Cupid and Psyche

t to a second and a third around the grand bed of the laboring mother. The midwife pulled out the washing stand so that she could wring the wet cloth in the basin and clean the sweats and t

had been pacing back and forth for hours. At last, the midwife reapp

t beautiful baby girl!" the mid

ooked down at his daughter and gasped as his

s anointed the ba

er shall sweep through the neighboring islands, through tracts of the mainland and numerous kingdoms.

hed windows. The royal parents brought their newborn child to the balcony of their d

e. The baby stirred and opened her eyes for the first time. They were like brilliant gems on ivory. Her lips curve

rushed to a fine powder and smeared over her skin. A thick mas

beautiful princesses of their time. But the beauty of the youngest was so exquisite and disti

ts for the crowd of guests who came to enjoy her sight. They brought with them many gifts

her praises from the city below. Through the street, people would cr

asure grounds. The sky had drawn its black veil over the city, but there were still many of hordes of foreigners gathere

Venus, who was sprung from the dark-blue depths of the sea and sent to heaven by the frothing waves, had bestowed the favor of divinity to Psyc

eir hands to their lips and reverse her with devoted

ravishing looks. She was the object of all eyes. The praising hymn from everyone's lips was as good as the wind to her. No king or prince or even commoner courted her or

and loneliness. Sick of the body and wounded at heart, she

he princess spirit low, burning s

formed her. She turned away and continued to another c

ding her. They went under the very lattice and advanced a little further into the in

was so wondrous and fair, an epitome of symmetry and loveliness, that ev

s helped her take off her clothes an

iful silk, clasped her arms with gold bracelets

ared. She sat down beside her two beautiful sisters, but her charms und

e, but she felt as if she was mor

Venus. Sacrifices on her altars were postponed, her shrines grew unsightly, couches became threadbare, r

th wreaths and flowers to address their prayers. They gazed upon her

pitied his beloved child. He suspected that the god

throne and spok

worries as my darling daughter is still unwed. Though fair as she is, no one dares to take her hand. Therefore, I have decided to seek the

is decision. It was true that even the noblest of them

ly and ordered his men to prepare ca

ed a splendid box encased in gold and diamonds. He also sacrificed an ox for the prediction. The Oracle tossed a handful

ave, stinging the eyes of

can be your son-in-law, for she shall wed a fierce, barbaric, snake-like monster. Her lover, flitting on wings, makes all things miserable, plaguing each bei

t, he was rendered speechless by the prophecy. The King had formerly enjo