\"Iwillneitherdrinkthatnoranythingelse，\"saidProserpina。
\"NorwillItasteamorseloffood，evenifyoukeepmeforeverinyourpalace。\"
\"Ishouldbesorryforthat，\"repliedKingPluto，pattinghercheek；forhereallywishedtobekind，ifhehadonlyknownhow。\"Youareaspoiledchild，Iperceive，mylittleProserpina；butwhenyouseethenicethingswhichmycookwillmakeforyou，yourappetitewillquicklycomeagain。\"
Then，sendingfortheheadcook，hegavestrictordersthatallsortsofdelicacies，suchasyoungpeopleareusuallyfondof，shouldbesetbeforeProserpina。Hehadasecretmotiveinthis；for，youaretounderstand，itisafixedlaw，thatwhenpersonsarecarriedofftothelandofmagic，iftheyoncetasteanyfoodthere，theycannevergetbacktotheirfriends。
Now，ifKingPlutohadbeencunningenoughtoofferProserpinasomefruit，orbreadandmilk（whichwasthesimplefaretowhichthechildhadalwaysbeenaccustomed），itisveryprobablethatshewouldsoonhavebeentemptedtoeatit。Butheleftthematterentirelytohiscook，who，likeallothercooks，considerednothingfittoeatunlessitwererichpastry，orhighly-seasonedmeat，orspicedsweetcakes——thingswhichProserpina’smotherhadnevergivenher，andthesmellofwhichquitetookawayherappetite，insteadofsharpeningit。
ButmystorymustnowclamberoutofKingPluto’sdominions，andseewhatMotherCereshadbeenabout，sinceshewasbereftofherdaughter。Wehadaglimpseofher，asyouremember，halfhiddenamongthewavinggrain，whilethefourblacksteedswereswiftlywhirlingalongthechariot，inwhichherbelovedProserpinawassounwillinglyborneaway。Yourecollect，too，theloudscreamwhichProserpinagave，justwhenthechariotwasoutofsight。
Ofallthechild’soutcries，thislastshriekwastheonlyonethatreachedtheearsofMotherCeres。Shehadmistakentherumblingofthechariotwheelsforapealofthunder，andimaginedthatashowerwascomingup，andthatitwouldassistherinmakingthecorngrow。But，atthesoundofProserpina’sshriek，shestarted，andlookedaboutineverydirection，notknowingwhenceitcame，butfeelingalmostcertainthatitwasherdaughter’svoice。Itseemedsounaccountable，however，thatthegirlshouldhavestrayedoversomanylandsandseas（whichsheherselfcouldnothavetraversedwithouttheaidofherwingeddragons），thatthegoodCerestriedtobelievethatitmustbethechildofsomeotherparent，andnotherowndarlingProserpina，whohadutteredthislamentablecry。Nevertheless，ittroubledherwithavastmanytenderfears，suchasarereadytobestirthemselvesineverymother’sheart，whenshefindsitnecessarytogoawayfromherdearchildrenwithoutleavingthemunderthecareofsomemaidenaunt，orothersuchfaithfulguardian。Soshequicklyleftthefieldinwhichshehadbeensobusy；and，asherworkwasnothalfdone，thegrainlooked，nextday，asifitneededbothsunandrain，andasifitwereblightedintheear，andhadsomethingthematterwithitsroots。
Thepairofdragonsmusthavehadverynimblewings；for，inlessthananhour，MotherCereshadalightedatthedoorofherhome，andfounditempty。Knowing，however，thatthechildwasfondofsportingonthesea-shore，shehastenedthitherasfastasshecould，andtherebeheldthewetfacesofthepoorseanymphspeepingoverawave。Allthiswhile，thegoodcreatureshadbeenwaitingonthebankofsponge，andonce，everyhalfminuteorso，hadpoppeduptheirfourheadsabovewater，toseeiftheirplaymatewereyetcomingback。WhentheysawMotherCeres，theysatdownonthecrestofthesurfwave，andletittossthemashoreatherfeet。
\"WhereisProserpina？\"criedCeres。\"Whereismychild？Tellme，younaughtyseanymphs，haveyouenticedherunderthesea？\"
\"O，no，goodMotherCeres，\"saidtheinnocentseanymphs，tossingbacktheirgreenringlets，andlookingherintheface。
\"Wenevershoulddreamofsuchathing。Proserpinahasbeenatplaywithus，itistrue；butsheleftusalongwhileago，meaningonlytorunalittlewayuponthedryland，andgathersomeflowersforawreath。Thiswasearlyintheday，andwehaveseennothingofhersince。\"
Ceresscarcelywaitedtohearwhatthenymphshadtosay，beforeshehurriedofftomakeinquiriesallthroughtheneighborhood。ButnobodytoldheranythingthatwouldenablethepoormothertoguesswhathadbecomeofProserpina。A
fisherman，itistrue，hadnoticedherlittlefootprintsinthesand，ashewenthomewardalongthebeachwithabasketoffish；arustichadseenthechildstoopingtogatherflowers；
severalpersonshadheardeithertherattlingofchariotwheels，ortherumblingofdistantthunder；andoneoldwoman，whilepluckingvervainandcatnip，hadheardascream，butsupposedittobesomechildishnonsense，andthereforedidnottakethetroubletolookup。Thestupidpeople！Ittookthemsuchatediouswhiletotellthenothingthattheyknew，thatitwasdarknightbeforeMotherCeresfoundoutthatshemustseekherdaughterelsewhere。Soshelightedatorch，andsetforth，resolvingnevertocomebackuntilProserpinawasdiscovered。
Inherhasteandtroubleofmind，shequiteforgothercarandthewingeddragons；or，itmaybe，shethoughtthatshecouldfollowupthesearchmorethoroughlyonfoot。Atallevents，thiswasthewayinwhichshebeganhersorrowfuljourney，holdinghertorchbeforeher，andlookingcarefullyateveryobjectalongthepath。Andasithappened，shehadnotgonefarbeforeshefoundoneofthemagnificentflowerswhichgrewontheshrubthatProserpinahadpulledup。
\"Ha！\"thoughtMotherCeres，examiningitbytorchlight。\"Hereismischiefinthisflower！Theearthdidnotproduceitbyanyhelpofmine，norofitsownaccord。Itistheworkofenchantment，andisthereforepoisonous；andperhapsithaspoisonedmypoorchild。\"
