A Story of the Golden Age

o think to himself that there was more wisdom in the words of his companion than in all the waters of the Castalian spring. He could see, from where

they gain it in quite another way. They drink of its waters every day; but while they drink, they liste

as they please," said he. "In any case, their wisdom would come hard

ut Apollo,"

eat, so that he could look the boy full in the face, and at t

hoirs of white swans flew seven times around the island, piping notes of praise to the pure being who had come to dwell among men. Then Zeus looked down from high Olympus, and crowned the babe with a golden head-band, and put into his hands

ell-wheeled wagons, and daily drive their flocks and herds to fresher pastures. They carried him over that unknown land where the Arimaspian host of one-eyed horsemen dwell beside a river running bright with gold; and on the seventh day they came to the great Rhip?an Mountains where the griffins, with lion bodies and eagle wings, guard the golden treasures of the North. In these mountains, the North Wind has his home; and from his deep caves he now and then comes forth, chilling with his cold and angry breath the orchards and the fair fields of Hellas, and bringing death and dire disasters in his train. But northward this blustering Boreas cannot blow, for the heaven-towering mountains stand like a wall against him, and drive him back; and hence it is that beyond these mountains the storms

had long been waiting. And he took up his abode there, and dwelt with them one whole year, delighting them with his presence, and ruling over them as their king. But when twelve moons had passed, he bethought him that

a, by the shore of Lake Copais; and there he began to build a house, for the land was a pleasant one, well-watered, and rich in grain and fruit. But the nymph Tilphussa liked not to have A

mpt the spoiler, and the song of the cicada will then give place to the din of battle. Even in times of peace, you would hardly have a quiet hour here: for great herds of cattle come crowding down every da

vale, a neighbor and friend to thee. Yet, since this place is not what

e the earth's centre,' answered the nymph. 'There thou canst dwell in

led the master-architects of the world, Trophonius and Agamedes, and gave to them the building of the high walls and the massive

brothers, 'that which

the full moon is seen above the moun

and clear above the heights

LAYING T

LAYING T

e was one thing to be done before he could have perfect rest. There lived near the foot of the mountain a huge serpent called Python, which was the terror of all the land. Oftentimes, coming o

ld fain have hidden himself in the deep gorges of the mountain. But Apollo quickly launched a swift arrow at him, crying, 'Thou bane of man, lie thou upon the earth, and enrich it with thy dead body!' And the never-erring arrow sped to the mark; and the great beast died, wallowing in his gore. And the people

2 at the end

day he stood upon the mountain's top-most peak, whence he could see all Hellas and the seas around it. Far away in th

l serve in my te

umb with terror, and sat still in their places; their oars were motionless; the sail hung limp and useless from the mast. Yet the vessel sped through the waves with the speed of the wind, for the dolphin was driving it forward by the force of his fins. Past many a headland, past Pylos and many pleasant harbors, they hastened. Va

icken crew stood gazing at the wonder, it fell with the quickness of light upon Parnassus. Into his temple Apollo hastened, and there he kindled an undying

come? Shall I greet you as friends and guests, or shall I know

our way to sandy Pylos with stores of merchandise, to barter with the tradesmen of that city. But some unknown being, whose might is greater than the might of men,

ur goods, and built an altar upon the shore, take of your white barley which you have with you, and offer it reverently to Ph?bus Apollo. For I am he; and it was I who brought you hither, so that you might keep my temp

thanks to the ever-living powers who had saved them from the terrors of the deep. And after they had feasted, and rested from their long voyage, they turned their faces toward Parnassus; and Apollo, playing sweeter music than

your thoughts, and keep your hearts free from guile. If you do these things, you shall be blessed with length of days and all that makes life glad. But if you forget my words, and deal

n, and looks into his house, and speaks words of warning and of hope to his servants; and often men have seen him on Pa

w of the mountain; and the boy listened with eyes wide open and full of wonder, h