170 SPUJNG STORIES AND SONGS 



But still she hurried on. 



She was at last out of breath, and able to run 

 no farther. 



Apollo was just behind, and put out his hand 

 to seize her. 



" Father Peneus, save me ! save me ! " she 

 called. 



The river-god heard her, and all at once her 

 feet were fastened into the soil, and became 

 roots. 



Her body was covered with the thin bark of a 

 young tree. 



Her arms became branches ; and her beautiful 

 hair became the leaves of the laurel tree. 



Apollo was very sad at losing the beautiful 

 nymph. 



He gathered some of the leaves and made a 

 wreath. 



" You shall always be my tree/' he said. 



" I shall wear you for my crown. 



" Your leaves shall be always green, and great 

 heroes shall be crowned with them." 



