowls
ng with Philemon, who talked of rains and droughts, of his garden and
his
grape vines, and of pigs and fowls. The old woman
g into them some water gently warmed, gave her guests each a bath for
his
feet, which were soiled with dust; and after they
obeyed, and Jupiter, throwing off the sordid garments that concealed
his
dignity, showed himself a god. “My good friends,”
rtico; in short, it became a temple of the gods. Jupiter stood beside
his
ancient host and hostess, as they gazed at this w
ted their request, and for a few years they dwelt in the precincts of
his
temple, and assisted in his worship. But one day,
few years they dwelt in the precincts of his temple, and assisted in
his
worship. But one day, as they stood at the gate d
relating the transformation of their cottage, old Philemon perceived
his
good dame to be covered with leaves, of tender gr
d dame to be covered with leaves, of tender green; and old Baucis saw
his
lengthened arms putting forth branches; roots spr
the palace of Cecrops, he met the princess Aglauria. He had folded up
his
wings, and appeared like a handsome young man. “I
who had presented the veil to her sister, but she now distinctly saw
his
winged cap and the folded pinions on his shoulder
, but she now distinctly saw his winged cap and the folded pinions on
his
shoulders, and she recognised in him the god who
wind. He was leading Herse to the altar of Hymen. Hymen stood by, and
his
torch burned with a clear, steady blaze. Her fath
rcury’s patience was exhausted by her obstinacy, and, with a touch of
his
caduceus, he transformed her to a statue. Accordi
le whom he found in Attica, so that district was called, and they and
his
followers became one people, and lived peaceably
e the Egyptians had a king, and the king had a court, and that he and
his
officers wore rich clothes and ornaments, which t
was an Egyptian god. The Egyptians called him Hermes. I will tell you
his
attributes. Ann. What do you mean by his attribu
him Hermes. I will tell you his attributes. Ann. What do you mean by
his
attributes? Mother. What we call his character.
utes. Ann. What do you mean by his attributes? Mother. What we call
his
character. He was endowed with wings, was quick i
motion; eloquence, or ready speech; vigilance, or watchfulness, were
his
attributes. He assisted thieves and orators, and
sted thieves and orators, and carried messages for the gods; such was
his
function, or business. Do you understand me? Ann
son. Before I tell you what the prophet told Lyriope, I will give you
his
history, for you may read of him again. Tiresias
s longer than that of common men; and Minerva, still more to mitigate
his
misfortune, gave him a staff, with which he could
re she dwelt; so little Narcissus might be kept there from looking at
his
pretty face. But Lyriope sent her son to a beauti
g butterflies. The young girls, who saw the pretty youth, and admired
his
clustering curls and his rosy cheeks, often invit
girls, who saw the pretty youth, and admired his clustering curls and
his
rosy cheeks, often invited him to join in their s
ats the last word which she hears. The nymphs, vexed at Narcissus for
his
unsocial behaviour toward them, prayed the gods t
a brilliant butterfly, of the very largest size, which at last eluded
his
grasp, just as his fingers brushed its party-colo
ly, of the very largest size, which at last eluded his grasp, just as
his
fingers brushed its party-coloured wings, threw h
r was smooth and limpid, and in it, for the first time, Narcissus saw
his
own person reflected in the clear bosom of the st
ing on the bank, as they had seen him, he was no longer there, but in
his
place the pretty flower which hears his name.
e was no longer there, but in his place the pretty flower which hears
his
name. Cadmus. The city of Tiresias was The
he most beautiful animal they had ever seen. Europa wove a wreath for
his
horns, and he knelt down beside her, and uttered
ind moan. The maidens admired this gentleness, and Europa sprang upon
his
back, and he swam away with her from Asia to the
e strange disappearance of Europa, was very much grieved, and he sent
his
son Cadmus to search for her. Cadmus could not fi
r her. Cadmus could not find Europa, and he did not like to return to
his
father without her; therefore he went into Greece
built an altar, and slew a victim. This was the heifer which had been
his
guide. Water was necessary in these solemn servic
was necessary in these solemn services, and Cadmus sent certain men,
his
companions, to a near fountain, to procure some.
ar, to Mars. They had said it belonged to that god, and that none but
his
worshippers should have any of it. and it was gua
they did not return, became seriously alarmed, and went to look after
his
friends. He took care to put on armour, to clothe
to clothe himself in a lion’s skin, and to carry with him a lance and
his
bow and arrows. What was his surprise and horror,
skin, and to carry with him a lance and his bow and arrows. What was
his
surprise and horror, to see his friends’ dead bod
ance and his bow and arrows. What was his surprise and horror, to see
his
friends’ dead bodies on the ground, and the drago
ierced its scaly coat, and he soon killed him with the sharp point of
his
lance. But Cadmus was now alone; and he could not
m that from these teeth would spring warriors who would assist him in
his
enterprise. Cadmus obeyed Minerva. He drew the dr
itants. Cadmus was a good king; he did not love war; he tried to make
his
people wise and happy. He first taught letters in
s people wise and happy. He first taught letters in Greece, and after
his
time the Greeks began to read and write. He came
Greece about fifty years after Cecrops. Cecrops was truly beloved by
his
subjects. “On him — the judge and king — when pa
s amusing herself; that a bull’s head was sculptured upon the prow of
his
vessel, and that he carried off Europa. Then the
th, he only appeased, or made friends of the armed men who had killed
his
followers. But they fought among themselves, and
erly at the metamorphosis he had undergone. He was soon met by one of
his
own dogs, who did not know him, but at sight of h
ughter of Cadmus, was married to Athamas, who had a little kingdom of
his
own, not far from Thebes. Bacchus, the god of win
n, and would often boast that her nephew was one of the gods, and had
his
abode with Jupiter, at Olympus. Juno took upon he
avour sometimes. —“a stratagem Is
his
, malicious: them, who enter there, With tail and
Proserpina, For them with marking eye he lurks; on them Springs from
his
couch, and pitiless devours.” Juno was not much
to the ground in Tartarus, while a vulture was continually devouring
his
liver, and that as often grew again. There, too,
rew again. There, too, Juno saw the wretched Tantalus, who had caused
his
son Pelops to be murdered. As a punishment for th
xurious house, and is surrounded with delightful things. But envy not
his
happiness; his enjoyments are of short duration,
and is surrounded with delightful things. But envy not his happiness;
his
enjoyments are of short duration, for the fell Ti
object assumed a new form. The unhappy Ino seemed to be a lioness and
his
children whelps. Impelled by his delirium, Athama
happy Ino seemed to be a lioness and his children whelps. Impelled by
his
delirium, Athamas ran at them with blind fury, an
s delirium, Athamas ran at them with blind fury, and instantly killed
his
infant son, Learchus. Ino, in her terror, with he
in her terror, with her other son, Milecerta, in her arras, fled from
his
pursuit to the verge of a precipice, from which s
d? Mother. Easily enough. The fact was, the son-in-law of Cadmus and
his
wife were a happy pair, and were the king and que
inflicted by a god. You know if Athamas were ever so good, if he lost
his
reason, he might have killed his wife and child.
