OLD PIPES AND THE DRYAD
This story is akin to the Greek and the Latin myths, and will lead you back to the beginnings of literature, to the myth of Daphne and her changing to a laurel-tree, the myth of Dryope, and Virgil’s account of the transformation of Polydore (Æneid, Book III.)—all of which are tree-myths. Conington’s metrical translation of Virgil tells this story very musically.
These dryad stories have been the inspiration of poets and artists of all ages. I hope you may some day see the beautiful picture of Daphne changing to the laurel-tree that a French artist has painted.
It will add much to the value of the child’s study of literature if the teacher will read or tell these myths to the children. They may be found in Gayley’s “Classic Myths,” Murray’s “Mythology,” Bulfinch’s “Mythology,” or any classical dictionary.
It is easy for us to see that, in this myth of Daphne, the Greek people were telling us, in their poetic way, that the dawn ever flew at the sun’s approach.
In this story the loving helpfulness of Old Pipes brought back his strength and youth quite as much as the kiss of the Dryad; for are we not always strong and happy when helping others?
What other pieces of literature teach this lesson?
Read Lowell’s poem, “Rhœcus.”
Compare the dryad in Stockton’s story with the dryads of the myths.
How do you think this idea of dryads originated?
Discuss the character of Old Pipes. Have you ever met another like him in your reading?
Did the Dryad do right in not returning the money to the villagers?