(90) 



» The admirable daughter of this unknown 

 couple "was Vola. This name , Evander , bas a 

 meaning wbich you already know ; it is Ihe name 

 of a social order of the primitive city. 



Vola "was initiated into the terrible religions of 

 her mother_, but she refused to assume Ihe sacer- 

 dotal character. 



This beautiful and modest maid , \vhose tastes 

 were austère , learning that Talaon sought for a 

 spouse , made known that her highest happiness 

 would be to share the obscure retreat of the my- 

 thocratic sage : without doubt a god had brea- 

 ihed into her mind this désire. 



The vénérable falher of the inspired girl who , 

 it is thought , was a lycian hero , resorted to Ta- 

 laon's dwelling. « The lustre of your virtues , 

 said he to the sage , has seduced Ihe heart of 

 my daughter Vola, and I dare believe she will be 

 for you the reward of a reproachless life , if you 

 will accept her for the companion of your soli- 

 tude. » Astonished at thèse words , Talaon desi- 

 red to see Vola. He saw and found her as beau- 

 tiful as the loveliest daughter of a Titan. To try 

 her , he pointed to his hair , hoary with âge : 

 « Matchless nymph , said he , w^hy do you wish 

 to sacrifice to an old man Ihe fortunate hours of 

 y our dazzling youth ? » 



Vola, smiling with an inexpressible grâce, re- 

 plied : ï know you not, but I know you are great ; 

 thy renown , obscure for ail , bright for me ; thy re- 

 nown is as a magnificent mantle with which I aspire 