thamas were ever so good, if he lost his reason, he might have killed
his
wife and child. Ann. Yes, because insane persons
mother died when he was very young, and it was said that Jupiter was
his
father. Bacchus, while he was a boy, lived in the
y was the son of rich parents, and that if they should carry him off;
his
father would offer a large sum to have him restor
e commanded them to forbear, but they disobeyed him, and, in spite of
his
remonstrances, carried off the prize. Soon after
mariners to return with him to the island, but they took no notice of
his
supplications. Finding them inflexible, he sudden
umed an air of authority. Bacchus, after this transformation, held in
his
hand a staff, wreathed with ivy, called a thyrsus
anged to dolphins. Bacchus spared the captain, and afterward made him
his
high priest. The ship was then loosed, and they s
ed, and they soon went ashore. Bacchus then commenced what are called
his
conquests, but more properly his travels. He went
cchus then commenced what are called his conquests, but more properly
his
travels. He went over different countries, instru
ural occupations, and many persons travelled with and assisted him in
his
benevolent enterprizes. In consequence of the goo
to interrupt their frantic rites, and persevered in them the more for
his
prohibition. When Pentheus learned that the Bacch
is prohibition. When Pentheus learned that the Bacchantes disregarded
his
orders, he resolved to attend one of their festiv
rve the Bacchantes. Among them was Agave, the mother of Pentheus, and
his
two aunts, Ino and Autonoe. Though Pentheus thoug
sisters did not perceive who it was they had killed, and they cut off
his
head and fixed it upon the point of a thyrsus, an
l this extravagance, the aged Cadmus came out into the woods, and met
his
daughters and their companions. He instantly saw,
instantly saw, in the ghastly features of the severed head, those of
his
beloved grandson, and soon convinced Agave that s
e undeserved death of Pentheus. One of the Greek poets thus describes
his
lamentation for him: “Dearest of men! for thou,
pides. As if Cadmus had said, as he stood over the disfigured body of
his
grandson, “Beloved Pentheus! thou art indeed dead
fectionate old man, and a generous one, for he had given a kingdom to
his
grandson. Mother. And what think you of Pentheus
tested drunken revels, and he respected age. Mother. His respect for
his
old grandfather was an excellent quality. How do
father went to consult the oracle, to know what should befall him in
his
future life. Silly people go to fortune-tellers,
s, a long time ago, went to the oracle. The oracle told Acrisius that
his
daughter Danas would have a son, who would kill h
ghter Danas would have a son, who would kill him. Acrisius thought if
his
daughter were never married, she could have no so
n, whom she called Perseus. As soon as Acrisius heard of the birth of
his
grandson, he thought. This is the boy who will ki
l me; but I will take care to prevent that: I will get rid of him and
his
mother too. The tower in which Danæ was confined,
An old fisherman, named Dictys, was standing near the shore, mending
his
net, when he saw the chest gently thrown on the b
eive and protect you, I know.” “I know not Polydectes, nor the way to
his
house,” said Danæ, still weeping. “Leave that che
red by the good man’s eagerness to serve her, Danæ rose, and followed
his
directions. They soon reached, a low cabin, half
ce. When Danæ left the fisherman’s hut, she thanked the fisherman and
his
wife over and over again, for all their goodness;
ed and loved Perseus. They admired him, because in wrestling he threw
his
antagonist; in driving a chariot, he won the race
head of Medusa for Polydectes. This would be a great achievement, and
his
courage would be commended every where. Polydecte
where. Polydectes admired the project; he thought Perseus would lose
his
life by his foolhardiness, and he should thus get
dectes admired the project; he thought Perseus would lose his life by
his
foolhardiness, and he should thus get rid of him
and Vulcan gave him a sword. Being completely equipped, Perseus took
his
flight, quick as the swift-winged light, quite ov
of blood which fell from it was turned into a snake. Perseus directed
his
flight to the region of Mauritania, and descended
the palace court of Atlas, king of the country. Atlas was famous for
his
great wealth. To him belonged innumerable docks a
s. The dominion of Atlas extended to that ocean which is called, from
his
name, the Atlantic; and there, every evening when
lorious course from east to west. Perseus wrapped up Medusa’s head in
his
mantle, and asked to he conducted to the king. At
e my journey.” Perseus expected a cordial welcome from Atlas; but, to
his
surprise, no such welcome was offered him. The ki
n of Jupiter; and the moment that Atlas heard Perseus say Jupiter was
his
father, he saw in him the spoiler of his gardens.
