toward him.

The first was tall and graceful, and wrapped round in a snow-white
mantle. Her countenance was calm and beautiful. With gracious mien and
modest glance she drew near the lad.

The other maiden made haste to outrun the first. She, too, was tall,
but seemed taller than she really was. She, too, was beautiful, but her
glance was bold. As she ran, a rosy garment like a cloud floated about
her form, and she kept looking at her own round arms and shapely hands,
and ever and anon she seemed to gaze admiringly at her shadow as it
moved along the ground. And this fair one did outstrip the first maiden,
and rushing forward held out her white hands to the lad, exclaiming:--

"I see thou art hesitating, O Hercules, by what path to seek thy
fortune. Follow me along this flowery way, and I will make it a
delightful and easy road. Thou shalt taste to the full of every kind of
pleasure. No shadow of annoyance shall ever touch thee, nor strain nor
stress of war and state disturb thy peace. Instead thou shalt tread upon
carpets soft as velvet, and sit at golden tables, or recline upon silken
couches. The fairest of maidens shall attend thee, music and perfume
shall lull thy senses, and all that is delightful to eat and drink shall
be placed before thee. Never shalt thou labor, but always live in joy
and ease. Oh, come! I give my followers liberty and delight!"

And as she spoke the maiden stretched forth her arms, and the tones of
her voice were sweet and caressing.

"What, O maiden," asked Hercules, "is thy name?"

"My friends," said she, "call me Happiness, but mine enemies name me
Vice."

Even as she spoke, the white-robed maiden, who had drawn near, glided
forward, and addressed the lad in gracious tones and with words stately
and winning:--

"O beloved youth, who wouldst wander forth in search of Life, I too,
would plead with thee! I, Virtue, have watched and tended thee from a
child. I know the fond care thy parents have bestowed to train thee for
a hero's part. Direct now thy steps along yon rugged path that leads
to my dwelling. Honorable and noble mayest thou become through thy
illustrious deeds.

"I will not seduce thee by promises of vain delights; instead will
I recount to thee the things that really are. Lasting fame and true
nobility come not to mortals save through pain and labor. If thou,
O Hercules, seekest the gracious gifts of Heaven, thou must remain
constant in prayer; if thou wouldst be belov