He made his bed on the green grass in the meadow that he might not miss her coming.
Aurora grew to expect his welcome and to love the youth dearly.
One morning when she came Tithonus was not in his usual place.
As she looked anxiously around she saw him with pale face and closed eyes lying upon the ground.
She darted down to earth and carried his almost lifeless body to Zeus.
She begged the great king to promise that Tithonus should never die.
But alas, in her haste, she forgot to ask that he might forever remain young. Therefore he grew old and bent, and could no longer walk.
In misery, he begged to go back to the cool grass in the meadow where he had been so happy.
Aurora in pity said, “you shall go, my Tithonus. To make you happy is my dearest wish.