168 SPRING STORIES AND SONGS 



All at once there came in sight a beautiful 

 nymph, named Daphne. 



She was the daughter of the river, and lived 

 in a cave under the cliffs. 



Now the mischievous little Cupid was watch- 

 ing from the top of a hill. 



He quickly took a golden arrow, and shot it 

 into the heart of Apollo. 



Then he shot a leaden arrow into the heart of 

 Daphne. 



Apollo raised his eyes and saw the pretty 

 nymph, picking her way over the stones in the 

 river. 



Her little bare feet were as pink as sea-shells. 



Her eyes were as bright as stars. 



Her hair hung loose on her shoulders. 



" Oh ! pretty maid/' said Apollo, " come and 

 live with me in my palace in the sky." 



Daphne ran away in fright, but Apollo fol- 

 lowed her. 



" Do not be afraid," he paid. " I shall not 

 hurt you. I am Apollo, the son of the mighty 

 Jupiter." 



But Daphne ran faster and faster. 



"Do not run so fast on these rough stones," 

 called Apollo, "they will hurt your pretty feet." 