eard Perseus say Jupiter was his father, he saw in him the spoiler of
his
gardens. “Depart from these walls, impostor,” at
wait to be obeyed, but immediately aimed at Perseus a violent blow of
his
gigantic arm. Perseus avoided the blow, nor did h
Images of Atlas are made in the form of a man bearing the earth upon
his
shoulders. ——— Æolus had shut up the winds in the
slumbered, but Aurora unbarred the gates of day, and roused him from
his
rest. He rose with renewed vigour, and pursued hi
nd roused him from his rest. He rose with renewed vigour, and pursued
his
way, like some migratory bird, through immeasurab
ome migratory bird, through immeasurable fields of ether, leaving, in
his
flight, nations and cities behind him. The next d
en he went to the king and told him, in a few words, that he had seen
his
daughter; that he would preserve her and destroy
oy the monster, if Cepheus would bestow her upon him as the reward of
his
achievement. Cepheus joyfully consented to this p
rrific noise; but when he would have seized her, Perseus presented to
his
view the horrible head, and he was instantly chan
e changed to the substance now called coral. ——— Perseus, in token of
his
gratitude to the gods, for the deliverance of And
from the table, some of the company begged Perseus to relate to them
his
adventures. He consented, and commenced as follow
Perseus cut short the matter, by telling Phineus, that Andromeda was
his
, and no man living should separate them. The frie
, and no man living should separate them. The friends of Perseus took
his
part; and they and the adherents of Phineus soon
re killed. He, perceiving that the assailants were more numerous than
his
party, led the terrified Andromeda to the altar o
escaped, did not spare the adherents of Perseus; and the latter, from
his
place of retreat, seeing their danger, would not
of retreat, seeing their danger, would not permit them to be slain in
his
cause. He rushed from his concealment, seized the
anger, would not permit them to be slain in his cause. He rushed from
his
concealment, seized the Medusa’s head, which was
the Medusa’s head, which was not far off, and exposing it in view of
his
enemies, turned every one to stone, in the attitu
to stone, in the attitude in which he stood. ——— Having thus baffled
his
foes, Perseus proposed to Andromeda to visit his
Having thus baffled his foes, Perseus proposed to Andromeda to visit
his
grandfather, Acrisius, in Argos. Danæ had often r
f and to him; but they had both forgiven him. They knew that believed
his
grandson would live to be his murderer, and that
h forgiven him. They knew that believed his grandson would live to be
his
murderer, and that he had only attempted to save
would live to be his murderer, and that he had only attempted to save
his
own life, by taking theirs. When Perseus reached
his own life, by taking theirs. When Perseus reached Argos, he found
his
grandfather no longer its king. His brother, Phæt
other, Phætus, a very artful man, had deposed the old king, and taken
his
place. Perseus immediately resolved to expel the
ace. Perseus immediately resolved to expel the usurper, and reinstate
his
grandfather. He had nothing to do but to exhibit
Phætus became a statue in that very palace from which he had banished
his
brother. Perseus having restored his grandfather,
alace from which he had banished his brother. Perseus having restored
his
grandfather, departed with his bride for Seriphus
d his brother. Perseus having restored his grandfather, departed with
his
bride for Seriphus. Perseus arrived in good time
cutor of Danæ, as he had been of her son, and to protect herself from
his
insults, she went to the temple of Minerva, whith
t he should offend the compassionate deity. Danæ received Perseus and
his
beautiful wife in the cabin of Dictys. Her ancien
to the temple, the old man heard of it, and afterward conveyed her to
his
humble home, where Aglauria still lived. Danæ and
of the fisherman. Perseus knew it was easy to punish Polydectes, for
his
base conduct, and he did not long delay. He had o
eived by the people, as their king, Perseus got ready to return, with
his
mother and wife, to Argos; but he first restored
d that Teatimas, the king, was celebrating funeral games in honour of
his
father. At funeral games, it was customary for at
rsius offered himself to the labours of the Dise; and the strength of
his
arm, and the certainty of his aim, were both admi
abours of the Dise; and the strength of his arm, and the certainty of
his
aim, were both admired. At length, his hand becam
his arm, and the certainty of his aim, were both admired. At length,
his
hand became unsteady, and, by an unfortunate moti
alled Mycenæ. As long as Dictys lived, he was loved and honoured; and
his
kindness to Danæ and Perseus was celebrated all o
Mother and Ann. Ann. Mother, you say Polydectes hated Perseus for
his
fine qualities: because he was young and strong,
e is drawn as a young man, dressed in a saffron robe, and he holds in
his
hand a flame-coloured veil. A wreath of sweet-sce
ame-coloured veil. A wreath of sweet-scented marjoram and roses bound
his
brows and he carried a torch in one hand. If the
n Hippocrene, for our winged horse, Pegasus. He struck that spot with
his
foot, and I instantly pure and sparkling water bu
d I instantly pure and sparkling water burst from the chasm opened by
his
hoof.” Minerva proposed they should all go to the
d the fragrant pea; and she it is who pours out the milky draught for
his
children, and bids the green herb spring up for h
milky draught for his children, and bids the green herb spring up for
his
flocks. Her gentle hand led him from caves and wi
ield and the sheltering cottage; and has stripped the bloody fur from
his
limbs, and wrapped him in the clean fleece of his
the bloody fur from his limbs, and wrapped him in the clean fleece of
his
sheep. “All the Muses, and all the Pierides, sung
. When the sun set in the sea, the pagans who worshipped Apollo, said
his
coursers had gone to bathe and refresh themselves
was described as dwelling with the gods upon Olympus, with a lyre in
his
hand, and sometimes surrounded by the Muses on Mo
ount Parnassus. At other times, with a bow and arrow, and a quiver at
his
back, he was a hunter in the woods. He was found
health, inspiring the poet to utter verses, and teaching the musician
his
sweetest tones. His mother was Latona, and his si
teaching the musician his sweetest tones. His mother was Latona, and
his
sister, Diana, or the moon. Jupiter loved Latona,
this exercise, he resolved to kill the Python, for its persecution of
his
mother. With a quiver full of arrows, he attacked
he Python, but he did not kill him till he had shot away every one of
his
arrows, or darts. Apollo was afterward called Pyt
and looked on. The best poet, the finest musician, and he who outran
his
competitors, or who could throw down an antagonis
lmost all fables, he is represented as a boy, with a bow and arrow in
his
hands, and a quiver at his back. Soon after Apoll
resented as a boy, with a bow and arrow in his hands, and a quiver at
his
back. Soon after Apollo had conquered the Python,
s. Apollo told him, contemptuously, that bows and arrows did not suit
his
weak hands: that he should leave them to the god
t his weak hands: that he should leave them to the god of day, and to
his
sister Diana, who was a huntress. Cupid was offen
Apollo. One day, awaking from a delicious slumber, Cupid recollected
his
late conversation with Apollo, and drawing from h
Cupid recollected his late conversation with Apollo, and drawing from
his
quiver two arrows, he pointed one with gold, and
as fast as she could. Apollo was beautiful and eloquent, but neither
his
beauty nor his eloquence pleased Daphne; she woul
could. Apollo was beautiful and eloquent, but neither his beauty nor
his
eloquence pleased Daphne; she would not listen to
she cried, “I detest Apollo, but still he pursues me. Rather than be
his
, I would be swallowed up by the cold earth: suffe
with dark green leaves. Apollo beheld the metamorphosis, and striking
his
radiant forehead, exclaimed, “O, Daphne, thou can
urel became sacred to Apollo, and garlands of laurel were bestowed at
his
festivals upon those who excelled in the strife o
hakspeare. That admiration of so many persons, for so long a time, is
his
fame; his undying or immortal fame, as some perso
That admiration of so many persons, for so long a time, is his fame;
his
undying or immortal fame, as some persons say, be
admired; so when, at this time, we speak of a poet’s laurels, we mean
his
fame, or the admiration of mankind for him. Ann.
