Now, when the nymphs saw Narcissus wandering alone through the woods, they, too, loved him for his beauty, and they followed him wherever he went. But because he was a mortal they were shy of him, and would not show themselves, but hid behind the trees and rocks so that he should not see them; and amongst the others Echo followed him, too. At last, when he found he had really wandered astray, he began to shout for one of his companions.
"Ho, there! where art thou?" he cried.
"Where art thou?" answered Echo.
When he heard the voice, he stopped and listened, but he could hear nothing more. Then he called again.
"I am here in the wood—Narcissus."
"In the wood—Narcissus," said she.
"Come hither," he cried.
"Come hither," she answered.
Wondering at the strange voice which answered him, he looked all about, but could see no one.
"Art thou close at hand?" he asked.