第6章

"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。