orses when fresh in the morning can hardly
climb; the middle is high up in the heavens, whence I myself can
scarcely, without alarm, look down and behold the earth and sea
stretched beneath me. The last part of the road descends rapidly and
requires most careful driving. Tethys, who is waiting to receive me,
often trembles for me lest I should fall headlong. Add to this that the
heaven is all the time turning round and carrying the stars with it.
Couldst thou keep thy course while the sphere revolved beneath thee? The
road, also, is through the midst of frightful monsters. Thou must pass
by the horns of the Bull, in front of the Archer, and near the Lion's
jaws, and where the Scorpion stretches its arms in one direction and the
Crab in another. Nor wilt thou find it easy to guide those horses, with
their breasts full of fire that they breathe forth from their mouths and
nostrils. Beware, my son, lest I be the donor of a fatal gift; recall
the request while yet thou canst." He ended; but the youth rejected
admonition and held to his demand. So, having resisted as long as he
might, Phoebus at last led the way to where stood the lofty chariot.

It was of gold, the gift of Vulcan,--the axle of gold, the pole and
wheels of gold, the spokes of silver. Along the seat were rows of
chrysolites and diamonds, reflecting the brightness of the sun. While
the daring youth gazed in admiration, the early Dawn threw open the
purple doors of the east and showed the pathway strewn with roses. The
stars withdrew, marshaled by the Daystar, which last of all retired
also. The father, when he saw the earth beginning to glow and the Moon
preparing to retire, ordered the Hours to harness up the horses. They
led forth from the lofty stalls the steeds full fed with ambrosia, and
attached the reins. Then the father, smearing the face of his son with a
powerful unguent, made him capable of enduring the brightness of the
flame. He set the rays on the lad's head, and, with a foreboding sigh,
told him to spare the whip and hold tight the reins; not to take the
straight road between the five circles, but to turn off to the left; to
keep within the limit of the middle zone and avoid the northern and the
southern alike; finally, to keep in the well-worn ruts and to drive
neither too high nor too low, for the middle course was safest and best.

Forthwith the agile youth sprang into the chariot, stood erect, and
grasped the reins with delight, pouring out