chus only was absent. He had hidden himself in the inmost recesses of
his
rocky dwelling, there to weep for the absence of
most recesses of his rocky dwelling, there to weep for the absence of
his
daughter Io, who had withdrawn herself, he knew n
had ho excuse for denying this request, and was forced to give Io to
his
queen. Juno suspected that the heifer was some mo
er to do this, she gave her in charge to Argus, a person renowned for
his
vigilance. Argus was said to have had an hundred
large rough tongue. Io longed to communicate to Inachus that she was
his
lost daughter, and at length fell upon the expedi
hy daughter; Jupiter has transformed me to this shape.” Inachus threw
his
arms around the neck of the heifer, and wept over
thanks for safety, and for gentle breezes. Mercury immediately obeyed
his
father: he disguised himself in the habit of a sh
d he was ravished at the sound. He invited Mercury to seat himself by
his
side, and to inform him how the pipe was invented
he profoundest slumber. When Mercury found the sharp-sighted Argus in
his
power, he drew forth a cemetery which he had conc
s in his power, he drew forth a cemetery which he had concealed under
his
cloak, and with one blow severed his head from hi
ery which he had concealed under his cloak, and with one blow severed
his
head from his body. Juno was grieved at the loss
ad concealed under his cloak, and with one blow severed his head from
his
body. Juno was grieved at the loss of Argus, and
head from his body. Juno was grieved at the loss of Argus, and caused
his
hundred eyes to be placed in the tail of her peac
; but perhaps he is not your father. Did he acknowledge that you were
his
son? “My mother, Clymene,” answered Phæton, “has
scended from Jove.” To settle the question, Phæton immediately sought
his
mother, and complained of Epaphus. “My dear son,”
of Latona. Apollo perceived the youthful Phæton, as he advanced with
his
hands before his eyes, shading them from the inte
o perceived the youthful Phæton, as he advanced with his hands before
his
eyes, shading them from the intense lustre of the
rom the intense lustre of the beaming sun, and instantly removed from
his
brow the diadem which shed its glory all over the
vindicate the words of my mother, who asserts that her child derives
his
birth from the gods, as certainly as that Egyptia
nt and contrary motion.” Phæton heard Apollo, but he was not moved by
his
remonstrances. “Remember thy oath, my father,” re
th its terrified conductor, from pole to pole. Phæton now repented of
his
rashness, but it was too late; already the burnin
a river of Italy, and he was drowned. The Hesperian nymphs performed
his
funeral rites, and raised a monument to his memor
esperian nymphs performed his funeral rites, and raised a monument to
his
memory. Apollo, grieved at the loss of his son, h
, and raised a monument to his memory. Apollo, grieved at the loss of
his
son, hid his brilliant head, and refused to cheer
a monument to his memory. Apollo, grieved at the loss of his son, hid
his
brilliant head, and refused to cheer the world by
of his son, hid his brilliant head, and refused to cheer the world by
his
presence; while Clymene, accompanied by the Hiade
uth’s remains. At length, the mother and sisters of Phæton discovered
his
monument, and wept over his remains with exceedin
e mother and sisters of Phæton discovered his monument, and wept over
his
remains with exceeding bitterness. That the affli
prince, who was the intimate friend of Phæton, came also to weep over
his
grave, and Jupiter metamorphosed him into a swan.
nus entered the river, and was constantly seen gliding by the tomb of
his
friend. Apollo, immediately after the death of Ph
tuous charioteer should die; and afterward induced Apollo to reascend
his
glorious car, and to cheer the earth mice mere wi
expired in her embrace. Amphion, driven to madness by the loss of all
his
children, killed himself; and their mother, left
ces, being seated one evening in an arbour, near the house of some of
his
friends, recounted to them the following adventur
wed is example; and suddenly, assuming an air of devotion, and fixing
his
eyes upon the altar, he bowed, and in a low tone
refuge; and Latona, taking the young Apollo in one hand, and leading
his
sister by the other, fled into Lydia. “‘When Lato
domes the gods depart, The shining monuments of Vulcan’s art: Jove on
his
couch reclined his awful head, And Juno slumbered
rt, The shining monuments of Vulcan’s art: Jove on his couch reclined
his
awful head, And Juno slumbered on the golden bed.
misty, nebulous mixing and mingling brooded the god Chaos, who shared
his
throne with Nox, the goddess of night. From this
thic lore. As do the American Indians of to-day, so primitive man, in
his
crude way, explained the operation of physical la
gists. Anthropology may be defined as the study of man, considered in
his
entire nature. In explaining mythology, the anthr
for Medea had taken with her the most precious treasure of the king,
his
only son and heir, Absyrtus. To delay the pursuit
. Achelo′us [Achelous] was a river god, and the rival of Hercules in
his
love for Deianeira. To decide who should have the
gle, Achelous changed himself into the form of a bull and rushed upon
his
antagonist with lowered horns, intending to hurl
nd finally turned himself into a river, which has since been known by
his
name. Ach′eron [Acheron] (see “The Youth’s Class
with an arrow in the heel by Paris, at the siege of Troy, and died of
his
wound. Acida′lia [Acidalia], a name given to Ven
s jealous of him crushed him by hurling a rock on him. Galatea turned
his
blood into a river — the Acis at the foot of Moun
g, and was changed by her into a deer, in which form he was hunted by
his
own dogs and torn in pieces. A′des [Ades], see H
into an anemone. “Even as the sun with purple-colored face Had ta’en
his
last leave of the weeping morn. Rose-cheeked Adon
hilles himself. When the Grecians had set the city on fire Æneas took
his
aged father, Anchises, on his shoulders, while hi
ans had set the city on fire Æneas took his aged father, Anchises, on
his
shoulders, while his son, Ascanius, and his wife
on fire Æneas took his aged father, Anchises, on his shoulders, while
his
son, Ascanius, and his wife Creusa, clung to his
aged father, Anchises, on his shoulders, while his son, Ascanius, and
his
wife Creusa, clung to his garments. He saved them
his shoulders, while his son, Ascanius, and his wife Creusa, clung to
his
garments. He saved them all from the flames. Afte
her burthen, showed As if it stooped with its load; For as Æneas bore
his
sire Upon his shoulders through the fire, Our kni
howed As if it stooped with its load; For as Æneas bore his sire Upon
his
shoulders through the fire, Our knight did bear n
his shoulders through the fire, Our knight did bear no less a pack Of
his
own buttocks on his back.” Butler. Æo′lus [Æol
h the fire, Our knight did bear no less a pack Of his own buttocks on