Butsheputthepoisonousflowerinherbosom，notknowingwhethershemighteverfindanyothermemorialofProserpina。
Allnightlong，atthedoorofeverycottageandfarm-house，Ceresknocked，andcalledupthewearylaborerstoinquireiftheyhadseenherchild；andtheystood，gapingandhalf-
asleep，atthethreshold，andansweredherpityingly，andbesoughthertocomeinandrest。Attheportalofeverypalace，too，shemadesoloudasummonsthatthemenialshurriedtothrowopenthegate，thinkingthatitmustbesomegreatkingorqueen，whowoulddemandabanquetforsupperandastatelychambertoreposein。Andwhentheysawonlyasadandanxiouswoman，withatorchinherhandandawreathofwitheredpoppiesonherhead，theyspokerudely，andsometimesthreatenedtosetthedogsuponher。ButnobodyhadseenProserpina，norcouldgiveMotherCerestheleasthintwhichwaytoseekher。Thuspassedthenight；andstillshecontinuedhersearchwithoutsittingdowntorest，orstoppingtotakefood，orevenrememberingtoputoutthetorchalthoughfirsttherosydawn，andthenthegladlightofthemorningsun，madeitsredflamelookthinandpale。ButIwonderwhatsortofstuffthistorchwasmadeof；foritburneddimlythroughtheday，and，atnight，wasasbrightasever，andneverwasextinguishedbytherainorwind，inallthewearydaysandnightswhileCereswasseekingforProserpina。
Itwasnotmerelyofhumanbeingsthatsheaskedtidingsofherdaughter。Inthewoodsandbythestreams，shemetcreaturesofanothernature，whoused，inthoseoldtimes，tohauntthepleasantandsolitaryplaces，andwereverysociablewithpersonswhounderstoodtheirlanguageandcustoms，asMotherCeresdid。Sometimes，forinstance，shetappedwithherfingeragainsttheknottedtrunkofamajesticoak；andimmediatelyitsrudebarkwouldcleaveasunder，andforthwouldstepabeautifulmaiden，whowasthehamadryadoftheoak，dwellinginsideofit，andsharingitslonglife，andrejoicingwhenitsgreenleavessportedwiththebreeze。ButnotoneoftheseleafydamselshadseenProserpina。Then，goingalittlefarther，Cereswould，perhaps，cometoafountain，gushingoutofapebblyhollowintheearth，andwoulddabblewithherhandinthewater。Behold，upthroughitssandyandpebblybed，alongwiththefountain’sgush，ayoungwomanwithdrippinghairwouldarise，andstandgazingatMotherCeres，halfoutofthewater，andundulatingupanddownwithitsever-restlessmotion。Butwhenthemotheraskedwhetherherpoorlostchildhadstoppedtodrinkoutofthefountain，thenaiad，withweepingeyes（forthesewater-nymphshadtearstospareforeverybody’sgrief，wouldanswer\"No！\"inamurmuringvoice，whichwasjustlikethemurmurofthestream。
Often，likewise，sheencounteredfauns，wholookedlikesunburntcountrypeople，exceptthattheyhadhairyears，andlittlehornsupontheirforeheads，andthehinderlegsofgoats，onwhichtheygamboledmerrilyaboutthewoodsandfields。Theywereafrolicsomekindofcreaturebutgrewassadastheircheerfuldispositionswouldallow，whenCeresinquiredforherdaughter，andtheyhadnogoodnewstotell。Butsometimesshesamesuddenlyuponarudegangofsatyrs，whohadfaceslikemonkeys，andhorses’tailsbehindthem，andwhoweregenerallydancinginaveryboisterousmanner，withshoutsofnoisylaughter。Whenshestoppedtoquestionthem，theywouldonlylaughthelouder，andmakenewmerrimentoutofthelonewoman’sdistress。Howunkindofthoseuglysatyrs！Andonce，whilecrossingasolitarysheeppasture，shesawapersonagenamedPan，seatedatthefootofatallrock，andmakingmusiconashepherd’sflute。He，too，hadhorns，andhairyears，andgoats’feet；but，beingacquaintedwithMotherCeres，heansweredherquestionascivillyasheknewhow，andinvitedhertotastesomemilkandhoneyoutofawoodenbowl。ButneithercouldPantellherwhathadbecomeofProserpina，anybetterthantherestofthesewildpeople。
AndthusMotherCereswentwanderingaboutforninelongdaysandnights，findingnotraceofProserpina，unlessitwerenowandthenawitheredflower；andtheseshepickedupandputinherbosom，becauseshefanciedthattheymighthavefallenfromherpoorchild’shand。Alldayshetraveledonwardthroughthehotsun；and，atnightagain，theflameofthetorchwouldreddenandgleamalongthepathway，andshecontinuedhersearchbyitslight，withouteversittingdowntorest。
Onthetenthday，shechancedtoespythemouthofacavernwithinwhich（thoughitwasbrightnooneverywhereelse）therewouldhavebeenonlyaduskytwilight；butitsohappenedthatatorchwasburningthere。Itflickered，andstruggledwiththeduskiness，butcouldnothalflightupthegloomycavernwithallitsmelancholyglimmer。Cereswasresolvedtoleavenospotwithoutasearch；soshepeepedintotheentranceofthecave，andlighteditupalittlemore，byholdingherowntorchbeforeher。Insodoing，shecaughtaglimpseofwhatseemedtobeawoman，sittingonthebrownleavesofthelastautumn，agreatheapofwhichhadbeensweptintothecavebythewind。
Thiswoman（ifwomanitwere）wasbynomeanssobeautifulasmanyofhersex；forherhead，theytellme，wasshapedverymuchlikeadog’s，and，bywayofornament，sheworeawreathofsnakesaroundit。ButMotherCeres，themomentshesawher，knewthatthiswasanoddkindofaperson，whoputallherenjoymentinbeingmiserable，andneverwouldhaveawordtosaytootherpeople，unlesstheywereasmelancholyandwretchedassheherselfdelightedtobe。
\"Iamwretchedenoughnow，\"thoughtpoorCeres，\"totalkwiththismelancholyHecate，wereshetentimessadderthanevershewasyet。\"Soshesteppedintothecave，andsatdownonthewitheredleavesbythedog-headedwoman’sside。Inalltheworld，sinceherdaughter’sloss，shehadfoundnoothercompanion。
\"OHecate，\"saidshe，\"ifeveryouloseadaughter，youwillknowwhatsorrowis。Tellme，forpity’ssake，haveyouseenmypoorchildProserpinapassbythemouthofyourcavern？\"
