‘My sister is hunting,’ said Apollo.
‘She is always too late for dinner,’ said Jupiter. ‘No habit is less Goddess-like.’
‘Godlike pursuits cannot be expected to induce Goddess-like manners,’ said Juno, with a sneer.
‘I have no doubt Diana will be here directly,’ said Latona, mildly.
Jupiter seemed pacified, and at that instant the absent guest returned.
‘Good sport, Di?’ inquired Neptune.
‘Very fair, uncle. Mamma,’ continued the sister of Apollo, addressing herself to Juno, whom she ever thus styled when she wished to conciliate her, ‘I have brought you a new peacock.’
Juno was fond of pets, and was conciliated by the present.
‘Bacchus made a great noise about this wine, Mercury,’ said Jupiter,’ but I think with little cause. What think you?’
‘It pleases me, but I am fatigued, and then all wine is agreeable.’