his
back.” Butler. Æo′lus [Æolus] was the god of t
ack.” Butler. Æo′lus [Æolus] was the god of the winds. Jupiter was
his
reputed father, and his mother is said to have be
[Æolus] was the god of the winds. Jupiter was his reputed father, and
his
mother is said to have been a daughter of Hippotu
nd was he supposed to have over them that when Ulysses visited him on
his
return from Troy he gave him, tied up in a bag, a
Troy he gave him, tied up in a bag, all the winds that could prevent
his
voyage from being prosperous. The companions of U
olus was at Strongyle, now called Strombolo. “Æolus from
his
airy throne With power imperial curbs the struggl
gonauts in their famous expedition to Colchis. He became so noted for
his
cures that Pluto became jealous of him, and he re
, and he requested Jupiter to kill him with a thunderbolt. To revenge
his
son’s death Apollo slew the Cyclops who had forge
on’s death Apollo slew the Cyclops who had forged the thunderbolt. By
his
marriage with Epione he had two sons, Machaon and
e tablets were hung therein by people who had been healed by him; but
his
most famous shrine was at Epidaurus, where, every
shrine was at Epidaurus, where, every five years, games were held in
his
honor. This god is variously represented, but the
a staff entwined with a serpent is in the other, while a dog lies at
his
feet. “Thou that dost Æsculapius deride, And o’e
a dog lies at his feet. “Thou that dost Æsculapius deride, And o’er
his
gallipots in triumph ride.” Fenton. Æ′son [Æso
of the Greek warriors in the Trojan War. His father was Telamon, and
his
mother Eribœa. Some writers say that he was kille
[Alcestis], wife of Admetus, who, to save her husband’s life, died in
his
stead, and was restored to life by Hercules. Alc
t of Mars, who was changed by him into a cock because he did not warn
his
master of the rising of the sun. Al′fadur [Alfad
ly led an animal, usually a pig or ram, decked with oak boughs, round
his
grounds, and offered milk and new wine. After har
He was greatly skilled in music; and it is said that, at the sound of
his
lute, the stones arranged themselves so regularly
ntain called Cynthus in the Isle of Delos, and this same island being
his
native place obtained for him the name of Delius;
is native place obtained for him the name of Delius; Delphinius, from
his
occasionally assuming the shape of a dolphin. His
suming the shape of a dolphin. His name of Delphicus was derived from
his
connection with the splendid Temple at Delphi, wh
Phœbus. The Greeks called him Agineus, because the streets were under
his
guardianship, and he was called Pythius from havi
of Methymna, in the Island of Lesbos, where he gained great riches by
his
art. There is a pretty fable which has made the n
ch has made the name of Arion famous. Once when traveling from Lesbos
his
companions robbed him, and proposed to throw him
throw him into the sea. He entreated the seamen to let him play upon
his
harp before they threw him overboard, and he play
ump on. Aso′pus [Asopus]. A son of Jupiter, who was killed by one of
his
father’s thunderbolts. Assabi′nus [Assabinus], t
il. She was banished from heaven by her father Jupiter. “With Ate by
his
side come hot from hell.” Shakespeare. Athe′na
ica. He was also a great astronomer. He is depicted with the globe on
his
back, his name signifying great toil or labor. Fo
s also a great astronomer. He is depicted with the globe on his back,
his
name signifying great toil or labor. For his inho
h the globe on his back, his name signifying great toil or labor. For
his
inhospitality to Perseus that king changed him in
tality to Perseus that king changed him into the mountain which bears
his
name of Atlas. A chain of mountains in Africa is
ed after him, and so is the Atlantic Ocean. He had seven daughters by
his
wife Pleione, they were called by one common name
s wife Pleione, they were called by one common name, Pleiades; and by
his
wife Æthra he had seven more, who were, in the sa
ions. At′reus [Atreus], the type of fraternal hatred. His dislike of
his
brother Thyestes went to the extent of killing an
ke of his brother Thyestes went to the extent of killing and roasting
his
nephews, and inviting their father to a feast, wh
yestes thought was a sign of reconciliation, but he was the victim of
his
brother’s detestable cruelty. “Media must not dr
cruelty. “Media must not draw her murdering knife, Nor Atreus there
his
horrid feast prepare.” Lord Roscommon. At′ropo
ined speech, and cried out, “Save the king!” and the string that held
his
tongue was broken. A′tys [Atys] was a youth belo
Alpheus through it. Augæas promised to give Hercules a tenth part of
his
cattle for his trouble but, for neglecting to kee
h it. Augæas promised to give Hercules a tenth part of his cattle for
his
trouble but, for neglecting to keep his promise,
tenth part of his cattle for his trouble but, for neglecting to keep
his
promise, Hercules slew him. Au′gury [Augury]. Th
f Crete, after she was deserted by Theseus. The most distinguished of
his
children is Hymen, the god of marriage. Bacchus i
f wine is usually represented as crowned with vine and ivy leaves. In
his
left hand is a thyrsus, a kind of javelin, having
t of the Greek demi-gods. He was the reputed inventor of letters, and
his
alphabet consisted of sixteen letters. It was Cad
of love and marriage. Camil′lus [Camillus], a name of Mercury, from
his
office of minister to the gods. Can′ache [Canach
[Castor], son of Jupiter and Leda, twin brother of Pollux, noted for
his
skill in horsemanship. He went with Jason in ques
us [Ceraunius]. A Greek name of Jupiter, meaning The Fulminator, from
his
thunderbolts. Cer′berus [Cerberus]. Pluto’s famo
ed Cerberus, by fate Posted at Pluto’s iron gate; Low crouching rolls
his
haggard eyes, Ecstatic, and foregoes his prize.”
on gate; Low crouching rolls his haggard eyes, Ecstatic, and foregoes
his
prize.” Ceremonies, see Themis. Ce′res [Ceres]
s formed. “… Behold the throne Of Chaos, and
his
dark pavilion spread Wide on the wasteful deep; w
nthroned Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of all things, The consort of
his
reign.” Milton. Char′on [Charon] was the son o
rim ferryman. “From the dark mansions of the dead, Where Charon with
his
lazy boat Ferries o’er Lethe’s sedgy moat.” Cha
banished. When Ulysses landed at Ææa, where she lived, she turned all
his
followers into swine. Cisse′ta [Cisseta]. The na
sthus. She attempted to kill her son Orestes, but he was delivered by
his
sister Electra, who sent him away to Strophius. H
sy Cupid was that boasted one; He, uncontroll’d, thro’ heaven extends
his
sway, And gods and goddesses by turns obey.” Eus
s as Arges, Brontes, and Steropes. “Meantime, the Cyclop raging with
his
wound, Spreads his wide arms, and searches round
, and Steropes. “Meantime, the Cyclop raging with his wound, Spreads
his
wide arms, and searches round and round.” Pope.