\"No，\"answeredHecate，inacrackedvoice，andsighingbetwixteverywordortwo；\"no，MotherCeres，Ihaveseennothingofyourdaughter。Butmyears，youmustknow，aremadeinsuchaway，thatallcriesofdistressandaffrightallovertheworldareprettysuretofindtheirwaytothem；andninedaysago，asIsatinmycave，makingmyselfverymiserable，Iheardthevoiceofayounggirl，shriekingasifingreatdistress。
Somethingterriblehashappenedtothechild，youmayrestassured。AswellasIcouldjudge，adragon，orsomeothercruelmonster，wascarryingheraway。\"
\"Youkillmebysayingso，\"criedCeres，almostreadytofaint。
\"Wherewasthesound，andwhichwaydiditseemtogo？\"
\"Itpassedveryswiftlyalong，\"saidHecate，\"and，atthesametime，therewasaheavyrumblingofwheelstowardstheeastward。Icantellyounothingmore，exceptthat，inmyhonestopinion，youwillneverseeyourdaughteragain。ThebestadviceIcangiveyouis，totakeupyourabodeinthiscavern，wherewewillbethetwomostwretchedwomenintheworld。\"
\"Notyet，darkHecate，\"repliedCeres。\"Butdoyoufirstcomewithyourtorch，andhelpmetoseekformylostchild。Andwhenthereshallbenomorehopeoffindingher（ifthatblackdayisordainedtocome），then，ifyouwillgivemeroomtoflingmyselfdown，eitheronthesewitheredleavesoronthenakedrock，Iwillshowwhatitistobemiserable。But，untilIknowthatshehasperishedfromthefaceoftheearth，Iwillnotallowmyselfspaceeventogrieve。\"
ThedismalHecatedidnotmuchliketheideaofgoingabroadintothesunnyworld。ButthenshereflectedthatthesorrowofthedisconsolateCereswouldbelikeagloomytwilightroundaboutthemboth，letthesunshineeversobrightly，andthatthereforeshemightenjoyherbadspiritsquiteaswellasifsheweretostayinthecave。Soshefinallyconsentedtogo，andtheysetouttogether，bothcarryingtorches，althoughitwasbroaddaylightandclearsunshine。Thetorchlightseemedtomakeagloom；sothatthepeoplewhomtheymet，alongtheroad，couldnotverydistinctlyseetheirfigures；and，indeed，iftheyoncecaughtaglimpseofHecate，withthewreathofsnakesroundherforehead，theygenerallythoughtitprudenttorunaway，withoutwaitingforasecondglance。
Asthepairtraveledalonginthiswoe-begonemanner，athoughtstruckCeres。
\"Thereisoneperson，\"sheexclaimed，\"whomusthaveseenmypoorchild，andcandoubtlesstellwhathasbecomeofher。WhydidnotIthinkofhimbefore？ItisPhoebus。\"
\"What，\"saidHecate，\"theyoungmanthatalwayssitsinthesunshine？O，praydonotthinkofgoingnearhim。Heisagay，light，frivolousyoungfellow，andwillonlysmileinyourface。Andbesides，thereissuchaglareofthesunabouthim，thathewillquiteblindmypooreyes，whichIhavealmostweptawayalready。\"
\"Youhavepromisedtobemycompanion，\"answeredCeres。\"Come，letusmakehaste，orthesunshinewillbegone，andPhoebusalongwithit。\"
Accordingly，theywentalonginquestofPhoebus，bothofthemsighinggrievously，andHecate，tosaythetruth，makingagreatdealworselamentationthanCeres；forallthepleasureshehad，youknow，layinbeingmiserable，andthereforeshemadethemostofit。Byandby，afteraprettylongjourney，theyarrivedatthesunniestspotinthewholeworld。Theretheybeheldabeautifulyoungman，withlong，curlingringlets，whichseemedtobemadeofgoldensunbeams；hisgarmentswerelikelightsummerclouds；andtheexpressionofhisfacewassoexceedinglyvivid，thatHecateheldherhandsbeforehereyes，mutteringthatheoughttowearablackveil。Phoebus（forthiswastheverypersonwhomtheywereseeking）hadalyreinhishands，andwasmakingitschordstremblewithsweetmusic；atthesametimesingingamostexquisitesong，whichhehadrecentlycomposed。For，besideagreatmanyotheraccomplishments，thisyoungmanwasrenownedforhisadmirablepoetry。
AsCeresandherdismalcompanionapproachedhim，PhoebussmiledonthemsocheerfullythatHecate’swreathofsnakesgaveaspitefulhiss，andHecateheartilywishedherselfbackinhercave。ButasforCeres，shewastooearnestinhergriefeithertoknoworcarewhetherPhoebussmiledorfrowned。
\"Phoebus！\"exclaimedshe，\"Iamingreattrouble，andhavecometoyouforassistance。CanyoutellmewhathasbecomeofmydearchildProserpina？\"
\"Proserpina！Proserpina，didyoucallhername？\"answeredPhoebus，endeavoringtorecollect；fortherewassuchacontinualflowofpleasantideasinhismind，thathewasapttoforgetwhathadhappenednolongeragothanyesterday。\"Ah，yes，Irememberhernow。Averylovelychild，indeed。Iamhappytotellyou，mydearmadam，thatIdidseethelittleProserpinanotmanydaysago。Youmaymakeyourselfperfectlyeasyabouther。Sheissafe，andinexcellenthands。\"
\"O，whereismydearchild？\"criedCeres，claspingherhands，andflingingherselfathisfeet。
\"Why，\"saidPhoebus——andashespokehekepttouchinghislyresoastomakeathreadofmusicruninandoutamonghiswords——\"asthelittledamselwasgatheringflowers（andshehasreallyaveryexquisitetasteforflowers），shewassuddenlysnatchedupbyKingPluto，andcarriedofftohisdominions。I
haveneverbeeninthatpartoftheuniverse；buttheroyalpalace，Iamtold，isbuiltinaverynoblestyleofarchitecture，andofthemostsplendidandcostlymaterials。
Gold，diamonds，pearls，andallmannerofpreciousstoneswillbeyourdaughter’sordinaryplaythings。Irecommendtoyou，mydearlady，togiveyourselfnouneasiness。Proserpina’ssenseofbeautywillbedulygratified，andeveninspiteofthelackofsunshine，shewillleadaveryenviablelife。\"
