One day as she was running over the stones near the cave, King Apollo saw her.
“Ah, little maid,” said he, “You are very beautiful. Your feet are too tender for the hard rocky earth.
“Come, you shall live with me in my palace in the sky.”
But Daphne fled from him.
She did not want to leave her beautiful earth home.
Fear gave her wings, and faster and faster she flew.
Her hair streamed behind her like a cloud of golden light.
Apollo followed more swiftly than the wind.
“Stop and listen,” he cried; “I am not a foe, foolish girl. It is Apollo who follows you. I shall carry you to a home more beautiful than anything you have ever seen.”
She felt his breath upon her hair, and saw his hand as he stretched it forth to seize her.