ygnus], the bosom friend of Phaeton. He died of grief on the death of
his
friend, and was turned into a swan. Cyll′aros [C
Deucalion], one of the demi-gods, son of Prometheus and Pyrra. He and
his
wife, by making a ship, survived the deluge which
Francis. Diome′des [Diomedes], the cruel tyrant of Thrace, who fed
his
mares on the flesh of his guests. He was overcome
medes], the cruel tyrant of Thrace, who fed his mares on the flesh of
his
guests. He was overcome by Hercules, and himself
r of Bacchus. Diony′sius [Dionysius]. A name of Bacchus, either from
his
father Jupiter (Dios), or from his nurses, the ny
s]. A name of Bacchus, either from his father Jupiter (Dios), or from
his
nurses, the nymphs called Nysæ. Dios′curi [Diosc
Ege′ria [Egeria]. A nymph who is said to have suggested to Numa all
his
wise laws. She became his wife, and at his death
h who is said to have suggested to Numa all his wise laws. She became
his
wife, and at his death was so disconsolate, and s
have suggested to Numa all his wise laws. She became his wife, and at
his
death was so disconsolate, and shed so many tears
d is Greek, and means red. Eph′ial′tes [Ephialtes]. A giant who lost
his
right eye in an encounter with Hercules, and the
scal who burnt the temple of Diana at Ephesus, thereby hoping to make
his
name immortal. Eryc′ina [Erycina]. A name of Ven
expression meaning “Well done, son.” Jupiter so frequently addressed
his
son Bacchus by those words that the phrase at las
his son Bacchus by those words that the phrase at last became one of
his
names. Evening Star, see Hesperus. Evil, see Ca
a nymph. Polyphemus, one of the Cyclops, loved her, but she disdained
his
attentions and became the lover of Acis, a Sicili
e′ryon [Geryon] was a triple-bodied monster who lived at Gades, where
his
numerous flocks were guarded by Orthos, a two-hea
s usually represented as a young man, holding a finger of one hand to
his
lips (expressive of a command to preserve silence
aused the Trojan War. After the death of Paris she married Deiphobus,
his
brother, and then betrayed him to Menelaus. She w
er dreams, And sings of Helicon’s bright streams; But Helicon for all
his
clatter Yields only uninspiring water.” Broome,
] was the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. The goddess Juno hated him from
his
birth, and sent two serpents to kill him, but tho
nly eight months old he strangled them. As he got older he was set by
his
master Eurystheus what were thought to be twelve
ian Stag with the golden horns and brazen hoofs. Fourth, To bring to
his
master the Boar of Erymanthus. Fifth, To cleanse
headings, as Antæus, Cacus, etc. His death was brought about through
his
endeavors to preserve Deianira from the attacks o
us, the centaur, whom he killed. The centaur, before he expired, gave
his
mystic tunic to Deianira, who in turn gave it to
c to Deianira, who in turn gave it to Hercules, and he put it on, but
his
doing so brought on an illness of which he could
Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew, and dog will have
his
day.” Shakespeare. Herdsmen, see Bubona. Her′
cean now I fly, And those happy climes that lie Where day never shuts
his
eye, Upon the broad fields of the sky: There I su
re I suck the liquid air, All amidst the gardens fair Of Hesperus and
his
daughters three, That sing about the golden tree.
accidentally slain by him with a quoit. Apollo caused to spring from
his
blood the flower Hyacinth. Hy′ades [Hyades] were
one of the Muses. He was represented as a handsome youth, holding in
his
hand a burning torch. “Some few there are of sor
just, and kind, Abhors the mercenary mind; Such rebels groan beneath
his
rod, For Hymen’s a vindictive god.” Dr. Cotton,
lees]. The Arabian Satan. Ic′arus [Icarus], son of Dædalus, who with
his
father made themselves wings with which to fly fr
were peculiar to some district. In′dra [Indra]. The Hindoo Jupiter;
his
wife was Indrant, who presides over the winds and
urning with hot irons the place where the heads were cut off; and for
his
assistance he was restored to youth by Hebe. Love
his assistance he was restored to youth by Hebe. Lovers used to go to
his
monument at Phocis and ratify their vows of fidel
shiped divinity of the Egyptians. See Io. I′tys [Itys] was killed by
his
mother Procne when six years old, and given to hi
tys] was killed by his mother Procne when six years old, and given to
his
father Tereus, a Thracian of Daulis, as food. The
ing to others, because he was taken for the sun, who opens the day at
his
rising, and shuts it at his setting. A brazen tem
s taken for the sun, who opens the day at his rising, and shuts it at
his
setting. A brazen temple was erected to him in Ro
e gave him he overcame all the difficulties which the king had put in
his
way. He took away the Golden Fleece and Medea als
his way. He took away the Golden Fleece and Medea also. The king sent
his
son Absyrtus to overtake the fugitives, but Medea
Absyrtus to overtake the fugitives, but Medea killed him, and strewed
his
limbs in his father’s path, so that he might be d
vertake the fugitives, but Medea killed him, and strewed his limbs in
his
father’s path, so that he might be delayed in col
and nourished by the goat Amalthæa. When quite young Jupiter rescued
his
father from the Titans; and afterward, with the h
is represented as a majestic personage seated on a throne, holding in
his
hands a scepter and a thunderbolt; at his feet st
ted on a throne, holding in his hands a scepter and a thunderbolt; at
his
feet stood a spread eagle. Justice, see Astrea,
pursued by Pan, where she was changed into a reed, and where Pan made
his
first pipe. Læ′laps [Lælaps]. One of Diana’s hun
ton. Laoc′oon [Laocoon]. One of the priests of Apollo, who was, with
his
two sons, strangled to death by serpents, because
Vulcan. Lem′ures [Lemures]. The ghosts of departed souls. Milton, in
his
“Ode to the Nativity,” says — “Lemures moan with
of oblivion, rolls Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks Forthwith
his
former state and being forgets, Forgets both joy
t British mythology the king of the Britons. He is said to have given
his
name to London. Lu′na [Luna]. The name of Diana
the moon. Lu′percus [Lupercus], or Pan. The Roman god of fertility;
his
festival day was 15th February, and the festivals
he ancient deities. Amphion built the walls of Thebes by the music of
his
lyre. Arion charmed the dolphins in a similar way
rmed the dolphins in a similar way. Hercules broke the head of Linus,
his
music-master, with the lyre he was learning to us
us. Mars, the god of war, was the son of Jupiter and Juno. Venus was
his
favorite goddess, and among their children were C
us [Menelaus]. A Spartan king, brother of Agamemnon. The elopement of
his
wife Helen with Paris was the cause of the siege
e is usually represented as having on a winged cap, and with wings on
his
heels. “And there, without the power to fly, Sta
turned into gold. The request was granted, and as soon as he touched
his
food it also was turned to gold, and for fear of
en Apollo and Pan, gave the satyr the palm; whereupon Apollo, to show
his
contempt, bestowed on him a pair of asses’ ears.