\"Hush！Saynotsuchaword！\"answeredCeres，indignantly。\"Whatistheretogratifyherheart？Whatareallthesplendorsyouspeakofwithoutaffection？Imusthaveherbackagain。Willyougowithmeyougowithme，Phoebus，todemandmydaughterofthiswickedPluto？\"
\"Prayexcuseme，\"repliedPhoebus，withanelegantobeisance。
\"Icertainlywishyousuccess，andregretthatmyownaffairsaresoimmediatelypressingthatIcannothavethepleasureofattendingyou。Besides，IamnotuponthebestoftermswithKingPluto。Totellyouthetruth，histhree-headedmastiffwouldneverletmepassthegateway；forIshouldbecompelledtotakeasheafofsunbeamsalongwithme，andthose，youknow，areforbiddenthingsinPluto’skingdom。\"
\"Ah，Phoebus，\"saidCeres，withbittermeaninginherwords，\"youhaveaharpinsteadofaheart。Farewell。\"
\"Willnotyoustayamoment，\"askedPhoebus，\"ndhearmeturntheprettyandtouchingstoryofProserpinaintoextemporaryverses？\"
ButCeresshookherhead，andhastenedaway，alongwithHecate。
Phoebus（who，asIhavetoldyou，wasanexquisitepoet）
forthwithbegantomakeanodeaboutthepoormother’sgrief；
and，ifweweretojudgeofhissensibilitybythisbeautifulproduction，hemusthavebeenendowedwithaverytenderheart。
Butwhenapoetgetsintothehabitofusinghisheartstringstomakechordsforhislyre，hemaythrumuponthemasmuchashewill，withoutanygreatpaintohimself。Accordingly，thoughPhoebussangaverysadsong，hewasasmerryallthewhileaswerethesunbeamsamidwhichhedwelt。
PoorMotherCereshadnowfoundoutwhathadbecomeofherdaughter，butwasnotawhithappierthanbefore。Hercase，onthecontrary，lookedmoredesperatethanever。AslongasProserpinawasaboveground，theremighthavebeenhopesofregainingher。Butnowthatthepoorchildwasshutupwithintheirongatesofthekingofthemines，atthethresholdofwhichlaythethree-headedCerberus，thereseemednopossibilityofherevermakingherescape。ThedismalHecate，wholovedtotakethedarkestviewofthings，toldCeresthatshehadbettercomewithhertothecavern，andspendtherestofherlifeinbeingmiserable。Ceresanswered，thatHecatewaswelcometogobackthitherherself，butthat，forherpart，shewouldwanderabouttheearthinquestoftheentrancetoKingPluto’sdominions。AndHecatetookheratherword，andhurriedbacktoherbelovedcave，frighteningagreatmanylittlechildrenwithaglimpseofherdog’sfaceasshewent。
PoorMotherCeres！Itismelancholytothinkofher，pursuinghertoilsomeway，allalone，andholdingupthatnever-dyingtorch，theflameofwhichseemedanemblemofthegriefandhopethatburnedtogetherinherheart。
Somuchdidshesuffer，that，thoughheraspecthadbeenquiteyouthfulwhenhertroublesbegan，shegrewtolooklikeanelderlypersoninaverybrieftime。Shecarednothowshewasdressed，norhadsheeverthoughtofflingingawaythewreathofwitheredpoppies，whichsheputontheverymorningofProserpina’sdisappearance。Sheroamedaboutinsowildaway，andwithherhairsodisheveled，thatpeopletookherforsomedistractedcreature，andneverdreamedthatthiswasMotherCeres，whohadtheoversightofeveryseedwhichthehusbandmanplanted。Nowadays，however，shegaveherselfnotroubleaboutseedtimenorharvest，butleftthefarmerstotakecareoftheirownaffairs，andthecropstofadeorflourish，asthecasemightbe。Therewasnothing，now，inwhichCeresseemedtofeelaninterest，unlesswhenshesawchildrenatplay，orgatheringflowersalongthewayside。Then，indeed，shewouldstandandgazeatthemwithtearsinhereyes。Thechildren，too，appearedtohaveasympathywithhergrief，andwouldclusterthemselvesinalittlegroupaboutherknees，andlookupwistfullyinherface；andCeres，aftergivingthemakissallround，wouldleadthemtotheirhomes，andadvisetheirmothersnevertoletthemstrayoutofsight。
\"Foriftheydo，\"saidshe，\"itmayhappentoyou，asithastome，thattheiron-heartedKingPlutowilltakealikingtoyourdarlings，andsnatchthemupinhischariot，andcarrythemaway。\"
Oneday，duringherpilgrimageinquestoftheentrancetoPluto’skingdom，shecametothepalaceofKingCereus，whoreignedatEleusis。Ascendingaloftyflightofsteps，sheenteredtheportal，andfoundtheroyalhouseholdinverygreatalarmaboutthequeen’sbaby。Theinfant，itseems，wassickly（beingtroubledwithitsteeth，Isuppose），andwouldtakenofood，andwasallthetimemoaningwithpain。Thequeen——hernamewasMetanira——wasdesirousoffundinganurse；andwhenshebeheldawomanofmatronlyaspectcomingupthepalacesteps，shethought，inherownmind，thatherewastheverypersonwhomsheneeded。SoQueenMetanirarantothedoor，withthepoorwailingbabyinherarms，andbesoughtCerestotakechargeofit，or，atleast，totellherwhatwoulddoitgood。
\"Willyoutrustthechildentirelytome？\"askedCeres。
\"Yes，andgladly，too，\"answeredthequeen，\"ifyouwilldevoteallyourtimetohim。ForIcanseethatyouhavebeenamother。\"
\"Youareright，\"saidCeres。\"Ioncehadachildofmyown。
Well；Iwillbethenurseofthispoor，sicklyboy。Butbeware，Iwarnyou，thatyoudonotinterferewithanykindoftreatmentwhichImayjudgeproperforhim。Ifyoudoso，thepoorinfantmustsufferforhismother’sfolly。\"
Thenshekissedthechild，anditseemedtodohimgood；forhesmiledandnestledcloselyintoherbosom。
