MERCURY—HERMES.
Ques. Who was Mercury?
Ans. He was the son of Jupiter and Ma´ia, the daughter of Atlas. On his mother’s account, sacrifices were generally offered to him during the month of May.
Ques. How is Mercury represented?
Ans. As a young man of cheerful countenance, having wings fixed to his helmet and his sandals, and carrying a rod in his hand, which is also winged, and entwined with serpents.
Ques. How are these different equipments named?
Ans. The rod was called Cadu´ceus, and possessed a wonderful faculty for quieting all disputes. His helmet was called Pet´asus, and his winged sandals Talaria.
Ques. What were the offices of Mercury?
Ans. They were various; his most important function was to carry the commands of Jupiter. Mercury is commonly called the messenger of the gods. He also swept the room where the gods supped, and made their beds.