GRECIAN MYTHOLOGY. 121 
a head with flowers and ivy. At the feet of the centaurs on the right is a 
costa mystica (sacred box) with the Dionysian serpent, on the other side an 
overturned wine vessel. In addition to these groups we have a beautiful 
head of Ariadne crowned with ivy (pl. 29, jig. 1); and a highly finished 
bust (pl. 18, jig. 15), with a crown of vine leaves and clusters, while bunches 
of grapes constitute the ear pendents, and mingle with the falling hair. 
Among the sculptures having reference to Dionysos is a fine bas-relief 
representing a procession of Bacchanalian genii (pl. 18, jig. 12). The first 
figure on the left of the observer carries a little tambourine suspended by a 
cord from his left hand, his right holds an inverted torch, while his left foot 
stands on a shepherd’s crook. The second carries a cithara and a plectrum 
(a small rod of ivory with which ancient musicians played the cithara), and 
a reed flute lies at his feet. In the centre appears a drunken, staggering 
genius, supported by two of his companions, at whose feet lie cymbals and 
a panther. The sixth carries over his shoulder a wine-skin and in his right 
hand a thyrsus; the seventh has a shepherd’s crook and a lantern; the 
eighth, at whose feet lies a mask, is striking a cymbal; while the last is 
playing on a single flute. All are winged and clothed with mantles which 
cover only the back and fasten on the shoulders; and several have the hair 
neatly gathered up and knotted in front. 
3. Asciepios (Aisculapius), the son of Apollo and Coronis, whom Apollo 
had put to death on account of infidelity, was nourished for a while by 
goats. He was subsequently consigned to the wise centaur Cheiron, who 
instructed him in hunting and the healing art. Being of a quick and lively 
genius, he soon became so proficient in medical science as not only to over- 
come the most inveterate diseases, but also to restore to life the dead by 
the blood of Medusa obtained for him by Athene. He eclipsed the 
celebrity of his instructor, and drew upon himself the wrath of Hades, who 
could no longer bring mortals under his: gloomy reign; and even Zeus felt 
jealous of his power, fearing that, by the removal of the terrors inspired by 
the prospect of a future life, men would consider themselves released from 
their obligations to the gods. Accordingly the mighty thunderer hurled at 
him one of his bolts, which consigned him to the world of shades. By the 
intervention of his father Apollo, however, he was transferred to Olympos. 
As the god of healing, he received profound honors not only after his 
reception to Olympos, but also during his stay on the earth. He is repre- 
sented (pl. 28, jig. 24) as a bearded man, in a dignified attitude, and with 
a countenance expressive of wisdom, benevolence, and great experience. 
His customary dress was a mantle in numerous folds, and his constant 
attribute a knobbed staff around which was coiled a snake. His head was 
covered by a low cap or adorned with the laurel crown. The animals 
sacred to him were the goat for having suckled him and the dog for watch- 
ing him in his infancy, the cock, the owl, and the raven. 
A different, and probably more ancient representation of Asclepios 
(pl. 15, fig. 23) shows him as a beardless youth, clothed in a long sweeping 
tunic and mantle, wearing a high pointed cap, and characterized only by 
the serpent in his hand. 
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