SoMotherCeressethertorchinacorner（whereitkeptburningallthewhile），andtookupherabodeinthepalaceofKingCereus，asnursetothelittlePrinceDemophoon。Shetreatedhimasifhewereherownchild，andallowedneitherthekingnorthequeentosaywhetherheshouldbebathedinwarmorcoldwater，orwhatheshouldeat，orhowoftenheshouldtaketheair，orwhenheshouldbeputtobed。Youwouldhardlybelieveme，ifIweretotellhowquicklythebabyprincegotridofhisailments，andgrewfat，androsy，andstrong，andhowhehadtworowsofivoryteethinlesstimethananyotherlittlefellow，beforeorsince。Insteadofthepalest，andwretchedest，andpuniestimpintheworld（ashisownmotherconfessedhimtobe，whenCeresfirsttookhimincharge），hewasnowastrappingbaby，crowing，laughing，kickinguphisheels，androllingfromoneendoftheroomtotheother。Allthegoodwomenoftheneighborhoodcrowdedtothepalace，andhelduptheirhands，inunutterableamazement，atthebeautyandwholesomenessofthisdarlinglittleprince。
Theirwonderwasthegreater，becausehewasneverseentotasteanyfood；notevensomuchasacupofmilk。
\"Pray，nurse，\"thequeenkeptsaying，\"howisitthatyoumakethechildthriveso？\"
\"Iwasamotheronce，\"Ceresalwaysreplied；\"andhavingnursedmyownchild，Iknowwhatotherchildrenneed。\"
ButQueenMetanira，aswasverynatural，hadagreatcuriositytoknowpreciselywhatthenursedidtoherchild。Onenight，therefore，shehidherselfinthechamberwhereCeresandthelittleprincewereaccustomedtosleep。Therewasafireinthechimney，andithadnowcrumbledintogreatcoalsandembers，whichlayglowingonthehearth，withablazeflickeringupnowandthen，andflingingawarmandruddylightuponthewalls。
Ceressatbeforethehearthwiththechildinherlap，andthefirelightmakinghershadowdanceupontheceilingoverhead。
Sheundressedthelittleprince，andbathedhimalloverwithsomefragrantliquidoutofavase。Thenextthingshedidwastorakebacktheredembers，andmakeahollowplaceamongthem，justwherethebackloghadbeen。Atlast，whilethebabywascrowing，andclappingitsfatlittlehands，andlaughinginthenurse’sface（justasyoumayhaveseenyourlittlebrotherorsisterdobeforegoingintoitswarmbath），Ceressuddenlylaidhim，allnakedashewas，inthehollowamongthered-hotembers。Shethenrakedtheashesoverhim，andturnedquietlyaway。
Youmayimagine，ifyoucan，howQueenMetanirashrieked，thinkingnothinglessthanthatherdearchildwouldbeburnedtoacinder。Sheburstforthfromherhiding-place，andrunningtothehearth，rakedopenthefire，andsnatcheduppoorlittlePrinceDemophoonoutofhisbedoflivecoals，oneofwhichhewasgrippingineachofhisfists。Heimmediatelysetupagrievouscry，asbabiesareapttodo，whenrudelystartledoutofasoundsleep。Tothequeen’sastonishmentandjoy，shecouldperceivenotokenofthechild’sbeinginjuredbythehotfireinwhichhehadlain。ShenowturnedtoMotherCeres，andaskedhertoexplainthemystery。
\"Foolishwoman，\"answeredCeres，\"didyounotpromisetointrustthispoorinfantentirelytome？Youlittleknowthemischiefyouhavedonehim。Hadyoulefthimtomycare，hewouldhavegrownuplikeachildofcelestialbirth，endowedwithsuperhumanstrengthandintelligence，andwouldhavelivedforever。Doyouimaginethatearthlychildrenaretobecomeimmortalwithoutbeingtemperedtoitinthefiercestheatofthefire？Butyouhaveruinedyourownson。Forthoughhewillbeastrongmanandaheroinhisday，yet，onaccountofyourfolly，hewillgrowold，andfinallydie，likethesonsofotherwomen。Theweaktendernessofhismotherhascostthepoorboyanimmortality。Farewell。\"
Sayingthesewords，shekissedthelittlePrinceDemophoon，andsighedtothinkwhathehadlost，andtookherdeparturewithoutheedingQueenMetanira，whoentreatedhertoremain，andcoverupthechildamongthehotembersasoftenasshepleased。Poorbaby！Heneversleptsowarmlyagain。
Whileshedweltintheking’spalace，MotherCereshadbeensocontinuallyoccupiedwithtakingcareoftheyoungprince，thatherheartwasalittlelightenedofitsgriefforProserpina。
Butnow，havingnothingelsetobusyherselfabout，shebecamejustaswretchedasbefore。Atlength，inherdespair，shecametothedreadfulresolutionthatnotastalkofgrain，norabladeofgrass，notapotato，noraturnip，noranyothervegetablethatwasgoodformanorbeasttoeat，shouldbesufferedtogrowuntilherdaughterwererestored。Sheevenforbadetheflowerstobloom，lestsomebody’sheartshouldbecheeredbytheirbeauty。
Now，asnotsomuchasaheadofasparaguseverpresumedtopokeitselfoutoftheground，withouttheespecialpermissionofCeres，youmayconceivewhataterriblecalamityhadherefallenupontheearth。Thehusbandmenplowedandplantedasusual；buttherelaytherichblackfurrows，allasbarrenasadesertofsand。ThepastureslookedasbrowninthesweetmonthofJuneasevertheydidinchillNovember。Therichman’sbroadacresandthecottager’ssmallgardenpatchwereequallyblighted。Everylittlegirl’sflowerbedshowednothingbutdrystalks。Theoldpeopleshooktheirwhiteheads，andsaidthattheearthhadgrownagedlikethemselves，andwasnolongercapableofwearingthewarmsmileofsummeronitsface。Itwasreallypiteoustoseethepoor，starvingcattleandsheep，howtheyfollowedbehindCeres，lowingandbleating，asiftheirinstincttaughtthemtoexpecthelpfromher；andeverybodythatwasacquaintedwithherpowerbesoughthertohavemercyonthehumanrace，and，atallevents，toletthegrassgrow。
ButMotherCeres，thoughnaturallyofanaffectionatedisposition，wasnowinexorable。
\"Never，\"saidshe。\"Iftheearthiseveragaintoseeanyverdure，itmustfirstgrowalongthepathwhichmydaughterwilltreadincomingbacktome。\"
Finally，asthereseemedtobenootherremedy，ouroldfriendQuicksilverwassentpost-hastetoKingPluto，inhopesthathemightbepersuadedtoundothemischiefhehaddone，andtoseteverythingrightagain，bygivingupProserpina。Quicksilveraccordinglymadethebestofhiswaytothegreatgate，tookaflyingleaprightoverthethree-headedmastiff，andstoodatthedoorofthepalaceinaninconceivablyshorttime。Theservantsknewhimbothbyhisfaceandgarb；forhisshortcloak，andhiswingedcapandshoes，andhissnakystaffhadoftenbeenseenthereaboutsintimesgoneby。Herequestedtobeshownimmediatelyintotheking’spresence；andPluto，whoheardhisvoicefromthetopofthestairs，andwholovedtorecreatehimselfwithQuicksilver’smerrytalk，calledouttohimtocomeup。Andwhiletheysettletheirbusinesstogether，wemustinquirewhatProserpinahadbeendoingeversincewesawherlast。