], a celebrated Croton athlete, who is said to have felled an ox with
his
fist, and to have eaten the beast in one day. His
t to be an old man he attempted to split an oak tree, but having lost
his
youthful vigor, the tree closed on his hand and h
t an oak tree, but having lost his youthful vigor, the tree closed on
his
hand and he was held a prisoner till the wolves c
“wild women” who accompanied Bacchus, so called because they mimicked
his
actions, putting horns on their heads when they t
cked his actions, putting horns on their heads when they took part in
his
orgies. Mi′mir [Mimir]. In Scandinavian mytholog
who blamed Jove for not having made a window in man’s breast, so that
his
thoughts could be seen. His bitter jests occasion
east, so that his thoughts could be seen. His bitter jests occasioned
his
being driven from heaven in disgrace. He is repre
ted as holding an image of Folly in one hand, and raising a mask from
his
face with the other. He is also described as the
nymph drove him to despair, and he killed himself. There sprang from
his
blood a flower, which was named after him, Narcis
fter him, Narcissus. “Narcissus so himself forsook, And died to kiss
his
shadow in the brook.” “Hadst thou Narcissus in th
or sea-horses, and surrounded by Tritons and sea-nymphs. He holds in
his
hand a trident, with which he rules the waves. Th
e two functions of the god are portrayed in the sea horses with which
his
chariot is drawn, the fore-half of the animal bei
mal being a horse, and the hind-half a dolphin. Ships were also under
his
protection, and whenever he appeared on the ocean
The name of the Centaur that was destroyed by Hercules for insulting
his
wife Deianira. Nessus’s blood-smeared robe proved
e proved fatal to Hercules. Nes′tor [Nestor]. A grandson of Neptune,
his
father being Neleus, and his mother Chloris. Home
Nes′tor [Nestor]. A grandson of Neptune, his father being Neleus, and
his
mother Chloris. Homer makes him one of the greate
Nightmare, see Incubus. Ni′lus [Nilus], a king of Thebes, who gave
his
name to the Nile, the great Egyptian river. Nine
hailstorms. Nycte′lius [Nyctelius]. A name given to Bacchus, because
his
festivals were celebrated by torchlight. Nymphs.
a who was invisible by virtue of a particular lock of hair. This lock
his
daughter Scylla cut off, and so betrayed her fath
This lock his daughter Scylla cut off, and so betrayed her father to
his
enemies. She was changed into a lark, and the kin
s changed into a lark, and the king into a hawk, and he still pursues
his
daughter, intending to punish her for her treache
Terra, and husband of Tethys. Several mythological rivers were called
his
sons, as Alpheus, Peneus, etc., and his daughters
thological rivers were called his sons, as Alpheus, Peneus, etc., and
his
daughters were called the Oceanides. Some of the
ancients worshiped him as the god of the seas, and invariably invoked
his
aid when they were about to start on a voyage. He
y day. Ocrid′ion [Ocridion]. A king of Rhodes, who was deified after
his
death. Ocy′pete [Ocypete]. One of the Harpies, w
father of all the Scandinavian kings. His wife’s name was Friga, and
his
two sons were Thor and Balder. The Wodin of the e
ounded by the Sphinx. In solving the riddle Œdipus unwittingly killed
his
father, and, discovering the fact, he destroyed h
nwittingly killed his father, and, discovering the fact, he destroyed
his
own eyesight, and wandered away from Thebes, atte
estroyed his own eyesight, and wandered away from Thebes, attended by
his
daughter Antigone. Œdipus is the subject of two f
o drowse, Charmed with Arcadian pipe — the pastoral reed Of Hermes or
his
opiate-rod.” Milton. Ops. Mother of the gods,
of Vulcan, who gave him a guide. He then consulted an oracle, and had
his
sight restored, as Longfellow says, by fixing “H
He was afterward slain by Diana and placed amongst the stars, where
his
constellation is one of the most splendid. Ori′t
. Orpheus went down to Hades to claim her, and played so sweetly with
his
lute that Pluto allowed Eurydice to return to the
im until he had reached the terrestrial regions. Orpheus, however, in
his
anxiety to see if she were following him, looked
f she were following him, looked round, and Eurydice disappeared from
his
sight, instantly and forever. “Orpheus’ lute was
an [Pæan]. A name given Apollo, from pæan, the hymn which was sung in
his
honor after he had killed the serpent Python. Pæa
sually considered to have been the son of Mercury and Penelope. After
his
birth he was metamorphosed into the mythical form
derived from this episode. The Fauns, who greatly resembled Pan, were
his
attendants. “Piping on their reeds the shepherds
s. See Fates. Par′is [Paris], the son of Priam, king of Troy, and of
his
mother Hecuba. It had been predicted that he woul
predicted that he would be the cause of the destruction of Troy, and
his
father therefore ordered him to be strangled as s
uld be the umpire. He was sent for, and each of the goddesses courted
his
favor by offering all sorts of bribes. Juno offer
e golden apple to Venus. Soon after this episode Priam owned Paris as
his
son, and sent him to Greece to fetch Helen, who w
n the world. She was the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta; but during
his
absence Paris carried Helen away to Troy, and thi
s. His abode was on Mount Helicon, where, by striking the ground with
his
hoof, he caused water to spring forth, which form
, which formed the fountain afterward called Hippocrene. “Each spurs
his
faded Pegasus apace.” Byron. “Thy stumblin
Heaved on Olympus tottering Ossa stood; On Ossa, Pelion nods with all
his
wood.” Pope. Pe′lops [Pelops], son of Tantalus
Now on Dædalian waxen pinions stray, Or those which wafted Perseus on
his
way.” F. Lewis. Persuasion, goddess of, see Pi
rding to many mythologists, of Phœbus and Clymene. Anxious to display
his
skill in horsemanship, he was allowed to drive th
red of him; but when the ointment had all been used Phaon returned to
his
former condition, and Sappho, in despair, drowned
[Philoctetes] was son of Pœas, and one of the companions of Jason on
his
Argonautic expedition. He was present at the deat
head on the banquet table. “Forth like a fury Philomela flew, And at
his
face the head of Itys threw.” Pope. “And thou,
hle′gyas [Phlegyas]. Son of Mars and father of Ixion and Coronis. For
his
impiety in desecrating and plundering the temple
to Hades, and there was made to sit with a huge stone suspended over
his
head, ready to be dropped on him at any moment.
