at I soon may reach thy world serene,
Poor wearied pilgrim in this toiling scene!"
--_Charlotte Smith_.

PREFACE

This work is a contribution to light literature, and to the literature
of light. Though a monograph, it is also a medley.

The first part is mythological and mirthsome. It is the original
nucleus around which the other parts have gathered. Some years
since, the writer was led to investigate the world-wide myth of the
Man in the Moon, in its legendary and ludicrous aspects; and one
study being a stepping-stone to another, the ball was enlarged as it
rolled.

The second part, dealing with moon-worship, is designed to show
that anthropomorphism and sexuality have been the principal factors
in that idolatry which in all ages has paid homage to the hosts of
heaven, as _heaved_ above the aspiring worshipper. Man adores
what he regards as higher than he. And if the moon is supposed to
affect his tides, that body becomes his water-god.

The third part treats of lunar superstitions, many of which yet live in
the vagaries which sour and shade our modern sweetness and light.

The fourth and final part is a literary essay on lunar inhabitation,
presenting _in nuce_ the present state of the enigma of "the plurality
of worlds."

Of the imperfections of his production the author is partly
conscious. Not _wholly_ so; for others see us often more
advantageously than we see ourselves. But a hope is cherished that
this work--a compendium of lunar literature in its least scientific
branches--may win a welcome which shall constitute the worker's
richest reward. To the innumerable writers who are quoted, the
indebtedness felt is inexpressible.

CONTENTS.

I _MOON SPOTS_
1 Introduction 1
2 The Man in the Moon 5
3 The Woman in the Moon 53
4 The Hare in the Moon 60
5 The Toad in the Moon 69
6 Other Moon Myths 71

II _MOON WORSHIP_
1 Introduction 77
2 The Moon Mostly a Male Deity 82
3 The Moon a World-Wide Deity 87
4 The Moon a Water Deity 132

III _MOON SUPERSTITIONS_
1 Int