Thechildhaddeclared，asyoumayremember，thatshewouldnottasteamouthfuloffoodaslongassheshouldbecompelledtoremaininKingPluto’spalace。Howshecontrivedtomaintainherresolution，andatthesametimetokeepherselftolerablyplumpandrosy，ismorethanIcanexplain；butsomeyoungladies，Iamgiventounderstand，possessthefacultyoflivingonair，andProserpinaseemstohavepossessedittoo。Atanyrate，itwasnowsixmonthssinceshelefttheoutsideoftheearth；andnotamorsel，sofarastheattendantswereabletotestify，hadyetpassedbetweenherteeth。ThiswasthemorecreditabletoProserpina，inasmuchasKingPlutohadcausedhertobetempteddaybyday，withallmannerofsweetmeats，andrichly-preservedfruits，anddelicaciesofeverysort，suchasyoungpeoplearegenerallymostfondof。Buthergoodmotherhadoftentoldherofthehurtfulnessofthesethings；andforthatreasonalone，iftherehadbeennoother，shewouldhaveresolutelyrefusedtotastethem。
Allthistime，beingofacheerfulandactivedisposition，thelittledamselwasnotquitesounhappyasyoumayhavesupposed。Theimmensepalacehadathousandrooms，andwasfullofbeautifulandwonderfulobjects。Therewasanever-ceasinggloom，itistrue，whichhalfhiditselfamongtheinnumerablepillars，glidingbeforethechildasshewanderedamongthem，andtreadingstealthilybehindherintheechoofherfootsteps。Neitherwasallthedazzleofthepreciousstones，whichflamedwiththeirownlight，worthonegleamofnaturalsunshine；norcouldthemostbrilliantofthemany-coloredgems，whichProserpinahadforplaythings，viewiththesimplebeautyoftheflowerssheusedtogather。Butstill，wheneverthegirlwentamongthosegildedhallsandchambers，itseemedasifshecarriednatureandsunshinealongwithher，andasifshescattereddewyblossomsonherrighthandandonherleft。
AfterProserpinacame，thepalacewasnolongerthesameabodeofstatelyartificeanddismalmagnificencethatithadbeforebeen。Theinhabitantsallfeltthis，andKingPlutomorethananyofthem。
\"MyownlittleProserpina，\"heusedtosay。\"Iwishyoucouldlikemealittlebetter。Wegloomyandcloudy-naturedpersonshaveoftenaswarmhearts，atbottom，asthoseofamorecheerfulcharacter。Ifyouwouldonlystaywithmeofyourownaccord，itwouldmakemehappierthanthepossessionofahundredsuchpalacesasthis。\"
\"Ah，\"saidProserpina，\"youshouldhavetriedtomakemelikeyoubeforecarryingmeoff。Andthebestthingyoucannowdois，toletmegoagain。ThenImightrememberyousometimes，andthinkthatyouwereaskindasyouknewhowtobe。Perhaps，too，onedayorother，Imightcomeback，andpayyouavisit。\"
\"No，no，\"answeredPluto，withhisgloomysmile，\"Iwillnottrustyouforthat。Youaretoofondoflivinginthebroaddaylight，andgatheringflowers。Whatanidleandchildishtastethatis！Arenotthesegems，whichIhaveorderedtobedugforyou，andwhicharericherthananyinmycrown——aretheynotprettierthanaviolet？\"
\"Nothalfsopretty，\"saidProserpina，snatchingthegemsfromPluto’shand，andflingingthemtotheotherendofthehall。
\"Omysweetviolets，shallIneverseeyouagain？\"
Andthensheburstintotears。Butyoungpeople’stearshaveverylittlesaltnessoracidityinthem，anddonotinflametheeyessomuchasthoseofgrownpersons；sothatitisnottobewonderedat，if，afewmomentsafterwards，Proserpinawassportingthroughthehallalmostasmerrilyassheandthefourseanymphshadsportedalongtheedgeofthesurfwave。KingPlutogazedafterher，andwishedthathe，too，wasachild。
AndlittleProserpina，whensheturnedabout，andbeheldthisgreatkingstandinginhissplendidhall，andlookingsogrand，andsomelancholy，andsolonesome，wassmittenwithakindofpity。Sheranbacktohim，and，forthefirsttimeinallherlife，puthersmall，softhandinhis。
\"Iloveyoualittle，\"whisperedshe，lookingupinhisface。
\"Doyou，indeed，mydearchild？\"criedPluto，bendinghisdarkfacedowntokissher；butProserpinashrankawayfromthekiss，for，thoughhisfeatureswerenoble，theywereveryduskyandgrim。\"Well，Ihavenotdeserveditofyou，afterkeepingyouaprisonerforsomanymonths，andstarvingyoubesides。
Areyounotterriblyhungry？IstherenothingwhichIcangetyoutoeat？\"
Inaskingthisquestion，thekingofthemineshadaverycunningpurpose；for，youwillrecollect，ifProserpinatastedamorseloffoodinhisdominions，shewouldneverafterwardsbeatlibertytoquitthem。
\"Noindeed，\"saidProserpina。\"Yourheadcookisalwaysbaking，andstewing，androasting，androllingoutpaste，andcontrivingonedishoranother，whichheimaginesmaybetomyliking。Buthemightjustaswellsavehimselfthetrouble，poor，fatlittlemanthatheis。Ihavenoappetiteforanythingintheworld，unlessitwereasliceofbread，ofmymother’sownbaking，oralittlefruitoutofhergarden。\"
WhenPlutoheardthis，hebegantoseethathehadmistakenthebestmethodoftemptingProserpinatoeat。Thecook’smadedishesandartificialdaintieswerenothalfsodelicious，inthegoodchild’sopinion，asthesimplefaretowhichMotherCereshadaccustomedher。Wonderingthathehadneverthoughtofitbefore，thekingnowsentoneofhistrustyattendantswithalargebasket，togetsomeofthefinestandjuiciestpears，peaches，andplumswhichcouldanywherebefoundintheupperworld。Unfortunately，however，thiswasduringthetimewhenCereshadforbiddenanyfruitsorvegetablestogrow；and，afterseekingallovertheearth，KingPluto’sservantfoundonlyasinglepomegranate，andthatsodriedupasnottobewortheating。Nevertheless，sincetherewasnobettertobehad，hebroughtthisdry，oldwitheredpomegranatehometothepalace。