His principal attendant was the three-headed dog Cerberus, and about
his
throne were the Eumenides, the Harpies, and the F
being blind and lame; blind because he so often injudiciously bestows
his
riches, and lame because fortunes come so slowly.
y. Plu′vius [Pluvius]. A name of Jupiter, because he had the rain in
his
control. Podalir′ius [Podalirius]. A famous surg
her of Castor. Their father was Jupiter and their mother Leda. He and
his
brother form the constellation Gemini. His Greek
e Greeks called the god of the sea. He captured Ulysses and twelve of
his
companions, and it is said that six of them were
r that he sent him a box full of evils, which Prometheus refused; but
his
brother Epimetheus, not so cautious, opened it, a
cury to bind him to Mount Caucasus, where a vulture daily preyed upon
his
liver, which grew in the night as much as it had
and Ceres. Pluto carried her off to the infernal regions and made her
his
wife. She was known by the names of “the Queen of
ophius, King of Phanote, and husband of Electra; famous on account of
his
faithful friendship with Orestes.
Quadra′tus [Quadratus]. A surname given to Mercury, because some of
his
statues were four-sided. Quad′rifrons [Quadrifro
uires into the manner, place, and time; The conscious wretch must all
his
acts reveal, Loth to confess, unable to conceal;
reveal, Loth to confess, unable to conceal; From the first moment of
his
vital breath, To the last hour of unrepenting dea
, a shepherd, who brought them up. Remus was killed in a quarrel with
his
brother, and Romulus became the first King of Rom
burning on the altar. Then, turning to the east, the priest drew with
his
knife a crooked line along the back of the beast
manner after Jupiter had visited her, at her special request, in all
his
terrible splendor. She was deified after her deat
Chimæra, Eurydice, and Medusa. “Pleasing was
his
shape, And lovely; never since of serpent kind, L
wned with flowers. “And there two Satyrs on the ground, Stretched at
his
ease, their sire Silenus found.” Singing, see P
To avoid the snare when nearing their abode, Ulysses had the ears of
his
companions stopped with wax, and had himself tied
his companions stopped with wax, and had himself tied to the mast of
his
ship. They thus sailed past in safety; but the Si
rnal regions, and as it rolled down again when he reached the summit,
his
punishment was perpetual. “I turned my eye, and
ound.” Pope. “Thy stone, O Sisyphus, stands still Ixion rests upon
his
wheel, And the pale specters dance.” F. Lewis.
the riddle thus: Man is the animal; for, when an infant he crawls on
his
hands and feet, in the noontide of life he walks
d feet, in the noontide of life he walks erect, and as the evening of
his
existence sets in, he supports himself with a sti
assing to the regions of the dead. See Achilles and Thetis. “To seal
his
sacred vow by Styx he swore: — The lake with liqu
unities of Pan, was by Diana changed into reeds, out of which he made
his
celebrated pipes, and named them “The Syrinx.”
lus]. Father of Niobe and Pelops, who, as a punishment for serving up
his
son Pelops as meat at a feast given to the gods,
ions; but the waters receded from him whenever he attempted to quench
his
burning thirst. Hence the word “tantalizing”. Spe
severe punishment of Tantalus. In a lake, whose waters approached to
his
lips, he stood burning with thirst, without the p
burning with thirst, without the power to drink. Whenever he inclined
his
head to the stream, some deity commanded it to be
am, some deity commanded it to be dry, and the dark earth appeared at
his
feet. Around him lofty trees spread their fruits
and the luscious fig quivered before him, which, whenever he extended
his
hand to seize them, were snatched by the winds in
“There, Tantalus, along the Stygian bound, Pours out deep groans, —
his
groans through hell resound. E’en in the circling
, but became enamored of her sister Philomela, who, however, resented
his
attentions, which so enraged him that he cut out
le over the aerial regions, and, like Jupiter, hurled thunder against
his
foes. Thor′s Belt is a girdle which doubles his
rled thunder against his foes. Thor′s Belt is a girdle which doubles
his
strength whenever the war-god puts it on. Thoth.
hyr′sus [Thyrsus], a kind of javelin or staff carried by Dionysus and
his
attendants. It was usually wreathed with ivy and
quished by Jupiter. Ti′tans [Titans] were the supporters of Titan in
his
war against Saturn and Jupiter. They were the son
nic. Ti-tho′nus [Tithonus]. The husband of Aurora. At the request of
his
wife the gods granted him immortality, but she fo
lting Diana. He, like Prometheus, has a vulture constantly feeding on
his
ever-growing liver, the liver being supposed to b
king of Ithaca, whose exploits in connection with the Trojan war, and
his
adventures on his return therefrom, are the subje
ose exploits in connection with the Trojan war, and his adventures on
his
return therefrom, are the subject of Homer’s Odys
to go. He was of great help to the Grecians, and forced Achilles from
his
retreat, and obtained the charmed arrows of Hercu
hem at the heel of Achilles, and so kill that charmed warrior. During
his
wanderings on his homeward voyage he was taken pr
Achilles, and so kill that charmed warrior. During his wanderings on
his
homeward voyage he was taken prisoner by the Cycl
Æolia he obtained all the winds of heaven, and put them in a bag; but
his
companions, thinking that the bags contained trea
he ships were immediately blown back to Æolia. After Circe had turned
his
companions into swine on an island where he and t
ds of the Sirens he escaped their allurements by stopping the ears of
his
companions with wax, and fastening himself to the
ears of his companions with wax, and fastening himself to the mast of
his
ship. His wife Penelope was a pattern of constanc
r being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also
his
offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring
and father of Chronos (Time) and the Titans. The Greek name of Cœlus;
his
descendants are sometimes called Uranides. Ur′gu
. “Little Jupiter” — a name given to Jupiter when he appeared without
his
thunder. Veju′piter [Vejupiter], see Vejovis. V
ing, and at last dropped into Lemnos with such violence that he broke
his
leg, and was lame forever after. Vulcan was marri
nd grace the infant year.” John Hughes, 1700. Ze′tes [Zetes], with
his
brother Calais, drove the Harpies from Thrace. Z
a suosque tibi commendat Troia Penates : « Hos cape fatorum comites ;
his
mœnia quære, « Magna pererrato statues quæ deniqu
one quod instat « Expedias victor, paucis, adverte, docebo. « Arcades
his
oris, genus a Pallante profectum, « Qui regem Eva
icerone dichiara : « Oracula ex eo ipso appellata sunt, quod inest in
his
deorum oratio. » In greco avevano due o tre termi
erciò improprio, calzando ben qui quel di Orazio : Sed nunc non erat
his
locus. Detti episodii debbono però maneggiarsi co
rices fuerunt, quae transeuntes quoniam eos perducebant ad egestatèm,
his
fictae sunt inferre naufragia. Has Ulysses contem
ugiato nel Lazio, ed ivi nascostosi; donde il nome stesso di Latium,
his
quoniam latuisset tutus in oris ( Virg., Eneide,
▲