THE ORIGIN OF THE KINGFISHER 



fast coming down, a great storm arises. The orders of the 

 master to his men are unheard because of the mighty noise 

 of winds and waves. Each man tries to do what seems to 

 him is best, but their efforts are in vain, for the heavens and 

 the sea seem to have imited to destroy them. The clouds 

 come down in great sheets to the waves, which rise to meet 

 them; winds beat about them on every side. The noise is 

 deafening, and the light from the conflict blinding, as it 

 comes to them through the inky blackness of the night. 

 Powerless of themselves, all call on the gods for aid, and 

 think of the loved ones at home and of the pledges left be- 

 hind. Ceyx calls on his father, the day-star, and on the 

 father of Halcyone, the wind god, but they are deaf to his 

 entreaties — and all through his prayer runs the name of 

 Halcyone, the one for whom his heart yearns, yet for whose 

 absence he is thankful. Finally, as the vessel is torn asunder 

 and the very pieces beaten into the turbulent waters, as he 

 clings to a spar he prays that the waves may bear his lifeless 

 form to her. As a great wave tears him from the spar and 

 he goes down into the dark water, last on his lips is the name 

 of Halcyone. 



She, at home — full of fears — ^is counting the days till 

 his promised return. The garments which he loved to see 

 her wear are made ready to be worn — as are the garments 

 which he shall wear. Ceaselessly she prays to the gods — to 

 one for his safety and return, to another for his success — ^but 

 most often to Juno, to whom the wives of that day prayed 

 that their husbands might remain faithful. Long she be- 

 seeches that he may meet no one who could become dearer to 

 him than herself. 



At length, Jvmo, knowing of the fate which had befallen 

 the absent one, and in sympathy with the pleadings of his 



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