putitonamagnificentgoldensalver，andcarriedituptoProserpina。Now，ithappened，curiouslyenough，that，justastheservantwasbringingthepomegranateintothebackdoorofthepalace，ourfriendQuicksilverhadgoneupthefrontsteps，onhiserrandtogetProserpinaawayfromKingPluto。
AssoonasProserpinasawthepomegranateonthegoldensalver，shetoldtheservanthehadbettertakeitawayagain。
\"Ishallnottouchit，Iassureyou，\"saidshe。\"IfIwereeversohungry，Ishouldneverthinkofeatingsuchamiserable，drypomegranateasthat。\"
\"Itistheonlyoneintheworld，\"saidtheservant。
Hesetdownthegoldensalver，withthewizenedpomegranateuponit，andlefttheroom。Whenhewasgone，Proserpinacouldnothelpcomingclosetothetable，andlookingatthispoorspecimenofdriedfruitwithagreatdealofeagerness；for，tosaythetruth，onseeingsomethingthatsuitedhertaste，shefeltallthesixmonths’appetitetakingpossessionofheratonce。Tobesure，itwasaverywretched-lookingpomegranate，andseemedtohavenomorejuiceinitthananoystershell。
ButtherewasnochoiceofsuchthingsinKingPluto’spalace。
Thiswasthefirstfruitshehadseenthere，andthelastshewaseverlikelytosee；andunlesssheateitupimmediately，itwouldgrowdrierthanitalreadywas，andbewhollyunfittoeat。
\"Atleast，Imaysmellit，\"thoughtProserpina。
Soshetookupthepomegranate，andappliedittohernose；
and，somehoworother，beinginsuchcloseneighborhoodtohermouth，thefruitfounditswayintothatlittleredcave。Dearme！whataneverlastingpity！BeforeProserpinaknewwhatshewasabout，herteethhadactuallybittenit，oftheirownaccord。Justasthisfataldeedwasdone，thedooroftheapartmentopened，andincameKingPluto，followedbyQuicksilver，whohadbeenurginghimtolethislittleprisonergo。Atthefirstnoiseoftheirentrance，Proserpinawithdrewthepomegranatefromhermouth。ButQuicksilver（whoseeyeswereverykeen，andhiswitsthesharpestthateveranybodyhad）perceivedthatthechildwasalittleconfused；andseeingtheemptysalver，hesuspectedthatshehadbeentakingaslynibbleofsomethingorother。AsforhonestPluto，heneverguessedatthesecret。
\"MylittleProserpina，\"saidtheking，sittingdown，andaffectionatelydrawingherbetweenhisknees，\"hereisQuicksilver，whotellsmethatagreatmanymisfortuneshavebefalleninnocentpeopleonaccountofmydetainingyouinmydominions。Toconfessthetruth，Imyselfhadalreadyreflectedthatitwasanunjustifiableacttotakeyouawayfromyourgoodmother。But，then，youmustconsider，mydearchild，thatthisvastpalaceisapttobegloomy（althoughthepreciousstonescertainlyshineverybright），andthatIamnotofthemostcheerfuldisposition，andthatthereforeitwasanaturalthingenoughtoseekforthesocietyofsomemerriercreaturethanmyself。Ihopedyouwouldtakemycrownforaplaything，andme——ah，youlaugh，naughtyProserpina——me，grimasIam，foraplaymate。Itwasasillyexpectation。\"
\"Notsoextremelysilly，\"whisperedProserpina。\"Youhavereallyamusedmeverymuch，sometimes。\"
\"Thankyou，\"saidKingPluto，ratherdryly。\"ButIcanseeplainlyenough，thatyouthinkmypalaceaduskyprison，andmetheiron-heartedkeeperofit。AndanironheartIshouldsurelyhave，ifIcoulddetainyouhereanylonger，mypoorchild，whenitisnowsixmonthssinceyoutastedfood。Igiveyouyourliberty。GowithQuicksilver。Hastenhometoyourdearmother。\"
Now，althoughyoumaynothavesupposedit，ProserpinafounditimpossibletotakeleaveofpoorKingPlutowithoutsomeregrets，andagooddealofcompunctionfornottellinghimaboutthepomegranate。Sheevenshedatearortwo，thinkinghowlonelyandcheerlessthegreatpalacewouldseemtohim，withallitsuglyglareofartificiallight，aftersheherself——hisonelittlerayofnaturalsunshine，whomhehadstolen，tobesure，butonlybecausehevaluedhersomuch——aftersheshouldhavedeparted。Iknownothowmanykindthingsshemighthavesaidtothedisconsolatekingofthemines，hadnotQuicksilverhurriedherway。
\"Comealongquickly，\"whisperedheinherear，\"orhismajestymaychangehisroyalmind。Andtakecare，aboveallthings，thatyousaynothingofwhatwasbroughtyouonthegoldensalver。\"
Inaveryshorttime，theyhadpassedthegreatgateway（leavingthethree-headedCerberus，barking，andyelping，andgrowling，withthreefolddin，behindthem），andemergeduponthesurfaceoftheearth。Itwasdelightfultobehold，asProserpinahastenedalong，howthepathgrewverdantbehindandoneithersideofher。Wherevershesetherblessedfoot，therewasatonceadewyflower。Thevioletsgushedupalongthewayside。Thegrassandthegrainbegantosproutwithtenfoldvigorandluxuriance，tomakeupforthedrearymonthsthathadbeenwastedinbarrenness。Thestarvedcattleimmediatelysettoworkgrazing，aftertheirlongfast，andateenormously，allday，andgotupatmidnighttoeatmore。
ButIcanassureyouitwasabusytimeofyearwiththefarmers，whentheyfoundthesummercominguponthemwithsucharush。NormustIforgettosay，thatallthebirdsinthewholeworldhoppedaboutuponthenewly-blossomingtrees，andsangtogether，inaprodigiousecstasyofjoy。
MotherCereshadreturnedtoherdesertedhome，andwassittingdisconsolatelyonthedoorstep，withhertorchburninginherhand。Shehadbeenidlywatchingtheflameforsomemomentspast，when，allatonce，itflickeredandwentout。
\"Whatdoesthismean？\"thoughtshe。\"Itwasanenchantedtorch，andshouldhavekeptburningtillmychildcameback。\"
Liftinghereyes，shewassurprisedtoseeasuddenverdureflashingoverthebrownandbarrenfields，exactlyasyoumayhaveobservedagoldenhuegleamingfarandwideacrossthelandscape，fromthejustrisensun。
\"Doestheearthdisobeyme？\"xclaimedMotherCeres，indignantly。\"Doesitpresumetobegreen，whenIhavebiddenitbebarren，untilmydaughtershallberestoredtomyarms？\"
\"Thenopenyourarms，dearmother，\"criedawell-knownvoice，\"andtakeyourlittledaughterintothem。\"
AndProserpinacamerunning，andflungherselfuponhermother’sbosom。Theirmutualtransportisnottobedescribed。
Thegriefoftheirseparationhadcausedbothofthemtoshedagreatmanytears；andnowtheyshedagreatmanymore，becausetheirjoycouldnotsowellexpressitselfinanyotherway。
Whentheirheartshadgrownalittlemorequiet，MotherCereslookedanxiouslyatProserpina。
\"Mychild，\"saidshe，\"didyoutasteanyfoodwhileyouwereinKingPluto’spalace？\"
\"Dearestmother，\"exclaimedProserpina，\"Iwilltellyouthewholetruth。Untilthisverymorning，notamorseloffoodhadpassedmylips。Butto-day，theybroughtmeapomegranate（averydryoneitwas，andallshriveledup，tilltherewaslittleleftofitbutseedsandskin），andhavingseennofruitforsolongatime，andbeingfaintwithhunger，Iwastemptedjusttobiteit。TheinstantItastedit，KingPlutoandQuicksilvercameintotheroom。Ihadnotswallowedamorsel；
but——dearmother，Ihopeitwasnoharm——butsixofthepomegranateseeds，Iamafraid，remainedinmymouth。\"
\"Ah，unfortunatechild，andmiserableme！\"exclaimedCeres。
\"ForeachofthosesixpomegranateseedsyoumustspendonemonthofeveryyearinKingPluto’spalace。Youarebuthalfrestoredtoyourmother。Onlysixmonthswithme，andsixwiththatgood-for-nothingKingofDarkness！\"
\"DonotspeaksoharshlyofpoorKingPluto，\"saidProsperina，kissinghermother。\"Hehassomeverygoodqualities；andI
reallythinkIcanbeartospendsixmonthsinhispalace，ifhewillonlyletmespendtheothersixwithyou。Hecertainlydidverywrongtocarrymeoff；butthen，ashesays，itwasbutadismalsortoflifeforhim，toliveinthatgreatgloomyplace，allalone；andithasmadeawonderfulchangeinhisspiritstohavealittlegirltorunupstairsanddown。Thereissomecomfortinmakinghimsohappy；andso，uponthewhole，dearestmother，letusbethankfulthatheisnottokeepmethewholeyearround。\"
THEGOLDENFLEECE。
WhenJason，thesonofthedethronedKingofIolchos，wasalittleboy，hewassentawayfromhisparents，andplacedunderthequeerestschoolmasterthateveryouheardof。Thislearnedpersonwasoneofthepeople，orquadrupeds，calledCentaurs。
Helivedinacavern，andhadthebodyandlegsofawhitehorse，withtheheadandshouldersofaman。HisnamewasChiron；and，inspiteofhisoddappearance，hewasaveryexcellentteacher，andhadseveralscholars，whoafterwardsdidhimcreditbymakingagreatfigureintheworld。ThefamousHerculeswasone，andsowasAchilles，andPhilocteteslikewise，andAesculapius，whoacquiredimmensereputeasadoctor。ThegoodChirontaughthispupilshowtoplayupontheharp，andhowtocurediseases，andhowtousetheswordandshield，togetherwithvariousotherbranchesofeducation，inwhichtheladsofthosedaysusedtobeinstructed，insteadofwritingandarithmetic。
IhavesometimessuspectedthatMasterChironwasnotreallyverydifferentfromotherpeople，butthat，beingakind-heartedandmerryoldfellow，hewasinthehabitofmakingbelievethathewasahorse，andscramblingabouttheschoolroomonallfours，andlettingthelittleboysrideuponhisback。Andso，whenhisscholarshadgrownup，andgrownold，andweretrottingtheirgrandchildrenontheirknees，theytoldthemaboutthesportsoftheirschooldays；andtheseyoungfolkstooktheideathattheirgrandfathershadbeentaughttheirlettersbyaCentaur，halfmanandhalfhorse。
Littlechildren，notquiteunderstandingwhatissaidtothem，oftengetsuchabsurdnotionsintotheirheads，youknow。
Bethatasitmay，ithasalwaysbeentoldforafact（andalwayswillbetold，aslongastheworldlasts），thatChiron，withtheheadofaschoolmaster，hadthebodyandlegsofahorse。Justimaginethegraveoldgentlemanclatteringandstampingintotheschoolroomonhisfourhoofs，perhapstreadingonsomelittlefellow’stoes，flourishinghisswitchtailinsteadofarod，and，nowandthen，trottingoutofdoorstoeatamouthfulofgrass！Iwonderwhattheblacksmithchargedhimforasetofironshoes？
SoJasondweltinthecave，withthisfour-footedChiron，fromthetimethathewasaninfant，onlyafewmonthsold，untilhehadgrowntothefullheightofaman。Hebecameaverygoodharper，Isuppose，andskilfulintheuseofweapons，andtolerablyacquaintedwithherbsandotherdoctor’sstuff，and，aboveall，anadmirablehorseman；for，inteachingyoungpeopletoride，thegoodChironmusthavebeenwithoutarivalamongschoolmasters。Atlength，beingnowatallandathleticyouth，Jasonresolvedtoseekhisfortuneintheworld，withoutaskingChiron’sadvice，ortellinghimanythingaboutthematter。Thiswasveryunwise，tobesure；andIhopenoneofyou，mylittlehearers，willeverfollowJason’sexample。
But，youaretounderstand，hehadheardhowthathehimselfwasaprinceroyal，andhowhisfather，KingJason，hadbeendeprivedofthekingdomofIolchosbyacertainPelias，whowouldalsohavekilledJason，hadhenotbeenhiddenintheCentaur’scave。And，beingcometothestrengthofaman，Jasondeterminedtosetallthisbusinesstorights，andtopunishthewickedPeliasforwronginghisdearfather，andtocasthimdownfromthethrone，andseathimselfthereinstead。